Today, I am thankful.

Today, I am thankful.

For a place almost 5,000 miles from where I was born that feels like home.

For all of the good - and I mean really good - people that I am lucky enough to have in my life, near and far.

For FaceTime, WhatsApp, and yes, even Zoom.

For all of the things I've learned about myself as an expat that I might not have learned (or might have learned much later in life) had I not made the decision to move abroad.

For memories of Friendsgivings that make me laugh year after year.

That my family is staying safe today, keeping their Thankgsiving tables to their households.

For the healthy pregnancies of my friends Susie and Ali, both expecting in February.

For a summer of park picnics, terrasse apéros, and wine on sidewalks.

For a Fall with a pretty heavy dose of sun.

For in-season vegetables.

For Paris sunsets that stop. you. in. your. tracks.

For my health and the health of my friends and family. **knocks on wood 3x**

For little épiceries that happen to sell wine by the glass and also happen to have a tiny bench on the exterior so that one can prendre un verre by going in search of premiers achats.

For La Cave, the Monoprix and Carrefour on Gambetta, the Au Bout du Champs on Pyrenées, Cafeinonman, and my other haunts du quartier where I'm known by face if not by name.

That (many) French administrative matters can now be handled digitally (this one is BIG).

That 2021 will see Joe and Kamala in the White House.

That there are better times on the horizon that inch closer and closer by the day.

As "clichéd" as some might say these lists are, taking a moment on Thanksgiving to stop and give thanks for all of the things that bring a smile to my face is and will always be one of my most favorite Thanksgiving Day traditions. And at a time where life continues to be anything but normal, we should all be taking as much joy as we can today from any favorited traditions that we are able to uphold in safety & in health.

Happy Thanksgiving!