Thanksgiving Holiday Break

On Tuesday, I got in my last hugs and pics of Little Horse before taking him to the kennel.  He is a sweetheart, but he can't be trusted left alone for more than a few hours.  I know he is in good hands because he gets to play with all the other dogs inside and outside all day long.  He will come home worn out when I pick him up next week!

Yesterday we drove down to Davenport, Florida which is just South of Orlando.  A normally 8 hour drive took us closer to 12 hours in the car with holiday traffic.  Even though we arrived before 10pm, I didn't get to bed until after midnight.  There were plenty of things I would have loved to have taken pics of to share with you, but I drove all but an hour and a half in my Mom's car.  During that hour and a half break, I was sleeping because I was so exhausted!  This is the one picture I did get when I woke up and took back the driver's seat.  I think Spanish moss on the trees is so cool.

This morning, we took off for Clearwater Beach and ate lunch at a cafe right on the ocean.  We sat outside and I enjoyed the best helping or Huevos Rancheros.

Then we walked all of 100 feet and saw this wonderful view.

There was no hesitation in taking off my shoes and socks to bury my pigs in the sand today.  It was so warm!  In the 80s with a nice breeze (that'd be 29C for you anti-Fahrenheit folks) and I didn't even get cold walking in the water.  I was shocked to find that it was warm enough for me to wish I had a swim suit to go all the way into the water.

Right as I walked up to the shoreline, I saw a dorsal fin.  There were only two dolphins and they didn't stay long.  I felt so fortunate to witness this because normally I'm the one with my eyes shut or back turned when everyone else sees the shooting stars or the deer cross the road.

My kids had so much fun chasing each other and running through the sand and water.  This is my most favorite shot of the day.

I liked the silhouette of Pier 60 against the horizon.

More pure joy and exuberance from my kids.  I really could not have asked for a better Thanksgiving Day.  So many things throughout made me pause and think about how thankful I am, both for things that happened today and already in my life.

My honeys is at the top of my list.  He is my rock and keeps me grounded.  He helps me to not be so serious and remember that being silly is a good thing.  I could not ask for a better father to our children.  Or a better supporter when I want to try something new.  He is my love.

I am thankful for my children, who help me see so much through new eyes.

My family and friends, who aren't afraid to remind me of when/how I screwed up in the past and how much I have grown.

My friends who are patient with my lack of reaching out to pick up the phone or send an email and trust that when I'm no longer drowning with work and life that I will call and email them.  

My time on the torch to create, relax and unwind.

My wonderful customers and friends who keep coming back to my blog to look and comment.  You guys really keep me going.  I know very few of you in real life, but your support and encouragement means so much to me.

So.

My way of saying thanks...

For coming back to my blog, even when I'm slack and can't keep up with posts.  

For being repeat customers.

For just being you.

If you see something in my bead or jewelry shop, enter GRATITUDE in the coupon code field at check out for 20% off your entire order.  This little appreciation sale will be going on through Monday, November 29th.  All items will ship out on Tuesday, November 30th.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day if you celebrate this holiday.  

I hope that you are surrounded by love and have more blessings to count than you know what to do with.  

I hope that you may also have as wonderful of a day as I had today.