We Give Thanks...

For all of our blessings...

-Rick Rockhill

Sunday Art Review: Thanksgiving in Focus

With the Thanksgiving holiday just a few days away, I was poking around the Internet for news and information pertaining to this iconic American holiday harvest festival. This became the inspiration for this week's Sunday Art Review: Thanksgiving in Focus. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, with strong memories dating back to my childhood. I'm fortunate because it's one of those holidays which I can merely close my eyes and my mind is flooded with pleasant memories. Family, friends and neighbors etched in my mind forever. Indeed, I am fortunate to have such fond memories of Thanksgiving. I chose to lead off this Sunday Art Review with a classic from Norman Rockwell. I hope you enjoy this collection. The next three are all about Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving in the new world.

above: Pilgrim Prayer

above: Landing of the Pilgrim

above: The First Thanksgiving

above: Cornucopia Aplenty

above: Turkey Day Gift Day

Thank for for stopping by The Sunday Art Review. Which one was your favorite?

-Rick Rockhill

The Saturday Seven: Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes

For my International readers, next Thursday is the Thanksgiving holiday in the US. It's a day when we give thanks for the blessings we have. Back when the Pilgrims arrived here, they were unprepared for the harsh New England winter; many people died of starvation and sickness. After surviving the winter, a group of helpful Indians assisted the Pilgrims in farming and growing vegetables. They had a successful summer harvest, which prompted them to declare a Thanksgiving Festival to thank God. History of course tells us that later we went on to take advantage of the Indians and steal their land, but they ended up having the last laugh when many years later their descendants built massive casinos to take money from everyone! But that's a subject for another day's post. All this started me thinking about the modern day Thanksgiving holiday dinner. This brings me to another scintillating edition of: The Saturday Seven: Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes
#1: Stuffing: I make it with turkey sausage, lots of mushrooms, fresh herbs and pecans

#2 Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows. My secret ingredient is the Irish Mist for special flavor.

#3 Steamed Broccoli with Cheddar Cheese

#4 Brussel Sprouts: The secret is to boil, then saute in garlic, whole grain mustard and a touch of kosher sea salt.

#5 Cranberry Sauce: Boil the fresh cranberries, add some brandy, a splash of orange juice and sugar (you can even use Splenda as a substitute)

#6 Green Beans: I steam them and saute gently with olive oil, garlic, fennel and toasted almond slices.

#7 Garlic Mashed Potatoes with White Cheddar: 'nuff said.

What are your favorite side dishes for Thanksgiving dinner? I'm not takin' about desserts...THAT is worthy of another whole post! Go ahead, leave a comment, to give thanks, ALL COMMENTS ARE FREE TODAY!

-Rick Rockhill