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.