Thankful for an American Tradition

I am an American writer and will be enjoying Thursday November 23, 2023. We traditionally celebrate an American tradition. It is not just another Thursday in a busy month. (I celebrated another birthday, Veteran's Day makes us thank our military, and some towns held municipal voting.) 

It is a day filled with foods such as roast turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and pies and has its origin based on the puritans and the indigenous people they met back in the early 17th century. The first Plimouth British Colony, which became Plymouth, Massachusetts, is steeped in history. 

We recently have learned that my husband can trace his roots to several of the passengers on the Mayflower which landed in what would become America in 1620, including original signers of the Mayflower Compact. We have traced his lineage back to six people, and we are working on a possible seventh. Considering only 53 people survived until autumn 1621 to enjoy the first 'thanksgiving,' what they went through is an amazing story.  

In 2021 and 2022 we traveled from North Carolina to Massachusetts to pay our respects at several graves at Burial Hill in Plymouth. Since finding out more about my husband's ancestry, we are taking this holiday a little more serious.

However you intend to celebrate the first Thanksgiving, when our country was only a British colony, stay safe and enjoy the week.

p.s. The Holiday Season officially starts Friday November 24th and I will start my promotions then. Ebooks make a great gift (they can easily be sent as gifts and arrive on the day you want them) so watch this blog for each varied announcement.

Nancy Lee Badger

Hug Them Before They are Gone

Just got the news that another member of my parents' generation has passed away. If my calculations are correct, I have three (that is only 3) that are related to me as an aunt or uncle. Seeing as how I turn 70 soon, enjoying them while we can makes sense. Due to distance, it is rare to meet with them in person, but I do what I can with emails, letters, and social media.

Does this latest death make me feel that time is slipping away for me? YES! A recent heart surgery plus the bad fall that broke several of my bones last Spring can worry anyone. So, I will reach out to my cousins and let them know the loss of their family member hurts me as well. A simple card might not mean much, but I will do what I can. I would love to attend the funeral but the 600+ miles from here might not be feasible (did I mention recent heart surgery?)

Telling my sons about the passing was hard because they did not grow up near them, but they see the photos and understand what the loss means to me and my mom and sisters. What I have learned is that the world needs more HUGS!

In mourning,

Nancy Lee Badger