Andrea here, We've reached the 11th day of our Wenchly Christmastide posts, and are winding down the celebration in readiness for starting the new year in earnest. For the most part, we've been having light-hearted fun with them, as befits the festive season, where we raise a toast to the joys of family, friendship and holiday cheer.
But there's also a reflective side to the holidays and the start of a new year, where many of us take some quiet moments to reflect on our blessings and offer up gratitude for all the gifts in our lives. So I thought I'd mention just a few of things that are on my mind, especially as so many people around the globe are facing such difficult and dangerous times.
I'm grateful that I'm extraordinarily lucky to live in a beautiful house, surrounded by peace and plenty. I'm grateful for the love and laughter I have with family and friends. Those connections bring joy in countless ways, large and small. (As our all readers probably sense, one of those joys is being part of the Wenches. We all have become very close friends, and share our ups and downs, which is incredibly special.)
I'm grateful for the beauty of Nature. Every day I try to take a walk and appreciate all the little everyday wonders in the world around me . . . the flowers, the light rippling over Long Island Sound, the majesty of a hawk circling against the clear blue of the sky. That really helps in keeping all the little nigglely worries in perspective.
I 
'm grateful for the luxury of being able to create a sense of balance in my life. I work hard, but I'm free to adjust the work/play rhythm to stay on an even keel (well, most of the time! Just don't try to speak to me when there's an approaching deadline!)
Those are just a very few things which enrich my life. (Okay, okay, I confess—I have to add chocolate!) What about about you? What are some of the things for which you are grateful?
