There's a movement to keep people from rushing away from the dinner table on Thanksgiving and rushing the stores for pre-Black Friday sales.  I'm not saying consumerism is evil, I totally get working on the holidays -- not everyone gets Thanksgiving or Christmas off, and working holidays means you're able to afford gifts and time off to spend with loved ones. But I am for the idea of not using the stores being open on holidays as an excuse to skip out on time with family and friends. Let's spend at least one day being thankful for the people around us -- this year has left me with the indelible feeling that life is short, too short.

Thanksgiving musings from the Magpie comes to one simple thing: be grateful for the present. You've probably already seen Tweets or Facebook posts regarding our dear, beloved dog, Indy, who is thankfully still with us, but has leukemia. It's been an emotional time, but the most significant thing to come out of it is a renewed sense of desire to live presently, with joy, with enthusiasm, and to not hold back on love. 

Feeling the happiness of a full Thanksgiving Day tummy? I sure hope so. As you sit in the food coma haze, take a moment to reflect on the notion of gratitude. Don't think about what you don't have, what you feel a yearning for, just look at what is around you and most importantly, the people who surround you with support, love and that extra slice of pumpkin pie.

Here are some words of wisdom that I hope fill your whole holiday weekend with that wonderful realization of how truly lucky we all are, in our own unique ways:

Gratitude is the memory of the heart.
- Jean Baptiste Massieu 

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
- John F. Kennedy

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
- G.K. Chesterton

The Magpie wishes you all a very happy, safe and delicious Thanksgiving holiday, with whipped cream on top!


Jaunty Fine Print:  photo by Denise Sakaki

On this day of thanks and gratitude, in between bites of turkey and pumpkin pie, the Magpie wishes everyone happy and loving wishes to all, and an encouragement to take a moment to remember what we cherish the most. Happy Thanksgiving, Jaunty friends - this Bird is so very thankful that you took a moment to visit this post today.

Gratitude is the memory of the heart - Jean Baptiste Massieu

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world - Terri Guillemets

For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends - Ralph Waldo Emerson


Jaunty Fine Print:  photo by Denise Sakaki