Thoreau, writing to H.G.O. Blake, once a Unitarian minister, in December of 1856:
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite — only a sense of existence. My breath is sweet to me. O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment.”
Indefinite riches.
I think that’s the best description of what we have right now.
Indefinite plans.
Indefinite goals.
Indefinite futures.
Infinite wealth in indefinite riches.
We miss our friends and family in the United States, I think, the most today that we have since we’ve arrived. Today our thoughts are tinged with a bit of nostalgia for Thanksgiving holidays past. We’ll take a little time today to think of you all by name, by deed, by interaction and experience, even some of you who are unknown to us, and be thankful for your contribution to the experiences that we’re having. Even though it’s difficult not to be in a country that celebrates Thanksgiving, or to be surrounded by familiar traditions today, we wouldn’t trade our experiences here right now for that security, tempting though it might be. We’re so very grateful for the opportunity to do and be something completely unique and different.
We hope that today everyone indulges in the way that suits them best; whether in splendid isolation, or surrounded by friends or family; whether with a near-gluttonous feast or in acetic selectiveness of one favored food. We wish everyone relaxation and warmth and good books and the leisure to read them. H A P P Y * * * T H A N K S G I V I N G !
– D & T
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who knew last year at this time, when we were in Monterey, how vastly different our lives would be today?!! Here’s hoping we share a Thanksgiving table again–soon!
congrats to you for forging new traditions! hope you are well.