Giving Thanks

When I was considering a topic for this post, I realised that it's almost Thanksgiving in the U.S. and that got me thinking...

Thanksgiving isn’t really celebrated in Australia, but there are plenty of reasons we should give it a go. I mean, what’s not to like about having time off work and totally pigging-out on turkey with all the trimmings. Of course, it’s hot in Australia at this time of year, so I’ve thought about what Thanksgiving might be like Down Under.

The Venue: Outdoors. Maybe a picnic. Definitely near water—a beach or river, the harbour or just a backyard swimming pool.

The Dress: T-shirt, shorts, thongs (flip-flops), or a light summer dress and sandals. (Don’t forget the hat, swimmers and sunscreen.)

The Food:  BBQ bush turkey with chilled cranberry and avocado salsa, sweet potato and bush tomato salad, green bean and macadamia nut salad, pumpkin scones.

Dessert: fruit salad with pumpkin seeds, pecan ice cream, pumpkin and apple pavlova.

The Drinks: pumpkin beer, apple cider, cranberry wine.

The People: It’s all about family. Doesn’t matter whether they’re blood relations, or randoms who have come together just because they like each other.

The Sentiment: I figure that’s the same wherever you come from. Taking time to give thanks for what you have—whether it’s a lot or a little—sharing time with family and friends.

So, here’s what I’m thankful for:

Family

Friends

Good food and wine

Sunshine

Line dancing

The time to write stories

And the freedom to self-publish.

What are you thankful for?