Glittering Thanks

A Very Happy Thanksgiving 2013

Here's how we give glitter thanks at our house.

Turkey Craft Number 1: Glam Gobbler

Clockwise from top left:
1. We found the inspiration for our turkey on a window at Beni's preschool.
2. I'm teaching her early- you can NEVER add too much sparkle.
3. Turkey in progress…

And here is our Glam Gobbler making his internet debut:

We were both so happy with how he turned out. He's a keeper for sure.

Turkey Craft Number 2: Sending Gratitude

Clockwise from top left:
1. and 2. Making handprint turkeys with paint and glitter.
3. The finished product says: We are thankful for you.
4. Sending our love to Godparents, grandparents, and beloved aunts and uncles.

Celebrating Thanksgiving at Preschool

Clockwise from top left: 

1. Beni-Bird modeling her Native American headband.

2. The Williams family feather: what we are thankful for.

3. Side view of previously mentioned fashionable headdress.

4. A huge turkey of thanks at Beni's school (one feather contributed by each family.)

Thanksgiving Day Traditions

Clockwise from top left:

1. and 3. Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

2. Our vegetarian meal.

4. One dessert for each of us. 

A Night of Thanks

Clockwise from top left:

1. Gratitude-themed books.

2. Sitting by the fire for story time.

3. My art journal entry for 11-28-2013.

4. I've been recording blessings in my gratitude journal since 2002.

And one more thing I'm so grateful for…..
 you, Dear Reader.

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PS: Please forgive the funky formatting and the extra spaces. I swear, it doesn't look like this on my end. I spent over an hour trying to fix it and then decided to publish "as is" before I lose my good feelings of gratitude. What a relief it is to let go of "perfection"!

Authenticity with Alex

(image credit)

The journey for authenticity is a rich one because in a way you're never not you, and in a way, you can live your whole life without being who you are.  The question is- can your mind and actions be aligned with your deeper self?  When doing movement, the way to practice that is to notice when you're coming from you, your interests, passions, curiosity, and when you are copying, judging, comparing, channeling, and trying to be like another.  It's a fine line and a rewarding one to learn.
                                                                                                                      -Alex Iglecia

Isn't that an incredible quote?  I confess- I had to read it a few times before its fullness sank in.


I've been fortunate to have many inspiring teachers in my life, and Alex Iglecia is one of them.  I even trudged across Boston on dark and cold winter nights to attend his meditation class.  Alex is super intelligent, deep, and intense and I'm pretty sure I don't always get the full gist of what he says.  But I dig that he's frequently discussing authenticity, integrity, and how to continue evolving.

During a recent online conversation, I told him I'm choosing to view parenting as a spiritual practice. So far it's been a great lesson in mindfulness.  He responded with an enlightening answer, as always, "So is childing... it's certainly shift-worthy."  And that, my dear readers, I do get.  


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I'm in the middle of reading Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Myla and Jon Kabot-Zinn.  While I haven't finished it yet, I've already recommend it to several friends.  It's been healing for my "childing" and hopefully will make me more conscious at parenting.    

Bibliophilia: 12 Surprising Reasons Why I Have a Love Affair with Books

My husband and I just celebrated our five-year wedding anniversary last week.  

But I confess, I also have another love.  

Books.

Here are the top 12 somewhat surprising reasons why I have a love affair with books. Books...  


1.  Give You Power:  Knowledge is power and books are filled with knowledge.  When I have an issue that seems to rob my power (relationship issues, IVF, the adoption process), reading about the issue or how other women dealt with it helps me to feel more in control and better able to make informed decisions.  Fortunately, no matter what problem you have, there are always a hundred self-help books about it.  Unfortunately they usually have conflicting advice.
2.  Allow You to Be a Detective:  You can learn a lot about your friends and acquaintances by checking out their bookshelf.
3.  Make You Seem Intelligent: I was at a dinner last week when someone made a comment about John Galt.    I'd already felt super proud of myself for having made it through Atlas Shrugged -it's as long than the Bible- but at that moment, I felt incredibly intelligent -or at least well-read- at a table with 3 surgeons.  
4.  Are Portable:  I rarely go anywhere without a book in my bag.  So I carry a larger handbag, but they're in style anyway.   This habit is leftover from my days riding the T in Boston.  Public transportation without a book is a no-no.  Which leads me to the next reason....
5.  Increase Patience: Books make any wait pleasurable.  Long line at the post office or dentist? Friend running late?   Not a problem, I brought a book.  I can wait patiently.  And me being more patient- that's a BIG deal. 
6.  Build Character:  Memoirs give insight into other people's lives.  Reading about other people's tragedies and triumphs fills me with empathy, gratitude, and inspiration.  And as a bonus: they can simultaneously satisfy one's inner voyeur.

7.  Are Colorful Home Decor:  Our loft is filled with books that are arranged by color (a tip I got from a decorating magazine years ago.)  Being surrounded by books makes me feel at home.  And comforted.  
Disclaimer:  Color coordinating your books makes it a challenge to locate a book.  You have to remember the color of the spine.  NOT easy.
8.  Enhance Connection:  Although I've only ever been a book club drop out (too many books, too little time to read what I want to read) it was fun to connect with the club members for those first 2 meetings.

9.  Are Hangover Free Mood Enhancers:  When I am feeling down, getting into bed (or into a bath) with a book provides a temporary escape from my problems.  

10.  Provide Hours of Entertainment:  This year I decided to track my bibliophilia.  Since January 1st I've completed 21 books and have read over 6486 pages.  Yikes!  That's a lot of time I could have been cleaning, working, or perhaps doing something others may consider more "productive."  But I'm okay with it.  The words fill my mind and nourish my spirit.  What's really more productive than that?
11.  Are Inexpensive:  You can get them for cheap at the Goodwill or free when you swap with friends or visit the public library.  I mourn being able to go weekly to the Boston Public Library.  Now I frequent bookstores (so soothing) and rarely leave without a purchase (not so soothing).  In fact, as I type this I'm at Borders.
12.  Are A Side-Effect Free Sleeping Aid: I read every night when I get in bed.  It makes my eyes tired and helps me fall asleep.  Otherwise I lie there thinking, thinking, thinking...... 

So, what to read? Getting book recommendations is the best.  I love when friends pass along their favorite reads.  Please leave a comment and let me know what books you've enjoyed and which ones have left their mark on you.  I've done the same for you below.


Here are my favorite reads so far from this year.   
1.  The Know-It-All: One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World by A.J. Jacobs.  
2.  Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
3.  The Other Bolyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory
4.  The Help by Kathryn Stocket
5.  Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott
6.  Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother by Jana Wolff