Last week I was full of anticipation as I waited to celebrate Thanksgiving — my favorite holiday — with my family and friends.
I was recently asked if I enjoyed Thanksgiving more as a child or as an adult? I think I like it more as an adult. As an adult, I’m no longer assigned a seat at the young people’s table or scooted to another room.
This year I joined women folks chatting about God-only-knows-what, while the men folks reminded each other why America’s favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys, would not make it to the Super Bowl. I was reminded as an adult of the responsibility we have to take care of our older love ones, making phone calls or face-timing to those who couldn’t join us.
I listened to young folks discuss weekend plans and giggled to myself as I overheard a conversation about young love.
I’ve learned not to take Thanksgiving for granted and enjoy our limited time together as friends and family — enjoying good food until my stomach was content, and the importance of hugging and kissing those I may not be too fond of at the moment. And lastly, remembering to take all those photos to post on Facebook, because years from now those pictures and memories will be so near and dear to my heart.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and hope you enjoy the next few weeks of holiday fun remaining in 2017.
Check out my weekend picks.
FRIDAY
Scenes of a Black Woman ~ Join the main library in a celebration of black women — films about African- America women by black filmmakers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Then stick around for a short discussion after the film. This month’s film is “Daughter’s of the Dust.” This event is free and open to the public. More info.
SATURDAY
Sip, Eat & Paint Wine Party with Chef Ray Lee ~ Hearth -N- Soul LLC presents executive chef Raymond Lee from Truffle Butta https://www.trufflebutta.com/ in Maryland. Chef Lee studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University. He’s in Charlotte this weekend preparing a meal along with Chef Kim Bouges, who will prepare desserts and Sangria. Also on deck is art instructor Brooke Gibbons, who will help you unleash your inner artist in a fun and social environment. Location: 2318 Houston Branch Road. Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Cost: $45. More info.
SUNDAY
The Power of Three Connection Free ~ Tonise R. Gardner is an award-winning stylist, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, instructor and now author. She is the founder of N’rich the Soul Inc., an organization that encompasses empowerment sessions, women’s groups and performing art productions. Join Tonise at her release party of her first novel. Location: Oneaka Dance Company (4450 The Plaza). Time: 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. More info.
