Thanksgiving gratitude musings

One of my favorite writers, Michael Sneed at the Sun-Times, writes a gratitude column every year around Thanksgiving. It's touched me so much that I found myself clipping and saving her articles.

In past years, with some prodding from Oprah (and her love of gratitude journals), I decided to tackle some gratitude musings of my own. It's really a lesson in self-reflection and a look back at all the things that has made us who we are. It's also an acknowledgement of the goodness in your life.

Scientists have found that grateful people manage stress better and live healthier lives. Maybe after you read my column, you will be inspired to write one of your own. This Thanksgiving, more than in years past, seems like a good time to start.

2) Growing up in a small town.

3) Knowing the secret to Mary Johnson’s sweet potato pie.

4) For the continuing good health of my loved ones.

5) For Lyletta Robinson’s holiday pies. (Chicago Now's "Woodlawn Wonder")

6) For my bridesmaids, Tissy and Rhonda, and Maria who have been with me through thick and thin.

7) For knowing the correct way to make fried green tomatoes.

8) For having lived during, and been actively involved in, the Golden Age of Playboy.

9) For truly knowing the genius, kindness and wit of Hugh Hefner.

10) For PAWS Chicago, One Tail at a Time, Young at Heart Pet Rescue and all the other charities that support animals.

11) For having a working knowledge of the rare book world that’s endlessly fascinating.

12) For owning first editions of J.K. Rowling’s books that brought me, and so many others, back to reading.

13) For stunning sunsets.

14) For being an American and loving it, warts and all.

15) For a mom and dad who knew how to have fun and encouraged me to do the same. (Hello, last to leave a party!)

16) For having traveled the world when Chuck and I were younger.

17) For the sights, sounds and smells of Morocco.

18) For my first time in the City of Light, at the hotel, Relais Christine, where we stayed for our honeymoon.

19) For road trips with Chihuahuas in a vintage convertible.

20) For any non-profit that provides people with better lives.

21) For the views of the Mississippi River that only a native would know.

22) For the change of seasons, really

23) For having a beach in our “backyard.”

24) For having had the opportunity to interview great stars like Al Pacino and so many others, in large part due to Michael Kutza and the Chicago International Film Festival.

25) For having an older father who taught me more than any books could have.

26) For having a disgruntled black man help raise me and teach me what it looked like from the other side.

27) For the Dupo Firemen’s picnics and any other small town picnics, parades or celebrations.

28) For having seen a rooster crowing contest.

29) For the Stott families who are the families of my heart, as well as my Steinwald family.

30) For the sound of train whistles–when I was little, they put me to sleep.

31) For people who are honest and have a sense of humor.

32) For Jason Kollar (KCS Computer Technology)–who is my tech guru and makes all things possible.

33) For our epic trips to St. Tropez and the French Riviera and the friends who made them so special.

34) For Club 55.

35) For my love of antiques–thank you Paul Gonzalez and Tony Duquette.

36) For small, yippy and always wildly entertaining small dogs.

37) For a man who loves me unconditionally and still makes my heart flutter.

38) For knowing the joy of fried turkeys.

39) For everyone who will be missing from this year’s Thanksgiving table.

40) For Mary Johnson’s wisdom, kindness, compassion and patience and for teaching me how to cook, and also tend, a real garden.

41) The good fortune to work with so many talented writers at Chicago Star.

41) And last but far from least, having the opportunity to write Candid Candace, the city's first and longest running lifestyle blog.

(Updated and republished 11/26/24)