Lens Zen! Thanksgiving Edition
No gratitude until Dunks figures out how to make a cranberry sauce-turkey-and-stuffing cronut!
Hi Friends!
Who here is completely checked out in advance of the holiday? (raises hand). Who here has been checked out “in advance of the holiday” since early September? (raises hand again). I see you. No matter where you fall in respect to major recent events, I think we can all agree that it’s been A LOT. Many people are dreading spending time with others that they feel they simply CANNOT EVEN. Others have pulled the plug on gatherings entirely. I don’t know. I feel like we’re all looking for the Universal Playbook of Doing the Right Thing That Will Also Not Be Uncomfortable For Anyone. Wow. If that book existed it would be Oprah’s book club pick from now until infinity. I think what it comes down to, especially this time of year, is to pick the way forward that feels best for you. You really don’t owe anyone a dissertation on your reasoning. The comedian Mike Birbiglia talks about how when he and his wife, Jenny, are arguing she will respond: “Because that’s the way I feel.” He has a lot of funny things to say about it, of course, but I think the takeaway is to be the Jenny you need to be for the foreseeable future.
Awkward is a hallmark of Thanksgiving and no one did cringe quite like the Pilgrims at the first “harvest celebration” in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. Once again New England is at the center of history. We invented Thanksgiving in the same way that the great patriot Sam Adams invented beer and the other great patriot, Paul Revere, invented being revered. In the autumn of 1621 a group of about 50 or so Pilgrims graciously invited members of the Wampanoag tribe to join them in a feast to honor a successful harvest season. So, white colonists invited Native people as guests to a party held on land that already belonged to the Native people. That’s some pretty big “I’m the captain now” energy.
Some scenes from that day.
John: Stop fussing, wife!
Ann: I just want everything to be perfect! I can already hear thou mother complaining, “thy duck is dry” and “why hast thou sat me at the children’s table?”
John (groans): ‘Tis one day. Let thou make peace, woman.
Ann: Fine. I hope thine peace keeps thou warm this winter.
Squanto: Sit still, wife!
Chenoa: I want all to be as good. Put out more maize I think.
Squanto: Maize? Do we even know if those ones like maize? We know they can’t grow it!
(Both laugh)
Chenoa: Be on best manners today, husband.
Squanto: Even if duck is very dry?
Chenoa: You sound just like your mother.
Squanto: Hail, Pilgrim!
John: Welcome, sir.
Squanto: We are glad of you here.
John: We, sir, are most joyed to host you and yours.
Squanto: I think there is mistake, friend. We are hosting. My wife, Chenoa, has prepared duck beautifully. Very moist.
John (laughs nervously): Sorry, fellow. Thou are addled. ‘Tis us who are hosting this feast day. Thy wife’s duck is prepared in the English way. Very fine. Never dry despite what thine mother thinks.
Squanto: This is awkward.
John: ‘Tis a bit, clumsy, isn’t it?
Squanto: So.
John: So.
Squanto: How long you planning to stay on our land?
John: Are you familiar with the Lord Jesus Christ?
Priceless, Sheila! All the mixed up thous, thees, thys, and thines, just made my day! You are a very funny woman. Happiest of holidays to you and to all those who love you out there wherever you are from Sharron at 🌿Leaves.
I prefer your version of the first Thanksgiving! LOL