2017 hasn’t been a great year in many ways. That makes it even more important that I take a few minutes to reflect on things I am thankful for.
- I’m thankful for all the first responders who came to northern coastal California to help contain last month’s raging wildland fires.
- I’m thankful to all the people who volunteered, helped, donated; who provided clothes, toys, food and shelter to those who lost everything. And I am very, very grateful that I live in a part of the county that was not touched directly by the flames.
- I’m thankful for my friends. I was going to list names here; that quickly got out of control. I’m grateful for long-time friends, for writing friends, for photography friends; for travel friends and for internet friends. I count on you all. And when I talk about friends I’m including Spouse, my closest friend. And I’m thankful for the zany bunch at Fantasy Literature, who fill my day with thoughtful reviews, magic and good fun.
- I’m thankful for Taylor Maid Coffee, for providing a spot for a weekly writing appointment with Brandy Mow, which has boosted my productivity.
- I’m thankful for books – and there were some great ones this year.
- I’m thankful for doctors and medicine, because they both helped me get my health back on track this year.
- I’m thankful for airplanes. Airplanes? Yes, airplanes, like the ones that carried me to Finland, Iceland and back home. I know that there were many elements to travel, but airplanes stood out.
- I’m thankful for chestnut-backed chickadees, who show up about this time of year. Usually they stay for two or three weeks; this year they are staying longer. I like all the birds that come to my feeders, but the chickadees, with their bright colors, their energy and their swa-de-bee call, fill me with joy.
- I’m thankful for squirrels. They provide hours of free entertainment. Hours.
- I’m thankful for crows, because they are so interesting.
- I’m thankful for dogs.