I love every season in its turn.

The Holiday season is such a wonderful period, and I like celebrating each special day as it comes. So I’m in full Thankful mode.

I’ve always loved the history of Thanksgiving. The bravery of Captain Miles Standish, matched with the compassion and friendship of Squanto and Samoset, is the epitome of our heritage. Finding balance and common ground to survive and make our way in the world is something everyone should strive for.

Like most Americans, I have some Native American blood in me, and I’m proud of my mutt makings.

I also like to play around with woodcrafting and had a few boards and old fence planks that just needed to be transformed into something new, so this year I decided to cut out and paint some Thanksgiving friends.

My husband is an incredibly talented artist, so I pestered him to draw them for me so I could get them sawed out just right.

I do love sawing wood, but not as much as I adore painting. Painting lets me breathe. Really breathe.

I did chicken out on the faces, though. I had my husband do those. Maybe next time I’ll have enough umph to trust my hands to bring my creations fully to life.

But my husband’s handiwork never ceases to amaze me. He really knows how to make an image speak.

And look at these guys…

They’re a symbol of the hope and health that come from giving thanks and counting our blessings.

Getting the supports hammered in was fun. I had my thirteen-year-old help, and she has more patience than anyone I’ve ever met. Especially with me. haha

While some people are eager to skip over the important American holiday of Thanksgiving, I find it incredibly heartwarming to celebrate a simpler ritual that was born through cross-cultural connections. No matter what, I will always believe in the power of learning from others and honoring the traditions that strengthen our values.