Hi all,

It’s been a while since I posted. Honestly, since my mom passed away on August 8th, after fighting for 45 days in the hospital, I just didn’t have the heart to write.

Even in her hardest moments, my mom always found something good in each day. It might have been a kind word someone shared with her, a butterfly that fluttered by, or the smell of apple pie. What ever came to her, she was quick to pass her gratitude on to others.

I’m confident that her positive outlook filtered into me. I lean toward optimism in life.

As I was looking for a tree skirt to measure for an upcoming project, I came across a few items I had purchased years ago that included a grapevine wreath and a few mini pumpkins and gourds. I hadn’t yet decorated for Fall and decided it was time to do something.

Tired of my previous wreath, I got inspired with to create a new one…one that shows “gratitude”.

The best thing about this wreath is anyone can make one for under $10.

I think mine cost me less than $7 and I already had what I needed at home.

Symbol of Gratitude…

I learned about this universal symbol from a friend of mine who fully embraces the concept. No matter how tough life comes at her, she could always find something to be grateful for.

Linda reminds me a lot of my mom who taught me the same.

The symbol of gratitude features a small “g” within a circle.

The meaning is simple . . . gratitude should be practiced daily because without it, life is not as rich.

Thanksgiving is here…

With Thanksgiving upon us, we all tend to focus on gratitude. That’s the theme you’ll find in every store, on Pinterest, and every source of media.

It’s a focused moment in time to think about what we’re thankful for…although we should express it daily because each day is a gift if we wake up breathing.

Each day we have the ability to make change happen, to accomplish more, to be with others, to move forward in life.

Here are a number of things that fill my heart…

I’m grateful for my family and friends, my work, my accomplishments, my ability to create and share with others.

I’m grateful that I have a natural ability to help people love their homes.

I’m grateful for opportunities, serving others and God in my life.

I’m grateful for my mom and her now flawless being... although I’ll forever miss her.

I’m grateful for sunshine, nature and simple pleasures.

I’m grateful for laughter and finding joy in each day.

I’m grateful that I can cry. My mom once told me that it’s a gift because I don’t let emotions bottle up in me, rather I’m able to release them and cleanse my soul. I leak a lot and tears flow oh so easily, even at commercials or a song that pops on the radio. 

With all that said…and I could go on and on...

This is what inspired this wreath.

That and I had the materials so I figured, why not.

DIY Gratitude Wreath for under $7

Supplies:

• 1 grapevine wreath – cost approximately $4
• Wire ribbon of your choice. I found this at Hobby Lobby
• Scissors
• Embellishments – optional

Note…my mushroom came from a plant that Jana, my sweet friend and neighbor gave to me. They plant didn’t make it but I think this little shroom is too cute to toss.

Did you know…

Mushrooms are considered a good-luck symbol. In Germany mushroom ornaments are displayed on Christmas trees in reverence for nature and in hope of good luck in the New Year, according to Bronners.com.

How To

1. Undo the grapevine wreath to open it up.
2. Lay it out on a surface to adjust the wreath to the shape you want. It takes a little maneuvering to get it just the way you want it.
3. Add wire ribbon to the top. I secured about three sections together. Once it was hung, I used the extra wire found wrapped around sections of the wreath to help secure the smaller swirls in place.
4. Next I added a bow.
5. The shroom I had left over from a plant and thought it’d be a perfect little addition.
6. Time it took to make: after fluffing the bow, maybe 15 minutes. It’s pretty simple, but I love it!

Your turn…

Take time to think of all the people, opportunities you have and moments in your life. Challenge yourself to focus on gratitude each day and journal about it, if you choose. It’s said that if you write daily about the things you’re thankful for, you’ll become more grateful as life goes on. What a beautiful way to live.

What’s one thing you are grateful for?

If you need help in learning how to live more thankfully, read this.

I wish you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving! If you have your parents around you, be sure to love on them. Time goes too fast.

This holiday season…take time and just be...

Cheers to you and yours!