Giving Thanks

I really love this time of year! Just like Forest Gump’s box of chocolates, on any given day, you really don’t know what you’re gonna get. One day can be still, and foggy and chilly. The next bright and sunny and windy as all get-out (much like today). And as the weather battles on in the southland, this can only mean one thing – Fall is here, and Winter approaches. Oh wait – it means two things – THANKSGIVING APPROACHES!

Of all the holidays out there, I think that Thanksgiving is by far my favorite. No, I am not interested in debating with any naysayers. Sure, there are lots of PETA folk out there on the march for the rights of turkeys. And yes, there are also people out there who refer to it as “American Genocide Day”. I’ve had these debates in the past, and just don’t care to rehash them. The naysayers are entitled to their beliefs, and I to mine. For my part, I like to keep it simple. Thanksgiving is a Day of Thanks. Regardless of race or color or creed or anything, it is a holiday where, if we so choose, we can appreciate our lives and the people in our lives and our accomplishments – and celebrate through the glory that is FOOD! And let’s face it – foodie-geek that I am, I’m all over that!

There are a number of things that I am really looking forward to in terms of the holiday. I am looking forward to using our dining room, complete with new and comfortable chairs that all match! I am looking forward to once again using my Grandmother’s Turkey platter, which is (I’m pretty sure) the only thing that I have of hers. I am looking forward to using the new reproduction Sandwich Glass Turkey candle holders that we got this last trip to Provincetown (the REAL first landing spot of the Pilgrims, thank you very much!) I am looking forward to being joined by friends. But more than anything, I think I am looking forward to cooking.

I don’t quite know what it is, but I have this absolute need to feed. Cooking a big dinner is a lot of work. And whether it be a dinner for eight, eighty or one-hundred eighty; the feeling the next day is almost always the same – sore back, throbbing feet, and slight headache. But the “Feel Good” makes it worth it.

So what am I thankful for? Let’s see…

I am thankful that I am healthy! As I mentioned recently, last year and the early part of this year really scared me and gave me the reality-check that I am indeed a mortal being and need to listen to my body whether I like it or not. But I’m back on my (throbbing) feet, and am thankful.

I am thankful for my hubby and my hubby’s health! He kicked ass earlier this year in terms of weight-loss. I gotta admit – I was skeptical. Often, my hubby can get really fired up one day about something, but then the next day, not so much. But when it came to the challenge of the diet and sticking to his program, he was nothing short of an absolute dedicant. And ever since then, he has been very serious about making lifestyle changes to keep him from going back. Just when I think I cannot be more proud of my hubby, another day passes and I find yet another reason to be inspired by him!

I am thankful for my friends. Ya, sure, I bitch and whine and moan a lot about really being crowd-overwhelmed and really liking my quiet time (and I really DO!) But the fact is, when I need support or entertainment or a pick-me-up or a laugh, I always have people that I can count on to make me smile. I am blessed by the people in my life!

I am thankful for progress. Over the course of years, I have complained about things in my city or in my home that make me nuts. And for a while, I threw my hands up in annoyance. But then, something happened. I look around my city and see progress! We have not just good but GREAT restaurants that have popped up in walking distance. I see less trash and litter and graffiti and more pride. And in our home, we are making more and more progress on improving things to the point where I am really, really, really enjoying my home more and more. Someday, there will be the opportunity to pick up and move. And I have this ironic sense of dread that when the day comes, I’m gonna finally be so happy and comfortable that I won’t want to leave.

I am thankful for inspiration. After all these years playing in the SCA, and all of the challenges and all of the struggles (and there have been some DOOZIES), I find myself still inspired. I am inspired to teach and to make things and to work and to take on projects and tasks and responsibilities and to do what I can to encourage others. Burn out is such a very common thing. People sometimes hit a wall and run out of things to keep them going. For whatever reason, I feel like my tanks are full. And that makes me happy!

And unique to this year, I am thankful to the addition to our little Claycomb family with the arrival of David who is living with us until he is able to get his own little nest for his hubby (also named David) who is still living on the other coast. David is nothing less than a truly fantastic friend – always happy, always helpful, always giggly, and just a fantastic addition to our lives. (Yes, I’m still sad that he won’t be here for Thanksgiving, but I guess I can understand him wanting to fly back east to see his hubby who he hasn’t seen in months).

So as we get ready to pass that turkey platter, I look forward to the approach of Winter and the holiday season.

In advance, I wish you all a very warm and wonderful Thanksgiving!