Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks 

I guess you could say that November is the perfect time to give thanks. And we should. But will it be a blanket thanks that covers just about everything you’re grateful for? Do you really mean it? Or are you actually going to sit back and really think about exactly what you should be grateful for? I do, all the time.

I am so very grateful to have been blessed with a mother and father who taught me respect for others, even those we disagree with. They are no longer here, but their love, which was a constant, still surrounds me everyday. I know it goes without saying that I love the rest of my family to death, even the ones who annoy me and drive me crazy. Of course, my friends are also included in that. But what I’m really talking about, are the things that occur when you are too busy to think about at the time, but are still extremely grateful for, nevertheless.

I am grateful to my husband for rubbing my aching back when I was hustling to get an approved and final edit of one of my books out. But in the sheer ecstasy of the massage, I pressed the wrong key and didn’t discover that zzzzzzzzzz blunder until just before my book was to go to print. I made a panic-stricken call to my publisher, who I am also grateful for, who caught it and corrected it in time.

I’m even grateful to my critics who point out my faults and shortcomings…chuckle.

And here I thought that was strictly my husband’s territory.

John Locke said it perfectly when referring to one of his novels. “…Who’s gonna get hurt if you brake a flippin’ rule once in awhile? I get a lot of criticism from purists for my writing, but I can live with it, because English teachers aren’t my target audience. Not all English teachers. Just the cool ones…”

I’m grateful for several authors whose friendship and sage advice over the years has meant so much to me. More than they will ever know. Thank you!

I am so very thankful to all my followers, many friends, and all the other wonderful multi-talented authors I have met on Twitter. You know who you are.

I am also appreciative for all those wonderful people who left such heartfelt comments on my website to my posts, and the many thousands of readers out there who really do enjoy my books and give me great feedback and constructive advice. You are valued!

But most of all, I am grateful for every day that I am lucky enough to wake up and write knowing so many wonderful people who are a part of my life. And as long as my fictional characters, I’m not mentioning any particular names, they know who they are, restrain themselves and stop telling me their dialogue is better than mine, I am good to go.

Be grateful. Life is too short. Give thanks.

Chase your dreams, not someone else’s.

Remember, every day is a blessing. Don’t take them for granted.