“For Each New Morning With Its Light…”

“For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, and love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy Thanksgiving dear readers! As I stared out in awe at the breathtaking beauty on the road to Waterton yesterday, on the very spot where I took the photo above, I could not help but shed a tear of unabashed gratitude. I literally stood on the side of highway, my camera slack in my hand at my side, and gasped, unasked for tears falling gently down my sun-kissed, wind-swept face. How could this world be THIS beautiful? And how lucky am I to witness it?

When I awoke early yesterday, I wondered where my Vagabond Adventures might take me on this Thanksgiving weekend. Forever perched at the top of my Alberta bucket list has been Waterton, deep in the south of Alberta. With its stunning lakes surrounded by steep, unforgiving mountains, it is a place that seems quite frankly magical. The drive south was perfect! Brilliant sunshine, bright yellow fluttering leaves, and that endless Alberta sky. I took many photos along the way; I couldn’t help myself! Once I reached Waterton, the sun disappeared behind a wicked and windy fall storm that swept across the park with amazing speed. As I stood perched on the edge of a high outcropping overlooking the lake, snapping away, the storm pressed in, blowing me back into shelter only after drenching me in a cold rain. Ah, autumn in the foothills!

Not long after, the sun peeked out again and I continued my Waterton adventure, walking through a charming town, awestruck by the white-capped azure lake and the looming mountains that encircle the town and lake like a crown. As I walked I reflected on all that I have to be thankful for on this holiday weekend. Believe me, it doesn’t take stunning surroundings to prompt this feeling of gratitude (but it certainly doesn’t hurt!). My list is endless! A dear family whose support and love surrounds me like a blanket, even this far from home. Friends who walk beside me and who cheer me on and up! A vocation and colleagues that fulfill me and dare me to be better each day. A warm and cozy home to return to at the end of a long day. For these and many more I am thankful! And each week I am thankful to you for returning here to read my short, visual stories that represent my gratitude for life. Thank you!

If you would like to see some more snaps from yesterday’s visit to Waterton, please visit me here and here.

Happy Thanksgiving one and all!