Hi everyone!  I hope you’ve all been well during my recent unplanned hiatus from the blog.  Life got a little crazy and I felt like not only was my candle burning at both ends but somehow the wick in the middle had been exposed and lit as well.  We were dealing with medical issues for both the Hubs and the fur babies, as well as a death in the family, compounded with a rush of photography clients, several big changes at my day job, preparing the house and yard for an Alaskan winter, a trip out of state, creating inventory for the big upcoming holiday bazaar and everyday life.  It was too much all at once, so blogging had to take a backseat for a bit.

Although there was plenty to write about over the last few months, there just weren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done and I didn’t want to rush to provide you with posts that weren’t well thought out.  But I can say that I’ve truly missed writing and sharing our adventures with you all.  So I’m back and will try to stick to the regular schedule now that my big commitments are about to wrap up for the year.  In the coming weeks I’ll be sharing a recap of our trip to Denali, several changes we’ve made around the house and our experience at the Junk Bonanza show in Portland.

During my time away from the blog, I also witnessed several moments that made me appreciate the blessings I have.  As we prepare to gather with thanksgiving this week I thought I’d share them with you as a reminder to be grateful for the positive things we often take for granted in the daily rush of life.

• The first was when I spotted a homeless man shuffling alongside the road during my morning commute and watched as he stopped to inspect a splatter of spilled food on the sidewalk before bending over to scoop up a handful of what was there and shove it in his mouth.  It made me thankful to have a warm home and plentiful healthy food to nourish my body.  And when I saw another homeless man changing clothes on a bus stop bench the following week I was reminded to be thankful for the security I enjoy knowing I have a safe place to rest and meet my daily needs.
• A few days later there was an active shooter situation near an elementary school just a few blocks from my office.  As I drove past the SWAT officers in full tactical gear with their weapons at the ready I was thankful for those who serve and protect when danger hits close to home.
• That afternoon I passed a car accident where both vehicles were heavily damaged.  Beyond the wreckage I saw a couple embracing as they cried, obviously in shock over what had just happened but happy that they were both OK.  It made me thankful for the time I get to spend with loved ones because you never know when life can change suddenly.
• Later that week I went to the large medical center for a routine appointment during my lunch hour.  I was flustered and in a hurry, but the sight of a young girl in wheelchair with a bandanna poorly hiding the fact that she had no hair and a nasogastric intubation coming out of her nose who was smiling from ear to ear made me pause.  This child, who was obviously battling a serious medical condition, was joyful while I was mumbling under my breath about some minor stress at the office.  It made me think twice and reminded me to be thankful for the relative good health both I and my family enjoy.

So take a moment to reflect on all the things we have to be thankful for.  Life is never perfect, but when you choose to focus on the good things it sure is a lot better for everyone.