GIVING THANKS!

[queenoscots]

 

It's 9:00 Thanksgiving morning.   The house is still quiet, though Hubby and I have been moving around since 7:30.  We began hosting the Thanksgiving meal quite a few years ago, and it's a tradition I love.  In a few hours our home will be filled with noisy, hungry people-- but for now, I'm enjoying the silence, a cup of coffee, and a few moments to write.

I'm not a prone to nightmares, but sometimes my dreams are a bit disquieting.  Not last night, though; toward morning I had a dream that left me feeling quite peaceful.  In my dream, I left the house and went for a long walk.  It was a beautiful day, and I just followed the road until I came to a large farm.  A huge red barn--the kind you might see on a calendar photo--stood before me, and inside there lived an assortment of traditional farm animals. 

I walked right inside and went straight to the horses.  One by one, they reached out to me so I could pet their velvety noses.  Their big, brown eyes were calming, and I could feel their hot breath on my hands.  One chestnut colored mare nickered affectionately as I patted her muscular neck, and the other horses nudged forward for their turn-- me next!  me next!    In another stall, a pony chewed on some golden hay as her tiny foal nursed. 

Time passed, and I was vaguely aware that back home people must be looking for me.  Still, I stayed there in the barn.  The rustling straw, the animal noises, even the smell of manure soothed me.  Eventually I made my way to the back of the building, where I encountered the farmer.  He was a tall, gangly man, dressed in a blue work shirt.  An old ball cap covered his grey hair.  "I'm sorry," I told him.  "I don't mean to trespass, but this is such a lovely place I just wanted to look around for a bit."

"Come on," he said.  "I'll give you a tour."  Both humble and proud, the farmer pointed out a windmill he used to generate power, the architecture of the barn, and his favorite animals.  With a smile, he described how children often rode the gentler horses on winding trails around his property.

As we reached the gate just beyond the white farmhouse, I heard someone call my name.  Things at home required my attention, and Daughter C had come to find me.  Leisurely, C and I walked back to the house, just talking and taking time to notice some unusual birds flying overhead.

You might think my dream concluded with some kind of great epiphany, but alas, at home I just found chores waiting for me.  Of course.  But no matter--my brief walkabout had renewed my spirits.

I've figured something out, and I suspect it's an important something.  I don't think I'm ready to share my discovery though--in fact, I'm not sure if this is the kind of thing that needs to be told right away, or even at all.  No, I believe I'll just keep this something to myself for awhile and see what happens.

I'm learning to be still.

 

The house smells wonderfully of roasting turkey, fresh coffee, and a lovely corn and butternut squash soup.  Breakfast was a cup of yogurt, but lunch will be a meal to remember!  I hope you all have a blessed, happy Thanksgiving~

~queenoscots