Okay, I’ll admit it, I was going to do a funny blog post about baking pies for Thanksgiving. Whenever I attempt to bake something, there’s plenty of things to laugh about. After attending a wonderful interfaith Thanksgiving service over the weekend, I decided instead to write a post about being thankful. After, all isn’t that what Thanksgiving is all about.
It’s tough this time of year. Here in New England, it’s cold and it gets dark early. Combine that with the stress of the holidays and it’s all too easy to become very negative. Even I, the eternal optimist, fall into this trap.
It is Sunday afternoon, the wind is howling outside and it feels like about -20 degrees outside. The last thing I wanted to do was to go out and attend a service. But my Mom really wanted to go, so we went. I am so glad that I did.
The service was held in a quaint, quintessential New England style church. Members of the clergy from all faiths were part of the service. There were Roman Catholics, Protestants, Jewish and yes, even Muslim. The service wasn’t overly religious; it focused on giving thanks to God. We sang and prayed together. Something almost magical happens when a group of diverse people gathers to give thanks.
So, this blog post is about all the things I am thankful for.
1. My Mom.
2. My husband.
3. My friends.
4. My health.
5. My nice house.
6. My abundance of food to eat and clothes to wear.
7. My talents – writing, coaching and thinking.
8. My faith.
What do you have to be thankful for this season?
Photo is of pies I baked a few years ago. I baked an apple and a pumpkin pie. I also made these pies this year. The original post about these pies: Lessons learned from baking a pie.
Judi Brady
November 27, 2013
Nancy, along with all the things you mentioned yourself,, I am also thankful for some personal revelations I needed to really internalize this past year,ie, that life is unfinished till it is truly finished,that life may be messy and can still be filled with inner contentment, that learning and growing is a source of profound satisfaction.I always “knew” these things, but truly only internalized this past year or so. Thanks for your provocative ,meaningful post,Nancy!!!
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Nancy Loderick
November 27, 2013
Hi Miss Judi!
Thanks for sharing what you are thankful for. Personal revelations are so important and they can really help us see life clearer.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I look forward to seeing you in December.
Nancy
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brucethomasw
November 27, 2013
Nancy – this is a truly beautiful post – it is good to remember all the reasons to be grateful, admidst the hustle and bustle of life and the struggles of the world. I relate to all you have on the list.
Well – my mother passed on years ago, though her love is stilll with me and – and I’m not a great coach or writer, but I do have other talents that I’m grateful for. As for my faith, I was brought up catholic but today have more of a mixed bag perspective – I would have loved the interfaith service that you describe.
I love your two cute little figurines and the pies looks yummy. Best wishes for a happy and peacful thanksgiving. Bruce (from the west coast side of the continent)
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Nancy Loderick
November 27, 2013
Hi Bruce,
Thank you so much for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. And I’m glad you are feeling grateful this season. My Dad passed away 10 years ago and I still feel his presence.
The cute little figurines are wax Pilgrims. My Mom used to put them out at Thanksgiving and I have many happy memories of them.
We did have some cute Christmas figurines, but they melted after we mistakenly stored them in the attic.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend!
Nancy
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Professor VJ Duke
November 27, 2013
Not the Patriots? Okay, that was a bad professorish statement.
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Nancy Loderick
November 27, 2013
Hey Professor,
I’ll forgive you this time. 🙂 After all, professors are supposed to be provocative.
And I guess I am grateful for the Patriots. While I’m at it, I am also grateful for the Red Sox.
Go Sox!
Nancy
P.S. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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Professor VJ Duke
November 27, 2013
Thanks for understanding this professorish mind!
I love the Sox too!
You have a wonderful one as well.
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Ralph
November 27, 2013
Thank you for your blog Nancy 😀 xox
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Nancy Loderick
November 27, 2013
You are more than welcome friend Ralph.
In honor of Thanksgiving here in the States, have a piece of pie on me. 🙂
Nancy
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Ralph
November 27, 2013
Thanks Nancy. I would love to cover you in pie …… oh ……you’re giving me a piece ……. silly me 😉
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Nancy Loderick
November 29, 2013
:0
N
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Our Life In 3D
November 27, 2013
I am thankful to have a virtual friend that I can bug about computer issues. Did you sell your last one? We have it listed on our Christmas list this year. Can I get someone to load all the programs from our old one to the new one? That seems REALLY time consuming! And how much would your husband charge? I will let him watch TV and no blue bracelet needed. 🙂
Thanks for all you do Ms. Nancy. Wishes that you have a Warm and Happy thanksgiving with yur Top 3!
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Nancy Loderick
November 29, 2013
Hi,
Wonderful Thanksgiving wishes to you and your family too! I hope you didn’t eat too much turkey or pie. 🙂
I asked my dear geeky husband and he said there are software programs that will ease the pain of copying all programs over. He mentioned one called “Ghost.”
As for paying Mr. Ken, he will work for Ring Dings, his favorite food. 🙂
N
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FashionIsAllThat
November 29, 2013
We don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here, but it’s always nice to see how you celebrate it. And that pie looks so yummy! 🙂
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Nancy Loderick
December 1, 2013
Hi Dragana,
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your comment. The pies were just as delicious as they looked! 🙂
Nancy
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Ken Loderick
November 29, 2013
Nice post dear wife. I’m glad I’m near the top of the list of things you’re thankful for but I think you need to add an entry for the chipmunks too! 🙂
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Nancy Loderick
December 1, 2013
Hi Mr. Ken,
Yes, I should put our beloved chipmunks at the top of the list! 🙂
Nancy
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Evelina Galli
December 9, 2013
That is the kind of church that I would want to attend!
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Nancy Loderick
December 9, 2013
Hi Evelina,
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for sharing your thoughts. There was something quite mystical and magical about the Thanksgiving celebration. It wasn’t about a particular religious dogma, but rather just being grateful and expressing gratitude.
Nancy
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