Thanksgiving is one of those amazing holidays. There's no stress except the pressure to eat, you get to watch the fantabulous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade which rocks my world every year, you realize what you're thankful for: what more can I ask but presents? (Kidding, Mom. Kidding.)
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Whether you'll be attacking the old bird or going veg and hammering the candied potatoes like me, do me a favor and think about the things you have to be thankful for this year. 2008 has been a beyond-brilliant year for me, though I've had my rough spots, and my thank-list is longer than I could ever post on orb28- something to be thankful for in and of itself.
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Happy Thanksgiving, girls, and feel free to visit me at www.innovativeteen.blogspot.com if you've got some free time this weekend.

Today is Stop Violence Against Women Day. Worldwide, 1 in 3 women will experience some sort of abuse in her lifetime. Abuse, physical or emotional, often comes from someone the victim already knows.

The International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA) is an effort by the US to decrease abuse against women worldwide. You can watch an informative video clip about violence against woman below, produced by Amnesty International.



Read more about the International Violence Against Women Act at the Amnesty International Website.

(Click the title for some holiday hilarity.... kind of)


I'm not a big food person. In fact, within my friends and family, I'm infamous for complaining of great hunger and then feeling full after a couple of bites. But I love Thanksgiving! In my family, it's usually a two or three day affair, with hikes, multiple dinners, presents, pies, virtual turkey trots (road races) and various other in sundry traditions to be upheld.

On a broader scale, I love Thanksgiving because it appeals to so many. Unlike most major holidays, it's unattached to a religion. And unlike Valentine's day (which is the only other holiday which I can think of that doesn't have religion as a major component), Thanksgiving doesn't really exclude. It's a time of community and of unity.

My Thanksgiving will be somewhat smaller this year because of some sickness in my family. But that's okay, because while some traditions may take a hiatus this year, I'm starting new ones, as well. One tradition we will keep is to name what we are thankful for. And this year, I feel like I have more to be thankful than ever. So here's a synopsis, a clip of the very long list of what I have to be thankful for. Comments welcome, but better yet leave your own thanks lists!
Have lovely, delicious thanksgivings! <3 ~lucky_marlees

I'm thankful for....
...everyone in my life being on the road Healthy Happiness.
... friends who always have an extra
... late nights watching movies.
...a family which comes together at the best and worst of times.
...conversations at midnight.
...the more hopeful outlook of the future.
...the warm albeit crowded house around me.
...staying on the phone just to have someone to talk to.
...for a relationship in which I can quite literally talk about anything.
...for music and dancing.

And now m'dears I'd like to take a mini poll; favorite thanksgiving food, ready, set, GO!

Two poems written by Sara (snowflake).

Daybreak Interrupted