Thursday, May 24, 2007


This morning I stayed at school to take photographs of a flag raising ceremony. One student's father is serving in Iraq, and he sent his son a flag that was raised over the United States' Embassy in Baghdad. Now that flag is raised over the school. All the children and staff, some parents and a visiting Marine officer were present for the flag raising. It was a very moving ceremony. The children sang several songs, including God Bless America.

I often stay with the middle school students when they raise the school flags and say the pledge of allegiance. I like to remember that our country is fundamentally good, that our possibilities and potential as a nation are great and that we are fortunate. Yes, there are problems, but for a few minutes I like to focus on the hope that we as a nation will realize our best aspirations. It's another moment to pray for peace and to be thankful.

I am thankful for flowers and teacups, for my family, friends and memories. I am thankful for the luxury of sitting in a comfortable and safe room, where I can freely express my thoughts, right or wrong, and where I can share it all, if I choose. I am thankful for pens, paper, stamps and light. I am thankful for email messages of support, humor, insight and reflection.


I am thankful for thrift shops, fabric sales, my wonderful car, my cowgirl boots and my camera. I love glue-sticks and glitter, thin crust pizza and organic raisins. I love dogs riding in cars, ears flapping. Happy dogs. I love rabbits, chickens, homemade corn tortillas and the smell of limes.


Tonight I'll pick a name from the hat and share some of our Blogiversary celebration with one of you. I hope you come back and share your celebrations with me, your triumphs and trials, the little things that make you pause... I am thankful for 5 years of blogging, with the best technical support I could ever hope for. Thank you for playing with me, supporting me, listening and participating.

2 comments:

Tarie said...

I love and am grateful and thankful for Natalie and her family and Chickenblog. :) P.S. I am serious! You should write a memoir and have it published!

Natalie said...

Tarie you are sweet, and I am thankful to be getting to know you, and for the kindness you shower on me. A memoir? It would be full of lies, exaggerations, half-truths, nonsense and embarrassments! Sounds like fun...