Tiffany Painter

The week of Thanksgiving always signals the start of the holiday season for me. It starts at the beginning of the week because a lot of prepping goes into making the actual day happen for everyone. This year I started with some joy by going to see the lights at the Botanical Garden with a friend. We timed it perfectly. We got there early to enjoy a light dinner as we watched it get dark and the magic begin. It wasn’t crowded while we were there, but we noticed more and more people started showing up as we ended our walk through the garden. The weather was perfect for us, but the cold front expected for the next day made its appearance as we walked back to the car. The best part: the holiday lights were beautiful! It was my first, but hopefully not last, time to see the lights there. Another first this year is pushing back the big family dinner to Sunday. When multiple family members are in healthcare now and work on Thanksgiving, you have to be flexible. We are enjoying the family dinner on Sunday. That meant I got to lounge on the couch with a cup of tea and watch the parade. That was something to be thankful for. When all the football games started, I was relaxing with a magazine. (I tend to watch the replays after my husband and son get excited about something.) We feasted on turkey nachos. Finally, the first real snow of the season signals its time to get the tree set up and let the fun begin.

11/19

branches bare of leaves
waiting for cover of snow
under cloudless sky

11/20

new buds for the trees
rainbow of colors delight
brighten evening walk

11/21

in the cold darkness
follow the shimmering light
to hot chocolate

11/22
when night comes early
fireworks can’t climb up high
must shine from below

11/23

give thanks for all things 
from what meets your daily needs
to what fills your heart

11/24

clouds deliver change
racing to cover the sun
weather about face

11/25

all alone today
too cold on this snowy day
perfect for my thoughts