Sunday, November 18, 2012

my favorite tree and holiday

dear emily,

thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, because the only presents are
the homemade dishes prepared by beloved family members.  "all i
want for Christmas" is jenny's sweet potato casserole.

i used to resent that Christmas horned in on thanksgiving, until we
stopped celebrating halloween.   the thanksgiving season now begins
in september.   two lovely months of anticipating turkey and dressing.



my favorite holiday is always ushered in by the bright yellow leaves
of my neighbor's glorious gingko tree.   they turn their brilliant color
and fall off all at once.   i should gather some leaves to brew a gingko
tea which is supposed to enhance memory and concentration.

i love that the 'memory' tree is in its glory as we spend time with our
loved ones, remembering His goodness.

happy thanksgiving,
lea

"serve the Lord with gladness, come into His presence with
thanksgiving."   psalm 100

21 comments:

Jen said...

What a beautiful tree to enjoy! I love Thanksgiving as well. It's such a peaceful holiday and one I have come to cherish over the years. I hope you have a perfectly lovely holiday this week as you enjoy your own family time.

Jen

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Wow! Really beautiful tree--

Hope your Thanksgiving is lovely, dear Lea--

Ummmmmm............sweet potato casserole!

Joan Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful tree. As we don't have Halloween or Thanksgiving I'm already building up for Christmas ... if only our weather would warm up, it's nearly summer and we have a log fire burning tonight.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. That is one festival I would like to pick up from the US.

Debbie said...

Oh it is my favorite as well! What a gorgeous tree...Enjoy every minute of your Thanksgiving!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

We love Thanksgiving too! This year we are all heading to east Texas to our son & dil's new home there, all the kids and grandkids! What fun.

I wonder if I took a few leaves from your neighbor's beautiful tree, if I could remember where I put my keys!

Happy Thanksgiving Lea, to you and your precious family.

Farm Girl said...

It looks lovely. I always wonder that about about making tea out of that too. I never do of course.
I hope you have a lovely day. There is always so much to be Thankful for.
Have a great time with friends and family.

Olive said...

Happy Thanksgiving Lea. I start cooking in the morning. I have not cooked the whole deal in years. Making lists and going back and forth to the grocery store is my thing. xo, olive

Lisa said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Lea! It is a wonderful time of the year!

Jenny said...

I love the colorful trees. Yours is beautiful. Happy Thanksgiving. xo Jenny

Anita said...

This posts makes me think about this holiday season and what it all means. I tend to go with the flow mostly, though we are not Halloween people either. But already, my family is planning and focusing on Christmas. A reminder about the joy of Thanksgiving is good. :)

Cheryl said...

I've realized that when I read your blog, I'm usually on my iPhone and don't comment. So today, I'm on my laptop and want to tell you how much I enjoy your letters to Emily. She will treasure them one day, if she doesn't already.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I keep envisioning your longgggggggggg table with 30 around for this year....blessings!!
Prayers as you go through this holiday season without your father-in-law, I know he was loved and will be missed..hugs

Yes I start Thanksgiving in October, because we don't do Halloween either and I love the fall colors...and our thanksgiving sheet and blessings card...it is a full holiday

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Cheryl said...

I think I've fixed the link. Try it again and let me know if that doesn't work.
http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com/

Susy said...

The tree is gorgeous in its fall glory. I love Thanksgiving too, knowing that the whole country is pausing to give thanks to God. Blessings to you.

Janelle T said...

So very lovely!

Janelle T.

Dawn said...

Beautiful!!!
Happy Thanksgiving to you!!!!

LindyLouMac said...

What a beautiful autumnal photo. Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Cait O'Connor said...

That is a beautiful tree, I had never seen one before. Thank you for y our comment at my blog.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Dear Lea - your MIL comes to mind, and prayer, knowing this is the first of the year of firsts. This is my second Thanksgiving and not sure it's any easier, perhaps a bit less painful.
Ginko tea and high blood pressure do not mix well; ginko may, very well, increase memory, but it also increases, at least exacerbates, high blood pressure.

Debbie Petras said...

I also love Thanksgiving. I refuse to begin decorating for Christmas until after this wonderful holiday. Focusing on thankfulness is a good thing and I love to teach the little ones about it.

Single and Sane said...

Now THAT'S a beautiful tree! And how lovely for it to mark your favorite holiday!