Tomorrow, here in the States, it’s Thanksgiving Day!
When I was a kid, Thanksgiving break was The Best. We had a four day weekend – the first of the school year – and it was full of family, fun, food, friends, and frolicking about.
As a kid with few responsibilities and lots of older sisters to do dishes, there was never any pressure. Aside from a few chores here and there, we “little guys” in the family could pretty much do what we wanted. We usually watched the Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning, and then we played. Eventually, we showed up for dinner. And we played some more.
It was very uncomplicated.
It wasn’t until my first year in college, away from home for the first time, that I understood, really, what Thanksgiving is about.
I was really homesick. And while I was pining away in my misery early Thanksgiving morning, I had a moment of very sharp clarity, with the sudden realization of how grateful I was for my family – my mom and dad, my sisters and brother, nieces and nephews. All the people I was missing so sorely!
I thought to myself, “You know, you should be thankful that you have all that to be thankful for.”
In my 18-year-old-wise-head, I pondered the profundity of that thought for about, oh, 10 seconds, before I returned to wallowing in my self pity.
In fact, I had a great weekend when I look back on it. I learned so much! There were many Firsts for me that weekend.
I was invited to my friend’s family farm here in Kansas. There, for the first time in my life, I encountered my dinner walking about obliviously in the barnyard. Later, I helped pluck it. That was the first time I really understood the whole farm-to-table relationship. And it was the first (and last) time I ever plucked a turkey.
It was also the first time I baked an apple pie. It was a disaster! But I did it.
It was the first time I went ice skating as an adult. We skated a lot as kids before we moved to Florida, but it wasn’t until college in Kansas that I skated as an adult. It was so much fun!
And it was the first time I saw the Plaza in Kansas City lit up for Christmas. The lavishness of the lights and the decorations – it was magical! And it was wonderful to share that with good friends who are still, to this day, my good friends.
I still love Thanksgiving weekend. I love gathering with my family and friends. I love the homeyness of all of it!
Now, though, I realize better what Thanksgiving is about. It’s about taking time to be conscientiously grateful for all things in life – for every blessing, great and small. I think it’s good that we have a holiday called “Thanksgiving” to drive the point home.
And you are a part of Thanksgiving for me. I’m ever grateful for our little community here around Needle ‘n Thread. Thank you for being a part of my life, for your enthusiasm, your inspiration, your creativity!
I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are!
Coming Up
On Friday, I’ll have a beautiful give-away for you, to kick off the season. We’ll also have a little quiet sale in my shop. No hype – just a little opportunity to save a bit.
On Monday, due to an adjustment in programming, we will have the next installment of our Christmas Tree ornament stitch-along that began last week.
I’ve got a few other give-aways between now and Christmas for you, so those will be popping up here and there.
And, of course, lots of other little bits and bobs!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Mary. You and this site are things I’m thankful for.
I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving, Mary. Enjoy the long weekend – I know I will!
Your email brought tears to my eyes.
Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for you and all you teach us. What a wonderful blessing you are.
I just wanted to send my very best wishes for a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving Mary from the UK. And thanks for your fabulous site!
Hello!
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy reading about your memories, your family, and your “bits and bobs!” Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful, too, that friends like you share their talent and love of needlework with us through their daily emails and beautiful designs. You bring joy into my life.
A Blessed Thanksgiving Day to you and your family.
Ellen
Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving!!!
And a very happy thanksgiving to you, too, Mary. I, too, feel very grateful for the stitching communities all around the world! Wherever we go, there will be “our people” to be found!!! Thank YOU for all that you do to bind us together in our passion.
Thank you for the beautiful sentiments and Happy Thanksgiving to you too.
I don’t recall much about our Thanksgivings growing up. They weren’t the big huge memory-making deal others had. It wasn’t until we were in our first house for a couple of years that I learned the art of making a huge meal. For both sides of our family, at the same time. Writing a schedule working backwards time-wise became my friend, as did taking at least the day before off work, preferably 2 or 3 days. I was so happy that asking others to contribute a dish is how it’s done around here.
I’m thankful that you and others freely share your needlework with us, still blogging along the way. The instructions and inspiration are much appreciated. Even if some of the inspiration results in my bank account cringing now and then.
My favorite thing is reading needle n thread!