black friday with orange and yellow and red

Autumn Falls

I saved ten bucks on a $20 pair of gloves at Southern States this morning. That was my contribution to the economy and my big Black Friday score. They came in mighty handy since I spent eight hours afterwards working in the yard. The homestead grounds are completely winterized and in true Black Friday tradition, all of the fallen leaves have gone away.

Continuing my week of giving thanks, I'm thankful for such a gorgeous 70 degree day in November and my lovely leaf assistant. I'm also thankful for big garden rakes, and a pair of tractors, and wheel barrels, and Hanes white t-shirts, and shorts, and classic rock radio, and my funny dogs who loved the idea of me being outside with them all day long. I'm thankful for my Dad who taught me the importance of not being afraid to work really hard, or sweat, or to get dirt under my fingernails. He was right.

I'm about to be really thankful for a hot, hot shower; a cold O'Douls; and a sofa in front of the TV with a remote control. Oh… and a mexican blanket. I'm ecstatically thankful to have done all of my chores today instead of tomorrow. All of this and I saved ten bucks. Damn!

lyrics and bit parts

Bit Parts

Layered just above the warm tones of the pedal steel, the lyrics rang out in my head "Nobody gonna take my love away from me". What a perfect grouping of words to live by, especially on this eve of another Thanksgiving.

Over  passing years, I've learned that I'm rarely in control of those things that surround me. I can only be responsible for myself. It sounds far simpler than some days allow. I remember a cold winter night many years ago when I did my best to explain this to my daughter as I tucked her into bed.

“You’ll never know the real love of someone else until you first love yourself.” I turned the light off and kissed her goodnight.

I’m thankful for memories, cold winter nights, and songwriters.

saving measures

Saving Measures

I’m thankful for those days I spend with people I love. I’m a fortunate man lucky enough to enjoy those sorts of days every day. I’m sure I’m not alone in this, but most of those damn good days are taken for granted far more than they ever deserve to be … especially during those rare not so perfect days.

These words seem like lyrics to a song. Instead, they’re just handwritten scribble on a crumpled paper napkin. My thanksgiving week continues.