I love Thanksgiving turkey; it's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts.
- Adam Sandler
Like a lot of us, I find myself taking some time to reflect on what I have to be thankful for this year...and there's quite a lot. Outside all of the normal day to day frustrations, when I step back and take a look at my life, I have to admit that I've got it pretty damn good. Yes, things could be a whole lot worse. Right here, right now, things look good. I may not be where I want to be career-wise, and I may not have all the "stuff" that I'd like, but I've got the important things covered...and for that I'm beyond grateful. I have a roof over my head, I can feed myself, my car is paid for, and I have someone in my life who's helped me see possibilities instead of burdens. The road has been bumpy, but I'm finding the strength to hold on and ride it out. Having someone willing to ride it out with me has been a gift whose value is beyond my ability to estimate. Truly, I have much to be thankful for. And I am.
I hope that all of you who've been stopping by my dark, cobwebby little corner of da Interweb will be also able to reflect on all you have to be thankful for. I'm grateful that so many have paid attention over the past 8+ years...'cuz Lord knows there have been more than a few ups and downs. No matter how far I've run, I still haven't been able to get away from myself. That these up and downs has often been reflected in my writing hasn't always been a good thing, but I'm a lousy poker player. If I'm feeling something, it's going to show...and I've finally managed to make something resembling peace with the person I really am. It's not always pretty, but it's becoming more real than it's ever been. That's a good thing.
And so it goes. More to come....
I'd be remiss were I to neglect giving thanks to at least a few of the many folks who have supported, inspired, and encouraged me over the years. Without their efforts and their kindness, what you're reading today wouldn't exist, and I lack the vocabulary to adequately express the depth of my gratitude. This is by no means an exclusive list, but these kind souls deserve a big virtual hug:
- Sean-Paul Kelley: for showing me what courage and writing are all about.
- Erin O'Brien: for her constant inspiration, openness...and because she's just so damn cute and real.
- James Bow: for being my de facto IT department all these years. Without his ample contribution of time and effort on my behalf over the years, I'd still be hand-coding this in HTML. Ugh.... (Damnit, Jim!! I'm a writer, not a code wizard!!!)
- Brian Kane: For his continued technical and moral support. Damn, I forgot; I still owe him a box of Maple Bacon Doughnuts from Voodoo Doughnuts. Oops.... ;-)
- David Flanders: For the many hours he devoted to providing ideas and graphics when this blog's previous iteration, The People's Republic of Seabrook, morphed into it's current form. His prodigious artistic chops are inversely proportion to my own lack of same.
- My readers, without whom I would be just another frustrated, lonely voice sitting in front of my laptop in my underwear. I have no reliable way of knowing how many of y'all there are out there and stop by on something resembling a regular basis, but whether it's 12 or 12,000, thank you. It's flattering to know that someone actually pays attention.
- Terry, whose love and support in the face of all my ups and downs is truly awe-inspiring. Her smile melts my heart, and her calm demeanor and unwavering presence in the face of my emotional Sturm und Drang is the very definition of love. I've never won a lottery jackpot, but I can't imagine it feels better than this.
Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.... ;-)
