Earlier this year, I succumbed to the world of online social networking.  I created a facebook page.  I spent the first 2 months catching up with old friends and building a mafia to battle against invisible foes.  After the newness wore off, I found myself wondering what I was doing in this online reality. 

I looked over at my scrappy desk and a tumbleweed rolled by.  Eeek!  I sat down to try to figure out what role facebook could still play in my life.  All things can be fabulous in moderation, but that initial obsession needed to dissipate.  I took a deep breath and abandoned my mafia.  I decided that my friends really did not need to know if I was going to the grocery store or if I was having corn dogs for dinner.  I searched a few of my scrappy faves and added in some friends that would remind me to get my bottom back to my desk.  It is shocking how quickly time can pass online!  I found my happy medium (ok, I still get sucked into a game every now and again and have to step away) and am enjoying both online and in life realities.

At the beginning of November, a batch of those scrappy facebook friends decided to battle through the stresses of the holiday season with an "attitude of gratitude".  Not by making a mini album or a layout, but by changing their status reports daily to reflect something they are thankful for in that moment.  Yes, 30 days of thankfulness. 

At first it was easy.  After all, we are all thankful for husbands, children, homes, hobbies.  Around day 10, we were thankful for Starbucks, chocolate, and bubble baths.  By day 20, it got really tough, but also really special.  After 20 days of living a life that looks for something nice to say, everything seemed a bit brighter.  I have long heard the adage "fake it until you make it" and this was a perfect instance. 

Each woman chose happiness each and every day.  Certainly there were rough spots in those days, but the focus stayed on the positive.  And because of the nature of facebook, the thankfulness did not stay on a scrappy desk, but trickled into the lives of others.  Hope is every bit as contagious as hopelessness.  Give it a try for your holiday.

Wishing you a hopeful and thankful holiday season,

Inseparable by Dora Phillips

Supplies: Paper, Die-Cuts, Brads, Alphabet: Pink Paislee, Journaling Card: Maya Road, Font: Georgia, Other: ribbon.

Design Notes: I had fun stitching the ribbon.  Although it does not photo well, the black ribbon is a rose hand stitched with a glitter brad center. 

Journaling: The greatest gift Aunt Lisa ever gave you was a cousin almost your own age.  When you are together, there is never a dull moment.  The joy that just explodes out of your faces just warms my heart.