Today is Thanksgiving, but not here. Time, space and culture seem very slippery. I do not believe in the “official story” of Thanksgiving, but at the same time I believe I understand the sentiment of thanksgiving. The interesting thing is how traditions sometimes part from their “root” and perhaps remain true and perhaps not. For instance Jennida and I went to the butcher to get some turkey. We purchased two large turkey legs; because of course these are the best parts. and cooked them with mashed potatoes. Now in normal day-to-day culinary travels we never cook turkey. We might get some deli meat for sandwiches, but somehow the idea of turkey is too strong a lure on a day such as to day. One part comfort in the past and one part, at the very least acknowledge a holiday tradition in our families. Do these traditions align themselves with the pilgrim’s pride or is the story of the Pilgrim’s feast a story to “support” the idea of thanksgiving? Can one totally divorce a holiday, when taken into proper perspective depart from the horrors of the past and still embrace the notion of the end of the season harvest in which people gathered around and as a unit expressed to one another the gratitude for all that one has, especially when what you have may not be much or at the mercy of the elements? Sure, a lot of people in America don’t seem to have to worry about shelter, food, clothing and infant mortality… as much, however there are plenty of people out there in the United States alone that this still is a very real concern. So maybe it is a good time, as good a time as any, not to over eat, to appreciate what you have, who you are with and who could not make the journey, those who have gone before and perhaps relax and enjoy the moment, under the banner of “whatever you choose to call it.”
Today I think was called “go buy some turkey, shoot video footage for Jennida’s nine frame noir, talk to the parents over the internet, do more work, eat said Turkey and do more work until 5am.” Solid.
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