Wow...time flies...and all that jazz...

Re-cap:

• Parents came to visit- AMAZING.  I learned that The Historic Davenport Hotel really is all it's cracked up to be; I re-learned how much I love my parents; and I be-bopped all around Spokane and Coeur d'Alene only to fall into deeper appreciation for "home".  Some highlights below:

A Lego exhibit at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture

Below: Husband and I at Crafted in Coeur d'Alene

• In heavier world news, terrorist attacks occurred in Paris, setting off a spree of fear-mongering in our politics and setting back aid to Syrian refugees seeking solace.  It really reaffirmed my deep belief that more extension of ourselves, more tenderness and love and compassion and generosity is needed.  Typing those words just stung a bit, though, because I need to do more practicing of those values.  Much more.
• I have some exciting vocational prospects coming up in January, and I'm really looking forward to putting time and energy into them.  So, this Thanksgiving I am giving thanks to the university community that has made us both feel so welcomed here.
• And now we're in the week of Thanksgiving!  We went to the visiting Moscow Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker, and it was really lovely.  Pointed and gravity-defying length and strength.  The costuming and sets were colorful, but subdued.  Perfect for welcoming the winter and snow!  It was also our first time at the performing arts center in town, which was beautiful and our seats- last row- were great!  

• We're cooking our own, little, turkey this year- probably Spatchcocking it, which my mother taught us how to do; then, we need to decide on a couple sides- just two.  I'm currently torn between:

EVERYTHING HERE!

• On a final note, I've been meditating on the foundations of Buddhism lately, specifically: 1. Dukkha: Life is painful and causes suffering; 2. Anitya: Life is in constant flux; 3. Anatma: The self is always changing.  I got them from an article on MindBodyGreen, that you can find here.  I really appreciate the simplicity and irony of the notions, and something about both life being in flux and the self constantly changing seems swirling and chasing and also peaceful.  Happy and peaceful holidays to you!