The Observation Deck

Please also check out Peter Grossetti's thread
http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11404 it is just wonderful.

Every Thanksgiving I do many of the same things Peter mentions, and also include a walk
with the dog, a walk in the park, and spending some time with people you think you would
never have anything in common with, and finding out we all really want the same things
on a simple basic level, and even the most bitter, can usually stop and find something to be
thankful for, especially today.

So I went down to the Emerald Canyon for a walk with some good tunes, good tunes
that make you think, and have to say came up with a pretty amazing thought.

From my play list...



The Emerald Canyon, Thanksgiving morning at 8 am. (The Green Barn)

I started to think about everyone and everything I am thankful for-- of course my wife, Deb,
and my family and immediate family friends and Observers, overall well-being, and the
overall well-being of my friends.


Everyone and everything that have made so much possible in my life from teachers to mentors
from friends to foes, all have served a purpose that at the end of the day hopefully
makes me a better, more understanding person.


Then as I got in the car to leave the canyon and join Deb, to watch the Parade with
homemade cinnamon rolls as we have for 30 years, I thought it would be far easier
to list everything in this world I am not thankful for. So if you, your business, your
whatever, does not appear on this comprehensive list of things I am not thankful for,
THANK YOU.

List follows:
Pickled Beets

To everyone and everything else,
Thank you.

My life is better by having you in it.

Have a great thanksgiving, and an even better holiday season, whatever you may choose
to celebrate. Me, I like them all!

PLEASE - Remember those who do not have it as well as you might. Reach out in the season
of giving and give to those a hand, some help, food, conversation, love.

It's the reason for the season!

PeAce/LoVe

Please also check out Peter Grossetti's thread
http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11404 it is just wonderful.


.

Nice, Jim!

I agree, nice sentiment, my friend.
Except, of course, I love beets : )

Jim,

As you always seem to do...

...you paint a beautiful spiritual picture about a beautiful and spiritual time to many people.

While we're at it here...

Many Native Americans do not celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Instead, they celebrate an alternative Fall Spirit Feast, involving very beautiful spiritual celebrations, as well.

That first Thanksgiving indeed did involve cooperation and understanding between Native Americans and the European settlers. Unfortunately, the years that shortly followed were terribly tragic for Native Americans in that area of New England, and ultimately, as we all know, across our land.

So Happy Spirit Feast time to those who know, who care, who understand, who survive, and who remember.

Back to the banjo.

I agree with Heidi. I give thanks for beets--pickled, roasted, boiled, buttered, and in all forms--from Summer right through the Fall. I love beets. On the subject of beets, Jim, we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Mike,

I saw your name as the last reply and I KNEW you were addressing the beets. While I, too, am a beet lover and have converted some to my side on this (ie David) I am with Jim on the pickled variety. Just. Can't. Eat. Them. Too many in my youth. . .

Happy Thanksgiving, Jim and Everyone!

Christina

michael gill wrote:I agree with Heidi. I give thanks for beets--pickled, roasted, boiled, buttered, and in all forms--from Summer right through the Fall. I love beets. On the subject of beets, Jim, we'll just have to agree to disagree.

Michael, Heidi

Thanks, for the quick $10.

I had mentioned to someone the other day, that the Deck, was nowhere near as negative as some say, and that
everyone has an opinion and it is not to be afraid of hearing or running from. Public discourse, is a part of life
in a healthy city. His response was, "You seem argumentative." I smiled and said, another popular
misconception. Many of my threads are some of the most positive this city has ever seen. That this entire
project was born out of love and respect for the city and those that are here, and I believe that to be true.
That the important thing when we started was not to "grab headlines" "looking for lost women and children"
that are not really lost, hoping someone reads gets sucked in by the phoney headline. We are about, a
friendly life in Lakewood, and public discourse on every level is what a healthy city is about. To be able to put
it out there, and not really fear what comes back. After all, it is only words, that do more to frame the poster
than to settle any observation.

So, I made a bet. $10, that I could post the most positive thread of the past 6 months. Something from the
heart, to the city and those around, that no matter the underlying BS that greases the floor of this city, that
at this time of giving and forgiving, the high road would be constructed and built, once again on the Deck. But
not matter how positive, I bet it starts a discussion, and starts a discussion that hurts no one, but frames the
every person that posts, and it is in these observations the city moves forward, better for all.

So with a message of pure love and respect, I was corrected that Native Americans do not celebrate the
beginning of their genocide. Hmmmmmm, who would have thought. And that if you are a member of LEAF
you better like beets or learn to like them.

And, of course something we all knew, Christina is the sharper of pencils in the Gill Family box.

For me the beets deal came somewhere between my grandmother chasing me around the house with some,
and learning that Native Americans used beets to dye their clothes. Which I am sure someone will point out
is about as try as Henry Ford inventing the car.

But at the end of this thread, I have to say thank you once again, for those willing to join the community
conversation. Take a chance at this public Hokey Pokey word dance, which cause mere seconds but some of
the time causes ripples that continue for a decade. It is through these moments we get a clear understanding
of some of the thoughts, observations, ideas, and questions that percolate in this city we all love.

Remember, this holiday season, watch out for others. Reach out and give a hand to those that could use it.
Remember that for many, this season becomes overwhelming, and stressful.

Love, respect, friendship, are some of the best gifts that can be given. And you can get them all locally!

If you do buy gifts, please consider buying things from local artists and crafts people, and local stores.

Peace/Love

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