Milkweed - Feeling Thankful in the Cold

Wishes 2016

Photo by Amy LV

Students - Today I am thinking that Thanksgiving comes at just the right time.  Here in the Northeastern United States, the colorful leaves have mostly fallen, and we can feel snow and a long winter in the air.  Winter lasts for many months 'round these parts, and so the cold days of November are a beautiful time to think about gratitude.  

Today, as I walked up to the pasture with our dogs, I marveled at the exquisite milkweed plant you see atop this post.  It was easy to feel thankful as I touched their little angel wings and felt warm and hopeful inside.

Notice the repetition in today's poem.  Sometimes repetition can emphasize what a writer wishes to express. And I am, indeed, thankful for small natural beauties.  

If ever you're unsure of what to write about, I recommend a walk outside.  Just look around and up and down and here and there.  I imagine that you, too, will find something that fills you with gratitude.

A very Happy Thanksgiving to my friends far and wide.  I am thankful for you.

Stitch Buffalo Stitched Birds - Free Shipping Through December 15

Photo by Amy LV

In case you missed it last week, just like last year, The Poem Farm will be giving a Christmas gift of free shipping for anyone who would like to order two or more handstitched notebooks or bird ornaments.  These are beautiful pieces made by refugee artisan women in Buffalo, NY through Stitch Buffalo.  They do not ship, but only sell locally, so this is a special opportunity. You can read my post and learn more information HERE.  

To read last year's Stitch Buffalo post and poem, visit HERE.  I am so happy and thankful to share that in one week, The Poem Farm readers have purchased $935 of birds and notebooks, most all of which will go directly to the individual artisans who made each item.  Thank you!

At the moment, I am in Atlanta, Georgia for the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention.  I look forward to speaking with and meeting up with good friends.  If you're at NCTE, please look for me.  I'll have a bag full of poems to share and would love to give you one or two.

This month I am grateful to have artist Tim Needles visiting my other blog, Sharing Our Notebooks.  His notebooks are inspiring and great fun, and I encourage you to check them out.  Too, the book giveaway on his post ends this Sunday, November 20.

Brenda is hosting today's Poetry Friday roundup over at Friendly Fairy Tales.  All are always welcome in this warm community of folks who love poems and people.

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