Time of Thanks (Day 17)

I am so thankful for my ability to be thoughtful, sit in silence and allow whatever thoughts come to be to be heard and entertained. I hope this makes me a more grounded individual.

Time of Thanks (Day 16)

I am beyond thankful to have such amazingly supportive, wonderful friends who let me be my wonderfully weird self and love me anyway. :)

Time of Thanks (Day 15)

Today I give thanks for my positive attitude. Some days it falters and doesn't always shine so bright, but I do my best to always find the good in every situation, person or event - even when it hurts more than words. God truly has blessed me with something special.

Time of Thanks (Day 14)

I love my freckles. Not many people have them, so they are a unique trait. My favorite ones are on my knees. I also love that more appear in the sun. It's magic!!

Time of Thanks (Day 13)

I love laughing, laughing is my favorite!! I am thankful for my sense of humor, ability to laugh and find pure joy in many different things.

Time of Thanks (Day 12)

Today I am thankful for my craftiness. It is a wonderful outlet and therapeutic. It helps me scrapbook and figure out how to make things like this (Photo by Moxie Blue):

I made the bouquet, not the gorgeous bride.

Time of Thanks (Day 11)

There simply aren't words grand enough to express how thankful I am for this country's Veterans. It takes a true, dedicated hero to be willing to risk one's life to protect millions, and a giant heart to give so selflessly. We must remember these women and men and take care of them, for without them we would not be where we are today.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - President John F. Kennedy

Time of Thanks (Day 10)

Not only have I been blessed to have already made it out of the country a few times by this point in my young life, I have managed to visit some countries more than once. I find it hard to express in words how incredibly lucky that makes me feel.

Time of Thanks (Day 9)

I am thankful for the almighty pumpkin, which gives so selflessly at this time of year to flavor a myriad of amazing and delectable desserts, beverages and breads. I do not know what I would do without the pumpkin whoopie pie, Starbuck's Pumpkin Spiced latter, or Hof's Hut's pumpkin pecan crunch cheesecake. Nom!

Time of Thanks (Day 8)

There is nothing better than getting into a supremely cozy, well made bed with clean sheets. I am so thankful for this simple blessing. (Bed pictured, not my bed although I wouldn't mind if it were.)

Time of Thanks (Day 7)

I love pizza. I am thankful for my Swiss Italian heritage and my ability to eat pizza everyday (even though I don't eat pizza everyday).

Time of Thanks (Day 6)

Today, we as Americans, have the amazing privilege to vote on numerous props and, maybe more importantly our next President of the United States. I am so thankful that I have the right and ability to flex my political power and vote! I am always reminded how fortunate we are to live in a country where we have this right that allows each and every one of our opinions to be heard. Heck, I am thankful we have the right to have opinions at all. If you have not done so yet, get your booty out there and rock your vote!

Time of Thanks (Day 1-5)

The last six months have been incredibly interesting for me, not the easiest and definitely not always the happiest. I have spent more time than not very frustrated, emotionally exhausted, and feeling like I do not have much to offer. Yesterday, I went out to the apple farms of Yucaipa with my friend Rachel and I was struck by the beauty of where we were. It didn't feel like fall, but it certainly looked like fall had arrived. The trees all had amazingly colored leaves adorning their branches, and the crispy smell of apples greeted us everywhere we went. I was once again reminded that my favorite time of year is upon us and instead of feeling excited about it, I am struggling to get into the spirit.

Folks on Facebook have started dedicating their statuses to what they are thankful for, and I think they have the right idea. I have decided that I will take the time to be thankful for what I do have and start listing them here. I have a few days to catch up on, so this first list will be a bigger one.

1. I am thankful that God gave me the best sister and friend a girl could ever ask for. She makes me laugh harder, scream louder, fight tenaciously, love intensely, and enjoy even the smallest things. She knows me just as well as I know myself, and she is one of the best listeners on the planet. She is a bright spot, and I do not know what I would do without her.

2. I am thankful for my puppy. She is the sweetest, most lovable dog. Unconditional love from a dog is the best gift anyone can receive, it is also the best band aid for a sad day.

3. I have two parents who love me with all they have, made sure I never went without even when that was hard, supported me in every sense of the word, and have made me who I am today. Saying I am simply thankful for them is an understatement.

4. I am so very, utterly thankful for Starbucks. Without that mermaid and her constant, steady supply of caffeine - some days would be unfinishable.   

5. Having grown up on the west coast, right next to the ocean, visiting her whenever I want - I can very much say I am grateful for the peace, sanctuary, amazing summers, lunch breaks, clarifying swims, and tranquil moments that she has given me. Some days all you need is 15 minutes at the beach to change your whole perspective.