Things I am Thankful For

• My childhood — Despite the normal grumblings of a child, my childhood was good. No major hardships, loving parents, good schools, the freedom to explore, a neighborhood where everyone looked out for everyone else.
• My mother — I honestly cannot say enough about this woman. She overcame several hardships in her life and made a vow her children would never have to deal with the things she did. And we didn’t. Whenever I might think I have reason to complain about what life has to offer, I look at her example and realize I have not only nothing to complain about, but owe her a debt that can never be repaid for her being the person she is. She is, and always has been, one of the most positive influences in my life. My support, giving me my roots to ground me and the wings to fly.
• My sister and her family — They are very near and dear to my heart. As a kid I waited a long time for my sister to show up and have always considered her an extremely special part of my life and heart.
• My characters — Without them I would have no stories to share and my life would be far less rich. Their whispers in my ear give my life purpose and joy.
• My literary manager — The woman who not only took a chance on representing me and my work, but crawled out on my tree limb with me to enjoy the view. She has a unique understanding of my work, sometimes knowing more about it than I do about where it is headed. And she has brought me opportunities I would not otherwise have had, challenged me to stretch as an author, and has cheered me on in all endeavors.
• Team Timmy — Working on a children’s chapter book series is one of those opportunities given to me by my literary manager, and I couldn’t be happier with the team we have working on the project. It truly is a collaboration and together we are putting something special together. Each member of the team brings their own magic to the project and I am thankful and blessed to have these people in my life.
• My business partner — I wouldn’t have jumped off the cliff with anyone else and while the past year has been a roller coaster, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
• Section K and Cal State Fullerton Baseball — For bringing me many friendships I might not otherwise have had and a sense of family in the stands, plus hours of enjoyment as the team battles to win. Inspiring in those moments when you see a player give it their all for the love of the game.
• My doctors — Though ill, I am thankful to have such good caretakers who are diligent, knowledgeable, and care about ensuring the right things are done at the right time to combat the challenges I face.
• The writing community — The internet has provided the wonderful opportunity to connect with those who share my passion. You are my people.
• My day job — While offering challenges every work day, I have a roof over my head and food on the table, and consider myself blessed to have the benefits I do.
• Long-time friends — You know who you are. The wonderful people I can connect with at a moment’s notice and we can pick up our friendship without losing a beat. The people I know I can call on in any crisis and those I know will always be there for me.
• My best friend — Words fail me when I try to express how much this friend means to me because there are too many things I want to say and they all jumble up in a big ol’ knot and get stuck. So I will simply say that I am blessed and do not know what I did to deserve such a fabulous friend, but it must have been HUGE. Without you I am lost.

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Sergio is trying to get the hang of this holiday and wanted to see how things felt as a turkey at Thanksgiving time because the bird is so iconic for the holiday. I don’t think he understands the bird is dinner. He is joyfully expecting a heaping plate of fresh red mangrove leaves. His favorite.

And somehow, he has gotten a hold of the idea that Thanksgiving involves shopping for footballs. When I explained the holiday really meant taking stock of your life and what you are thankful for he said that was easy. He is thankful for Luna and her wonderful imagination, and for the adventures they get to go on, he’s thankful for long arms to hug with, hanging out with friends, and the tastiness of red mangrove leaves.

I’d guess I’d better go find some of those leaves.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

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This may be a short post (but knowing me, it won’t be ) A few days ago, I talked about getting my hair chopped off because it has become quite bushy and out of control, and for those who have not yet met me in person, I have a ton of hair. I have been waiting to get it cut because I needed to know whether I was going to add pink to it … and since I won’t be, I decided it could all get cut off and then I’ll grow it out again. This picture doesn’t quite do it justice as far as showing the out-of-controlness that has taken over my head. For once it was behaving, but it does show some of the waves I have in my hair, as well as the fact that I take terrible pictures of myself. Oh, you can also see my puffy eyes—my eyes are small, but they are not that small. Allergies have been trying to take up residence and I am battling them back as best I can. They are NOT welcome here.

The picture at the top of this piece speaks to me about the leaves of change. The fall has always been an exciting time of change. And this fall has been no different. The old things fall away to make room for those things new. For me, the cutting of my hair is symbolic of the changes going on. I needed at the very least a trim, but the idea to go short took hold for several reasons. The root of which is that I do like to do different things with my hair, and since it’s not the best idea to color it for awhile, I wanted to do something, and going short gives me a different versatility than when shoulder length or to my waist. And here’s the best thing of all … it’ll grow back if I want it to. My hair is a change I can control (or at least have the illusion of control) when right now so many things in my body are not within my control. AND it was a blast getting it cut. If I can’t have fun with this, then what is the point?

The stylist knew I had a strong wave in my hair, but she was surprised by the amount of curl that came out. She had so much fun playing with it while cutting it. I’ve dealt with it’s stubborn curliness for too many years to be surprised. Wearing it long does help to tame it a bit, so now it’ll have the chance to live life on the wild side. And believe it or not, the long hair helped to hide some of the eye puffiness. (I should not be allowed to try taking self-portraits, but I wanted to post the before and after pics)

All in all, it was a good day. I worked this morning and accomplished a few things… always good. Then I had my hair cut and picked up the girls (my dogs, Phoenix and Elsa) from the groomers. Next Denny and I watched REDS 2 and laughed throughout. I have made the sweet potatoes (my contribution to tomorrow’s feast) and my mother arrived safely at her destination despite holiday traffic and suspect weather forecasts.

It is now Thanksgiving … and I have so MUCH to be thankful for, so here goes. I’m Thankful for:

• My family—I love them so much and they are there for me when I need them. From immediate to extended, I do count on them. And my pups are always there for me (and a part of my family) and when I’m down, they curl up beside me and I feel better.
• Friends—I have been blessed in the friends I have. I marvel almost every day over the people in my life and how supportive and caring they are. I hope I am as good a friend to them.
• The writing community—although I count so many of you as friends, I wanted to express my thankfulness for having a community I can reach out to when celebrating the good things, and to help me over the stump when things aren’t going as well. For the most part, I see writers helping writers, and I love that.
• My Characters—Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am … a little off-center, but they help me tell the stories that will have an impact.
• My day job—I am thankful to have a workplace and work that fulfills me in addition to allowing me to earn a paycheck. It helps me so much, especially right now, to have a job to focus on when I can’t focus on other things.
• My doctors—They will see me through this bump in the road and help make me stronger on the other side of it.
• For Chemotherapy—While it may make me feel sick, I am so thankful science has developed drugs that will help my sick body become better. Several years ago this would not have been possible. In fact, several years ago, I wouldn’t have even known I was sick and we wouldn’t know that something needed to be done. I’d just continue to feel unwell and that something was vaguely wrong.
• For being alive—I have always been thankful for each and every day I’ve been given. Most days are good ones, and as long as I can say that, I will continue to feel blessed.

There are so many more things I’m thankful for, but I simply cannot list them all. I have been blessed by all I have been given and hope that I pass those blessings along to others. That is my goal in life.

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Thanksgiving is a very special time because it allows us all the opportunity to review our lives and realize all of the wonderful things which we have been given. I even think back on those things that were negative in nature and find something to be thankful for in that situation. For example, earlier this year I had abdominal surgery for a suspected tumor. I am very thankful that the doctors did not find a tumor (no cancer) and that they performed the surgery when they did because, to be blunt, my insides were a mess and things were caught before I had serious problems. I was very fortunate even though I was laid up for a few weeks, and had to battle post surgery infection. So for that I am thankful.

I have a good life, good family, and good friends. I have published Misfit McCabe, come up with an exciting plan to send it to be read in as many places as possible (Where in the World is Misfit McCabe?), and I am working on the sequel. Through the process of getting the word out there about Misfit McCabe, I have met a dynamic writer, Shannon Yarbrough, who champions self-published authors and have begun writing reviews for him for the Lulu Book Review, all of which are very positive activities and I am thankful that I can take part and thankful for the opportunity.

Along the lines of the first Thanksgiving, I am thankful that I have survived thus far and live in a country where I am free to pursue my dreams.

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LK Griffie
Visit me at Griffie World
To buy Misfit McCabe, visit my store at Lulu.com or purchase at Amazon.com
To track Misfit McCabe across the country, visit:
Where in the World is Misfit McCabe?
Own a Kindle? Download Misfit McCabe in an instant.
To read book reviews by LK Griffie, visit: The Lulu Book Review

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For all of you with people who treat you well, give Thanks during this season that you have a good life. For you rescue dogs, give thanks that your people took the time to pick you out of the crowd, and that you have life.

Copyright 2008 © Phoenix with a helping paw from Gryphon

About the Author:
“Just call me Your Highness” ~ Phoenix
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Here’s information about my Mama’s stuff:
Visit us at Griffie World
To buy Misfit McCabe, visit my store at Lulu.com or purchase at Amazon.com
To track Misfit McCabe across the country, visit:
Where in the World is Misfit McCabe?
Own a Kindle? Download Misfit McCabe in an instant.
For other ebook formats, visit Smashwords.com
To read book reviews by LK Griffie, visit: The Lulu Book Review

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