Saturday, November 17, 2012

This Past Week

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, a time not only to eat delicious food but also to think about what we're thankful for. Since I started a gratitude journal quite a while ago, I am so much more aware of what I am grateful for, how many blessings there are in my life. I have come to be thankful every day, and it feels good. I notice so much more, little things. And big things.

Take this past week, for example.

There was a gorgeous morning sky, right before the sun climbed over the hills, that I could see from my bedroom window.


On the way to the neighborhood market with Kaefer, we saw this beautiful passion flower.


Autumn in Sonoma County is just breath taking with all its colors and grapes in the vineyards.



When I went to Trader Joe's, all the wonderful Christmas goodies had arrived! We have been waiting for the Lebkuchen (gingerbread) from Germany.


Speaking of Germany, I also received a lovingly wrapped package from Germany, from my blogging buddy Cynnie who is an American living in Bavaria.


I had won a giveaway on her blog, some awesome German art magazines, and before sending them to me she asked me what my favorite chocolate is. I said "Milka" and thought that she might include one bar of it - however, she put in six of them!!! Six! Just imagine my joy. And I have been good - so far I only ate one of them, with the help of my family.


Last but not least, there is Anja. Just like myself, Anja is from Germany, but lives in California, in my town.


I had met her last year when we went to our first Stammtisch - a bi-weekly get-together of Germans living here - and I liked her from the very first moment. Last Thursday, the Stammtisch took place at her house (we take turns who is hosting) and we had so much fun together. We really are on the same wavelength and have a very similar kind of humor. The day after she sent me such a kind message via Facebook that truly made my day.

I am really blessed with some wonderful friends.




7 comments:

Micki Wilde said...

ooh I don't know how you held back from eating all the milka, I love milka and I think I might have just scoffed the lot lol x

JoZart Designs said...

Beautiful photographs and what a view from your bedroom window. I love passion flowers and my DD1 in Brighton has one rambling over her back wall. It is now well past flowering and hanging with yellow fruits.
I wanted to tell you that I can buy, at real bargain prices the official Olympic porcelain mugs. They are clearing them out!!! The expense would be the postage if you want me to buy some for you for Keifer. They are only 35pence each to buy and come boxed! If you email me I will send pics. Just let me know. We could do a deal and maybe you could send me some craft stash in return that I can't get here.
I'm off to Germany at the end of the month for the Weinachfest Markt and of course to see DD2 and my little fraulein. I can always pick up any special items you miss from there too.
Thanks for your comment about my angels!
Love Jo x

Sally H said...

What a wonderful idea. I may start a gratitude journal myself. Your photos are so beautiful. Milka, autumn colours and beautiful skies - all things that would be in my journal too!

Marcie said...

What a wonderful and inspiring collection of 'gratitude'. And - that view you have from your bedroom. WOW - lucky you!!

patty said...

Carola, we are on the same page as far as living with gratitude! I love that you keep your German roots alive - I think that's very healthy for anyone who has moved here from somewhere else... Gorgeous pics!!

Maria Ontiveros said...

I love the colors in this post.
Rinda

carol l mckenna said...

Wow! wonderful photography and such variety ~ Happy Thanksgiving to you ~ (A Creative Harbor)