These days, everywhere you look are the wonderful, vibrant colours of autumn. It's time for harvest, abundance and thanksgiving!

This year, Downsizing Diva is especially thankful for...

• Metroland Media and our amazing partnership which created the "Caregiver Show" in 2014. Next year this event will be held at Centennial College, 941 Progress Avenue, in Scarborough. Save the date: Saturday, May 30, 2015! www.caregivershow.ca 

• Teepa Snow, a specialist in Dementia care and an amazing educator. We first met Teepa at a NASMM (National Association of Senior Move Managers) Conference and knew we had to bring her to Toronto. She was a crowd favourite at last year's event and will be back in 2015 -- by popular demand.

• Team Downsizing Diva, now with 16 Franchise Locations from coast-to-coast! Our newest Divas, Judy Mitchell and Terry Moore, are working with Boomers and Seniors in Saint John, NB. Welcome Judy and Terry!

• Supportive family and friends who always seem to be there when we need extra hands to help with special projects...often at the last minute!

• Wonderful clients that we have had the pleasure of working with over the past 14 years!

• Toronto East-North York Divas -- the best people anyone could ever put in one place!

...and so many other blessings too numerous to count!  

Diva Challenge for October...

The other day, I noticed a Church sign which suggested putting the emphasis this year on the giving part of Thanksgiving. What a great idea.

So, here's the challenge... This weekend, when you're counting your blessings, take time to think about those who may be less fortunate than you. Then, take the next step and do something about it!

You might want to start a new family tradition and here are a few sugestions:

• Deliver food to a local Food Bank.

• Help serve Thanksgiving dinner at a Community Shelter.

• Donate warm winter coats you know you won't be wearing this year.

• Invite someone for dinner who might otherwise be alone this Thanksgiving.

• Make a special donation to your favourite charitable organization.

• Add a tradition of your own...

DIVA Thought for OCTOBER:

Not what we say about our blessings,

but how we use them,

is the true measure of our thanksgiving.

W. T. Purkiser