Turkey Day

Even as I write this, I am falling victim to the effects of too much good food in too short a period of time.
Living on an island, although it is a beautiful thing, is also a major form of isolation at times.  Often we find ourselves away from family and friends that we have grown up spending holiday seasons with year after year.  
What happens when you're by yourself in a new place during the holiday season?  Do you stay home and avoid the holiday season?
NOT UP IN HERE!  Not if I have anything to say about it.  
Because many of the people that work on the boats are from different parts of the United States, many do not have anyone to share the holiday cheer with and therefore spend them alone.  This year, we decided to have an Orphans Thanksgiving for those that were working and for those who did not have any plans for turkey day.  A meal was prepared (to perfection, might I add) and brought in a cooler to keep warm to the boat that was taking the sunset charter out for the evening.  Once the cruise was over (which we may or may not have stowed away on), on this particularly gray day, we set up for a feast for the six of us.  Six people from all different walks of life, all different places and all different ages.  We exchanged what we were thankful for, in a joking manner and ended up sharing our stories of what each person's first Thanksgiving was like on the island.  It's amazing that no matter how different a group of people are, if you set them in front of good food and a comfortable space, you will find that we all have things in common and stories to share.  No matter what, you can always learn something from someone else unexpectedly.  
This Thanksgiving I discovered that although I was far from home for the holidays, I was not alone.  Humans are social creatures by nature and if a space is created for people to share, they will.  Add mashed potatoes and anything is possible.  
This Thanksgiving I am thankful for new friends and for my access to the warm ocean.  I miss my family and my friends back home, but know no matter what, we all have something to be thankful for this holiday season.
I hope your tummies are full and your hearts are warm.  
Aloha nui loa,
M.

Ze Turkey

The Spread on Alala

Some smiling sharks...

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.
~Frederick Keonig