Oprah's Favorite Things?? The Real Reasons For Giving Thanks, And A Giveaway!

Oprah-shmoprah.  I'm sorry, but most of the *favorite things* are great if you are in the audience, and you're getting them for free!!  But what about the rest of us poor schmucks??  

Our favorite things often lie in the simple things in our lives.  My list is pretty short and sweet.  And, after my *many* years on this planet, my list no longer centers around material goods.  I won't tell you that I don't enjoy driving my fancy car, because it is better to have reliable transportation than the kind we had many years ago.......I have not forgotten driving with jugs of water in the back seat to refill the radiator on the wrecked Chevette.  But I know my true happiness does not rely on those things. 

I watched Oprah's *Favorite Things* Show last week, like I do every year.  Mostly to see what made the list.   Then, I thought.....why not share MY list, and ask all of you to list one of your *favorite things*?  It can be anything that makes you happy.  

For example, I love getting things ready and packing my suitcase for my annual birthday trip to Michigan.  It's not just getting to leave town for a few days.....it really is about my roots, seeing my family, and sharing the dark humor we are known for with the people that get it.  I love driving past the farms, seeing the fall colors, and that feeling of being loved and grounded all at the same time.  

Just about a decade ago, I lost 4 family members in 5 years, 3 of them to cancer.  It was so hard, for so long, to see anything in that experience that was good at all.  The holidays were by far the most difficult time for a long, long time.  I could hardly bring myself up enough to even decorate.  There were so many years we were together for Thanksgiving or Christmas and we took for granted that it would just *be* that way.  Richard would drink too much, Mom would complain the turkey was dry, Karen would burn the rolls, I would force people to try a new, healthy alternative to the old holiday recipes.  Then when things changed, I realized how much I depended on them to be the same.  I was lost for a long, long time. 

Finally-- The Great Giveaway!!

As usual, I don't seem to get things done as quickly as I promise would like to.  But, this giveaway is super, and sooo easy.....because let's face it, I just can't manage complicated!  

This time of year seems to bring with it not just holidays and decorating, but also lots of entertaining as well.  Here is the great part- if you would like a little help it is here for you!  There is a great site where you can upgrade your Dining Room with the help of our giveaway!  My friend Sean from Dining Rooms Direct has been nice enough to offer a $40 gift card to the winner of the giveaway!  Look at some of the cute things they offer:

You could get this runner for free!!

This retro table for next to nothin'

Or a cute Island:

Or adorable Baker's Rack:

Told you there was cute stuff!!  

Okay, so now that you are dreaming of what you can do before your overly-critical loving family arrives for Thanksgiving dinner, here are the terms of my Great Giveaway:

1. Be a Follower

2. Leave a comment on any post

from August 1, 2010 thru Sept. 30, 2010

I will put your name in a hat, and draw for the winner on October 1, 2010.

I will enter your name for each comment you leave.

That's it!

Good Luck!! 

Everyone's Invited to This Party!!

Well, the Olympic Peninsula was fantastic- what can I say!?!  I am currently working on editing the pics, and of course, getting reorganized, but I had a quickie to add to the blog.

Just before I left I ran across a totally awesome website and idea, and I just have to share!  It is called The Sketchbook Project: 2011, and the good news is anyone can participate!  You just sign up, choose your category (mine is inside/outside) and then sketch your heart out  :)

The best part is, you don't have to have mad talent to be included!  Everyone's books will be included. The sketchbooks will tour the US, and then be on permanent display at the Brooklyn Art Library.  How cool is that??  

Check it out- here is the link:

http://arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

What a great project to include your kids in as well!  Have them sketch pages in the book, and follow it around the country!!  Let me know if you sign up, so I can look for your book in the online viewing area  :)   :)