in thanks: 1/8/12

in thanks for...

* a car that works and keeps me safe
* snow tromping and shoveling
* First Friday art walking with Claire
* soup on the stove
* grins and handshakes and hugs from 7 of the coolest kids
* invitations to make music
* my stalwart and loving Dad
* the U.S. Postal Service

in thanks: december 31, 2011

in thanks for...

* this two weeks with family, sunshine, trees and cookies
* hugs and textbook loans from Natalie
* generous cash donations received
* calm
* those children awaiting me in AK
* safe air travel
* time at a real piano
* pruning the raspberry bushes and sunbathing in the field with Mom
* my sisters' health and happiness
* a new book club
* sewing and knitting projects
* the returning light

in thanks: december 24, 2011

in thanks for...

* laying low in KY with my comfortable family
* unparalleled, graceful Southern manners and hospitality
* driving without fear
* healthy, happy, mischievous but good-hearted nephews
* sweet days with Jamie and Hannah Lynn in Ohio
* cleaning up Grandma's with her and Mom, with sun streaming through the dining room window
* friends here and in AK and around the world
* yoga muscles and my healthy body
* remembering what hope means (a glimmer of excitement, of expectation, of understanding that good things are possible and probable)
* four sisters in one house
* yoda cat
* listening to years-old mixed CDs from suitors of yon
* ballerina silhouettes of so many beautiful trees
* hiking and looking at art at Bernheim Forest

in thanks: 12/11/11

In thanks for...

* music nights
* connecting with wise women friends
* the smell of the Christmas tree
* my students and their families
* KY in 6 days
* new yarn for new projects
* reconcilliation

in thanks: 12/3/11

in thanks for...

* McKenzie and her hugs
* sitting with Angela and Tiffany on the ski lift, keeping our faces from freezing
* Hot and Awkward
* dancing
* swimming
* this cozy bedroom
* life and health of close friends and family
* singing
* the view from the top of the mountain
* not being scared to lean in to turns

in thanks: 11/11/11

in thanks for...

* Natalie J, who inspires me with her kindness, patience and attention to detail
* summertime at the sewing machine
* KY in about a month!
* the glow of lanterns on new snow
* invitations and opportunities
* Elise, who among other things introduces me to so much culture (Go, Anchorage Symphony!)
* the Starling Sisters
* up time and down time
* making useful things (hats, bags, etc.)
* some kind of peace every now and again
* the people sitting in Occupy tents
* feeling stronger in yoga
* remembering to give thanks

in thanks: 11/7/11

in thanks for...

* my sister beth, who is compassionate, honest and smart
* the eight little people with whom i spend my days
* snow, and shoveling it
* knitting, quilting, songwriting, furniture arranging, cooking
* school mentors who are utterly respectable
* pen pals in the lower 48

in thanks: july 29, 2011

even in trying, restless, confusing or uncomfortable times,
i am still in thanks for...

* the nasturtiums on my porch
* my sweet sewing machine and the time to use it
* tomatoes from KY, ripening daily!
* friends who are kind
* boating / hiking / biking / flying through this beautiful world
* the peas on the vine, almost ready!
* projects and inspiration
* opportunity
* c's steadfastness