Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Make Way for Thanksgiving Day


We have new plans for Thanksgiving Day. Alex is still coughing... the ugly cough that makes people fidget and the cougher suffer... it's best we stay home and not share our bio-hazards. So, we miss out on family time with aunts and cousins, grandma, uncles. Sigh.

Forward! Let us not reflect on disappointment, or my still sensitive thumb from last year's cranberry calamity. Once I realized we were playing by a new game plan, I hustled over to our local market and picked up fixin's. Turkey. Dressing mix. Cranberries. Apples. Heavy cream. Whole wheat flour. 2 lemons. Evaporated milk. Celery. And more... all the staples, all of the classics and traditional flavors, all of the wholesome ingredients and some of the bizarre yet necessary things, like cranberry sauce in a can and a can of Easy Cheeze. Yes, Easy Cheeze. For the celery. Yes, crappy, cheap cheese from a can squirted out unto celery sticks.



Thanksgiving is a personal holiday. It is a holiday with a long, and often misunderstood history. I was about to launch into one of my favorite history lessons, told with my Native sensibilities, but I really don't have time. Suffice it to say: Thanksgiving is a personal holiday. Everyone likes it the way they like it and no one should have to give up their favorite version of cranberry sauce or whatever. Which is why I hope someone gets her egg rolls, and Calamity Kim doesn't go crazy trying to serve 5 different "favorite" main courses!


What was I saying? Oh yes, I don't have time. I should be preparing pies and making that ridiculous cranberry sauce that I love so much. And, of course, there's a lot of cleaning that could be done. Even as I prepare to embark on this cooking-cleaning-baking triathlon, I am full of gratitude... we've got the essentials, like shelter and food, warmth, good shoes, a safe car, supportive bras, and plenty of toilet paper and hand soap, and we have the intangibles... laughter, respect, kindness, love, curiosity, patience, resilience, hope. I pray for peace and healing for all, for light and reflection in every home, in every heart.

10 comments:

Anna Banana said...

And a mirror to shine it right back! Happy, happy T day!

nikkipolani said...

I LOVE you list of things to be thankful for. May the list grow longer as you celebrate Thanksgiving at home (and a hug to poor Alex who is coughing). Mom says I'll get my egg rolls for Christmas. Yipee!

Mama Spark said...

I'm sure it will be a memorable one! I think it is personal too. My family has certain things they like ( and most of them involve cheese) and those are the things we have.
Happy Thanksgiving, Natalie.

Marisa said...

Love your thankful post. Inspirational as usual. Time w/ family is a treat for me, so that's what I'm thankful for this year I guess.

Tracy said...

Love your thankful list...And your Thanksgiving still sounds like it's going to be a great one--just as family-filled and delicious! Hope so much that Alex will be feeling better though to enjoy the day tomorrow...And that the rest of you keep well :o) I love Thanksgiving, even more so than Christmas. Not necessarily because of the holidays varied and strange history, but because is it was always my favorite get-together time with family. More relax somehow than Christmas (that quest for the perfect gift, etc. relieving some stress I suspect). I miss Thanksgivings back home in the States. It'll be just DH and I celebrating later this weekend. But that's good too! Happy Day and Many Thanksgiving Blessings to you & yours, dear Natalie! ((BIG HUGS))

Lesley said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Natalie. I hope your son gets better and that you have a great family day all together.

Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

Happy Thanksgiving Natalie! Here's hoping that Alex's cough gets better soon. Have fun cooking a most delightful meal. :-)

Natalie said...

Just taking a break from smashing potatoes, and I wanted to return the love and thank all of you for the healthy wishes for Alex. I think he is on the mend. I hope you all stay healthy, have good smelling kitchens, and the tastiest leftovers!

Tarie said...

Happy Thanksgiving, Natalie! I love you and I am thankful for our friendship. *hug*

P.S. Of course I'll help you clean if I'm over at your house!

Janece said...

Happy belated Thanksgiving. :) You are amazing, Natalie -- and I'm continually grateful for your presence in my life.