grateful for the little things.

Tis the season to be mindful of what we are grateful for. We had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's yesterday and I feel like a squandered a moment to list what I was grateful for by "wasting" it on being grateful for health and family. Of course we were all a broken record of grateful for those big ticket items. I felt in retrospect like I could assume those are "given" and focus on the day to day little things that we rarely take time to notice. The little things that really help you get through the day...I was in the habit of listing things daily and have gotten away from it, and truly, it is those little things that knit us back together after a tough day, a lousy week.

I am grateful that my two little nephews piled on my lap for a paraphrased version of Mike Mulligan and Mary Ann again. I love those very rare moments when I can find them alone for this very selfish reason - it feels good to be loved unconditionally by little people - even though I don't see them as often as I should.

I am grateful my kids can be decent citizens without constant reminders. Sure, they could do better, we all could. But overall, they are pretty nice little people. Though truly, my 8-year-old has been trying to donate every book we own to someone lately - it is the thought that counts. My kids seem to understand the importance of giving to people with less, and that is a good thing.



I am thankful for JK Rowling and George Lucas - two people who can get my kids in a room with me to just relax and watch TV. (I am grateful I can almost speak the parts of all the Star Wars movies as it allows me some spare concentration to knit along.)


The Plucky Knitter Bello

I am grateful for Plucky Yarn - it makes me want to keep on knitting.

I am grateful for Pinterest, Instagram and Feedly - 3 time sucks that just allow me to think about being creative even when I am too lazy to actually do anything creative.

I am grateful I could run almost an entire 5k (had to walk for 90 seconds after a hill stole my breath) yesterday even if my calves are killing me today - I am grateful for this excuse to relax. See how even negatives can be positive? I am grateful I have a sense of humor about most things - sarcastic perhaps, but still. Happy Thanksgiving!

I've fallen and I can't get up...

Wow - the summer flew by and now in Wisconsin we are having a November thunder storm. It has been so dreary and tired lately. And then daylight savings always seems to slow me down a bit this time of year. Which isn't all bad - to slow down, regroup, take stock. But whoa. Where is the line, when have you loafed too much?

My husband had a wonderful work opportunity which took him to Hawaii last month and I went along. He was very busy much of the trip which left me to really chill. And I can't seem to stop.


On the shore of the Pacific at the Mauna Lani Resort.

Have you ever been here? I don't feel depressed or sad - just not really like doing housework beyond the basics and my knitting has gone on ice since I finished the Bees to Honey Shawl below. I knit sand and sea into it and simply loved every minute. But then I started an Ashburn shawl and suddenly...I am not sure where my mojo has gone.


Bees to Honey in Plucky Primo Little Reata and Social Graces

I have so many ideas starting to swirl as Christmas is making it's approach but I am beginning to worry it may just pass me by. To be fair, I have been reading a lot, hanging out a lot with my kids and husband - having some friend hook ups for movies or shopping. - so it is not like nothing - but I am feeling a little bereft wondering if I will want to knit or sew again - or shoot, even paint the walls. We need some sprucing and I am not sure how to get the steam. I guess it is good that I am worried about it. I think I'll go in search of my passion and hope it sparks something - soon!

**Quick update - I read back and see my last post was in May when I made a huge life change, leaving a position I had for 20 years as a probation agent. Which I truly loved, until I didn't. A lot of union drama and feeling lumped in with people who don't do a good job will run a girl's well dry. My new corrections position requires a lot less direct contact with offenders, more public speaking and teaching potential. The job change has been tough as it is too quiet in my new cubicle (tough after a killer office with a big window) but I can sleep at night with far less worries of my offenders getting into some kind of trouble that could be blamed on me. Unfortunately when someone on supervision screws up the witch hunt to make some responsible is scary when you are the type of person who wants to do a good job. Anyways, the new gig is much better for rest - which might be part of the issue too - maybe I am too relaxed now? Who knew?