Sometimes I sit down to blog and I know what I’m going to write about.

Other times, I don’t.

Tonight is an example of the latter.

You’d think, given the simple “Thanky” focus of these posts, that something should easily and immediately come to mind on a daily basis that’s riff-worthy. Well, it’s a little slow in coming tonight, although it might find its way to this screen the longer I sit here. I can see how it might seem that I’m ungrateful this evening, but that isn’t it at all. The brain is just a little slow; it is weary.

It’s easy enough to come up with a list of things that I appreciate. I appreciate the presence of Advil PM in my life. I appreciate that things like bacon and sausage come in a healthier turkey option. I appreciate the refreshing, tasty beverage that is Barefoot Wine’s Sweet Red deliciousness (low-brow, yes, but pair it with cranberry juice and it’s nearing sangria territory). I appreciate that Netflix delivers me a red-sheathed DVD promptly, and I appreciate a good, rainy day. I appreciate down time, quiet time, my trashed Uggs that I won’t wear anywhere else except in the comfort of my home, driving aimlessly and those three-to-a-pack Madeline cookies, peddled in most coffee shops, that are always suspiciously soft and spongy. (How do they do it?)

Appreciation is one thing (for me, anyway). Being thankful is entirely different, and implies a richness not easily obtained when gratitude is absent.

A few moments ago, I wandered into the kitchen for a cup of tea and a side of inspiration when I noticed my roll of paper towels was down to its last one. I grabbed a replacement roll and it had a delightful theme printed all over, with quotes written in an undulating manner and butterflies dotting the sheets.

This is where I explain that tonight’s inspiration has come from that roll.

Of paper towels.

(Yep.)

One of the quotes said, “There’s a whole lot to be thankful for if you take the time to look.”

Never before have I felt so connected to Bounty. I’d be shocked if I bought another brand after tonight.

I guarantee you I didn’t buy the pack because of that quote. In fact, I didn’t even know it was on the roll. I bought the six-pack because it was literally the last printed option in the aisle, and as much as I love the purity of a plain white sheet, printed paper towels are far more my speed.

As I sit here with my deadline minutes away, I’m currently charmed by the fact that I happened upon this new roll tonight, and right as I was looking for inspiration to come from tea rather than something that used to be a tree. I laugh at its well-timed nudge that tonight makes me thankful for the little reminders we’re given in our lives. If we think we’re at a loss, take a breather, keep your eyes open, and you might be surprised at what you find.