Little things mean a lot

November 22, 2025
Owl Feather Farm, San Juan Island

Let’s give thanks for simple things.

We’re coming up on an American holiday known for elements of excess—turkeys bigger than basketballs served on pewter platters glistening like treasure. Four days of sports on the TV dawn to midnight. A million ads for spending money on the next holiday. Nonstop feasting and frolicking. Five pies, six appetizers and 17 table settings. All in good cause, made with good intentions… but let’s stop to thank the universe, our lives and families, for things that may seem smaller, simpler and less conspicuous.

• For the pear tree leaves blazing butterscotch in the afternoon sun.

• For the fine wool afghan, a honeymoon souvenir handmade in Ireland, that turns away autumn chill.

• For the last golden roses of fall that channel summer sunshine into November.

• For the roof above, the floor below, and the walls that block storm winds. How often do we stop to think of these?

• For the gentle music of loved ones’ voices offering the simple melodies of family life: “Good morning.” “Here’s your coffee.” “What time’s dinner?”

• For the simple toys (balls, stuffed horses, 20-page picture books) that bring joy to our kids and pets.

• For the light that shines from heirloom lamps.

• For the warming fire whose wood comes from our own trees.

Little things mean a lot
November roses
Little things mean a lot
the warmth of a fire

Living on a farm offers many opportunities to see the real balance of life on this small blue planet. On our table are once-living beings that give us sustenance. On our schedule are chores that have no holiday, like turning out the horses at dawn. Through the windows shines the light that makes all life possible. The sound of rain on the roof is that of next spring’s green growth.

And at the end of the day, perhaps we have celebrated, not one or two things, or a collection of things, big or little… Maybe we have celebrated everything.

—Eric Lucas

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