Thanks.

Thank You Platter from Jayson Home and Garden, $78 (image via Jayson Home and Garden); "Thanks Again" Cookies from Eleni's New York. $58.50 (image via Eleni's); "Pinstripe" A2 Thank You Cards from Papersource, $12.50 (image via Papersource)

When I was in high school there was a Thanksgiving tradition that took place on the last Thursday assembly before Thanksgiving Break:  for one hour there would be an open mic in the front of the auditorium, and girls would line up all the way down the aisles and take turns saying what they were thankful for that year.  You might think that at a girls prep school this would be an hour of entitled she-teens shouting the praises of diet coke and n*sync, and some of it was, but so much of it was really moving and unexpectedly thoughtful.

In college (hot pink bed linens! zebra print pillows!), I recall some of my close high school friends perpetuating this tradition over email during the week before Thanksgiving.  When I was 23 and in my first studio apartment (salmon colored walls! capiz shells everywhere!) I wrote my list out on a gold note card for all to see; it sat on my fridge for two years. Now, at almost 30, I haven’t participated in The Thanksgiving Assembly – real or simulated – in more than five years, and I feel like this blog is as good a platform as any.

So, here are a few things I am genuinely and humbly thankful for this year, in no particular order:

My husband, for being the most patient, kind, and motivating partner.  You’ve rolled with all the punches, and I love you more every day.
Our son, for being the single most satisfying part of my day. Also, I am so grateful that you are a good sleeper.
My parents, for being so unwavering in their support of me and my family. Without their help and encouragement, our lives would not be the same.  Also my “other parents,” my in-laws, for being without question the best a girl could ask for. Also, for providing free dental care.
Family, friends that are indistinguishable from it, and friends that pop in and out but are worth the wait.  I especially feel lucky to have “inherited” so many friends from my husband, whom I now call some of MY best friends.

I’m particularly grateful for the kindness of strangers, especially those on the train who entertain my son, and the people who take the time to hold doors and smile at us every day.  I hope I often return the favor, and that I can teach my son to do his part in treating others well.

Having a job that I adore, the support I’ve needed to let it grow, and the freedom that comes with being self-employed.  My lovely clients, the readers of my blog, and my enthusiastic students at the Corcoran are sources of motivation and joy.  I sometimes can’t believe I get paid to do what I do.

…and of course the “stuff” that makes life fun: having a coffee shop across the street, long walks, crayons, sushi, Cookie Monster, sweatpants, Mad Men, Scrabble, crafting and cupcakes.

Our bright and happy Thanksgiving table for six and a half people.

Sometimes you just need to say “thanks” to the people and things that deserve it.  I certainly don’t feel like I do that enough.

Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful, and that you have a great long weekend!

–Jessica

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