Week of Thanksgiving morphed into Black Friday Week?

http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Issues/The-Economy/2010/11/20/Turning-Turkeys-into-Cash-Cows-on-Thanksgiving.aspx (Interesting yet disappointing article on Thanksgiving and $ in the Fiscal Times)

 Dear America,

 I would like to address the apparent changing of this week's title from "Thanksgiving Week" to
"Black Friday Week". I was informed of this by several retailers through email starting at 6am this morning, Monday, November 22, 2010.
 Barnes & Noble wants me to remember they can help me make everyone's holiday wishes come true, and Amazon.com wants me to know it's time to start buying the material possessions that will guarantee loved ones reciprocate my love, NOW, earlier than ever before! I can also do all of this online, avoiding the throngs of possibly violent and unstable shoppers that will be out hoping to secure the approval and affection of their loved ones.
 While I do appreciate the latter, I have to remind you that this week is actually the week of Thanksgiving. Although some of the historical facts are unsavory, the underlying theme of the holiday (giving thanks for the wonderful and often undeserved blessings that we do have in our lives b/c it seems you have forgotten this detail) is something I'd like to stick to. So, please allow me to cultivate an attitude of gratitude this week, and steer clear of any unnecessary consumer anxiety.

 I hope you can all do the same. Feel free to leave any Thanksgiving traditions and or suggestions that you feel will help us all to appreciate what we have in this moment have rather than anticipate what materials we want or think we need. For instance, most Turkey Trots ( 5k races on Thanksgiving morning) give at least a portion of the entry fees to a local charity, or you can check your local charities and shelters for volunteer opportunities this week.

 Happy THANKSGIVING Week!!!!!

Wear Purple Day

This button, by Rainbow Alternative, can be found in the Wear Purple Day treasury, link at bottom of post.
 Much, much more to come on this topic later when I have more time, but here's a snippet for now.

 Just yesterday I overheard a group of neighborhood teenagers engaging in an emotionally heated raucous, that seems to have stemmed from name-calling. Apparently one boy had called a girl a "slut". This eventually led to a dozen or so adolescents screaming and cursing outside my open window for what was the better part of an hour. After hearing derogatory names and swearing at a decibel appropriate for a race track, I went outside to them. I calmly reminded them that it was an absolutely beautiful day outside and I probably wasn't the only one with my windows open, and I had heard every word of what sounded like it should have been a private conversation. I then suggested that they had to be better kids than they were painting themselves to be in this argument, and speaking respectfully to others is never a bad idea.
  As I walked back inside, I got a couple of eye rolls and a "buh bye", but after I was inside I overheard a girl say that "the lady's right, it is nice out" and continue to paraphrase my sentiments regarding  respect.
  My boyfriend wasn't too happy with my meddling. (I guess that is how you get your car keyed.) But, why is society okay with the disrespect and sometimes outright cruelty youth show to each other?
If the group I witnessed had not split and "taken sides", what would the bullying have escalated to?
If the girl being called names did not have friends showing loyalty, what would have happened? If she were being harassed because of her sexual orientation, chances are she wouldn't have had many fourteen year old supporters.
 Allowing an "Us v. Them" mentality to flourish during pivotal developmental years only sets them up to be bigoted, egocentric, self-righteous adults. Fostering gratitude and respect for our uniqueness and diversity will bring positive changes and unity while fear of those things will fester into an incurable infection.
  Ellen speaks out on teen suicides- http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=592846987806 

 As a way of promoting and participating in Wear Purple Day (see following link)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144778572233301&index=1
 
I've put together an etsy treasury of handmade yumminess in that most royal of colors.
  http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cadc8c32e2f8eef966f2c4f/october-20th-wear-purple?index=0

Short film "Fallen" - Meaning of life in under 4 wordless minutes.

 In three minutes and fifty seconds, without a single word, one of life's most important lessons is illustrated through the short journey of a small meteor hurtling toward the Earth's surface. Words really cannot do this piece justice, so trust me and click on the link to this beautiful short animated film.
May your day flying through the atmosphere be filled with joy and void of fear.
http://www.vimeo.com/11238405

Our Invisible Neighbors

I just put together an Etsy treasury, "Our Invisible neighbors" after a memorable encounter with a local homeless man. It has reignited my compassion and awareness. Some of the pieces address the epidemic of homelessness that is often swept under the rug by many municipalities, while most of the handmade items are the type of things your nearest homeless shelter would appreciate. Check out the beautiful handmade and vintage pieces and comment about what you can do to love your neighbor!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4caa03c7eebc6d91ef8ca977/our-invisible-neighbors

Compassion as Thanksgiving

In the spirit of gratitude, we acknowledge the positive. When we go through the process of picking out the silver linings, we see that there are many more shining aspects to our lives than we imagined. These following words, by Samuel F. Pugh, help us to remember that compassion for others is a wonderful way to show thanks.

O God, when I have food,
help me to remember the hungry;
When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless;
When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain,
help me to remember those who suffer,
And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion,
and be concerned enough to help;
By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen.
- Samuel F. Pugh  

for more like this, visit
http://www.godweb.org/thanksgivingprayers2.htm

In Light and Love

Autumn Sunshine

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca0b65a91c78eefd1cd34fd/autumn-sunshine

I 

Living in the South has its perks. I can take a jog on New Year's Day in shorts and a tank top. I take beach days well into November. I use the heater maybe 2 months out of the year. All that said, I miss the fresh, crisp smell of autumn as it exists most other places. The hint of woodsmoke in the air, apple picking, pumpkin patches, vibrant foliage glowing warm tones that take the bite out of the chilly mornings, piles of leaves to rake...

ok, so I don't miss everything about fall. Those of you that do get to enjoy the typical harvest season, take a deep breath for me as you feel the autumn sunshine on your face.

One for Luck

 Feel like you need a lucky charm? These baubles and duds have just the right mix of superstition and panache to keep you lucky and looking lovely.
 http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca1fb3732ff8eef3b7b507a/one-for-luck