I believe that Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday, and, more to the point, a wonderful philosophy.  It seems to me that the happiest people make thanks-giving a daily way of life.

We should never take for granted the things that we have, even if there is so much more that we may want.  Nothing is ever achieved alone, so there is always someone to thank, or failing all else, just thank your lucky stars.

Food in our mouths, health in our bodies, peace in our part of the world, maybe a little love in our lives – just to name a few things – these are essential features of our lives that we just assume will be there for us.

That’s awfully presumptuous. 

Let’s take time to appreciate how lucky we are, and to remember that there is no shortage of people on this planet that have none of those things.

I am thankful for all those things and more.

Fantasia

This year, I would like to single out the women of Fantasia Fair for special thanks; without them I don’t know if Janie would exist at all today.

When I was just starting out – so vulnerable and unsure of myself, so hesitant and scared – they were there.  They provided me a safe place to find myself and understand this wonderful world of gender freedom.  They work hard, they bend over backwards for everyone, and they do it as volunteers.

My subsequent experiences at Fantasia have simply grown richer and deeper.  And I have yet to tap all the opportunities available there.  In the end, the main thing is the true sense of sisterhood that develops among the fairgoers, a sense of love, of helpfulness and of fun.  And, it all starts at the top.

Wildside

Permit me to be a bit more long-winded today, and to salute the women of Wildside as well.  A week-long party with girls that love to have fun, the vibe is very different from Fantasia.

Wildside is a more advanced course; beginners would be in over their heads, I think. As compared to Fantasia, there is less of the hand-holding and none of the seminars and instruction, and the party is in the midst of a big, bad city rather than a sedate, t-friendly town.

But what is the same is the love all around you, the caring, and a fabulous, non-cliquey group dynamic that is very rare.

Again, the love and acceptance starts at the top, with the selfless organizers of Wildside. Everyone who attends just seems to pick up and buy into what they have started.

And, to you

Finally, I want to thank my readers for coming by and giving a hoot about what I have to say.  Your continued presence is very important to me and I hope I am meeting your needs.  If there is anything you’d like to see, just let me know and I will do my best.

Those of you that comment, know that I appreciate the time and effort that goes into that.  Thanks so much for participating and helping this blog thrive and survive.  You are the reason I continue to do this thing.

xoxo

Janie