With Thanksgiving upon us, I thought it would be a good time to put some of my ‘gratitudes’ out in the universe.

As I wake up each morning, in that space between sleep and my feet hitting the floor, I have made it a habit to think of the many things I have to be grateful for in my life. It really helps keep things in perspective, I highly recommend it!

Here is my list for today, as they come to me while I type:

• my fabulous son – how lucky am I that he’s mine!
• my ‘boyfriend’ Craig – again, I’m SO very lucky!
• a wonderful support system of positive-minded people — friends, family, neighbors and more
• YOU!  The artists reading my blog, chatting with me on Twitter, allowing me to share the ‘stuff’ in my head and heart.
• my clients — who allow me to share my art with the world in new and fun ways each day
• my teachers who have and continue to teach me new skills, expand my mind and challenge me to try new and sometimes scary things.  It has always been worth it!
• my trainer, who has pushed me to really commit to getting in shape & having a more healthy lifestyle.
• my creativity and passion – I am thankful every day that I know what makes me feel alive and that I have the opportunity to do it each and every day!
• technology — I marvel at how my life has changed in 10 years with advances in technology — especially opportunities to create and connect online
• Portland — I LOVE where I live!  It is so green and beautiful.  Even if it is a bit “damp” for many, I chose this as my home and can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be.
• My home, my studio, my Honda – the material “stuff” that gives me shelter, takes me places, brings me comfort and just plain makes me smile!

OK… going to stop before I make myself cry from all the things I have to be thankful for.  I hope you have a wonderful holiday, share it with those you love, celebrate the way you choose and most importantly, take a few minutes to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for.

~ Tara

P.S.  Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart, for reading and interacting with me about all things.  I am looking forward to more exciting adventures together in the coming months… are you ready?