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Posts Tagged ‘Thanksgiving’

Sick Dog Day

Posted in Current Events, Quote, tagged , , on November 22, 2012| 4 Comments »

Gratitude is a sickness suffered by dogs.
–Joseph Stalin

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I was looking at a selection of quotes with a Thanksgiving theme when I stumbled across this lovely item from that great inspirational speaker, Joseph Stalin.  It was so much in contrast with the rests of the lovely platitudes that it made me laugh. Stalin would probably not be the guy you would want as a guest on Thanksgiving, especially if you expected him to say grace.  He would no doubt our holiday as a foolish expression of sentiment, a day for sick dogs to howl in thanks to their owners.

You know, even though it comes off as cruelly insensitive, I think Stalin’s comment might actually make sense.  Thanksgiving is a day where we realize that we are no better than our pets, that we are as dependent on others as they are on us for love and support.  We should do like our dogs and show our gratitude to those we love without condition.

Well, that’s okay by me.  Call me a sick dog because I am nothing if not grateful for so many people I have encountered in my life from my family and friends to people who I don’t even know who have offered kindnesses.

Here’s a reply to Stalin from a real human being, Elie Wiesel, “When a person doesn’t have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity.”

So, whatever you might call today, be it Thanksgiving or Sick Dog Day, be thankful for those you know and love.  Be a dog today.  It’s the human thing to do.

PS-  The painting at the top is a new 24″ by 24″ canvas, titled Placid Pondering, part of the show at the Just Looking Gallery.

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A Day of Purpose

Posted in Opinion, tagged on November 25, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Another Thanksgiving. 

It’s often a difficult thing for many of us to say what we’re thankful for on this day, or on any other for that matter.  To put into plain words those things that give our life purpose, that give us hope and the need to forge onward.  It is easy to forget those things, to brush them to the back of our minds when faced with the grind of day-to-day life and all the worries and concerns it presents us on a steady basis.  We become so preoccupied with simply surviving and moving ahead  that we forget the very reasons we want to do so.

I think that’s why the idea of Thanksgiving appeals so much to me.  It’s a time to put aside reasons for sorrow and bitterness and a time to reveal reasons for  love and hope.  Our purposes for livings.  I’ve tried to adapt that concept into my everyday life, to take an optimistic tone and to find something positive in the darkest of times. 

It’s not always easy to do.  We all are destined to go through dark periods in our lives, when the natural course of life presents us with the inevitabilities such as illness, death and sorrow.   In those times, it is difficult to find  a reason for thanks in the moment and so easy to fall back into sorrow or anger.  But even in those darkest moments, I find a purpose if only a confirmation that we are indeed human and have the capacity to be moved, to feel the hurt of life. 

As in painting, the darkness serves to make the light brighter.

So today, I put aside reasons for sorrow and focus on reasons for thanks for those things which bring purpose to my life.  I hope you can do the same.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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Word of Action

Posted in Current Events, Favorite Things, tagged , on November 26, 2009| 2 Comments »

It’s Thanksgiving 2009, the last one of this first decade of the new century.  It has been a decade that many would like to put well behind us.  A decade of terrorism, non-stop war and unabated greed.

But there are still reasons for giving thanks.  Friends and family and the love that is there.   The moments of joy that brighten many dark days.  A kind word from a stranger.   The sunshine and the rain that nourish us.  The food we eat.

It’s simple.  It’s anything and everything.

In a universe that is seemingly infinite, we are riding the tiniest clod of  soil and water.  We have consciousness,  aware of the world around us.

We are alive.

So, on this last Thanksgiving of this decade, look around and be thankful but remember that Thanksgiving is a word of action.  It is not static.  Be active and express your thanks to those around you.  If you have the ability, show your thanks to the world by helping those who have not been quite so fortunate in worldly terms.  Or by extending a hand in some way to those who sacrifice on our behalf, such as the soldiers who are spending their day away from those they love.

Volunteer at your favorite charity.  Write a check to your local food bank.  Just do something to help someone besides yourself.

It’s a word of action, after all.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving…

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Thanksgiving Appeal

Posted in Painting, Video, tagged , , , on November 26, 2008| Leave a Comment »

Seeking Imperfection 2001

Well, it’s Thanksgiving eve and I doubt I will be able to post tomorrow so I thought I’d put up a couple of things.  This is a piece from 2001 called Seeking Imperfection which was the title piece for my show that year at the Principle Gallery.  The solitary, windblown figure is only used a few times a year in my work and remains a favorite theme for me.  He is the seeker, the existential traveler, and he represents a lot of things to me.

I choose this piece to show because it kind of brings to mind the feelings raised when I think of Thanksgiving, beyond the pleasant ones of family and feast.  There is empathy for those whose lives are a struggle and there is remorse for not having done more to help others in need.  There’s regret for feeling sorry for myself at any point when it’s obvious that there are so many who suffer much more than I ever have.  But there is the hope that we can do more in the future and that some, maybe many, will be raised up from their suffering.

Below is a video of Steve Earle’s version of Tecumseh Valley, written by the late Townes Van Zandt.  It’s a sad, heart-breaking song but maybe it will serve as a reminder that on this day of thanks we need to truly appreciate the lives and blessings we have and should not forget or forsake those who have not been so fortunate.  With that in mind, give a listen then don’t forget to extend a hand.  Donate cash, food, clothes, or your time.  Just don’t turn a blind eye…

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