Ten Things of Thankful – Jan 9, 2026

TGIF and Happy TTOT time! It’s been a spell since I’ve done a TTOT post, but here I am!

As the days of winter creep in and then surprise us or not, we in North Carolina experience just about every season, sometimes in one day. This week has been pleasantly mild. Next week, it’s supposed to get cold again, like last week. See what I mean? It’s all good, though. I am grateful for the fact that I have a warm winter coat and a lightweight seasonal jacket. Do you suppose the flowers I bought before Christmas and are still like new have become acclimated to North Carolina weather? I don’t know, but I am thankful to see my happy purple and white bouquet.

My sweetheart’s birthday was this week. I overestimated how much prime rib (a favorite indulgence) I would need for Christmas, so we had a smaller one for his birthday. I am grateful for this bonus treat and that it was on sale, which probably inspired my over buying. Birthdays, for us older family members, are celebrated with cards and a special meal. We don’t need things as much as when we were younger. As a child, we had a cake, ice cream, and two presents from our parents. Each of us was given our choice of one birthday party, so I chose mine at age six. We lived on a military base, so most of the guests were the neighborhood children. There were several people at the party, held outside. Dad and his friend built a bar and that was the centerpoint backdrop for the event. Hans did receive birthday money so it’s Chinese food this weekend!

The poems that I submitted to The Short of It were accepted. I am excited to purchase the anthology. The poems are: Release the Grip, Her Grief, Simply the Best, and Sandcastles. The anthology will be released this year. Thank you to Susi Bocks of IWriterHer for accepting these poems.

That Angel Card Project was another big hit! So many people received cards and expressed such appreciation for the care of others. There’s going to be something for Valentine’s Day. I don’t have the details, yet. Jodi has been our card maker and then she’s prepared the envelopes, Hans addresses the cards, and I do a bit of this and that with them. It’s our Thanksgiving project and truly gives us something else for gratitude.

One of my favorite places to find and post books is Library Thing. I am grateful for this resource and when others post reviews for our posted books. It’s a real blessing. I am grateful for LindaAnn LoSchiavo telling me about this resource.

Our anthology Unhoused – Yearning for Home, is coming along nicely. I am grateful for the many responses. Right now, I am setting up the files for editing. It’s a great feeling to read so much meaningful work and this demonstrates to me even more about the value of heartfelt expressions. The subject matter is meaningful to us and this collection stands to benefit those in need. Editors Candice Louisa Daquin and Carrie Yang have been a true blessing. Zaneta V Johns will be proofreader, for which I am grateful.

I noticed the birds are already scoping out our porch shelf for nesting. I love to hear them chirping. It fills my heart to hear them.

Here’s to another great week! May your cup run over with thankfuls!

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