where waves grow sweet

Thanksgiving was yesterday. You probably already know this. I hope your day was just as it should be.

We had a lovely, low-key celebration. As usual, my mom drew hospitality up from the depths of her being and went all-out with roses, hors d’oeuvres, and a feast – all served up with her trademark smile. There were some mishaps with the new cooking equipment, leaving the flesh of the turkey a bright, pulsing red at dinnertime, but with some last minute adjustments and the help of my resourceful brother, it all turned out quite tasty. I felt very thankful that their kitchen talents exceed mine, and that my family was spared the frozen hemp waffles and veggie sausage I would have served up.

My dad was in good spirits. He had gathered a bouquet of flowers that looked wild and perfect, and somehow managed to chop up wood for the fire. In his physical state, this was akin to slaying a giant. I basked in the light and warmth of his achievement as we chatted and tried to convince Cole to take a Christmas photo with me. Cole refused and pouted a bit, and I contented myself with brie. In the end, dad got a picture of me alone by the fire, mantle, & flowers, which looked like I was posing for architectural digest. My brother, Christian, suggested I do a yearbook style card with a “picture not available” for Cole. We all loved the idea and laughed. Mom and dad were more cooperative, so we took a photo of them in front of the black fireplace with only a memory of the magical glow, and we even got their Christmas cards ordered up on the Costco site before dinner was served.

While ordering said cards, I was asked out to lunch by a guy and I said yes. Go figure. It’s a set-up and I haven’t met him yet, but he’s a single parent and, of course, all single parents are fascinating and admirable people. [Anyone new to the blog, note that I am a single parent and, hence, fascinating and admirable.] I’ll keep you posted… unless I give him my blog info (that could be a little awkward). Anyway, I considered this progress considering my recent hesitation (oh heck, lifelong hesitation).

I will wrap this disjointed blog up by saying that I walked 14 miles today. This may be why my body is slightly stiff and my brain is mushy. It felt a little bit like a day at Disneyland, except for the fun rides and churros. And bathrooms. I had to pee in a prickly bush on the side of the path. FYI, apparently “no outlet” really does mean “no outlet.” Wishful thinking will not change this, and ignoring such a sign might mean that you have to backtrack a mile to a bridge that will take you where you need to go. Just so you know.

Well, there you have it. (Although what “it” is, I’m not really sure.) Happy weekend to you!