Gratitude
Ed’s right, that the post below embarrassed me. Perhaps it shouldn’t. I mean, I did work hard to make my mother’s first Thanksgiving away from home a nice one. And Ed’s parents were sort of Thanksgiving tourists. I wanted to make the experience nice — for everyone, kids included. Still, I think he might have had a little too much pie. Or wine. I’m not all that.
But I’m thankful for him too. And I’m really trying to accept compliments gracefully instead of folding up my face like one of these dogs and muttering.
It’s honestly easier to be nice to people than to let them be nice to me. Even if I don’t make that face, I feel all sort of wrinkly inside. But I am trying to be thankful, because a little gratitude would not go amiss right now.
I am grateful to all of you who hang out here. I am grateful for your comments, written or not. I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my own circle of connection through this space. I am thankful that recently, despite what I feel is spotty blogging and some less than stellar writing, some of you have offered me the huge lift and compliment of blogging awards. I have been remiss that I have not announced them here. But like that darn post below this one, I feel a wrinkly inside accepting the compliment. But I will:
A long while ago, a wonderful blogger, Nancy Bea, whom I admire very much, not least for the fact that she blogs a combination of beautiful words and beautiful images while parenting with such grace, offered me the Thinking Blogger Award. Nancy, thank you. I try to be a thinking blogger — as well as a thinking and thoughtful person more generally. That this effort comes across to you means much to me.
Then, a little more recently Hope, of Hope Radio, gave me the Be The Blog award, and said some very nice things too. Hope, thank you. I’ve been enjoying getting to know you too:
Some (all?) of these awards require that I pay them forward, which I will soon, but for today, I wanted to think quietly about being grateful, about being gracious and for saying thank you. (Also, Helena is in the bathtub roaring at me in her own brand of powerful words — I’m camped just outside the bathroom door with the laptop — so perhaps I’d better get this tired girl to bed.)
Thank you, to all of you, and to Stuntfather, for being the strong voices, raised fists and good hugs in my corner. Your support soothes the varicose veins of my soul.
It isn’t easy to accept a compliment gracefully, is it? I thank you for accepting mine.
Don’t worry about paying it forward- I am gratified that you’ve accepted it
And the ricer?
Happy Birthday!
Reminds me of what I said I was thankful for this holiday, my husband. He makes it all possible, and I told him so. You should have seen the tears in his eyes.
I feel the same way… much easier to give compliments that to accept them.
I’m tickled your Thanksgiving came off without a hitch and you have that wonderful man in your corner.
When one cannot receive, it puts the giver in an awkward position – words from my long-gone grandmother. I loved paying her compliments. She always hugged me with such delight when I did.
You deserve writing awards. You express your thoughts succinctly and with such style. Lucky Ed, and lucky you that he can appreciate you so publicly and warmly
i had to giggle a little
when i saw the scrunched up
wrinkle face, because i think
i think the same thing…
it easier to give compliments
than to receive.
and you deserve every nice thing
that was said about you.
Congratulations on winning the Be The Blog award!