Sunday, December 07, 2008

Catching up on Gratitude



I know Thanksgiving is long gone and Christmas is soon approaching but I'm not sure I'm done with the giving thanks part. These photos (my best shots for today) were captured on Thanksgiving day and show a glimpse into what I am grateful for. It was the kind of day dreams are made of. A quiet morning, puttering over food and tiny details....taking time to relax and enjoy the day. And an evening of just being together...no agenda, no drama, no rush.




As the holidays draw near, I will take a lesson from my Thanksgiving and try to do the same thing all over again. The hustle of it all just doesn't serve me I've decided. And so, I choose to linger and savor time as it passes. You'll hold me to that won't you? I just might need your help on this one. Who's with me?




What we're there moments you captured this week that had you savoring the season?

30 comments:

chaoticfamily said...

So serene - nice to have some time to actually prepare and think things through...

Here is mine!
http://chaoticfamilypictures.blogspot.com/

Rose said...

Nice to see that you had a relaxing Thanksgiving. Our plan is to keep Christmas as simple as possible too. I even tried to keep the decorations simple - a lot of little vintage stuff that I've had for a few years.

My camera is in the shop. So I pulled an Elvis look Harrison likes from a couple weeks ago.

Bridge said...

http://flickr.com/photos/ridethewavesoflife/3091120931/

this one, when i was putting up decorations outside, I turned to see this despite the fact I cringe seeing the kids kiss the dog. i have observed him eat very nasty things.

Dawn said...

Ahh, it is nice to just relax.. We had a lovely Thanksgiving as well and I too am trying to keep that same feel going into the next few weeks. It was nice meeting you on Friday, our family had a wonderful time and it was a great way to soak in the sights and sounds of the season!

Have a great week! :)

Here's mine...Where Dreams Come True.

ELK said...

tracey your images so nice ....the place cards such an important job!

simple stars with a simple thought this day:
http://www.redorgray.com/

Blueberry said...

oh i love the placecards! how sweet are they. :)

here is mine.
http://blueberryandbean.blogspot.com

Andrea said...

Our Christmas theme has been 'simple' for a few years now. Love these detailed shots.

Gratitude can be found on a post a few days ago, but here is my BSM

Anonymous said...

I am so with you. Every year after the holidays I can't believe how blurry the whole thing it. Love the bean shot, nice.

My Best Shots

Anonymous said...

I decided after last year's hustle and bustle that I did not want a repeat. We opted to be at my nephew's home even though I was doing all the cooking. I wanted the little ones to be comfortable and well we all know that little ones are most comfy at home. Since their kitchen is tiny, I did a lot of prep at my house, delivered a stuffed uncooked bird and ham at 10 am with note cards with cooking instructions.

Amazingly my nephew's wife Jen and I pulled it all off without clashing in the confined space. It rocked and we were all blissfully relaxed and stuff.

I love the place cards... I just adore all your photos.

Say it with me... calm, serene Christmas. You can do it.

Maggie said...

Looking at your beautiful shots reminds me how right you are that slowing down is so important. And after running around at work all night, it was just the reminder that I needed.

My best shot is certainly something that I am very thankful for.

Joanna said...

That bean shot is perfect. I wasnt savoring the season, but savoring my daughter....

Here's my BSM

Anonymous said...

My 4yo adored Thanksgiving this year. This post came to me at just the right time.

Here's mine for this week.

Anonymous said...

Living in San Antonio, we decided to embrace the spirit of the area for our Christmas card:
http://slsmithphotgraphy.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/feliz-navidad.html

Christina said...

A commitment to a relaxing holiday to be savored - I'll drink to that!

My Best Shot

Jaimee said...

I'm with you, Tracey! I used to get so stressed out over the holidays...now, I choose to do things differently so I enjoy them more!

Here's mine: Daddy's Kisses

Amy Jo said...

I love the place cards. What a great idea! Glad to hear your thanksgiving was no nice you are making it last!

Here is my BSM. Christmas card photos!

Anonymous said...

Good for you, Tracey! I need a lesson in slowing down and savoring the moment one at a time.

My photos are of my daughter and her best friend who don't know how to live but in the moment. I took the shots as they lingered after a day of festivities at church for our semi-annual fair trade marketplace. It didn't matter to them that their parents wanted to rush home. To them, they had all the time in the world to be where they wanted to be--right there with each other.

Cadence and Rudden

mandaroo63 said...

What a lovely post. I can feel the serenity you feel. I posted some Disney shots. It was a fun way to celebrate the season...especially for the girls.
Walt Disney

maggiemae and family said...

this girl is my reason for thanksgiving!!

lovemygirl

Anonymous said...

I take it slow and easy during the holidays. I bake & cook a lot but without rushing. These delectable offerings give me such pleasure. Today my post is about the "sweet season" http://3yrplan.typepad.com/souersdujour/

Anonymous said...

I like the way your Thanksgiving photos suggest an appreciation for the little things that comprise that Big Day and a serene perspective on what is often seen as bustling as stressful. A real breath of fresh air.

My BSM.

Leacayoungart said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leacayoungart said...

I received some fun gifts this weekend and actually took the time to photograph them.

Kimberly said...

Oh boy, our Christmas season is anything but nice and slow. We still enjoy it in our own way though. :)

Our first Christmas Parade

Kirsetin Morello said...

These pictures tell a great story, but that first one is, by far, my favorite!

Shelly at Aperture of My Eye said...

You're so right. With all the hustle and bustle in today's world (especially over here with me in the NorthEast), we really need to step back and take time to relax and enjoy the moment.

Here's my BSM pic:
http://apertureofmyeye.blogspot.com/2008/12/best-shot-monday.html

Killlashandra said...

I have to agree with you, taking time to linger at the holidays rather than be rushed into them is definitely a goal to work toward. I do hope the next big one is a good one for you. :)

I'm way late with my BSM, but here is my little one at one of many parties over the weekend.

Anonymous said...

i just came across your blog for the very first time though i've followed you on shutter sisters. thank you for being such an inspiration! :)

i hope you don't mind my jumping in ...
http://flickr.com/photos/tracimeyer/3085327098/

Jessica Fuselier said...

The place cards were no doubt the handy work of my lovely nieces... Little Martha Stewarts in the making...

Here's my Best Shot for this week. It was taken at the beach, not your average holiday setting!
Bird Shot Monday

Anonymous said...

i agree 100%, i still am trying to be in the thankful mode as well!
i don't get intot he whole christmas crazy.
tar