It’s Monday again. A special Monday.  The Monday after a long Thanksgiving weekend. The Monday after dinner with family, a Friday of candy-making with lovely women, a Saturday Christmas outing with the kids and grandkids, and a Sunday breakfast with my sister Julie and her husband Randy.  I am blessed by having so many people I love near me this long weekend.  [tweetthis]The good kind of exhaustion washed over me last night as I climbed into bed, ready to face a new week with a smile.[/tweetthis]

Here are a few more things, in no particular order that bring me joy and create gratitude in my heart:

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A gift from a former colleague found abandoned in a drawer.  It’s a beautiful pen from my friend Mei. I believe she brought it from Beijing in 2008.  I saved it, secreting it away in a safe place.  Finding it made me think of Mei and brought gratitude for all the things she’s taught me.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Knitting rings.  I can knit a hat in an evening, which is a great accomplishment.  The best part is that I’ve learned how to hide the cast-on piece of yarn.  Yay for a professional looking finish!

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] A surprise announcement in the newspaper of my upcoming book-signing and fund-raiser for the food pantry.  The announcement is in the center, above the fold, and includes a photo of A Ship of Pearl. 

I did  submit the announcement, but had no idea it would be so prominent.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]The season of jammie-making for grandchildren in front of a lit fireplace.  There’s just something so pleasant about passing on a tradition from one generation to the next.  One more child graduation from pajamas to hat.  The youngest turned six this month.  Time passes, but flannel pajamas are like a warm hug from the past.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Fountain pens and lavender-scented ink.  A sweet indulgence.

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  Meal Train for a neighbor in need. What a wonderful way to volunteer with a few clicks.  Who says the internet isolates us?

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  New and old twitter friends tweeting out good will and encouragement.  I’m catching up from the long weekend.  I feel the love, girlfriends.  Thank you!

[icon name=”heart” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]  A family who can agreeable disagree.  Yes, we’re still reeling a bit from the election. Yes, there were two distinct voter camps.  [tweetthis]Yes, we love healthy and heated debates. And yes, we know how to do that, while respecting each other.[/tweetthis]

What’s on your list this week?  I love to hear what fills you with gratitude. You always make remember another something to be thankful for.