My large family has a problem with saying goodbye…it can take us another whole visit just to make sure we’ve said the last say, hugged the last hugs and kissed the last kisses. It usually starts in the kitchen, continues into the TV room, across to the front door, down the walk, to the car, and only ends when the key turns in the ignition. In short, we can’t go home without it.
That’s what the Thanksgiving Market is to the LFM. Sure, it’s your last chance to grab whatever you need to set your holiday tables, stock your freezer or pantry and vanities with life’s necessities and keep the candles burning through the long shut-in months. Because that’s why you came, right? Shopping.
BUT that isn’t quite all, is it? Sure, Halloween was the finale of the season-long party, but, hey, what’s your hurry? Before the winter turns you into a recluse, did you miss that last chance to hug someone, or trade contact info with someone you promised to call?
Better not chance it. Better come on down.
And THAT is the other thing we’re here for. Each other. A good reason to be thankful.
On my living room radiator there resides a pair of terra cotta figurines…a woman and baby on a donkey, and a man with a shepherd’s crook walking alongside. You wouldn’t be wrong if you’re thinking Bethlehem, but this pair doesn’t get put away after the New Year…and I say “resides” because for me, all year long, they represent the strangers, the refugees who come from everywhere and anywhere seeking rest, and those who’ve found it here. And that’s something I’m thankful for. To live in a place of welcome and warmth for those needing it. And for widening my lens on gratitude.
We “Americans” may be able to teach other cultures the joys of turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing (the bird and ourselves)…but I hope the stranger will soon be teaching me a new recipe or two. Or maybe a new word from the old country. Another reason to be thankful.
My wish for everyone is for a lovely holiday…whatever and however you celebrate, with a table loaded with the familiar flavors and faces that say “home.”
Before we bring down the final curtain…I hope to see you at the encore to our 2022 LFM season this Saturday,11/19, for the full 4 hours. We’ve invited all of our vendors to be here, and I’ll be looking for you there to find that one special ingredient for your family gathering.
And don’t forget, we’ll be here with our abbreviated winter market, every 3rd Saturday, December through April, 10AM – Noon. And until we can once more say “see you next week,” let’s plan to weather the weather together once a month, through holidays and celebrations, happy times and those days when we need a little push. Because I’m thankful for being among you every season of the year!
So dress warm and come on down for a hello and goodbye…and don’t be surprised if we walk you to your car. It’s what we do.
Don’t forget to read the Lansdowne Link each month to see what’s going on all the rest of the weeks. You don’t want to miss anything.
Thankful to be right where I am,
Terry Baraldi