Thanksgiving: all year long!

     I hope that everyone had a good Thanksgiving this year.  I know that many people think that Thanksgiving is all about the turkey and pumpkin pie, not to mention all that football.  However, it is so much more than that, and also simply that: Thanksgiving. Giving Thanks. I know many people that spend the majority of the year grumping and complaining; and only on Thanksgiving Day, will you hear any hint of gratitude. 
    If there is only one change that you make this year, let it be this one: Start living life with an attitude of gratitude!  Instead of concentrating on the fact that you can't afford designer clothes, be grateful that you have nice warm clothes to wear as it gets colder.  Say thank you to the person that held the door when your hands were full.  Forget about the one that jumped in front of you in line. 
    I am not suggesting that anyone should become a doormat.  You have every right to stick up for yourself.  Just learn to channel your focus on the good in life.  There is a lot more of it around than you realize. Remember an attitude of gratitude this year!

Dream Support Team

     Ahh, a beautiful day to be outside!  Today, the hubby and I are going camping. Okay, honestly, he's going hunting and I will stay near the camper! Our friends let us use this property throughout the year and are trying to talk us into buying it. We can't right now, but it has been tempting. It is over 25 acres and has endless possibilities.  Our idea is to find several different ways to draw an income. That way, if one dream gets blocked somehow, we have other ways to make a living.
     I know that it might be difficult finding a way for dreams to work for us; but isn't it so much nicer to be able to make a life, not just a living? And if we can both do the things we like, together and separate, then that just will make our marriage stronger.
     How do you and your family work on supporting each other's fledgling endeavors?  I know that down the road, I will probably be helping him with beekeeping.  I might not be too much help, if I am determined to stay away from the bees!! He has already been a help to me as I am trying to get started with raising rabbits.
     Single or married, I want to hear about your support team. Who keeps your dreams moving forward. How do you work at making your dreams reality everyday?

What inspires you?

      What is the one thing that gets you motivated to try new adventures? Is it some that you know or someone famous? Maybe it's the tried and true clichés or great quotes that you find. No matter whether it's Grandma or Gandhi that gets you trying daring adventures on the road to happiness, it's important to pay attention to your own instincts as much as you do to people and quotes.
     But I am a firm believer in meeting the right people or finding the perfect words  at the time you need them the most. This past year, I read Randy Pausch's book, The Last Lecture, right when I needed it. Several months later, I spoke to an author that I have come to admire for following her own dreams. Jenna Woginrich has written several books and articles, as well as her own blog (coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com). In reading her works and speaking to her, I have been encouraged to try new things.
     Since one of the first questions that we ask ourselves is "where do I start?", I will share Jenna's words with you~"Accepting where you are today, and working toward what's ahead, is the best you can do...But the starting point is to take control of what you can and smile with how things are.  Find your own happiness and dance with it." (Made from Scratch, p. 12)
     So, please share with me what (or who) inspires you? Maybe you might have the right words for someone else!