The Big Three: Autumn’s finest

The world can be a crazy place. Sometimes it helps to step back and list a few of the things you’re grateful for. I’m making it a habit each week to list three blessings. Here’s what I’m grateful for this week, October 26 – Nov. 1.

What I’m grateful for:

—Through thick and thin. A faithful and supportive friend.

—When one door closes. As daylight hours decrease in the fall, trees stop producing chlorophyll. Without the dominant green chlorophyll, the underlying yellow and orange pigments, called carotenoids, come to the surface and become visible. In some cases, trees produces new pigments, giving leaves their red, scarlet, or purple hues. Yes, here’s to the fall light show. It’s starting to run its course, but what a beautiful show. And of course it reminds me of the well-worn, but useful advice: when one door closes, another opens. Keep your eyes open.

—My right to vote. On Tuesday, voters across the U.S. will head to the polls to vote for gubernatorial and state legislators in a few states, as well as numerous mayoral races and a variety of other local offices on the ballot. In my state, voters statewide will consider candidates to fill a vacancy each on Commonwealth and Superior Courts, and weigh in on whether to retain three justices on the state Supreme Court. The election isn’t as sexy as voting for president. As we’ve seen in recent years, however, these positions are extremely important. I take my role seriously and will be sure to vote.

What gave me a smile?

It’s great when you find someone — it could be a friend or a significant other — who is good at maintaining you.

Images from Pexels.