This has been a hard week. You may know, but may not, I lost my mom a few months ago and, unfortunately, my mother-in-law isn’t’ well (not Covid related). These first holidays are going to be hard.
This week I would usually be making pies and rolls with my mom for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m still making the pies, but it won’t be the same. I have never made the rolls on my own, so I won’t be trying those when other people will be eating them… It doesn’t help that Covid is, as with many families, making it hard if not impossible to gather together. In spite of all that, I have a lot to be thankful for and if you think about it, you do too. So here is what I have to be thankful for this week.
Health is #1
Number one and most importantly, my family is healthy, and right now, that is something we can all be thankful for. Health. Don’t take it for granted, mask up, and stay safe.
Plants Make Me Happy
This may sound weird to many of you, but I am thankful for my plants. They have been a good distraction for me and many of my plants are starting to flower, which makes me happy. Many of us could use a bit of happiness right now. You should get some plants if you don’t have any.

Holiday Plants
My holiday cactus are blooming and I bought a poinsettia in a color I love. I always bought my mom an orange poinsettia, as that was her favorite color.





Life Goes On
My ‘Jungle Boogie’ Philodendron has a dead leaf but it’s okay because it is pushing out new growth and a new leaf is taking its place. LIfe goes on.


Family Heirloom
I am also thankful for my mom’s fern. I have had it for a couple of years since she moved out of her home to my brother’s. You can read more about my heirloom fern here. She cared for this plant all her married life and it is a special plant.

A sign
Sunday was a particularly bad day for me- church hymns (Zoom), Christmas songs, Thanksgiving week, memories. Need I say more. I pretty much cried all day.
I was sitting in my sunroom and a particularly persistent plant kept brushing against my head every time I moved in my chair. I finally turned around to brush it away and look at the leaf that was “bothering” me. A heart. I’m not a person who usually believes in signs, but this was just too obvious and it literally took my breath away.


I hope you have a good rest of the week. I also hope you have a peaceful day on Thanksgiving whether you can be with family or not. This year has been a struggle, but if we look, I know we can all find something to be thankful for, no matter our circumstances.
Have a great week and find the joy.

The links in this blog post contain affiliate links. If you buy a product through the link, I receive a few cents. Thank you.
Thank you Lisa for sharing this open,transparent and heartfelt glimpse into your life.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love for plants and how they intertwine onto our daily lives and can even leave a legacy.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Thank you so much Jeanine. Happy Thanksgiving! Lisa
I too take solace in my plants. I bring in several (30ish) to overwinter indoors and they keep me company and keep my watering and plant care skills up during the cold months. Sometimes they even reward me with blooms. I’m looking at a double red hibiscus bloom right now. Take care and keep those memories and traditions going for the holidays even if your loved ones are not near.
Thank you so much for sharing, Lisa. This year has been rough for everyone, but you’re right, there’s always something to be thankful for. I’m grateful for my family, my job, and of course my plants as well! I hope your holiday season is a peaceful one 🙂
Hi Katie,
Thank you. There is always something to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Lisa
Thank you for sharing your plant wisdom!! I look forward to reading your newsletter.
Thank you Robin! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Lisa
Very dear message, Lisa. Thank you for making me think about what I am thankful for!
Arelene, Thank you so much. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Lisa
The fern your mother had is the same one my MIL had for many years. I always admired that fern so I can understand your feelings toward it. And the heart leaf is so touching. Thinking of you and so many others who are hurting this holiday.
Hi Carol, Thank you so much for your thoughts. It has been a hard week, but the first holiday hurdle is crossed. Thank you. Lisa
Wonderful photographs and wrapped in sentimental value. Thanks for sharing
Murali
India
Murali,
Thanks so much!
Lisa