I’ve posted part of what I have been thinking and feeling over at Blackfive, but there is so much more. The last few weeks since my return have definitely been interesting in terms of the ancient curse. A suicide, multiple car problems, work issues, various hits and slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. It would be easy to dwell upon it, and some bad things that had happened before.
But, I’ve been reminded by life that I have much for which to be thankful this year; and, that for all that which has happened that hurts, darkens, or just plain stumps, there is so much more that brings joy and pleasure, illuminates, and advances. Often there is but the thinnest of lines between the two, and it takes so little to move one’s eye from the dark to the light.
Today, I give thanks that I am here at home, watching the snow come down, the dog curled up nearby snoozing, and a nice meal ahead (I hope). I give thanks that I do have a job, that I have opportunities for other jobs and/or additional work. I give thanks that I have constructive outlets for my demons, and outlets for my light. I give thanks at the wonders, beauty, and amazing things I have gotten to see this year. I give thanks that I also saw terrible things, for they make me appreciate good things more. I give thanks for the harmonious, interesting, powerful, stirring, and peaceful sounds I have heard. I also give thanks for the noise, the scary, the heartrending, and the painful things I have heard, for hearing them lends appreciation to life. I give thanks for the contrasts, for the reminders to grow, and all the other opportunities and labors this year.
Most of all, I give thanks to good acquaintances and true friends. I have been reminded how good some of you are, and have had my eyes opened to some who were there that I did not recognize. For all that were less than they seemed, so many more have stood forward for being so much more.
I could literally list blessings and give thanks all day, but for now I will go and do two things that celebrate them all. I will go start the hardwood and hardwood charcoal so that I can begin roasting a turkey breast, so that Jenny and I can share a feast together. The breast, along with some chicken, has brined (salt, brown sugar, vegetable stock, allspice, peppercorns, candied ginger) overnight, been washed, and awaits being stuffed with aromatics (apple, cinnamon, herbs, and more) and put on to smoke and roast. There will be roasted sweet potato done as well, and once the turkey comes off, I will grill some chicken breasts, squash (balsamic vinegar marinade, coat with olive oil, steak seasoning), Iraqi rice (trying to recreate some I had in Iraq with spices and with a raisin and almond garnish), pickled beets, tree ripened olives, garlic stuffed olives, and maybe a bit more. Add in some asagio cheese bread and European-style butter (screw the diet!), and I think Jenny and I will enjoy.
As you celebrate, think of the blessings in the food and how they tie into so many more in our lives. Think of the good, and most especially of the good people, and give thanks for all that is in our lives.
LW
