Finding Gratitude in Every Season

Thanksgiving used to be my favorite holiday. These days, I’m not sure I have a favorite, but what I can say for certain is this: I love Fall. Everything about it speaks to my soul—the rich colors, the crisp air (when it finally arrives), the cozy smells, and, of course, those little glimpses of Christmas peeking through.

I don’t decorate for Halloween. Instead, I go all in for Fall. The best part? It lasts longer—straight through to Thanksgiving—and gives me an excuse to indulge in my love of pumpkins. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “We don’t discuss the pumpkin budget,” know that it’s more than a funny quip in my house. It’s a way of life. Pumpkins are non-negotiable.

Living in the South adds an extra layer of pumpkin-related logistics. The lingering summer heat means some of my pumpkins don’t make it through the season unscathed. But even if I have to replace a few along the way, it’s a small price to pay for my personal pumpkin paradise.

This Thanksgiving was a little different. Instead of celebrating at home, I found myself at the beach, watching waves crash on the shore while sharing a meal. Not a bad trade-off, right? It gave me a moment to pause and reflect on what I want future Thanksgivings to look like.

No matter where I am, there’s always so much to be thankful for. This year, I’m simply grateful for today—the gift of now. And that’s enough.

What are you thankful for this season? 

Glitter, Grit, and Kicking Off The Holidays!

The holiday season truly is magical, isn’t it? Twinkling lights, joyful carols, and the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon and pine floating through the air. Yet, if I’m being honest, it’s also utterly exhausting. The kind of exhaustion that leaves you bone-tired, wondering if you remembered to eat lunch or where exactly you misplaced your sanity. And when your busiest season is the holidays, that magical chaos can hit even harder.

For me, this time of year demands a pace unlike any other. Between hosting endless gatherings, decking every hall, and working tirelessly to create memorable experiences for others, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. But somehow, through all the glitter and late nights, the holiday spirit persists. It’s in those fleeting moments—when you catch a glimmer of joy or hear the sound of laughter—that you’re reminded why it all matters.

If you’ve ever collapsed into bed with glitter on your hands and a mental checklist of unfinished tasks, you know exactly what I mean. Maybe your work schedule has you prepping for Christmas as early as October (or earlier—hello, that’s me!). Or maybe you’re the family’s go-to host, managing meals, décor, and everything in between. Whatever your role, it can feel like a marathon of wrapping, cooking, and finding ways to stay cheerful despite the exhaustion.

But here’s the thing: that weight we carry during the holidays? It’s part of what makes this season so extraordinary. Every tired moment is tied to something meaningful—a cherished family tradition, the joy in a child’s eyes, or the quiet satisfaction of making someone’s day a little brighter. The holiday spirit thrives on connection, generosity, and love. And even when our bodies are weary, our hearts stay full because we know it’s all worth it.

The holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up, even when you’re running on fumes, and sharing your light with those around you. So if you find yourself worn out but still brimming with holiday spirit, take comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Together, we’re creating something beautiful—a tapestry of joy, connection, and wonder, one twinkling light at a time.

So pause for a moment. Breathe in the magic of this messy, chaotic season. Let the spirit of the holidays refill your cup. You’re part of what makes this time of year so special.

Happy ChristmasGiving!

Yes, it’s only November 1st, but for me, Christmas has officially begun—at least at work! In my line of work, the holiday season arrives well before Thanksgiving, and today, we're diving full-speed into preparing for the influx of holiday visitors. 

My desk has transformed into a mini holiday workshop, with stacks of to-do lists, decorations, and planning guides scattered across it. The hustle and bustle of holiday prep may seem early to some, but here, it’s all part of the job! There’s something exciting about the early buzz of the season. It’s more than just prepping; it’s creating experiences, planning beautiful spaces, and making sure everything is set for our visitors to have a memorable time.

Here’s to early holiday cheer, festive desk setups, and the joy of planning for the most wonderful time of the year! Cheers to the holidays!

Embracing the Silver

 

I always swore I would never go  “gray-c-fully”; but here we are. Now, before you clutch your pearls and reach for a bottle of hair dye, let me walk you through the rollercoaster of emotions — and hair products — that have come with this bold decision.

Let’s start with the moment I made the decision. I was sitting on the porch, sipping sweet tea and thinking about life decisions…not.  It was actually a long period of wondering, discussions with my very adored and trusted hairdresser, and then her very heart-breaking, unexpected death that really made the decision for me.  See, after losing someone I trusted with my hair it took me a while to wrap my mind around what to do next. I would have never actually had the courage to do this, especially in the naturally, God-ordained way! But, since my all mighty creator understands that about me, he used this “what to do next period" to let glitter to shoot from my scalp faster than a cat on a hot tin roof. So, at some point, I just looked in the mirror and thought, “well, I have come this far.” After all, if Southern women are known for anything, it’s our ability go big or go home — and what’s bigger than a head full of silver? 

 

If  I am being thoroughly transparent, the true Southern drama is in the transition period (which I have seen last from a few months to a few years - if one chooses to avoid chemical assistance!) Let me tell you about this transition phase. It’s like trying to make biscuits without a recipe or a Southern Mama's guidance — messy and full of uncertainty. I started off with a lovely dream of “salt and pepper", which, let’s be honest, is more like “salt, pepper, and a whole lot of confusion.” Many days I feel like I am in a bad country music video where the singer is trying to decide if she’s going to embrace her inner grey or just drown it in dye.

And the comments! Oh, the comments! “Are you feeling okay?” “You know you can dye that, right?” and my favorite from one of my longest (notice I did not say oldest), dearest friends, "Are you doing a thing?" No, I am not "doing a thing." Yes, I know I can dye it. But can you dye my spirit? Because it’s feeling pretty liberated right now!

As the weeks are turning into months, I am beginning to embrace my new look. I am starting to see a season when I will fully channel my inner silver-haired goddess.  Though, it is challenging and I have experimented with different hairstyles to showcase my fabulous greys. A top knot here, a messy bun there. I even tried to get a little fancy with some hair accessories. Spoiler alert: if you’re going to wear a headband with grey hair, just make sure it doesn’t have sparkles. You’ll end up looking like a disco ball at a church picnic.

So here I am, a Southern woman in the prime of her life, proudly sporting my emerging silver locks. And you know what? I’ve never felt more like myself. The grey hair is a badge of honor, a symbol of all the laughter, tears, and sweet tea that have colored my life. But, I would be a liar if I didn’t admit that at least once a week I find my resolve to embrace all this glitter and sparkle wavering and a box of Autumn Burnette becomes a siren's call.

So, to all my fellow Southern belles out there considering the plunge: go for it! Embrace the glitter shooting from your head. Rock some gorgeous Paula Deen silver! You might just find that it adds a little extra sparkle to your already fabulous self — just maybe not too much sparkle. We don’t want to blind anyone at the church potluck!

Ultimately,  I’m Southern, and we pride ourselves on our resilience. I’ve survived hurricanes, humidity that could fry an egg, and all manner of flying insects. I can handle a little grey hair!  Here’s to grey hair, sweet tea, and the Southern spirit that keeps us all shining bright!

Hurricanes....

 

Growing up, I’m pretty sure I thought a hurricane was just a dramatic rainstorm. You know, like nature throwing a tantrum. But now? Hurricanes are practically on my speed dial—they’re that much a part of my life, both personally and professionally. I live about 60 miles inland from the Atlantic, so getting cozy with what a hurricane can do is kind of non-negotiable. High winds, floods, torrential rain, and the ever-terrifying threat of a tornado? It’s like nature’s horror film on repeat.

Everyone around here has their war stories—nights spent with the wind howling like it’s auditioning for a thriller, sitting in the dark, praying the roof doesn’t fly off, and just waiting for daylight. But here’s the thing about hurricanes: they don’t sneak up on you. Oh no, they’re more like the slowest, most anxiety-inducing stalker imaginable. It’s like being stalked by a Box Turtle—except this turtle comes with weather alerts and a terrifying to-do list. You’ve got plenty of time to pick up what we affectionately call Hurricane Snacks. And let’s be real, my "emergency" snacks are basically an excuse to load up on Pop-Tarts. I mean, who needs a milk-and-bread sandwich in a crisis when you’ve got frosted pastries, am I right?

Hurricanes, unlike their drama-queen cousin, the tornado, give you ample time to prep, evacuate, or settle in for a long wait. And let me tell you, the wait is the worst part. There’s this weird moment when you’re like, “Okay, can we just get this over with already?!" It’s almost like you’re impatient for chaos, which sounds insane, but here we are.

Then there’s the best part: Hurricane Parties. Yep, you heard me. I have friends with beach houses (must be nice) who treat incoming hurricanes like an excuse for a cocktail-fueled vacation. They hit the liquor store and head toward the storm, while the rest of us batten down the hatches. I will say, though, if I ever do score my own beachfront property, you better believe I’m throwing one of those infamous hurricane parties. And trust me, it’s going to be more than Pop-Tarts—though I’m not making any promises about milk-and-bread sandwiches!

Digging Deeper...Finding My Tribe and Navigating Disappointment as a Loner

If you've always been a loner, like me,  the relationships you do form can feel especially significant. When you open up and let someone into your world, there’s an expectation that the connection will be deep, authentic, and lasting. But what happens when those few people you’ve trusted turn out to be different than what you thought? Experiencing disappointment in relationships, especially as someone who values solitude, can be incredibly disheartening.

So, I have done a lot of research, praying, and trying to determine how to find my authentic tribe — people who genuinely understand and resonate with who I am.  These are steps I think we all have to go through to find those special souls to do life with and to feel safe around:

1. Acknowledge the Pain of Disappointment

When you’ve always been a loner, it’s easy to internalize the pain of disappointing relationships. I do that...I turn anger, disappointment, loneliness inward on myself and it has really challenged my ability to trust and open up with others. I always question, “What did I do?" regardless of whether I did anything or not. Opening up to someone feels like a risk, so when it doesn’t work out, it can hit particularly hard.  I am learning, ever so slowly, to  allow myself to grieve the loss of the connection, but also take heart in knowing that not every relationship is meant to last. Some people come into our lives to teach us lessons, even if they weren’t the deep, lasting connections we had hoped for.

2. Understand the Importance of Boundaries

Part of being a loner is naturally having clear boundaries with people, but when you start letting others in, those boundaries can become blurred. Disappointments often happen when someone crosses a line I didn’t know needed protecting, or when I ignored red flags because even as a loner I long for connection. I have learned healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect, and your authentic tribe will honor those boundaries without you needing to defend them.

3. Managing Expectations

One of the challenges of being a loner, who opens up to a select few. is the weight of expectation.   I am having to daily work on learning this one! I only invest heavily in a very few people, which means any misstep or disappointment can feel magnified. While it’s natural to want those close to you to be everything you imagined, it’s also important to remember that no one is perfect. That expectation is on me. Instead of seeking perfection in others, I am trying to focus on people who align with my values, support my growth, and respect my individuality.  I want to allow room for other's imperfections, just as I hope they’ll accept mine.

4. Revisit What "Authentic" Means 

I am having to determine what authentic looks like.  Is it someone who shares my passions and interests, or someone who understands and respects my need for solitude? Once I fully define what authenticity means, it will be easier to identify who fits that description and who does not.

5. Trusting MY Intuition

I am an intuitive person, or at least I used to be.  I tamped out my spirit of discernment to keep unhealthy relationships going for a long time. In this season I am having to make a conscious effort to trust my inner voice/intuition. Trusting your intuition is crucial in discovering authenticity and it is really hard if you’ve been burned in the past, it’s easy to second-guess yourself, but those instincts are valuable. I am really tuning into how people make me feel. Do I feel at ease and respected around them, or do I feel drained or misunderstood? When my gut tells me someone isn’t the right fit,  I am giving myself permission to step back, which is something I would have felt guilty about in the past.

6. Seek Smaller, Deeper Connections

For me, I have finally accepted that deep one-on-one relationships are often more fulfilling than larger social circles. Instead of trying to find a big group to join, I am focused on nurturing a few meaningful connections. Quality over quantity is a powerful mantra when it comes to finding my tribe.

7. Embrace Vulnerability

Part of finding an authentic tribe involves being vulnerable enough to show others who you truly are.  This is really hard for me.  It is scary, it feels uncomfortable, it is risky.  I am literally having to learn to be vulnerable. This doesn’t mean I overshare or open up all the time but it means making a choice to let people see the real me over time. 

Also, as a loner, I have developed a strong sense of independence, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, so I find it almost painful to share. It is about learning that it's about sharing pieces of yourself with the right people, those who will respect and reciprocate that trust. I am letting my tribe find me by showing up as my authentic self.

8. Let Go of the Past, But Keep the Lessons

I have some deep trust/abandonment issues and it is easy to carry the pain of past disappointments into future relationships, especially when those experiences have left me feeling guarded or mistrustful. But to find my  authentic tribe, I know I have to be open to new possibilities. Letting go of past hurt doesn’t mean forgetting the lessons learned; it means releasing the emotional weight so I can move forward.

Each disappointment taught me something about myself, my needs, and the kind of people I want in my life, and what kind of people I want to spend time with.  I am using these hard lessons as a guide, but trying to not let them close me off from future connections.

Summertime and Peaches

 I grew up in what is known as the Peach State but it didn't take me long to realize South Carolina actually has the best peaches. I suppose no matter where you live, fresh peaches are hard to beat. There is just something about peach season that makes me want to bake. It doesn't matter that it may be hot as blue blazes outside—if fresh peaches are on the counter, you can't risk letting them go bad, so you bake. Today, I was also lucky enough to have a nice amount of fresh blueberries, so a recipe was made.

Fresh Peach and Blueberry Cobbler

Cobbler:

• 1 stick of butter
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of milk

Fruit:

• 4 cups fresh South Carolina peaches, peeled and sliced (I blanched the peaches first to make the skin slide right off)
• 1-2 cups fresh blueberries, washed and drained
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 Tablespoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Melt butter in a large, shallow casserole dish. Mix together flour, 1 cup of sugar, and milk until blended. Pour mixture over melted butter, do not stir.

Combine peaches, 1 cup of sugar and water in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.  With slotted spoon, spoon peaches on top of the batter.  Sprinkle fresh blueberries on top. Add the liquid from the peach simmer and dust with cinnamon.  Bake 35 to 40 minutes until light brown.  

 

Enjoy!