THANKSGIVING …

By Shirley M. Carolan

November has got to be one of my favorite times of the year. We are so blessed here in Southern California to have great weather – usually sunshine, making it possible and inviting to visit the wonderful Pacific Ocean and stroll along the beach dressed in summer duds. I’ve forgotten what it was like to live in cold New York all those years.

It’s interesting how different climates celebrate holidays differently. I used to look forward to watching the Macy’s Day Parade, rain or shine, but now, I can enjoy it on television from miles away and then head for the beach .,,

This year I have much to be thankful for, I’ve gained new friends, survived 10 days in hospital with pneumonia and now am healing from shingles. Gradually my health has improved. I’ve just started physical therapy twice weekly through the end of January to help rebuild strength in my muscles, back, stomach, legs, so that I can learn to walk upright instead of hunched forward parallel with the sidewalk. Eventually, I expect to be able to walk 2-4 miles a day again!

This Thanksgiving I spent with a special friend who took me to many doctors appointments when I could not drive. It was very festive, beautifully decorated and welcoming. I was even told to bring my little Shih-Tzu, Krissy with me. This meant the world to me. When it was time to come home she packed me up with enough goodies to last a week.

November is also a special time to take advantage of the many bargains in Dept. stores, etc. I never thought I would succumb to this folly but when I saw that “Michael Brothers” was having terrific art sales, on just about everything in the store I couldn’t resist. My eyes spotted a wood box table easel for $79.99 on sale for $29.99 and if you purchased it before 12 noon on Friday, there was a coupon for 25% off your entire purchase, making this wonderful easel only $22.50! What a steal!! I couldn’t resist and could hardly wait for morning to arrive. Of course, once in the store there were other art supplies I thought I needed and with that precious 25% off the total purchase price who could resist?

I came proudly home with my purchases and immediately set up my new easel and started painting in earnest. I painted for two hours before I realized how tired I was. Today, I’m paying the price for all that activity but it was well worth the “stretch.”

During my illnesses this year I’ve missed my oil painting lessons, visits to galleries, whimsical assignments and of course, my classmates. I couldn’t even hold a brush to a canvas I was so weak or in pain when I did. But, lately I’ve started to finish canvases from bygone days and it’s been a blessing as well as very therapeutic!

My other favorite activity is public speaking and my Toastmaster Club. I rejoined it two weeks ago and I am thrilled to be a part of this vital organization again! It keeps me on my toes mentally and I love the interaction with other members! I think I’ll post the recap of our last meeting next.

Before I forget, Thanksgiving Day has special significance for my family and I. On November 27, 1947 my father, mother, twin brother and I boarded the SS AMERICA at Southampton, England and emigrated to the United States. It was Thanksgiving Day that year! Wow, that was 62 years ago!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING everybody!

Shirley M. Carolan, ATMG
Speaker ● Writer ● Artist
artistwithaflair@att.net
Phone/Fax: 760-732-0663
http://www.shirleycarolan.com
http://www.angelscross.blogspot.com
http://www.smcarolan.blogspot.com