Thank Your Lucky Stars: Free Printable

Be Thankful

No matter how bad things get (and everybody has those moments.............those days..........those weeks..........those years-- trust me on that one) there is always someone worse off than you. There is always someone who has less. Always someone who has endured more. Much more.  Remembering this, and being grateful for all that you do have is one of the keys to happiness.

As we prepare for our Thanksgiving holiday in the States tomorrow, now is the perfect time to reflect on our blessings, here are some of mine:

-I am always very thankful for my husband. I'd be lost without him
-I am truly blessed with family and friends
-I am grateful we picked Lucan from all the pups at the pound that day. He's a great dog, a super pal, always-eager walking partner, a good listener- ha! (who else am I supposed to talk to in my little office/studio)
-My health and the health of my loved ones, because without it, you've got nothing
-To live in a country where I have many freedoms that a lot of people around the world don't
-That there are those willing to fight, and some who have given their lives, to protect these freedoms
-I am always, always, always thankful for the roof over my head and a bed to sleep in
-I am so lucky to have never have known hunger
-To have the most amazing sunset view and be surrounded by so much beautiful nature
-I am very grateful for my clients who entrust me to plan marketing initiatives, design collateral and branding for the businesses that they hold dear and for the customers who enjoy my illustrations enough to purchase a print which in turn keeps the roof over my head and food on our table
-That skype allows us to spend time with our family and friends across the sea
-Etsy and this blog, which have helped me to connect with really wonderful people across this biggo' world of ours
-How wonderful it is that you and others have chosen to read what I post on Mercantile Muse and hang out with me
-For my own ability to appreciate the little things
-The true miracles (really) we have been blessed with this year. (that should really be at the top of the list)

There you have it. Just a few of my thankfuls, and now......for the giving. A new free printable wall art design.

download free lucky stars printable wall art here

Today is busy, busy, busy. It seems to be the m.o. of late, something else that I'm thankful for is work  currently on my desk.  I'm about to design an email campaign for one of my long-time clients. After that, I have to adjust and save master files for design clients, and have several new logo designs to work on.  At the end of the day, you will find me (and G- he's my peeler) prepping apple pies and potatoes.  I wait until morning to bake the pies so that I can smell that heavenly scent while I watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and enjoy a noggy-groggy (which means it's got a little 'something' in it if you no what I mean).  Later in the day, we'll be off to my sister-in-law and brother's home for a hell of a Thanksgiving Day feast mixed with a healthy dose of love and laughter, and if they've got it in them...........a Pie-Off between my nephews Pat and Joe. Who will win the 'how much pie can you eat contest' this year? It's hard to say, since they're both well over 6', they're the only ones who have room left who are up to the challenge.

Many blessings to you and yours. Enjoy your Thanksgiving.

Ciao for now,

 

Before We Jump Headlong .....

via jarusha brown photography

....Into The Next Holiday

The holidays are always such a rush, in more than one way. Yes, holidays. That's plural. Meaning that there isn't just one. In fact we celebrate 3....actually 5 counting St. Stephen's Day and Little Christmas (St. Stephens Day is December 26 and it's a time to actually just relish in all that we worked so hard for and Little Christmas- also known as The Epiphany- the day the Magis found the Christ Child), coincides with our Christmas celebration with our pals Tommy and Terry. We began our married life in a studio above their garage.)  However, instead of getting ahead of ourselves thinking of 'all the holiday' celebrations to come, let's remember what the season begins with, before we start pining for the next one?

As Thanksgiving nears, let's share some of the traditions we hold dear that make Thanksgiving special to us.

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I'll start. I for one prep my apple pie the night before and stick it in the oven in the morning, so I can smell it cooking while I watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Yes, it's corny, but it alls beckons the start of the holiday season to me, when I see Tom Turkey floating through the air, the NY streets lined with people, and of course, good Old Saint Nicholas ending the parade. Does anyone else remember the year a Santa stepped off that glorious sleigh, and a little kid wrapped their arms around him so forcefully that Santa started to loose his pants?  I enjoy noggy groggy while watching (that would be spiked egg nog with a little nutmeg....a nice rum is usually my choice). 

We boil and mash the potatoes for the big feast. Gar being the Irish lad that he is, makes us the official potato people for every holiday.

Then we head over the Maine border to my brother and sister-in-laws house where my sister-in-law has the house decked out in beautiful harvest colors.  She also is a good sport and puts out the 'pineapple' turkey my brother made in gradeschool. It's not nearly as over the top as Martha's below.

via Martha Stewart (who else?)

Sister-in-Law Kel sets a beautiful table and my brother carves the bird. It's my duty to pick at at the turkey and the skin, while he's carving, just to ensure it's done properly.

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My father makes the gravy, with me as an assistant.  As this happens, the rolls go in the oven so they're ready at just the right time.

The buffet is set out. The wine and water are poured. We all find our places. Then comes Grace. A moment to reflect on how lucky we are to be gathered with people who we love, with a full bounty to nourish bellies and our souls. There are always many thanks to give. 

Then we rest. Watch some more football, move around, take a quick walk outside for some air, or sit and moan about how full we are. 

Of course, we are a hearty bunch and not easily detered from the Pie Off. 

via Jarusha Brown Photography

Pumpkin pie, chocolate pudding pie, apple pie, and usually a couple of berry pies from my niece's high school fundraiser. There are only ever two finalists in the the Pie Off; nephew Pat and nephew Joe. They are both strappin' lads over 6" tall, but even they could not take one more bite last year. I think it ended in a dual forfeiture or a tie, depending on how you look at it.

We enjoy some more laughs, there may be someone napping in the corner, the dishes are cleared and it's time for the bird to go in the bag. You see, after prepping and cooking for the Thanksgiving Day feast my sister in law can't fathom the thought of doing anything with the leftover bird. I on the otherhand simply can't stand the thought of it not being made into some serious quantities of soup. So, we take him home in a bag and I work my soup magic the next day.

Then, and only then are we ready for the next holiday on the calendar.

What traditions do you have to celebrate Thanksgiving? If you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, what tradition helps marks the start of your holiday season?

Did You Get To The Party?

In case you missed it, we are doing some serious partying down in this neck of the woods. The new Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party started yesterday. If you're a shop owner or blogger, be sure to add your link. If you're not, take a browse around.

Also, if you're a quilter, crafter or sewer, I started to add some of my vintage supplies to Bates Mercantile Co. yesterday. My mother is probably saying, 'What took her so long?'. Right Mom?

via Bates Mercantile Co.

There is of course, more to come.

Freeform Friday

Chilly, but we may have a campfire outback anyways....tonight or tomorrow. We'll see. No real agenda for the weekend other than winterize the yard. There are many leaves that need to go. In fact, you really can't see the lawn at all out back. That's what happens when your yard is lined with deciduous trees. Love that word. Deciduous. Sorry, had to say it again. 

Of course, if we're not out back at around the campfire, we'll probably be enjoying our usual YouTube Friday Night. 

Freeform Friday is going old school this week. Take a trip back to the 80s with one of the coolest rocker chics around.  By the way. I love it too. Click here if you're reading by email.

Happy Friday.

Ciao for now,



BLACK FRIDAY SALE at the mercantile

Savings for YOU

It's Black Friday, as most of you know. I have to say, I'm not a rush out and be there at 6am kind of gal. In fact, if I take advantage of any black friday sales it will be from my keyboard. If you're like me, here's a deal for you........25% off storewide at Bates Mercantile Co. now through next Tuesday (I threw an extra day in there for good measure).

Use coupon code FF11BF25 at checkout and enjoy big savings on whatever tickles your fancy......perhaps the customizable notecards above?

Bird Is the Word

How Was Your Thanksgiving?

This pretty much says it all for me- brother Bill carving the bird.

More tomorrow.

Enjoy your day. I'll do the same.

See you on the flip side,

Ah, Thanksgiving.

Many Thanks To Give

I love Thanksgiving. It's a wonderful start to our holiday season here.  The food is out of this world.  It's a laid back time with family.  It's a day to remember just how blessed we are.  It's a day to give thanks.


I give thanks that my sister in law Kel and brother Bill who host Thanksgiving.  After years of my Mother being the host, they took over years ago and do a stellar job of it every year.

I'm thankful for perfect company and nice potholders. Just thought I'd mention that Kel.

Grateful for a perfect table setting.  Kel always takes care to make it special just like the whole day.

Truly thankful for a perfect bird.

I must steal some of the dark meat with a piece of skin as brother Bill carves the turkey. It's mandatory.  Looks like my niece Maddie is trying to horn in on my spot.

A closer look at the bird.............being de-stuffed.

The stuffing and turkey are my favorite part of the meal. Hands down. And I'll take mostly dark meat please.  Kel still makes my mother's stuffing recipe with bread, sausage, onions, celery..........heaven.  As you can see, our stuffing is cooked in the bird and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I am also thankful that we get to take the remains of the bird home. It'd be a terrible thing to waste. Tomorrow is 'making soup day' here.

The biggest question of the day........Who will win the Thanksgiving Pie-A-Thon this year? Patrick or Joe? Both nephews are obviously trying to recover here.  I think Pat's got the right idea on the couch. By the way Joe...........didn't Pat win last year? I think there was just one little bite of pie that Joe couldn't put away.  Some rugby player.....wait till the other guys get wind of that.

Alas, one of my favorite turkey pictures of all time. These birds are part of the Winnicutt Road Gang, hanging at Lone Tree Hill in the field across the street. Seriously. Do you think they can read?

A few more gratefuls:

*Good health. Without that, you ain't got much. 

*Thankful to Dr. Branton, Kristen and Lindsey who finally found a way to give my mother relief from horrible nerve pain from arthritis in her neck. SO thankful for that team. You're doing much better this Thanksgiving, huh Mom? Woohoo!

*Our servicemen and women, especially those who are away from their families at this time of the year. Their sacrifices are many.

*A roof over our head, a bed to sleep in, a pillow to lay our heads on, wood to put in the fire, and food on the table. I do not take these things for granted. Neither does Gar.

*I've said it before, and I'll say it again. We are truly blessed with the most awesomest (hey, I can make up words, it's my blog) people in our lives.....family, friends, neighbors, customers, coworkers. You know who you are.

*The hardworking G Man and my lazybones hound Lucan. My own little family.

What and who are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?  I'd love to know.

Don't eat too much and don't forget to breathe.

I have to get back to the potatoes, the pie and the parade.

Enjoy the day and all that it means,

PS-STARTING AT 12AM BLACK FRIDAY-shop at Bates Mercantile Co. and use coupon code FF11 to receive 25% off store wide 11/25- Tuesday 11/29. WOW, what a deal!!!

PSS- If you have an online shop on etsy or elsewhere, or you have a blog, don't miss our current link up which started yesterday! Join the fun.

Grateful.

via bythebookpaper

Time Flies, But First Comes Thanksgiving

Since our Thanksgiving in the States is next week, I thought I'd take a moment to shine the light on giving thanks. I think it's important to take time to be grateful for what we all have, especially before the holiday push puts us in a tizy and we lose sight of the what it all means.

* I'd like to thank the academy.........oh, sorry, wrong speech. I'd like to thank the wonderful people I've met via etsy and the blogging world, which includes you. You've each made a difference, whether you know it or not. 

*Thank you for sharing here on the Muse. I really appreciate your comments and always look foward to them.

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*Thanks to the many talented people that are a part of my life in some way, whether it's in 3D life or across the world wide web. You inspire me.

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*I am grateful for my friends. They each serve a different purpose in my life and I treasure each one for their individuality. Our friends are the best anyone could ask for or have.  I am constantly amazed at how lucky we are in the friend department.

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*I am grateful that our family on this side of the Atlantic and the other side of the pond are the kind of family that everyone wants, but not everyone gets. They're there when we need them, and when we don't.

via batesmercantileco.

If they weren't our family we would have chosen them to be part of our life anyways. Our families are a huge part of our life. We are so very lucky and blessed. 

via bythebookpaper

*I am happy and grateful and beyond lucky to have the most supportive husband. To boot, he's as crazy as I am. Life would simply be black and white without him, and oh so boring.

via rodioncreative

Today, I am grateful for many things. What are you thankful and grateful for?

Much on the to-do-list today. I hope you get to check things off of yours whever you are. Speaking of lists, another free printable tomorrow.....this one for organizing your holidays.

Ciao for now,