Girlfriendology

Thanksgiving Thanks for Girlfriends!

What a perfect holiday. Nonpartisan, all races and religions, this holiday is a humble celebration of being blessed. Food, clothing, a warm home, safety … all the basic needs are brought to the surface for appreciation.

Cars, clothes, conveniences … the things we take for granted every day are not to be ignored. And, especially friends, family and a world of amazing people … wonderful women (and men) who teach us, care for us, make everyday an adventure and a joy.

Why not take a minute and add your thankful thoughts on girlfriends? Here are mine:

Thanks to all my girlfriends who show me how to be a friend. I sincerely appreciate and value your kindness and understanding when I’m far from the perfect friend. Thanks for being there for me through storms (like when Hurricane Ike hit Ohio!), stormy financial situations and times when it seemed the sun didn’t want to shine. Thanks friends and neighbors: Anne, Penny, Karen, Ellen, Dana, Shelley, Judy, Bridget, Lorri, Stephanie and Amy. Creative girlfriends: Jill (my faithful BFF), Marie, Cindy, Katie, Lisa, Renee, Margot, Kathy and Susan. Big thanks to girlfriends: Cathy, Jill, Becky, Paula, Tina, Lynn, Ann, Barb, Joan, Allison, Colleen and so many more. Thanks to my college girlfriends: Barb, Deana, Laurie, Rhonda, Kleta, Dana. Thanks too to my sisters and friends: Cyndee and Carol. (I love how we stay in better touch now through email, etc. It’s fun to know what’s going on in your lives!)

A special note for my Minnesota girlfriends whom I’m visiting this week: Thanks Barb for the beautiful scarf you knitted for me - I love it! Thanks Ann for the wonderful dinner last night and for just reconnecting with an old friend! Thanks Patty (and family) for taking us in and letting us stay at your home! Thanks Amy and Kate for letting me hang out at your house during the days for Wifi and working on the holiday cards. Thanks Amy (and family) for the upcoming Thanksgiving day tradition and for your hospitality that night. I love our 20 year friendship (that makes me feel like I’m 20 years younger!).Thanks Terri in advance of the wonderful dinner we’ll have with you tonight and the fun evening we’ll have on Saturday at the Leo Kottke concert. Thanks Diana, Chaundra, Cara, Sue, Kathy, another Amy (and all these above) for the 18 year tradition we’ll celebrate on Friday evening at our annual progressive dinner. I love that time together. Thanks Lisa and Karen for your help with someone’s upcoming birthday too! I miss you all and cherish our friendships.

Thanks to my new friends this year whom I’ve met through local networking and online social media. As strange as it is to some people, since some of you I’ve never met in person, your friendships to me are often closer than traditional friendships. I love knowing what you’re up to in your life and how you care about what is going on in mine. Thanks Cincinnati Women Bloggers: Shannan, Laura, Susan, Amy, Amybeth, Vicki, Barb, Monika, Kate-the-great, Julie, Michelle, Andi, Jacinta, Robyn and more. Thanks Cincinnati New/Social Media: Daniel Johnson Jr., Ed, Joanne, Don, Neal & Laura & beautiful daughter. Thanks Twitter friends: Lissa, Tammy, Julie, Brian, Chris, Jackie, Barry (QC) and lots more!

Thanks to the amazing women who’ve given me there time to interview you for our Girlfriendology podcasts. It is a humbling and wonderful opportunity to talk with each of you and to share your story and inspiration. Thanks podcast guests: Maryann, Stephanie, Stacey, Tami, Ingrid, Judith, Amanda, Tammy, Gigi, Yana, Lissa and so many more!

I’m thankful for my friends who encourage and support me in my dream of growing Girlfriendology. Your wisdom and creative ideas are more valuable than any teleseminar or book. Thanks to my advisors: Allison, Krista, Jody, Judy (and guyfriends John and Sean). Thanks to all of you who offer ideas, share your thoughts and do whatever you can to help me in reaching this dream.

I’m so blessed - more than I deserve. There is no way I can thank everyone for your friendship in any manner that meets my gratitude. Thanks to YOU for reading and for caring about your girlfriends. Thanks for inspiring me. Have a thankful Thanksgiving!

What, and WHO, are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?

Related articles: Girlfriend gratitude gifts and Girlfriend Gift Directory.