Today while on Facebook I saw I had memories to look back on, and so I took a moment to look. The images were of the usual cast of suspects that I call my family celebrating Thanksgiving, and while some are no longer here either by death or by choice, it was a poignant reminder of how vastly different my life is today from just three short years ago. That period in my life was probably one of the most painful to go through, but I’m actually grateful for those hard times because it forced me to take stock of my life.
Changes, some voluntary, some not made me decide that I needed to live life like a “Friday night instead of a Monday morning”. I had forgotten somewhere along the way that life was special and to give myself permission to enjoy it. And I was determined to start embracing the magic in life again and celebrate each day. When you start at ground zero, it forces you to slow down and assess what is important and what is not. Funny thing is, living life is a lot like farming, you have to plant and sow the right kind seeds which will grow and yield and be bountiful. Seriously, farmers can only grow certain crops that are best suited for the climate and conditions of their land, and so it is the same for a person. You have to decide what your own landscape is going to look like and then roll up your sleeves and get to work. Is it easy? Hell no! But eventually the sun breaks out of the storm clouds and you get a glimpse of something great in the making. And that is why as Thanksgiving rolls around it is more (to me) than just a holiday of food, family & football, it’s time to take stock of where you have been and if what you are growing in the garden of your soul is thriving. If it is, then keep on doing what you are doing; if it isn’t then you have some work ahead of you. For me, I am still planting good things, sometimes I have to dig up what wasn’t working and of course, always be on the lookout for weeds. Cuz just like gardening, if you let the bad seeds start, they will try to overtake all your hard work. J
On the farm front, the winter wheat is beginning to show a tint of green due to the welcome moisture we’ve been getting. The equipment has been put away until Spring and it’s quiet on the farm. This is the time that those in the Ag industry get to slow down and recharge their batteries. I wrote more about that in the magazine called Home and Harvest and I invite you to check it out. It’s a wonderful publication.
My kitchen is one of my favorite places to putter. create and relax |
Today I’m trying my hand at a vegan, gluten free pumpkin pie for my baby brother, Barry. Of course, I’ll be making the regular pumpkin pies too. And just for my sweetheart, Randy – well he’s coming over tonight and we’re going to whip up a batch of banana/blueberry muffins for his work mates.
After the holidays, I’ll post pictures on the At Home on the Farm page, and if the vegan gluten free pie is good, I’ll post that recipe on the pumpkin page. Good thing my brother is always a willing guinea-pig for my baking experiments…..
As always, thank you from the bottom of my heart that you took time out to stop by. I wish for you a blessed Thanksgiving. And before I conclude, here’s a wonderful quote:
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings” › William Arthur Ward
Blessings to all, Gayle