I have never been one to make New Year’s Resolutions. If there is a goal I need to reach, or some affirmation I need to make, I can do that 365 days of the year. In the same way, I can’t afford to wait until Thanksgiving week to “be thankful.” I have been blessed beyond measure all year long, so who am I to wait until someone puts a turkey on the table to give thanks? However, I would like to consolidate my thoughts into one place this week and share with my blog family what I’m thankful for.

First of all, I am thankful for my family – that they are with me and healthy and happy. This is especially significant to me – this time two years ago our daughter was injured and spent 10 days recovering in a burn unit. I stayed with her every day in her hospital room and held her sleeping 20-month-old body in my arms every night because she wouldn’t sleep in the hospital crib. My husband and sister stayed with her for a few hours so I could have Thanksgiving dinner with the rest of our family, but what I wanted most to do was go back to spend time with my baby. And this time last year, I still had trouble talking about it. So to be able to share the story with you THIS year is remarkable. Beside minor scars, she has recovered fully and is a normal, happy, and FEARLESS 3 1/2 year-old preschooler. I am TRULY thankful for my family’s health.

This year, I was blessed to meet several new people, and even make a few new friends, who have really provided inspiration and encouragement to me. I never imagined the contacts I would have made from cracking a few jokes with old friends on Facebook, posting a few blogs and making YouTube videos. A friend started a discussion on Facebook about “online friendship.” It is certainly true that social media outlets can provide a new and expanded network of business and personal contacts. This year has given me the opportunity to strengthen relationships with old school chums, and meet new people whose creativity, entrepreneurship, and just all-around good-natured vibes have been such a great source of enlightenment and even fun! What an interesting year it has been! I have been able to “co-blog” with my cousin, Jasmine Ratliff, start event-planning with my best friend, and begin working on a few new projects that you will be hearing about soon enough!

For those of you following This and That With Calandra, my family, friends, acquaintances and anyone else who has touched my world this year, I am truly grateful. Peace, love and blessings to you all in this Thanksgiving season.

And stay tuned…the best is yet to come!!