Giving Thanks
I'm not quite sure what my deal is, but today I watched Seattle Marathon joggers buzz right by my house (below), and I got teary eyed. Listening to the onlookers cheer the runners on, watching the runners determinedly slog through the Seattle streets, the whole scene gave me a lump in my throat.
Maybe it reminds me of when my Dad ran his first marathon at age 50. Watching him come across the finish line, just made me weep of joy.
The human spirit is so amazing, it's almost overwhelming sometimes. It surprises me to get emotional at moments like this.
Or perhaps not, I'm sure it has something to do with the time of year as well, thinking of all that we have to be so thankful for, coming right off the heels of Thanksgiving. Being with our family and dear friends throughout the weekend.
The festivities began with a 30 year old tradition of a black tie "Thanksgiving Eve" party, we felt very honored to be invited to this fun multi-generational annual gathering. I also loved how in lieu of hostess gifts, we were asked to make a donation to a couple of charitable organizations that are important and close to the family's heart.
Then onto a relaxed Thanksgiving day and meal at our home joined by dear friends.
Image from Apartment Therapy, but I couldn't resist the feathers on the centerpiece! Bravo. Our table was a bit more cas.
Whether your table is formal or not. It is about the sentiment. My favorite part of this day was going around the table, 3+ times (there was a lot to mention) to express what we about what we are thankful for. Our 2 and a half year old declared "Mickey Mouse" at her turn each time (what dedication, I see a trip to Disney in our near future).
Then our annual Thanksgiving weekend tradition of foraging out for the tree and taking out the holiday decor. So, it is a bit Charlie Brownish in scale, but as my husband reminds me, "it's a symbol". Plus it was $20 bucks at Lowes🙂
From there it was on to a new friend's annual "Seafood Fest" As a true girl scout at heart, I believe firmly in "making new friends and keeping the old". Only in Seattle do you eat fresh Dungess crab this time of year that is cheaper than chicken breast. Another moment of gratitude for me.
And the conclusion, yesterday when we spent a crisp afternoon watching the Seahawks play the Chiefs, or Chefs (remember that commercial?) whichever you prefer. Shhhh, don't tell anyone but I secretly rooted for the Chiefs after living in KC for a bit.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are feeling grateful. I certainly am. And now the gear up for the rest of the holidays…!
