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“Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.”
W.T. Purkiser
Dear Readers, this certainly has been an eventful year. Now that the holidays are here, how do we reclaim the festive spirit amidst a dampened mood?
I know this is an understatement for most, certainly within my little sphere of influence (on both sides of the pond), but do let's agree to carve out enough quality time to think things through, recharge and to find each our own path towards positivity, hopefulness and improving the planet and the lives of those around us.
On a personal note, I've been ever thankful for the ability and willingness to work for a better understanding of others by sharing my books about our community's melting pot and its particular cultural heritage, this year. Not only has my peculiar brand of British/American independent journalism in this multi-cultural arena taught me so much more about so many different sorts of people, it continues to broaden my horizons in the fascinating and open people I meet along the way.
By writing about the immigrant experience and sharing these important stories with readers around the world, I've been able to bring people together in ways that I never imagined.
My family moved house this summer. Timo and I uprooted our menagerie of animals and our motley collection of furniture, art, books and homemade wine just as the youngest of our three lovely sons took off for university. It has been an adventure these past few months as we reconfigure our new/old 1960s West Petaluma home to suit our modern needs.
Thanksgiving dinner at my house is a pop-up supper this year as I scramble through boxes for a turkey carving platter, napkins and the like. What I'm most excited about is breaking with tradition, playing around with the fixings with friends and family, being focused and fully present.
I hope that you, too, find your own repose, and, if family politics this year mean something more than the usual — these disputes may be put aside for a day or two — useful skills for navigating the year ahead!
Warmest wishes for a classic Southern Sonoma Country Thanksgiving, in whatever style or fashion that might mean to you and your loved ones.
With love and appreciation,
Frances
“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one's own relations.”
Oscar Wilde
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