Thankfulness

Today millions of Americans come together with family and friends and celebrate this day called Thanksgiving. This is my 27th year being a part of this world...today spending it with intention and meaning with my family. I think like most consumer driven American holidays, the meaning and history has been lost along the way, however, this one, for me, asks that I reflect on my life and the many blessings that I am truly thankful for. It does not require purchasing gifts, making resolutions, or asking for forgiveness....I do generally over eat the feast my parents usually provide, and am grateful for the over filled belly at the end of the day that requires a long nap on the couch. Holiday, celebration, genocide, or not, taking the time to be present and grateful for all the beauty in my life proves once again how amazing this world really is.

I woke up this morning with the typical Humboldt weather of cloudy overcast skies and the dear sun trying its hardest to find its way around the clouds. I decided my little garden in the front patio of my studio needed some attention, so I put on my work pants with holes in the knees, pulled on some boots and gloves, and started weeding the morning away. How much I love working my hands in the soil. I pulled the last of my summer flowers (dahlias) and turned the earth up before winter truly sets in. I made sure all my spring bulbs were in place and ready to poke their heads up with a season. I later stopped by to feed a friends cat, who anxiously awaited my arrival by nearly dashing out the front door, and then headed to my parent's house, where the beginnings of what was soon to be a meal to feed 15 but meant for 4 was taking place. Grandpa came to join us, and a conversation with my brother on the phone completed the family circle. We are not a family of traditions, nor of saying grace or thanks or what have you, but we laugh, share stories, and most defiantly tease each other. My late evening was spent dancing and laughing with a friend, to the tune of old classics. My day was full, complete, and satisfying.

Today was filled with so many of the things I am thankful for...family, friends, sunshine (sort of?), good food, wine, laughter, warm shelter, health, the earth and my little garden, music etc etc etc....today I thought of the world around me, of the millions of people who go without enough, and of the people who have suffered and had to give up something for me to be here, now. As the rain sleets down outside my thoughts go to those sleeping in unsheltered places, without full bellies, who go unnoticed and underserved, in this county and around the world. My heart goes to them as I am truly reminded how thankful to be for what I do have.