As Thanksgiving Approaches...

...I realize how truly thankful I am. For:

• a special family. I couldn't be more loved.


• Mom and Dad's new home. They are happy.


• my boy who is so small and fragile - he's an aging teacup Yorkie for those who don't know.


• health and happiness. Some take these for granted -maybe I used to.


• close friends who know me so well and love me anyway.


• the children in my life - reminders that life goes on...


• my home that I now have time to enjoy.


• the wildlife that call my backyard home. They wow me with their beauty, antics, and ability to eats many pounds of expensive seed, suet, and critter munchies.


• even the chipmunks who take many pounds of safflower seeds underground for the long winter's nap.


• America - even in the tough times - but my generation has never seen REAL tough times - and I hope we never will.


• God's love for me and for all of us. I list this last because it is the one that I want to dwell on as I go through my day. Such undeserved love, mercy, and goodness - what all I could do so much better.

Happy Thanksgiving. May this season be filled with happiness and love!

And, did I mention that I am very thankful for smiling horses? I am!

For Camryn and Andrew

If you go to my YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/stwalraven, you can watch this video in high quality. It really is much better that way!

Licklog Creek - Cartecay River

What a beautiful sight to behold is north Georgia in November! This year we stayed in a beautiful cabin on Licklog Creek of the Cartecay River just outside of Ellijay! The beauty is indescribable and is very difficult to capture in photos! Here are a few of my feable attempts. Enjoy! BTW, this area is known for its kayaking, rafting, and year-round trout fishing. We, of course, did none of that instead supporting the local economy with our shopping adventures.

The Beautiful Beauty Berry

Before the mockingbirds eat them and while the other flowers snuggle up beside them, I had to get a shot of my fabulous beauty berries. Yet again, another reason why I love Autumn!