The Day after Thanksgiving

Some call it "Black Friday", others call it "That extra day off after Thanksgiving" and then the children don't have a name for it, but sleeping in until 9:30 was the way my granddaughter: called it.

My Mom passed away June 1986. Most of the "Day after Thanksgiving" are memories of my Mom wrapping packages to be taken to the post office soon. I was the package wrapper from about 1971 on, as my oldest sister left home then. I remember Mom even snuck in my gifts for me to wrap on occasion. I also had a black cat who would get into the wrapping party. It was said that Mom had me wrap everything in sight including the cat.

My life changed in regards to Thanksgiving 4 years ago when Aunt Merna died. She was my children's great aunt and had hosted Thanksgiving all of their lives. The year she died the family did get together at her home for Thanksgiving one last time before her children sold her ranch. Then came a wedding for Abbie, a desolation of my 28 year marriage, another wedding for Johanna and the lost of Ian's sweet lady love.

Three Thanksgivings ago I spent the Thanksgiving break at a monastery to work on my voice and my broken heart. Mission New Clairvaux was rich in history and it was not until I had a new book to review in April 2016 that I found my voice. I was broken; I could not speak of my life in public forum for nearly a year.

Now 2 years after the divorce I spent my Thanksgiving accepting the past, preparing for future and relaxing in the present. I still work 5.5 hours a day at my school each day, but no longer work the extra 4 hours in the afternoon. After two weeks of searching this month I landed a part time job at Pier 1 Imports. They have an amazing Black Friday sale on their Papasans. With my employee discount it was near 1/2 off. So, I may not have always had a restful heart this Thanksgiving, but my body is in luxurious comfort.

My yoga towel was a perfect cover to keep
the plush cushion clean

Many people take this day to collect a tree with their children. I saw that one of my daughters is decorating with her hubby today. (Instgram is a great thing to keep up on my four children.)

I work up until Dec 23rd, so Ian and I have decided the little tree from last year can come decorate the table on Christmas Eve and we will have spiked cocoa on Christmas morning, open a few gifts and go back to bed.

My decorations will include changing the theme of the mantel and changing the door mat insert. Meanwhile, my little Adirondack chairs from Pier 1 and Elf from World Market will be our Christmas decoration. 

My Dad made life size chairs like this, same color 

Dec 1st I put up the Poinsettia garland 

Meanwhile, the boy says he and the dog had a chilly night camping out of doors. It is Nov. 24th you know! I back packed in that area in the middle of summer 1975 for three days, it was cold nights then.

I pray whatever The Day after Thanksgiving is for you, 

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.