gratitude

11.20.2014

the way i see it, november is the year's golden afternoon. it's the final hours of sunlight shining through technicolor leaves, projecting the world through an amber-colored lens. it's not as dramatic or moody as october, which excitedly blazes and smoulders, but it doesn't quite have the dusky magic of december either. it is warm colors that make up for colder temperatures; it is the last of the leaves silently falling on the ground; it is gathering and taking stock; it is gratitude.

the other night, after an evening of songs and games, bathtime and bed, andy and i laid stretched out on the couch exahusted, staring at the tv, but not really watching. it was an ordinary night, like any other day, and i couldn't help but think, man i feel lucky! i love this little life we have. the ups, the downs, and the small moments of happiness found in between. there's another week (to the day!) until we celebrate all that, but since there's a slim chance of me staying ahead of holiday shopping, i might as well get a leg up on thanksgiving at least.   
lately i've been grateful for no less than FIVE parks within a one mile radius of home (weee!). for an extra hour of sleep and an uncle/aunt-to-be who made that happen. for 4pm closes and leaving work while the sun is still out. for fluke 70-degree weather and bare legs. for cousins that are more like brothers and sisters. for old toys that get new life. for the isty-bitsy spider performed by an 18-month old. for the word "turtle". for two arms wrapped around my knees. for falling into youtube spirals that lead to this and for a husband - who dispite those late night reruns - is up at 6:30 so i can get a couple of miles in (and for an espresso machine that also helps to make that possible).

life is full of miracles and mysteries + all kinds of other challenges, but sometimes you can't appreciate good without the bad and for that - all of it - i am grateful.

24 comments:

Claudin Mangum said...

love the different outlook on this month - makes me want to step outside and just take things in a few seconds longer...

Christine D. | The Plumed Nest said...

your writing is always so lyrical and beautiful - you make me love everything you describe.

as a side note i was so confused when i clicked the youtube link for a second! i was thinking: was reading rainbow around when the doors were around? noooooo. ha.

Kaylan Buteyn said...

oh, your heart is a good one, friend. beautiful photos and words. i love this season of giving thanks and the practice involving turning our hearts towards gratitude and thanksgiving.

Alexandra said...

beautiful writing! Best wishes from Russia!

http://alexandraclame.blogspot.com/

Erin said...

Thank you for embracing November the way it is ought to be. I feel like the month is sort of only ever thought about for Thanksgiving, but it has so much more to offer than that. All your photos are a prime example. And the resounding gratitude from your post is so warming, I need to take a page from your book. xo

Hannah Smith | fox and willow said...

all these colors are so beautiful! cheers for gratefulness!

lucinda said...

me too, the practice is often forgotten so it's nice to have this season as a reminder. xo

lucinda said...

i hope you do! november seems to fly under the radar, it's nice to give it the credit it deserves. ;)

lucinda said...

haha! iknow! it's jimmy fallon brilliant at imitations?! you should follow the youtube spiral his version of "the fresh prince of be lair" as noel young would've sang it - hilarious!

lucinda said...

hello and thank you alexandra!

lucinda said...

hear, hear! xo

lucinda said...

yes, it is often overlooked, but is a great month for so many reasons. xo

Petra said...

wow, you almost convinced me that November is nice and that December might be ok too. almost. I still can't get used to the cold and the colour slowly leaking away. plenty of things to be grateful though. lovely post!

Hollands reverie said...

So beautifully written, so much to be thankful for! I find its those little ordinary moments that make my life so good!

www.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com

Ursula said...

Definitely things to be grateful for! That YouTube rabbit hole is dangerous. I swear I spend hours on it. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving :)

lucinda said...

almost? dangit! haha.
i get you though, watching the colours drain from, well, everything is a little bit sad, but there's something really beautiful about the pallor left behind too. ;)

Sarah said...

So much to be thankful for! I love your beautiful photos and your even more beautiful heart. Hoping your Thanksgiving week is incredible!

Simona said...

the photos really lift me up, autumn is my favorite season!
Simona
Lake&Moon

lucinda said...

haha! yes, i keep falling down that rabbit hole. xo

lucinda said...

oh thank you, sweet friend! even though you've already celebrated, i hope you continue enjoying thanksgiving.

lucinda said...

hi simona, thanks for your nice comment, i hope you enjoy what's left of the season!

Brikena said...

wow. first of all these photos are beautiful. and i looove how you explained this season... autumn is probably my favorite season (minus the rain) mostly because i was born in the fall... but because its just sooo so pretty and cozy- not freezing... just a little cozy. good enough to take out your soft blankie and watch tv on a Friday night in.

also, your post on thankfulness just inspired me to think and look back at this whole year and say what i'm thankful for.

great post, luci!
xo, Brikena
www.jarofjoy.blogspot.com

lucinda said...

thank you, brikena. fall is my absolute favorite and i think you hit the nail on the head: "it's just a little cozy". so happy to share the inspiration, we have a lot to be thankful for. xo

lucinda said...

hi holland and thank you! i completely agree with you, it's the sum of ALL those little moments that make up a great life. :)

 

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