Thanksgiving is in the air. No, not the spicy fragrance of pumpkin pie. ‘Tis heartier fare I speak of, more refreshing than a double shot of espresso to a caffeine addict marooned on a desert isle. I’m talking about Bright Spots.
My mother, widowed with seven children, taught me to recognize them, from a distance, in passing, and in disguise.
It’s like bird watching. Flashy red cardinals and blue jays naturally draw the eye, and you can’t miss the shiny green pate of a male Mallard. But look among the mottled brown feathers of a female Mallard, and you can see the lucky lady sports a striking patch of iridescent blue feathers on each wing that would make a peacock proud.
Each night when I tucked my kids in, we looked back on the day and counted our blessings. I had proof this lesson ‘took’ when I took my daughter Bea to England. We spent our first day at Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, Hever Castle, and our first night in ‘Heaver Hell.’ Bea got sick all over her bed. When I put her in mine so I could clean up hers, she barfed on my bed too. In the wee hours of the morning, after the 10th upheaval, Bea flashed me a weak smile and said, “At least now I can brag that I’m into the double digits.” That’s what I call looking at the bright side!
Bea at Bodiam Castle, feeling MUCH better!
All words and images ©2016Naomi Baltuck
Click here for more interpretations of The Weekly Travel Theme.
Writing Between the Lines 
It’s a pleasure to see your new blog each time. Thanks for directions to all these great sites; I can’t wait to have the time to go exploring in the blogosphere…
Dear fellow bloggernaut, thank you for your kind words. Each time I post I feel almost as though I have taken a little trip. After reading your comment, I realize that I actually have made a journey–into the blogosphere. Thanks so much for following my blog!
Love the links and love your blog. Thanks.
Thank you, Tess. I am enjoying your blog, too.
Lovely post, Naomi! And a timely reminder to appreciate all the many “bright spots” in my own life.
Happy Ides!
Kathy
Thank you, Kathy. Back at ya!
What a sweet post. You are so kind to everybody, Naomi! I’m happy for your award. You deserve it. I am new to the Bloggernet too. People like you make it a welcoming place! Thanks for the information on the female Mallard. I did not realize that. Publish that book.
Hi George, thank you so much. You are one of those people I have so enjoyed meeting through your great blog. Who could resist one titled, She Kept a Parrot? And I’m moving that book up on my Writer’s Egg Chain (one of my December 2011 posts). Thanks so much for your kind words, and your visit. It means a lot to me.
Congratulations Naomi! Lovely acceptance speech 🙂
Hi Madhu, I learned by watching you. Thanks so much.
You are so kind, Naomi. Thank you for the nomination.
I’ve also got a nomination for you: The Versatile Blogger Award.
http://mikereverb.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/versatile-blogger-award/
I’ve enjoyed your blogs these past few weeks, and I can’t wait to dive into what you come up with in weeks to come. 🙂
Wow! Thank you, Mike. I am so honored. I have enjoyed following your blog so much. I know that when I open up a new message, it will either be really useful information, or it will make me smile, which is just as important!
Congrats on entry to the world of blogging and well done – and congatulations on the award. 😉
Blog on …
Jamie
Thank you so much! I really appreciate your stopping by.
Congrats on your award, Naomi!! Well-deserved.
And thank you so much for nominating me for the Liebster. You are far too kind, my friend!
Thank you, mj. You too!
Congratulations, Naomi!
Thank you!
Hi Naomi,
I had to drop by again as I loved last week’s blog! Congratulations on the Liebster Award!
It is nice to see you again. Thank you so much for stopping by!
Congratulations and well deserved Naomi! I look forward to checking out the five pay it forward Liebster blogs – and to finding Bright Spots in my own life. Iridescent feathers hiding……
Terri
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Hi Terri, it’s nice to hear from you! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Welcome to the Bloggerhood, and congratulations on both, or, all your blogging awards, as with entries with such heart felt ebb and flow as your style of compassionate observation, I am certain you will soon have a a bragging wall covered …Bless You
paul
Thank you for your kind words!
Thank you for your kind words and the warm welcome!
Bright spots, I like that. And congrats on the award.
Thank you, Lynne.
Well, your blog is a Bright Spot, Naomi. 🙂
I love how you write so I better check out those blogs that come highly recommended by you.
Thanks for the follow, Tita! That was another Bright Spot! I love your blog!
Humor is such a bright spot! Bravo!
Oh, Sue, ain’t it the truth! Whether reading or writing, it’s what I enjoy. Even serious books or situations can be relieved or diffused with a bit of humor. Thanks so much for taking the time to come and visit.
Reblogged this on Work the Dream and commented:
Love this and love the thought of “bright spots” in our day. I hope you all enjoy this wonderful blog. 😉
I am so lucky to have found your blog …you are now one of MY ‘bright spots’. Love your determination, tenacity and humor you are a delight.
Thank you so much!
Hello my friend! Klara sent me your link so I just had to stop by and say hello. And as always, I enjoyed reading while I was here too. I miss talking with you. I don’t get on here much these days, but when I come to my daughters house I’ll have to check in on you 🙂 Love ya Deb!
Thanks for stopping by.