Thankful for Cliches

Happy Thanksgiving Farmgirl Sisters! I hope your days are filled with delicious foods, wonderful company, moments of nostalgia and the giving of many thanks. Since I have been one of the Farmgirl bloggers for less than a year, this is my first Thanksgiving as part of the crew. That means that I get to write about all of the things that I am thankful for in life! Next year or years to come I can write about the perfect Turkey preparation or an awesome carved out pumpkin pot; but for now, it’s a cliche “What I am Thankful For List.” I highly recommend making one of these, yourself! I think that a hard look at what is really great in our lives is so necessary sometimes. This is such an opportune time to do this and to think about our gratitude more than the obligatory declaration of thanks around the dining room table (which has its own merits!).
Bringing Home the Turkey, ca. 1910-1915

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  1. MaryJane says:

    Beautiful words to start off my thankful day. Peace and love to you!

  2. Adrienne says:

    Thanksgiving (and beyond) blessings to you, Evan and Moki for the holidays!

  3. Lynn says:

    Hi Alexandra,

    Just read your blog post. I love what you have said here:

    "This is a good exercise in appreciation. In a culture focused so much on criticism and constant improvement, it is great to take a moment to focus on what is great right now–not on what could be or what is desired." ~Alexander Wilson

    It is so very, very true and if being in the wilderness breeds life learnings like that…. you are bound for higher thoughts. Thoughts that will continue to inspire.

    God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving!

  4. Toni Adams says:

    Peace and love to you as well, Namaste. There is more to life. You are blessed.

  5. Anne says:

    Hi Alex You do have lots to be thankful for, and it’s good that you so lovingly appreciate it all. I read an article a couple of years ago about being thankful, and the author wanted to get in the habit of being thankful for lots of little things as well. I took that to heart, and it is amazing how many good things we have on an everyday basis that we take for granted. For me it starts real early each day with a hot shower! then the coffee. You get the idea. Love your post — regards, Anne

  6. Miriam Russell says:

    Thank you for your beautiful comments of thanks and gorgeous pictures of fiance, nieces and puppy. It is a joy to read and makes me appreciate my life’s blessings also.

  7. Kathy Riley says:

    Alexandra you say Thanks so well,I enjoy your Blog so much ,this one was the best. Thank You

  8. Debbie says:

    Happy Thanksgiving Alex…So glad to read your " list of gratitude" and to get to know your heart better through this blog…You have everything you need when you have your health, love and a true appreciation for both! Many blessings to you and Evan.. and Moki! She is adorable! My little Corgi boy Max is at my feet as I type this not to you!
    Farmgirl Hugs from the beach!
    Deb ( MJF blogging sister in MA. )

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Battleground

Okay Farmgirls, election season is over! I, for one, feel a bit bittersweet about this sudden drop in constant, politically driven anxiety. I’ve told myself over the last few presidential elections that it’s just politics. It doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. But, you know what? It does matter right now, and it will matter for the next four years.

Women’s Suffrage Hay Wagon. Thank you AMAZING women for fighting for our right to vote! ca. 1910-1915

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  1. April says:

    You totally cracked me up! Loved this post! That candy is such a battleground! I know all the facts and then I consume and then I get sick and then I fight back and vow never to eat candy again…so the battle continues!

  2. Melanie says:

    Thank you, Alexandra . The power of sugar is pretty amazing! The other night my husband and I thought we’d be awesome parents and we took our son out for dinner. When our food arrived he took a couple bites and got pretty pale and said he didn’t feel well. When we inquired as to what the problem was he VERY reluctantly admitted that he had eaten WAY too much Halloween candy and he had a terrible stomach ache. I have to admit it brought back some not-so-fond memories for me of doing the same thing as a child! I guess we all have to learn some lessons the hard way.
    Cheers to a few sugar free weeks before the holiday cookies take over our diets!

  3. Elaine says:

    Oh my goodness. You are channeling me, as far as the last two paragraphs go. I am a candy addict and truly struggle on a daily basis. I cannot eat candy in moderation — it’s all or nothing. Thank you for your perspective and for helping me not feel so alone and so derelict as a health-conscious Farmgirl. We are going into that dangerous time of year when treats abound (including homemade). I also have an "only homemade treats" rule that flies out the window the minute someone puts a Tootsie Roll or an Almond Roca under my nose. I guess I need to read Sugar Blues again. That book scared me out of sugar for a long time (years). BTW, I too am glad the political environment has settled back down to the usual weirdness.

  4. Laura Yount says:

    I am reading your blog and eating chocolate and having a cup of coffee in the middle of the afternoon. I too am greatful for less election coverage and more everyday commercials. We moved to Southern Portage County, Ohio four and a half years ago from outside of Cleveland. Every year in the city we would get the kids dressed up and go trick or treating and get pillowcases filled with candy. This year Halloween went by with no costumes, no school parties and a lot less candy. Trick or treating doesn’t happen in bad weather especially when neighbors are too far away to walk house to house. Not complaining at all! We have candy but not as much, and now the candy is not the first thing the kids go for, its usually healthier foods with a lot less sugar.

  5. DianeL says:

    I enjoyed reading the post, it is sweetly uplifting and positive!

  6. Laura R says:

    Hi Alex
    I like the way you think. And reflect upon life. The candy thing is a big one but I have gotten over the hump of addiction to such treats (italian pastries, not so much).
    Relating to another election issue, labeling GMO’s, I have been reading the labels of our favorite candy treats and have been slowly disillusioned with our big name candy treats and their ingredients, so that has helped me stay away from them and am proud to say was not tempted by one candy this halloween. It helped that I did not buy any, since where we are located we dont get any trick or treaters.
    I totally understand this temptation and thank you for articulating its hold on all of us !!

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