Thanks to Jeffrey Beesler's World of the Scribe for hosting the Thankful blogfest to celebrate American Thanksgiving. Hey I'm no American, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving, but I'm muscling in anyhow.
Jeffrey has just passed his milestone 100 followers. Go check out his blog. He posts nearly every day so there's always something happening over there! Slow down Jeffrey, we can't keep up!
Jeffrey set wide paremeters for this blogfest - it can be a list of 10 things we're thankful for, an essay...whatever, as long as it shows we're thankful.
I've been watching Kevin McCloud's series on the slums of India. It made me very thankful to live in Australia where I don't have to share my home of a few square metres with 25 others, where I have a flushing toilet or two, and I don't have to work long days in crushing heat for a few measly bucks...but I must say the Indians looked very happy in their situation and the children heading off to school looked spruce and shining, much more so than Aussie kids who have their own ensuites. Go figure...(as my American friends would say.)
As I don't have much time, being 17,000 short of my NaNo goal, I decided to do a quick photo essay on the mundane things of life (which are really what life is all about...)
I Am Thankful for...
...the teenager who is is watching TV when he should be doing the dishes, because that means he is at home and not on the streets.
...the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.
...the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat (even if a little too much at times.)
...my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine not in some pokey office.
...a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
and finally....
...for living in Australia because in so many ways we really are the 'lucky' country (and I don't have to cook a Thanksgiving dinner.)
Thank you Jeffrey. I will remember to be thankful every day of my life.
Happy Thanksgiving my American blogging friends! *pumps air*
Jeffrey has just passed his milestone 100 followers. Go check out his blog. He posts nearly every day so there's always something happening over there! Slow down Jeffrey, we can't keep up!
Jeffrey set wide paremeters for this blogfest - it can be a list of 10 things we're thankful for, an essay...whatever, as long as it shows we're thankful.
I've been watching Kevin McCloud's series on the slums of India. It made me very thankful to live in Australia where I don't have to share my home of a few square metres with 25 others, where I have a flushing toilet or two, and I don't have to work long days in crushing heat for a few measly bucks...but I must say the Indians looked very happy in their situation and the children heading off to school looked spruce and shining, much more so than Aussie kids who have their own ensuites. Go figure...(as my American friends would say.)
As I don't have much time, being 17,000 short of my NaNo goal, I decided to do a quick photo essay on the mundane things of life (which are really what life is all about...)
I Am Thankful for...
...the teenager who is is watching TV when he should be doing the dishes, because that means he is at home and not on the streets.
...the mess to clean after a party, because it means that I have been surrounded by friends.
...my shadow that watches me work, because it means I am out in the sunshine not in some pokey office.
...a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning, and gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.
...all the complaining I hear about the government, because it means that we have freedom of speech - yay, Save those Whales! It's on again in the Great Southern Ocean... check out seashepherd.org.
...the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means I am capable of walking, and that I have been blessed with spunky wheels.
...the pile of laundry and ironing, because it means I have clothes to wear (even if they're a tad crinkly these days.)
...weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, (not to mention carpel syndrome and RSI) because it means I have been capable of working hard.
...the alarm clock that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive and hopefully afire for another day's writing.
and finally....
...for living in Australia because in so many ways we really are the 'lucky' country (and I don't have to cook a Thanksgiving dinner.)
Thank you Jeffrey. I will remember to be thankful every day of my life.
Happy Thanksgiving my American blogging friends! *pumps air*
63 comments:
You crack me up woman.I cant stop laughing at the hilarious pictures and those are very valid points to be thankful for. I cant wait to hear what pple have on their thankful list after they have downed a few too many. It always makes for a hilarious thanxgiving.
L'Aussie: These are all great reasons to be thankful, especially the one about the kid watching TV instead of washing the dishes. Far too many teens run into trouble these days. Excellent post!
Joanna and Jeffrey: Hey thanks. You guys were quick! Happy Thanksgiving!
Excellent job on the blogfest. You put things in perspective. Happy week, since it's not an official Thanksgiving in Australia.
Hey thanks Theresa!
Oh I liked that a lot..... bit confused though, what's sunshine!!!!????
Count me as a follower/stalker. Get on with your NaNo words....
Lou, thank you. And when isn't the sun shining here??
These were all great. And yes, you should be Thankful you don't have to cook a ginormous Thanksgiving meal. Great entry into the blogest!
♥ Mary Mary
Hi L'Aussie. I love what you've written here, they are all a good reminder to be thankful for anything and everything we've got.
...and sorry I forgot to say Happy Thanksgiving! :)
The Sisterhood: Yes, I am. Thanks for stopping by and reading/commenting..:)
Len, thank you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
hehehe funny stuff : ) I'm having a Blogfest/contest that goes until Dec 7th, you should stop by, we could use your humorous touch!
Denise, you are so busy and yet you are able to come out with this, photos and all! Thoughtful,humorous and true. I like best the fact that you don't work in an office but while basking in the sunshine - how nice!
All the best for speedy progress with Nano
Erica: Thanks, hee hee. I will come by and check it out but so busy busy busy..:)
Grandpa: Great to hear from you. I'm doing NaNo in my spare moments between blogging, ha ha..:)
Lovely post! It's the little things we take for granted that mean the most:)
hi miss denise! wow that was a cool way of saying the stuff your thankful for. the pictures are neat. im happy youre doing a muscle in on thanksgiving. for sure you dont gotta have a special day to be thankful. mostly we could find stuff every day for being thankful.
...smiles from lenny
Erica and Lenny: Thanks..:)
Denise, you've inspired me to write on the things I'm thankful for. Drop by my blog? :)
Hi Grandpa. I've checked it out! Wonderful!
Thank you for your refreshing contrarian view on how to change all the things we normally want to whinge about into things to be thankful for! You're right, we are most of us very fortunate in our lives and need reminding of that once in a while.
Add to the list: being thankful for having trouble deciding what to cook for dinner because I have a whole pantry and freezer full of food to choose from...
Adina: Yes, be thankful for all that food to choose from! I'm having sushi!
Hey Denise, what a lovely (and hilarious) photo montage and supremely inspirational thoughts on being thankful. And I cracked up when I read the last bit about the Thanksgiving dinner, I'm right there with you :)
Rach
Yes Rachel, Christmas dinner is enough! Thanks for dropping by!
Hi,
Funny yet thought-provoking post for Thanksgiving blogfest, and beautifully illustrated, too!
The previous post re books: will check them out, because your earlier review of the garden one caught my eye, and now I'm totally intrigued by this author's works.
best
F
Wow, did this help me see things in a different perpsective.
A brilliant post.
Also, I'm jealous that you don't have to cook a turkey!
WOW, what a post. I entered at the last minute so way does my measly entry come close to yours. :)
Have a Great non-holiday!
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
I wish I could be thankful that I live in Australia, but alas, I live elsewhere.
YOU are a beautiful blogger!!
Thanks for commenting on my post so I could hop over here.
I LOVE these photographs that illustrate your blessings!! How incredibly creative. I might not remember the words exactly, but I will always "see" the pictures.
I have always wanted to go to Australia, so I guess I'm saying I envy you.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. You can muscle in anytime you want!!
I loved your entry. I'm thankful that you participated in Austria because it proves, that no matter where you live, we all have things to be thankful for.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author
I like the pictures you chose. Also I'm glad I brighten your day when I complain about the government.
Wow. What a great way to keep things in perspective. I LOVE this post - love it! :-)
What a great way of looking at things! I love this post. May just print out some of those pictures and captions to hang in my office! : )
LOVE this post! It's great to be thankful every day, whether it's a holiday or not. And I want to visit your country soooooooo bad!
What a great post! Have a great day and a wonderful life.
Thanks for putting things in perspective, L'Aussie!
I'm thankful for all the people in the world who persevere amid difficult circumstances and who, despite how harsh life can be, still retain their joy and hope. That's always inspiring to me.
Jai
That's a great way of putting ordinary things into a different view! Great list of things to be thankful for. :)
WOW, this is an awesome list. I LOVE it. It really does show the appreciation for the things we often take for granted.
Francine: You won't be sorry. Kate Morton's books were written for you!
Lydia: Ha Ha. Me too!
Jules: I can't wait to read yours..:)
Budd: I'm sure where you live is lovely??
Ann: Glad you liked it! I hope you get yourself over here one day..:)
NR: It's AUSTRALIA not AUSTRIA. George Bush did that all the time! Ha Ha..:)
Chris: There's plenty to complain about..:)
Shannon: Glad you like it so much!
Megan: Go for it. I think they're great too!
Julie: Glad you got it and do hope you get over here..:)
Jai: Yes, I think it's important.:)
The Golden Eagle: Thanks for your comments.:)
Lynda: Great that you enjoyed it.:)
Lovely picture account...it really is the concept of is the glass half full or half empty? We all have so much to be thankful for if we look around. Have a wonderful weekend!
I love your list- very creative and a different way to look at things.
Laura: You're so right!
Summer: Yes, it is..:)
I'm not sure I could ever be grateful of my alarm clock... But a great list. Happy Thanksgiving down under!
Thanks Bluestocking!
Its all about perspective. We all have much to be thankful full. Especially family, friends, and health. Have a great holiday!
Thank you Stephen, I will. You too.:)
This post is simply awesome. If it's okay with you, when I get mine posted, I'm gonna link back to it. There's no way I could express it all better.
Happy Thanksgiving day anyway!
The Words Crafter: That is awesome. You're welcome!
All great things to be thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving!
What a wonderful list of thankfuls. We'll share our Thanksgiving with you. One of these days I want to visit Australia.
Hi L'Aussie, its nice to meet you. Appreciate both the follow and the comment on my blog.
We all have a lot to be thankful for, isn't it? Sometimes, I tend to forget my blessings, thanks for reminding me. Best of luck with your NaNo goal. Great post.
Love it! We've decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner despite being down under, though I'm pretty sure we'd horrify most Americans with the cheating that's going on here. I definitely haven't been up since the wee hours cooking a turkey.
We have so much to be thankful for, living here--good to remember it!
Very good points. Sometimes it can be hard to feel thankful, but it only takes a little reminding of how fortunate we actually are compared to many others in the world. Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends!
Very cute. Happy Thanksgiving to you to.
You may not have to cook Thanksgiving dinner, but it's a shame you miss out on eating it.
But you're right; whether we're cramped in an Indian slum or lounging in a comfy home of our own, we should stop taking things for granted and be grateful for what we do have. Excellent post!
Awesome list Denise. I am grateful for those too - though I was even MORE thankful not to hear my alarm clock this morning :).
Have a great weekend.
..........dhole
Alexia: Thanks!
Carole: You'll get here one day!
Rachna: Thanks for the encouragement re NaNo.:)
Amie: Enjoy your dinner!
JC Martin: Yeah, it doesn't hurt to remember!
Flutietootie: Yes it's true.:)
Nate: I hadn't thought about that. Oh, I wish I knew some Americans nearby! One day I might share a big feast over there!
Donna: Oh yes, sometimes it's great not to be woken by the old brringgg brringgg!
Great post and glad you liked the mabo ice cream. yes having a great time on my first Nano and look forward to you joining me on the other side of 50k. I'm writing a bit more and will then upload and collect my winners badge. I use Gippsland Dairy pure double cream - much cheaper than King Island but still gorgeous! Hoping to find time to get back to my blog soon.
LOVE these! So glad you stopped by for a visit today!
Cheryl: Yes, it'll be great to be finished NaNo and get back to a bit more free time with Christmas coming up.:)
Dina: It was a pleasure. Glad you dropped by.:)
Those are great things to be thankful for! That's so neat you're writing a book about the area between Boston and Natucket. Let me know if you need any questions answered about it!
Aubrie: How could I spell your name wrong? Sorry! Of course I'd love to ask you lots of questions about Boston and Nantucket but I wouldn't like to impose. If I really get stumped I'll ask..)
Interesting but thoughtful reasons to be thankful, i must say :)
I was searching for your Breeze cocktail but i guess you haven't posted it yet. Thanks for stopping by at my blog and following me as well. I have began following you. Have a lovely day.
I share many of the same reasons to be thankful. Thanks for the post.
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