On this curious holiday, when the world sometimes seems full of flames, and our brothers and sisters prepare to set out in search of sales and bargains, I wish you the happiest and most meaningful of Thanksgivings. I am preparing to celebrate Compassionate Friday, where I work- it is among the most difficult work there is –  to be an empathetic, loving and compassionate human being swimming in a sea of judgement, anger and argument.  It is my intention every day to be grateful for my life, but perhaps this year I am especially grateful to be here sharing my life with you.

In many ways you are my family, my blog the manifested beating of my heart. I am so lucky to be here in a snowstorm with my wife, friend and partner, Maria. It could have been such a different holiday for both of us.

Our wonderful animals, back on our farm,  have helped shape my life and our lives together, and i am eager to face the New Year with a healing heart and an open mind. Animals make us better, they help heal us and make us whole if we learn from them and listen to them. I have plenty of time to shop for Christmas, i will devote today and tomorrow to savoring every moment of life, love, friendship, compassion and community. I’ll call it Compassionate Friday, compassion is perhaps the greatest bargain on the planet, you can find it anywhere, the shipping is always free.

I wish you the best of holidays. And thank you for sharing my life.