Thanksgiving is a feast of the senses - a time of school crafts and stuffing. It’s also a time for appreciation even if it is only for the bounty on the plate. In honor of the holiday,

I wanted to post a list of small & large things for which I am thankful.

We work in an industry that entertains and inspires through art. We produce, write, promote, draw and animate helpings of beauty.Our community thrives on original thinking. We are a collection of outcasts, geeks, dreamers and enthusiasts….and proud of it.  

Animation = evolution. If appreciation for beauty is lodged in our DNA, as Dennis Dutton suggests, then we are hardwired to evolve via creativity.  Or to paraphrase, the way to a man’s heart might be through his stomach but you’ll also want to check out his etchings. Here are Andrew Park’s illustrations on the subject via TED talks.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: The Peanuts holiday season officially starts with The Great Pumpkin and moves effortlessly to this hilarious and touching story of miscommunication, best intentions and togetherness.

Long weekends. Many people in the US will have Thursday and Friday of this week off. Some will brave long travel lines and unpredictable weather to come “home.” It’s a pilgrimage of sorts, in honor of some past Pilgrims. I’m just happy to have some extra time with family and friends.

On that note, I wish you Happy Thanksgiving.  Safe travels and save a slice of pumpkin pie for me.