A song is part of my granddaughter’s going to bed ritual. My favorite song to sing when I tuck Hannah into bed is “My Favorite Things,” the song Maria sings to quiet the fears of her young charges during a storm in The Sound of Music.Though Maria lists her favorite things in the song, I think these are many of the same things she would say she is thankful for. Things that bring her joy whenever she encounters them.

In this month of Thanksgiving, I’d like to list a few things that bring me joy, the things for which I am thankful.

The prairie – It it is wild and wonderful and natural and beautiful. Full of lessons. Full of peace. The small patch in my yard brings me gifts every day.

My family – My sister, my nieces and their husbands and children, my aunts and uncles, my cousins. They are my roots, my connection to our family history past, present, future. We don’t see each other as often as we’d like, but when we do, we pick up without losing a beat.

Readers – I am humbled by, and grateful for, all the people who have read my book Growing Up Countryand who share it with others.  And then who share their own stories. The everyday stories of our everyday lives are the threads that come together to make us who we are.

Amazon – How can I not be grateful for the giant’s cross-merchandising expertise!  If you liked this … you’ll also like …  They keep my book chugging along with audiences who would never know about me any other way.

My writing buddy – Without Mary, I would not get near so many words on paper and the ones I did get there would not be nearly so well written.

My husband – Who takes care of our home, who manages our finances, who has whatever I need whenever I need it, who loves me.

My son and daughter in law – Who chose to live close enough that I could see them regularly, who presented us with a granddaughter and who have promised us another come April!

My granddaughter – Her smile is infectious, her hugs warm, her kisses delicious. She delights in hiding my hat, helping make pancakes, and pushing the camera buttons.

These are my favorite things. These are the things for which I’m grateful.