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Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Thanksgiving


What are you grateful for in this very moment?

posted by Christopher Showerman @ 11/21/2007 09:54:00 PM  

36 Comments:

  • At 8:00 AM, November 22, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi Chris and forum family...I had a feeling I was a bit premature with my Thanksgiving greeting yesterday. Thought there might be some well wishes coming up for us. So I'll take this opportunity to thank Dave for what he wrote on the previous post about being thankful for the forum family, which inspired me to share my greeting. I'll repeat it here...as it is heart-felt and transcends the holiday itself.

    "May our days be blessed with the happiness that comes from living our dreams and following our hearts. May our days be blessed with peace of finding little ways to slow the pace and quiet the soul. May our days be blessed with contentment, laughter and love. May today and everyday be blessed with simple, quiet moments of thanksgiving."

    What am I most grateful for in the moment? I'm most truly grateful for just being alive at this time and being able to be part of this experience...the movie, if you will, of my life. I learn so much as time goes along...and it just gets more amazing.

    Wishing all the forum family circle warm and wonderful moments of thanksgiving...Sue

     

  • At 11:00 AM, November 22, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi everyone!

    I'm grateful for being on this forum to thank you, Sue and Dave for your lovely words and thoughts.

    Hope everything is good for you, Chris, all the forum family and that you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

    Best Greetings
    Alex

     

  • At 2:09 PM, November 22, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I am currently sitting in my hotel lounge in London very thankful that the jerk who stole my backpack only got my glasses, contacts and passport and not anything that can not be replaced. Otherwise, I am extremely grateful that we have had good weather for our four day walk through the Cotswolds and when it did rain, it wasn't bad enough to stop our walking. Now that we are in London, we will be seeing more of the sights (today was Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Eye and various other things. Friday will be The Embassy (to get another passport) and various other sights before going to see a play in the evening.

    I am also thankful for the good food that we have been finding along the way in our travels of which I am going to go find more of right now.

    Happy Thanksgiving to all

    Tim

     

  • At 7:07 PM, November 22, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    At this very moment I am thankful for so many things, family, friends, being able to come home to a warm comfortable home every evening and not worrying about where the next meal is coming from.

    I'm also thankful for this wonderful technology that allows me to reach out and "meet" so many others in the world that I normally would never have come in contact with - including those at this forum. And, of course, for Chris who made this all possible!

    Take care everyone and may the remainder of your holiday season be worthy of thanks as well.

    Dave

     

  • At 9:00 PM, November 22, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dear Alex in Italy....you've been quiet for a time, so hope all is well for you and your family. It's so great to hear from you, and to tell you thank you for your always kind and encouraging words. Our Thanksgiving was quieter than expected, as we didn't travel as planned...so thoughts of roast turkey were fleeting. But our son, who seems to have chef blood in his veins, phoned last night to say he was at the store with a turkey and one of those popular turkey fryers in hand. And so here we were today, quietly at home, but experimenting. For those of you who've tried it, like my daughter (she says her husband's aunt has cooked turkey that way for years in North Carolina) you won't be surprised. But for us, it was astonishingly good! No fire extinguisher needed.

    Tim - That is great of you to take time to post to the forum from your vacation across the pond! When I read your post, I had to chuckle at what I wrote at the outset of the topic, which was all about quiet moments of thanksgiving. Ha. The challenge of that in such circumstances as yours on your trip...supposed to be FUN. I could just picture myself in that situation and I wouldn't be a happy camper. Hope you had spare glasses and contacts and the embassy will handle you efficiently. Tell us more about the Cotswalds when you get a chance. And the food! That's what we love about going to Toronto...the food. I forgot to post that the wedding there was fabulous in the Liberty Grand Exhibition ballroom. We all felt like royalty. It was a grand experience. And our son gave the "bestest" best man speech in front of the huge crowd of wedding guests. We were proud parents for sure. Yes, he's still single...the last one of his group to remain a bachelor pretty much. One dad commented that our son was the only one to take his advice, i.e. staying that way...no grandchildren on the horizon for us for quite some time, I'm sure.

    Dave - glad you had a wonderful holiday...today was first snow here of the season too. Any your way? I heard it's to be a mild winter east of the Mississippi this year. I agree with you about the wonders of technology...allowing us to walk in a wider world than we might have...and getting acquainted with people from all walks of life.

    Have fun everyone, with all your holiday movie viewing and looking forward to all those comments. Sue

     

  • At 7:30 PM, November 24, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hello everyone! I hope all is going well.

    I did take advantage of the holiday to catch up on some movie going and as Chris recommended I did see "No Country for Old Men" and heartily second his endorsement. I wouldn't characterize it as a "feel good" movie in any way shape or form, but it was a very good film none the less. Very thought provoking and some excellent performances by the ensemble cast.

    However, if you are looking for lighter fair during this season you might catch "Enchanted" which I also saw. Don't go in expecting anything that even closely resembles deep thoughts from this film (it's the very definition of "fluff") but Amy Adam's performance in my opinion transcends the weaknesses of the script - and some of the direction and editing - to make this a fun little romp.

    That's all from me for now - take care everyone and ATP!

    Dave

    PS - by the way Sue, no snow in my area yet! Just cold.

     

  • At 7:34 PM, November 25, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dave - Thanks for the movie notes. I still think you could have a second calling in that department. Always enjoy your opinion and descriptive reviews.
    Want you to know that I did try to sit through a lot of "300" - which we finally saw. Our son saw it twice. But I didn't quite make it. Probably should have seen it in the theater. On the other hand, I was entranced by the movie Chris recommended last Christmas...."Joyeux Noël" - the French film about World War I Christmas Eve story.. Glad we finally rented it. I loved it. Now why would I like one and not the other? Both are war movies. Both were highly recommended. Anyway, I wanted to suggest the Merry Christmas movie to anyone who hasn't seen it. I think it could become a holiday classic.

    Best wishes to everyone as the holiday season gears up. Hope to hear from some other forum family friends who haven't posted for awhile. I found this quote recently, which Dave probably knows from theater: "I count myself in nothing else so happy as in a soul remembering my good friends." -- Richard II, William Shakespeare.. Great sentiment during this time of year! Sue

     

  • At 6:42 PM, November 26, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Any snow yet Dave? Just checking. 2-3 inches here today so we're really Christmas white now. Heard it's raining in Pittsburgh at the Monday night game...making me think of Patrick. Hope all is well. You've been quiet, too. BTW Dave, I did get one thing out of "300": "Take no prisoners, show no mercy." Keeps ringing in my ears. Wishing all a great ATP week...Sue

     

  • At 7:20 PM, November 26, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Just trace amounts of snow in my area - it's wet, it's slippery, but it's not white (at least not yet). BTW Sue, nice job of slipping in a little culture with the Shakespeare quote - I'm more of a Richard III fan myself! I'm glad that you got something out of "300" but I certainly hope that "take no prisoners, show no mercy" doesn't become your new motto for life. "All things possible" is so much more positive don't you think?

    Dave

     

  • At 7:33 PM, November 27, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dave...seems like we're a two-person show here on the forum. Everyone must be out shopping. Thanks for posting. Now it's white AND cold. Every year I look forward to the Winter Solstice at Christmas time and the progressively longer days. Always searching for the light, you might say! I'd like to say I know Shakespeare, but that's another area I should take time to explore more. I thought that quote was great right now. I just saw a writer's blog that suggests taking this time of year to start your memoirs. The author says it's because "it's the time of year when most of us come face to face with the supporting players in our own life story....you come into contact with people to whom you'd love to set the story straight, to put your side of it all into print". I thought that was an interesting way to put it, especially for those of us who enjoy the theater and movies. Well, I'm sure whenever I do get to my memoirs, there'll be a little spot in there for ATP! I agree with you. That was actually on my gratitude list for Thanksgiving...and the forum to keep us remembering All Things Possible...to which I'll chime in All Things Beautiful to all...during this magical time of year when all things truly ARE beautiful and possible....Sue

     

  • At 2:27 PM, November 28, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi everyone!

    Dear Sue, thanks so much as always for being so sweet, sharing such nice stories and mentioning wise quotes; i always enjoy reading the opinions and anectodes you write on this beautiful forum. I'm well enough, thanks. You mentioned Patrick; i thought of him and of other forum family friends and hope all is well for them. Anyway i'm glad to know that you all are well and had a good Thanksgiving Day. Thanks Dave for your reviews and Tim for sharing some of your experiences from your travels.
    Hopefully Chris will let us know some news soon too.

    Take care everyone!
    Alex

     

  • At 6:41 PM, November 28, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    See Sue, there was no need to fear - Alex was out there just waiting to add a few thoughts! Nice to hear from you Alex.

    I don't have much to contribute today - just wanted to agree with you Sue that I too believe in seeking the light and can't wait until the days start to get longer again. But we still have no snow...what little fell didn't stick around long enough to say so.

    Dave

     

  • At 8:18 PM, November 28, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hello again Dave and Alex...nice to see the forum humming a little. Hmmm, we still have a little snow. So guess that's what keeps me thinking about the season. Amazing how we tune into the light. Some of us in these northern climates can get quite out of whack without light in the wintertime. Our son, who went to college in the Upper Peninsula, was among the large number of students who suffered from lack of sunlight and it wound up affecting his school experience. Fortunately, he managed to survive. But it's an important health issue everyone needs to be aware of, I think. Perhaps a trip to Italy would take care of some of that sun! Alex, you'll have to tell us about your climate where you are and Christmas tales. As for a quote to keep you thinking until our host returns, here's at ATP one for the new year ahead. It's attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Here's to beautiful dreams...Sue

     

  • At 12:08 PM, December 02, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hey everyone on this very quiet forum...hope all is well and safe with you during this first large winter storm...Dave, snow, sleet, rain, fog? All of the above here. Despite the weather outside, wherever in the world you are...may you discover inside the treasures of the season...love, joy, peace...miracles...Sue

     

  • At 5:50 PM, December 02, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Sue, we've had the complete gamut of winter weather here this weekend, too! But now it's actually a "balmy" 50' degrees F and rainy - so a little late fall or early spring as well.

    Had an interesting weekend, for those who might be interested, saw some live theatre - "Spamalot" a fun filled show for Monty Python fans, but those who aren't Python lovers have fun too - and caught a couple movies on DVD. "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" which I only rented because I was in the mood for some relatively mindless fun and wasn't disappointed. However, I have decided that I just don't enjoy the characters that Adam Sandler usually plays - but I do like Kevin James so it balanced out and the movie had a little more message than I anticipated so it was okay on average.

    I also rented "Zodiac," which much like "No Country for Old Men" that Chris recently recommended I found to be a film that wasn't afraid to take time to let the story unfold. This movie was based on actual case files from the infamous Zodiac murderer who killed possibly as many as 13 or more people in California in the late 60s and 70s. Excellent performances from everyone involved all around and I found the film to be gripping. But, I've been on a murder mystery "jag" lately in my reading and always enjoy a good crime thriller at the movies, too. This, however, is one of those films that if you think about it too long is truly frightening as the events are real.

    In the spirit of this forum though I try not to dwell on the awful aspects of life though and instead stay focused on the positive possibilities! I hope everyone else is doing the same.

    So, what else has everyone been watching lately?

    Dave

     

  • At 9:50 PM, December 02, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Well, Dave, seems we're having all things possible weather! Besides the heavy duty fog here this evening, causing us to turn back on our way to a Messiah concert, now we have to brace ourselves for winds tomorrow. Topsy-turvy December! Thanks for posting, and for the movie ideas. I was wondering, too, what everyone is watching. My husband would have liked Spamalot. Besides Chuck and Larry, any other light-hearted, funny movies to get? Any more reactions on the latest Christmas films? Enjoy the week ahead everyone...Sue

     

  • At 2:22 PM, December 03, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Dave

    I saw Spamalot in London 2 weeks ago. It was fantastic. They threw in a lot of London humor which was unique. I would have liked to see other stage productions while I was there but there is only so much you can do in a given time frame. As it was, we crammed more in then I thought we could.

    Sue
    To say I was not a happy camper when my passport was stollen would be understated. I saw the guy who took it but by the time I realized what had happened he had vanished into the crowd. Had I caught him, I would have been arrested. I had a new passport by 11 am the next morning. The Embassy people were great.

    Storm wise we had a lot of ice. I forced myself to go out in it and move the cars from under the trees and I am glad I did. Anyone interested in any firewood?

    Tim

     

  • At 9:51 PM, December 04, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Tim, Dave, Chris and everyone...wishing you all a beautiful week. Now I wish I really could see Spamalot. And it's actually playing at Chris' alma mater. So near and yet so far. It'd have been fun to see "Dirty Dancing" when we were in Toronto. Sometimes things just don't work out the way we'd like them to. Glad you got great service from the Embassy. That's heartening. And glad to hear you're safely home. Sounds like you had a lot of branches drop. We just had a little coating. But a number of accidents reported that day...Take care all in your holiday travels, wherever they may take you...Sue

     

  • At 5:58 PM, December 08, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    I am grateful that after a 54 day stint in ICU, and 4 brain surgeries later, I am in the top 10% of people who have my condition who are no longer shunt dependent for life. ~Linds

     

  • At 8:28 PM, December 08, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hello Linds...I was just checking the forum for updates and found your post. So good to hear from you again! Wow, I don't think words could explain what you've experienced. Glad you posted so we may keep you in our hearts and prayers. Wishing you beautiful blessings at Christmastime...Sue

     

  • At 8:20 PM, December 09, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Yes Dave and Tim, there is a Santa Claus. And yes, miracles do happen at Christmastime.
    Some things turn out right after all. Weather was great, circumstances were right, and tickets were still available...so it worked out that we caught the LAST performance of "Spamalot" tonight at Wharton Center in East Lansing. You both were right. What a spectacular musical! And FUN! Thanks for the super reviews...and remember this "ATP" song! "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life!" Sue

     

  • At 7:12 PM, December 10, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Sue,
    I'm glad that you were able to see "Spamalot" it really is a fun show isn't it? Many more good shows out there, of course, and I'm sure you noticed that there are many more movies on our way for the holiday season. Hopefully, most of them will be good, too!

    Linds,
    Glad to hear that you are out of ICU and recovering so well! I'll keep you and your continued recovery in my thoughts and prayers as well.

    ATP everyone!

    Dave

     

  • At 3:56 PM, December 11, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    HI dear Forum Family

    Sorry it's been an age since I posted , due to a combination of flu, having new windows fitted (A 3 day job which due to bad weather evolved into over 2 weeks to get them done) and more flu.

    Tim, I am so very sorry to hear about your experiences in England.

    Sue and Dave, please keep posting your lovely comments are read and appreciated and have cheered me up often over the past month or so.

    To answer Chris's question; I'm grateful for the many special people who are a part of my life. People I've net face to face, and via sites like this who I've come to know as friends; who are always there when you feel down, to share in good times and sad, and who become as dear as family. Thanks to everyone I've come to know on here - My Forum Family, and to Chris for inspiring

    Wishing everyone lots of love and bright blessings for a wonderful, restful, peaceful Christmas with those you love.

     

  • At 4:42 PM, December 12, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Angi

    Good to here from you. I actually had a great time in England. The passport issue was a downer but the rest of the trip was fantastic. The countryside was beautiful and I have a bunch of pictures that I need to put online.

    Speaking of beautiful countryside, the ice storm we had yesterday transformed everything into a crystal paradise. When the sun came up and started to shine through the ice covered trees, the whole area took on a new look. It was fantastic. I tried to get some pictures but getting around in the ice covered snow wasn't the best so I had to settle for roadside views.

    Sue/Dave: How did you all fare?

    Tim

     

  • At 6:36 PM, December 12, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Tim,
    I can't comment for Sue as she is further north, only a few miles but still, but it wasn't too bad in my area. Schools were closed for a couple days as the back roads were pretty slick - but it's almost all gone now. It was a little tough just to walk around on Sunday and Monday though!

    Your comments on England do remind me of how badly I want to get across the "big pond" - I'm just going to have to get to that soon! All things are possible after all.

    Angi, good to hear from you again - sorry you've been under the weather but glad you're back up and around!

    Take care everyone.

    Dave

     

  • At 7:58 PM, December 12, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hi everyone,
    I was busy doing some online Christmas shopping tonight, but saw the posts and am sending thanks for the care and concern. We fared well. Just a little icy here, enough that I decided not to walk around outside very strenuously!

    It's nice to know there are friendly spirits out there thinking of me. I've grown to love the forum family because of this caring. I share Angi's thoughts on the ATP uplift we get from tuning in to Chris' site. I just saw a great quote in a little booklet about friendship: "Whoever travels without a guide needs two hundred years for two days' journey." Apparently a Rumi quote. I'm thankful for the guiding lights who post here and to Chris for providing this gathering place.

    I agree with Dave about wanting to get across the "pond"! Me too! And Tim, it would be awesome to see your photos. Do you have a website? I can visualize your ice crystal paradise. I recall last winter such a beautiful scene, as if it were my own Narnia. This year I have a pretty good camera to freeze those images in time, should we experience another ice storm. I think the odds are pretty high for that! Sending prayers, too, to anyone who was affected by major ice storms. Global warming? Had to throw that in!

    Oh yes, Dave, Spamalot is a really fun show. For me, I think the more comedy I can enjoy, the better. Any other suggestions on that? Are any of the Christmas movies great comedy this year?

    Wishing you all things beautiful, possible and FUN in this holiday season...with friends and family by your side...Sue

     

  • At 2:43 PM, December 13, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hey folks

    I just got an email that the stollen backpack has been recovered and my passport is still in it!. I don't know all the details right at the moment but will be calling in the morning to make arrangements to get my stuff home. I hope my cell phone is still in it as I have been having a hell of a time recreating the address book that is stored in it!
    Tim

     

  • At 7:41 PM, December 13, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Tim...just passing by and saw your great news! Miracles do happen at Christmastime! Keep us posted...and ATP wishes! Sue

     

  • At 6:45 AM, December 16, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Tim - that is good news about being able to get your backpack and passport back.

    And, since the weather seems to be a "hot" topic with all of us, I just thought that everyone might be interested to hear that at least the lower Great Lakes region got snowed on last night. Just a dusting of snow and some ice last night, this morning a winter wonderland! Of course, if I had somewhere to go today I might not find it so wonderful (it was heavy enough that church was cancelled this morning).

    Take care everyone!

    Dave

     

  • At 10:37 AM, December 16, 2007 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Dave, do you mean "cold" topic? This is as close to a blizzard as I've seen in awhile. Where we are there's half a foot at least, blowing and drifting...with more to come they say. We were blessed just now with a "Snowplowing Santa" -- neighbor surprised us and whisked out our driveway. Not that we can go anywhere. Travel not advised...lots of cancellations. I'm sure those California forum family people could be smiling right now! But it is a winter wonderland. Those of us who are "old" enough recall the blizzards of the late 70s remember big snows. When our kids were little one time we were snowbound for at least four days. -- Tim hope all is well in your area. -- So far our power is still on. A good day to be warm, cozy and contemplative of the many blessings of the season...ATB/P eveyone! Sue

     

  • At 5:20 PM, December 16, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    We had about 6 inhces of snow last night but the blowing/drifting made driving this morning pretty nasty. One would think that the plow drivers missed the weather forcast. By the time I got home this evening, the icecycles on the side of the house were about 6 feet long. It was really impressive. I knocked them down to relieve the gutters from all the weight before I thought about getting the camera out. Oh well, maybe next time.

    Tim

     

  • At 6:00 PM, December 17, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Six inches - that's mild compared to what we got. By my measure I've got nearly a foot of snow in my yard, but it was the drifting that kept schools closed today. We didn't get the ice though (thank goodness). We had enough ice last week to hold us through the winter.

    I hope you and Sue were able to dig out without too much trouble today! Keep warm and safe.

    Dave

     

  • At 7:06 PM, December 17, 2007 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Hi Dave and Tim...I'd said half a foot, but it was more like 8-9 inches here. Heard there was more your way. Schools closed all around county today. We were fine, thanks to our "Snowplow Santa" yesterday. Glad you are both fine...no icicles here. Those are awesome. Remember playing with those when you were a kid? (Big smile here!)

    Counting down to Christmas this week, wishing everyone all things beautiful this holiday season, and may I be the first to declare All Things Great in 2008! Sue

     

  • At 12:03 PM, December 22, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Hey dear Forum Family.

    http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v505/Jaschenka/tekeningen/?action=view¤t=icequeen.jpg

    Taking a second here to send you all warm winter hugs and wish you 'all things magical' in this special time of year. My apologies for my long absence of the forum (blame it on the mead *wink*) Just know that- even when I am not posting- I am still around to read all your great posts. Thanks for sharing.
    Yuletide Blessings and Merry Xmas to all. Be Inspired! XXX

     

  • At 9:19 PM, December 22, 2007 , Blogger SusanGail said...

    Jaschenka...great to see your post! And the link to photobucket. Pics awesome...makes you not seem so far away. Thanks for the "all things magical" show and wishes. As if we were there. Love it! Hope magical things are happening this holiday season for Chris and all the forum family. It's been a wonderful couple of ATP years in this pleasant little corner of the web. Sending a "cup of Christmas cheer" and ATB wishes, always...Sue

     

  • At 11:06 AM, December 24, 2007 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

    HI All

    Hope everyone over there in America is safe and warm with your loved ones . The pictures I've just seen on the news of your weather over there are a little alarming.

    We've only had brief flurries of snow here where I live though other areas of the country have had more.

    Speaking of England - Tim I'm delighted to hear your backpack and passport were found and hope you get them safely home.

    Jaske as ever love the photos.

    Yuletide love and warm bright blessings to all my dear forum family.

    Angi

     

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