Mega Mobius Gratitude Quilt 2012

thankful hearts aligned 


just beneath the surface love


awakens anew

Welcome to the Mega Mobius Gratitude Quilt 2012! Gratitude is experienced in our hearts, our minds, our souls, felt in our bodies too. It is understood beneath and beyond words and yet, we have managed to stitch our thoughts and feelings together to form a most inspiring quilt composed of words that do indeed span the globe. Once again every continent with the exception of Antarctica is represented. Two hundred twenty two individuals or couples have offered up wholehearted thanks, woven through with silver and gold threads of love, compassion, kindness, passion, blessing and so much more. This is our largest quilt to date, about double the size of the quilt in 2011! It may be too much to read at once, so feel free to bookmark this page and return as often as you'd like. Truly this, YOU are all inspiring souls. I am humbled by your outpouring, honored and uplifted by what has been shared from wise little children to wise elders; simple and complex, completely magnificent. 

“I feel so small.” I said these words to someone recently at a meditation retreat during a time when we were asked to step out of silence with reverence and sit in chevruta (dyads, study partners). We were learning about social justice and the integral role of mindfulness in this work. What my memory heard her say was this; “That is not how I see you. Your energy, your soul is expansive. You are not small.” I understood what she meant, yet at the same time still felt, feel small, but not insignificant, for we are all here for a purpose, I believe this is true, even if we are not always or ever clear what our purpose is. And perhaps our purpose changes as need in the world changes, as we grow and change. So while this quilt is a small thing to create in the largeness of suffering that reaches every corner of our world, my prayer is that this gesture of mindful awareness, of great-full-ness, that we have offered together, will shine some light, bring some warmth to us all and to anyone else who stops by to read what we have shared. May our words reveal our connections, our sameness within our uniqueness, our ONEness, as beings living here on earth right now in THIS moment. May we pass some of the genuine tenderness we feel, the essence steeped within the blessings we are thankful for, on to others we meet; energetically, with a kind smile, or holding a door, preparing a meal for one who is sick, just gave birth or is mourning, offering a ride to someone who needs it, listening without judgment to someone who has a burden to release  (including ourselves). Through financial contributions to organizations that do good works, clothing, repurposed household items, or food shared at a local pantry. May we be receptacles for tears and laughter overflowing. May those who do great things to offer healing in our vast world continue to do what they do, be who they are, this includes many of you... I dare say all of you, each in your own way. Who decides what is great?

I am small, a spark and that is good. I am content to be who I am and open to growth and learning, giving, more as I am able, if that is what I am called to do.  Perhaps in a way this quilt truly IS something great, though it is a drop of love in the ocean of tears our planet endures. Great, because of all of YOU and yes, me too, for we all have our part in healing this world and if that happens one person to one person, or joined together, surely we are making a difference.

May each small expression of words, the briefest pause of silent presence, every small act, all moments we give of ourselves a little bit, extend the length, width and loft of this quilt into the world in real and meaningful ways. Let the abundance of thankfulness flow:

I am grateful for good heath, loving and being loved, having good reason to laugh daily and for the chance to experience all the twists, turns and changes that life offers. ~Hilary  I am so grateful for and appreciative of the doctors and nurses who understand human needs to be taken care of and come out to serve even in a hurricane; for generous friends and loyal family.  I am grateful for music. ~Naomi  I am most grateful right now for Family, losing my mom has really made me even more grateful. I am also loving the beautiful Fall leaves and crisp air. My furbabies always make the top of the list; they give me so much love and joy. And of course art, looking at it, doing it, thinking about it, such a miracle. There is much more to be thankful for, but these are the things that are meaning the most to me now in this moment. I am grateful for another new, bright and shiny day. I am loving the birds right now and the chill in the air, snow on the way. I am loving just being alive. ~ Annie  I’m happy for my princess pig, that we get to paint things, that Grandma and Grandpa give us toys and presents, that our clock glows in the dark, that we made our beds into bunk beds, for my Ariel wig, and that I got a vitamin at breakfast. ~Molly  I’m glad that I have three Ariel barbies and dinosaur toys, and that I have a Mommy. I’m happy that I am safe, that I get birthday presents, that Grandma and Grandpa come to see us, that we go to the beach, that we go to swimming class, and that I’m doing tap class.  I’m happy that I have dresses. ~Robin I’m grateful for electricity, and that in times of trouble people let go of their differences and come together in support and concern for each other.  I’m grateful for the innocence and curiosity of youth, and for the opportunity to witness and re-discover it as an adult.  I’m grateful for friendships that are blossoming in my life, and for the courage to go outside of my comfort zone to pursue them.    I’m grateful that my life is blessed with the presence of so many wise people, who seem to come at the perfect time to show me a different way of looking at things. ~Coleen  I am grateful for the love that surrounds us all. ~Abby  In words I’ve never spoken, as the truth is so real, I would like to thank my mom for giving me life, as well as saving it. I would like to thank my dad for all his hard work to give my mom, my sister and I a loving home, always having more than enough food, and wonderful holidays full of laughter and joy. Thank you both for all the music lessons.  Lessons that filled our days, and music that filled our heart and home.  Even though my sister and I have not lifted our instruments in a long time, I would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to learn. I would like to thank my friends, new ones and old ones.  You are all a port in my ever changing world and mind, always willing to listen, and never judging. I would like to thank my sister.  Even though we do not agree on most things, I can see that you are an awesome human being, who gives love easily to others, so much more than I ever gave you.  Sorry.  This I wish to change in the coming years. ~Karen  I am grateful for new life, my family's safety, and dear friends. ~Viv  I’m grateful to my husband who is my best friend, the love of my life, and my caregiver. When I became chronically Ill 11 ½ years ago, I had no idea that he would turn out to be the most caring and conscientious of caregivers. He never complains about all he has to do for me and the extra responsibilities he’s had to take on. He never complains about how hard it is to go out into the world by himself to social events and to visit friends and family. He says it’s a pleasure to take care of me. I’m sometimes in awe of his patience and devotion. He’s taught me how to be a caregiver should I ever have to take on that role myself. I know how fortunate I am. I’ve met so many people on the Internet whose partners didn’t stick around when they developed health problems. Not only did my husband stick around, but also we’re closer than we’ve ever been. I am blessed beyond words. ~Toni

 

I am grateful for so much that much of my day is a prayer of thanks. ~Susan  I'm grateful for . . .for the smallest things . . . the time to stop, notice and wonder. Nature is a thousand beautiful details, whenever I stop to look. ~Rick  Belly full, place to be, love surrounds my family, mind fills with hope and willingness. ~Daniel  my precious loved ones, my creative life, beauty of nature, the promise of hope ~ Lynna I Am blessed Not more Not less Just Exactly as I should be ~Kim I am grateful for - song life breath the waters receding love good health and good Drs good hospitals nearby amazing friends the opportunities to connect and re-connect change - today is today, tomorrow will be different learning to work with anger and forgiveness sight - to see the incredible beauty of the world ~ Sadie    

I am grateful for the newborn with shining eyes, who searches out for my eyes until she finds them. I am grateful to my husband who holds us both with tender care. I am grateful to my parents, friends, and all who support our family during this tender, fragile, incredible time. I am living in the miracle of life, grateful to have brought forth life, and grateful to share this life with its new discoveries each day. ~Becky I am grateful for my two beautiful grandchildren and for the chance to see my sons become loving fathers. ~Anne  When I see the devastation surrounding us, I am so grateful we are intact. ~Eve  I am so very thankful for my daughter. She is my everything. ~Birgitta   I give thanks each day for my wonderful husband who is beyond amazing and supportive. He is the wind beneath my wings. ~Jan

We have each other, and each other has the other's back, and our cats keep us alert to our animal side, and we praise each day we are upright, breathing, and knowing. ~Mary  I am so thankful for my husband who has been my best friend and support system through so many trials including my own illness. He asked me what I wanted as an anniversary present and I said, that I have had the best present ever for over 30 years. ~Michelle  In.......... out....... breathe, just breathe....... clear your mind and this is what i feel....... relief. Immense relief.... the news may not have been good, but are a blessing nonetheless and the resultant ripples in the rings of life are warming me in a deep and meaningful way... ~Shadow  I'm grateful for the despair and sorrow that leads me to a better place; for the delight and joy of my children's laugh; for all the people working to make the world a better place for as many people as possible. ~Fi  I am grateful for the gift of speech, for the images of my heart, for being a part of this precious world of life. ~ Lea

Before going off to college I never realized how thankful I really am for my friends and family. I never stopped and thought about how integral a part of my life they are and how empty my life would feel without them. Out here in Pittsburgh I have made many new friends of course, but I will always be thankful for the friends and family that have been by my side from the beginning, and even more thankful for the ones that will be there till the end. ~Katie Tonight, I am content to visit many heartfelt haiku bloggers, content to look at photos that moved other, content to share my own words. Tonight I am grateful to be content with small things. In recent days, I find myself especially grateful for the walls that surround me, and the roof that shelters me.  For the solid floors beneath my feet, and the trees that remain standing outside my home.  Grateful that the ones that fell, hurt no one, nor caused any permanent damage.  I am thrilled to have power restored after six days off, two on, a half hour off, a few hours on, two days off...and now ON!  I am warm, fed, and clothed, for these human needs being met, I am grateful.  I am grateful that I got the opportunity to reconnect with a childhood friend, in a meaningful and touching way, before her recent sudden unexpected passing.  I am grateful for the joy my sweet pup, Maki, brings to me each day - most recently by watching him chase snowballs and become very confused when they hit the snow and disappeared!  Much love ~Karin  A- Ability: to see and read, to hear, to talk, to move, to learn, to create things with my hands, to walk, to understand, to care, to share, to forgive, to love B- Bible:  God's written word that inspires me, guides me, gives me strength when I am weak, show me   the right path, get to know more of my Savior and how He worked with the different kinds  of people and how He can also work with anyone who believes C- Creator who made everything that is seen and unseen D- Dance with the music E- Eternal life with God that He promised for those who accept His love and forgiveness F- Friends that God sends along the way that makes my life exciting G- God that can walk with me on the mountain tops and in the valleys. H- Hope when everything seems hopeless I- Imposssible tasks that can be possible with Go J- Jesus who died for our sins so that we can have eternal life with God K- Kindhearted people that is willing to give L- Love that covers all M- Material blessings N- Name : That everyone and everything has a name O - Obstacles in life that makes me stronger P- Peace in the midst of storm Q- Quieteness R- Rest S- Salt that makes food tasty T-   Tears that I can shed when I want to cry U- Uniqueness: That each and everyone is unique V- Vacation five weeks in a year W- Water to drink X- X-ray machine  that can penetrate solids and make it possible to see into or trough them Y- Years of my life Z- Zinnia: A daisy -like garden plant with brightly colored flowers. ~Ligaya  

I am grateful for everything. The pain, either physical or dressed in sorrow. The mistakes, the loving days and the bitter moments. The great food and that underdone steak I was served when I was starving. The new friends and those that decided to pass on. Grateful for the death of my pet for it has forced me to see her in every dog now. It makes them all look at me like I'm crazy when I baby talk them as I pet them, just like I used to do with "my" beagle. I love it all. The apparent tears of sadness that really come from love. I am grateful for this and for you all. ~William  Big sky. Clean fresh desert air. Coyote's song. ~Clair  What am I grateful for in THIS moment? Having lost a friend this past week, I am grateful that I am alive and my family is well.  ~Wayne  small reminders daily we are not alone ~Brian  In this moment I am grateful for the Divine Net of Love that surrounds and nourishes you and me and all Creation. ~Seena  In this moment I am grateful for the honor of pilgrimage and the gift of returning home. ~Darla

I am grateful for this amazing time in my life.  I am immensely grateful for the long journey of ‘finding my place’ being complete and having a strong sense of purpose now that I know what that purpose is.  I am grateful for the connection to my spirit guides/expanded Self and the valuable guidance I receive about every area of my life, including my life purpose and spiritual career.  I am grateful for completing this journey and preparing for the next one.  I am grateful that I am being guided every step of the way.   I am grateful for this time of my dreams coming true step-by-step!  I’m grateful that my vision of paradise is unfolding before me! I am grateful for music and my collection of music.  I’m grateful that it uplifts my spirits and energizes me.  I’m grateful for singing and dancing and how alive it makes me feel!  I’m grateful for my camera and how it allows me to capture the vastness and details of nature in Colorado.  I’m grateful that I recently started using my gel pens in my art journal and am grateful they work since they are more than 10 years old!  I’m grateful for my acrylic paints and brushes, for my watercolor paints and brushes, the collage materials and fabric I have collected and the other art supplies I have.  I’m grateful for my creativity and abilities to use all of the supplies.  I’m grateful I started developing my creativity long ago.   I’m grateful I’ve been able to release most of the unsupportive aspects of the inner critic and now I can create with freedom. ~Lisa  “I am grateful for every wish that didn’t come true” I can think I know what I want, what is best for me, but the Mighty One knows far better than I. I am as close to Heaven as a person can be right now, right here. ~Lisa  Most of all I am thankful for my family. Especially for my dad who gave so much ... and my daughters who light up my life. For the neighbor who brought us wood scraps to keep us warm ... enough to share with others who are cold. For the sun and rain that nourish my world ...For the hearts that are everywhere if I look hard enough ...For the change of the seasons ...For my good health this year ...For the crackle of the fire in the fireplace ...For my ugly little car that keeps getting me where I need to go ...For the kitty who knows when I need a cuddle ...For laughter. And tears. Both help to cleanse my soul. For the precious heart-friends I've met in Blogland. So many thoughts and prayers ... so many hugs and smiles. There is so much in my world that I take for granted. It's good to slow down and take count. ~Clytie  I am grateful for the strength of the unconquerable human spirit.... to help and care for one another through times of great adversity and to find ways to express God's love in working for the benefit of all people. We are One. ~ Sandy  Such much abundance, so overwhelmed, and suddenly so inarticulate - an unusual position for a poet/writer. I am grateful, as I often jokingly say but actually do mean, that I am still "on this side of the sod" - so many dear to me are not or are, as a nurse friend crassly but endearingly puts it, "circling the drain". I am grateful for my sense of humour, black and wicked as it is. It has seen me through many a tough time. The gift of laughter makes me thankful every day. I am also thankful to dearest Laura for making me pause to realize how much there is to be grateful for - my family - who I adore and would throw myself under a bus for, especially the adorable grandsons. My border/collie-wolf cross, a more loyal pet I would be hard pressed to imagine let alone find. And the love of my life, forty-three years married in February (five together before that) - yes, the man's a saint. And the words, yes - complain as I might - writing helps keep me sane and I am really grateful for that. ~Sharon

I'm grateful for each moment that I can see the light- the colors, shapes, lines and shadows that make up our visual experience.  I grateful for each breath I take. ~Sharmon  I am so grateful for my dog, Olivia.  I had never known love before and she has taught me patiently.  We work toward listening to one another more keenly each day. ~Cathy I light a candle in the darkness of my little office. I inhale love, I exhale gratitude. And I think “In this moment, I am grateful for …” The blessings simply flood in, like water flowing in and around things, seeking the open spaces within me. Grateful for … learning how to live with less since I was laid off in May, how not just to live with less but to be satisfied with less, to be filled with less, to find the blessings that abound in less. Where before I might pay someone to do some things for me, I now learn to do them for myself. The dishwasher has been broken since June; I find the blessings in washing dishes the way Thich Nhat Hanh describes it, feeling the slippery soap, the edge of a plate, the warm water; gazing out the window and watching a little bird or the breeze in the trees. In this moment, I am grateful for less. ~Rose  In this moment I am grateful for forgiveness and the chance at any point in time to start over again.  ~Kaveri  In this moment I am grateful for my family taking care of me. ~Naya

I am grateful for every moment Laura, some more than others to be fair.  Each one is a gift though. ~John  I am so grateful for having a second chance in life, one that was almost lost. I never knew I would one day be able to return the unconditional love my Mom has always given to me. I cherish the time I have with her and know this is where the two of us are suppose to be. ~Robin  God needs more angels to bring the love to all. We are God's angels and moment to moment I am so grateful to know this truth. ~Lynda  I am thankful for: G – God and how He opens a window just when you think the door is closed R – Reasoning – and the human ability to pause A – All things blessed… T –True love of family and friends I –  Internal reflection T – Time to see things more clearly U – Understanding the need to be grateful D – Direction by Laura, who started a ripple E – Everyone who paused and added to the ripple ~Lynelle  In this moment I am grateful for love in all it's forms and for the contented snores of my furry canine family. My beautiful daughter, who fills me with gratitude every day. I am grateful for enough: Enough love, enough friendship, enough to eat, enough to learn, enough wise people in my life to have taught me important lessons, enough to cherish and enough to share. I'm grateful we made it through another year with grace enough to keep us working together rather than pulling apart and, singing through this moment and every moment of the last few months...I am grateful to be able to move my body as I need to, and the control not to move when I don't need to. I'm grateful my mother survived breast cancer and continues to out-tough her health problems. ~Jacqueline

Grateful for the refreshing breeze coming through my open window. ~Sheila  I am grateful for being happy and a day spent with my Mom. ~Rosie I'm grateful for family by blood, family by friendship, and family by fur. ~ Lynne I am grateful for today! ~Ayala Divine guidance is why I moved to a different country and culture. When the days don't seem to be what I want, I remember that He has the world--my world--under control. ~Betty Grateful for life ~ for all ~ Carol and zoe ^_^  I am grateful  for my online community of friends, whose encouragement has nurtured my poetry, from a trickle to a flowing stream. I thank each one of you for this unexpected blessing, which has made me so happy. ~Sherry Blue Sky

I am deeply grateful for the love of family and friends who have helped to support me and encourage me and restore me over the difficult months. ~Abra  I am so thankful for the people who surprised me time and again this year in how they stepped up with support, friendship and caring.  Wow. ~ Mike  I am grateful that you give us this chance to open the channels of gratitude and spill forth our thanks.  I am grateful that HaShem brought me to live in Jerusalem, this place that Jews have longed to return to for thousands of years..... and that I am blessed with so many Torah teachers and that learning with them is like sitting by a living, sparkling, deep, running stream of the most satisfying, nourishing, enlightening waters.  And I am grateful that I get to teach and that I have students who are thirsty for these waters that I am blessed to live by and in and with and that I can give over the teachings which is so deeply satisfying as well.  And I am so grateful for a few awesomely brilliant yoga teachers that I have and that when I practice yoga with them I am always in awe of how unknowable and deep our bodies are and how they indeed are in the image of G-d.  And I am grateful for so so so much more.....endlessly more. ~Diane  I am most grateful for music.  Without music, I might not have met my wife or had my children.  Music has allowed me to meet so many interesting and hip people.  It has afforded me the opportunity to travel to places I might not otherwise have had a chance to visit.  And one of the best things about music is that while you can make music by yourself, if you make music with other people, the creativity and collaboration involved can occasionally produce some astounding results.  Sometimes I finish playing a gig, and I’m thinking “I can’t believe that they are paying me to have this much fun!” ~David  I am grateful for my god, who without I would have nothing. ~Laurie

I'm so thankful for the music, the words, the memories and the beauty of the now. I'm so very thankful our cat came back when we thought we'd lost her: she has a lovely nature, and the house would be such a sad place without her. ~thecheesewolf  thankful for today...~Cloudia I am grateful for the chronic nerve disease that both challenges me to points I think are unbearable and makes me slow down and be grateful of what I do have... and I am blessed. ~Jodi  I am grateful that I can sit in a loud café composing e-mails to people cultivating calm on the other side of cyberspace. ~Lorne  In this moment I am grateful for the amazing group of supportive colleagues, clients and friends who believe in and support my work so lovingly. I am constantly overwhelmed by the love (in a good way!) (you included!) There are so many blessings in my life - so much to be thankful for - but after reading another supportive email from a colleague, this is what rings true in this moment. ~Jill

I am grateful to be alive. To breathe. To feel joy and sadness and especially to feel love. I am so grateful to have enough -- food, clothing, shelter, transportation, access to medical care, access to education, protection under the law - and so much more than many people on this globe. I am grateful for spiritual practice -- the possibility of growing in kindness, which is difficult but nevertheless, always within reach. I am grateful for having been given work that is creative, appreciated and inspiring to myself and others. I am so grateful to be a Mom and a Grandma. I am grateful to have my sight and my hearing, to be able to walk and talk. I am grateful to be in my seventh decade and have lived a full and blessed life.  ~Sheila  I am grateful for the kindness that I've seen people extend to those in need. ~John I'm grateful for CULTIVATING gratitude in my life.  There was a time when I didn't. ~Libby  I am grateful for my brain that insists on thinking its own thoughts and for my heart that feels more deeply than ever, now that I am chiseling, scraping, and blasting (if need be) off the layers of conditioning and upbringing - most of which were applied in the spirit of protection. I am grateful for my womb, my creativity's ground zero that continues to incubate and conjure and give birth not to babies but to art, and I'm grateful for my bones who Know in ways that defy explanation - bones that house my Wisdom. ~Jeanne  I am grateful for all the help I received as I put my disconnected  brain back together. ~Stewart.  Despite the many difficulties I and my family have faced this year, I have much to be thankful for. I'm grateful for each member of my family, for their love, and for each moment we get to spend together. I'm grateful for my dog, who is a very real part of our family and makes us laugh nearly every day. I'm grateful for a home to live in and food to eat and clothes to wear. And I'm grateful for glimpses of beauty and light, even in the midst of dark times. ~Leslie  

I am grateful for the tremendous privilege I have been given - loving family, strong education, good health.  I am grateful for the choices these privileges afford me and for the guidance I receive from known and unknown sources in directing my path through the choices. ~Lisa  For being invited to cultivate gratitude; for my wonderful, dedicated, brilliant, heart-soaked students; for my wonderful, dedicated, brilliant, heart-soaked teachers; for Torah; for Jewish paths of connecting to goodness, to holiness, to each other, to creation; for my health; for times of plenty and the remembrance to turn in service to others at those times; for being created with a solid mind which has learned a lot in these past 52 years but which is not yet turning to mush; for humor; for the privilege of being a parent; for the burst of sunshine on this grey, rainy day coming through the pinkish purply mini-orchard sitting on my desk which I recently bought at Stop 'N Shop; for the material abundance to buy not only food but also flowers; for loving friends; for my lifelong partner in making life, love, family, community, meaning and delight; for more than my lips could ever express even if they were full of words as the ocean is full of waves. ~Nancy  I'm profoundly grateful for my current lifestyle that affords me the freedom and liberty to live an unstructured life, following wherever the Spirit leads and creating a happy, comfortable home for my husband and companion animals. ~Carolynn  We are grateful for the beautiful progression of our daughter Laura, who has made this year wonderful.  Also we are grateful for all our children: all seven of them plus John.  We are grateful especially that they all care for each other, and for the next generation of our grandchildren, who are wonderful and caring young adults, who have learned to be who they are from their parents.  May God bless them and care for them always.   ~Mom and Dad

I am so very grateful for the lessons learned through cancer; the value of every day life, courage, compassion and every second of breath. I am past the one year point...and I'm still HERE! I'm pretty grateful for that. ~Anne  I am grateful for the wonderful circle of friends who surround my life with light, love and caring. I am grateful for my body, because it speaks so clearly--even when I do not want to listen. ~Hannah  I am grateful for a Creator who sings over me with joy, yet weeps with me as my heart breaks. I am grateful for my Mother—who is one of my best friends.  I am grateful to hold my Daddy’s hand as he gets ready to slip into heaven.  I am grateful for my brother and sisters who fill my heart with joy.  I am thankful for my husband, who’s sweet and tender prayers comfort me.  I am grateful for our children who know how to sing the Creator’s song.  I am grateful for friends who are a fragrance to my soul.  I am thankful for the beauty of this world, which fills my eyes. ~Beth  I am thankful for rain and wind; for the coming snows and for shadows, I am thankful for the moon in all her lovely phases. ~Mary  Thanks for peaceful walking spaces in cool autumn days with sunny patches! ~Patricia

I am thankful for all the love I have from my friends and family. ~Reggie  I'm grateful for good health (so far) despite eating all the wrong things and having the exercise habits of a Galapagos turtle; for the love and everlasting support of family and friends; and the ability to write, which I must remind myself to do with purpose. ~Jerry  I am thankful for every day that I wake up knowing my family and pets are healthy and for every day that we have a roof over our head and a meal to share. I am also thankful for the inner peace I enjoy! ~Kerstin  I'm grateful for horses and all other animals, chocolate, my family (including my dog Kayla), my friends, and my house, not necessarily in that order. ~Elizabeth  I'm grateful for my family, opportunities to improve and learn, my health, and snuggling and walking with my dog Kayla. ~Sharon

In this moment I'm grateful for this invitation to pause. To breathe. To consider that at any given moment I can engage with my grateful heart. ~Linda  I want to say thanks to you, Beloved Life, for every blessing and every brickbat turning up here in the guise of a person, place or thing...  I want to give thanks for the chance to see you, Beloved, in everything, and to see everything as You. ~Miriam Louisa  I am thankful for my wife. She has changed my life completely. ~Andy  I am grateful for life, for the opportunity to experience. I am grateful for my family and friends who teach me about love and about myself. I am grateful for the desire that motivates my spiritual journey. ~Fran  I am thankful for rest within movement, life amidst death, hope that eclipses despair, and love that shines brighter than separation.  ~Jordan

Doors wide open, I invite the mild November morning inside. The red leaf maple casts her warmth into my heart, while the gray sky sighs in muted reflection. Crows and catbirds thrill their wings and do not remember summer.  Chickadees and finches chitter into the day, unaware of the lessons they teach. I am alive in this moment. My green tea cools while as autumn slips into forgetting. I am blessed with another day. ~Teri  I am grateful for the day when my young son asked me, "If you could do anything what would you be doing?" This one question, from a young child changed my life. I can still remember standing in my kitchen listening to my heart and finding my answer. I stopped making excuses as to why I couldn't follow my heart and today my life is full of things that I love, that make me want to jump out of bed to get my day started! ~Robyn  I am grateful for all that I have and all that I lack ~ C. Rose   Oh God I am grateful, Grateful for what I am, grateful for everybody and everything around me. I am Grateful that I can think it this way, and express! ~Sreeja  Grateful for the morning light, soft and quiet as I rejoin the world. ~Amy

i am grateful for morning stillness... the precious moments before the family wakes up and the weekday begins. ~ Claire  in this moment…this very moment…i am most grateful that on november 15th, i will celebrate 32 years of marriage to the love of my life, my best friend and soul-mate, the kindest and gentlest man i've ever known.  i love you, honey, with all my heart! ~ stacy  I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful community of friends I have surrounded myself with, who lift my spirits, support my passions, and make every conversation...no matter the distance that separates, sincere and heart felt. ~Natasha  I am grateful for the beautiful people in my life. My husband, my children, my family & friends. Without them my world would be a dark & gloomy place. Material things don't love you warts an' all, people do. ~Jude

I am grateful for all the love in my life! ~Pamela  I am grateful for the immense Love that I hold within my soul and for the opportunity to share it with all those souls around me. ~Jill  2012 has been a year of self-discovery, like it or not, and appreciations for my daughter Sydelle, who continues to shine bright. ~Bill  I am most thankful for my family and friends.  I have a brand new granddaughter, born in Aug and three older grandchildren who light up my life.  I am forever thankful for my daughters and son in laws, my good, good friend Alan, my Mom, my brothers and their families and of course my friends, who have been with me through good and difficult times.   ~carol  I am grateful that my mom and dad were safe at my house during hurricane sandy. ~ Amy

At this very moment in time I am grateful for family and community that sustain me through life. ~Elaine  In this moment I am grateful for my large, diverse, complicated, imperfect, loving, wonderful family, in all its chaotic glory. My husband and I had no children together, although he has a grown daughter whom I adore, and whose children are my dear grandsons. I am also blessed with parents, in-laws, siblings, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and several generations of cousins. My family sprawls across the entire United States, from New England to California, Minnesota to Florida, and many states in-between.  The sheer number and diversity of my family is mind-boggling, and often it is not easy to achieve a harmonious balance of the many strong personalities contained within it.  It gets messy.  But somehow we always manage to compromise and to emphasize our connection above our differences.  We are proud of that connection, and we share a mutual respect for the common ancestors that made our large family possible.  We will always treasure our heritage and love one another, even when we disagree. In writing this I discover what a perfect microcosm our large family is, and it gives me hope.  If my diverse family of relatives can find a way to co-exist in mutual respect and caring, then surely, someday, the family of my countrymen can do the same.  And ultimately, the family of my fellow human beings on this dear old planet. That is my prayer.  ~ Donna  I'm super-grateful for the creative-quickening that stirs within me, inspired by the spirit of the Universe that breathes through all. ~Hannah  I am grateful for my couch. ~Julie I am grateful for the all love, connection and support that gently encourages me to open my heart wider. ~Linda

I am grateful for all the special people I'm so lucky to have in my life, for the beautiful animals I've been blessed to care for, for the roof over my head and all the simple comforts of home, for good food and drink when I'm hungry and thirsty, for fine weather during the day and a good night's sleep at the end of it, and for all the little things I take for granted but would miss if they were gone.  I'm also grateful for the amazing opportunity to connect through the internet with so many wonderful people from all over the world. ~Angela  I am grateful for the dark side of the moon and for the vanilla cream delivered to my doorstep in glass bottles.  ~Paula  I am thankful that Abby has Facebook with which to communicate because it seems to suit her well in her life circumstances and make it easy and fun to keep in touch with friends far and wide. ~Kate  I give thanks for the blessings of my family and friends, especially for the health of my elderly parents, my young grandchildren, my children, husband, and siblings. I am grateful for the ability to hear,see, smell, and move through this wonderful world. I give thanks for the gift of word, passion, and compassion. I am grateful for my God. ~Karen Oprah Winfrey said it best- "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have you will never ever have enough." ~Michelle

my grandchildren. ~Abner I am grateful for having known, felt and experienced true and genuine love. I am loved and cared for by few genuine people and it makes all the other things worthwhile! ~Privy  I am grateful for the magic that surrounds me in every moment of my life. I am grateful for the magic that binds me to my family and friends, wherever we are, and whatever we're doing, there is always that magic to keep us together. I am grateful for all the souls I share my life with. And I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful project. ~Sara  Thankful for my online family their painted view their voices I read, hear and link they touch me like cascaded light surging many moods a dance of rainbow's reflection in a sea of daily storms and treasure washed ashore from surfing in a tidal pool my mind's eye releases a a silver tear it falls Online family grows...stirring strings of emotion connected through dpi, html and resolution online souls touch the edges of my world their essence flows between data n' pixels forever moved by this unique landscape its wonderful, wondrous, wild territory so filled with facets of heart's journey reflecting back into one's soul all through links and google I'm forever pinterested  ~Ella This year I am particularly and deeply grateful for all of my friends and family. I've recently relocated from Washington state to Arizona, a deeply life changing adventure in itself. The process of doing this has been profoundly eye and heart opening. The outpouring of support and encouragement, friendship and appreciation has been amazing and somewhat unexpected. It does seem true that there is a different level of appreciation for people and places upon "taking leave" of them. As if to highlight this point, a cherished friend recently passed away giving me further opportunity to reflect on just how impermanent our physical lives are in the grand scheme of things. I don't count this as a bad thing as I feel strongly that we are not merely our bodies and that our being-ness is forever. That said, there is something sacred and precious in these physical lives that deserves our deepest attention, care, and celebration. In this, I am so very grateful for all the amazing souls who share this life with me.  ~Art

I am grateful for my daughter whose strength serves as a model for me.  I am grateful she has such a kind husband and marvelous son.  I am grateful her doctor had some words of scientific wisdom to comfort them. And I'm starting to imagine a little angel hovering over them, who decided to be more useful from a different plane. I am grateful for the love in my family which extends, radiates to friends and which I hope is a glimpse of universal love. I'm grateful for my husband. Slowly, I'm beginning to understand how even those things which irritate me about him are a gift from him in disguise, an opportunity for me to grow.  I am grateful that I reciprocate fully. (Ha.) I am grateful for my past because it evolved into now.  And now I am essentially happy, content, at peace most of the time. I am grateful for so many small and simple things - the smile a lady shined on me that made me remember to smile too, my dogs that teach me patience and perseverance, the mountains that greet me daily with steadfast reliability and stillness, my ordinary life within which is contained magic, marvel and wonder, making it extraordinary. And though I'm sad now, I suppose I can be a little grateful for the emotion that allows me to feel.  Because soon I'll be laughing and I'll be grateful for that. I'm grateful too for this opportunity to dwell on my blessings, to record a few here and somehow add to the goodness that comes from "thank you". ~Myrna  I am thankful for my family who are all loving and caring. We help take care of each other when the need arises. We celebrate the joys with each other when we can. Mostly we love. ~Amy  Talking to an amiga on the other side of the world. Sleep, shelter, sharing good meals with my darling roomies. Meeting new people and connecting with old friends. Supporting those who help others escape poverty. An amazing family- plus a new niece! Being in love and being so loved. Knowing that even if I don’t see you or speak with you every day we still share a deep connection. Stopping to think about how truly lucky I am to have all of you in my life. Thank you for being such an incredible person and connecting us through gratitude. ~Eve I'm grateful for the loving, kind, generous, and hilarious friends that circle me with their arms every single day. ~Ms. Becky It's been hard the last few years to find something to be grateful for, things are rough; not just for me, but for so many people and finding the light seems to be more of an effort these days. But, I've always tried to see the positive, so here goes. I am grateful for family; not just the one I was born into, but for the ones who have graciously allowed me into their lives. You all know who you are, so I don't feel a need to list you. I love all of you and I thank you for being here for me every day, whether I talk to you or not. You all support me by just being there when I do need you. ~Pam

here we go....deep breath...my teachers... i'm grateful for those who have taught & guided me.... in this world & in other dimensions... from spirit to the natural world...  to everyone i know & have met... those little conversations that lead to some understanding... those blasts of *wtf*... yeah, I'm thankful for everyone & everything that has helped me learn. ~Suzi  Gracias a la vida. ~Leovi.  I'm grateful for my loving family and that my children grew up with loving grandparents who they cherish, and who are still with us.  ~Sara I'm grateful for being alive. ~Ege  Being alive. LIFE, difficult to live, difficult to leave........... ~Annemor  I am grateful that the site of my greatest hurts is the site of my greatest healing ... and that I enter as co-creator in that process. Space and light ... life after death ... baby kookaburras. ~Sue Job. I am so thankful for my job. I work with children, and for many years I was too ill for work, now I can again, that is wonderful. ~Bente

The limited vision which graces my eyes allow me to see, not a sharp mirrored image, but rather a representative image of the object seen. All people become as beautiful outside as their spirits are inside. All natural things become the essence of the meaning of life. I have been blessed to know the difference. ~Claudette  Having plenty to do, freedom from boredom. ~Gordon  My health, the dimples on my children's cheeks, as they smile with glee. ~Shan  I am grateful for stimulating ideas. It helps me to be more fully human to expand my mind! I am grateful for poetry. "The poem is always incomplete, the butterflies make it whole" by Mahmoud Darwish. I am grateful for spaces and talks dedicated to social justice. ~Brooks  today I am thankful for other artists who inspire, drive and motivate me, for colleagues to think with and through, and for a life that allows me to wake up and live my dream everyday (and always for my hubby and all my family who love and support the crazy artist) ~Debra  Appreciation and thanks I give, for living the life I love to live. ~Avril

A year ago, when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, I faced the greatest test thus far in my life. Is this a pass or fail test? If I were to die from cancer, would it mean that I failed the test? Death is a part of everyone’s future so how could death mean that I failed the test? Since we are not immortal, failing the test cannot be about death. Rather I think it’s more about life. For me the real test is how I choose to live the life with which I have been blessed, how to make the most of the days I have been granted. Do I care for others? Am I loved? Do I live my life with good intentions, compassion, grace; hesed v’ rachamim? It is in these small acts that I feel a sense of triumph. I am passing the test when I take notice of the people who cross my path. When I stop to help a person in need. When I reach out to return or initiate a smile to a stranger. It is about making the small changes in my life where I make the time, not only to be there for others, but also to create a space in which to take care of myself. When I live my life with hope and wonder, instead of fear and dread, that is when I know I am passing the test. I may still cry but I will find the way to listen closely and to laugh without restraint. ~Noreen I am grateful, in this moment, for the life of Elisa and the life of her unborn child. ~Annie  I am grateful first and foremost for my two children whom have taught me how to love deeply and truly. My friends old and new who allow me to evolve and I am grateful for my healthy body that is resilient and always talking to me I am full of gratitude for my home, which is truly home and full of light. All my teachers, healers and angels thank you ...~Janice

I am grateful that my mother is here with me right now. That my dad is in safe hands in hospital. That my brother, who died in July, is now in a wonderful place. That my near and dear ones help bring out the best in me. ~Hilde Marie  I am grateful that we got to have our son with us for nearly 30 years, and that we have so many wonderful memories. That grief is a sign of deep love for someone lost. That I have the most amazing daughter in the world, that we get on so well, and that she has married such a caring and compassionate man. That their son, our only grandchild, is such a blessing to us all, and he keeps us grounded. That although my husband still has health issues, at least he is cancer free. ~Inger  I want to show my gratitude to the people who supported me through my life, my parents and to God who helped me survive all harsh circumstances and brought me the power to be strong when it seemed to be difficult to be positive. I also like to thank those who shower their love and blessings on me everyday. ~Sayantini  I’m grateful that we are joyfully celebrating the 55th anniversary of our Thanksgiving wedding.    I’m grateful that, throughout the many changes (good and bad) we’ve grown both separately and together and have become both stronger individuals and stronger as a unit.   ~Sallie  I'm grateful for my family and our health.  We have gone through several medical emergencies this past year, and through it all, we have managed to stay alive and thrive. ~Shosh

Thankful for the simple: My children , my health, my blood family and few real friends that give me inner peace. ~Mitch  walks and treats- woof ~Shayna  I’m grateful for the blessings of a loving partner and home sweet home. ~Irene  I'm grateful for the way that Source is always taking care of things for us - and how, on the really rough days, we get to be reminded of this as things seem to continue to work themselves out or show up in just perfect timing with minimal to no effort. It is this beautiful reminder that the universe has it covered - despite how distracted or off track we may get from that knowing at times - and in this, we get to know the essence of love that lies as the basis in the natural order of life. ~Hali  I am so very thankful for my 5 senses. To experience simply remarkable sites, sounds, smells, tastes and touches.  And share with others. ~Christine  grateful for the breath i breathe and for all life that breathes with me on our beautiful planet grateful for my beating heart and all the heart beats making music on our beautiful planet ~tammie  Bananas! ~Bill

My husband, who is so loving, doting and funny. ~Kay  In this moment, I'm grateful for another good day with my 86 year-old mother. ~Robin  I am grateful to be in the habit of experiencing love...to recognize it all as love. I am grateful to...Sit   Open   Receive I am grateful for the depth of love and knowledge already inside me. Grateful for the grace pouring into me, joining the well already present, so that I contain this fullness, perfect, and so ready to freely love. I am grateful to be a place of living water. ~Rebecca  consciousness, light, family, sedums, hummingbirds, friendship, yellow finches, the human heart ~Jill  I am grateful for companionship in my marriage. I always wanted this and have found it with my second husband, Gary. I feel a wholeness and completeness and a true contentment at the end of the day. ~Mary

In this moment I'm grateful for Warm baths Patterns of spiderwebs in all changing forms Patterns of cowlick swirl on my little-turning-big boy's head Little dogs playing with big toys The smile and glance of a long cherished friend Those who cannot but teach, serve as guide, heal The heart growing growing growing You, Laura--on your mat or in your chair or on your feet, one foot, the next foot, in love and truth and flow, beauty, and for Forgiveness and for Sunflower seeds Sunflower shells cracking Compassion open, For offerings And for The time given here To learn How to love. ~Myriam  I’m grateful for all of my friends and my wonderful boyfriend because he’s awesome. ~Belin  In this moment I am thankful for all the opportunities given to me in the past year by the people I love. Such as being able to attend the school of my dreams and then meet many amazing people in Boston. ~Becca  I am grateful for students that are eager to learn. ~Patricia  i am grateful for every morning the light shines through my living room windows and my children laugh on the carpet and the air smells of coffee and toast. i am grateful for every afternoon, the silence of nap-time and the whirr of words on my computer. and i am grateful for the sound of my husband's footsteps on the threshold, the sound of children being wrapped up in his arms, the sound of his love whispered against my ear at the end of the day. i am grateful for home. ~Emily

for now being cancer free after surgery, thankfully ~Henrietta  I am grateful for my brand-new, tiny nephew and the chance to get to know him, watch him grow, and watch myself grow through that process. ~Nancy  I am grateful for the flow of love that surrounds me, abundance that circles my life and moves into ever widening circles of women I guide, for expression of shadow, unraveling my stories and revealing their gifts, I am grateful for deep love and connecting at home; deep gratitude for my husband, my children and my grand-girls, I am grateful for the details of each of their life-paths, that they are present and active in their life. I am grateful for amazing friends, guides and creative circles, for the powerful artists and creatives in my life who give me so much, I am grateful for the circles of women that are present in my life and journey with me in guidance, Mythos Journey and Quest, I am grateful for my intuition, all of my senses and for a strong ability to vision and manifest, I am grateful for my body and its care of me, I am grateful for my health and wellness, bringing a new level of consciousness and tending to holistic health, I am grateful for movement and mobility, I am grateful for delicious, quiet, creative moments in my extraordinary life. I am grateful for my deep trust this year as I expanding my risk edges and leapt into new, I am grateful for my new opportunities and that Danny has found his home in ACL. I am grateful for Laura and her divine quilt...may it provide warmth to her as she circles us with her love. ~Cat  

Dear God, Thank you for creating beds. It is my favorite think to slep on. What I like most about it is slepping on it. And thank you for beds. Thank you for creating Rosie. It is my favorite think. She is magick. What I like most is she is nise. And thank you for Creating. ~Skyler  Dear God, Thank you for creating trees. It is my favorite place. What I like most about it is a nice place to read. And thank you for flowers and bugs. ~Bez  Dear God, Thank you for creating art! It is my favorite subject in school. What I like most about it is painting. And thank you for everything. ~Eli  Dear God, thank you for creating dogs. It is my favorite animal. What I like most about it is that they can be cute. And thank you for apples because they are yummy and you can replant them. ~Benjamin  Dear God, thank you for creating beds. It is my favorite place that I can sleep on it. What I like most about it is because i can sleep on it. And thank you for making it. ~David

It was raining, hard, on the roof last night. I checked on the household, the cats following me. In one bed, the child, who was fast asleep, leaning his hand on his cheek, and in the other, my husband curled up under his duvet. Except for the rain it was quiet. The moment of knowing all was well and at peace – for that I’m grateful. ~Ina  First it would be my family... my dear hubby and son and the rest of my family who will be here for Thanksgiving dinner.  I am thankful to come home from work to see my sweet hubby already having our dinner made..my son who luckily has a job and goes to school...my Goldie Girl who greets me at the door and lays by my feet. I am thankful for my job and so happy it is one that allows me time off to travel..I am thankful that I am healthy..except for a few aches and pain..I think of all those who are really sick and I realize how fortunate I am. ~Eileen  I'm grateful for simply being alive. For having the privilege to feel love and friendship and even heartache and despair for they are equally teachers of myself. ~Eitan  I am grateful I have wise friends like you, grateful the sun shines and balmy breezes waft by. I am grateful I still have the capacity to reach for gratitude. ~Judy  I am thankful that this Thanksgiving I will be with my husband and daughters. That we were lucky to escape any damage from Hurricane Sandy, and we are all in good health this year. I am also thankful that I am going to be having a book signing for my novel and for the wonderful friends I have. I am thankful for my poetic friends as well as my author friends and for how we all help each other in times of need. Most of all I am thankful that there is a possibility of our troops coming home for good soon and for war to be a thing of the past for the United States. My gratitude to all the poets and authors who have stood by me and helped this past year!! ~Barbara

It was raining, hard, on the roof last night. I checked on the household, the cats following me. In one bed, the child, who was fast asleep, leaning his hand on his cheek, and in the other, my husband curled up under his duvet. Except for the rain it was quiet. The moment of knowing all was well and at peace – for that I’m grateful. ~Ina  First it would be my family... my dear hubby and son and the rest of my family who will be here for Thanksgiving dinner.  I am thankful to come home from work to see my sweet hubby already having our dinner made..my son who luckily has a job and goes to school...my Goldie Girl who greets me at the door and lays by my feet. I am thankful for my job and so happy it is one that allows me time off to travel..I am thankful that I am healthy..except for a few aches and pain..I think of all those who are really sick and I realize how fortunate I am. ~Eileen  I'm grateful for simply being alive. For having the privilege to feel love and friendship and even heartache and despair for they are equally teachers of myself. ~Eitan  I am grateful I have wise friends like you, grateful the sun shines and balmy breezes waft by. I am grateful I still have the capacity to reach for gratitude. ~Judy  I am thankful that this Thanksgiving I will be with my husband and daughters. That we were lucky to escape any damage from Hurricane Sandy, and we are all in good health this year. I am also thankful that I am going to be having a book signing for my novel and for the wonderful friends I have. I am thankful for my poetic friends as well as my author friends and for how we all help each other in times of need. Most of all I am thankful that there is a possibility of our troops coming home for good soon and for war to be a thing of the past for the United States. My gratitude to all the poets and authors who have stood by me and helped this past year!! ~Barbara

For what am I grateful at this moment? For the warmth of a cozy home, for friends who care about me, for tears that ease the pain, for memories that fill me with joy. For the chair I sit in, for the breath of life I feel coming in and going out. For imagination and for human touch. ~Judi  I am grateful for you still making me smile after all these years. Well the list goes on and on. Mostly it is about others. How kind souls are always showing up in my life. ~Lonny  Life, Breath, Body, Mind: All the Beautiful, Wonderful, Energizing, Caring, Gentle, Thoughtful, Talented, Patient People in the ever Changing Circles of My Life who enable Deep Heart Connections; the Loving Attention from the oh so dear! and close to me children of my "Auntie-ness," and their very smart and accepting Parents; Watching the Mindful Processing of Feelings and Thoughts into BEing in This Luscious, sometimes infuriating, One World; dried flowers as reminders of life lived and rejuvenated; doctors and scientists who yearn for cures; and . .  a skillful and humble computer tech guy. L'chesed v'Shalom (in lovingkindness and peace) ~Carol  I am thankful for the earth’s Bounty and for the color Green; for the Sage Green wisdom of my friends, for the Fern Green of textured fronds, and for Asparagus Green in organic gardens. I am thankful for men and women Warriors, who act to protect our food sources. I am grateful for people who persist with a trustful attitude. I recognize those who model the balancing of shadow and light. I am grateful that I have the ability to sing, dance, hike, meditate, and practice yoga. Blessed be! ~Laurel  I am grateful for the inspiration Laura brings to my life . . . her vision in both words and photographs. She helps me SEE more and differently. ~Audrey

I am thankful most of all for the health and wellbeing of my family.  I am blessed with meaningful work, people all around who surprise and inspire me, and visions of a better world that I can work toward. ~Jon  I am grateful for the simple luxury of waiting for full power to be restored as I know that many in the world have no power, heat or running water, I am grateful for waiting for this certainty. ~Pearl  In this moment I am grateful for... the rosy African sky... a new day... the joy with which the birds greet the dawn. ~Robyn  I am thankful for the love of family, the support of friends, and the kindness of strangers. ~Linda  Sou grata pelos bons exames do meu marido. Sempre com fé! I'm thankful for my husband's good tests. Always with faith! ~Chica

I am grateful for my little stress reliever, my dog. I am grateful for people who do their jobs well, and with kindness. ~Meryl  I'm thankful that hearts keep beating. ~Caiden  Sun shines on pure white frost creating Heaven's sparklers across that cold scene. After a lazy weekend I imagine one could share that Monday morning gloom but, that would spoil the joy in the gift of this new day. ~Bren I am thankful for friends and family, for my lovely home, for colour, for poetry, for joy in living. ~ViV I am grateful for so many things, every time I try to verbalize it I am stymied. ~Jenn  I am grateful my family, friends, and my community. ~David  I am grateful for Thanksgiving, a national holiday where everyone is invited to the table regardless of religion, age, gender, and political beliefs. I love that this holiday is a reminder to everyone to stop and count our blessings. ~Kathryn

I am grateful to have dug through the burying decades' of confusion to better know myself, so I might more fully know and be grateful for all We are and share. ~Joseph  I am thankful for my life. Most don't have it the way I do... loyal friends, loving and giving family, sweet and cute pets. I am lucky to have a house, my room, all my possessions, food, and utilities. I have leadership opportunities and a great school that enhances learning in a safe environment. I don't realize how blessed I am to have what I have until I don't have it anymore. I am blessed to be gifted with the intelligence of knowing right from wrong, and for knowing about gratitude. ~Janie  I am grateful for a loving and caring husband as well as ditto for my friends. And learning how to let go of ill will and strife. ~Jan  I am grateful for the various loving communities around me, synagogue, close friends, and relatives. We are all one! ~Ralph  My heart is filled with gratitude that I have a roof over my head, my family can come for Thanksgiving, and people in my neighborhood are bringing donations to us for those affected by Hurricane Sandy. ~Talia

I am deeply grateful for my husband and my children. ~Debbie  Thankful - My man and my little man walk before me, one voice soothing, explaining, the other excited, questioning, hanging on every word.  I know this, as later, perhaps weeks, little man will recite, if not word for word, then the essence of what he gleaned from his father.  Moments like these are few, time so fleeting.  These treasures live long in my heart, stored delicately. I sweetly recall other sweaty palms clasping, faces upturned, absorbing his gentleness, as I, even then, wiped tears from my eyes, thankful.  ~ Margaret I am most grateful for my family and friends. ~Deborah  In this moment, I am filled with gratitude for all of God's beauty.  It surrounds me in my husband's loving embrace, in our four daughters' beautiful smiles and in our pet's loyal and loving presences.  My heart is also full with the glorious works of nature that I am so blessed to be able to experience each and every day.  It is truly amazing to be able to look out upon the ocean or a mountain covered in towering Pine trees.  Such gifts of immeasurable proportions!  And I am thankful for the fantastic technologies that we have which allow me to connect with wonderful people who I probably would not have had the blessing of knowing without them.  It amazes me that we can connect with individuals from all over the world on a daily basis as if they live right next door!  This definitely includes my dear Laura whom I feel so blessed to know!  Happy Thanksgiving! ~Deb

I'm thankful for all of my friends. ~Linda  I am thankful for my three happy healthy children, good health and my loving and supportive family and friends. ~Lisbeth  clear seeing ~Jen  I'm grateful for my beautiful daughters, who are my teachers and world-openers with their questions and smiles. I'm grateful that my family is healthy, and that we have time to be together. ~ Renee  I am grateful that there are people like you in the world who genuinely care about others and strive to make a difference...Every morning I wake up I think about how fortunate I am to be surrounded by the people who are in my life.  I have the best husband who provides for his family, children who are loving and giving, siblings and a father who are always there for me, and forever friends to celebrate the best of times and to comfort during the darkest moments.  They all add meaning to my life . . . I could not ask for anything more. ~Denise  I am grateful for the tremendous love I feel from friends and family; for a husband who is also a best friend and soul partner; to the circle of women that surround me each month under the full moon; to the soul-sisters that I find whenever I need them - in person, online and in spirit; and I am grateful for a life that allows me to live, struggle, and learn from the every day beauty and challenges of this world. ~Kristen

I am grateful for warm November days and for the mint patch that continues to enliven my tabouli salad. ~Lisa  As I close my eyes and and breathe in and out, I am so thankful for each breath which is the breath of life.  Each breath is a reminder of the fragility of m existence...that the space between life and death...is just one breath.  ~Olga  We take this moment to express our gratitude to each and every member of our family and friends supported our different type wedding and made it successful as we wished. Special thanks to Nanda, Kamal, Nagaraj, Vadivel and Ganga who helped us in taking care of all the kids form 10 orphanages and distributing saplings the guests. We thank Kids for 10 homes who were present at the wedding reception as special guests. We thank all the friends and family members for donating for the education of underprivileged kids instead of gifts. Thus you all will be remembered every year and thanked by the kid who get benefitted through this fund (Sevai Karangal). Thanks for so many unknown faces who supported the cause. ~Thilak and Dhana  As I sit here in the quite of my home... I breathe, take in this moment and feel my gratitude for family...for the love of family knowing I can count on their love regardless of how often we talk; and that goes for friends that are like family, too.  I am thankful for my home and that I have a means to have a comfortable home that expresses who I am and provides shelter and a haven for myself and sharing my life with loved ones.  I am thankful for knowing my oneness with the Source of all creation and that in this relationship all blessings come.  I am thankful for this thing called the internet that invited and allowed me to spread my creative wings which opened my heart and soul to so much more: more friends...worldwide, more adventure, more ways to communicate with them...with ease and from the comfort and in my own time.  I am thankful for the resilience of spirit and to know there's something in me (us) stronger than I realize, nurturing and sustaining me...and collaborating with me.  I am thankful I always have get an invitation to spend Thanksgiving with family and/or friends.  I am thankful for the richness of my heritage and the beautiful life our parents gave us...which had nothing to do with lots and lots of money.  They provided a secure, loving beautiful, creative home and lifestyle...which came from their loving heart...they gave from their generous, overflowing heart.   And that is what lives on in me, my siblings and my daughter...our entire family and all who shared their lives with my parents and our family.  I am thankful that they...live on in us and that we all share it with those whom we meet and share our lives.  When you see me, when you see my family... you see my parents.  I am thankful to have them with me, in my heart...forever more. Finally...I am thankful for you Laura Hegfield.  I am thankful that we are friends and soul sisters.  It was meant for us to meet and share this life the way we have.  I am thankful for all you have taught me and continue to teach me, by the way you live and breathe and share each day.  I am thankful to know you...one of the most generous, thoughtful, compassionate and creative people I know and that this world has been blessed with.  I thank you, and I thank God. Namaste. With overflowing love, ~Cheryl 

My heart swells with thanksgiving for all the blessings love has given me. ~Susie  I am grateful for the inspiration in little things I read throughout the day (even on my tea bags). For my girls lovely smiles and wonderful laughter that echoes long after they're asleep. For the freedoms that are found in the United States; for the love and light that pours out when challenged - for my men that they are so capable and strong. For being, for loving and for knowing, I am grateful for my God for without our creator nothing is possible.  ~Janet  practice is utterly changing my life. I am literally bowled-over by all the ways it is transforming my "interpretation" of my life. I am filled with gratefulness for every single experience and every single detail of my life, and all the ways it has brought me to my full and open heart today. ~Carol  I am thankful for waking up to a new day that is alive with promise, and discovering the many opportunities that lay before me. I am grateful that on some days, I still have the strength and courage to reach out and turn a possibility into a reality. ~Karen Great gratitude fills my spirit. Another grand year of life. Blessed to travel and drink in the wonders of our America the Beautiful. A year filled with blessings: giving; photography; discovery; poetry and mysteries; new foods; new friends; apple orchards; vegetable gardens; mountains tops; and valleys low - from which I rose up to travel another day; abundant reasons for big gratitude. I have seen God work.  I have witnessed his healing for myself and other's. I say this, a line from a movie, without arrogance.  "I know God, and God knows me."  Bless His name forever more. ~Sandra I am grateful for the love and health of my parents and family. ~Grace  I'm about to run out of my office to do some last minute Thanksgiving cooking for my family, but first I am taking just a few minutes to send you a quick note. As is the case for many of you, my feelings about Thanksgiving are tempered this year. I am deeply concerned that so many people I care about are put at risk by the renewed fighting in the Middle East. I am praying for peace, and I know you are too. Closer to home, the members of my family — like millions of Americans of every background — will sit around a table on Thursday bursting with food. And while I am very sad about the news of war, I am deeply thankful for the opportunities we have to create a better world and to live in freedom according to our beliefs. This year, I'm grateful for one more thing. And that's you. It's you and the hundreds of thousands of AJWS supporters like you that remind me every day of the important work we have to do. You keep me and every single member of the incredible team at AJWS inspired and ready to push on, especially when we know that we are working to address problems that may take many years, if not decades, to solve. So, I just want to thank you. For your generosity, for your concern, and for your commitment to repairing the world. And I thank you, too, for your prayers for peace. I'm looking forward to the work ahead, and I am undeterred by the challenges in our path — especially because I know you are, too. ~Ruth

I am grateful for all of YOU, for this one precious life I was born to live in all of its fullness, for the ONE who spoke and breathed a Universe into existence, for my loving family and friends in multiple communities, for my wise and generous teachers, the courageous, compassionate souljourners who sit with me in The Healing Womb, Minucha b’Lev, Spiritual Direction, Creativity Coaching and Lev b’Lev SoulCollage, for all of the poets, photographers, and writers I have met through blogging, for the tremendous beauty of this world. I cannot say I am thankful for sadness, illness or suffering in my own life or anyone else’s, but I will say that I am grateful for what I have learned from each personal struggle and for the blessings that have flowed through because of, in spite of, and side by side with each new challenge. Having the privilege of reading what you have all written as the messages arrived, it was/is clear that I am not the only one among us who has a similar relationship to the hardships life dishes out from time to time. What I realize more and more as I grow older and hopefully wiser is that the content of contentment is anything and everything that wakes me up to this moment, and this one, and this one and on and on.  ~laura

*A special thank you to my daughter Rosie who collected some gratitude expressions from the second graders she assists at our Sunday School. Not only is she “nise” she is also “magick," and to Brian Miller @ D'verse who gave a shout about the quilt through Open Mic Night, Hilary @ The Smitten Image, Paula Graham @ Creativity Buzz  and Ina Roy-Faderman @ In Our Books AND my friend Clytie of Random Hearts, whose inspiration has guided me to notice hearts everywhere....my goodness and everyone who shared links on FB and to their home communities in other ways (Jerry:-)

If it is financially possible for you at this time, a loving gesture to expand the essence of our quilt so others may feel gratitude might be to make a donation to one of these organizations that need our help right now including: Sevai Karangal, American Jewish World Service, Church World Service, American Red Cross, Merci Corps. Or consider purchasing a copy of Beyond the Dark Room: Some of my poems and the poems of others who have offered their gratitude in this quilt are published in this beautiful book of healing- from darkness to light. All proceeds are a direct donation to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders. NONE of the poets were paid to create this work of compassion. Click the image below to order the book from Amazon; the KINDLE edition is now available too!

There are many more charitable organizations listed here. But as I said way back at the beginning of this post, the smallest gestures; a smile, sitting in silent presence while someone pours out their heart, these too extend the love and open the world to more mindful moments of gratitude.

If you’d like to leave a comment in the comment box below this post, try this: Close your eyes. Exhale. Inhale. Ask yourself “what am I grateful for in THIS moment? Exhale again. Open your eyes and then allow the words of you heart to pour through your fingers into the box. Lets keep the gratitude flowing!

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