So every Thanksgiving I play Elton John's "Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters", to me this is a song that sings of true gratitude.
While I will forever be grateful for the several chances of making the petulant city of Paris my home as well as the myriad opportunities I have been given, my gratitude goes beyond scenery, as we all know beauty isn't the key to happiness. People are.
My twenties had been a trial and error of friends and acquaintances gone by. Only a few solid friendships remained, and have been handled like seashells collected on this journey. In the words of Elton John, "I thank the lord for the people I have found...I thank the lord there's people out there like you."
I'm thankful for the life long friends in New York who I count as my family, my "newer" (is 10 years still new?) friends out in Los Angeles, the people in Paris who may have not had their best intentions but who have challenged me and have unwittingly made me stronger, the fascinating characters I've met through this blog giving me a break from my own life, and you...dear readers. Thank you for checking in with me everyday, taking the time to drop me a note, sharing your experiences with me and well, for just being you.
But there are a few people that get an extra special thank you...
I may not be understood by most of the members of my family
and you know what?
That's okay.
I'm thankful for my parents who have always believed in me, encouraged self expression and most importantly passed down...
..their biting sense of humor, contagious laughter
and ability to find the joke in even the shittiest of situations.
What are they laughing at here?
Their little secret on their wedding day.
I'll give you a hint: my brother is somewhere in this photo.
As well as finally meeting someone who understands and respects me.
What a concept!
And who incidentally wears the same white jazz shoes
as my father and my hero Serge Gainsbourg.
Be thankful for not just the food in front of you, but who you are sharing it with.
I know, I'm all mushy today, but hey, it's the holidays! Yes, they have officially started...today.
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.
