Dear Friends,
It is that season again—when we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. We often forget that many nations celebrate a thanksgiving feast related to crops and the seasonal harvest. (Note: click above for auditory version)
This year, as I celebrate, a range of emotions flows through me. I think of those with whom I gathered for many years - many are now departed. We think of our nation’s history and a romanticized version of Thanksgiving. And, as we begin to listen to different viewpoints, we must consider those who cannot fully welcome this embellished account. I challenge you to remain open and appreciate those who tell their own stories.
Yes, the New England pilgrim story looms large I our family. I am the tenth great granddaughter of John and Priscilla Alden. I also like to remember that John was hired on the Mayflower as cooper, a barrel maker. Documents and diaries tell the settlers’ stories; however, our excellent high school US History teacher, Mr. Viculin, taught us that history is the opinions of those who write the accounts. I am grateful for that insight.
I acknowledge the intertwined and often tragic history of colonial America and our treatment of Native Americans-the real first settlers. Yet, I cherish our history of that first harvest celebration and numerous celebrations with loved ones since that event.
I invite you to consider Thanksgiving carefully this year. Consider whom you are including, rejoice in your bounty – and share as you can. Open your heart to new stories about Thanksgivings past and harvest festivals around the world.
What are your personal Thanksgiving stories? Traditions? Regrets? Hopes? How do you pass these on to future generations?
What practices must we thoughtfully protect? Which must be meditatively rejected?
This week, as are many Americans, I am watching Ken Burns’ excellent documentary, The American Revolution (PBS). Another outstanding series which examines our rich American history and relationship with food is High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (Netflix) with Stephen Satterfield.
Our family Thanksgiving story changed when our eldest was born the day before Thanksgiving. During my years teaching, a Thanksgiving Feast tradition developed. We encouraged students to bring what they could…a sack of potatoes, a loaf of bread, a can or corn. Staff provided the turkeys, and the students helped to prepare the meal during the school day. Eventually, this became a major event of the year, and school district administrative personnel loved being invited and joined us each year!
The year our son was born, the teacher who generally managed the feast was called away by family events, and the task fell to me. Quite pregnant, I directed the feast from a chair. I went into labor that evening, and our son was born two weeks early before the crib was assembled. Our new baby was nestled in a laundry basket as my husband prepared Cornish games hens for Thanksgiving. Over the years, our son’s birthday has been celebrated with family on Thanksgiving - his favorite holiday!
Family has expanded and declined. Traditions evolve. My mother was fond of an orange infused Thanksgiving inspired by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’s Cross Creek about her life in Alachua County, Florida. The author had an orange grove and explored ways to use citrus in many recipes. Although Rawling’s book, The Yearling, won a Pulitzer Prize for fiction, I found Cross Creek, which I read during the pandemic, troubling - as her treatment of young underage African American servants was anything but admirable. I put the book down, but I still enjoy zesty orange in cranberry sauce and in sweet potatoes which I cook, mash with egg, milk, orange juice and zest, spices and pecans (no marshmallows) and bake as my mother did.
Last year, in Paris, I attended a Thanksgiving dinner at the American Church in Paris (which really should be called the international church). Even away from home, we find “family” and share traditions. This year with friends-who yes, feel like family.
Many big-hearted restaurateurs prepare free meals on Thanksgiving. In Yucca Valley, John’s Place will share free meals for the 39th year.
Churches often serve a Thanksgiving meal.
The Way Station in Joshua Tree will host a giveaway Tuesday November 25th from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Get there early! Turkeys, fixin’s for a Thanksgiving dinner and gently used clothing, sheets/blankets other items are available.
Art News
My France Sketchbook Calendars are available at my Etsy shop and at Rainbow Stew in Yucca Valley and French Corner Café in Palm Desert.
Shop Local
Looking for hostess and holiday gifts? Desert stores and my Etsy shop may have some unique solutions!
My art is available at:
Elemental Treasures, the Artful Bookstore
“Montmartre Mood Meets the Mojave” at Spaghetti Western Morongo Valley through December
No matter where you are in this world, I hope you find the warm acceptance of family and friends and a hot harvest meal this November.
Inspired by all of you,
