I’m going to do my best to to catalog all the things I have to be thankful for- one or more per day, each day this November. If I miss a day- I’ll simply double up the next time I get to write. I’m going to keep this post at the top of my blog too- so don’t think the content hasn’t changed- I just want this to be front and center as we head into the Holiday Season. Also, if you’re sharing about the things you’re thankful for, I’d love to hear from you!
1. I’m grateful for the love and support of Zach, who consistently and faithfully cheers me on, encourages me to be my best, to stive for bliss and excellence and to be all that I can be. Without him, there would be no photography, no rides with Buck, no art; He’s brought the me in me to the top and wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you for loving me the way you do.
2. I am beyond grateful for the life I get to lead. It’s the stuff dreams are made of, and I try to never take for granted that I’m able to get up each day and do something I love- whether it be riding, starting a colt, moving cows, feeding hay or just rubbing on a horse (shhhh… even fixing fence), I am beyond blessed!
3. I’m thankful for Kelsey and Ty- two great kids that graciously allow me into their lives and teach me all kinds of stuff I didn’t know about myself!
4. Four For the awesome friends and family I’ve gained for being part of Zach’s (The Cowboy), life. I had my first craft fair yesterday and it was a lot of work, but so much fun! I had so many helpful people surrounding me. Not only those who actually helped but those who supported me through encouragement. I’ll be sharing photos from the fair, later this week. I said before, and I’ll say again- I’m blessed!
5. I am eternally grateful for friends and family who support and care for me and those I love through prayers and calls. And for a God who is gracious and loving.
6. I’m grateful for my upbringing, even though I know I gave my parents gray hairs. Turns out mama and daddy were right about a LOT of things!
7. Blue skies, sunshine, kittens and cows.
8. Shopping with my nieces.
9. I’m grateful for airline travel and the ability to utilize it.
10. Thankful for my talents and my ability to use them, I am grateful that I got to take photos of a special girl, and couple on Saturday.
11. Hooray for Veterans, and those who are currently active in the armed forces! Thank you for your service to our country.
12. Sunrises.
13. Support. Support from my family, my friends, and perfect strangers! If it were not for those that patronize my business and reward my creativity I wouldn’t get to do half of what I am able. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
14. Chiropractors.
15. Massage therapists and new camera lenses!
16. I am grateful that at the age of 35, I know what my passions in life are and as such am able to pursue them.
17. I’m grateful for kind airport workers who went through the trouble of checking my bags all the way through to my final destination, even though I was on two different reservations. And I’m grateful to my dad, who through his job flies hundreds of thousands of miles each year, and is able to provide me with free airfare, and who gladly picks up the tab on that which isn’t free.
18. I am thankful for horses. I arrived back at the ranch on Saturday night and it was dark. So I spent yesterday doing chores, checking on things, and photographing the boys. I also got to have a super ride on Dino to bring in a bull- it’s time for them to head to the corral for the winter.
19. Freedom. For soldiers, for the government, for our Founding Fathers, and for the freedom to do as I please each day- though some would say what I do is still work, it’s not really, at least to me!
20. I am grateful for days like yesterday where the sun shined, I had a job to do horseback, got to ride some awesome horses, and enjoy the awesome creation I call home!
21. I’m thankful for being able to work from home, so I can spend the day making pies and taking photos (which is how I spent this day!).
22. For family gatherings and a day to take time out of our lives to say what we’re thankful for. And I’m grateful that Wayne (Zach’s dad) was able to leave the hospital for a few hours to come spend some time with his family that is so dear to him.
23. Weddings. In this day and age, and call me old fashioned if you want, I’m glad there are still folks that want to commit their lives to one another in front of God and family.
And I am grateful for the opportunity to use my talents to photograph their day!
24. Visits with women who’re older and wiser than I.
25. Families that eat and play together and who believe it’s good to capture these moments on film.
26. The financial ability to go to town, purchase what we want/need and extras on top of that, like a Christmas tree! (decorating photos coming soon!)
27. That I live in a country where we have freedom of religion, freedom of the press (even if I don’t think they always do their job!).
28. Goat cheese, a refrigerator full of food, and my health.
29. The variety of weather- be it cold frosty mornings, or sunny, blue-skied afternoons- we never have to worry about being bored or getting the same-old, same-old. Variety is the spice of life.
30. All the talents the Good Lord has bestowed upon me. I hope I never take them forgranted and use them for His good.
Count your blessings everyday, folks!
Happy Trails!
I love this idea! I’m trying to keep up with my photo a day challenge, but there are times between work, errands and trying to put all of those little details in place that I forget. Looking forward to see what else you are thankful for 🙂