Now that the family’s gone and Clara Jane’s whooping it up at the hotel with two generations of grandparents, I think I finally have time to reflect upon what I’m thankful for this year.

  • Family, of course. I’m so lucky to have a set of grandparents who are still able to travel to spend Thanksgiving with us. Granny made carrot pie with homemade crust, and chicken and dumplings. I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to spend the holiday with people I love who don’t create drama and stress. My little girl, with her big brain and sassy-pants who smooched me over and over and over before going to the hotel. My husband, who did 989 loads of dishes this week. My parents, who heap the love on Clara Jane. Awesome, fun cousins who’ve grown into snazzy adults. 
  • Friends, and the ability to know when to hang on and when to let go. The ability to reconnect with friends I never thought I’d see again, and make new ones in unlikely places.
  • Living in a place I adore. Having a home, not just in the sense of having a house filled with love. But having a community where I’m comfortable.
  • Being so lucky to be in a position to jump on so many incredible opportunities, like running off to Nashville with Maggie last summer, running off to Philly with Brian, Kristina and Maggie in a few weeks. Sunday, I’m going to the symphony for the first time … I don’t know why I get to do so many fun, fulfilling things. I’m just glad I do.
  • To health! Despite the hacking cough and the big booty, I’m not doing too shabby.
  • I’m thankful my kitty, who went into hiding when Wendy’s dog arrived on Tuesday, has finally made an appearance.
  • I’m grateful for a brighter future.
  • I’m in love and terribly grateful for the Genius, to the tune of Sam & Dave’s “I Thank You”.

  1. I Thank You – Sam & Dave
  2. Tramp – Otis Redding & Carla Thomas
  3. Slip Away – Clarence Carter
  4. Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) – Kim Weston
  5. Got to Get You Off My Mind – Solomon Burke
  6. Don’t Mess With Bill – The Marvelettes
  7. Hitch Hike – Marvin Gaye
  8. River Deep Mountain High – Ike and Tina Turner
  9. 100 Days 100 Nights – Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings (who’ll I’ll be seeing next Friday! Who’s with me?)
  10. Walk on By – Aretha Franklin