Every morning before work, I try to pause for a minute or two, just to listen to the birds and to breathe. It helps clear my head for the chaos to come. I see Thanksgiving that way, only on an larger, annual scale. You pause to contemplate what you are thankful for in your life.

I’m thankful for my fabulous adopted dog, for gentle, fall days like the one in the photo, and for my ability to get out and enjoy them to the fullest. This photo was taken at Narragansett Beach about two weeks ago. I love the way the sun and waves patterned the sand.

The woods are always there for me, and they never let me down. I’m thankful for their soothing and inspiring presence.

I’m so grateful I have friends to share my outdoor adventures with.

Canine friends, too.

And I am grateful for my readers, some of whom have been with me since I started this blog back in 2009.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.