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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Giving Thanks

What's It Wednesday #143

This time of year can bring joy as well as sadness. Currently I am in constant prayer for a beloved friend of mine who is fighting for her life. In the middle of her struggle I received  a call saying my step-mom was also gravely ill and needed to be placed in Hospice. Unfortunately, this amazing woman passed away just a few short days later.

As thanksgiving approaches I have been reflecting on the good folks that are in my life. This prompts a perfect opportunity to celebrate for celebration sake. 

Calling a dear friend or family member over for a holiday dessert can brighten anyone's day. Grabbing a cake from the local bakery would make any one feel special.

This Cajun Lemonade has just enough rum and hot sauce to get the party started.
 I will try to reflect on this moment throughout the year every year and make every effort to celebrate the people in my life. Everyone needs to know how much we mean to each other. This holiday season, I am going to start by giving thanks for having each and everyone of you in my life here in Blogland. Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

How will you be giving thanks this holiday season?

xoxoxo
Paula

Thanks to all of you who partied with us last week. Please link-up and join us again. Remember, it's not a party without you!

Here Are This Week's Features:


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51 comments:

  1. Antiques And TeacupsNovember 19, 2014 at 10:03 PM

    I am sorry to hear of your loss. But it's so good to be able to celebrate those that you can still hug close! Thanks for hosting and I pray you find blessing in family and friends.
    Ruth

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  2. Artsy VaVaNovember 19, 2014 at 10:04 PM

    Thank you for hosting the party.

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  3. Parsimonious Décor DarlingNovember 19, 2014 at 10:07 PM

    Sorry to hear about the loss of your step mom. That's an especially difficult thing to deal with during the holidays. I hope you are surrounded by the support of those you love...hoping your friend will recover. Thank you for hosting in this trying time. Hugs.

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  4. sweetvintageofmineNovember 19, 2014 at 10:09 PM

    Evening Paula, It's good to see a Thanksgiving posting and what it means to be thankful for family and friends. Thanksgiving is so overlooked in our world of "retail"....it bothers me. I will be praying/interceding for your friend....Have a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving~~~Roxie

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  5. FABBY'S LIVINGNovember 19, 2014 at 10:09 PM

    Thank you so much for hosting.
    Everything is lovely.
    FABBY

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  6. UnknownNovember 19, 2014 at 10:17 PM

    Thanks so much for the party Patty !
    xxx

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  7. Doreen@foxdenrdNovember 19, 2014 at 10:19 PM

    I'm so very sorry about the loss of your step mom. It's never a good time to lose a loved one, but the holidays are especially tough.

    Paula, I have a question...would it be possible to increase the number of characters we can place under the thumbnail?

    Thank you for hosting and may you have a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

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  8. JP November 19, 2014 at 10:20 PM

    My condolences to you, Paula and thanks for carrying on and continuing to host this party. Prayers to your dear friend!
    JP

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  9. Dana BishopNovember 19, 2014 at 10:22 PM

    Thank you for hosting such a nice party...

    I am very sorry that this is a sad time. There is never a 'right' time to lose someone you love. Prayer helps in all ways.

    Blessings, Dana

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  10. AnonymousNovember 19, 2014 at 10:31 PM

    So sorry for your loss! Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  11. RhissannaNovember 19, 2014 at 10:32 PM

    I am so sorry to learn of your friend's illness and the loss of your stepmother. That's a hard burden to bear and I hope you have friends and family around to support you. I admire your generosity of spirit in thinking of others at this time. Hugs for you and I hope memories of happier times will make your loss easier to bear.

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  12. ShannonNovember 19, 2014 at 10:35 PM

    My prayers are with you on your loss. What a great reminder to keep celebrating the amazing people in our life. Thanks for hosting.

    Shannon ~ bohemianjunktion.com

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  13. MarigeneNovember 19, 2014 at 10:38 PM

    So sorry for your loss...prayers to your and your family.

    Thank you for hosting each week.

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  14. Terra November 19, 2014 at 10:39 PM

    I pray you find comfort facing your loss and as you say, find joy in celebrating the holidays and your loved ones.

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  15. Maureen WyattNovember 19, 2014 at 10:52 PM

    We are likewise thankful for you and all the beauty you bring into our lives. I hope our appreciation is some small comfort as you deal with such sadness.

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  16. The Polka Dot ClosetNovember 19, 2014 at 11:19 PM

    So sorry to hear about your step Mom and your friend...I am just thankful for every great day....The older I get I never take days for granted

    Carol

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  17. Lori @ Dining DelightNovember 19, 2014 at 11:23 PM

    You are so right that we need to take time to celebrate the people in our lives while they are still with us. Sorry for your loss and you are doing the best thing possible for your friend by praying. Thanks for hosting.

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  18. AnonymousNovember 19, 2014 at 11:30 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your stepmother. Sending out prayers to your friend.

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  19. Jill HarrisonNovember 19, 2014 at 11:43 PM

    I grieve for you and send you prayers. I know very well the feelings of losing someone close. I hope that your beautiful memories will remind you of the love you shared and the joy these people brought to you life.

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  20. Joy@aVintageGreenNovember 20, 2014 at 12:02 AM

    Thank you for hosting today. Sorry to hear of the passing of your step mom and the tough time your friend is going through. Prayers for all.

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  21. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesNovember 20, 2014 at 12:30 AM

    I'm so very to hear about your friend and stepmom...we should never take things for granted. Sending prayers...
    Thank you for taking the time to host the party...xo

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  22. Betsy@My Salvaged TreasuresNovember 20, 2014 at 1:20 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Blessings to you and your family during this difficult time.

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  23. Karen @ Beatrice EuphemieNovember 20, 2014 at 1:24 AM

    Such sad news - so very sorry! Celebrating our loved ones is so important. Your table looks lovely. Thank you for hosting. xo Karen

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  24. Crafts a la ModeNovember 20, 2014 at 1:30 AM

    Paula, so sad for your loss. You wrote a beautiful reminder to us all to appreciate those we love and to show it daily. Best wishes to you, my friend, Linda

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  25. PoppyNovember 20, 2014 at 2:28 AM

    So sorry to hear about the loss of your step mom, Paula, as well as the very difficult health challenge of your friend. Praying for all involved.

    Our lives, really, are about the people who are in them, the wonderful individuals who give meaning to our existence. Giving thanks for such blessings, is something I am grateful for every single day, and especially, at Thanksgiving.

    Hope you have a lovely holiday.

    xo
    Poppy

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  26. LindaNovember 20, 2014 at 5:51 AM

    Hello Paula,
    So sorry to learn of your loss and praying for your friend. Wishing you happier times surrounded by much love.
    Thank you for always hosting such a lovely party!
    Linda at Beautiful Ideas

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  27. Tea in the LibraryNovember 20, 2014 at 6:41 AM

    Condolences on your loss. It is never easy. Sending prayers as I link up this week for comfort and special blessings.

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  28. Tuula @ Thrifty Rebel VintageNovember 20, 2014 at 7:48 AM

    I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending prayers your way.

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  29. Our Hopeful HomeNovember 20, 2014 at 8:17 AM

    So sorry, prayers are being sent your way. Thanks for the reminder to be thankful and thanks for hosting the party. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
    xoKathleen

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  30. Gail @Purple Hues and MeNovember 20, 2014 at 8:18 AM

    My condolences to you and your family on the loss of your stepmom. Your wonderful memories of her will forever be with you and help you during this difficult time.

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  31. Jemma@athomewithjemmaNovember 20, 2014 at 9:02 AM

    Paula,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your step mom and the illness of your dear friend. You are in my heart and thoughts. Thank you for hosting, when you have so much going on.
    Hugs,
    Jemma

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  32. Sally Annie MagundyNovember 20, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    I'm so very sorry to hear of your dear step moms passing and your beloved friends illness Paula. So important to treasure those dear to us and let them know in a tangible way they are in our hearts now. Thinking of you and sending hugs.

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  33. Curtains in My TreeNovember 20, 2014 at 9:29 AM


    So sorry about the sadness in your life dear.
    That is why we need to celebrate every day of having our friends and family around and with us, I forget this just like everyone else.

    You are always a bright spot in blogland

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  34. ~Lavender Dreamer~November 20, 2014 at 9:38 AM

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss and know you are suffering with worry, too. I'll keep you in my prayers along with the others you have mentioned. Sweet hugs dear friend, Diane

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  35. Victorian1885November 20, 2014 at 10:10 AM

    Happy Thanksgiving! I am sorry for your loss and sending good thoughts to your Dear friend.
    I try to enjoy and appreciate everyday and am thankful for all the friends and wonderful family in my life. Take care...
    Hugs,
    Wanda

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  36. Donna WilkesNovember 20, 2014 at 10:18 AM

    A loving way to remember those who have passed or are gravely ill with a giving of thanks for their places in your life. thank you for hosting.

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  37. Cass @ That Old HouseNovember 20, 2014 at 11:26 AM

    My heart goes out to you on the loss of your beloved stepmother. How especially sad to lose someone so close to a family holiday.

    I am sure your prayers are a comfort and a help to your dear friend who is in such need of love and support right now. You are a good friend.

    Thank you for hosting, and I hope that in the midst of your current trials that you can find joy, still, in celebrating this season. Blessings to you and yours! -- Cass

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  38. Judy at GoldCountryCottageNovember 20, 2014 at 12:15 PM

    Paula, I am so sorry for your loss and am happy to have you, among many, as my blessings. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family..Happy Thursday..Judy

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  39. UnknownNovember 20, 2014 at 12:36 PM

    Hi Paula,
    I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your step mom. Wishing you many blessings during this holiday season. Thanks so much for the party.

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  40. AlessandraNovember 20, 2014 at 3:51 PM

    I' m so sorry for the loss of your mother and i' ll pray for your friend.Your post and your pictures are so lovely.
    Kisses
    Alessandra

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  41. Pura VidaNovember 20, 2014 at 5:03 PM

    I am grateful for you!

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  42. CreateologyNovember 20, 2014 at 7:55 PM

    Blessings and Healing Energy for you and your family. This Thanksgiving is a time for being grateful for all we are and enjoy. Sharing Joy...

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  43. UnknownNovember 21, 2014 at 2:32 AM

    "Ivy and Elephants" has been included in our Sites To See #414. Be assured that we hope this helps to point many new visitors in your direction.

    http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2014/11/sites-to-see-414.html

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  44. Susan FreemanNovember 21, 2014 at 9:25 AM

    Very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Big Texas Hugs,
    Susan and Bentley

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  45. The Speckled Hen CottageNovember 21, 2014 at 12:07 PM

    It is so sad and heart breaking to lose a loved one, the holidays even make it more so. My heart will be with you during your journey through this.

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  46. blogNovember 22, 2014 at 2:58 PM

    gracias, puedo añadir la información de tu blog
    obat tradisional mengatasi asam lambung bagi ibu hamil

    ReplyDelete
  47. Tea Cottage PrettiesNovember 23, 2014 at 1:01 AM

    So very sorry to hear about your friend and your step mom. Thank you for the reminder to be thankful for all our loved ones and those special people in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving, Beverly

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  48. MariaNovember 23, 2014 at 9:21 AM

    So excited to stop by your party! Love all the great posts for the holiday!
    Hope you have a great turkey day
    Maria

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  49. Little FarmsteadNovember 23, 2014 at 11:56 AM

    Thank you for featuring Alice's home tour that we had on Little Farmstead! I really appreciate. Have a blessed Thanksgiving...

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  50. PalomaseaNovember 23, 2014 at 10:22 PM

    A beautiful post, dear Paula. Prayers to your friend.
    I'm so very sorry about your step-mom. It is a blessing to focus on gratitude during hard times indeed. Sending hugs your way...and to Patti...
    xo
    - Irina

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  51. SarahNovember 25, 2014 at 9:24 PM

    I'm sad to read of your loss. It's never easy to let go of loved ones. Seems even sadder at holiday time. Please accept my sincere condolences.

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Thank you so much for your comments! We enjoy hearing from you.