Daily Gratitude by Annette Dashofy

It’s that time of year here in the US. Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Everyone is contemplating what they’re thankful for. 

(Granted, this can be a challenge when the entire world seems to be a dumpster fire right now, which makes seeking gratitude all the more important.) 

I think a lot of people love the holiday because of the feast. As a vegetarian, the turkey and gravy hold less of a draw for me, but I do look forward to getting together with family. And I enjoy hearing what everyone is grateful for. 

Years ago, I discovered the concept of the Gratitude Journal. I’ve journaled for decades, so starting a new one specifically for listing what I’m thankful for was easy. I filled a notebook over the course of a year or more. 

In more recent years, I’ve returned to my standard documentation of life events, good and bad. My journal tracks the highs and lows as well as mundane stuff like the weather. However, I never completely abandoned gratitude. Now, at the end of each entry, I add one sentence that begins, “Today, I am grateful for…” On even the worst of days, I find something to complete the sentence. 

Frequent subjects of my daily thanks include my husband and our life together, Kensi (my geriatric cat), a good book, lunch with a friend. Some entries are grander. But most are little things that make me smile. 

I confess, this week, I’ve been completing that sentence with stuff about my new book release. When the third Honeywell mystery was supposed to come out in the fall of 2024 and was pulled, I feared it (and any additional books in the series) might never see the light of day. I was writing the fifth, but the uncertainty dampened my usual enthusiasm. When I received word that both The Devil Comes Calling (Honeywell #3) and No Stone Left Unturned (Honeywell #4) would indeed be published back-to-back this winter, I definitely added the news in my daily gratitude post. And when the print version of The Devil Comes Calling hit the shelves last week, I was over the moon. Yep, another notation at the end of my journal entry. 

But I think the true balance in a writer’s life is to not focus solely on the big publication moments. Yes, I’m definitely grateful for a new book…and readers and reviewers…but I’m also immensely grateful for the not-so-little things that we too often take for granted. A roof over my head. Food in the fridge and pantry. A furnace that keeps us warm in the winter. My husband. My cat. 

So, Writers Who Kill and readers, how would you finish the sentence “Today, I am grateful for…”

 

 

 

Oh, Sweet Mysteries of Life

Last winter, after returning home from a particularly brutal physical therapy session, I found a box addressed to me on my doorstep. Inside were packages of lavender bath salts—six pounds worth.

I looked in the box for a card or receipt but found nothing. I asked my husband, but he hadn’t bought the bath salts.

The next day, four boxes of tea arrived. Again, without a card.

Puzzled, I called the company that sent both packages, but it was against their policy to divulge the sender’s name. I asked if it was a promotional gift. The customer service rep said they might send out small samples of bath salts, but not six pounds.

Being appropriately suspicious, I checked my credit cards and credit report to make sure someone wasn’t trying to create identity theft. Everything was fine. (Whew)

It seems I had a…da, da, da…mystery. What would Nancy Drew do?

First, I made a list of suspects. To my surprise and delight it was rather long.

I needed to narrow it down. It was probably someone who knew that I was tired of the bitter cold winter, my muscles were sore, and that I was having trouble sleeping since the bath salts were specifically for those problems.

To my embarrassment, I realized it could be just about anyone because (lowering my head in shame) I was a whiner.

So, I focused on the suspects who had the means, motive, and opportunity.

Was the perp my lovely niece? No, she was in medical school and strapped for cash. But was she in cahoots with my mother-in-law who did have money? They have made a formidable gift giving team in the past.

Perhaps it was my friend in Florida who had suggested that I visit and warm up at her beach house?

Or, could it have been a good friend who lives in England? I wavered. She was on a gift giving spree, but usually she ships her own packages that have "Royal Mail" stamped on the side instead of going through a company. Also, her modus operandi is to send chocolate in the shape of high heeled shoes and hedgehog tchotchkes.

After making several inquiries, with everyone denying responsibility, I was back to square one. Also, I was a little embarrassed for putting people on the spot. One friend laughed and asked if she should send bath salts and tea in the future.

At that point I realized that not all mysteries are meant to be solved. Some are simply meant to be enjoyed. While I’ve officially classified this as a cold case, I’m left with a warm feeling of gratitude for the generous sender who took the time and effort to send such a thoughtful gift.

What are you grateful for this holiday season?