November 26, 2009

thanksgiving

Posted by Amy C under observations, reflections | Tags: , |
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I am thankful for so much in my life, it’s overwhelming and humbling.

Today is just one day. One day where we, as a country, think consciously about what gifts and treasures we have in our lives and celebrate those with our loved ones. But what if we could take the spirit of today and spread it out over the full year?

What if we gave thanks each and every day? What would our gratitude feel like and look like if we had the time to notice all the little things that happen to add up to the love, the friendships, the fortune we enjoy? What if we found gratitude for our challenges? For the mundane and the ordinary?

Today is a beautiful day and I adore the ritual of spending this holiday with friends and family in celebration. But I want more. I want to remember this spirit of giving throughout the year. I want to capture the spirit of kindness and appreciation that comes with the tradition and celebration and give thanks on Monday. On rainy days. On the day I’m traveling for 12 hours.

I want to remember to give thanks on days when I’m missing my family, and on days when I feel overwhelmed with the good in my life. I want to appreciate the work someone put into writing an instruction manual that helps me understand my new gear. I want to appreciate the engineering that goes into building the bridge that takes me to a new place; the painter whose art creates beauty and brightness in a room; and the seamstress that put together my favorite jeans.

One day just doesn’t feel like enough.

 

November 27, 2008

family introductions

Posted by Amy C under life experiences | Tags: , |
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Today, as I was in the kitchen cleaning up the flour that inevitably gets everywhere when I make rolls, I thought about the Thanksgiving memories of my childhood: the traveling to visit family; the getting together and mingling of new additions through birth and marriage; the smell of the turkey and potatoes wafting over me as I entered Grandmom’s house; the lively chaos of the kitchen as we all bump into each other as we get the food ready, making sure the timing is just right; the sound of the football game playing in the background; the warmth of the small apartment with everyone crowded in; the stories shared over dinner; the laughter; the closeness of family. 

It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced that kind of familial chaos. My grandmother passed away, the cousins have their own families and we’ve all grown up and established our own traditions. I love getting together in Colorado with the friends I’ve come to think of as family. This year, Bracken and I are spending a quiet Thanksgiving with two dear friends in Boulder.

We’re both bringing something to contribute to the meal and it didn’t dawn on me until I was cleaning up, the significance of our personal contributions. 

I chose to bake Grandmom’s rolls. They’re made from scratch and I always got to help brush the melted butter on top right before they went into the oven and felt so proud and helpful (and besides, they’re really good!). 

Bracken is baking his mother’s famous danish apple bars for dessert. It’s her special recipe and he hasn’t had them in years. 

Both women have passed, and we won’t have the chance to meet the other and experience the traditions each fostered in their homes for this holiday. Yet we’ve both chosen a favorite recipe, rich with tradition and special meaning to introduce to each other. And by extension, we are introducing a part of those we love to each other as well, folding each of us into the family of the other.

I find this idea incredibly beautiful and meaningful. And I am enormously grateful.
 

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