So Much Gratitude

First, before I get into all the reasons why I'm grateful, let me just say this year was hard. One of the hardest I've ever experienced. The only year that came close to it is...yep, last year. So I can honestly say it's been a bit of a run of hard years lately, and I'm more than ready for a change. That said, and even though I've often felt crushed, overwhelmed, inadequate, and fairly hopeless in the last 24 months, I haven't stopped noticing the good things. And there are so many. 

1. My town. I live in one of the most beautiful cities in the country. In the world, perhaps. I've lived in Oregon nearly all my life, for almost 40 years now. I've lived in Portland several times over the 90's worked here, traveled here from Eugene often, played in bands here, fell in love here...I know this town. Ten years ago when we moved here for real, forever, and with 6 pets and an 8 year old daughter, we found a sweet little craftsman house built in 1908 sitting at the top of Hawthorne, just under the serene gaze of Mt. Tabor, with a view of downtown. Back then we rented the little house for 1250 a month, which we thought was STEEP. A big change from out $700 a month house in Eugene, but hey it's the big city, we told ourselves, and it's worth it! We were so right. I had no idea just how fantastic our neighborhood was, even when I took my first tentative walks around. But it soon became apparent when we discovered mile after mile of beautiful old craftsman homes, old Portland farmhouse homes, old churches, brick schools, hip cafes, movie theaters that serve beer, and a million other beautiful, historic, artful, and just plain cool details. Now, ten years on, the town is transforming, and we've got a front seat to all the changes. Though gentrification is radically changing this beautiful, historic city, it is also improving some things. Where there used to be decrepitude, broken glass and junkies, now there are beautiful new parks and clean side walks. I don't know where it will all end up, and I hope the demolition of so many of these beautiful old homes slows down, but I still walk the streets of my neighborhood enjoying the same smell of pine, the same delights for the eyes, and the same beer at the movie theater. And I'm grateful we came to Portland when we did. We bought our little rental 6 years ago, and thank god we did, because I know for a fact we would not be able to do it now. 
2. My husband. What a guy. So nice, so hard working, so CUTE. I won't embarrass him further. 
3. My dog and my cat. Two of the most important relationships in my life, you know. And they are just like my dear husband in the nice and cute department. (But not very hardworking.)
4. Nature. I live in nature. Portland is filled with it, surrounded by it, and I draw sustenance from it every day. A few years ago we had the crazy idea that we might want to move to LA. It didn't work out and I'm so thankful it didn't! With the drought, the water shortage, the rent and real estate hikes off the chart, the traffic...no thank you. I'm so grateful for our tall pines here, for the river, for Mt. Hood covered in snow, for the wild and rugged coast. It's everything I need to feel peaceful and connected, and for that I'm so very grateful. 

There are so many other things I'm grateful for, every day! My job here at beautiful Melange, my sweet boss Lauren and fab coworkers, my family of course, and my freedom. And my dear friend Anne in Bend (hi Anne!). Thanksgiving isn't just a day, it's a lifestyle. I want to live that life of gratitude and acknowledgement of the wonderful things that are in my life, and not focus on the hard, painful ones. To all of you, HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Love what you love, and love it hard. It's what it is all about.

xoxoxoxo DR

ps: "Le Happy" is one of Portland's adorable little restaurants, that serves the most delicious crepes. Just another reason I love living here!