Thankfulness

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” -Thornton Wilder

I love Thanksgiving. Not only because it’s a chance for all of my family to be together, laughing, eating, cozy and happy in our love and gratitude. Well, maybe for those things, too. But I love Thanksgiving because it reminds me that I have things to be grateful for EVERY DAY, and that this one day of the year, while fabulous, is only a magnifying glass, showing me larger, clearer pictures of the things that truly matter.

This year, my family is healthy, happy, and together, and I couldn’t be more grateful for anything else. But I am thankful for other things, too, although not nearly as important: I am thankful for the opportunities for change that have shown themselves to me in the oddest, most unlikely ways. I am thankful for the small things that make me smile in spite of myself. I am thankful for tiny generosities of strangers, and for the chance to repay those things in kind. And, this year, I am so filled with gratitude that I have this space here to talk with you all about the thing that I love to talk about: books, and why they are amazing. I know that I’m new around these parts, and every time one of you stops by and says hi or even nothing at all, I’m grateful for that, and for your time and attention. It’s so nice to have a place to “meet” with people who are passionate about the same things I am, and who would understand me if I said, “I can’t WAIT to read Julie Kagawa’s new book” or “I’m so glad that Penguin is putting their ebooks back on Over Drive.” So, THANK YOU, for coming around and visiting the new girl and being so welcoming and sweet and open.

I am conscious of my treasures, this year and always, and I’m grateful that this year, those things include this blog and you. But mostly I am thankful that I have my family near me, and we are sitting around the table, laughing, talking, and making more memories together. That’s my greatest treasure.

I hope that you all have your greatest treasures with you this holiday and that you all have the very best Thanksgiving. See you on the other side of my food coma! (And hopefully yours!)