Thankful for the Little Things

November 24, 2015 Leave a comment


By Elisha Smith, elishas@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs 

I don’t usually reflect much on the abundant amenities of where I live. Generally I take the wide open spaces, fresh air, breathtaking sunsets and a myriad of other things for granted.
But a recent Rural Housewives article reminded me of the many benefits that small town and rural living provide that are easy to overlook. There are the obvious things like beautiful landscapes, bright stars at night, friendly people, knowing your neighbors and so on.
Then there’s the less obvious…little things that are unique to small towns that our urban counterparts probably can’t imagine.
Little things like tabs, charge accounts and accepting checks. Most stores and cafes in small towns still honor these. And the act of bartering is another viable payment option…
Speaking of bartering, just the other day I traded home raised ground beef (raised in my backyard) for farm fresh eggs. And I can’t count the times my husband has baled someone’s hay, gathered cattle for others, fixed a neighbor’s fence or lent out equipment in exchange for another service or critter.
Recently after baling hay for a neighbor, we received a pony as payment! Now I can’t say for sure, beings I don’t reside in a city, but I highly doubt that an animal qualifies as an acceptable form of payment there…
So during this month of thanks instead of focusing on what our small towns may lack, why not be thankful for all the wonderful small things that only a small town can provide?

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Being Thankful for Every Day and Everyone

November 20, 2014 2 Comments


It is the time of year to reflect on one’s life, being thankful for life and the blessings received.

The first thought I have is: This should be a daily occurrence, not just at Thanksgiving.

Every night when I go to bed, I say my prayers and thank God for my life. In the morning, I rise, thinking positive thoughts, knowing I am blessed to have another day to take on the world. I am thankful and say another prayer.

There have been times in my life when I didn’t feel thankful. I went through many struggles, as does everyone in their lives. Divorce was not something I ever had planned, but it happened. Learning to pick up the pieces and move on was very hard, especially with two kids. I was at the lowest point in my life and didn’t think I would ever be happy again.

I discovered that everything happens for a reason. I was meant to be somewhere else, with someone else. Jeff and I have been married for 18 years and together for 20. My kids adore him. He is more than a stepdad to them, because he has always been there for them and is also a wonderful grandpa. I am very thankful for my kids, husband and grandkids. We have one new granddaughter, Charli, born October 28th. We are expecting our next granddaughter today or tomorrow! Life is good!

I am also thankful for a few other things. I always wanted to go to college. I was finally able to achieve this goal in May of 2013, graduating with a degree in journalism. My husband thought I should make a job change, going out on my own, becoming owner/editor and chief of my own online newspaper. I was terrified, but I can’t tell you how much I love it. I have been doing this for over a year now and it has brought nothing but joy into my life. I am also working on becoming a better photographer, looking to expanding my horizons even further! I will never be too old to learn anything!

I also enjoy serving on the Oakland City Council. I am working for the people of Oakland. Their concerns are of utmost importance to me. It is a challenge that I am up for every minute of the day!

My life is always busy, always challenging and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am thankful every moment for every thing I am blessed to be doing. But, what I am thankful for the most is my family. Without them, I wouldn’t have the courage to do the things I do. They are my rock and I love them more than anything!

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your family today and everyday. Remember, being thankful isn’t just for this time of year. It is every day.

Now, to go back to waiting for our new granddaughter, hurry up baby PP!!! Nana and papa are waiting!

Nana, papa and granddaughter Charli.

Nana, papa and granddaughter Charli.

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