Thanksgiving is here, well almost! What a great day it is. I think the old Turkey Day is my favorite of holidays. It’s a simple day and a simple concept which makes it easy for me to understand. There are no Hallmark Cards, no mandatory gifts, it’s free of religious implications so everyone can join in and have something to eat. It’s just people getting together and doing their best to say thanks. And with all of the good food and friendly people what’s not to like!

I like Thanksgiving so much I think it should be an international holiday. It’s non-denominational, wealth or presents are not involved, there’s no cultural story tied to it and it is just fun. And think for a moment of how it could be if for one day all the people of the world took the day off and spent the day in thankfulness. I say this as I sit here at the Rush Rush and watch and listen to the flowing crowd from various parts of the world. There is a multitude of skin hues and shade of hair, some natural and some not! Let’s not forget the languages and the varieties of humor, either. And to me the best and most American part is seeing the younger of all of these sets blending together! It’s not that this doesn’t happen in other parts of the world but I don’t think it’s on quite the same scale and not so expected. So there you are that’s what I’m thankful for these days.

It’s hasn’t always been like this, though. I have spent several Thanksgiving dinners with a family that although successful and regular church goers they couldn’t refrain from wishing ill on the head of the family upon his departure. And I mean they said some bad stuff! Aaargh, how hard can this Thanksgiving thing be? I mean you sit down and eat some good food and drink, gather with family and/or friends, watch some tv or play some games, help with the dishes and cleaning and get sent home with a load of food! Now how hard is that? Often I’m advised to make a thanks list for the good in my life at Thanksgiving and not having dinner with that bunch is always on that list! OMG! OMG! How can I say such a thing! I say it’s easily done when one is heading to a different family’s dinner of food and fun! I don’t really have ill will for such people but am relieved that I don’t have to try so hard anymore to stay happy on a day that we’re all supposed to be thankful and a little happy at the least. And as I so often say, “Why not have some fun?” even if Uncle Harry doesn’t let you finish a story or Aunt Jean says the same thing to you every year! It’s all up to each of us so go for it, I say!

Whoa! Stop the presses a fashion statement just arrived. It’s an ensemble comprised of plaid suffer shorts with an argyle diagonally patterned sweatshirt topped by a black baseball cap and thongs for the feet. Do Right is behind the counter with Skipper and neither missed a beat with this fashion statement looming over them. In fact it was only I the fashion prude that I am who took notice. The police are here getting their nightly cup of mocha latte light with soy served at a comfortable 115°. They too didn’t even bat an eye or conduct a road side sobriety test. So I guess it’s up to me, sitting here in my jeans, sneakers and sweatshirt, to maintain the high standards of yesteryear. This could be a tough job but in this newly developing international community of the Rush Rush someone should step and help set the standards. In this world of today tattoos are acceptable, shorts and a parka can be considered passable and a true cornucopia of hair styles and colors are just part of the scene. But the line is crossed with opposing patterns, colors and directions of checkered designs on one body despite the time of the day. It’s just wrong. Pink underwear with an orange jumpsuit is closer to passing than that. That surpasses socks, black in particular, with sandals. Hold tight as an e-book may be in the offing and the official bar for standards of the 21^st Century will be set.

Having said all of the above I’m compelled to share one more thought on why I like Thanksgiving, so much. Thanksgiving is the holiday most aligned with the Social Contract. You know good will and cheer for all men. Just like Christmas without the strictures of religion. It’s not that I’m against religion it’s just that there so many of them and each promising salvation for their own kind. Now that’s a good thing but a holiday where all can come together no matter what religion is just too cool.

So here’s wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a wish that you keep smiling.

Gump’s Brother

Thanksgiving Quotes

“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, “thank you,” that would suffice.” – Meister Eckhart

“May you live all the years of your life.” – Jonathan Swift
“Friendship is the wine of life; Let’s drink of it, and to it.” – unknown
“Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.” – Seneca

“Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.” – Erma Bombeck

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