Thankful Tree

This idea is stolen from at least a half dozen other blogs I read and then mish-moshed into our own version using what we have on board and what works in our wee space.

We searched around the marina for the perfect stick and brought it home. It lives in a vase filled with quarters (laundry money) so that it won't tip over.

I simply cut a whole mess of vaguely leaf shaped pieces of cloth from scraps we have in our sewing basket. I used a hole punch to pop out one side and some twine tied in for hanging.

Then I left the leaves out with some fabric markers and explained to Zach the idea. The rest is up to him. I didn't want to make it so structured as to declare that everyday until Thanksgiving we had to add a leaf. Or that each member of the family had to put one on each evening. I prefer to leave it out, and let it happen as the spirit moves us.

Zach always brings a smile to my face with his thoughtful and quirky things he is thankful for. And this yearI am sure he will come up with some doozies. But lately, even before we started this little project, he's been oozing with gratitude. He literally wakes each morning full of love and thanks, verbalizing it in almost poetic ways. (Mama, you are my jewel. OR I am so grateful for the wind, he makes the trees look like ballet dancers. OR Mama, thank you for taking the time to make my food and clean the boat, I know you'd rather be doing something else.)

There's nothing else I'd rather be doing than hanging out with this boy. He is my teacher and my love and my adventure. And for that I am truly thankful.