Thanksgiving shouldn't be the only time one reflects on the things they are grateful for. I try to do this often--very often, but I'm glad there is a day to celebrate those things that make life worthwhile. For me it is truly my family and friends. I'm also thankful to have good job and a home--not a house, but a home. I'd like to believe some of this is by luck (born into a family with great parents) and some of it is earned (good job, great friends).
When I think about these things the words of a song from The
Sound of Music seems to echo in my head: "Somewhere in my youth and
childhood, I must have done something good.' Alas, I was a brat.
Thankfully, I am less of one now.
Give Thanks--daily!
During Thanksgiving I had a discussion (debate?!) with my mom about a relative I had a falling out with years ago. This person decided on Thanksgiving she would call my mom and sister to, I don't know, repent or attempt to try and mend relationships. It doesn't fly with me (remember that brat thing I mentioned?), because in my heart I know she is not sincere. Mom and I got into this conversation about forgiveness and making amends, blah blah blah. The truth is, if you base your relationships on how people treat you and vice versa, and your history in eachother's lives and your/their actions and it's consistently questionable at best, isn't it best to cut ties? (Cut the fat, it will weigh you down?!) I don't believe in wasting energy on people that drain it out of you, your family, their family, the people they supposedly care for.
For my own life and the age I am now, I don't want to waste my time. And that brings up the words to yet another, much different song Mary J Blige sings: "No more drama"! I am definitely thankful for that!
One of my new favorite shows is on the OWN Network: 'Visionaries: Inside the Creative Mind'. I love it because I so appreciate how one's idea or a thought becomes 'something' and how that transformation takes place. It can be anything from art to fashion to written words and music. I am fascinated by the start and development of the process--what sparks the imagination to grow into a fire? I think a lot of it comes with who you are and how you were raised--the influences that are put upon you and then those that are chosen as you get older.
One of the most beautiful and creative collections ever: Alexander McQueen
One of my favorite performers is Gwen
Stefani--I love her references in her music and clothing to growing
up and living practically in the backyard of Disneyland Anaheim. Or I
love that someone like James Cameron always had visions and dreams and
was on the journey to develop Avatar years before it became a movie. I
love how Alexander
McQueen created his collections based not only on his style but
also his background incorporating what was going on politically between
Scotland and England. I love Shepard
Fairey and his collages that have a political spin and his OBEY
line...
How things manifest in one's mind as they develop into an adult and how those contribute to ideas will always interest me...not all art I understand or 'get' but I will always appreciate where it comes from and what was at the genesis of that vision.
