TexasGirl Photography

If you’ve been reading this blog, you know that I tend to wax ecstatic about Halloween and the season of fall in general. All of that pales in comparison to my feelings about Thanksgiving. Autumn being my favorite time of year, for me it all culminates with that precious day of grateful celebration with friends and family. How can a holiday that centers around home, family, tradition, and giving thanks not be number one in my heart? At the apex of a period of softening, bedding down, cozying up, coming back inside after a long summer, watching the leaves change and fall, as we approach the darkest time of the year, and before the frenetic rush of Christmas, we have the gift of this day of peace.

Growing up, every Thanksgiving (except for one that we passed with my Mom’s family in Louisiana) was spent at my Grandma’s house, with the majority of the family in attendance. Aunts, uncles, and cousins of various degrees of separation (none of which matter anyhow), friends who may as well have been family, boyfriends, girlfriends, and other potential family members: we all gathered for a huge meal around the dining table. One year we had an ice storm, so everybody was “trapped” together for longer than usual; that one was my favorite. Now, that same table resides in my own dining room. It’s been the hub of family celebrations for at least 8 years.

i remember pulling up to my Grandma’s house on Thanksgiving Day when I was young. She had a big house, on multiple levels, and a second oven in the basement that she would crank up on holidays to maximize oven space (even tho she already had two upstairs) and keep the kitchen from getting too hot (this is Texas, after all). We always parked around the back, coming in through the garage door to into an upper level of that basement, which meant that the second you stepped inside you were hit in the face with the most delicious smells of turkey and dressing. Then, the rush upstairs, to be greeted by Grandma in her apron, always ready well in advance, bustling around in the kitchen, warming plates and serving dishes, mashing potatoes, and just generally being the hostess with the mostest.

It’s a bit more informal in our house, but considering that we make everything from scratch, the kitchen preparations start a few days in advance and are met with great enthusiasm. The man of the house excels at cooking up a delicious bird (or two, usually he roasts one and smokes another) year after year. Pies and dressing are my department, but really everybody gets involved.

Instead of us going to Grandma’s house, Grandma and Grandpa come to us. We have also been fortunate enough to welcome other family and friends to the table over the course of the past few years.

Of course I always haul out a variety of cameras, and sometimes lighting equipment, and tie everybody down briefly for portraits. The first couple are what happen when you wait until the very end of the day. . . .

These two are my personal favorites of the three of us (made for comedy value, of course).

Once the table is cleared, the dishes done, and the leftovers put away, it’s time to start wishing for next year.

Wherever you are, whether you are celebrating or not, I hope you are having a wonderful day full of gratitude and joy!

Now you better watch out, and not cry . . . .

All photographs made with film, in a variety of cameras, over the past several years.