Here in upstate NY, fall is transitioning into winter. We had the first snow of the season this past week, all sparkling and white and distinctly startling after 60-degree weather the day before. With the upstate NY weather patterns in mind, this meant that it was Thanksgiving time! I have a lot to be thankful for, and I figured I'd give a shout out to the people, places, and things I'm thankful for this holiday season.

First of all, I'm thankful for family and for home - the two are pretty closely related. I was lucky to grow up in a place where we could explore nature and learn the names of plants and birds and trees. Much thanks to dad for teaching us about all sorts of wildlife, and much thanks to my siblings for sharing a childhood with me in which we imagined a whole magical world for ourselves out in the woods. And, of course, much thanks to mom for making sure that when we returned after our adventures outside, we had a warm, happy home waiting for us.

Of course, at this point in my life I'm not at home; I spend most of the year away at college. When I think about all the experiences of the last few years, I think I have nearly as much to be thankful for here as I do back at home. This is the loveliest community I've ever been part of, full of kind, creative, and inspiring people I'm lucky to call my friends. Of course, this is also the place where I met my love, who I would like to thank for always helping me to be the best person I can be, and for making my life ridiculously happy and fun. I'm so grateful to everyone I've met here! Thanks for making my four years at Houghton something I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Now, I think that covers a number of the important people and places. Of course, being an artist and a bit of a collector, as well as an all-around nostalgic person, I think it's important to be grateful for the little things in life as well. I'm thankful for succulent plants with their fat little leaves, the chameleons in the Houghton greenhouse this semester, the Houghton ceramics studio, dogs in general (but my dog in particular), sugary flavored coffee with whipped cream, pie, smooth lake rocks, and my backpack that has survived the last four years in impressive style.

In all honesty, I could go on forever about the people who've made my life awesome, the places I've been lucky enough to experience, and the little things that make me happy in this world, but for now I'll be finished. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I hope your holiday was full with all the best people, food, and conversation.