The Thankful Post

I always love Thanksgiving. During the October through December whirlwind of holidays, Thanksgiving is the time to pause and count your many blessings. I have a lot to be grateful for this year:

My family--both near and far--who always love me, support me, and make sure I have a full tummy.

My friends. Some of them I see weekly, and some I've never even met in person, but they are all my kindred spirits.

The kidlit community. I may not be published yet, but I've met so many wonderful people this year who have been a blessing on my writing journey.

My health. Though my spine has been up and down this year, I've still gratefully avoided surgery.

My hubby, who always makes me laugh (even when I don't want to), and reminds me of the importance of pushing the pause button--and getting a full night of sleep from time to time.

I'm also extra grateful for one more thing this year:

If you've been following my blog over the years, you'll know I have an annual tradition of dressing up my dog, Penny, in a silly costume for Halloween.  You also may have noticed that I did not make my usual Halloween post this year.

Penny was diagnosed with mitral valve disease this past January, with a prognosis of 6 months to 2 years. I didn't handle Halloween well, knowing it could be our last one with her. (I may have made hubby answer the door while I cried for the first fifteen minutes of trick-or-treaters.) She'd had a dental procedure just the day before, and the day after Halloween we rushed her back to the doggy hospital with anesthesia complications. It was touch and go, but thankfully she pulled through and is now back to her happy self a few weeks later.

We know her poor heart will give out someday, but I'm grateful for every day we get to spend with her. Penny has brought so much joy to our lives, whether she's Froggy Penny, or impersonating my favorite cartoon pony as this year's "Penny Sparkle," or just being her normal snuggly, burping, kissy self.

To end on a happier note, here's an outtake of Penny in the first version of her My Little Pony costume. It's almost as good as her annoyed expressions during the photo shoot as Hula Penny in 2012.

Penny says, "For the love of kibble, GET THIS OFF MY HEAD!"

From my little corner of the internet to yours, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving! Hold your friends and family close, and enjoy this season of gratitude. :)