It is very strange that I lead a life in which a blog like this has a place. Before this lifestyle, I was so busy that even if blogging had existed, I doubt that I would have read one, much less written one. I am probably even busier now in certain ways, but also there is a stillness to being here and this blog helps me to connect to a life that I once knew. One with happy hours and lunches with girlfriends, with a regular job and freeways and weekends at the beach. Speaking to you reminds me that those things still exist, even though they are not part of my everyday life anymore.
This year has been full of challenges for which I was ill-prepared. Maybe it was being out of America so long which finally came home to roost this year in my soul. It has been a year which posed more questions than answers, more stumbles than clear paths, more sharp edges than soft landings. But such years are certainly not without their upside. We learn from challenges, from being pushed to our limits and for pulling up those bootstraps as tightly and as courageously and as determinedly as we can, regardless of our limitations. And that is such a good thing, isn't it?
It is the day before Thanksgiving, and for the 16th year I am in a land where that means nothing to anyone but a few of us. But each of you with an American passport are celebrating, either at home or abroad, in your own way. And I wish each of you a day full of meaning, full of friends and good food, full of recognition for what is.
I thank you for coming back here, time and again, and sharing this part of my life with me. It is of great significance to me that you stop by. Wherever you are on this small planet, I raise my glass to you and wish you health and happiness.
Happy Thanksgiving.
12 comments:
Happy Thanksgiving to the three of you!
Happy Thanksgiving Diana.
When I was an exchange student in Piemonte many years ago my host mother made me tacchino alla milanese and potato puree to make me feel at home. It was one of the most thoughtful T-day meals I've had. Enjoy your day.
I raise my glass back, and wish health and happiness for you and Micha!
Thank YOU for sharing your thoughts and beautiful photography. I am a richer person for it.
I love the story from chopsticks and spaghetti!
Back at you, girlfriend. Thinking of you and our time with you this past all. xoxo
That was a beautiful post and very appropriate for a Thanksgiving message!!! I hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
~Barbara
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Not being American, I don't celebrate Thanksgiving, but hope you had a great day.
It has taken me a while to decide what to be thankful for today, so I'm glad I didn't have to do it Wednesday, but I have finally posted.
Diana, what a truly beautiful entry. Your words really touched me, especially love your phrase "there is a stillness to being here"...so evocative of the wonderful life you must lead.
I thank you so much for starting the Gratitude Friday Club, it is a joy for me to participate and also to be uplifted by all the wonderful gratitude Friday entries.
Happy Thanksgiving dear Diana! I am grateful for the power of social networking...as the nephew of one of my best friends has been missing for one week. He was in Frankfurt attending a concert and has not been seen since...he is an English teacher in Prague. The response from so many has been overwhelming and his story has now made it to the AP, CNN and NBC's The Today Show.
Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for all you do to share a bit of Italy with the rest of us.
I loved your post. You are so thoughtful and kind. Thank you for giving us glimpses of your life.
Post a Comment