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Happy Thanksgiving From Hollywood

SedonaEye.com contributing writer, Hollywood Jim Franckowiak, and fan

Sedona AZ (November 24, 2010)It’s always about this time that we begin to reflect on the past and look forward to a brand new year. I find myself reflecting with quiet gratitude for all the good that life has given me, and for the “not so good” I am determined to be thankful for its invaluable life lessons. So I am making a list, checking it twice, and I invite you to do the same.

Reflect on this year. What are you grateful for as you read on? To help you out, here are a few of my “thankfuls”:

I am thankful for a few good friends that I hold close to my heart and I hope that I’ve never been a disappointment to them.

I’m thankful for my dogs and the responsibility that god has given me to make sure their lives are the best that I can provide.

I’m thankful for my car and my clothes and the roof over my head and the food that fills my belly.

I’m thankful for the air that I breathe and the America that I live in. I’m thankful for a lot of things that I never take for granted–I can walk on two legs, hear with two ears and see with my four eyes–I have my health.

I am thankful that I never view someone less fortunate than I as less than an equal.

I’m thankful for the lessons learned from mistakes that helped me become a better person: Yes, I’m a little spoiled and maybe just a little too demanding, often expecting greatness from others, but I am thankful for being able to see my shortcomings and use that self-knowledge to become a better human being, and hopefully then so will the people in my orbit.

More times than not, I’ve been knocked off the high horse, but that’s okay. I’m truly thankful for when I get it right. I know it’s all about being a better soul.

I know we’ve had it rough in this bad economy, but like mom said, “Someone always has it worse.” So I urge you to get out there and put a dollar or two in the can of the person holding it outside your supermarket on behalf of others! Most of us are able to afford donating food items to the local food bank or church. Do it!

Make an extra pie for a neighbor during this season of reflection and giving, not because it is needed, but rather to let your neighbor know that you are there! Let your neighbors know they matter just because they are your neighbors!

I had also planned to write about things that I’m not thankful for, but soon discovered that I preferred to remain in the positive: So I am thankful for my wide feet and the extra inch around my middle. It is who I am. Okay, the extra inch around my middle has got to go–so I’m thankful for the gym. How’s that?

Now I am looking forward to the big turkey going in the oven and my mom’s dressing that I will try my best by – because she was the best. I’m thankful for the memories I have of her. Thanksgiving has always been a family time with me but my family is gone now, so I urge you to let the people in your life know how thankful you are for them.

Now that the thanks have been given, man o man, I can feel a turkey coma coming on!! Don’t forget that the Sedona Elks Lodge on Airport Road just off Hwy 89A serves a FREE Thanksgiving dinner for travelers and others who prefer eating a big meal and not cooking it! Be sure to thank the many volunteers who cook and serve this annual City of Sedona Thanksgiving  Dinner with all the fixins’ in the true meaning of our national holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! Good eats!!!

Happy Thanksgiving, America!

9 Comments

  1. Brent says:

    enjoyed the laugh about the extra inch around the middle–Happy Thanksgiving, Hollywood Jim!

  2. Gary says:

    i’m thankful that the election is over and the politicians have shut up and the Macys parade on the boob tube and lots and lots of football. Pass the turkey and the remote and cut me a big piece of pumpkin pie and don’t forget the whipped cream and i am grateful for Aunt DDs cooking and big comfy couches

  3. Taos to Arizona says:

    all of us love corn pudding, desert sage dressing and sweet potatoes with honey syrup to go with the mashed potatoes and turkey legs cooked on the grill. Apple pie and green bean casserole. A meal made in New Mexico generations ago and still going strong.

    good to know about Elks free dinner and told friends who plan to go since they don’t like cooking and fussing on holidays.

  4. MARCUS says:

    HAM NOT TURKEY FOR ME

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

  5. UCDavis girls says:

    We are grateful to be together this year in Sedona! Next year San Diego!

    Diane, Sherry, Caroline
    best friends forever

  6. Joyce Politano in Tennessee says:

    May your stuffing be tasty
    May your turkey plump,
    May your potatoes and gravy
    Have never a lump.
    May your yams be delicious
    And your pies take the prize,
    And may your Thanksgiving dinner
    Stay off your thighs!

    Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

  7. Michelle in Ashland Oregon says:

    A friend sent this and thought it might give Sedona readers a laugh so Happy Thanksgiving Day, Sedona!

    Recently I received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary Every word out of the bird’s mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. I tried and tried to change the bird’s attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else I could think of to “clean up” the bird’s vocabulary.

    Finally, I was fed up and I yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. I shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. So, in desperation, I threw up my hands, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.

    For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed.. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that I’d hurt the parrot, I quickly opened the door to the freezer.

    The parrot calmly stepped out onto my outstretched arm and said, “I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I’m sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior.”

    I was stunned at the change in the bird’s attitude. As I was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, “May I ask what the turkey did?”

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND BLESSINGS TO ALL!

  8. Hollywood Jim says:

    Ah ha ha…..too funny!

  9. Minnie, Biggie and Just Right Hastings says:

    Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

    We love you in Utah

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