Yes, guys. If your calendar wasn't reminder enough this will be: it's Thanksgiving. And I realized this at 3AM this morning from a friend (I have a wacky sleeping schedule if you haven't noticed)...I pretended I knew all along so I would be the only one to realize my stupidity and utter forgetfulness.

Oh, of course, there were the subtle hints: break from school, the familial hodge-podge that will very soon take over the room I am currently residing in and the cleanliness that is slowing appearing in various areas of the house.

BUT I DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS TODAY!

So I'm up mentally prepping myself for the awkward reunions of people from my early years and the inevitable wet cheek from that ONE aunt who decides that kissing's an acceptable form of a greeting (um, hello,can you swine flu?). But aside from all the negatives that come with the holidays there is always one thing I will cherish: THE PIE. If you know me, you will understand how I feel about anything related to the dessert family oh em gee.

Ok, I kid. Partially.

I am also very thankful for my family, not because they simply tolerate my selfishness, my mood swings, the chaos I occasionally cause- they also accept it and love me regardless and do their best to help me out and make me feel loved even when I'm feeling not-so-lovey. I'm thankful for my friends because even when we fight we find a way past that and realize there isn't another group of people in the world that understand us the way we understand each other (or act as silly/crazy/[insert adjective] as we do) because I know there isn't another group of people I'd rather be with . I'm thankful for my life; even though I take advantage and sometimes don't realize how good I truly have it I am able to wake up every morning with the people I love and get to live to see another day and make someone smile, to make a difference and do what I love to do.

There are so many other things I am/should be thankful for but because this journal can only be so long I'll leave with this: I am also thankful for those who have encouraged me throughout my artistic career. When I was little I was convinced I'd be a fireman or veterinarian- sure I was considered "good at art" but I didn't recognize art as a career choice back then. As I proceeded through high school I realized that my heart and my talents don't lie in mathematics or the sciences. I'm an art person- an artist, dare I say- and going to a school where everyone wants to a be doctor or lawyer it's hard to be taken seriously when I say "I'm going to art school". It's with encouragement that I've realized not to let others affect my passions and that it's okay to take chances in life and not be so planned out.

Wow, I didn't mean to write so much but I did! [Enter not-so-graceful transition], I'm starting 3 paintings that I hope to either finish or be close to in 2 weeks...let's see what happens with that I did finish "I think, therefore I am" and will post when my camera decides not to be such a bitch.

I hope you guys, watchers and random passer-byers, have a nice Thanksgiving!

-MB

PS. Taylor Lautner may be slightly feminine but he is 108 degrees (hot.) sans shirt. (Twilight is still abhorrent in my eyes, though)
PSS. Rihanna's new album "Rated R" has restored all the respect I once had for her. Give it an ear.
PSSS. DON'T, I repeat, DON'T EAT THE TURKEY!