Tom, Dick, Harry and Dr. Seuss

A dispatch for the holi-daze

watercolor by Judith Hannah Weiss

Some of us recall the past. Some of us regret it. And many are grateful that -- for each and every tough thing that came our way –- a few thousand other tough things did not.

Dr. Seuss wrote: “You ought to be thankful, a whole heaping lot, for the places and people you’re lucky you’re not.”

One woman I know says her husband suffered from interchangeable skinny blondes. I’m grateful I’m not her.

If you try to fry a partly frozen turkey, your house may explode. I didn’t try and my place is intact. I’m grateful for that.

Handy tips:

Try to remember the names of the people who are standing next to you, or sitting across from you. Especially if you are a stray and they belong. Including the one who seems like he’ll never quit talking. Be grateful when he does. Also including the two who seem not to get along. Hope that they will. For their sake.

Add:

Cinnamon

Orange zest

A brand-new baby exoplanet

Consider:

A Bhutanese lama by the name of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche: “There is no such thing as communication. There are only two things. There is a successful miscommunication, and unsuccessful miscommunication. And when you have unsuccessful miscommunication, you are having a good time.” Note: A lama is a holy Tibetan on two feet, not a furry camelid (a member of the camel family) on four.

I have a small family. Most of my friends have families and mates. I am not a camelid.

Proper conduct:

If you feel awkward while standing in someone’s kitchen, find something to stir.

My financial advisor asked what I would want in the event of my demise. Like my demise is optional. Note to self: Don’t talk about that.

Do something today your future self will thank you for.

More things to be grateful for:

Astronomers have discovered a “newborn” baby exoplanet. I’m grateful for that.

Sometimes memories leave. Sometimes they return. Be thankful for that.

Now to the “giving” part:

Please look through your closets and ask yourself a very important question:  Is there anything in here, anything at all, that would look better on Tom, Dick, Harry, Louie, Louisa or anyone other than you? Remember, this isn’t just about reaching into your closets, it’s about helping someone whose hips it fits.