Every season in our lives has its ups and downs. ……challenges and growth, heartache and triumph. I have had holidays that I have spent alone. .some spent with family and some spent with new friends. Some were more joyous than others and some holidays I struggled to find the joy. But it didn’t matter if I was alone or with a house full of people who also had no where to go for the holidays, I made it a practice to write a list of what I was grateful for.

With a crazy schedule the past month I was hurriedly moving thing off of a shelf in my studio to store more inventory, for orders and shows,  when one of my journals fell off the shelf….falling open to this page. ..it reads….   “Thanksgiving 2004….alone….and it sucks…got to spend some time with the boys before they went to their dads..bisquits and gravy..yum! how do I get used to the loneliness. ..it’s so hard sometimes to put on my strong brave face, to be ok with what is….ok…ok…Ok…what am I grateful for…my boys..the loves of my life…a home that is peaceful…food in my belly…friends…a God who saved me…jobs that pay the bills.. strength…my health… determination to make things better….this to shall pass….I’m not alone..I really do have alot to be grateful for…thank you Lord”

This was a beautiful reminder of where I was and where I am today. ..the memories of what I actually accomplished in ten years. .the joys and sorrows and the unbelievable growth. All this to say….I know not everyone is surrounded by family. ..some are feeling alone. ..check in to your soul and remind your self of what you have to be grateful for. ..create your own party with those who don’t have a place to go for thanksgiving. …don’t get stuck in the sadness. …this to shall pass. …and if you are surrounded by all the love. ..and family. .get on your knees and say a big prayer of thanks. ..remember your growth. .. my prayer for you, in what ever season you are in. ..is that you open your heart to how much you have to be thankful for. … you are loved!

Happy Thanksgiving!

ps…..I will be at the gilbert art walk this saturday…..ALSO I WILL BE HAVING A  25%off sale on everything in my shop. Starting today and going through Tuesday USE COUPON CODE : 37WYYPO368QU

pps… If you are looking for supplies Donna Downey Studio is having an amazing sale 50% off