I woke up early today. I was excited about everything I have to do for Thanksgiving. I look forward to the annual Macy’s Day Parade. It was a must see when I was growing up. Santa at the end of the parade meant Christmas wasn’t far behind.
Some may look at the preparations for the holidays as a burdensome time.
It can be.
There’s the holiday relatives seen only during this time of year with their drama suitcases.
There’s the crying kids that wanted a particular toy and didn’t get it.
There’s the hours spent in the kitchen preparing food and baked desserts. As a vegetarian, it’s difficult for me. Some people find my eating diet offensive. I can attest that I’ve experienced the rolling eyes when declining any animal served.
But, you can make your holidays stress free. Just remember what the holidays are supposed to be.
It’s a time of making memories and creating traditions.
It’s a time for people to visually see each other in person, not on a computer.
It’s a time to pass down recipes to youth for future celebrations.
It’s a time to remember how fortunate we truly are.
Surround yourself with people who walk in your same direction of peace and harmony. All of us face pressures everyday, your task is to choose what kind of day you’re going to have.
Today, I chose to take some time to think about why I am ‘Thankful.’
I’m sitting on my lanai next to my pool overlooking a lake in a community deemed a bird and wildlife sanctuary.
I’m sipping my tea and feeling elated.
Bald eagles are majestically flying overhead. White egrets and gray herons are wading in the lake while enjoying small fish.
The bird feeders that attract beautiful cardinals, hummingbirds, scrub jays and many other birds are strategically placed so I can view these visitors. They’re so happy to have these treats that they start to sing a serenade. They use the tap, tap, tapping of the woodpeckers on the trees as their rhythm.
The shimmer of the sun shining on the lake is hypnotizing. It’s a peacefully tranquil place.
The silence is deafening. The visual enchanting.
I’m sitting among my orchids. They’re slowly awakening from their summer sleep.
The beauty of nature is exhilarating. I have many blessings.
Today, I could have grumbled about my ill health or I could rejoice that I’m alive and able to enjoy another day.
Today, I could have looked at my orchids and complained about their stalky roots or I could celebrate the beautiful blooms that will be rising from those barren roots.
Today, I could have complained about the household chores I have to complete or I could feel blessed that I have a shelter to provide me safety.
Today, I choose to be “Thankful” for having arrived at this little piece of paradise.
In my youth, I may have viewed this as dull and boring. I see it now as God’s summer residence that He’s instructed me to find and enjoy while He is busy.
Today stretches before me waiting to be shaped into the creation I choose to sculpt. I’ll decide what shape and form it will be. It will be as unique as me. It’s all up to me.
I am going to make it a GREAT day. I hope you will, too.
2015©Isadora DeLaVega
THANKFUL – Josh Groban
December 4, 2015 at 4:30 am
Beautifully written…gratitude instead of attitude. Hugs for the reminder….
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December 4, 2015 at 4:48 am
Thanks for the HUGS and for visiting. Your kind words touched my heart.
Isadora 😎XOXO
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December 3, 2015 at 9:29 pm
A lovely post dear Izzy and so true. We are all blessed in so many ways. Have a most beautiful holiday season. xo, Margie
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December 3, 2015 at 9:30 pm
Not sure why I showed up as Anonymous!! Eek!!
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December 4, 2015 at 4:54 am
I didn’t recognize your grvatar since it’s a new photo. A very beautiful photo of you.
Computers are odd. They have a mind of their own. Spell check on smart phones
prove that. I send the oddest comments when spell check takes over. LOL
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December 4, 2015 at 4:52 am
Yes, we should be grateful for our blessings and recognize the gifts we’ve been given.
So nice to see you here, Margie. I lost track of you. For sure, you haven’t shown up in
My Reader. A shame since I always enjoyed your photography and posts. Thank you for
leaving your lovely commment and for visiting.
Izzy 😎
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November 28, 2015 at 4:23 pm
A wonderful post, Issy! Thank you for sharing with us! May the remainder of the season be peaceful; filled with an abundance of joy, blessings, and love! Namaste~
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November 29, 2015 at 2:01 am
Yes indeed, Becca. As the approaching holiday season gets closer, may we all remember what it is truly about.
Namaste 🙏🏻
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November 27, 2015 at 6:35 pm
I’m sure that with such a positive attitude, your thanksgiving celebration was a really wonderful one, Issy. 🙂 I so enjoyed looking at your beautiful photos. xx
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November 27, 2015 at 7:10 pm
Hi Sylvia,
Yes, it was wonderful to spend the day with family. We enjoyed the blessings of shelter, good food and love for all.
I’m happy you enjoyed the photos. Hope you have a grand weekend.
Issy 😎
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November 26, 2015 at 7:51 pm
Lovely photos and commentary, I am thankful I chose to visit here today! Happy Thanksgiving. 🙂
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November 27, 2015 at 7:07 pm
I apprecaite your visiting my blog yesterday, Meg. I’m happy it gave you a feeling of ‘Thankfulness’.
Belated Happy Thanksgiving to you … 😎
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November 26, 2015 at 4:12 pm
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Isadora. 🙂
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November 27, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Belated Thankgiving Wishes to you …😎
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November 26, 2015 at 1:06 pm
Hi Isadora, happy thankgiving to you, here in Canada you had our thanksgiving day back in october, but eveyday is a day to be thankful, go give value to us and all the blessings we have. Nothing better than a holiday without stress, I’ve learned it last year, all the years before was the hurry for gifts and food, but last year i sad NO, it’s enough! I had a wonderful and relaxing holiday. this year i’ll do the same. Love your pool, and do you live by a wildlife sanctuary? this is so wonderful! Enjoy your day dear friend!
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November 27, 2015 at 7:04 pm
Greetings Elizabeth,
Beleated Thanksgiving wishes for yours. I love blogging because I learn so much. I didn’t know about your holiday. I feel smarter by knowing. 😊
Yes, I believe that we should be ‘Thankful’ everyday. It should be a routine like getting dressed or combing your hair. I focus on my blessings
each morning and try to maintain them all through the day. As I get older, I find it is easier and easier.
My problem with the holidays was trying to do everything perfectly. Once I accepted that it was okay to fall behind the stress oozed away. 😁
I live in a community that has wild animals – i.e.: raccoons, gopher turtles, ocelots, bald eagles, alligators, wild boar, etc. It is illegal to harm the animals. Nothing can be built without approval. It’s a way of maintaining the wildlife while still developing communities. There is no specific conservation federation as much as it’s a conscientious directive for the developers of communities from the town.
Thank you for enjoying my post with my many blessings. Have a GREAT weekend ..!!!
Isadora 😎
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November 26, 2015 at 12:25 pm
You are blessed indeed Issy, Happy Thanksgiving 🎉
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November 27, 2015 at 6:49 pm
I try to never take my blessings for granted, Gilly. I’m happpy I was chosen to enjoy them.
Namaste 🙏🏻
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