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Thanks Giving

How did it get here already? I was up getting turkey, stuffing and rolls ready while others brought wine, potatoes and cranberries. The house is “company clean.” Tomorrow I rest.

I’ve said before the months from October through December fly faster than any months of the year. Thanksgiving means different things to each of us. I give thanks all year long, each and every day but this day is special. We gather; without regard to religion or ethnicity. We have a meal together and take a few moments to acknowledge our blessing of life.

This year we are also taking time to be thankful for the giving we can and have done. I’ve shared, donated and passed on so much and my daughter has followed suit. She has actually given away almost everything from her last apartment. Yesterday she donated her old car to the Humane Society here in Portland. It was costly for ads to sell it and in need of repairs. The car will be auctioned off. We don’t itemize so a deduction was never the reason for the donation. We truly want to help animals.

I also gave a lot of fabric to my friend Emily and she has done wonders with the beginning of it. She’s made some quilt tops with parts and pieces and added some of her own. Then she hands the tops off to our friend Patti, who sandwiches the quilts and ties them. Together they donate them to an organization that distributes them. Emily and Patti have very creative minds.

Pillow panel and backing fabric turned out cute

Sweet bears were languishing in a tub far too long.

Just so you know, Patti has a secret helper when she works on her part of the quilts. Olive does her part to make sure Patti appreciates her work and entertainment.

Olive helping Patti tie the quilt. Yes that’s a needle she is pulling on.

I am giving thanks that I have enough of everything that I can share with others.

I give thanks every morning that I’m here, breathing and able to still do a great deal for myself.

I give thanks for my wonderful supportive family and friends. And my list goes on.

Do you have a list of things to be thankful about giving?

You will all be busy today doing Thanksgiving things but Thanks Giving is more than just one day. Enjoy yours.

From my heart to yours,

Marlene Herself

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments on: "Thanks Giving" (58)

  1. Happy Thanksgiving, Marlene! It looks like it was a good one.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Even though Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday here, I’m giving thanks for people like you, your daughter and your friends, who have generous hearts. I’m also giving thanks for my hitherto unappreciated eyesight and successful surgery this morning.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. how wonderful, Marlene – gratitude for the holiday and your compassionate generosity

    Liked by 2 people

  4. I am thankful for you in my life Marlene.

    Liked by 4 people

  5. Well done on more donating Marlene and Heather! Wonderful for you and for the animals and for all the others who have benefitted from your generosity. I’m glad to hear you had a lovely gathering and now there is just the frantic run up to Christmas…….. I am so late this year there will be no sending of cards around the globe as usual from me. I think I have to admit that this year I slowed down and life galloped on, overtook me and left me covered in dust. Hey ho! Maybe next year will be better ❤

    Liked by 3 people

    • My sentiments exactly, Pauline. You described my life perfectly. I always say “maybe next year will be better” but I just get slower. 😦 It has been a win, win situation with the giving. Maybe we will just do ecards this year. They don’t get lost in the mail.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Very well said, Marlene. 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Marlene, what a wonderful post. I know it’s almost over, the Thanksgiving day that is, but you and your family make each day of the year a Thanks Giving day. Fabulous!

    Liked by 2 people

  8. This update and message contained within the words is so representative of the generous spirit that you are, Marlene. I will probably never celebrate Thanksgiving with you, but I can imagine the love and gratitude that would full your home at this time. I can see that beautiful example in all the good the giveaways have done.
    Those quilts look great, especially the first one! I love the patterned squares!
    And your daughter giving away her car – amazing! The car looked in such good condition!

    Liked by 4 people

    • Thank you so much, Amanda. I loved both quilts and so glad the fabric was used in such an interesting way. I’m not that imaginative but fortunately know some who are. The car was a 1997 and we’ve had it since 99 so it’s been cared for and never had an accident. But it needs someone that can do the repairs needed. It’ was getting expensive at the mechanic and my daughter bought her brother’s car from him. Everyone wins. Especially the animal shelters. 😉 Hope you have a great weekend. I’ll catch up soon, I hope. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  9. This is a wonderful post Marlene, full of joy and rich with giving. I am grateful every day for all of the bloggers I communicate with online. Every one of you brings something important to my life. Thank you 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  10. You and your daughter have been an inspiration to those who wish to live a minimalist lifestyle—doing something as hard as giving, selling, and donating comes very hard for lots of folks. Happy Thanksgiving.

    Liked by 2 people

  11. You had a busy holiday! I love the cat pictures, by the way. It seems everyone has a lot to be thankful for this year. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yes Bethany, it was a busy holiday. Most days are like that it seems. We all have more to be grateful about than we often realize. Hope your holiday was wonderfilled.

      Like

  12. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. I’m amazed at the places cats find to hide. Those photos are adorable! Thankful you shared them!

    Liked by 1 person

  14. A beautiful post which made me appreciate Thanksgiving-a time to say thank you whatever one’s beliefs. I have had a tough year and will have to ponder the things I am grateful for.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I know your year has been more than hard. Those are the times we look a bit harder for the blessings. Each morning I wake up, I am grateful because it’s no longer a given. The fact that I have a strong support group here helps make each day a lot brighter. We all have your back here whether you are aware of it or not. Love and hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Glad you had a lovely Thanksgiving. We certainly have much to be thankful for when we have enough for ourselves and some to share as well.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Marlene, you are the role model for kindness and giving. Just reading what you do and how you feel is very heartwarming and inspirational to me. If everyone treated all days like Thanksgiving, they would be happier, and so would everyone around them. In your words, from my heart to yours, thank you.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you so much, Jennie. Giving feels better than getting most of the time. I’ve been exceptionally fortunate and you can’t out give God. Somehow, I always have enough of what I need. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by. Hugs.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Great idea to break up the word like that and think about giving thanks for giving. I love your perspective that it’s good to be in a place where we are able to give. It seems like “giving” might actually be a quality of being human, as in…we aren’t really human without it. Seems like every community throughout history has an aspect of giving to each other somehow. You have such a generous spirit and it warms my heart to see how much you’re getting from all your giving.

    What am I thankful for giving? I gave trust to my ex-husband, Tara’s father, a few years ago, because he earned it. After the most vicious fighting that lasted for a decade, it finally petered out and what was left was our need to continue parenting Tara. Today we have a genuine friendship, and I have benefited from that friendship in 2019.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks for your kind words, Crystal. I think you are correct, it’s the giving spirit that makes us human. I’m most delighted because my children have also become wonderful givers. It’s what makes me most proud of them. I’m glad you and Tara’s dad mended fences. It’s a gift to her as well as both of you.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Happy Thanksgiving, hope it was nice

    Liked by 1 person

  19. I enjoyed your post, Marlene. I’m glad you’re in the spirit of giving year-round. It’s good to send things back out into the universe where they can find a new home. Mike sold our son’s old Prius last week and we split the proceeds between two local, charitable organizations. Though it’s a cliche, it’s also true: it’s far better to give than to receive. I love seeing pictures of animals and quilts, so I appreciate the virtual eye candy you’ve provided here. I think that’s a picture of your sis. Sending both of you love and energy and wishes for continued breathing, smiling and enjoying life.

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks for the visit, Alys. Yes, that was my sister with the dogs. They all love her.and of course she likes dogs more than people. I think she’s moving in this spring if not sooner. She’s on full-time oxygen now. I’m still doing well. I’m delighted you were able to sell your old car and donate the proceeds.

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  20. Wonderful post

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Hi Marlene! Our Thanksgiving was very nice, and surprisingly relaxing. We went to our son’s house, so the mess was at his house. I’m liking passing some of these events off, even though I did prepare several things. I do have much to be thankful for, and you are one of the things – well, people. Happy Holidays and blessings to you! 🧡🙏🏻🧡

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Missy. Glad your Thanksgiving was relaxing. I wish I could pass this off to someone else myself but my daughter stepped up and helped a LOT. Happy holidays to you as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Such a lovely post, Marlene! I love those cute placemats you’ve made and the quilts made from your fabrics! And I’m glad you had a lovely family gathering. 😊 Thanksgiving isn’t part of German traditions but I’ve always liked the idea of this holiday. And you’re right – we can give thanks on every day. How very wonderful that your daughter donated her old car (which looks pretty new to me!) – even if it needs repairs, it’s a wonderful thing to do.
    And I love your photos of Olive and your funny captions! 😄 What a very clever cat to sew. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you so much, Sarah. I made the placemats several years ago when I had a full house for the holiday. I like that we take a day for gratitude. I don’t think that’s how many see it. It’s all about the food and the sales. Olive keeps her mom entertained. I do miss having a pet when I see things like that.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Well now Marlene-a-go-go! Looks like you’re living up to this pet name I jokingly bestowed on you. My gosh you have your fingers in a few pies. You must be well on your way to decorating for Christmas. Our tree is standing but no fully decorated, ha! I just put out the wreath this AM. I’m done shopping but must wrap…gak!
    I’m thankful for too many things to list here, but needless to say, “I am very blessed”. I think about that all year round and make good effort to pay it forward. Otherwise, Jim and I don’t do much for Thanksgiving except enjoy a nice Vegetarian roast with the fixin’s. Hope yours was lovely xoK

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks for the visit, dear heart. I miss hearing from you. Tree is up and decorated, lights are all up outside and some inside. I have help this year with my daughter living with me. We also gave away a lot of holiday decorations to minimize the amount of work here. Keeping it very simple. It helps that I don’t have a job or a hubby that need my attention. I’m always grateful during the holidays but mostly grateful when they are over.. Then I get to rest, read and re-create. 😉 It’s not a competition so just take your time and enjoy the view as it is. My daughter is the master wrapper here. I wrap her gifts and make her beautify them. 🙂 Kinda mean, isn’t it. 😉 Love and hugs. M

      Liked by 1 person

  24. What a beautiful Thanksgiving! And those panel quilts are genius! I love them!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Eliz. My friend at 83 has a great creative sense when it comes to putting things together. I’m still hoping to learn a thing or two. Hope your holidays are full and fun.

      Like

  25. Marlene, its so good to be back in WP again and to be catching back up with your lovely posts and news again my friend.
    Loved the Quilts and Cute Olive, Patti’s little helper! And I am sure your Car donation will help the Humane Society with their funds.. Its wonderful you and your daughter have de-cluttered and cleared out so much between you, I am certain there will have been more than one or two ‘Thankful’ people who have been grateful for your own gifting away of things..

    Yes we do indeed have to remember to be so thankful for what blessings each of us has, and remind ourselves just how blessed we are..

    loved your Thanksgiving table with mats etc and those quilts were just lovely..

    Have a wonderful Christmas time Marlene.. Keep warm, and keep snuggled and safe..

    Happy smiles from me as I send so much love in your direction Marlene.. Special Hugs dear friend ❤ 🙂 🎄🎅🎁💝

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you for your kind words and wishes, Sue. The car has been in our family since 1999 so it was part of the family. My daughter has a generous heart and I love that about her. Giving is the reason for the season so we were doing our little bit. It reminds us we are so very fortunate to have plenty to share. I’m wishing you a very Happy Christmas too. I’m going to try and get back here soon. too. Love and hugs my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Thank you both so much for helping the animals! Beautiful quilting! I especially love the kitties! And Olive! hahaha Squeezing out of that tiny space. What a nut!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thanks for the visit, Luanne. Since I can’t have animals anymore, we help the best way we know how. I’ve never met little Olive but her mom shared the pictures with me. I had to share too.

      Liked by 1 person

      • That’s the whole thing: we help the animals in the ways that we can. I can no longer help in the shelter for various reasons, but I do the contacts with adopters and data entry on the computer of the adoptions. Olive is a cutie, for sure.

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Old Kirby has a funny way of keeping his nose warm. Haha. Great post!

    Like

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