indigenous thanking day

So I'm not too big on the history of Thanksgiving. Seems a strange thing to celebrate. I did live in SF for 14 years--next to Berkeley and Santa Cruz it is the PC capital of the world. It was also not a big deal when I was growing up, that I remember. Though of course there are large parts of my childhood I don't remember. I do recall it as a time of stress as are the holidays for most people.

but not now.

Yesterday was great. The misfit Thanksgiving at Zombo and Alex's was so easy and comfortable. Spooky folk and babies and GREAT food. The turkey was beyond compare. Miska made a great roast that James had seconds on. I made four pies--
2 pumpkin, 2 chocolate cream. Miss Emily was overwhelmed and alternately charming and pissed off. I still worry when she has such meltdowns that people are going to think less of her (not so much of me, tho that's there--but I want everyone to know how fantastic she is). Still she did what she needed to do. We took her off to the quiet room every so often and then she'd come back out. James and I alternated socializing with wrangling and it went really well...very easy between us. At one point it really was need mommy time, so I didn't get as much to eat as I wanted--but hey one THanksgiving where I don't get so stuffed I have to nap immediately is cool. We dressed her up in the velvet and gingham dress and bloomers that Miska gave us. Added her bee hat (that was another inspired Miska purchase) popped on the mama cone shoes and the cape from G and she looked AMAZING. Of course I forgot my camera, but Miska got some shots so we'll be grabbing them from her. I even got to have some wine and a martini and was as relaxed as I ever get at a party and had *gasp* fun. Met and re-met some folks I'll be pursuing hang out time with in the near future.

All in all a successful evening. Yay.

Now, my list.

I'm thankful for James, Emily, Joyce (who is so patient with me) Scott,Bev, Jim, Angela,Andrew, Miska, Lauryn, Becky , Gwen , Matt and Blake--my family. James is ever the love of my life and we are negotiating our new life so well. Emily has by her very presence filled a hole in my heart.

I'm grateful for the kitties...My love for them hasn't changed a bit.

I'm grateful to live in Chicago. It's so friendly and easy going here.

I'm grateful we are all basically healthy and happy.

I'm grateful that I'm finally finding myself underneath the sediment of my upbringing.

I'm grateful there aren't any crazy or cruel people in my life--so very grateful for that.

I'm so grateful for all our friends here, there and all over the dang world.
Each one of you has added something important to our lives.

Now, to figure out Christmas/Solstice. Anyone know where I can get cat and Halloween ornaments?