Holiday Musings
Thanksgiving Memories
Well, another Thanksgiving has come and gone. I assume all enjoyed a fabulous day of great tasting food, drinks of the adult kind and quality conversation. I suspect you remembered to snap photographs and record video so that you can relive these precious memories over and over again. My wish is that each of you took time out (independently of your guests) to embrace a moment of reflection on those things you are truly thankful for. I hope you allowed yourself the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, diving deep within the walls of your consciousness, thinking not just about the obvious, but about those things for which we often take for granted: a friend who listens when we gripe, an employee who helps us out when we are weak in certain areas of our job, a friend who champions our cause before we show our vulnerability, a neighbor who says you’re in their thoughts by calling to check in.
Take your good fortune and allow it to nurture your spirit now and into the next Thanksgiving. We must make a pact with ourselves, promising to live a life of quality, not of quantity. Take your happiness and share it with the world, especially with those who are down and out, lost, bewildered and confused. Always remember that a true 'Thanksgiving' is not one day, but every day. – paerki
Leftovers
Is it too early to talk about leftovers? I hope you found time to meditate on your thanks. The legacy of memories we leave behind can be some of the sweetest rewards – well that, and the fabulous leftovers. You do have leftovers? Don’t you?! Please tell me you didn’t pig out like a wild animal? If you did – good for you! That is what Thanksgiving is all about, people coming together to laugh, love, be happy, create mental keepsakes and, above all else, enjoy a magnificent feast.
To quote Shakespeare: "If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die." What a way to go, but only if it’s gluten-free.
I love my gluten-free morsels and feel I eat better now than I ever have before. I’ve always been a responsible foodie and my gluten allergy just ups the ante and makes me even more responsible/accountable for my health. That is my wish for all, to be proactive in your overall wellness, thus helping fix America’s broken healthcare system. We all play a role, but I digress.
I hope you’ll make the most of your leftovers. There are many things to celebrate this season, and one just happens to be food. I’m always thankful for what goes into my tummy and happy that I now know it must always be gluten-free. May we all live our best life, and for me that happens when I live it one meal at a time. Enjoy! – paerki
Holiday Diversity
The holiday season is upon us. It’s a time to be joyous and giving, and to share. One of the best ways to do this is through the beauty of diversity. Take time to learn about holidays other than the one you observe. Many of us will be celebrating Christmas. I know I will!
However, millions of Americans of non-Christian religions (Jews, Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists) and those with no religious affiliation will be celebrating in different ways. It's time we appreciate all holidays.
With a plethora of Santas, ornaments and Christmas fanfare, it is so easy to overlook the depth of the diversity present in America during this time of year. Use this long holiday season to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness with everyone you meet and greet, which includes your friends, family and neighbors. Let’s all build our understanding and awareness about each other, and there is no time like the present. May all have a safe, happy, healthy and meaningful holiday journey. Cheers! – paerki
Additional Photos: An Evening With Friends
Well, another Thanksgiving has come and gone. I assume all enjoyed a fabulous day of great tasting food, drinks of the adult kind and quality conversation. I suspect you remembered to snap photographs and record video so that you can relive these precious memories over and over again. My wish is that each of you took time out (independently of your guests) to embrace a moment of reflection on those things you are truly thankful for. I hope you allowed yourself the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, diving deep within the walls of your consciousness, thinking not just about the obvious, but about those things for which we often take for granted: a friend who listens when we gripe, an employee who helps us out when we are weak in certain areas of our job, a friend who champions our cause before we show our vulnerability, a neighbor who says you’re in their thoughts by calling to check in.
Take your good fortune and allow it to nurture your spirit now and into the next Thanksgiving. We must make a pact with ourselves, promising to live a life of quality, not of quantity. Take your happiness and share it with the world, especially with those who are down and out, lost, bewildered and confused. Always remember that a true 'Thanksgiving' is not one day, but every day. – paerki
Leftovers
Is it too early to talk about leftovers? I hope you found time to meditate on your thanks. The legacy of memories we leave behind can be some of the sweetest rewards – well that, and the fabulous leftovers. You do have leftovers? Don’t you?! Please tell me you didn’t pig out like a wild animal? If you did – good for you! That is what Thanksgiving is all about, people coming together to laugh, love, be happy, create mental keepsakes and, above all else, enjoy a magnificent feast.
To quote Shakespeare: "If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die." What a way to go, but only if it’s gluten-free.
I love my gluten-free morsels and feel I eat better now than I ever have before. I’ve always been a responsible foodie and my gluten allergy just ups the ante and makes me even more responsible/accountable for my health. That is my wish for all, to be proactive in your overall wellness, thus helping fix America’s broken healthcare system. We all play a role, but I digress.
I hope you’ll make the most of your leftovers. There are many things to celebrate this season, and one just happens to be food. I’m always thankful for what goes into my tummy and happy that I now know it must always be gluten-free. May we all live our best life, and for me that happens when I live it one meal at a time. Enjoy! – paerki
Holiday Diversity
The holiday season is upon us. It’s a time to be joyous and giving, and to share. One of the best ways to do this is through the beauty of diversity. Take time to learn about holidays other than the one you observe. Many of us will be celebrating Christmas. I know I will!
However, millions of Americans of non-Christian religions (Jews, Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists) and those with no religious affiliation will be celebrating in different ways. It's time we appreciate all holidays.
With a plethora of Santas, ornaments and Christmas fanfare, it is so easy to overlook the depth of the diversity present in America during this time of year. Use this long holiday season to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness with everyone you meet and greet, which includes your friends, family and neighbors. Let’s all build our understanding and awareness about each other, and there is no time like the present. May all have a safe, happy, healthy and meaningful holiday journey. Cheers! – paerki
Additional Photos: An Evening With Friends
