Because No One Should Go Hungry on Thanksgiving

(original photo via Gourmet)

My month-long exercise in thankfulness is rapidly coming to a close, but before the month is up I have to give thanks for the basic necessities--food, shelter, clothing--that I've never been without. However I can't let the opportunity pass without pointing out that many among us aren't as fortunate.

According to the USDA, 15% of American households are "food insecure," meaning that they are uncertain of having or unable to provide enough food to meet the needs of everyone in the home. That's over 50 million people without enough to eat each day. These are our neighbors, our family, our friends, our fellow Americans.

A Month of Thankfulness: Elizabeth of The Little Black Door

Here we are readers, just a few days before Thanksgiving. Today, I have my last guest blogger of the month sharing her thoughts on thankfulness: the charming Elizabeth of Little Black Door. 

A Month of Thankfulness: Michelle of Armas Design

Today, I feel very fortunate to have the incredibly talented artist and blogger Michelle Armas here today sharing her thoughts on the month's theme. As someone who is spending her life on creative endeavors, I think we can learn a lot from Michelle's perspective on thankfulness.

A Month of Thankfulness: Michele of My Notting Hill

Is it just me or is November flying by quickly? This week, I've got a pair of Michelles (actually, Michele and Michelle) guest posting on the theme of thankfulness--isn't that great?

Today, the very talented Michele of My Notting Hill is here and I'm tickled at the way she ran with the theme of thankfulness, how she sees it in some very special mementos around her home.

A Month of Thankfulness: Kate of Kate Collins Interiors

Today I'm happy to host a very special blog friend of mine, Kate of Kate Collins Interiors, and her heartfelt reflections on gratitude, thankfulness and the joyous blessing she and her husband welcomed into their lives this year. I promise, you will need to grab a tissue or two for this post and will feel very thankful for your family after reading it.

A Month of Thankfulness: Sara of A Dose of Pretty

With another week upon us, I am glad to share a new guest post on the month's theme of thankfulness from another wonderful blog friend. Today, Sara of the lovely blog A Dose of Pretty stops by. Read on to see how she finds gratitude in the kitchen!

A Month of Thankfulness: Beth of designPOST Interiors

Are you all ready for another guest blogger? Today, I'm pleased to host Beth of designPost Interiors as she shares her thoughts on thankfulness. Take it away, Beth!

A Month of Thankfulness: Paula of Two Ellie

Happy Monday, friends! As I posted on Friday, the month of November is dedicated to gratitude, blessings and appreciation here on the blog. I consider myself a fortunate gal in many respects, and one way I'm blessed is with a host of wonderful blog friends who will be guest posting here throughout the next few weeks on the theme of thankfulness.

Today: Paula of Two Ellie!

This November: A Month of Thankfulness

Today is the first day of November. Many of us are experiencing a subtle sugar hangover from Halloween or are starting to gather Thanksgiving side dish ideas; but here on Meet Me in Philadelphia, November means something a little different.

All month long, my posts will reflect the theme of thankfulness and gratitude for the many blessings I experience every day. Let me tell you all about it after the jump.

Sharing Our Blessings at Thanksgiving

The Thanksgiving holiday is one day a year that we as a nation intentionally and consciously stop fretting over  the busyness at work or worrying about the newness of our smart phones and, instead, we count our blessings. One blessing that I admit to often overlooking is having access to enough nutritious food to sustain me; but this time of year it's more important than ever to remember that millions of Americans (1 in 6, in fact) do not have enough to eat.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.

During the passing year I have experienced a number of substantial changes in my life and, despite fears and uncertainty, I have been so fortunate to feel unending support from family and friends. This Thanksgiving I can't help but feel an abundance of gratitude for the the special people in my life.

I also feel so grateful to have lovely readers like you all. It means so much that you spend a few moments of your day with me here at Meet Me in Philadelphia.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful, blessed and happy Thanksgiving today.

But For the Grace of God Go I

It can be difficult at times for me to see outside of my own situation which, despite being unemployed, is comfortable and fortunate. And yet, there are constant reminders that others are not so comfortable or so fortunate.

On Thursday, I'll be enjoying a homemade Thanksgiving feast prepared with thought and love by my family; but it would be ignorant to assume that all Americans are going to be enjoying the same. If you want to know a few ways to contribute to the comfort of others at this time of year, there are great organizations working to provide the less fortunate:

Nationwide:

Feeding America

In the greater Philadelphia-area:

The Food Trust

Philabundance

And, as promised, I wanted to announce the winner of the Martha Stewart Living subscription giveaway:

Congratulations, Danielle of Fresh Quince! 

Danielle, I'll be contacting you for your details.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow.