I always used to hate Novembers in Amsterdam.  The month seemed to automatically equate another annual bout with depression.  But last year, my experience with November was different.  Though I regularly had to work at it, I actually discovered that there can be a lot of joy in the month of November.  And while I was glad that it worked out so well for me last year, I have to admit that I was still curious to see how my emotions would be affected this time around.

I'm happy to say that I am currently and enjoying and looking forward to the rest of the month of November more than I have in a very long time.

I dug out my beloved Carhartt jacket again on Sunday and found great joy in putting it on again.   I'm looking forward to Dutch holidays like Sint Maartensdag and the arrival of Sinterklaas to the Netherlands like I never have before.  And at the same time, I'm really excited about celebrating American Thanksgiving with friends here in Amsterdam (whereas previously, it's always been a bit of a bummer that I haven't been able to be with my family on that uniquely American holiday).  My kids have been begging me to take them out for oliebollen again (which I've been deliberately holding off, until the calendar turned over to November)... And all in all, I'm just savoring some of the joys of this season of the year.

It's a really refreshing change.  I realize, of course, that times of difficulty may still come in the month to come.  But I'll take those as they come and in the meantime make the most of this unique time of year...