This isn't your typical Thanksgiving post. I should post a photo of fall leaves or a turkey. I should leave a list of all the things that I'm thankful for. I probably will, sometime. But today I stumbled on this photo and I thought about...of all things...spots. I don't mean like spots on a dog or seeing spots... but spots. You know...places to go. Do you have a spot? Someplace that makes you feel better? Someplace that make you feel like yourself? This is one of my spots. Too bad it's in Southern California and I live in Utah :). But I think that is what makes it even more special. I can't go there every day. I cherish the times that I'm there and the look forward to returning.

It's not a spectacular place my any means. It's a small stretch of grass that leads to a municipal beach in Southern California. There are beaches that are prettier and less crowded but it's not the aesthetics that appeal to me. Part of it is that sound of the ocean and most of it is memories.

Just to the left of this little building is one very large ocean. I remember standing right in front of this shop about seven years ago. It was the last day of my mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I can honestly say that was a rollercoaster of a year and a half and it all seemed to roll through my head as a stared at the ocean that day. Some of the hardest but best experiences of my life happened during that time. That was the time that Jesus Christ became my best friend and I learned how much Heavenly Father loves each of us. Yes each of us, me and you. That time seemed to be wrapped up in a neat package that day. In a way I left part of myself there by the ocean and when I go back I can still feel it.

Since then I have been back so many times. My dad and I took a trip and watched dolphins swim up the coast one morning while we ate our breakfast. On a later trip, I've played on the beach with my siblings...watching Dallin and Stacey learn how to surf, and Analee run away from sharks :). Then with friends...we drove all day and when we got to the beach we sat in the warm sand and listened to the waves in the dark. We talked late into the night, not wanting to leave. Then this summer my mom and my sisters drove to California with me to photograph a wedding. Just the girls. I took this photo while taking a walk on the beach with my mom. This trip meant a lot becasue we may not be able to do it again for a while. Analee just had a beautiful baby and Stacey is applying to PA schools. Life is always changing...but eventually we will find a way to do it again...I know :).There is something about sharing a place that you love with others.  Others may never know what your spot means to you but to have so many people that I care about visit there with me means so much. I think that they feel it too.

So this Thanksgiving I am greatful for this spot and the trip that the girls took to see it. All of the people that have made the trip to see it. So...it's time that all of you readers out there express yourself on the blog :). I want to know who you are and what draws us together. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? A spot? Your family? Wonderful people? I would love to share your spot (in a metaphorical sense) with you.