Far from the Black... I give thanks

Yesterday was the official day of Giving Thanks. Millions of families had turkey, ate 2 or 3 types of dessert, met up, spent time together and were reminded that life isn’t all about work, or study or, yes, even shopping.

Today is Black Friday... a concept that celebrates the definition of sales, capitalism and the pursuit of great deals better than anything else concocted by mankind. What once started as a sales event has devolved into a sort of collective dementia where people forget how thankful they were hours ago, strap an uzi to their side, bite a blade and say chargeeeeeeeee as they attack vendors with their credit cards.

Although Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble may be proud of that particular battle cry, I have opted to do my giving thanks today, instead of yesterday. Yesterday was a time for family and although I did log onto Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms, I wanted to focus on the people I was with. It took some effort and though I could say I was disappointed I pulled out the phone on occasion, the reality is that some people whom I deeply care for are simply out of physical reach.

That said, already the reports I’m seeing of people going bonkers for specials, fighting over material things and all in the name of the victory of a sale. For me, I’ll just say thanks.

Thanks to my wife, the inspiration for Captain Jane Rivers, for believing in me, for loving me, for supporting me, for all the details that make the difference in my life and for being equal parts witch (in the harry potter sense), pirate and angel. Thanks to my family and friends for being there when I have doubts to smack some sense into me and spur me into action. Thanks to all the people who read my blog, see my Instagram, share my pins and follow my twitter feed; it motivates me to keep writing and connecting. All who have commented on my blog have brightened up my day for taking the time not only to read, but to write, including Veronica Brannon (whom also offers so much support thank you), Karen Ohren (I’ve rediscovered my love for poetry because of you and Kim), Amy, Katherine Lipnitskaya (keep writing and shining), Ifeomadennis (thanks for the inspiration, I’ve written a lot because of the momentum I got), Julie Barrett (for enjoying my Sherbet dreams), Philip Drayer Duncan (for a great idea), Raishimi (another great idea) and Patti Hall (for comments that made me smile). A like on Facebook or a retweet is always lovely. To read someone who took time to write in response to something I put out there, that’s very special. To Shannon Adams, thanks for referring the wine place in Napa and being a sweet friend and Dave from Dave’s Travel Corner for the recommendations for my anniversary trip. Thanks to JR Kierce for being a true friend and believing in me as a writer and a professional. Thanks to everyone who has read my book, with a special mention to Linda Anderson and Mandymia for reading and reviewing. I hope many others are able to enjoy the book and hope they feel compelled to share their thoughts on my work. Thanks to Fraser Thompson for the profile on his website (I promise I’m working on something for the magazine). Thanks to Jack Cheng and Gabino Iglesias for advice and for also putting out great work and also starting out their writing career. To Jennifer Howard for kind words published and kinder words shared; self-publishing is looked down upon by a few... and they’re missing out. Thanks to Amazon, for making it so easy to offer my book to people and for giving me a platform that will continue to allow me to share my work and focus on writing. Thanks to Claudette Anderson for being a lovely friend whom mucking about helped inspire a lovely series where I will slowly connect with the special people I’ve met throughout the Internet. The daydreams mean a lot to me and if we hadn’t met, they wouldn’t exist. To Cate Evans, a massive thank you for the kind advice on the blog and life, I think it looks better and unsolicited, earnest advice from someone who cares and believes are worth endlessly more than any consultation. And to mom... I love you more every day and I give thanks for your example and for your soul. You inspire me to give my best and nothing less.

To all others who have written and connected on a personal level, I thank you especially. From silly Djs, to record store owners, to book store owners, to history loving kitties, erotic authors, people with strong faith, people from different religions, horror fans, comedy fans, and individuals from countries around the world who have touched my life, today is my day for giving thanks, to fans of Firefly, The Walking Dead and Big Trouble in Little China, to new friends and old and to anybody who has given me the gift of connecting, to people who share the passion of reading and writing, and who can cry in a Pearl Jam concert.

Far from the black,

Smiling without a cause,

A word to connect,

To find stories lost.

I share my thoughts

And voice opinions,

To resonate and relate,

That’s my religion.

So dear friends raise glasses,

For today there’s good cause,

To say cheers and smile,

And enjoy without pause.

Peace, love, maki rolls and the deepest thanks,

JD