When you start running your own business its hard to write the words that don't sound trite. Everything has been overused and loses any impact or sincerity.
I am thankful. Not for the hashtag. Not for the instagram effect, but I am honestly thankful.
John is currently whipping up a frenzy in the kitchen for our holiday dinner. The pies are already baked and it smells amazing in the house.
Right now, our last guests of the season are probably doing the same. It makes me smile. I think it's a wonderful thing to gather as a family and slow down and spend time together.
My family has grown considerably smaller and larger at the same time. I lost both my parents in the last 10 years and in the same space I had my family of my own. I love my quirky 10 year old (how did he get to be 10 already?), my creative and big hearted 7 year old, second son is a gift. My sparkly, unicorn loving, purple obsessed 4 year old girl is a shrinky-dink of me (thanks for the curse, Mom). And our ever giggling, 3 year old, last born is a reminder that time is fleeting.
I am thankful for the opportunity to open our home and share it with our guests. It's a special place. The fog lifting on an early morning. The sparkles glinting in the afternoon after a full day on the water. Gathering at the campfire for snuggles and s'mores are a family favorite.
Is the house perfect? Is it a five star spa retreat? No.
It's a work in progress. We are constantly updating and upgrading.
It doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't. It's a home. It's our home, that we open to others. Sometimes people don't respect it. And it's hurtful. It is personal. If it wasn't, it would be a hotel. We aren't a hotel. We are a family that wants to share our favorite place in the world with others. We like nice sheets and linens. We add what we want. We hope that the fact that we stay and explore just like you is a benefit. We put nice furniture, sharp knives, extra touches for everyone. It's a delicate balance of adding items that can be appreciated or stolen.
We have met some amazing people that otherwise we would have never crossed paths. That is a special gift. Dragon boat racers that fight against Cancer. Doctors that fight to save lives. Grandparents celebrating anniversaries with their families. Birthdays and celebrations. Sometimes it is simply a slow down in hectic lives.
Whatever it is, the lake is special. It has healing properties if you pay close attention.
We hope that you can find time to reconnect to what we think is most important. Family.
And for that, we are thankful.