#24. Happy Thanksgiving!

This is my favorite holiday! The very best one. Gratitude is so vibrant and living! It is one of the most bonding gifts, and so much fun to have. Gratitude improves everything, every time. Gratitude makes life blossom. And sheds light in to the deepest, darkest abyss. Those crevices that forgot light was possible. It comes from within, for that which is without. And transforms both. It is powerful. And wonderful. Thanksgiving is happy!

#23. Marraige.

I believe in marriage. I believe it works. I believe it is good. I believe that a relationship can be fruitful, peaceful, and kind. I believe in dreaming big. Love is not what I thought. But better. I believe that living as a married person is not the same as living single. And working to unify with Brandon has brought more growth and joy to my life than anything else. This picture was taken over 10 years ago, before ours, back when I could only hope. I am grateful to Brandon for all the lessons of love I have learned through his wonderful companionship.

#22. Good Friends.

I am grateful for you, my friends.

#21. Turkey Trouble.

Turkey will forever remind me of one of the greatest moments of my life. Or one of the funniest. I bum Costco trips with my mom. And one magnificent day, while loading our groceries onto the automatic conveyor belt- Mom's shirt button snagged the packaged turkey's netting when she leaned her bounteous bosoms across the belt. Off she went! All... the way... to the end. A free, and wonderful ride.

#20. Rog & Tricia

It is a rare occasion in life to be blessed with an aunt and uncle like Rog and Tricia. I feel they are like my own eldest siblings. And I admire them greatly. Roger's dry wit can happily make an uncomfortable person more uncomfortable, and a comfortable person chuckle. Tricia's acceptance, kindness, and down-to-earth nature makes me want to lay my head on her lap, and divulge all my life stories. They are parents to be honored, with children very dear. I will always remember the wonderful time at The Cape. Catching starfish and eels, and enjoying your friendship. You have a wonderful influence in my life. I love you both.

# 19. Grandma & Grandpa B

The stellar couple on the right are my grandparents. Oh, how I love them! My grandma is a wonderful home "maker." Their home is still one I love to be in. She has always been a support to me, and I am grateful to her for that. I can still smell wafts of homemade maple syrup coming out before the sunrise, and nabbing frozen o'henrys from their freezer. Grandpa ingenuity and proactive approach to life is still holding strong in his 80's. They are incredible sports, willing to humor any activity...including skydiving together last year. I made my first slingshot under Grandpa's direction, and want to finish memorizing "Sam Magee" to recite at his funeral someday. "Strange things done in the midnight sun, from the men who moil for gold..."

#18. Books.

I love books. I love the pages. I love the covers. I love the way they smell. I love their words. I love that each one is different. I love records. I love references. I love illustrations. I love to read. In the medical field, it is said that "if it isn't documented, it isn't done..." and when it comes to books- somewhere, someone wrote what was on their mind, and it is a done deal.

#17. Benny.

Bennett brought relief to our home when he was born. I am not sure how, but he did. And when he was born, that was my first impression. Relief. (On a deeper sense than from labor pains....) His spirit is joyful. His hair has curls. His nature is warming and pleasant. Lately, he asks "did this gwow?" at least 20 times a day. His first word was "tree." He loves his dad. He loves his brothers. And adds sweetness to our place. We love Benny.

#16. Our Street.

I am grateful everyday for our home. Our house is dreamy to me. It is our place of roots. It is our place of trees. It is our place to learn. And our place to heal. It is the place of togetherness. Of hammocks, and fruits. It is a place of neighborly love. I love it here.

#15. DJ.

This is DJ. If you want to know how he feels, take a peek into his eyes. His sincerity is transparent. Not an ounce of poker face. He loves to wrap up in layers of warm, fuzzy, soft things. This is how he makes you feel when you are around him. Warm, soft, and fuzzy. He is pleasant and comfortable. Our neighboor had a "moment of silence" the other day, in order to hear DJ's laugh. If you ever want some validation that your jokes are funny, tell DJ. His first word was "pi-der," and I once found him coddling, and having a conversation, to a spider in his hands. His intent for life is good and he is good to the core. When they put DJ into my arms the first time, I was filled with admiration. And I do. So much.

#14. Pumpkin.

Pumpkin is, in my opinion, the king of veggies. I love it in drinks. I love it when I ovulate. I love it in pie. I love it in a smoothie. I love it in a muffin. It is a squash, for heavens sake. And it really makes just about anything, better.

*13. Louis.

This is Lou. He received his fathers determination of sucking on two pacifiiers at once. This child is Curious George on fast forward, always exploring and creating. His wheels are always turning. I am coming to the bittersweet conclusion that he came first, because he had the fortitude and forgiveness to move past all of my "first time" woes. He is loyal friend for life. And has the most pleasant cackle of a laugh. Ayurvedic cultures believe that hair is life force energy. And this boy has two hairs growing from every follicle. The first word I thought when he came into the world was "amazed." And that, I believe, is how I'll feel forever.

#11. God is Good.

My heart is grateful.
I love God. My God is good.
My God is aware. My God is love.
My God has a presence that is in everything.
My God is my Father, thoughtful and wise.
When I experiment on His words-
I experience a hearty and eloquent feast.
His light chases out darkness, and frees my soul.
His generosity is out of my league.
And He gives my heart joy and life.

#10. Parents.

My folks are a textbook union of organized choas. Right and left brain makes the whole noggen'. Both sides are oh, so important. And oh, so different. And I am glad for both. Thank you for the life you created for me. Thank you for your commitment. And my homage to you, is that in my own home, all things have a drawer, and all drawers are happily cluttered. I love you both.

#9. Meditation.

Meditation is an art. The art of using time to sit, be, and listen. When I meditate, wonderful things happen. When I do it regularly, I hear, see, and connect much more clearly. It's fruits are juicy. It's lessons are profound. And it is fun. I am grateful for it.