Enjoying the Small Things

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Make Something of It

November 21, 2012 By Kelle

“To make bread or love, to dig in the earth, to feed an animal or cook for a stranger – these activities require no extensive commentary, no lucid theology. All they require is someone willing to bend, reach, chop, stir. Most of these tasks are so full of pleasure that there is no need to complicate things by calling them holy. And yet these are the same activities that change lives, sometimes all at once and sometimes more slowly, the way dripping water changes stone. In a world where faith is often construed as a way of thinking, bodily practices remind the willing that faith is a way of life“.
~ Barbara Brown Taylor

Thank you, Charissa, for this beautiful quote.

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I began my morning reading this, a beautiful piece by Anne Lamott, in Parade magazine.  I continued my morning smiling, pausing during housekeeping chores to read Tweets and scan Instagram photos of Americans expressing gratitude for their families, food, health, babies, traditions, and all these things we love to gush about this time of year.  I gush too.  It feels good to succumb to the vulnerability of holiday sappiness–a deep, deep inhale of goodness that will, over time, breathe out in an exhale affecting others.

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Hunting for pinecones for her own little Thanksgiving table

I am a feeler, an analyzer, an overanalyzer, a sap, a fixer, a learner and a lover.  During not only this sentimental time of year but during this time of my life when I am young and healthy and aware that we are indeed blessed compared to so many others in the world that suffer and find happiness in dismal circumstances, I try to make sense of how to be grateful and aware and proactive and compassionate all at once. 

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In our country tomorrow, there will be many prayers–whispers of thanks, sighs of awareness, pleas for help, and quiet breaths of recognition offered to higher powers, inner selves, the earth, God, family, and the great big universe that unites us all.

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My simple prayer is this:

Take what I’m feeling right now–this abundant love, this awareness of good, this thankfulness for family and food and home and connection, this enthusiasm for life, this interest in people and their stories, this hunger to create, this pain for others’ suffering, this body that yearns to nurture and dance and do and see, this love for babies, this attraction for words and feelings and the desire to string them together and put them on paper, this silly joy for colors and textures and pretty things, these beautiful questions about faith, this painful vulnerability, this ability to learn, this past, this present and this future…and let me make something beautiful of it, every day.  Let me find meaningful ways to use it, share it and give it away.  Let me never ever waste it.

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That felt good to write. So, a Selah for good measure. 

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She spotted a bird.

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And I am ever so thankful for the moment last night when I caught Brett eating a taco and watching a Hallmark Christmas movie with Florence Henderson…I mean a football game.   Oh God, I am so dead.

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This little blog community…whether you celebrate Thanksgiving or not, thank you for reading and sharing and being a part of this space. What a great big Thanksgiving table scene this community would create.

Pass the stuffing.

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*****

In celebrating community, motherhood and creative sharing, I’m happy to introduce our new sponsor, Isobel of Holden On Baby. 

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First time mama, graphic designer, writer, sharer, style curator, you name it–Isobel pours her creative heart into her blog and her work, leaving an inspiring impression.  The first time I found her, I scrolled through post after post, bookmarking new discoveries for baby boy and creative living.

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Her graphic design portfolio is growing as well, so if you’re interested in streamlining your blog or website and making it stand out to express your style and personality, contact her about using her talents! 

Holden On Baby was also recently named one of Babble’s best blogs for beautiful baby photography. 
Check her out for some wonderful creative mama inspiration.  Sister’s got style and heart and many great ideas.

So many amazing women sharing what they have to give–I freaking love the way the Internet makes it possible for us to connect.

*****

Adding after several commenters asked: The teepee was a gift from a Florida mama.  Her Etsy shop is PlayHaven.  We haven’t had it for long, and it has already been loved; made magical moments.

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Friends…enjoy tomorrow.  Take all that gushy gratitude and make something of it.  Share what you have to give.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized 73 Comments

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Comments

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  1. ama de casa says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:16 pm

    I’m the first to comment? This is amazing! I just logged into blogger and saw you posted…yay! Love your blog!

    Reply
  2. YeamieWaffles says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:18 pm

    Love this post so much Kelle. You guys are such a cute little family, I love it.

    Reply
  3. CameoLeigh says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:18 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well! Yes, taking this gushy feeling and running all around the block with it!! Love this time of year and creating yummy dishes for my family to enjoy!!

    Reply
  4. Kathy says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:21 pm

    Okay must have that teepee!!

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  5. mary {figwittage} says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:23 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving! xx

    Reply
  6. Claire @ Scissors Paper Rock says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    Yet another amazing, inspiring and heartfelt post Kelle. We don’t ‘celebrate’ Thanksgiving here in Australia but we {as in everyone all over the world} can be thankful and grateful today. And not just today but everyday.
    Thank you for helping others see the beauty in our every days.
    x
    http://blog.scissorspaperrockdesigns.com.au/

    Reply
  7. Laura @ Twenty5seven says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:25 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Laura x

    Reply
  8. Gigi says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:26 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for your wonderful blog and for sharing so much with us. Lots of love to you and yours from me and my boys in Virginia. x

    Reply
  9. Gigi says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  10. Emily Thompson says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:36 pm

    I thankful for your blog, Kelle. You remind me to look around and appreciate all that is around me. Thank you.

    Reply
  11. yourfriendrobin says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:40 pm

    I love that you narked about your husband watching christmas specials. My husbands LOVES those hallmark channel Love Comes Softly movies and doesn’t even try to hide it.

    Reply
  12. Laura says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:53 pm

    Kelle~I am thankful for so many things. But on your blog, I will simply post one…I am thankful for your willingness to share your life with us. I do not know you, but I know that if we ever met, we’d have an absolute BLAST! I look forward to reading your blog. I cry with your blog…but most often I smile (or laugh). You have a true gift, giving all that you have for your family while giving us a glimpse into your life to inspire the rest of us to achieve our true potential. Our littles are a month apart and I have followed your blog since mine was born in December 2009. You kept me going in those late nights/early mornings when all I wanted was sleep. I am thankful for YOU! Keep up the amazing work! XO

    Reply
  13. Wendy says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:54 pm

    What a beautiful prayer Kelle.
    Your one wild and precious life has been a true blessing,and with a bit of flour on my hands and a grateful heart I thank you! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
    ~ Wendy

    Reply
  14. Cindy says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:55 pm

    Hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  15. Sarah says:
    November 21, 2012 at 11:58 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving from north of the border. I love the girls’ teepee. It looks like the perfect spot to enjoy the small things and cherish the everyday! Where is it from?

    Reply
  16. Maria says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:00 am

    Wow! You are amazing! I love the way you’re able to weave your words and thoughts together…it’s what I am truly feeling in my heart, thank you Kelly and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your little wonderful, amazing family!

    Reply
  17. maryanne says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:07 am

    Um, I totally watched that Florence Henderson movie,. So funny. Your prayer was beautiful. I might steal it as my status tomorrow!

    Reply
  18. Leah Ryan says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:18 am

    xoxo thank you

    Reply
  19. Sybil@PeaceitallTogether says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:20 am

    Thanks for “sharing what you have to give.” I truly appreciate what you do here, in this space. You have inspired me to write more, to feel more, to love more…and today, to share more. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  20. Jenn says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:20 am

    As always, you take what we think and feel and put it to print so beautifully.

    Thank you for being you, and sharing so much of yourself.

    Happy Thanksgiving,

    ¤´¨)
    ¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨)
    (¸.·´ (¸.·`¤… Jennifer
    http://jennsrandomscraps.blogspot.ca/
    http://pinterest.com/jennp6/

    Reply
  21. MF says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:33 am

    Where did you buy the teepee? I wanted to buy one online and it was sold out. Thanks!

    Reply
  22. Kelle says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:38 am

    The teepee was a gift from a Florida Mama. Her Etsy shop is PlayHaven.

    Reply
  23. Susan Martin says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:44 am

    “Let me find meaningful ways to use it, share it and give it away.”

    You’re doing it, girl. You’re doing it. Xo

    Reply
  24. Tammie says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:47 am

    Kelle and family, I want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! I am thnakful for you sharing this blog with myselk and so many others that look forward to your blog. You have an amazing way with words, photographing and showing all how to be a good mom. Thank you.

    Reply
  25. Mrs. Dubose says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:54 am

    If there is anything cuter than a toddler in tights I don’t know what it would be. Many blessings to you and your family and to all your readers.
    upontheheart.blogspot.com

    Reply
  26. CoronadosDeModa says:
    November 22, 2012 at 1:06 am

    I Love Nella´s face when she spotted that birth!, 😉
    In my country (argentina) whe dont celebrate thanksgiving, but i think that every day we can say thanks to live for all te small things…!

    besos!
    Memi

    ♥ CORONADOS DE MODA ♥

    Reply
  27. Erin Bettis says:
    November 22, 2012 at 1:25 am

    Thank you, Kelle, for continuing to inspire me in many ways. You’re like the (not by much) older sister that I never had. You have inspired me to write again and get back into photography again. I continue to enjoy every one of your blog posts because you have trulthfuly enhanced my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your gift with the world.
    – Erin

    Reply
  28. Melina says:
    November 22, 2012 at 1:33 am

    Right now, Kelle, I’m that stone, drip drip drip, changing slowly with the power of little acts of compassion and kindness. it’s….awe inspiring. I love that quote.

    Love this honest, genuine, loving approach to appreciating the over abundance of love in your life. You deserve every drop of it.

    Love you!
    Melina

    Reply
  29. Celebrating Moments by Marcie says:
    November 22, 2012 at 1:46 am

    your “simple prayer” is my heart. have a BLESSED Thanksgiving and I am GRATEFUL I found you and your blog. <3

    Reply
  30. neva says:
    November 22, 2012 at 1:52 am

    happy thanksgiving from a reader all the way from the philippines 🙂 i am thankful for your words and for your ability to share your world so beautifully with us. i have just been blessed with a son with designer genes too and my family and i are thankful for the gift of love that he has brought to us.

    i love your prayer 🙂 i will whisper it when i do my own prayers today.

    may you and your family be blessed always 🙂

    Reply
  31. Amy Suardi says:
    November 22, 2012 at 2:03 am

    Dear Kelle,

    What a beautiful prayer, and what powerful thoughts about what we have to be grateful for. The little things. Being (sorta) young and healthy, having the desire to get up every morning and see and do and create.

    And I love the part about the Florence Henderson movie. Hysterical.

    Can’t wait to meet you some day!

    Love, Amy

    Reply
  32. Jen says:
    November 22, 2012 at 2:26 am

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family. I’ve loved reading your blog and Bloom, and thoroughly enjoy all of the little moments you share with us on instagram. You’re such an inspiration to so many of us!!

    Reply
  33. Averyl Minori says:
    November 22, 2012 at 2:39 am

    Happy Thanksgiving!! I am thankful for your inspiration!!

    Reply
  34. Corey Starmer says:
    November 22, 2012 at 3:01 am

    Beautiful! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  35. SH says:
    November 22, 2012 at 3:10 am

    LOVE the fort with the twinkly lights!
    thehartungs.blogspot.ca

    Reply
  36. CurlyQ says:
    November 22, 2012 at 3:11 am

    Happy Thanksgiving Hampton Family.

    Reply
  37. Leah says:
    November 22, 2012 at 3:56 am

    I watched that same movie, Brett! 🙂 It was a good one! Love the pics and beautiful thoughts! Have a very blessed and happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  38. Ani says:
    November 22, 2012 at 3:57 am

    Happy Thanksgiving. This is a lovely post!

    Reply
  39. Kmarie Jones says:
    November 22, 2012 at 4:29 am

    Happy thanksgiving. I am thankful that when I click on this space I find enchantment in the daily, faith in the little moments and joy abundant. Thanks for making me smile;) Charissa

    Reply
  40. Susi Kleiman says:
    November 22, 2012 at 4:31 am

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. One of the things I’m thankful for this year is discovering your blog!

    Reply
  41. ashleighsmama says:
    November 22, 2012 at 4:34 am

    Such a beautiful prayer. And Florence! Hilarious, thanks for the chuckle.

    Reply
  42. Jenny says:
    November 22, 2012 at 4:39 am

    Love the quote at the begining of your post. I want to print it out and read it everyday.

    Reply
  43. Life with Kaishon says:
    November 22, 2012 at 5:27 am

    I burst out laughing at your Selah : )
    Wishing you a day filled with much gratitude and joy. I am crying tonight as I type this because every time I come here you remind me to be thankful. I am thankful for you.
    Thank you for sharing your life with so many Kelle.

    Reply
  44. Annie says:
    November 22, 2012 at 6:42 am

    I really like this post. Beautiful. I am grateful and feeling peace.

    Reply
  45. Charlie Farlie says:
    November 22, 2012 at 8:06 am

    I love the sentiment of thanks giving, we could all be happy for a little thanksgiving every day 🙂 Beautiful post as ever xxx

    http://learninglessonsinmummyography.blogspot.co.uk/

    Reply
  46. Team Lando says:
    November 22, 2012 at 10:02 am

    BEAUTIFUL post, Kelle. A very happy thanksgiving to you and your family!

    Reply
  47. mack says:
    November 22, 2012 at 10:40 am

    Thank you for this reminder. I was struggling with how to celebrate Thanksgiving here in Germany. Go all out even though my Germany fam doesn’t really get it? Find some Americans for a traditional feast? Forget it all together? Nothing really fit…but your “share what you have to give” resonates with me – I can do that here, today, whereever on Thanksgiving. Happy Day to everyone!

    Reply
  48. Sara says:
    November 22, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    I love your posts.You have a gift for putting your thoughts into words.I am grateful i found your blog.It lifts me up,makes me happier. Thank you Kelle and a Happy Thanksgiving to you all the way from India ♥

    Reply
  49. free online slots says:
    November 22, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    And I am ever so thankful for the moment last night when I caught Brett eating a taco and watching a Hallmark Christmas movie with Florence Henderson…I mean a football game.

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    Reply
  50. picturinwords says:
    November 22, 2012 at 1:53 pm

    Hi Kelle,
    I love your blog, I discovered it recently and I dig the generosity, the open-mindedness, the ‘seize the hour, seize the day’ spirit, the kiddos pictures and so on…
    Here is what I have to share on this beautiful Thanksgiving Day (I wish we had this tradition over here in France, it IS magical to be grateful!):
    http://picturinwords.wordpress.com/
    Valerie

    Reply
  51. Lana says:
    November 22, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Just wanted to send Happy Thanksgiving wishes from Canada! You inspire me to try to live authentically in so many little ways and I am grateful to have found your blog.
    p.s Thank you also for introducing me to Momastery. 🙂

    Reply
  52. A New Life says:
    November 22, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    I don’t know if you have time to read each and every comment, Kelle, but on the outside chance that you do. . . there’s something I want you to know. I am a recovering addict. Addiction. . . to anything and everything. . . has been a way of life for me. . . FOR YEARS AND YEARS. Recently, in and through a drug induced mind fog, I realized that I’m not really living. . . I’m not fully alive. Oh sure, I get up daily and sort of go through the motions, but I haven’t really been livin’ – the kind of livin’ you and your beautiful family do daily. I’m happy to report that I got help. I’m in recovery. And you and your blog are keeping me there. I can’t start my day until I read from your blog. It gives me the courage, the beauty, the optimism I lack internally to “do life” without using. I fully believe that God is using you in huge. . . HUGE. . . ways. . . ways you probably know nothing of. Currently, I am reading Bloom, and I want to thank you for being brave enough to write your “real” “raw” “truth”, because it’s helping me to live my “real” “raw” “truth”. I firmly believe that everyone should have a Nella in their life. But since most of us aren’t that blessed, I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing yours with all of us. God Bless you and your entire family, Kelle. Daily.

    Reply
  53. What makes me... says:
    November 22, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    Your way with words and photos always has a way of soothing my soul. Thank you for that. Happy Thanksgiving from a neighbor up in Canada.

    Reply
  54. emilyism.com says:
    November 22, 2012 at 4:33 pm

    I have fallen in love with your blog. It is beautiful, as is your family. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love and blessings!
    Emily

    Reply
  55. Cheryl Verver says:
    November 22, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

    Reply
  56. 17enne says:
    November 22, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    I always loved the idea of Thanksgiving, unfortunately here is not used to celebrate it, and it’s not so easy to set the day free because everything else around you is going on. But I like to see how you americans celebrate it and I pick up ideas for the next years: maybe one day I’ll celebrate it too..

    The same 17-year-old girl from a cold Italy

    Reply
  57. notjustanothermom.com says:
    November 22, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    Beautiful prayer! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family from Canada!

    Reply
  58. Barb says:
    November 22, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    Reply
  59. Barb says:
    November 22, 2012 at 7:06 pm

    Totally laughing at Brett with the taco and the Hallmark Channel. That’s awesome! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

    Reply
  60. Audrey says:
    November 22, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    P.S I think you would love this link- You DO create wonderful parallelism:) This made me cry…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=OgLm8k4FHeE

    Reply
  61. Shell in your Pocket says:
    November 22, 2012 at 8:55 pm

    Love the tepee and the lights…so sweet!

    sandy toe

    Reply
  62. Jeanie says:
    November 22, 2012 at 10:32 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, Kelle. I’m thankful for so many things, including your blog.

    Reply
  63. Janita says:
    November 22, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving, beautiful Mama! Thinking of you and hope this finds you cozy, healthy, happy and surrounded by those you love. For some reason, I think that’s exactly what’s going down. xo

    Reply
  64. oldenoughforfairytales.com says:
    November 23, 2012 at 12:24 am

    Wow, seeing my name included in one of your beautiful posts is an honor. I’m glad you liked the quote too – it’s teaching me how…simple loving people can be if I’m open to serving in all the small ways (now to just live that lesson more consistently. Ahh). Happy thanksgiving :).

    Reply
  65. Momma Holmes says:
    November 23, 2012 at 12:37 am

    We should all write such a beautiful prayer for ourselves!

    Reply
  66. Shutterbug Mama says:
    November 23, 2012 at 2:47 am

    Happy Thanksgiving! I love the teepee reading nook! So cool!

    Reply
  67. Momma Of 2 TandK says:
    November 23, 2012 at 6:07 am

    Happy thanksgiving wonderful lady. Hope you enjoyed your family time together. Totally love the Tipi reading that is so cool !! Much love from me and my kiddos in Canada xx

    Reply
  68. free online slots says:
    November 23, 2012 at 11:00 am

    Thinking of you and hope this finds you cozy, healthy, happy and surrounded by those you love.

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    Reply
  69. Kim says:
    November 24, 2012 at 1:14 pm

    I just want to recommend a book to you- One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp. It’s really about being thankful for the little things in life, something I think you do so wonderfully. Here is a link to the author’s blog, and Kathie Lee Gifford recommending the book on the Today Show. http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/01/kathie-lee-one-thousand-gifts-favorite-things/

    Reply
  70. Sarah says:
    November 26, 2012 at 7:32 pm

    I love your simple prayer. It’s perfect.

    Reply
  71. Farmgirl Paints says:
    November 27, 2012 at 1:50 am

    good gravy can’t believe i’ve missed this many. i’m kind of in love with that tent. wishing i could just make my bed a twinkly light hide out. so very sweet! you are making it magical momma. they are going to have such sweet memories!

    Reply
  72. aaronvfl says:
    November 29, 2012 at 3:29 am

    I would love to know where you purchased or how you made the garland hanging from your fireplace in your Christmas post. It is my girls first christmas and this just screams cozy and cute! Thanks, Deonna

    Reply
  73. Unknown says:
    November 29, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    I absolutely love your blog and have recently started following you on Instagram…I spent one night reading almost all of your entries on here, and I am not usually a blog reader.

    I am moving a way from my hometown in less than a month (grew up & went to college her)and am ready to start my new life. I often get hung up on all the details of moving and finding a job; it can be very stressful and draining at times.

    You and I are at different stages in life as I am 23 and just starting out (I do eventually want a family of my own), yet your attitude about life is refreshing and inspiring to me. Your type of positivity is what I am aiming for in my life. Your down-to-earth attitude and ability to live in the moment allow me to relate to you and want to be a better person. You remind me that no matter what happens in life, things are going to be okay. Thank you for writing!

    Reply

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“One of the most emotionally stirring books I’ve ever read….a reminder that a mother’s love for her child is a powerful, eternal, unshakable force.”
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