Morning!
It feels so weird to be here this morning…..this is my first year EVER being on my own for Thanksgiving and my brother passed away 7 months ago today, so pardon my less than stellar mood. I plan to take some time for myself today…maybe a hike through the redwoods in armstrong woods or a sobfest watching The Notebook. As much as I wish I could be home right now, part of me is glad this holiday is really low-key this year and I think I’m doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing. Tomorrow I’m going to drive down to Woodside and I’ll be back to Healdsburg on Saturday. I haven’t decided yet if I’m going to blog for the next few days…I might take a little break..not sure yet but I’ll keep you updated.
Anyways, here’s breakfast!
Oatmeal made with almond milk, banana, dried cherries and almond butter. Delish.
About to go work on some freelance stuff right now then probably hit the gym. Talk to you in a bit–if you are traveling today, please stay safe!!
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You are in my thoughts Jenna! I was alone on Thanksgiving my first year of college and it was very difficult. However, it is an important lesson in being able to enjoy your own company and sometimes some “me” time is just what needed. Hang in there :O).
Sometimes a laid-back holiday is the perfect excuse to take some time for yourself – a hike sounds heavenly!
Last year was my first Thanksgiving “alone” but remember that you’re never truly alone if you have friends by your side. It’s definitely more difficult being away from family but I’m hoping you find peace for the weekend.
Thinking about you!
xxx Julia (Taste of Living)
Jenna, take the time you need! It is probably good that you couldn’t make it home for Thanksgiving! You would have felt more of a loss with your brother not being there! Take care of yourself first and foremost! I lost my sister just over 2 years ago, and we still miss her always, but the Holidays are always the worst! Your brother would have loved how you are LIVING your LIFE! I’m sure he is looking down on you proudly!
I wasn’t yet reading your blog when you lost your brother…but I also went back and read the stories! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Take a break and recharge, we’ll still be here : ) I hope your thanksgiving is wonderful!
AMEN to your title! I know it can seem lonely to be without your family on Thanksgiving – but just think of it as getting to create all your OWN Thanksgiving traditions and memories!!
Chin up Jenna!!
Honestly, take some time off and time for yourself. Take LOTS of pics to fill us in on later. But maybe this is the perfect time to take a break and reflect. I know we all wish we could give you a hug at this point. I’m sorry things are rough right now, I can’t imagine. I’ll be praying for you.
I hope you have a lovely and relaxing holiday, and take some time off if you need it girl
The people we love, be they on this earth or in heaven, are always with us.
Spending alone time is good, it lets you connect with yourself. Go on a hike, talk to your brother while you walk. I talk to my grandmother all the time, keeps me connected and I always feel comforted and free afterwards.
Have a wonderful weekend on your own.
Jenna – thinking of you over these next few days. I am very far from home right now too – and it sucks. I hope you do whatever it is that you need to do to make yourself happy and ease a bit of the pain from the past 7 months. I still think its incredible that you have accomplished so much in the aftermath of such a tragedy.
On a side note – please, please be careful if you are going hiking alone… stay safe!! xoxo
You do what you need to do. Don’t even worry about us.
I am offering you big big hugs. It is hard to be alone on the holidays. It is even more hard to be grieving the loss of your brother on important days.
Take care of you. Happy Thanksgiving.
Its good to get some me time once in a while enjoy it and we’ll all be here waiting for your inspiring words when you return x x
Good luck Jenna. Hopefully you can take this weekend to relax, take time to just “be”, and to be thankful for what you do have despite all of the crap. I hope you find some peace in the trees!
We’ll be here when you get back
Saying a big prayer for you!
Tough times Jenna
Take some time for yourself and take it easy on yourself. Special occasions are when you miss your loved ones the most, totally normal to be feeling down.
I am thinking of you today. I hope you made it through the day okay
Thinking of you! I hope time in the woods, time with good friends, and little glass of wine helps you remember all the great times with your brother and your family. Have a very happy thanksgiving and let yourself indulge…in nature, pie, or whatever it is that makes you smile!
Jenna,
please take a few days off completely from any blogging.I really think it is worthwhile for one’s soul and spirit.
And trust me, we are all such devoted readers-you will never lose us and we want you to think of yourself.Life is so short,it is so important to treasure special tiem for ourselves and noone else.Don’t forget your blog is partly your “job” and it is good for mental health not to be at it 365 days a year-that wouldn;t be good for anyone,let alone a gal who is missing her brother and seven months is such a short time as far as grieving goes.Of course you will miss him for all of eternity,but seven months is such a terribly brief period and not enough time to really deal with it all(this is just my personal opinion and experience with grief).
Wishing you continued strenght through Thanksgiving and especially Christmas.And a special thought going out to your parents this week-wishing them peace and treasured memories.
Can I just say- your blog is totally something I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving. You are a fantastic writer and I hope your T-give away from your family goes well. Enjoy the day- I am sure John would have wanted you to eat until you pass out
hey, i completley understand how your thanksgivings are.. i lost a brother my self 2 years ago. although its been two years it feels like it was just yesterday. thanksgiving an christmas an any other holidays can feel like hell sometimes. im 16 now but i’ve learned to grow quick. life isnt easy but you just gotta know they are in a wayyyy better place then us. and they wouldnt wanna see us this way on this holidays. just stay strong and keep your head up.
sincerly, alex gonzalez
Hang in there and feel free to relax and just enjoy the holiday- we’ll be here when you get back
I have to say I like your idea to make an olive oil cake. I’ve been spending Thanksgiving out on my own since I was 18 and have come up with all kinds of fun traditions of my own… creativity is key.
Holidays are so hard after losing a loved one. The first Thanksgiving after the death of my husband, I remember doing much of the same that you plan on doing. Life takes you in different directions and sometimes it just feels right to be doing your own thing. 8 years later, I’m remarried and back to celebrating traditions. When people used to tell me that “it just takes time” I wanted to smack them. Now I know…it’s true. Even though that’s the case, I will never say that to someone, because I know how it made me feel. I was 31 at the time (39 now) and it seemed like life would never be the same. True, it’s not the same, but it’s pretty amazing and I’m so grateful for that. Hang in there Jenna, our angels in heaven are blanketing us with their love today and everyday.
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