Sunday, November 18, 2012

Thanksgiving



I am going to start the holiday decorating later this week and before I 'clean the slate', so to speak,
I took a few photos in the living room. 

I love these vintage escutcheons

The week ahead is a busy one for most of us who live in the United States. 
It is our Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday and as far as holidays go,
it is my second favorite. 
I love it because it is the one day that we focus all of our attention to 
the gratitude we feel for all the blessings that we have received throughout the year.

November seems to be the month of gratitude. 
Earlier this month we celebrated Veteran's Day. 
The day we express gratitude for those have given so much to keep us free.


I'm thankful for so much this year
and can't even begin to comprehend all the blessings
I have had come into my life.

I truly do believe that a thankful heart is the key to a happy life.

Focusing on the 'haves' instead of the 'have-nots'.


(I've been making these wire hearts and other things for a holiday 
boutique a friend is having)

I try to keep a gratitude journal daily and did for a long time and then got spotty about it.
At the beginning of this month, I re-committed myself to it.

I think I'm a little surprised at the outcome of that endeavor. 

Writing down 5 things I'm thankful for at the day's end never stops with just the five 
gifts I put down on paper but causes a flood of thoughts of so many more in my life.



I know that when I make gratitude a priority and seeing the very best in my days,
I feel so much more joy than when I allow the weight of the world to cloud my thoughts and 
push out the feelings of thankfulness. 

There is so much that we can feel sorry for ourselves about,
 but there is always more that
we can feel joy and gratitude over.


This Thanksgiving Day and I hope every day of my life, I will 
think about those things that have brought me to where I am today.
I will think about the blessings of my faith, family, friends and all that I enjoy in this life.

I hope that all of you who celebrate Thanksgiving at this time will have a 
wonderful time with your families and friends.


This is the extent of my Christmas decor so far  :  ) 
(a gift from my dear friend Sarah)

Wishing you all who read here a beautiful week!

Big Hugs from me!



78 comments:

Debby said...

Yes we have so much to be thankful for. I love that little angel.

Debra@CommonGround said...

I can't wait to see your wonderful Christmas decor! lovely post on thankfulness, June. I've been meaning to tell you how pretty your new photo is! Have a wonderful week!

NanaDiana said...

We do have so much to be grateful for, don't we? I used to keep a journal, too...writing down the 5 things a day I was thankful for. Sadly, I got lazy and it fell by the wayside when I started blogging. Good for you for picking the pen back up. I should do the same.

Love the hearts you are making. Blessings to you- xo Diana

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Beautiful post and beautiful photos!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful, heartfelt post! Your posts are always breathtaking. You are such a wonderful writer and photographer!
I love those hearts! I wish you had a shoppe because I would buy one in a heartbeat :)
I hope you and your sweet family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Big hugs,
Amy

Mimi Sue said...

Such a lovely post on gratitude! A thankful heart definitely is the key to a happy life. Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mimi

Faded Charm said...

I love your post today June and your idea of writing down what you are thankful each day. Something to contemplate:-)

Also love your new photo. Enjoy your thanksgiving with loved ones.

xoxo
Kathleen

Junebug said...

I needed your post today. I've been having a quiet little pity party! These dark days seen to take over my attitude. Your words of gratitude and haves instead of have-nots really spoke to my heart.

So it is pick me up by the boot straps and be so thankful for what I have. Thank you dear friend for the reminder. The other June!!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi June,

Beautiful words and photos today dear friend and I am like you have so much to be thankful for.
I also have a Journal which I write in every night and will have to jot down five things which has made my day special - I like this, thank you for sharing. Love your sweet pink angel.
Wishing you and your family the happiest Thanksgiving ever.

Happy week and hugs
Carolyn

Geli said...

Hello June! What a wonderful post again.... and your heart looks soooo beautiful! I love it! I wish you a wonderful thanksgiving with your family and friends! Best wishes! Geli

Dorthe said...

Dear June,
Such a beautiful post, about your thoughts.
You are so right, and it is so much more easy to think about the problems we have, than to let the blessings come forth- I love your idea about writing them down!
Hugs and a happy week ahead!
Dorthe

My name is Riet said...

Dear June. hat a beautiful post. It is a wonderful idea to write down everything to be thankful for. I did it las week and it is thank goodness a long list. I am the positive kind s I don.t have a negative list. May be there is something but I don't want to think about it. :)) why should I get miserable.:)))
I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
With hugs from Riet.

Maison Beldecor said...

Hello my dear June,
your home looks so inviting and beautiful as ever! Wishing you and your family a great Thanksgiving day and many blessings
Bine

Custom Comforts said...

What a beautiful post June and so elequently put. I too have found that even in the sad or stressful times of life, that being thankful keeps the heart focused on God and the unexplainable joy He gives. Every day is a treasure and a gift from God and thanks is the most appropriate response at the beginning and end of every day. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family so many miles away.
With much love ~ Cindy

Deborah said...

Hello beautiful June!!!
I love the spirit of gratitude and I love that you are journalling our gifts!
We ereally do have so much to be thankful for, and focusing our hearts on that brings joy and more gratefullness.
I also am such a big "heart-lover" so I am in love with your wired heart! It is so gorgeous!
I'd love to make one like that!
And your pin cushion is the sweetest!
It looks like you have a great start to your decorating hun.
Hope your Thanksgiving is a wonderful one..I am so thankful for the gift of you in my life.
Warmest hugs xo

Deborah xoxooxoxoxxo

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Thank you June for bringing such loveliness and beautiful thoughts into my life today. You always do.

I love that pretty heart and the angel...so sweet.

Thanks for reminding me to stop feeling sorry for myself. I've been doing a lot of that lately with this move, the remodeling and just the change in general.
I have much to be thankful for and thank you for your inspiring words.

hugs and Happy Thanksgiving.

Sissie

Unknown said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you! I love your hearts that you are making! I can't wait to see all your Christmas decorations....

Julie Marie said...

Another beautiful post dear June... thank you for visiting me as well... we both seem to be thinking the same things... baking our pies while we count our many blessings... your wire hearts are so pretty!... wish I could go to the boutique you are taking them to... wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving, and have a wonderful time as you begin decorating your beautiful home for Christmas... as I count my many blessings, I count you as one of them too!... xoxo Julie Marie

Katherine said...

I love the saying 'What if you woke today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday'.

Imagine the scope of that!

Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.


Hugs
K

Anonymous said...

Lovely thoughts today. Wishing you & yours a beautiful Thanksgiving, June!
Hugs,
Zuzu

Victoria said...

I love the wire heart! So pretty:) I love Thanksgiving also, I spend the entire day in the kitchen (with a few Mimosa's to start the day off with!). Plus, it's the day before we decorate for Christmas and break out the holiday music:)

I hope you have a wonderful Holiday with your loved ones!

summersundays-jw said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. I have 2 g'girls who will love the hearts (it's now added to my "to-do" list). Jan

Olive said...

Hi June, truly we are blessed. Thanksgiving centered as it is around table and family is my favorite holiday. Christmas is easier to photograph I think. Love your heart and all your images. I am slowly pulling out my things. CC is home and she is helping me. much love, olive

Anonymous said...

Have been working at the Antique store and the Thrift/food pantry with Christmas decorating- I think I am going to be Christmased out before I get to my house!

Can't wait to see your lovely home- you always do such a wonderful job making it beautiful!

bee blessed
mary

Deb said...

Beautiful post June.
Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving ♥

Fete et Fleur said...

Oh, June. . .

Your tulle hearts are exquisite! Keeping a journal is a lovely idea. These last few weeks have been a grateful fete for me, from the simplest of things to the more intricate. I can't wait to see more of your beautiful home decorated. Thank you for inviting us in.

Hugs!
Nancy

Blondie's Journal said...

This is such a wonderful post, June. My day got started on the wrong foot and I was feeling a little sorry for myself when I came to your post. I used to keep a gratitude journal as well and like you, it became spotty! I think it would serve me well to start it up again and write in the morning. It seems as I sit and have my coffee, all the things I have to accomplish during the day just start to loom over me and I get stressed even before I start. We really need to keep our focus on all the positives and the love around us. Thanks so much for the "pick me up"!

XO,
Jane

Vicki said...

Hi, June,
I enjoyed reading your post of thankfulness today. I, too, am thankful for so much I have been blessed with. I am thankful for you, June, and your friendship. You have been a kind friend ever since the beginning of my Bunny Cottage journal, and I thank you. Enjoy your holiday with your sweet loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!! Vicki p.s. I love those wire hearts you are making. I have always had a soft spot in my heart for hearts!!!

Snooks said...

It is so easy to get caught up in things and forget to remember all of our blessings.

@ 3Beeze Homestead

Barbara said...

I enjoyed reading your post and love your Christmas angel.

Most people are not aware how blessed they are and how much they have. Maybe it's because they take most things for granted.

I started writing in my little book of blessings 20 years ago, after reading the books of Sarah Ban Breathnach. And every new years eve, I take my book and reread it, remembering all of my blessings of the past year, realizing again and again how lucky I am.

Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving.

Love,
B.

flowersandhome said...

Beautiful week and a Happy Thanksgiving June! You're so right, there's so much to be thankful for.
Bye,
Marian

Victoria said...

June, I just had to come back and re-comment after your visit to my blog...I noticed you have a new profile pic and you look amaaaazing!!! Not that you didn't before but wow, you're a knockout! Gorgeous!

Just had to tell you that!

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Thank you for these beautiful words accompanies by luscious photos, June. You remind us that the key to happiness is indeed gratitude. There is so much to feel blessed about.
I just love your wire hearts and the pretty angel doll from your friend. Happy Thanksgiving to you June!

Kateyed said...

Grateful for you, June. Very thankful for your support this year.
Hugs,
Suz

Ivy and Elephants said...

Thank you, June. I can't wait to see your decorations.
Wishing you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Hugs,
Patti

erin's art and gardens said...

hi june,
so many blessings to be thankful for, indeedy! i am impressed with your journaling...i have always loved that idea, but can never stick with it....except for my blog though, which is a journal of sorts.
i am so looking forward to your holiday decorating and beautiful images of such!
happy thanksgiving, my dearest.
erin
xxoo

Diane said...

Well said June. I love your little hearts and your other beautiful things. Diane

Tricia said...

I love visiting you to take in all your pretty photos and wonderful thoughts. There's so much in life to be thankful for, isn't there? Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving :)

Nely said...

Dear June,
So wonderful photos and your words,
Wishing you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving:)
Many hugs my dear friend!

The "Barn" said...

I'm thankful for your encouraging and beautiful posts. We do have so much to be thankful for and often forget to give Thanks. Thanks to you for the reminder and many blessings on your Thanksgiving !Day

farmhouse-story said...

have a wonderful thanksgiving!

chateau chic said...

I so appreciate your thoughts for Thanksgiving. Wonderful reminders against a backdrop of beautiful photos of your home.
Trust you have a lovely day with your family!
Mary Alice

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Beautiful, thoughtful post June!
I've been cleaning my nest too as I will be decking my halls this weekend! I've also been counting my blessings as I make my kids favorites for Thanksgiving and remember my Mom and Dad doing the same for me. Always a bittersweet time of year, blending old memories with making new ones.
Have a wonderful holiday!

Holly Loves Art said...

Just love your new profile picture! Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Have a lovely day.
Holly

Beehive Needleworks said...

Dearest June...Such a heart-felt post! As we become caught up the clatter of daily life, one might easily overlook true thankfulness...it is grand of you to give a wee nudge forward down the path.
Wishing you and your lovely family a Thanksgiving filled with love and special blessings!
Sending hugs,
Judy ♥

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Hi June, wishing you and your family a very blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving. Love your wire hearts, thier adorable!!!
Hugs~~~ Daphne

Peonies & Magnolias said...

Hi June, I just love your post. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sandy

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh this doll is just perfect for your lovely home, JUNE!

Wishing you and your loved ones a perfect Thanksgiving of WONDER!! Anita

Nell said...

Un splendide univers tout en douceur, une ambiance que j'aime tout particulièrement
Nell

suziqu's thread works said...

My dear friend, June,
Such heart felt words!
Gratitude certainly unlocks the fullness of love and life. If only everyday could be called "Thanksgiving" our world could be a better place. Everyday that I walk out my door I try to remember to remind myself how grateful I am for where and how I am able to live out my life.
I love your idea of a Gratitude Journal - I think I will adopt one also.
Wishing for you a precious time with your wonderful family and friends!
I'm also wishing you the best of luck for my Giveaway.
Sending much love,
Suzy

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

teehee...that doll just makes me giggle!

Oh June, we could not stand to see our dearest N. without a camera. I know she will make her magic with that Olympus; I NEVER COULD! But now I have a nice Canon and my photos are actually looking better!

MUCH LOVE to you on this THANKSGIVING DAY! Anita

Ana said...

Hi Ms. June,
Just stopping by to wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. What a sweet blessing your friendship has been to me and for that I am truly thankful. Sending you a great big hug.

♥Ana

Donna Reyne' said...

I am so thankful for you my dear one!
You have blessed me from the first time I ever stopped by and each visit since!
Have a wonderful day with your loved ones and know you are in my thoughts and every prayer!
Hugs from here there
much love
Donna

Betty Jo said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your precious family my friend. Your photos are as gorgeous as ever. You've decorated more than I have so far!

Anonymous said...

So true June! We really do get all wrapped up sometimes in the have nots and forget the haves! I hope you have a wonderful Holiday! I'm thankful for all the blogger friends I have and the wonderful things they bring into my life! Traci

Rostrose said...

Dearest June!
"I truly do believe that a thankful heart is the key to a happy life" is for me the best and truest and most beautiful "Quote of the Year 2012"! Your Thanksgiving post warms my heart - and I hope you and your family could celebrate together a beautiful celebration of gratitude. I myself hope that one day I can celebrate the Thanksgiving feast in the States, it is very special! My vacation days in the western United States are now unfortunately over - but for these three wonderful weeks I can be very, very grateful, too. We had dreamlike holidays, and we had the enormous good fortune not to travel in an area where Sandy drove up to mischief. Dearest June, one day it drives me perhaps a bit closer to the area where you live - I would be glad to meet you someday.
But before I go back into my daily life - which is not bad either :o)) - filled with gratitude!
Warm hugs, Traude

Shanon at Vintage Sparkle Chic said...

Such beautiful photos. I'm thankful you always share your gorgeous home with us!

~Shanon

Pondside said...

"There is so much that we can feel sorry for ourselves about,
but there is always more that
we can feel joy and gratitude over."
You are so, so right. I hope your Thanksgiving was everything you wanted it to be!

momto8 said...

I think a thankful heart is the key to a happy life too..

Victorian1885 said...

Hello dear June
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your Family. I can't wait to see your home decorated for the Holidays! Your sweet lacy hearts are so pretty & the angel is adorable! Have a great week my friend!
Hugs,
Wanda

blossoms vintage chic said...

Hello June,
Just a little thank you for your visit and your kind words. Your blog is heavenly and I'm now your newest follower!
Wishing you a lovely week...
Sincerely,
Debbie

Cindy said...

That was the sweetest most thought provoking post ever. I loved every word. You are so right. And your little hearts are exquisite. The perfect backdrop for your words...

Cindy

Julie Marie said...

Hi June... I just stopped back in to see if there was anything new and to sigh over all of your beautiful photos again... I love your new header, and all of your pretty flowers on your sidebar!... sigh... I am missing my gardens... can't wait to see your Christmas decorations... xoxo... Julie Marie

Susan Shull said...

We are so blessed, aren't we? Love your little hearts and your house looks beautiful!

koralee said...

So much to be thankful for...I am thankful for the beauty I find over here everytime I visit. xoxo

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

As always my sweet 'lil Junie.... A beautiful post. Love your pix... Perfect. Have you taken photography classes or it just another one of your natural gifties??? The whole thing confuses me!

Thankful for so much. I can barely believe how good God is to me... :-)

Lovies and huggies!

Spence

Mitchells Sun Valley said...

June, you started me on the Thankfullness journal about 15 years ago & so with you I will rededicate myself to keeping it! I'm thankful for wonderful life-long friends like you. I'm looking to your blog for comfort & support as I leave the work-a-day world to find peace in my own space & place

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Barbara said...

I'm really not ready for Christmas, but will love watching what you do. I always steal your ideas! :)

Monica said...

Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous!
We haven't found a proper home as of yet, so I won't decorate once again. But will definitely be in the first row to see your stunning Christmas decor!
Love to you,
Monica xo

Wendy & Megan Chamberlain said...

Dear June
Thank you so much for your kind comments on my blog. Waiting for the blood test results now but have to repeat one test because a mistake was made with the labelling, believe it or not. So still rather up in the air, the extreme cold winter we are experiencing this year is most probably not good for my joints!
hugs
Wendy

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Rose Garden Romantic said...
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Rose Garden Romantic said...
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Rose Garden Romantic said...

Hello sweet June! Such lovely photos! The angel is so cute! I can't wait to see more of your Christmas decor this year!
Michelle xoxo

Lady of the Woods said...

I had to come here to respond to your comment June, but I don't see my first comment here, I wonder what happened? But I will post here what I responded today: "Beauty begets Beauty and helps raise us to a new awareness, a new spirituality".....exactly, I could not have said it better. It is what I was trying to say indeed.
How beautiful, that your sons syndrome first caused depression then a journey of Beauty....and you found it in caring for him, daily...how beautiful is that. I honor you for that, I know it is not easy. For me it is such a blessing to simply hear of such a transformation in your experience. Your love comes through on your posts, is why I followed, not for decor, but I can hear love in your "voice"...I can hear voices in reading....and such a gentle but powerful Light....and yes...White supports LIGHT and Love like no other! blessings, lady

Lisa said...

June,
Love this & agree.
Lisa