Let's Talk Turkey

Dear Readers,

This posting is in a different style so I may personally wish everyone the most Blessed Thanksgiving! I thank all of you for being a part of SoBoBo’s success. Finding the right words is at times difficult to let others know how we feel, and this is one of those times. It is truly an honor to receive each of you as you enter the door of SoBoBo. An honor to work with all artists and artisans who have made SoBoBo a lively, ecclectic place where unique truly meets sublime and, it goes without saying, an honor to speak with each guest about the art work and their creators. An honor to bring to everyone a chance to experience art to its fullest.

I am preparing the Gallery for a new and exciting exhibit for the Holiday Season(s). We will be open the day after Thanksgiving from 2:00 pm until 9:30 pm. As I write this announcement of the hours, I see how we can easily get into a habitual groove of going on with our lives forgetting the true meaning of each holiday celebration that should be practiced at all times.

We all know of how the Native Americans had given the gift of acceptance to the Pilgrims so that they may survive the harshness of the New England winters in the 1600’s. But what most don’t know is the true meaning of this act that was made. The “give-away” – what the Native Americans so generously sacrificed for “strangers” so that the whole of all people’s needs were met, they had included the new people in the whole!

As we approach Thursday, November 26th, we rush around buying tablecloths, napkins, dishes, glasses, utensils to eat with and we mustn’t forget the food, especially, Turkey– all of it to make our place ready for our families and friends to sit at the table eating together, perhaps for some, the only day of the year, Thanksgiving.

In each of our own cultures we have traditions that we practice every year. One may be asking each person at the table to state what they are thankful for ‘GIVING THANKS’(as most of us were taught Thanksgiving meant.) Of course all of us are thankful for what we have received, i.e., the new job we attained, the house we live in, the food on the table.

So in thinking of what we are thankful for, perhaps we should give THANKS for the GIVING of what we have. We are always thankful for what we have received, but are we ever thankful for the sacrifice it took to receive the giving or “give-away?” For instance: Are we thankful for the giving or offering of the job we attained – we usually state, “I got the job” not thinking what goes on behind the scenes (maybe someone lost their job). What about the mortgage to buy the house, or Turkey who gives its life for our celebration.

A “give-away” is better explained by Jamie Sams and David Carson authors of “Medicine Cards” which explains a culmination of several Native American tribal traditions and beliefs.

“Simply stated, it is (the give-away) the deep and abiding recognition of the sacrifices of both self and others.” “Spectators (or outsiders looking in) unfamiliar with the cultural phenomenon of the potlatch or give-away ceremony are often mystified by it. A tribal member may gladly give away all he or she owns, and do without in order to help the People. In present-day urban life, we are taught to acquire and get ahead. The person with the most toys wins the game. In some cultures, no one can win the game unless the whole of the People’s needs are met. A person who claims more than his or her share is looked upon as selfish or crazy or both. The poor, the aged, and the feeble have honor. The person who gives away the most and carries the burdens of the People is one of the most respected.”

This type of “medicine” is called Turkey Medicine. Many saints and mystics carry this medicine with them for it rests in true ego, enlightenment. It is a known fact that those who carry this with them have many virtues, they have transcended, they become advocates – aspiring to help those in need of help. (summarization - Medicine Cards, page 161) “Help and sustenance are given by Turkey out of the realization that all life is sacred.” (Medicine Cards; page 161) It is also an acknowledgement of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. A memorable statement by President John F. Kennedy. “Doing unto others and feeding the people is the message of all true spiritual systems.” (Medicine Cards pg. 161-162)

So when you see Turkey walking across the street, or eating its dinner along the roadside, or sitting on your table prepared for Thanksgiving Dinner - remember you are about to receive a gift or are being given a gift. It could be represented spiritually, materially, or even intellectually. “No matter the size of the gift, we should never consider it to be insignificant. Some gifts we consider so simple as a sunrise/sunset, but yet what happens with Earth as a whole to attain this amazing sight truly isn’t as simple as you would think. It could also mean ”… you just won the lottery, “ or “…you may feel the “SPIRIT OF GIVING” growing within you, and wanting you to share with others!” (Medicine Cards pg. 162)

“You must remember NEVER GIVE TO RECEIVE. It is manipulation.” (Medicine Cards pg. 162) Giving should be without regret. It should be given with goodness “…and a joyful heart, or the “give-away” has lost its true meaning.” (summarized Medicine Cards pg. 162)
So as the Native Americans gave the gift of acceptance and the “give-away” so that the Pilgrims may have sustenance and live, remember “…in Turkey’s death we have our life…Help and sustenance are given by Turkey out of the realization that ALL LIFE IS SACRED.” (Medicine Cards; page 161) This means no matter what race, ethnicity, creed or gender we as humans are as well as, all creatures and plant life, great and small that live.

The Thanksgiving tradition of having Turkey for dinner has more meaning now than we thought. It wasn’t because of the fact it was the only animal around to kill and eat during the 1600’s as we were taught. Knowing of the Native Americans’ “give-away” of giving of their own harvest to help the strangers endure the savage winters, acceptance, and having THANKS for Turkey GIVING of him or herself now makes sense as to the reason for Turkey dinners on this holiday, because it seems we have “accepted” the Native Americans’ belief of Turkey medicine through their teaching, without realizing it! As we greet each family member, friends, co-workers, even the strangers we pass on the street, remember to be thankful for the sacrifices all have given to make our lives better. In one word - THANKSGIVING.

HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING. . .and realize the anticipation of the “Spirit of Giving!” that is deeply seeded in each of us. It is time to let it come to the forefront, and don’t hold back for fear of embarassment because satisfaction will be felt, satisfying our egos, bringing us a bit closer to living in harmony.

PEACE!

Join Us for the Last Art Stroll of 2009 on Thursday, November 19th

"Frosted Firs"

by Marti Reed

Come join us as we celebrate "Indian Summer" and "Winter" during our last Art Stroll for 2009!

Firehouse Gallery, 81 Naugatuck Avenue, Walnut Beach - Milford, CT, will be hosting a reception for it's year-end exhibit with the celebration of the "Winter" season on Thursday, November 19th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The exhibit will be judged by Derek Leka, a university professor at Southern and University of Bridgeport as well as teaching at Silvermine Guild Arts Center.

As you view each piece of art, become a part of it. Feel the strokes of the paint brush or pencil as if the artist was right there creating. Enjoy the beauty of the color, the light and dark, the composition. Then, and only then, would it be a good time to choose your favorite piece! You become part of the judging process yourself by choosing for the People's Choice Award.

Meander across "the Avenue" to Urban Antique Radio and Vintage Hi-Fi and check out Mike Urban's collection of past communications. Ask him questions about repairs, restoration and the like and he will be more than happy to answer them!

You must stop by the Walnut Beach Cafe and see what Wil has cook'in! Be sure to try the new Eggnog Latte or Cappuccino. Or better yet - try the seasonal Mulled Cider beverage. Mmmm!Delicious!

Stroll around the corner to Lazy Lobster and they may have lobster bisque available! Or perhaps start shopping for the Holidays at A Fine Affair, Collected Stories and SoBoBo Art Gallery! What a great relief to have some of your gifts crossed off your lists.

"Body Armor" (homage to Navajo Tribe) - by Michael Brotschul

At SoBoBo Art Gallery absorb the vibrancy of "Indian Summer!" Soak up the colors and breathe in the scent of Fall. Works of more than 50 artists on display are available for purchase. We all know about harvesting for the upcoming winter season takes place each year around this time as well as the preparation for the Holiday Season, so, with that in mind --- don't forget to place your order for one of your desserts for the Holidays! Because even though Walnut Beach Creamery is closed for the season orders are being taken for ice cream and ice cream pies. Your order can be easily placed at SoBoBo! You must make sure to ask to try the flavors of Pumpkin, Peppermint, Ginger and more because samples are available to taste at SoBoBo! If you already have a favorite and it is not listed with the flavors that are available, don't be shy because you can order that one too! Just a reminder, SoBoBo is opened until 9:30 pm so make sure to stop by and perhaps we will enjoy a lively conversation!

SoBoBo will be holding an Open House from Thursday the 19th until Sunday the 22nd during Gallery hours. Come and join us! You can even purchase that special gift for someone you know.

See you on the 19th!

Indian Summer Explodes With Vibrance. . .

As October ends we await two weeks of warm weather with anticipation so that the crops can be harvested to prepare for winter. It is called "Indian Summer." This event has been taking place for hundreds of years, and to think how we have taken it for granted!

Visit SoBoBo! View the new exhibit that is vibrant in color and creates the excitement and anticipation as we await Indian Summer's arrival. Let's celebrate our thanks by giving a gift that can last forever. . .acceptance.

Before we had refrigerators and freezers the harvested foods would be "canned" in jars, pickled, and/or dried - not freeze dried - dried by hanging them in the attic where heat rose from below drying out the foods. A root cellar was used to keep certain foods from drying out and going bad, perhaps the true first refrigerator since a root cellar is underground and is always cold.

The Native Americans who were here first in North America knew of this event and without hesitation would automatically harvest their crops and prepare them for the winter months so that they will be able to survive over the winter bearing the frigid weather.

When the Pilgrims had landed in New England for the first time, they had no idea what they were about to experience. Meeting the Native Americans was truly a blessing for they had taught the Pilgrims their ways of growing and harvesting of their crops and how to prepare them for the bitter winters.

It is said that at the end of the Harvest, a gathering would take place giving thanks for the blessing that was bestowed on them. The blessing of the Native American friends who taught the new people the ways to live in the new land. The blessing that the survivors of the voyage from England had landed safely on the new soil. The blessing of the Harvest for all to share in preparing for the bitter winter ahead.

Thanksgiving was born in remembrance of this wonderful event! And "the White Man" had given the name "Indian Summer" to give distinction in the change of weather and in the understanding of a wondrous event each year. Isn't it wondrous how Mother Nature works?! A two week thaw in the winter also takes place which allows the snow and ice on the mountains to melt, flowing towards the lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds - this in turn gives water that is needed for all living things.

As anticipation builds during the Season(s) of Giving we think about visiting relatives, preparing and cooking Thanksgiving dinner, eating pumpkin pie, having the time off from work and/or school and yes of course - the first day of Holiday shopping!

But yet, some of us will be giving thanks that our fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers, cousins, uncles and aunts have come home from the Iraq War or from Afghanistan ALIVE. Some of us will be celebrating the continuance of life because of being healed from a sickness, or have finally gone into remission. Some of us will be hopelessly jubilant as we learn of being pregnant, getting engaged or married. Some of us will be thankful for the job we have finally attained after being unemployed, no matter how menial it is. Some of us will be thankful that unemployment hasn't run out and we still have food on our tables and a roof over our heads.

No matter how slight or overwhelming our reasons for being thankful are they should always be recognized as achievements and gratitude should always be humbly made.

We should, however, remember the Native Americans who actually had given the gift of life to the Pilgrims through teaching, sharing and helping. The Native Americans should not be shunned for being different because they after all, have made a difference in our lives. Perhaps we should be humbled by their first gesture of friendship knowing it was a gesture of acceptance, to live in harmony with the new strangers who had entered their world.

We need to recognize that Thanksgiving is truly more than just our own little worlds we live in. It is definitely within the "grander scheme of things" whether we want to realize it or not. So pass on the anticipation and the excitement of the upcoming Holiday by giving it forward to those near and dear to you and even those you pass along the way....for one never knows when a gesture of acceptance just might save a life. . .

Enjoy the warmth of Indian Summer as we prepare for the winter months and anticipate the excitement of Thanksgiving! Many Blessings!!