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by Karen Coney Coplin
ecently, I read a quote: There are also nearby businesses which I frequent often
R Love begins with love and, enough that I've become a regular. It's always fun to snap a
with any luck, ends with love.
picture and give them a high five online in social media. Word of
What then, is the in between? Hopefully, mouth, whether in person or digital, is a recommendation people
a mostly happy state, with more joy than grief trust.
or, at least, a balance that is manageable. Also in my neighborhood I see plenty of blues greens and a
There is no denying that 2024 has been a year variety of shades of pink and red... flora and fauna both. There
that has tested our resiliency, with Tropical are a number of beautiful plants, creatures and decorative effects
Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene here in our own backyards. available all around, just by taking the time to notice.
Not to mention the utter devastation Helene has caused Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around food + drink.
throughout much of North Carolina, Tennessee, in addition to While not a traditional holiday beverage, a good cup of coffee
Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia. News of this disaster warms the hands and heart.
is both despairing and numbing in its scale. Every day and especially this month, I'm intentional in
Worlds away, war tears at the Middle East and continues in selecting mugs that have a message which makes me smile, or
the Ukraine. reminds me of a favorite person.
And these are just part of the bigger picture. If it is also true If there was ever a time well suited for comfort food, the
that the little things are the big things though, we can boost our month of November fits the bill. Maybe you have a favorite dish
own resolve to appreciate a valued connection with others and which has been a Thanksgiving Day tradition or maybe, for any
the world around us. number of reasons, it might be omitted this year.
In so doing, we shore up our mental and physical health and The only constant, of course, is change.
well being by bearing witness to the beauty in our lives. Or maybe you mix it up and serve something new and
This is no small task even in the best of times, but we are recommended along with your family favorites. And this
happier when we are thankful. Thanksgiving dinner celebration will become a new memory you
In the spirit of the month of Thanksgiving, can hold dear.
I offer some suggestions for expressing and acknowledging As you gather with loved ones at Friendsgiving or
the benefits of gratitude. Thanksgiving, don't forget to have your favorite songs playing
You can start at home. What do you love? This year, in in the background.
particular, it may be that you've been kept safe from storms. Music is healing in every conceivable way; joyously
And with this, I appreciate the sound of rain on my metal roof. in many instances.
Venture out to your surrounding neighborhood. I live near So feel free to sing or dance along, lifting yourself and
one of the county libraries but also a little lending library, companions along the way.
installed by a thoughtful neighbor. It never fails to bring a smile Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with
to my face when I pass by this collection of books offered freely suggestions for future article coverage, which is often centered on
to passers by. charitable organizations in Naples and the programs/services these
It's always nice to receive personal correspondence in your groups offer. Additionally, for more vignettes about life in Naples,
mailbox, and I've upped the ante by thanking my mail carrier give her a follow on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers.
when I see her. And a holiday gift card will soon be an order!
I always tell her with a smile that I love when those personal
letters arrive. It reminds me to send a few of my own.

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