Thursday, October 04, 2007

Giving Thanks

Dear Readers,

As Canadian Thanksgiving approaches (this Monday), I wanted to give thanks to all of my remarkable readers. Since starting this blog, I have wandered through many subjects (headaches, childhood, feminism, spirituality, shopping, house buying, home decor, love!) and have met dozens of amazing people (almost all women I think) along the way.

But I was touched, most of all, by all the kind thoughts and words you commented on my last post. I had a big, life-altering experience, and I so appreciate your genuine words of support and encouragement, and also your words of thanks, for me, for being alive. In this world, we don't often feel appreciated enough, so I just wanted to say that I appreciate all of you, every single one of you, who took the time to write (and to those who didn't, who took the time to read!) to tell me that you care. And for opening your heart and feeling.

This blog world is funny. We really don't know each other all that well. But the reality is, what we do get to know is the essence of other people. We see ourselves in them, in the little odd things we love, in our vulnerabilities, in our confessions (like the smart and successful Melissa admitting she doesn't exactly like to cook!), in the secret dialogue that goes on inside our heads. This is a place where we belong, where we don't get judged on how we look or don't look, or how clean our house really is, or how expensive it is, or what our job is, or if we are young or old or short or tall or too fat or too stinking rich or sad or deliriously happy or haven't done our hair today or happen to be wearing our gym clothes (I do my best thinking in gym clothes). We are perfect here, letting it all hang out. Perfect strangers sharing what really matters - love and kindness and mindfulness and compassion and positive thoughts and great ideas (amazing ideas!) and wisdom...the most lovely wisdom about how to live a good life. I am proud of every one of you. Thanks for being you!

And now some thoughts I stole from Moonlight Nimi's lovely blog. A quote from William Ellery Channing :

"To live content with small means
To seek elegance rather than luxury
And refinement rather than fashion
To be worthy, not respectable
And wealthy, not rich
To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly
To listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart
To bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never
In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common
This is to be my symphony"

Thanks Moonlight Nimi, super Mom, and to everyone else who visits me here.

Now, I am off to Vancouver Island for 2 weeks of vacation by the ocean. We'll spend a few days in Victoria and then drive up to Tofino for a week at our favorite lodge www.middlebeach.com (click on Accomodations - we are staying upstairs in the Lodge at the Beach, overlooking the ocean on two sides!)

Posting later in October, Terri xo

11 comments:

  1. Have a wonderful, restorative trip Terri. I'll be thinking of you...

    All the best,
    Linda

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  2. Thank you for stopping by my little blog; I am honored.

    You have shared what it means to connect so beautifully. Thank you.

    (Yes, a wonderful vacation to you!)

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  3. I am very humbled by your kind words. Thank you so much. Enjoy the simple pleasures of Tofino. Do take a rain jacket and walk through the ancient forests. The Wikkanish Inn has a lovely restaurant which is on the pricey side but even an hour spent here over a hot chocolate and apple tart is an hour of pure BLISS.

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  4. Anonymous1:23 pm

    Terri,

    Enjoy your trip, find some solitude, and return refreshed!

    You are always a delight, ever insightful, and I am pleased to count you among my new friends!

    PS. I love that quote! Thanks for sharing it, and for sharing a new blog to visit!

    xo,
    Melissa

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  5. Hi Terri,
    Such a thoughtful blog-i-licious. new word:) I was looking at the web site of where you are going and saw the fabby dining room and read about the hot cocoa etc. It looks like a wonderful place. Hubby and I went to Vancouver and loved it. Anytime one can take a ferry too, is pure romance!
    have fun!
    Heddy

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  6. Love your blog! That William Ellery Channing quote is fantastic. I think it really hits the nail on the head. Enjoy your vacation in Paradise!

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  7. Such a beautifully written blog. Your words are simply magical. I am so glad I found my way here.

    Enjoy your time away in such a beautiful place.

    Hugs,
    Sue

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  8. Have a good trip Terri, use the time to recover.

    Lots of love
    Racheal x

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  9. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

    Aloha,
    Calie

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  10. VERY jealous of your vacation... and I do hope that you have a splendid Thanksgiving :-) I know that something I give thanks for is for the great pals like you who I have connected with!
    Enjoy, you deserve it!
    joanna

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  11. enjoy your paradise found.

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