A Gathering Of Friends

Hi! It’s late on Thursday evening, and I’m just settling in from a wonderful time with a circle of courageous friends who decided to share a Thanksgiving together.

We are all fairly new to this coastal living thing. And not so unlike those early pilgrims who on that first Thanksgiving were finding their way in a unfamiliar land, among a new people, learning how to carve out another way of life.

The idea was that one of us would provide the home & main dish, while the others would bring side dishes. This was the first Thanksgiving I’ve celebrated here on the coast. Last year was spent in Ashland at the wonderful  The McCall House   read all about it here

One of the biggest challenges of moving to a new place land is first meeting other friends pilgrims who you connect with, then begin creating those special bonds of friendships.

All of which I’m learning takes time. Naturally on the flip side those challenges are opportunities for growth & perhaps something even better discovering new Traditions.

Moving somewhere new  pretty much forces you out of your comfort zone not for the faint hearted. You get to try things out in ways you’ve never done before. If things work out then you have the freedom to put it in your plans for another year.

Before you know it you are starting a tradition. Case in point a tradition my husband and I enjoyed while living in California was attending The Nutcracker Ballet. This event would mark the beginning of the Holiday season. I am thrilled to have been able to carry on that tradition here on the coast, since there is a wonderful dance company rather close. The Nutcracker Now, getting back to my friends pilgrims and Thanksgiving. note to self: stick to the subject. This time of year is about connecting. Sharing ourselves with others, and giving thanks for the many blessings we have received over the past year.

This small circle of pilgrim friends knew intuitively that it was time to try something new in life and are now settled and gathered over an impromptu dinner to celebrate a bountiful harvest rooted in this simple and lovely tradition.

Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season!