Dear Reader,
​Whenever I think of Thanksgiving, I get Bing Crosby's "I've Got Plenty To Be Thankful For" from Holiday Inn stuck in my head. This year especially the song holds a great deal of meaning. If you followed me on social media earlier this year, you'll know I went through two surgeries back to back and lost about three months due to recovery. It has been a very humbling experience. The lyrics Bing sings in the movie talk about how he doesn't have much, but that the simple things he does have are enough to get by. And, it's a great reminder in these times that at the end of the day, I have plenty I can be thankful for. 

This month, I thought I would reflect on the top 10 things I am most thankful for. I know I have plenty to be grateful for, so I'll keep it simple:

1. My health and the fact that I am slowly getting back to normal.
2. My family, especially my husband and son who were amazing caregivers through my entire health ordeal. They continually show me love day in and day out.
3. My basic necessities (i.e., food, shelter, and clothing) are met or exceeded, and I have the ability to give to those in need.
   
4. My writing tribe, especially my chaptermates in WisRWA and the ladies of WIP Crack Wednesdays. They keep me on track and encourage me every step of the way. I would also be remiss if I didn't mention the many people (both writers and industry professionals) I have met as a member of RWA.
5. The vintage community. The people I have met through this community have been amazing, welcoming, and above all helpful. I have learned so much about vintage style, and particularly hair setting from these ladies and gentleman. Plus, they offer some pretty epic vintage goals.
6. My friends. They get my crazy and don't run away screaming. From my fellow historical reenacting friends, to those I work with at Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, and to those who have known me longer than I care to admit. Friendship is a gift I do not take lightly, and I am blessed by the number of friends I have.
7. The gift a smile or kind gesture can bring to others. On some of my worst days if I find a moment to do something kind for another, expecting nothing in return, I find that I am gifted double. I have made it a personal goal to spread light and love wherever I can. To paraphrase Galadriel from Lord of the Rings, "To be a light in dark places when all other lights go out."
8. Speaking of Lord of the Rings, to my sisters of the heart in the Worldwide Eowyn Challenge, and my friends in #Run3rd. Knowing them has changed my life for the better.
9. The ability to travel and experience the world. My life is richer for the travel I have been afforded. I have learned about new places and ideas, and it has truly opened my eyes. I feel I am a more accepting and loving person from the experiences I have had. It truly is a small world.
10. Life in general. Yes, that is quite broad, but I am. I have been given so much, especially this year. I will not apologize for the kitschyness of it. I am so grateful that I have a life where I can learn new things, meet new people, and experience what the world has to offer as much as possible.

So, there you have it. My short list of 'thankfuls.' I will continue my gratitudes for the rest of the year and when 2018 rolls around, I intend to add practicing daily gratitudes as a reminder of all I have.

Time for me to get back to NaNoWriMo!  What are you thankful for this year?  

Till next time.
I'll be seeing you!
~Molly

Dear Reader,
​What a whirlwind! RWA Nationals is over for another year and I still feel like I am running around. It probably doesn't help that this past weekend I took a trip to the 16th century.
This year, RWA held it's National Conference at the Swan and Dolphin Resort on Disney World property.  RWA + Disney = One awesome time for me!  I apologize in advance that I didn't get more pictures of the RWA action. I am a Disney girl at heart.

I arrived on Tuesday with fellow WisRWA members, Lori Oestreich and Carla Luna Cullen, and immediately dove into the parks. Hot and humid doesn't even cover it. The weather made you feel like you were in a veritable oven. But, when one is at Disney, one powers through.

​I was most excited to try out the new rides in Pandora in Animal Kingdom. I had a fast pass for Flight of Passage and it did not disappoint.  Check out some of the beautiful scenery while I waited for my turn to ride.

​After spending some time in Animal Kingdom it was time to head back to set my hair.  

I did make it a point to hit the parks at least once each day. Even though I'll be back later this year, I wanted to visit some of my favorite haunts, eat some of my favorite foods (Can we say Jambon Buerre Sandwich and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels?), and check out some of the new things. They also announced the day after I arrived that The Great Movie Ride and Ellen's Energy Adventure would both be closing in the middle of August. I adore The Great Movie Ride, so I had to cram in a visit to that.

One of my favorite park moments was Wednesday when I went to Hollywood Studios in the morning.  It has been my dream to have my pictures taken while dressed in 1940s attire down the Old Hollywood portion of Hollywood Studios.  Thanks to a wonderful PhotoPass photograher, my dream became a reality.  He took some stylized pictures of me next to my favorite spot. They were perfect! Sadly, I don't have any to share right now as I have not ordered them, but do watch my Pin Curl Adventures page because I guarantee at least one will go up there.

Saturday, I attended RWA's Chapter Leadership Breakfast and Town Hall. Since I am the Vice President of Communications for WisRWA, I gained a lot of valuable information and was able to connect with other board members from other chapters. I am looking forward to taking back the information to WisRWA to help make us stronger.
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I also had a blast at the RITA awards. Our small contingent of WisRWA members even had a chance to congratulate Beverly Jenkins on being the recipient of  the Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award. She was inspiring!

Sunday was Lori's and my last day so I made it my mission to visit all four parks before we left.  I rode all my favorite rides, though I passed on Flight of Passage simply due to stand-by wait times. While it poured all day, I thoroughly enjoyed having Disney time.  The only sad part was that France sold out of my favorite sandwich.  Oh well, guess I'll just have to get it next time I go.

I'll leave you with a picture of  all of my day outfits from the conference.  I, of course, dressed 1940s every day, but made sure to keep my hair off my neck. For more pictures, check out my Facebook Fan Page and tell me which outfit you liked the best.
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​I'm already looking forward to RWA18 in Denver! Hope to see you there!

I'll be seeing you!
​~Molly