Thanksgiving during a year of trial. Difficulties aside, there is plenty to be grateful for in what has been a unique timeline:

1. I’ve had extended time with my family.

2. Aria has adapted to distance learning like a champ. Little kids are so good at adjusting. She is proving to be a high achiever.

3. Working from home has been an absolute joy, and my audio skills have increased with the need to compensate for related hurdles.

4. I’m a better ukulele player than I was a year ago, even with in-person instruction curtailed.

5. I performed my first virtual ukulele recital. (It went well!)

6. Lisa’s dad is recovering from serious health issues that had everyone worried. I’m so happy we live close and have been able to help.

7. We have remained relatively unscathed by the pandemic and managed to stay healthy by taking necessary precautions.

8. I’ve enjoyed creating video and even a writing project for a church we attend in Salem. I love being able to use and hone these skills.

9. My plans for 2020 have not worked out as charted (surprise!), but they are still underway and moving forward.

10. A great deal of foolishness is about to end in Washington, D.C., benefitting the entire country.

How about you? What are you grateful for as you look back over a hard year? However you celebrate the holiday in 2020, be safe and peace be with you. Happy Thanksgiving!

Another year. Another span of 365 days to be grateful for. Here are a few things I have appreciated the most in 2019:

1. There have been trials, but the whole family is alive and well.

2. Aria transitioned easily from preschool to kindergarten and is thriving there.

3. My friend, Garrett. What a guy.

4. The family got to visit Hawaii again this year.

5. I love the new solid wood ukulele I picked up in Honolulu.

6. I’m doing my first recital in December and in an actual theater with stage lighting. (No fog machines though.)

7. My car has held up on the long and sometimes dangerous commutes from Salem to Portland. The car is also paid off!

8. I got to carpool most of the year, saving gas and wear and tear on the car.

9. I have plans for 2020. A pinkie swear is involved.

10. The bright light of justice is finally shining in Washington, D.C. Frankly, it’s a relief.

Every night at bedtime we ask Aria what she is thankful for that day. Last night I asked her what she was thankful for this year. She said, “Family. Friends.” I asked if there was anything else. She responded, “Doughnuts.” Love that little girl!

How about you? What are you grateful for as you look back over the year? However you celebrate the holiday, enjoy your turkey, turducken…or tofu. Happy Thanksgiving!

As has become a tradition I’m taking the time to list a few things I’m grateful for this year. There have been trials and frustrations in 2018 but a lot of good too:

1. I finished a major audiobook project that took the better part of a year to complete. The end product is excellent and one I’m proud to have my name attached to as a producer.

2. I’m warming up to Salem, Oregon, and I love our new house.

3. Lisa. She is a fantastic mom to Aria and keeps so much on track at home.

4. We got back to Hawaii for the first time since Aria was born, and she came with us. A good time was had by all. I really need to take all the video shot and make a movie out of it. Just haven’t had the time yet.

5. I Love Love LOVE the ukulele. It’s been a joy taking up the instrument this year. I’m working up some Christmas songs and plan to post videos during the holiday season.

6. New creative endeavors may be on the horizon over the next year…

7. Somehow our Portland adult coed soccer team held together over a difficult summer of widespread absences and missed games, and as of this month we’ve started our eighth year together.

8. It was another great apple season. I should have homemade applesauce until spring!

9. In October I ran my first foot race in five years. The experience at the Spirit of Oregon Half Marathon and 5k was fun, and my time was excellent!

10. Aria is growing up, and she is definitely a daddy’s girl. I’ve enjoyed bonding with her over another year, and she makes me laugh — often.

Speaking of Aria, here is what she’s “thank you for,” as she says:

• Mommy
• Daddy
• Stormy (the cat)
• Maisy (her best friend)
• Getting to color
• Eggs

How about you? What are you grateful for as you look back over the year? However you celebrate the holiday, enjoy your turkey, turducken…or tofu. Happy Thanksgiving!