Thoughts and Reflections on Coexistence, Gratitude, and Thanksgiving

A few fun thoughts and a few reflections for your consideration and enjoyment.

·       Coexistence:  what the farmer does with the turkey - until Thanksgiving. ~ Mike Connolly

·         As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

·         An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day. ~Irv Kupcinet

·         Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~Theodore Roosevelt

·      Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way. ~Native American Saying

·         He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."  ~ Epictetus

·         Thanksgiving is America's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty.  ~Michael Dresser

·         A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. ~Cicero

·         To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. ~Johannes A. Gaertner

·         Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting. ~ Author Unknown

·         Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday.  People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year.  And then discover once a year is way too often. ~Johnny Carson

Thanks for your partnership, support and kindness. 

Dwell in the possibilities of thanks and gratitude.

Cindy

Roadside Treasures and a Rattlesnake

Recently, Walt and I took a trip to Angel Fire, New Mexico for rest and relaxation.  We met our goal and spent a lot of time napping, reading and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.  This trip also had its share of adventures and good stories, one of which is today’s subjec

Driving back from Angel Fire, I noticed lots of tumbleweeds blowing across the road.  Being from the Texas Panhandle, I’ve been around tumbleweeds all my life and I have always found them interesting

Since I am always looking for “out of the box” materials to use in my work, I decided to brave the 50 mph winds and pick up a few.  While gathering tumbleweeds, we noticed the dried yucca plumes that dotted the roadside.  Their substantial wood stalks and pods would make great winter arrangements.  So, I was back out there picking the pods.

We had a few spare inches of room in our SUV as we drove away.  We found another patch of really pretty dried yucca pods and decided to stop for a few more.

As I exited the car, I heard a noise at my feet.  After a few seconds, I realized it was a rattlesnake – recoiling and ready to strike.  I ran up the road out of harm’s way and Walt picked me up.  We drove back and took the attached picture of the snake that continued to rattle and threaten. 

I was extremely lucky to avoid a dangerous snakebite as well as to gather great staging and decorating finds.  Once again, I found possibilities in unusual places.

Dwell in possibilities but watch out for the snakes!!

Cindy