Giving Thanks…
Not to be dark on this day of thankfulness, but this year has been rough. I’ve disappointed and been disappointed. I’ve seen the ugliest sides of people (and organizations) and, a few times, shown my own ugliness.
However, the ugliness has opened doors for me that I never dreamed possible, and for that, I’m thankful.
So, in no particular order, an incomplete list of things for which I am thankful, because there’s not enough space on the WWW to list them all:
My children who have chosen to forgive my shortcomings as a mother in their childhood and their willingness to be my friends in adulthood.
My mother and her unconditional love and support.
My sister, for being my biggest cheerleader.
My nieces and nephew and their babies. Their existence makes my world a better place. (Especially my almost-2-year-old great niece who I get to do crafts with this week and my precious nephew who is going to grow into the most handsome fairytale knight who ever existed.)
Bud, for putting up with me like a champ and loving me anyway. No clue how he does it.
My son closing on his first house last Friday. Watching him step into this new chapter makes me so proud I could cry.
The creative freedom to follow my brain wherever it wants to go, even when that means pivoting halfway through a project and trusting it'll work out.
Fabric scraps, salt dough, and all the craft supplies I've hoarded over the years that continue to bring me joy.
Maybellene, my craft supervisor and the tiniest baby in the whole wide world, even when she's driving me insane. Magdalene, my constant companion and most loyal friend. And Maynard, the bestest boy in the whole wide world.
The readers and followers who've stuck with me through the chaos, the pivots, and the real, messy process of making things.
My neurodivergent brain, which I'm finally learning to work with instead of against.
The journals and activity books I've created that help other people navigate their own chaos. Knowing my work matters to someone makes all the hard days worth it.
Coffee. Let's be honest, this year wouldn't have been survivable without it.
The ability to write and create and share my process, even when it's messy and imperfect.
Glitter. All the glitter. Even when it gets everywhere and I'm still finding it weeks later.
Second chances and new beginnings, even when they come disguised as endings.
The small business I've built from scratch, on my own terms, doing things my way even when it's the hard way.
The fact that I can look at this rough year and still find things to be grateful for. That resilience didn't come easy, but it came.
The family coming to stay with us this week, the chaos and love and noise and everything that comes with it.
You. For reading this. For following along. For supporting a glitter-covered creator just trying to make things and pay the bills.
Happy Thanksgiving. May your day be full of love, good food, and whatever version of chaos brings you joy. ✨
