With the falling leaves comes the red heater that sits at my feet.

November has infiltrated the year and has left me with a sense of appreciation for warm clothes, warm hearts, and blankets. Can I mention my heater again? I turned a year older this month, so that’s been on my mind.

Overall, I guess that I’m glad I’m still growing and learning regardless of my location or my age. Yes, I still listen to music that was made forty years ago and I attempt to recognize the day-to-day rather than looking at what lies ahead.

But the point of this is that November brings the idea of thanks, especially in America. But I’m grateful for it here, of course:

I’m thankful for the sense of family that I have in my community. I’m thankful for my students and their love of learning. I’m thankful for Americans who don’t live in America. I appreciate the ability to be outside of oneself and still be able to connect with those around you.

I’m thankful for all the things that I have in America (especially my family and friends), and I’m thankful for the mountains that surround me (even though it’s damn cold) and help me to recognize that there is beauty everywhere. You just have to see it.