Thanksgiving Day in the USA - and once again, I am kidnapping the concept here in the UK to make my own list of gratitudes. Here are just ten things out of many in my life that I am so very thankful for.
1. My family - both my 'next of kin's' - and those of wider family - loved ones, with some of whom I have only recently re-connected. No names - they know who they are. As I grow older, I feel ever more conscious of the fact that 'family' - whether by blood or affection - are one of the things that gives foundation to my life.
2. My home - grateful to have a roof over my head when so many have none - especially this home, its deep sense of permanence thoughout its three hundred years of history still evident through the artefacts I constantly find scattered around. All the lives that have been lived here sustain me.
The garden - In Springtime...and in Autumn
3. My garden. My Little Eden. My Paradisum. The land - the place from where we all came, and to where we will all - in one form or another - return. (There and to the stars - for are we not also all stardust?)
4. The animals - the domestic pets that I have known in the past and who live with me now, and also the creatures alongside which I inhabit this beautiful but oh, so endangered planet.
5. My health - especially my eyesight. Like everyone else who has reached the 'more mature' years - I've had a few health 'ups and downs' - but by and large, I am well. I especially value my eyesight - I'm a visual person, always with my head in a book or an art-gallery (real or virtual!) - it is precious (and writing this is a reminder to take good care of it!)
6. My connection with the University of Winchester; those who have taught me and the things I have learned there, (which will be life-long) the friends that I have made there, (who I hope will be life-long) - the opportunities that still exist there for me… (yep, probably life-long!)
7. Enough money in my bank and pocket that I can enjoy life without worrying about my finances - not always the case in my life. I came from a very different - less 'comfortably off' world and have seen the corrosive effects of being constantly worried about money. I'm not extravagant - a book, a visit to the cinema, a day out in a garden to which I have membership entry - these all make me deeply happy (but I know that for some - even these things are great luxuries).
8. My Gratitude Journal - in which I write every night - three things, at least, to be grateful for. It lifts my spirit. It works!
9. My camera - where would I be without my 'second pair of eyes' ? Looking through the viewfinder gives me a different perspective on the world…which I can then share and discuss on….
10. ...Facebook & other social media - in other words, dear readers - YOU!
I've had my horizons expanded, and my friendships increased bounteously by the Internet connections I have made over the last 21 years. I've met a few of my internet friends and formed lasting friendships with many more that I will probably never meet face to face. Meeting 'in the flesh' does not matter - we meet in minds and hearts. I value a great number of you - you all enrich my life.
For all these things, I am grateful and today I especially give thanks.
What a lovely list - I'm glad American Thanksgiving inspired you to consider and write it! It makes up for a post somebody put up, charmingly titled "F--k Thanksgiving." This was all about the truly horrific history of the way indigenous people have been massacred in this country since the days of Lincoln (and earlier), with many reminders that this is what's behind our Thanksgiving tradition. True enough, but the writer ignores the fact that this has become solely a time for families to come together, to be thankful for the love we have, and to share it with others. Which we do, very joyfully. Today Thanksgiving is a good and peaceful holiday that in no way celebrates the atrocities of the past, but is all about peacefulness. It's really not the time for a hateful diatribe. Sigh...It's hard enough for families that are divided over the election to put their feelings aside in the interests of peace, without being reminded that they should feel guilty about a holiday which brings people together. There's no reason to spoil that.
Posted by: Diana Birchall | Friday, November 25, 2016 at 04:28
Love the one with Pip with his eyes closed...and I remember seeing a beautiful pheasant like that in your garden!
Posted by: Diana Birchall | Friday, November 25, 2016 at 14:38
Such a lovely and thoughtful post. I to thank God everyday for my blessings, family, health, roof over my head and enough money don't to worry to much about putting the heating on. I love my garden and find peace there even thou I live so close to the M4 and Heathrow Airport.
Thank you again and gave a nice peaceful day.
Hazel c uk
Posted by: [email protected] | Wednesday, December 07, 2016 at 09:12