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Reflections on Gratitude

November 26, 2020 by Scooter in the Sticks 28 Comments

A man and his dog.
It’s the simple things that give life meaning.

Thanksgiving. Given the choice between tradition and reality, I choose the latter. And for me, reality means processing the notion of gratitude and giving thanks. Turkey, football, family gathering; a nice traditions but they don’t necessarily translate into anything beyond a formal escape from the trudging of daily life.

For my part, I’ll remember the good in my life and the gifts I’ve received both large and small. As I sit in the garden as I often do, my dog Junior reminds me that my needs are not great, and my blessings expansive beyond what I deserve.

I wish each of you a good Thanksgiving Holiday however you may celebrate it (or not). And if you’re on the road riding, be safe.

For those of you looking for stories and pictures of rides — there’s much to come once I sit down and write.

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Filed Under: riding Tagged With: thanksgiving

Comments

  1. amateriat says

    November 26, 2020 at 2:30 am

    And: a most heartwarming Thanksgiving to you, and Kim, and the puppitos. (I just LOVE that photo of you with your one-of-two doggos…and i say that as a cat person.)

    Speaking of: Le Wife’s younger son is living with us for a bit after an “interesting” time living/working in Richmond for a few years (long story), and he brought his Australian cattle-dog mix with him. It took a while for me, wife, and cat to adjust, but months later we’re getting along a good deal better than expected. Have to give thanks all-around for that.

    And, of course, looking forward to more words, images, and rides from you, when they come about. In the meantime: be merry.

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 9:00 am

      Mixing dogs must be a challenge. Kim and I considered a cat once but we feared the consequences of two dogs who pursue tennis balls with such ferocity that we couldn’t imagine the plight of a little ball of fire.

      I’m planning to post another ride saga on Monday. Fingers crossed that I don’t surrender to more childish endeavors before completion.

      Reply
  2. David Eakin says

    November 26, 2020 at 8:28 am

    Very well said! Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 9:01 am

      Thank you David. Hope you have a fine day.

      Reply
  3. Rusty Yeiser says

    November 26, 2020 at 9:40 am

    Good dog! Happy Thanksgiving Steve.

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 4:04 pm

      Junior is a good dog. He’s here at my feet now. Waiting for left over turkey. He doesn’t know yet that I’ve licked my plate clean.

      Best wishes to you and your family for a Happy Thanksgiving.

      Reply
  4. Steve Brooke says

    November 26, 2020 at 9:52 am

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours Steve, enjoy and savour it all. Looking forward to future musings. Cheers 🥂

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 4:04 pm

      More musings on the way. Just need to focus my thoughts.

      Have a great holiday!

      Reply
  5. Karl Stumpf says

    November 26, 2020 at 11:41 am

    A Blessed Thanksgiving to you and Kim and the rest of your family. You are a real blessing to all those who have the privilege of reading your blogs. Have a great day!

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 4:05 pm

      Thank you for your kind words about my writing Karl. I hope you find blessings as well today.

      Reply
  6. lostboater says

    November 26, 2020 at 11:56 am

    I have much to be thankful for. One of the things I am thankful is you and your blog. It brings great insights and joy into my life. Thank you and enjoy your day.

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 4:06 pm

      I’m glad I can help brighten your day from time to time Ken. It’s been gray and gloomy here today. I had thoughts of riding but turkey got in the way!

      Reply
  7. Jim Zeiser says

    November 26, 2020 at 12:00 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving Steve.

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 4:07 pm

      You too Jim!

      Reply
  8. curvyroads says

    November 26, 2020 at 12:09 pm

    Sweet photo! Happy non-traditional Thanksgiving to you and yours!

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 4:07 pm

      Junior is a sweet dog. We’re lucky to have him.

      Have a great holiday!

      Reply
  9. Laurent says

    November 26, 2020 at 12:36 pm

    De la simplicité nait la tranquillité…

    From simplicity comes tranquility …

    Laurent.

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 4:09 pm

      Je suis d’accord!

      Reply
  10. Mark says

    November 26, 2020 at 1:48 pm

    Hi Steve, it has been a selfish pleasure to read your blog posts and devour your photos. Thank you for that. And, have a happy Thanksgiving and holiday season.
    -mark

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 4:11 pm

      Glad you find some value in the stuff I post. Riding is a selfish pleasure for me, and writing about it is as well.

      Be well and have a Great Thanksgiving Mark.

      Reply
  11. paul ruby says

    November 26, 2020 at 3:44 pm

    Happy thanksgiving and happy Reality to you too!

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      It was good seeing you at the Military Museum today Paul. A happy reality to you too!

      Reply
  12. Dave Montgomery says

    November 26, 2020 at 7:03 pm

    Well put Steve. Given the state of the world, we all have a tremendous number of things to be thankful for. All the best to you and your family during these challenging times.

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      I don’t think I can ever be too thankful or grateful. And as you say about the world right now, it’s probably a good time to take stock of one’s life.

      Thank you for the good wishes and the same to you and your family.

      Reply
  13. David Masse says

    November 26, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Happy thanksgiving to you, Kim, and the pooches.

    Warm regards,

    David

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 26, 2020 at 9:16 pm

      Thank you David. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

      The pooches just want more turkey!

      Reply
  14. Dom Chang says

    November 27, 2020 at 9:53 pm

    Hope you had a great Thanksgiving Steve!

    Reply
    • Steve Williams says

      November 29, 2020 at 6:22 pm

      A fine day. And a launch towards Christmas. My only complaint is that it starts getting dark at 4:30pm!

      Reply

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