We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.

~ John F. Kennedy

 

Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with love, gratitude, reunions, forgiveness, the spirit of family, and of course, a huge feast. This holiday is said to date back to the 1620’s and is modeled around a harvest feast which was celebrated by Pilgrims of Plymouth and the Wampanoag tribe in 1621 after the first big harvest. In the US Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Other countries like Canada also have a similar holiday which is celebrated in October and for Liberia, it falls on the first Thursday of November.

 

Without dwelling much into the different versions and myths of how this holiday came about, Thanksgiving allows us to reflect and gain a different perspective on how we live together in our communities. Now people have renewed energy and zeal for life, and are more appreciative of whom and what they have in their lives especially in this somewhat post-pandemic period where many have lost so much. The feelings will always evolve, but the true spirit of the holiday will always remain the same, to bring family and friends together.

 

We asked some of our Conception Artists what they were grateful for this year, and this is what they had to say:

 

Ron Smith

 

I am thankful for growth personally and within the artworld. Divine favor from friends and family have been humbling – during what has been an up and down year. Sales have been slow, and struggles within the family have made it challenging at times. I am really looking forward to continuing “my journey back to art” with all of my supporters, and the team at Conception Arts.

 

Annette Back

www.annettebackdesign.com

 

I am thankful that no one in my family got sick with Covid.

 

Gail S. Kotel

TherapeuticPilatesPT.com

 

I am so grateful that I had my amazing girlfriend Brenda – a light in the world – for the short time she was still able to be here with us on this earth.  I always thought she would be at my wedding and my kids and grandkids wedding, but I will carry her there in my heart.

 

Lana Costanzo

Instagram: @lana.costanzo

 

I am thankful for the creative genius of David Hockney – his paintings, drawings, photographic collage, set designs, iPad work, global billboards, magnificent & knowledgeable writing, brilliant color, inspiration, and his innovative way of looking at our world. Glad to be around to enjoy his work, especially the swimming pool paintings.  So Delightful!!!!!!

 

Caro Clarke

“There are so many things to be thankful for in our current times. Mostly I’m thankful for being able to do what I love doing, for being creative, for paper, for being alive, for my wonderful friends and for having the most loving, caring and supportive partner and our crazy dog!”

L. Dolphin – Brown

www.Delphinusinspirations.com

 

During this season of giving thanks, I have so much for which to be grateful.  Wonderful friends who double as family when I need them, a loving and supportive family, my precious furry babies who remind me what unconditional love is, my beautiful home that serves as my sanctuary, and the ability to create art everyday.  Yes, I am truly thankful for this wonderful life.

Kat Furrow

www.katfurrow.com

 

This year, I am grateful to be alive and thriving rather than alive and existing. Sixteen months ago, I embraced the idea that I was worth my time, that I had purpose, and admitted, I had been making excuses for my failures. I still have a long way to go, but in sixteen months, by the grace of God, I shifted my mindset to a direction
that allows me to look myself in the mirror each day, humbly, with compassion, with love, with kindness,
and with grace. I am grateful for my those in my life, and grateful beyond measure, for the love and
support of my sons, the cornerstone to my joy and my art, and grateful for the opportunity to share my
creative voice and passion with others.

Louis Calvano

www.louiscalvano.com

 

I am thankful for this opportunity to share my work, the support I get from Rachel and the group, and the desire to create my imagery!

Pamela Vitale

https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/pamela-vitale/shop

 

I’m grateful for you all being part of my life.

 

Damon Lamar Reed

https://www.damonlamarreed.com/

 

I am thankful for my strong, resilient, beautiful wife who overcame cancer this year.

 

Rhonda Rubinstein

rhondaburtonart.com

 

Being thankful of course for my husband, my children, grandchildren and extended family…I am so very thankful for another year of good health.  I look in the mirror each day and I am so grateful that I have overcome a very serious illness and I am fortunate for the very many blessings I have in my life.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.

Theodore Roosevelt

 

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Author & Editor:  Mildred Mugauri