Buy Nothing Day and First Quarter Moon

Black Friday sales are an abomination! All I want to do on the day after Thanksgiving is eat pie and whip cream, and think about Advent. I make about half of my holiday gifts, and usually spend this free day at home, working on projects.

Today is also the First Quarter Moon; we are one-quarter of the way through the moon cycle. The moon is waxing - growing in light and energy, creating a time for decisive action and full effort. I use this late November quarter moon's energy to prepare or advent.

Agenda Today:

1. Journal queries

2. Read "The Creativity Book"

3. Craftivism plans

4. Full effort for gift-making

5. Preschool plans

6. Do the smallest thing

Thanksgiving

And here we are at Thanksgiving again! I'm anxious about hosting a huge meal, providing the right atmosphere, and remaining calm in the chaos of a multi-generational gathering. I want everyone to feel comfortable and relaxed, not overworked or stressed - including myself.

How can I help to make it a great day for everyone and also retain my own contentment?

In order to set this day apart, I will treat it as a Sabbath … no unkind words, no rushing, no work that isn’t thankful work. I choose to stay present, notice everything as if in slow motion, and pause often to observe what I am thankful for in the moment.

Agenda:

1. Thanksgiving Meditation for Peace and Abundance

2. Read "Perspective"

3. Cook the turkey

4. Acknowledge the Kalapuya

5. Give thanks

6. Compile a family wish list

Approaching Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is commonly associated with the Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together for a peaceful feast in 1621, which overlooks the darker aspects of history. The arrival of European settlers to Turtle Island resulted in the displacement, marginalization, and eradication of indigenous communities, and it's important to hold these truths in mind as we prepare to celebrate.

Agenda:

1. Plan an acknowledgement

2. Support Native Communities

3. Read "The Earth Keeper's Handbook"

4. Proaction and reciprocity plans

5. Make pies

The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks

Play-doh pies 2022

The process of giving thanks is not always easy for me. I feel so awkward when I try to express my feelings.

Noticing my feelings is a good first step, though; when I notice how blessed I am, I become more optimistic and peaceful; my impatience decreases and I realize how satisfied and fulfilled I am.

In the book, "Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks," Diana Butler Bass says, "The universe is a gift. Life is a gift. Air, light, soil, and water are gifts. Friendship, love, sex, and family are gifts. We live on a gifted planet. Everything we need is here, with us. We freely respond to these gifts by choosing a life of mutual care. ... There is no one experience of gratitude; rather it is a complex and episodic thing, and one that is deeply emotional."

Noticing my feelings of gratitude helps to keep me humble. I depend on the love, kindness, and support of others at all times, and on the bounty and generosity of nature. All that I have comes from others, just as I contribute to the lives of others in many ways. The exchange is continuous.

Gratitude is a fundamental feeling. When I think about gratitude as an essential part of love it becomes easier to remember to express it.

Agenda:

1. Read  "Present Moment Awareness"

2. Daily Hours of prayer

3. Express my gratitude

4. Thanksgiving Tree

5. The Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address

A Grace-filled Monday

Monday is my day to reset for the week and get my ducks in a row - make some plans for health, home, holiday, and prepare for Grandson fun. 

Today I'm also making plans for fitting Grace into my days.

Agenda:

1. Grace notes

2. Read "The Sweet Spot"

3. Housework script

4. Fall Cleaning and Home projects

5. Holiday mindset

6. Thank-You School plans

Stir Up Sunday

Today is Stir Up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent. This is the traditional day in Britain to make the Christmas pudding, and set it aside for Christmas Day, so the flavors have a month to develop.

At least, it used to be the traditional day; apparently most families buy a pudding in a tin now. What a shame! As I am mostly of British descent (and also fond of brandy) I think it's worth the effort. And the flaming pudding is an exciting end to Christmas dinner!

Agenda for today:

1. Journal queries

2. Prayer
3. Ongo journal

4. Start the Christmas Pudding

5. Collect greens