The Chicago Top Ten for the Week of Nov. 23, 2009

It's almost Thanksgiving.
This year Mr. Honey and I will be staying home. We were invited to his brother's but I had already told him I wanted him for myself this Thanksgiving and I will be cooking - but he can bake the gingerbread - I should probably remind him of that.

I wasn't sure there was a lot I would want to be thankful for this year; there was so much stress, but there are things to be thankful for - there always are:

I am thankful for my aunt 'Bay.' She is the last one of her generation. After her there are no more aunts, uncles, Moms or Dads for me any all my cousins. She is in poor health and I have been in contact with her. She is the 'fun' aunt and I am grateful for her laughter and her smile - especially after all she has gone through in her life. She has a genuine spirit that will stay with her the rest of her days.

I am thankful Gayle, Judy and Cindi. Four friends from the other church who's friendship was never in question. They have stayed by me during the entire ordeal even though Judy now lives in New York. Cindi is Gayle's daughter and she and her husband have been very present and vocal. It's good to know people will speak up for you when the popular thing is to remain silent in the presence of a bully.

I am thankful for Mr. Honey for being the most wonderful husband in this and probably any universe. He handed over $30K to me in the summer and then just last week asked me what I wanted for my birthday.

I am thankful for all of you in the knitting blogosphere. Those who comment and those who lurk and those who do both. I really feel connected to you all and I don't remember what life was like before you - but it could not have been this fun.

Are you ready for this week's picks? I am thankful to be able to bring them to you - and when you see them you'll know why. In no particular order here are ten items to think about over the holiday week:

Snakeskin Purse by grandmamarievintage
Veru funky, very vintage

Customized mirror by chaoticcurios
I had to pick out a mirror and i like the funky chunky one with the letter. I like them all. what a unique gift idea for someone!

Cubes by burntone
I don't know what it is but this painting intrigues me.

French Love Letter by chinacherie
They've made the list before and earned another spot with this lovely piece.

Beach walk by liamparkinson
This isn't his first time on the list, either, and this photo is just stunning.

So what are you doing this Thanksgiving? If you have some time between visits and friends, you still have until the end of the month to enter the contest. There will be another contest coming sometime next month as well. I have more books I can afford to give away and there's always someone out there who can use it! How about the final five?

Green River by peggysu1464
I love the color and the stillness, but it's the reflection in the water that sold it!

Baby Pod by ventichi
Doesn't it make your uterus ache?

Holiday shimmer by glasscat
O come on, you knew it was just a matter of when the earrings would show up!

Teardrop Earrings by uncharted
These will be home for Christmas

Shumai by gobuggy
Two words: clev ver!


I wish for you and your family the time together to appreciate the good things about each other and that your hearts are so warmed in your company that you cannot wait for the next time to be together. Have a safe Thanksgiving!