certain

There are so many ways that one can fall into the perfection trap around the holidays. In the past, I've built Thanksgiving up to be an unattainable figment of perfection. Rarely hosting, for fear that I wouldn't have the right ladle, or butter knife. The performance anxiety was just not worth it. But as I get older, those things matter less. I'd like to say that if you're the kind of person who judges me by my utensils, then I'm sure we're not compatible. Especially, since it's only been recently that I've stopped feeding my children out of boxes. It also goes deeper than that. The world lately, has been filled with so much uncertainty. There are businesses closing down, and asking for bail outs, everywhere. These are concerning times. But they're also a blessing because it nudges us to find, and focus on the things (which are usually not things) that we ARE certain about.

What are you certain about today?

Comments

[Marcie]

Certain that life is full of uncertainties..and that all we can do is embrace them:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=603

[kosenrufu mama]

certain is that everything is changing and changing in every moment in our lives and that's the beauty and the strenght in life.
http://esterdaphne.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/23206424@N07/3028711679/

[ELK]

maile great post today!

certain that the birds do not worry but stick together:

http://www.redorgray.com/

[mary]

Certain that grace will come, when we are ready to receive it:

http://inasoftlight.blogspot.com/2008/11/grace.html

[Robin]

That winter will always return, no matter how much we beg it not to.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hismuse/3053199040/

[Jean M Fogle]

I am certain that I have everything I need in life and want for nothing more.

http://pixels-n-pen.blogspot.com

[Candy Cook]

I just posted, yesterday, about a tree in my backyard that's about 140 years old. I'm pretty certain that I wish it could talk. Although it has stood in the same place for all these 140 years, the area around it has gone through immense changes... and that's another thing I'm certain about.. change. When I can't count on ANYTHING else to go right, change is always there to plod along reliably.
http://raisingexplorers.wildchildreserve.com/?p=1004

[Elizabeth Harper]

I'm certain that I have more than enough in my life to share....

http://www.giftsofthejourney.com/Elizabeth_Harper-Gifts_of_the_Journey/Blog/Entries/2008/11/25_A_Gracious_Plenty.html

[Kate Baumert]

http://happyinthehamptons.blogspot.com/2008/11/im-afraid-ive-become-less-prepared-for.html

I am certain of being with the ones I love.

[Jen - Beebee Mod]

Certain that my cup is always half full, rather than half empty. And that a good piece of chocolate always makes one smile.

[jag]

Such a great message today!
Let's see... I'm certain that although it may AFFECT me, it's really not ABOUT me. In other words, it is what it is:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/2925610030/in/set-72157607328527864/

And, the answer to all my questions is:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagspace/2865737341/in/set-72157607328527864/

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends here on SS!
xox

[Marcy]

Certain of the joys and love of family:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mightymarce/3059654551/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mightymarce/2798523651/in/set-72157604871988654/

Certain that we can almost always find a bit of sweet in life, if we look hard enough
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mightymarce/3060527138/

And certain that this is my favorite picture of my son, and will likely be for a long time. =P
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mightymarce/2786711106/in/set-72157604871988654/

[Lu]

I am most certain that having unwavering faith in the impossible is the best thing since sliced bread.

[margie and kath]

we certainly hope that all our american friends have a happy thanksgiving.

http://3yrplan.typepad.com/photo_du_jour/

[Karyn]

I am certain that children are one of God's most precious gifts - and that they can bring light into anyone's heart.

http://flickr.com/photos/kayak57/3061446148/

[Denese]

The beach + Thanksgiving = perfection!!

http://dlouisianat.blogspot.com/2008/11/thanksgiving-at-beach.html

[leaca]

I am certain that there are still hero's among us.
http://www.simplyblogged.com

[~ kristina ~]

Wonderful topic. I am certain that the little things are worth noticing, and that those things that help keep me grounded are what I am most thankful for.

http://meadowlarkdays.blogspot.com/2008/11/100th-post-thankful.html

[Diane Schuller]

Wow, you are a great writer Maile. I am certain there is extraordinary in the life's sweet ordinary:

http://albertaphotography.wordpress.com/2008/11/26/i-am-certain-that/

Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends south of the 49th!
Diane

[Julie Alvarez]

I am pretty certain that she is quite happy:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3059620669/in/photostream/
And I am certain that I love this man:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliealvarez/3059625253/in/photostream/

[Gayle]

I am certain that I have so much to be thankful for.

http://planetmfiles.com/2008/11/26/i-am-thankful/

[Cheryl Doran-Girard]

I certain of the unequaled beauty of the planet--

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheryldoran-girard/3056792823/

[olivia dutko]

I am CERTAIN I wish my precious daddy could have met
my precious son....I am MORE CERTAIN that he watches over us
at all times!

I lost my sweet daddy suddenly at the young age of 48...4 years ago.
Thanksgiving was his favorite & I always have a pity party
around this time of the year! I miss him but I an CERTAIN God needed him in heaven.

Thank you for the beautiful post, Maile!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
xoxoxoxo

[Wanda]

There are a few things I am pretty certain of...

http://whatwouldwandado.blogspot.com/2008/11/this-i-know.html

[Shalet]

I am certain about love, we'll always have love.

http://peculiarmomma.blogspot.com/2008/11/grateful.html

[dr lyn]

I am certain that no matter what, everything will be OK as long as we stick together. (and that for every photo I take, I'll have three blurry ones!) :)

[Puna]

Wow, this has me thinking and feeling today. Thank you for just asking the question.

[psumommy]

Here is what I am certain of today: http://nittanymommy.blogspot.com/2008/11/shutter-sisters-certain.html

[MLDina]

While I certainly won't judge you by your ladle, or any other kitchen utensils, I can relate! I'm a terrible cook and we recently had an office Thanksgiving potluck. I made some of the desserts, but everyone was so full from lunch, no one event made it that far!

I think some of the best moments come from improvising. While most of us would panic without the proper dinnerware, it's fun to try to figure out a fix and laugh about it the following year.

[Shutter Sisters]

i am certain that i adore this photo!!! great perspective and a little humor. really wonderful. i am certain too that I am blessed with love and laughter and the family I adore.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/maypapers/sets/72157609851781649/

[Gina]

"I'd like to say that if you're the kind of person who judges me by my utensils, then I'm sure we're not compatible."

I want to put this quote on my refrigerator. This is such a great reminder at this time of year, where trying to perfectly reenact traditions is such pressure!

[Steph Wiese]

I am certain that those who sit at the table with me could care less about the scratched serving pieces and are just as thankful for our friendship as I am. I am certain these yummy desserts will be enjoyed tomorrow...

http://stephwiese.squarespace.com/

[Jodyangel]

I am certain that the trials and tribulations that go along with life have been gone thru before by my ancestors. And that I can conquer these adversitys of life! Happy Thanksgiving friends..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jodyangel/3058782597/

[nikkole!]

wow it is so hard to be certain.
at least it is so hard for me to be certain.
but today i was certain that it was an amazingly wonderful day

http://www.flickr.com/photos/_nikkole/3061845491/

[joanne]

i am certain that uncertainty is something we all share in common...those things we are so uncertain of in ourselves rarely ever matter to anyone else.

[Suvarna]

Today I am certain that no matter how many obstacles get in my way, I will not give up.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10751420@N07/3063101208/

[Leah Godfredson]

I am certain, as I am every year, that this year was amazing and next year is going to be so much better.

[Sassy]

I am certain that the love I have in my heart for my family could quite possibly make my heart beat right out of my chest, if I didn't have bones and skin to hold it in.

Happy Thanksgiving Maile.

[Rachel]

I'm certain of my family. For my hubby and my two beautiful kids. We are going through hard times now but it doesn't matter because we have so much more as a family than any amount of money could buy!
Great post Maile!

[littlepurplecow (Stephanie Roberts)]

I am certain that you did a fabulous job with that bird! and that each day is a blessing.