Thanksgiving

 “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust

It's that time of year when one looks back on the last months to reflect on past and present blessings. I should do this much more often, I know. But at least this holiday makes me sit down and focus. 

At the top of the list, I must recognize those I lost this year. Dear friends Charlotte and Becky were two of the most special women I have ever know. I miss them both, and think often of their generosity, strength, and enthusiasm. Each in their own ways gave me  plenty of  reasons to be happy, and ways to work towards being a better person.

What I gained this year is almost hard to keep up with. After much planning, saving, and finally doing, we now have a fabulous new kitchen. While that in itself should not be held in such high esteem, the visions of many a dinner party with our wonderful and growing numbers of friends here make me smile at the thought. I know both Charlotte and Becky would like that idea, too.  We still have a little work to do here and there, but the dining room is now set for more than two, and the new views also include my young little garden. Yes, the deer continue to browse, or worse. But I continue to plant persistently, and hopefully.

I've learned a few things over this past year. Still in reference to those pesky deer, I am sorting out again the REALLY deer resistant plants. I hope to make greater strides yet. 
I am also beginning to learn the habits and tastes of the fish in the area. This has been a slow process, but one that makes me use my senses, and also makes me pay attention to the smallest cues.




It also gets me out and into the gorgeous world around us.  Joe and I have learned to enjoy these small moments together, and the occasional big moments with a keeper on the line. And let me tell you....I am beginning to understand what the fishing bug is. The thrill of a big hit followed by the struggle of pulling in a big fish is exhilarating. It keeps you wanting to do it again. 

On a completely different plane, I have been learning how hard it is to paint with watercolor. The process makes you have to see things inside out or backwards. Light goes first, not structure. Shadow takes it's cue from light. Subject matter slowly appears, and color takes a thousand variations and repetitions. I think I am learning how to see it, if not actually reproduce it.

I've also taught a few things this year, mostly to my adorable grandchildren. Olive and I dug and planted her first garden in October. She'll have tulips in spring, and maybe a few veggies this fall before the brutal Massachusetts winter fully blankets them. Walden and I have had some cooking adventures. Chocolate cake, chocolate icing, peeled shrimp, and chocolate mousse are all things we've cooked and enjoyed. (You see the theme here, I'm sure) We also helped him catch his first fish!

I went to a Bucket List Concert with Katie and Walden- Indigo Girls, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Joan Baez! It was outside, with good seats, good food, and the very best of songs and harmonies. 
I have also happened on to some accidental moments that will be wonderful additions to that bucket full of memories. I've made some quick visits to see Walden this fall. Twenty four hours doesn't seem like much, but they have been chunks of pure joy for both of us. One little piece included the Touch A Truck event. More construction equipment than one could imagine, and all available to sit in and climb on. 
We've also learned that visits to see Olive can also be glorious spring and fall visits to the Berkshires with a small amount of planning. 
We have really enjoyed our season tickets to the Chamber Music Concert Series here, and feel fortunate to have access to world class musicians in "chamber" sized venues to enjoy the very best classical music. 

I have been blessed with many wonderful friends over the years, so I needed no expectations when we moved. But I now see one of the best gems of all, that I never imagined I would want, would be the fun of Friday night Russian Rummy with my GFFs. Maybe it's the food, or the drink, the competition, or the occasional extra jokers.... What am I talking about?? It's the companionship, the generosity of spirit, THE LAUGHTER!!

It has been a good year overall. I love where we are in life. And I am so grateful for every miracle moment.

  “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” — Albert Einstein