Usually the “Just a Friendly Note” series addresses the things that are perhaps not working so well—and it’s both fun and cathartic to articulate them. This week, however, I’m going to focus on the positive because many of us are feeling like we could use a lift.
☀️ Dear Packable Puffer Jackets: Thank you for the option to keep warm in a streamlined manner rather than having to wrangle a megafluffy behemoth of a coat.
☀️ Dear Hospital: Thank you for taking such good care of our loved ones. It can’t be easy, racing around to make sure everyone is comfortable and safe all day and all night.
☀️Dear People Who Are Saying It: Thank you for calling out things that need calling out in your spaces. Thank you for not waiting for someone else to do it instead.
☀️ Dear Pizza Delivery Places: Thank you for being there when we require the power of your speedy, cheesy blessing to fill the spot inside that only pizza can fill.
☀️Dear Pets: Thank you for making us laugh with your antics, for snuggling up with us after long days, and for looking into our souls with your beautiful gazes to heal our hearts.
☀️ Dear Chicks on the Case Community: Thank you for coming together to chat about books, humor, and life. Connecting with you makes the day better, every time. 💛
Readers, what are you feeling grateful for?
Chicks on the Case 
I wish to thank my husband for taking care of me as I suffer through this new condition that I have been diagnosed with. Also my cat Fella who snuggles up with and makes me feel so much better.
LikeLiked by 5 people
So glad your husband and cat there for you! We’re also sending our care!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so very much. I love all the chicks!!!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Sending you love–and so happy your hubby and cat are there for you, my dear!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Leslie. They are the best.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sending a virtual bear hug! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sending a hug and better health soon! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. I wish I could recover soon but this problem is incurable.
LikeLike
Sending hugs and healing wishes to you, Queen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I’m so glad he and Fella are there–and hugs and love to you!!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Cynthia. Hope you have a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for asking, Cynthia! I’m thankful for other writers who share their gems of wisdom. For example, Shane Parrish gave us this Napoleon quote: “Ten people who yell make more noise than ten thousand who keep silent.” I’m also grateful for the opportunity to share their collective wisdom.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Now there’s a Napoleon quote I can get behind, Grant!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s one of the few… He’s not my kind of role model. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very wise, Grant! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for this. I’m thankful for life. It has its ups and down, but we will persevere.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Amen, Dru!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Dru! So well said…and yes, we WILL!!
LikeLike
Grateful for this positive post! I’m thankful for little moments of peace and joy—and hugs from loved ones!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Beautiful, Jen! Thank you.
LikeLike
I’m thankful for the mystery writing community. There are so many wonderful folks, like the Chicks, who provide much needed escapes from the real world.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Agree, JC–the mystery writing community is amazing. (And so are you!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you to The Hubby for being willing to battle with the wood stove (which insists on sending out billowing clouds of smoke when starting a fire no matter what he does) because I sure do like that fire.
Thanks to the mystery writing community for always being there with a laugh, a shoulder, or a good book recommendation.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Hear you from NH, Liz–my hubby just shoveled 2 feet of snow from our deck in the howlng wind. Our wood stove needs fodder–we’ve just run out, eek!
LikeLiked by 2 people
“because I sure do like that fire” = ha! Awww.
Two great ones–thanks, Liz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Chicks On The Case
Thank you for encouraging me to be just more than me as a person, but as a writer trying to make my mark in the world. Thank you for the love you provide to all readers who love your books and the books you love as well.
LikeLiked by 5 people
And we love you, Hestia!
LikeLiked by 2 people
What Leslie said!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Huge hugs, Hestia–you’ve already made your writerly mark in my book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Hestia: We are all so happy to know you and excited to see you achieving your goals!!
(And we are very grateful for the reader-friends you mention too.)
LikeLike
I am so grateful for family and friends who help me find my balance when the world feels so crazy and out of balance. I am especially thankful for the cozy mystery community who provide me with hours of escapism to happy places. This truly recharges me and helps me to face the world.
LikeLiked by 5 people
I’ve got to second this one! And in addition to the mystery community, I’m also thankful for doctors and nurses, especially the ones who helped bring my new granddaughter into the world so well!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Both excellent, Becky! And congratulations again on your granddaughter!!!
LikeLike
Wonderfully said, Suemngirl! thank you
LikeLike
Thank you for this beautiful post and reminder, dear Cyn. I’m grateful for all those things you mention. I’m also grateful to my non-cook wife Robin, who made me mashed potatoes when I had the stomach flu a few days back (which I’m still eating, as recovery is slow). And I’m grateful to this beautiful crime writing/reading community, which has given me a family that crosses the country–and the world!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mashed pototoes can solve all ills, Leslie! Well, almost.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes on all counts–thank you–and I so hope you feel better soon! And kudos to Robin for the care and comfort food.
LikeLike
Leslie, feel better! Cyn, thank you for this lovely post. I want to say thank you to all those people out there fighting the good fight. I don’t know you personally, but I am so grateful you are doing the hard work and heavy lifting so sadly necessary these days.
LikeLiked by 3 people
El, right there with you–and thank you too. Cheering everyone on!
LikeLike
Grateful for the warm cat in my lap, our awesome friends who always stop by and say hi, and the unexpected magic that yesterday brought. 💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ooo, are you ready to share that magic yet? (My very warm and fuzzy cat won’t sit in my lap, sigh. Just beside me.)
LikeLike
That sounds lovely, Marla! Thank you!
LikeLike
Cynthia, the perfect post to kick off (another) Janufeb Monday. Kudos! (And all so true.) I am grateful for all of the things everyone has shared. And also for the members of the Greatest Generation, who gave us all examples of how and when to stand up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is terrific, Lisa–thank you!!
LikeLike
I’m grateful for my family, especially my two spoiled cats who give me so much laughter with their antics! I am grateful for amazing authors who write so many great books! – Emily
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fantastic–so sweet! Thank you, Emily!
LikeLike
Cynthia, sorry you’ve have a lot on your plate. Glad you’ve got some good things — and cheesy things coming your way!
LikeLike