thanks and giving – the Spiff

This week I’m devoting all of my thankfulness to things found in my closet. It’s fun to take stock of the things you truly appreciate in there. And I’m not talking about the pair of jeans that makes your butt look really good (although I am very thankful for those). I’m talking about the deeper sentimental pieces.

Here’s what I’ve got…

1. Ring

I wear this ring often. It is my Grandmother’s wedding band. Out of all my grandparents, she was the one I got to know the most. She was a beautiful woman with impeccable style. I think of her every time I put it on, and am so thankful for the woman she was because I believe my love for clothes was passed down through her!

2. Necklace

This Tiffany necklace was a gift from my brother and sister for my college graduation. When you change majors and then move states, your collegiate career suffers greatly. When it was finally time for me to graduate it felt like such a huge accomplishment. I’m so happy to have this gorgeous classic necklace to remember that milestone.

3. Shoes and Skirt

Over the past two years I’ve learned in the deepest way possible to lean on God and trust in Him even when things don’t go as planned. And you know, even in the middle of hard times He’s shown Himself to be strong and faithful. Both of these items were found and purchased during some rough patches and they’ve quickly become two of my favorite pieces. I love them even more for the fact that when I see them it reminds me that God never fails. Plus they make me smile because I believe He led me to them as a way of encouragement right when I needed it.

Giving:

Well, honestly I don’t have a specific example of giving from this week. After starting this series I’ve come to realize how beneficial it can be having a check point like this to evaluate what I’ve given over a week’s span. I plan on checking up on this more often because I want to continually and purposefully bless others!

Gosh, sitting down to write about the things I’m thankful for could be a full time job (and a great one at that)!

But as is my tradition, for the next four weeks I plan to write about 3 things I’m thankful for and one thing I’m giving. Sometimes they’ll be deep (love, sunsets, unicorns), other times it will be not so deep.

Join me with your own thoughts in the comments if you like. Or be a Scrooge McDuck and don’t. Your call.

1. I’m thankful for a good hair dresser.

This probably falls in the not-so-deep category, but it’s truly something I’m thankful for. I go to Barnes & Barnes in Market Square. I’ve been going there for over 10 years. Even though I’ve only lived in TN for 10 years, I literally made the trip up here from FL just to get my hair cut one time (if that shows you how great they are).

The salon is run by a husband and wife (who happen to go to my church) and really they couldn’t be more talented. I get my hair cut by Stephen Barnes, and as I tell everyone on the street who compliments my hair – he is the perfect blend of listening to what you have to say and inserting his expert opinion. That’s a hard combination to find in a hair dresser.

So if you live in the area (and even if you don’t) – go check them out!

2. I’m thankful for Zacaroni Pony.

That’s my dog (he’s on my lap). His previous owner named him Zack. As a more whimsical person, I would have gone with something a little less…human. So I mostly call him Zack but in all reality he has a myriad of nicknames that change from day to day (i.e.: Cuddles with a K, Pepperoni Tony, Rice Krispy Treat, Cutes Ma-Gutes).

God could not have cooked up a more perfect dog for me. He is truly one of my favorite things in all the world. And really something I could devote a whole blog to, but I won’t. You pet-0wners out there know the kind of love I’m talking about.

3. I’m thankful to live in a state that has seasons!

While Floria will always hold a special place in my heart, I am now very thankful to live where “winter” isn’t five minutes long. We really have the perfect amount of all four seasons here in TN, and for that I’m really thankful.

I didn’t know what boots were until I moved up here…what kind of life is that to live?! ;)

Giving

This week I’ve made cookies for some neighbor friends that have moved in near us. Being married to a cookie aficionado has caused me to hone my skills and now I have a recipe that is all mine. I love getting to share that with others and it’s become my little tradition when friends move in near us (which has happened three times now).

Your turn! What are you thankful for and giving this week!?

Thanks & Giving Part III