Rose Colored Glasses, My Family, and Thanksgiving
I rarely start a post and don't finish it. Sometimes they're mindless rambles but I just lay them out here, for better or worse. I started one the other day but haven't been able to finish it. It was about defining yourself, or what in your life you think defines you....and the question as to whether we really see ourselves clearly, even when we think we do. For instance, I feel as though I see myself SO much more clearly now than I did twenty years ago. Having a child much like myself (thank you Leo) has taught me a TON about my behavior. Having a child NOT like myself (thank you Owen) has taught me much as well. Things I saw as flaws while I was in my 20's have faded away and I now can see some pretty direct weaknesses, but then again I also see strengths that I couldn't recognize then. But twenty years from now will I think my current view of myself just as cloudy as the one from my 20's? It all makes me wonder. It doesn't really matter...but I ponder it just the same.
The hell with all that though. Mostly, I am thinking about Thanksgiving dinner right now! If you recall, last year was not a Thanksgiving high point and it included tears, tantrums and rain. As Owen points out however, this year HAS to be better.
I think I'll salt and season my turkey ahead, perhaps with some smoked paprika (I know it's not as trendy anymore...I think the cooking magazines have moved on to espelette, but hey....) and mmmmmm.....what else? My stuffing is my standard of good bread with sausage, onion, celery, apple, sage, thyme and whatever else comes to mind. AND I BAKE IT IN THE BIRD BECAUSE THAT'S THE WAY GOD INTENDED AND I DON'T OVERCOOK MY TURKEY SO DON'T GIVE ME THAT CRAP. Hmph. I've already made a nice batch of turkey stock that I will use to put in the stuffing, the pan and to make a gravy base. I have to make basic mashed potatoes and they damned well better be completely smooth. Owen doesn't like to mess around with the classics. Sweet potatoes? I'm not sure. Brussels sprouts with bacon....should I shred them, half them, roast them whole? Cranberry sauce....actually I was thinking maybe I'd do a fresh relish this year. Oh, and Leo's required boxed organic macaroni and cheese, made extra liquidy because he's my baby and I'm damned thankful for him. We never did rolls at Thanksgiving dinner so none of that. Appetizers? Hmmmm. For dessert I'm thinking either a pumpkin cheesecake or a maple cheesecake. Owen has come up with his own plan for dessert which we will be making. It involves, piecrust, rice crispies, cookie dough, apples and cranberries. Honest to God...I think that boy is brilliant.
So who the hell knows if I see myself clearly. I'll just focus on Thanksgiving and the thanks I have right now. God knows I'm thankful for my family and I don't see them clearly a bit. I see them through rose colored glasses thick with love.
Happy Thanksgiving all.