November is my most favorite month of the entire year!
In a part of the country where the temperatures continue to be too warm for my liking, it finally announces Fall has arrived. It is the unofficial start of the Holiday season and is home to many of my favorite personal events.... my birthday, the birthdays of some of my dearest friends, my anniversary, and my favorite holiday of the year... Thanksgiving!
I always dream of Paris at this time of year... the crisp Fall days with long walks along the Seine and reflections of my fabulous wedding there many years ago... or enchanting birthday and anniversary celebrations with which I was fortunate enough to be blessed. They are memories that warm my heart and make me feel grateful.
I find November brings with it a different reflection on gratitude... perhaps because of Thanksgiving but I am more inclined to think it is due to the last calm before the crazy holiday storm... A peaceful time that somehow makes its quiet voice heard amongst the chaos. I once read that "gratitude is the mark of a noble soul and a refined character"... so maybe it is just an enlightened appreciation that comes with age.
The British author, Robert Holden, says "The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become." I could not agree more.
Here's to enchanting November days and a little quiet before the storm.
xx,
Here's to enchanting November days and a little quiet before the storm.
xx,
Hi Tiffany, I'm Jewish or at least was born into the Jewish faith. So, I never had to go through the "storm" as you so aptly put it. I still have some residual "Christian envy" in December. However, when I see what some of my friends go through, I realize it's a romantic notion not dissimilar to what folks who live in hot climates often think about our ethereal snow falls. Sure, for about 5 minutes until all hell breaks loose-- stuck in the house for days, only to venture out and be met with frozen black dirt---everywhere and a car that's still plowed in!
ReplyDeleteBut I really do not think that God intended for December to be filled with so much angst. The snow and numbing cold, I get. For without the pain of winter, what joy would there be in that first sign of new life emerging from the thawing muck?
Still, for me... November hearkens, not a rebirth, but a death of sorts. I wish I could see it another way. But it's difficult when all around me, I see the beautiful earth preparing for it's long, frigid slumber.
And that reminds me... must take my coats to the dry cleaner! I'm going to be needing them and very soon! The first hard frost came just a bit north of here last night and it's only a matter of time 'til it will be upon us in lower elevations, closer to the ocean.
I need to find a way to feel grateful for winter--- aside from the fact that I was born right smack dab in the middle of it! The winter holidays, for me are reminders of loss and yet... there is always so much to be grateful for. Anyone who hasn't experienced profound loss hasn't been alive for very long. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful sentiment. xo, Laurel
Beautiful post, Tiffany! November is my favorite month as well, and Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
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