Things November: Nov. 2, 2010

This year, Election Day falls on November 2nd. I’m not a great follower of politics, but I did once hear someone say that if you don’t exercise your right to vote, then you forfeit your right to complain about the results! Get out there today…your vote DOES count.

November 2nd is also when Mexicans and Mexican-Americans living in the US and Canada celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Although the name of the day can cause one unfamiliar with the holiday to conjure up images quite macabre, it is actually a time of celebration usually accompanied by much partying. Family and friends gather together to remember loved ones who have died, and will often visit their graves bearing gifts that the deceased enjoyed in their earthly life.

Famous Birthdays on this day:

Marie Antoinette

Daniel Boone

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Have you ever noticed how November seems to get looked over in our society? The end of October brings us Halloween, which many of us spend weeks planning parties and costumes for. Then, the next morning retail stores almost immediately move all items that are autumn-related to storage and out comes everything Christmas!

It’s no wonder we seemingly find it easy to forget to slow down and remember to be thankful.

The one holiday in the calendar year that is touted as being set aside for just this purpose is all but pushed out of the picture - and in its place is a holiday season that has become increasingly more known for “getting” than “giving”.

I have challenged myself to make time this month and see each day for the blessing it is. To savor the good, to learn from the not-so-good, and to be thankful for all of it. Because I believe that both the good and the not-so-good are necessary in order for us to fully realize the beauty that life really holds.

“Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before,

how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way,

and that so many things that one goes worrying about

are of no importance whatsoever...”

-- Isak Dinesen --

 (pseudonym of Baroness Karen Blixen.

Danish Writer (Out of Africa, 7 Gothic Tales), 1885-1962)

Things November

In reading poetry about November, one would think that the world is in an apocalyptic state during this time of year! All the talk about it being somber and dreary – how depressing! I don’t believe that November is either of those things.

"Even if something is left undone,

everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."

- Elizabeth Lawrence

Early November is often beautiful and golden, and then the days slowly give way to the crisp coolness that ushers in winter.

There is excitement in the air at the thought of gathering with friends and family. There is food – oh, MY…there is definitely food!

November is a month in which many of us turn our focus onto thankfulness. We become more aware of our blessings, and very often feel led to reach out and bless others. In this spirit, I am going to embark on my first “series” of sorts. Throughout the month, I will post about “Things November”. You may find a variety of things including interesting tidbits of history and trivia, thoughts on thankfulness and blessings, and maybe even a recipe or two.

I hope you will join me on this journey and share with me your own thoughts. So, until we meet here again tomorrow, dear friends, I wish you love and happiness.