Gardens! Gardens! Gardens! That is all I have been thinking about as of late. Celebrating Thanksgiving is really just a big celebration of the year's harvest. Even though we are no longer much of an agircultural society we continue to celebrate this most American of holidays. Part of me wishes we could still feel the real "Thanksgiving" of a boutiful harvest. I love the idea, though maybe not the difficult reality, of working the earth and watching food emerge from it. I recently read Animal, Vegetal, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. The book preaches the virtues of eating locally. It is an interesting read. In it she proclaims that the only truly "American" food that our country's citizens unanimously share is the Thanksgiving meal. The Turkey, the cranberry sauce, etc. are a meal that all Americans eat and love. I've always thought that the United States had several foods unique to the States. For example, jambalya from Louisiana, bar-b-que from the Southwest and Clam Chowder from the Northeast. But. as Kingsolver points out, these are regional meals and not eaten by everyone in the country. The ubiquitous hamburger comes to my mind as another option... it is very American and very universally eaten. But, I suppose it is not the most traditional of foods if we are looking at history over the entire span of our country. Kingsolver doesn't mention the hamburger, that I recall, so I still think it could win a decent second position in the limited "American" food culture.
Anyway, to commemorate Harvest Day, Gigi made some art work of a turkey at school. Here is her piece. Isn't that so cute? They used pre-cut pieces of fabric and glued them onto the paper along with some buttons for eyes. Gigi explained to me how she laid each piece down and pressed on them with her fingers. I'm assuming she had some help with the positioning of each piece. So, it may not be 100% original artwork, but I love it all the same.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone, a few days late!
Welcome to the family Elle-belle! Ellyn Claire Pittman arrived Friday, December 5, 2008 at 7:54 AM. She is a true beauty and looks like her mother, my sister, Mindy Pittman. Elle has fair skin, blondy-brown hair and blue eyes. She certainly made our weekend exciting. Mother, father and baby are in excellent form. Mindy is overjoyed at the sight of her first daughter and loves snuggling with her. John is diligently guarding the nest and making sure all needs are met for mother and daughter. We had the pleasure of watching John give Elle her first bath and change her (his) first diaper. Mindy and John are going to make fabulous parents I can already tell! You are one lucky girl Ellyn and we are so glad you are here!! Gigi had a grand old time holding you for a few seconds. She's been talking about it all night long. I think you two are going to be great friends. We can't wait to see you again little angel! love, Aunt JoDee
