May's Day: For Balmy Sunshine and Rich Blessings

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

For Balmy Sunshine and Rich Blessings

Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ

Day three of the longest Thanksgiving Break I've ever had--one whole week. What a luxury! Normally I'd be in school until noon today but this year, our school decided to take the entire week off. For that, I am thankful. But that's the least of the things I am thankful for this year. I'm mindful of the prayer-song that we used to sing when I was a girl--about being thankful for the basics that surround us along with the bountiful blessings.

Hartwell Tavern, Concord, MA

Five years ago, when I blogged about it (here), I had no idea that I'd one day be living in the Valley of the Sun enjoying serious balmy sunshine (but very little nourishing rain) year-round. In many ways, that's one of the rich blessings, even though I miss New England so much sometimes that it aches. Times like this week, I'd give a lot to be able to take the quick drive to Lexington and Concord to start my Christmas shopping, or take a stroll through the woods to Hartwell Tavern, or walk the path to the Old North Bridge or take the tour through Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House for the umpteenth time . . . never mind enjoy the bounty of a table laden with favorite food alongside family and long-time friends. I'd even give something to watch the snow swirl crazily outside my window, piling up on the car and working its magic in the dusky sky at sundown.

Old North Bridge, Concord, MA

Instead, I am spending the early morning hours of this day at my laptop, watching out my window at hummingbirds, woodpeckers, Western juncos, and finches taking their fill at the feeder on the other side of my window and anticipating a delicious meal tomorrow with new (relatively) friends. And while this isn't the Thanksgiving I have long loved, it is a Thanksgiving I will enjoy all the same. I cannot complain...