One of the things I have always enjoyed about Thanksgiving is that it tends to be a quiet day.
Notwithstanding the fact that some retailers now think even Thursday is a "shopping opportunity," the quiet I am referring to is the quiet of Human Industry — at least here in the USA — coming to a stop.
The result is a background "quiet" that's not only about the absence of the sound of trucks and delivery vehicles and machinery... but an energetic quiet of Humans not needing to be somewhere and rushing around in a frenzy.
Seaweed and Beach Stones
For some 30 years, I have made somewhat of a tradition of taking a walk on Thanksgiving Day, and just enjoying the stillness of people (mostly) not doing.
Usually, I take a camera and slow down to really look at nature around me; to appreciate the "art" that the natural world truly is.
After the Blooming: A Fuchsia flower on the pavement
We are often too busy to stop and appreciate the artistry that can be found around us, all the time. We live hectic lives, and are so often "running late" to such an extent that pausing to appreciate our surroundings is a "luxury" we tell ourselves we cannot afford.
Frost on a leaf....
And it's a shame, really, because there is so much beauty around us!
Of course, I am not claiming to be exempt from the frenzy and running around. I have been a shopkeeper for 16 of my adult years, and Thanksgiving Weekend was always a big deal.
For the moment, I feel blessed to not have a store anymore, so I get to slow way down and enjoy these moments in my natural surroundings.
Another beach still life
And so, I share with you a few "quiet" images... reminders that nature often IS art, and we'd do well to take a few moments out of our busy days to appreciate it!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
20191129
0222