It is the Friday after Thanksgiving, and I have no idea what to do with myself. I have been cooking since last Saturday, making lists and rechecking lists, rereading recipes and planning all of the steps for everything to turn out yummy. Yesterday it all happened. Friends gathered in gratitude, the turkey baked, the side dishes were scooped and the pies eaten. Everyone took leftovers home and I had pecan pie with my breakfast of apples and vegetables straight out of the crisper this morning.
I've tried to write a post about green bean casserole, seafoam salad, or the Part 2 should have come after my Part 1 I published in the blog on Monday – but instead I watched a British production about Sherlock Holmes and a documentary on Arab Spring produced by Netflix. I've learned a lot today watching documentaries, reading the New York Times and reviewing tourist websites for attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee (a future adventure) but I can't actually bring myself to do anything. I need to get myself together to go to dinner with friends – but that would mean getting for real dressed, putting in contact lenses and leaving the house. Which sounds like a horrible idea at this very moment in time.
I'm a little worried if I leave the house I'll be tempted to buy something on Buy Nothing Day. Does anyone else remember that today is Buy Nothing Day, perhaps that is so 1990s before Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday? I want to safely sit on my couch in a state of vegetation making determinations about my December yoga plan and cleanse. I want to window internet shop for my Christmas goose. I apparently want to think about my next big thing, but not actually take any action.
The introvert that lives inside of the forced extrovert in me is a little worn out and the home chef is apparently just as exhausted, as are all the other hats I wear. So much so I can't even think about writing a recipe – even for this lovely purple sweet potato pie and its friend pumpkin chai pie.
I want to order chinese food from the place down the street that was recently torn down for a fourth pharmacy in a two block radius – apparently we really needed a CVS. I want my trip to Scotland next year to magically pay and plan itself. I am so grateful that I am able to even dream about having all of these wants and not want to dos right now because I get a paid holiday the day after Thanksgiving and live in a generally safe neighborhood most of the time. My garden hose was stolen this morning and my BBQ vandalized, but that is OK because they didn't have to buy that garden hose today – good for them.
I got to use my chicken themed deviled egg platter and my stone cheese tray – I had 13 of my good friends together, happy, and healthy for Thanksgiving. My partner didn't have to go to work last night and we fell asleep on the couch together, my dog is allergic to humans but I have pet insurance and can afford his food and medical care. I have two sets of parents, two siblings, and a family that likes to see each other. I have a wonderful life filled with beautiful humans, I live in a beautiful place and I have so much gratitude that I can sloth away on a day after a feast of abundance in honor of gratitude.
I put jellied cranberry sauce in the center of a bowl of pomegranite seeds for a centerpiece and everyone thought it was a candle. Happy day after Thanksgiving – may everyone have the ability to make the most of every moment and experience the joy of an abundance of good people and connection in their life.