Victorian lingerie and giving thanks

On the weekends Thanksgiving through Christmas I sing and dance on stage for money. I do this in Victorian costume, which includes the requisite corset, bloomers and camisole.

You can't go to Target or Macy's and get this stuff, ya gotta make it. So this week I am making underwear. Big green and purple underwear. This stuff is comprehensive. And warm.

I have to spend the holiday away from my family in order to be on time for my gig. This makes me so sad I could cry, as any time I can spend with my aging parents is very precious to me, and the loss of any opportunity to be with them is like a knife in my heart. The consolation is that I'll be with them for Christmas, and they're only a phone call away, anyway. I'm just so blessed to still have them both.

Here is this week's homily:

In this time of uncertainty, when folks are losing their jobs and homes and sense of security, it is even more important to give thanks for everything that is good in our lives. It is when things seem tough that we -most- need to cultivate and hone our appreciation skills. Focusing on what we lack is the road to ruin, both financial and spiritual.

Give thanks.

Perhaps this country's economic downturn will create a sharper appreciation of everything we DO have.

If you're reading this blog, you have access to a computer, access to electricity, and the ability to read. Your brain is able to process the information you read. You're probably indoors, have enough food to eat, and clothes on your back.

Give thanks.

Take this week to ponder and renew your appreciation for all the abundance in your life. You have so much, and yet, if you're like so many of us, you complain regularly about what's not right, about what you -dont- have.

You are rich.

Really.

You have so much, are so much, get so much, and most of all, have so much to give.

This Thanksgiving, please share the wealth...

Hold the door for strangers.

Smile at the guy who cut you off in traffic, he probably didn't mean it personally, after all.

Rake your neighbor's yard.

Call everyone you love and tell them so. If they're not there, leave a message of love. Write a short note to those you can't call, they're worth the stamp.

Give anonymously to a charity. Time is as precious as money.

Remember to say "please" and "thank you".

The blessing of Thanksgiving lies in the reminder to be grateful, and to share what we have.

After all, it costs nothing to be kind.

Give thanks.