Gratitude.

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Finding gratitude today for…

The cold. Last night was the first frost of the season. Waking to see the garden laid out by a thick frost was delightful. I know. Strange. But it's time and I appreciate the continuous turning of the seasons. I'm ready for the next rhythm.

The warmth. A fire burning in the fireplace. The light, the smell, the heat. A quilt on my lap, and a kid on each side. Oh, yeah.

This yarn. Seeing progress on this knitting project (size 2 needles!). This is Lupine's birthday sweater (Ravelry link here) and the progress is slow, but it's happening. Row by row… I have 2 1/2 weeks until her birthday and miles of stitches to go. But the focus is good for me right now.

These herbs. We're taking a lot of herbs these days as we work on some serious natural immunity. (More on that next week.) I'm so happy to have bags of thyme, sage, pine needles, and other herbs to help us stay strong on our path towards wellness.

And you. Yes, you. I'm thankful for those of you who come here day after day, week after week to read. Most of you are quiet, some of you I feel I know well from your voice in the comments. I love heading from you, and I love seeing points on the map from Hawaii, Alaska, and Nova Scotia to France, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Costa Rica, Columbia, Mexico, and so many points between. Thanks for sharing this journey with me.

What are you grateful for this day? I'd love to hear from you.

Love,
Rachel

 

 

 

35 thoughts on “Gratitude.

  1. Michelle says:

    This may sound corny but I am grateful for people like you who care enough to make natural products for our bodies. I just love everything I have bought from you and continue to point people in your direction. I put my order in for my daughters and am so anxious for them to try them! The ogle my soaps and oil blends. Thank you Rachel.

  2. sarah says:

    That sweater is gorgeous! I may have to do that for Daughter. It would be perfect for these cool fall days.

    I’m grateful for my family, a roof over my head, and the business of preserving the last of the summer’s bounty.

  3. Talty says:

    This is my first time posting, but I’ve been reading your blog for a long while. When I read the last paragraph I knew I had to tell you this: we’re here, and we love what you’re doing. Lately, I find myself wishing for a life like yours, closer to nature and to my family.

    Mexico here!

  4. Luisa says:

    I have to say I have only started recently reading your blog and really enjoy it’s peacefulness. I know it’s so fun to see who is stopping by the blog from all over the world.
    I’m also slowly appreciating the cold weater as long as there is yarn and something warm on my lap too. Love the yarn color.

  5. Lauren says:

    I’m grateful for sleeping in this morning. For pumpkin french toast for brunch, and for a husband that’s starting to be just as present as I am, thanks to ya’lls kind encouragement. Oh and I’m grateful that most of my 3 boys winter wardrobe from last year will still fit them this year! <3

  6. Nettie Black says:

    I am grateful for marrying the love of my life 5 years ago today. And for breakfast in bed and mama-daughter yoga and tea time on this chilly morning. And for you sharing your wisdom with all of us.

  7. Karlamcurry.wordpress.com says:

    I’m grateful for the kiddos’ naptime… we need a break from each other. I’m also grateful for Fridays, which are homemade-pizza-and-a-movie nights. I make a delicious rosemary-wheat dough and go from there; I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

    That sweater looks darling. My sister just asked me to knit something for her, and the last thing I made was back in the spring, so I was afraid I had forgotten how to hold the needles! I’m in the middle of a project and it feels good; makes me want to do s’more.

  8. Lauren says:

    yes that’s me! haha All week he has only played when children were either sleeping or playing the game with him. Sounds like a happy medium to me!

  9. Joyce says:

    I’m grateful for family, friends and all that my long-passed mother taught me and who she raised me to be. And, also, like a previous commenter, so grateful to the peacefulness that is your blog to read.

  10. Mikaela says:

    I have to say I was legitimately disappointed to walk out into the garden this morning (in Madison) and see that most of the plants were still thriving and we didn’t get the predicted hard frost! Ha. I’m very grateful for the colder weather, though, and the knowledge that frost, snow, and below-freezing temps will come. Rejoicing in the season, and all it brings–roasted squash and fried apples, flannel sheets and warm milk before bed. Sunday hikes in the woods (before hunting season begins). And much motivation for knitting!

  11. Casey U says:

    “We are thankful for this food
    For rest and home and all things good
    For wind and rain and sun above
    But most of all for those we love.”

    I’m so thankful for my family right now — my husband and our parents/siblings, and for the progress my almost 4 year old is making, and the amazing little person my 2(!) year old is unfolding to be. I’m thankful for our employment, and the fact that manifesting WORKS — I manifested a job so hard that I didn’t specify who for…I originally meant for my husband but up popped an opportunity for ME! Our jobs allow us each alternating weeks at home, so our children constantly have one of us present with them.

    I’m grateful for health and safety and CHANGE in the world, and for having food on the table and a roof over our heads.

  12. Alicia says:

    Love to you from our American family in France! I am very grateful that we are moving home soon! Your blog helps me feel connected to life in the states when we are so far away ~ thank you!

  13. Sara Adams says:

    I’m grateful for supportive family and friends. My eldest daughter was just diagnosed on the Autism spectrum and it’s been stressful for me. My parents have been really helpful and I actually got out of the house the other night. My hubby is really supportive too. He’s doing what he can to take the pressure off me since I get the brunt of stress. My friends are great too. I even have a friend who does OT offer to come out to the house and help. I really am grateful for those that have reached out to me for support.

  14. Kate says:

    Hi Rachel,
    You know what I am grateful for? Baby Wipe juice that keeps my little one rash-free and makes cloth wipes oh-so-easy! I am grateful for some amazing winter squash and white bean soup that I made two days ago and had for lunch yesterday and today (and you were right, I think I could live on it all winter!). I am grateful for your blog which I read each night while nursing my 5 month old to sleep. I love hearing about you family and getting ideas to help my family live a life closer to nature, more self-reliant, and full of peace and love.

  15. Mary says:

    I’m baffled as to where in the universe my last comment travelled…. : ) Mysterious….
    Anyways..
    I am grateful for traveling on the bus today (free fare, and biodiesel– and such an amazing adventure for a 5-year old– we took the long way) to the library. An awesome place, we checked out “Wind Boy” and began reading this afternoon (grateful for like-minded mamas with book ideas!)… Grateful for making art while waiting for said bus… Bright, bold red and gold leaves in a swirling line, ala Andy Goldworthy- so beautiful! Grateful to this girl who collects sticks, pine cones and flowers to make fairy houses and bird feeders for when we get home… Grateful for root veggies in our CSA box…(well, truly grateful for the farmers who tend the harvest…) I am grateful to be reminded of the sweet joy and beauty each time I visit here, read your words and see your life photos. Thank you, thank you. I think for me, it’s the beauty in the spaces in between that really takes my breath away. Deep gratitude…

  16. Marlo says:

    This looks so cozy. It makes me want to head on back to my parents’ home in Iowa and cozy up under a quilt. Alas, Turkey is far, far away from Iowa. So I am grateful for the weather finally cooling down so I can open my windows and turn of the A/C. Mediterranean fall, I do love thee.

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