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- Good Sunday morning, dear friends. Are you ready for Thanksgiving? We do make such a fuss, but it is a fuss which brings joy to many. We fuss and celebrate because we are grateful. And speaking of being grateful, I want to tell you how grateful I am for each and every one of you who reads my blog, takes a moment to comment, sends me a note, or shares my thoughts with others. I may know you personally or our friendship may be virtual. However it may be ~ truly, I am grateful for you, your kindness and support. You mean a great deal to me.
- I hope you will enjoy the journey, “Over the River” this morning. Not to worry, the trip is short.
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- “Over the river, and through the wood, to Grandfather’s house we go; “
- “the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow.”
“Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather’s house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
for ’tis Thanksgiving Day.”
“Over the river, and through the wood ~
now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!”
I hope “Over the River” has evoked wonderful childhood memories. My mom would always sing this to me ~ she knew every word. She would even sing it in the summertime when we would travel to Mississippi to visit my grandmother. I have included a little information about the piece at the end of this post. The poem was written in 1844, by Lydia Maria Child.
Many of you may be traveling over rivers and mountains to be with loved ones this Thanksgiving. I wish you a safe and beautiful journey. And, as you gather with your family and friends around the table, pause for a moment to ~ “Hear blessings dropping their blossoms all around you.” ~ Rumi
While we are counting our blessings, let us all be grateful for what I believe to be one of our sweetest. And that is: It doesn’t matter where we live or how old we become…
“Forever on Thanksgiving Day the heart will find the pathway Home.” ~ Wilbur D. Nesbit
Wishing you and yours a Beautiful and Happy Thanksgiving,
filled with Blessings beyond measure.
Faire De Doux Souvenirs ( Make Sweet Memories)
Au Revoir,
Sandra
Note: “Over the River and Through the Wood” was originally published in 1844 as a poem written by Lydia Maria Child. The poem was published in Child’s book of poems Flowers for Children, Volume 2, and was originally titled “The New-England Boy’s Song about Thanksgiving Day.” In time, Child’s poem was set to music by an unknown composer, and over the years many children have grown up singing the song in school or community holiday programs.
Traditionally “Over the River and Through the Wood” is sung as a Thanksgiving song, in which the original lyrics say, “Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!” rather than “Hurrah for Christmas Day!” Another lyrical change was that the original poem read “Grandfather’s house” rather than “Grandmother’s house.” The original poem also contained 12 verses.
Images ~ (Via Tumblr) Unless otherwise stated, I do not claim ownership of these photos. These photos are the work of tremendously talented people and I simply compiled them for your enjoyment
Sandra, I am very grateful to have met you through your Veteran’s Day comment. It has been such a feast of your words and sumptuous photographs as I’ve read down through many of your posts. I have enjoyed my trip over the hills and through the woods! And that last picture of the candle in the window expresses so well the Nesbit quote. It’s been many a year since I’ve sat at my parents’ Thanksgiving Day table but every year my heart and mind still goes back to those safe loving years.
I wasn’t able to add your blog to my blogroll for some reason but I’ve subscribed by email where I’ll see more.
A very happy Thanksgiving to you,
Dewena
Good morning, Dewena. I am so happy we have connected. I thoroughly enjoy your blog and your lovely writing. Wishing you and your family a most beautiful Thanksgiving.
And a very Happy Thanksgiving to you, dear Sandra. May it be special in every way.
Thank you for your lovely post and that wonderful poem.
Thank you, Brenda, for your kind words and loving wishes. I am grateful for you, my friend.
I just love visiting your blog full of beauty, Sandra. That leading, moving photo is terrific, as is the closing shot. And, I never knew the original version used grandfather instead of grandmother! Love the history. Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Rita! Thank you so much for your kind words. It is interesting how things can be changed through the years. It seems strange to read grandfather in the poem, as I always knew it as grandmother.
Sandra, I’m new to your blog, but I wanted to thank you. Your photographs remind me of the beauty God created for us. The second one actually looks like the road to our home. I always look forward to your postings. Have a wonderful day.
Dear Ellen, thank you so much for your kind words and for your visit. I hope you will return and enjoy following along. God, has provided us with unbelievable beauty at every turn, I am grateful to have my blog to share it with others. Have a beautiful day and a Happy Thanksgiving.
Dearest Sandra, you are a blessing to all and even though we are virtual blogging friends, I feel such a kindred spirit with you. I so hope we can meet one day. What beautiful images and I have sung the song since I was a wee child! We won’t be traveling, but our family will be sitting around my dining room table. I am so grateful for God’s rich blessings! Wishing you and yours a most wonderful Thanksgiving!
Oh, Pam, you are dear to me. We definitely are kindred spirits and I just have a feeling we will meet one day. Happy you enjoyed the post.
Wishing you and your lovely family a beautiful and Happy Thanksgiving! Hug and kiss precious Ella Mae for me.
This was so much fun…when the first flakes hit the air—I’m hearing that song in my head. I enjoyed your photos and the words….hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
So happy you enjoyed the post, Sandi. Wishing you a most Happy Thanksgiving!
That poem has wonderful childhood memories for me. I believe we sang it in the car also. We didn’t have to travel over snow but I can still visualize the picture in our Childcraft book for children in a horse driven sleigh. I gave the book to our grandchildren or I would look it up right now.
Your images are beautiful and you have evoked lovely childhood memories. I hope my children remember it as fondly as I do.
Dear Bonnie, many thanks for your lovely thoughts. Wishing you and your family a beautiful Thanksgiving. I know they are all so happy to be with you.
Such a beautiful post, Sandra! My mom used to always sing this when I was a little girl. You are truly one of the sweetest bloggers I know. I am so thankful to have met you through blogging. May you have a most happy and blessed Thanksgiving, sweet friend!!!
Dear Shannon, I so love your every sweet word. And, my dear friend, I am so grateful to have met you. We will all help each other continue to find blessings in our crazy world. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Blessings.
Sandra, what a beautiful post! Thank you so much. We have so much to be grateful for. I hope your Thanksgiving is absolute perfection, filled with the love and laughter of everyone you love!
Many thanks, dear Lidy. Wishing you the same.
Oh, Sandra your posts always delight my heart! Thank you so much for reading Decor To Adore and for your many heartwarming comments and friendship.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Dear Laura, so many thanks for your kind words. I enjoy your blog and seeing your fabulous talents and great skill. Wishing you and your family a beautiful Thanksgiving..