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What are you thankful for?
A day devoted to food and eating … how great is Thanksgiving? As holidays go in America, it’s one of our most democratic.
Nearly everyone celebrates, one way or another, regardless of religious persuasion, political affiliation or monetary status. Wine lovers can toast with their best pinot, teetotalers can hoist a hearty tumbler of water. Meat eaters can chow on turkey, vegetarians on tofurkey. Some dine at tables adorned with the finest china and silver, some sit in a simple kitchen setting, others serve up or partake of a meal offered through community outreach efforts.
But, pretty much, all can take part. The only requirement is to be thankful.
Here are a few things that I count among my own blessings:
· My husband, my children, and our families and friends. Hope everybody’s list starts with folks like these – people who put up with me and make my life happy and full (… and OK, full disclosure here, maddening at times. But in a good way …)
· Our three dogs (a long-haired dachshund, a sheltie and a black Lab). I love them in all their smelly, hairy cuteness, and keep the dream alive for a Thanksgiving free of any ugly food theft incidents. As they say, there’s a first time for everything.
· The chance to work and live in beautiful Loudoun County, and the hope that, under its new management, it may maintain its beauty and its history even as it fulfills its promise for the future.
· The opportunity to pursue a freelance writing career. It’s true that I’m probably not going to get rich off this anytime soon. But if you love to write – if you really love it – nothing is more satisfying than having the time and the means to do so. I’m grateful to have the chance to contribute to the Loudoun Times-Mirror and Clarke Times-Courier, and to be able to pursue some fiction writing (one solo novel and one collaborative graphic novel down – more to come). I’m also so thankful for the Round Hill Writers Group (which meets at 7 p.m. at the Purcellville Library on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, in case anybody’s interested) and the group’s leader, Bobbi Carducci, for giving me a venue where I can blow off a little steam and get some good advice.
· The opportunity to sing. I’m no great vocalist, and … ahem, I don’t even really read music, but gosh darn it, I love to sing. And through the Piedmont Singers group, I get the chance to sing with a number of fine musicians who do read music! Our immensely talented and tireless director, Wendy Oesterling, will lead our annual Christmas concert at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Middleburg, on Saturday, December 1 (5 p.m.) and Sunday, December 2 (3 p.m.) – in case anybody’s interested.
· That awesome team from my alma mater, the Ohio State Buckeyes. Probably Rose Bowl-bound (in case anybody’s interested).
· The memory of loved ones who passed this year. I am so grateful to have had, in big and small ways, these people in my life: my dad, William Small; Larry Adams; and Megan Stewart.
· For each moment, for every waking minute and every resting hour. While it’s easy to forget in our crazy lives, amid the worry and the stress and the thousand little details, it’s good simply to be alive.
And for that, I am truly thankful.
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