It's here already. The time of year we call "the holidays" lumping them all in together. It seems like the time between Hallowe'en and New Years is one big celebration.

And I like it.

Actually, I enjoy Hallowe'en and the plethora of chocolate that is around and little kids in costumes. I have even been known to put on a pair of wings and have a good time. And I like Christmas. I like finding gifts that everyone will open and say "ooohhh". And I love Christmas trees and making my house all sparkly and decorated.

But I love Thanksgiving. More than all the others combined. I like the peacefulness of it. I know that it strikes fear in the hearts of many people but for me, I have always looked forward to the day when all I have to do is cook and enjoy the people I love. The days are getting shorter and the early darkness encourages us to nest and spend time inside with our families.

I know this time of year you see the lists of all that folks are thankful for. I'm no exception. I am thankful for a great deal in my life. Here's a few.

I am thankful for

• 
  first and foremost, the quirky, lovely, loving, funny, wonderful, supportive, caring, talented (is that enough adjectives?) people I call my family.
  
• that I have a job and insurance
  
• that my family has enough to eat and a place to sleep and clothes to wear
  
• that we are able to laugh
  
• that the internet has brought me new and wonderful friends whose lives I get to share
  
• that our family is always growing to include new people. It doesn't dilute who we are but makes us a stronger unit
  
• that George Bush will be out of the White House come January 20th
  
• that I can download free books on tape and listen to my heart's content
  
• that my children are grown and can make their own decisions even if I don't agree with them
  
• that I seem to have a guardian spirit who keeps me out of trouble
  
• that there are talented people who come up with new and interesting patterns for me to knit and who make rovings that are too beautiful for words




• sheep!
• and many things I will think of during the day and wish I had remembered to write down.

I am grateful for the things I have learned from all of you and the time you take to share your thoughts and ideas with me. And I want to leave you with this thought as the holidays descend upon us and we get carried away with it all:

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. -E. Kubler-Ross

Go out and be the light. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.