Giving Thanks

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - GIVING THANKS

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists from England and the Native American Wampanoag people shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.

For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. But the holiday is not without controversy. Many Americans—including people of Native American ancestry—believe Thanksgiving celebrations mask the true history of oppression and bloodshed that underlies the relationship between European settlers and Native Americans. The Wampanoag people lost up to 75% of their population during this time. That was a dark time in our history that can't be denied. But the tradition that Abraham Lincoln bestowed remains. What better way to express gratitude than over a meal with friends and family. Stuffing is my personal favorite.

Here's a timeline on this American holiday:

• Harvest festivals: Both the Pilgrims and Native Americans gave thanks for a bountiful harvest.
• First Thanksgiving: In 1621, the Wampanoag people and the Plymouth colonists shared a harvest feast after a season of diplomacy. The feast included deer, corn, shellfish, and roasted meat, and was accompanied by singing, dancing, and ball games.
• 1623 Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims held a religious and social Thanksgiving celebration after a drought destroyed their crops.
• Sarah Josepha Hale: In 1827, magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale began a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. She lobbied politicians for 36 years, earning her the nickname the "Mother of Thanksgiving".
• Abraham Lincoln: In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, scheduling it for the last Thursday in November.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt: In 1939, President Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week to boost retail sales during the Great Depression. This was met with opposition, and in 1941, Thanksgiving was moved back to the fourth Thursday in November.

Even though we continue to celebrate Thanksgiving in a traditional way, our table looks a lot different today than it did all those years ago. Now, our families are more diverse with mixed cultures and same sex partners. We continue to explore uncharted territory in personal expression and varied choices of lifestyle. There is always something new to explore. That's what makes life so fascinating. We live in a time where our awareness is expanding, or at least we're talking about it. The American landscape continues to change and evolve even as traditions endure. We are more open-minded, but not everyone has embraced this new way of thinking. Times will come, and times will go, but we continue to come together at special times to honor our humanity and celebrate our heritage. Through all the changes in life, the Thanksgiving meal has remained a staple throughout history. Not much of that has changed.

Happy Thanksgiving. 

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, it's important to grow with the changes in society while holding on to traditions that are uniquely American.

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SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

Sagtikos Manor's gift shop is open this week on Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to 3:00pm each day. From writing pads with gilded pens, to colorful scarves, earrings, and trinkets, there's something for everyone this holiday season. This is a hidden gem in the back of the house, and the perfect place to Christmas shop.

Sagtikos Manor is a unique historic jewel on the South Shore of Suffolk County on Long Island, New York. Its history spans more than three centuries from its original purchase from the Secatogue tribe by Stephanus Van Cortlandt in 1692 to the present. Sagtikos is a Native American word meaning "head of the hissing snake" and is derived from the sound of a small stream that flows through the neck of land upon which the Manor lies. 

Visit www.sagtikosmanor.org for more directions and information

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SKYLARK'S NEWS HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Maui native, Hannah Kobayashi, has been missing since November 8 when she missed a connecting flight from LA to New York City. Her father took his own life this past Sunday after spending 13 days looking for her on the streets of LA. "He died of a broken heart," said her family. 

Life can be beautiful, and life can be very tragic. We must go on and be kind and loving to each other. It's Thanksgiving. Let's spread some love and pray that Hannah is found alive. Soon.

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

As we come together this week for Thanksgiving, let us remember how lucky we are to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Amen.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are you most thankful for?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble at the bottom of this newsletter next to the Heart bubble. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - THANK YOU (FALETTINME BE MICE ELF AGIN)

Lookin' at the devil, grinnin' at his gun
Fingers start shakin', I begin to run
Bullets start chasin', I begin to stop
We begin to wrestle, I was on the top
I want to thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
Thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
Stiff all in the collar, fluffy in the face
Chit chat chatter tryin', stuffy in the place
Thank you for the party but I could never stay
Many things is on my mind, words in the way
I want to thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
Thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
Dance to the music
All night long
Everyday people
Sing a simple song
Mama's so happy
Mama start to cry
Papa still singin'
We can make it if we try
I want to thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
(Different strokes for different folks, yeah)
Thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
Flamin' eyes of people fear, burnin' into you
Many men are missin' much, hatin' what they do
Youth and truth are makin' love
Dig it for a starter
Dyin' young is hard to take
Sellin' out is harder
Thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
I want to thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
Thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
Thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
I want thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
I want to thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
I want to thank you falettinme be mice elf agin
I want to thank you falettinme be mice elf agin

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ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK

My Brand - Skylark Live - 60 and Beyond with Skylark was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. One day, I'd like to conduct in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. Stay tuned.

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!