Monday, November 22, 2010

Thanksgiving


Twenty years ago, I created a Book of Thanks, a journal that holds a yearly question for each Thanksgiving guest to answer.  Loving Aunt Ruth, the photo project on which this blog is based, was not a thought six years ago when the book's query asked to name something you did for another person, draw your hand, and write your name and age.   I wasn't paying attention to the generous and gracious way that Aunt Ruth conducted her life, but the evidence was clearly right in front of me.  "...three friends in nursing homes..."  

Aunt Ruth has opened her oven door to an inestimable population, and she does it without an announcement, without fanfare, or awards.  She entertains, delivers, and spends each week cooking to stay connected to others in the most delicious of ways.  Aunt Ruth didn't need an expert to advise her that friends and food had value!  

Influenced by Aunt Ruth, I make double the amount of food necessary for my invited guests.  Each of my family members and friends brings a bag of empty containers in order to take home all the leftovers they can tote, because the joy of the meal is meant to linger and most importantly, to be shared.

I have this year's question already logged into the journal.  I look forward to all of the answers but most especially to Aunt Ruth's.

Aunt Ruth and I wish your family, friends, and you a delicious holiday.  We thank you for reading our blog and leaving comments.  Aunt Ruth delights in answering any of your questions, so please feel free to continue asking.

Bon Appetite!

7 comments:

  1. Your Aunt Ruth warms my heart. You warm it, too, by taking time to honor her (and family) this way. I'm thankful I found you. I'm nearly a neighbor, too. Kent, OH

    Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

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  2. Oh..this is beautiful! A true inspiration..and what a wonderful way in which to practice gratitude and welcome in family and friends!

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  3. I love this idea of the yearly question.
    A happy Thanksgiving to you and Aunt Ruth as well. I'm so grateful I found you!

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  4. Honey, this is a great post. I can totally relate as my mother was very similar to Aunt Ruth for feeding people. I am trying to follow her footstep but I still have a long way to go. We do questions at Christmas but Thanksgiving is a great idea. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
    Love,
    AT

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  5. Happy Thanksgiving to you and Aunt Ruth, Honey. It is at this time of the year that we give thanks for all our friends and family, far and near... thank you for sharing Aunt Ruth's insights and memories with you; we'll be forever grateful! Enjoy... Now if I could just figure out how to get some empty containers from OR to OH....

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  6. Happy Thanksgiving and a Joyous Holiday Season to you, to Aunt Ruth, David, and all the rest of the clan. The wisdom, the generosity, and the Simple Truths that you, along with Aunt Ruth have offered create a feast for the mind and the for the soul. Now I am going to practice the "one thing at a time" mantra.
    Love, Love, Love,
    Keron

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  7. I love this hand drawing. Its so simple and so personal..because it is YOUr hand and it comes from YOUR heart.
    I think I am going to use it for something!

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