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    I love Jesus, drawing, hummus, Africa, antique shopping, babies, running, blogs, John Mayer, and frozen yogurt. Join me as I make my way through life as a twenty-something living in North Carolina’s Capitol City.



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Thankful.

December 1st, 2011 at 12:01 am . Posted in Uncategorized .

Here it is, one full week after Thanksgiving, and here I am, just getting around to writing about it.  I assure you, it isn’t for lack of trying.  For the past 7 nights, I have tried to give words to events.  Tried to put words to feelings.  But it’s not coming out right.

I start, then I stop.  Delete.

I start again.  Take a new approach.  Then I stop.  Delete, Delete.

Here, I’ll try again.  No, still not right.  Delete, Delete, Delete.

So, here.  We’re going to try this thing one more time.  I’m going to try and get it right.

* * * * * * * * * *

I’ve always had a bit of an issue with holidays.

I think we expect too much of them.  There is so much anticipation leading up to these few days of the year.  So much excitement.  So much preparation.  So much build up.  And then, before you can say theturkeyisonfire, the day is over.  The celebration has passed.  It always leaves me feeling disappointed.  You know what I’m talking about.  Just think of the way that you inevitably feel on Christmas afternoon after your guests have gone home and you are left staring at a living room floor full of wrapping paper shards and a sink full of dirty dishes.  You look around and think to yourself, “Hey wait.  Where did Christmas go?”   I don’t know, it just always makes me a little bit sad.

I’ll tell you, I felt this way last Thursday after my brother and sister and their spouses and children had left to go back to their own homes.  After they backed out of the driveway and drove down the street.  After we waved goodbye and blew kisses.  My mother and I stood there and looked at each other like, “now what?”

* * * * * * * * * *

But this year, instead of feeling sad or let down, I tried to turn my feelings of disappointment into feelings of thanksgiving.  As I drove back to P-Town on Monday morning, I recounted all of the little joys that the holiday weekend held.  There is always so much to be thankful for.  This weekend, in particular?

…  Trips to the movie theatre (even if the movie is a total cheese-fest)  …

…  Getting in bed at night without setting an alarm  …

…  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade  …

…  Family Traditions  …

…  Pumpkin muffins  …

…  Christmas movies on Lifetime  …

…  The cutest niece and nephew  …

…  Catching up with old friends  …

…  Cheese quesadillas from my favorite Mexican restaurant  …

…  Celebrating tradition  …

…  Brownies and ice cream  …

…  The sweetest Mama  …

…  TJ Maxx on Black Friday  …

…  Eating lunch outside in November  …

…  Antique Shopping  …

…  Siblings  …

…  Time spent with these beautiful girls and their sweet family  …

…  God’s grace  …

* * * * * * * * * *

Yes, okay, there.  I think I’ve finally got it.

9 Comments ( Reply )

  1. Sabrina
    Dec 01, 2011 @ 4:45 am

    I love this! Not only do I feel like the holidays are rushed, but also like they are stretched out too long. Weird? For me, working in retail, Christmas starts in October so by the time it actually arrives the whole thing is so commercial & everyone has forgotten the reasons for the season.

    Reply

  2. Bethany
    Dec 01, 2011 @ 5:17 am

    Wonderful things to be thankful for! :)
    Bethany recently posted..Wearable Wednesday Christmas Wish ListMy Profile

    Reply

  3. Rebecca @ Miss Magnolia Munches & Moves
    Dec 01, 2011 @ 7:40 am

    Thanks for this! I tend to dread the holidays…I guess for similar reasons. It’s all this stress, preparation, and expectation for a few days. But I have so much to be thankful for, and you reminded me of that. :) Happy Holidays!
    Rebecca @ Miss Magnolia Munches & Moves recently posted..Book Review: Cormac McCarthy’s Border TrilogyMy Profile

    Reply

  4. Mama Jayne
    Dec 01, 2011 @ 8:24 am

    Stalling out there, were you? All I know is that lots of us clicked on your link every day and kept reading the same old post. Thanks for the new pictures. I am always thankful when you’re home so I can bring you your breakfast in bed.

    Reply

  5. Kristin @ Mugs & Pugs
    Dec 01, 2011 @ 8:41 am

    I feel the same way – I always get a little sad when the holidays are over. I also feel like we are rushing around to go from one place to the next and I never really sit back and ENJOY the time while I am at each house. I need to work on that for Christmas!
    Kristin @ Mugs & Pugs recently posted..Best Christmas Album. Period.My Profile

    Reply

  6. Lynsey
    Dec 01, 2011 @ 10:34 am

    All such wonderful things to be thankful for!

    Also, saw you were featured on Skinnyrunner.com today… Congrats!
    Lynsey recently posted..Big Day = Big Prayers NeededMy Profile

    Reply

  7. Alison
    Dec 01, 2011 @ 10:37 am

    I completely agree. The holidays are kind of a let down. That’s why I like to set up decorations right after Thanksgiving and make December an entire month of celebrating!

    Reply

  8. Shelley
    Dec 01, 2011 @ 11:07 am

    What a beautiful blog, I love love love your photos!

    Reply

  9. Stacy
    Dec 06, 2011 @ 4:54 pm

    We so enjoyed getting to see you, Laura! Thanks so much for coming to visit! Love you!

    Reply

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