November 22, 2012

On giving thanks

It’s 9:30am on Thanksgiving morning, 2012. I sit in the kitchen while my father is getting much need rest and my mother is getting much needed circulars detailing Black Friday deals. I have just finished a bowl of Cream of Wheat (a childhood favorite and such a holiday treat), and I sip coffee out of an Allen Farm Sheep & Wool Company mug. The mug is green, my favorite of the colors the mug is offered in. My boyfriend is at his mother’s house, where he spent all of Wednesday prepping a meal for a queen. My friends are celebrating with their loved ones as well, and even those with complications, are comfortable with a roof over there head.

We are blessed. So on this day, I am thankful. Here is a small list of things (I often take for granted) that I am thankful for today:

Warmth, lodging, security, safety & sunsets
My company offers up to 5 paid days off for us to volunteer at any non-profit agency of our choice. All equally impactful, the memory that still haunts me is that of a homeless woman breaking down in tears after I presented her with a comforter. “Warmth” was the one word that escaped through her tears. Oh, the things we take for granted. I am behind lucky to have a roof, heat, and a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline, offering some of the most beautiful sunsets this side of the east river.

The ability to travel
Trips to Martha’s Vineyard are a highlight of this year. Having summered there through my childhood, rekindling friendships and re-familiarizing myself with a place I used to call home is priceless. And the fact that I’ve been able to experience it with this guy makes my heart swell.

My forever forgiving family
I don’t call enough, I’m horrible at returning emails, my brow is often furrowed, and it can be hard for me to forgive. How lucky am I to have the family I do, who love me for me, even the wonky bits. (In fact, my father just burped and I burped in response. Family.)

Food, food, food
Between my chef beau, my foodie colleague, and my dinner dates with friends, I eat. Not only am I thankful for good food, but I’m thankful for how it brings people together. To break bread and share a toast means a lot to me.

I’m a lucky girl. What are you thankful for?

For more info on traveling to Martha’s Vineyard, check out Dwellable

Chilmark on Dwellable

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

December 25, 2011

Wishing You A Very Merry

It’s Christmas Eve as I sit and write this piece. My mother is sitting across from me at her computer in our kitchen (we are the only family I know that has a 1:1 computer to person ratio) and we’re watching the first airing of A Christmas Story on TBS.

I’m blessed this evening. Superficially because I sit with a roof over my head. And though I complain the house is cold, I’m lucky to be covered. We’ve just finished our Christmas Eve tradition of opening one present each. Mine? A beautiful Tiffany blue box filled with a gorgeous crystal box and a stunning necklace. My mother is cooking chiterlings (pronounced chit-lins) on the stovetop and seasoning the turkey for tomorrow while she says little things like “you’ve got to learn this, Maiah.” I usually just nod silently. This year, I’m taking note and asking questions because one year I’ll be in my mother’s shoes (too bad we don’t share the same size).

I’m blessed this evening for other reasons as well. I received a gorgeous holiday e-card from the Ace Hotel. Probably my favorite one of the year. You see, I’ve always loved the Ace but have yet to do an event or stay there. Despite this fact, their generosity and thoughtfulness shines through.

In honor of me, and the other hundred thousand contacts the Ace must have, they have made a donation in my name to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge. What an honor… what a gift. I am blessed because a gift was made on my behalf. And while I am blessed to have a roof over my head and to be in good health, others are not. So, I am blessed to have, and I am blessed to give.

Along these lines, my brilliant (and very pink) company did something similar.

How lucky are we to be able to give (with the help of our friends at Warby Parker) in this way? Very.

So, I am wishing you a very merry. I hope you’ve had the chance to spend it with the ones you love. And if not (or even if so), I hope you’ve been connected to brightening the season for others as well.

Xoxo, Maiah