The Beginning of Thanksgiving Week at The Pond
Hello, Invisible Friends. I’m Theodore the Turkey.
You can call me Theo for short.
And I’ll be your host of Thanksgiving Week here at the Pond.
I may not look like it at first glance, but I’m quite the festive turkey.
I can shake my tail feathers like no one’s business.
It’s going to be really exciting, ya’ll.
We’ll have a fabulous Thanksgiving feast tomorrow, an ode to Thanksgiving foods (and how we love thee), delicious recipes, the 12 artists of Christmas in the Pond…oh, it’ll be so much fun!
And plenty of tail shaking.
Even Queen Bitty will have fun.
I promise.
Does this look like the face of a boring turkey?
I didn’t think so.
And now, Invisible Friends, a delightful Thanksgiving tale. The Return of Miss Pickles, Dallas Jean and Isadora will return next week, don’t worry.
Excuse me. I’ve got some light dusting to do, to prepare for tomorrow’s feast.
***And thanks for all the wonderful support at my book signing this weekend! I had a wonderful time and so many lovely people came out! 
Me and Mrs. McGill
So many lovely folks came out and were so kind. I really appreciate all their, and your support, Invisible Friends!
Ben and I
And I even got a special sussy from my wonderful mother and father in law! When we arrived to set up, these gorgeous flowers were on the table!
And we even brought home a special friend…
Who you’ll meet next week.
And now, for Thanksgiving week!
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**Editorial note: I wrote this piece in college, and it’s something I like to share every year. It reminds me of a favorite teacher whom I just adore. Dr. Perry, this is for you.
“The Day after Thanksgiving”
It was the day after Thanksgiving,
and all through the house,
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse.
My father was sitting in his big leather chair,
hoping that my mother would let him stay there.
All the turkey had been eaten,
all the relatives had gone,
and now it seemed like no one could smile, just groan.
I was six years old with nothing to do,
with no cousins to entertain me,
not even a friend or two.
I walked up to my Dad who was glued to a football game,
and asked him, “Daddy, what can I do today that’s not lame?”
My dad said, “Go play outside,” without ever taking his eyes off the TV.
“I’m much too busy watching football, as you can plainly see.”
So I bundled up and put my dog on a leash,
and Princess and I set off down the street.
We passed a few houses and I was happy to see,
old Mr. Ritter was sitting on his porch as his son hauled in a Christmas tree.
I scurried up the sidewalk with Princess by my side,
and said “Hey Mr. Ritter whatcha doing? Isn’t it kinda cold outside?”
Mr. Ritter just smiled and said to me, “I’m happy watching my son and grandkids buy and decorate a Christmas tree.
I’m grateful for my family and that I get to spend one more Christmas with them,
before I head up to heaven.”
“Are all people grateful on Thanksgiving?” I asked curiously,
and old Mr. Ritter said, “Well if they aren’t they should be!”
So I waved good bye to old Mr. Ritter and skipped down the sidewalk to visit my old babysitter. “Hey Leah,” I said to her when she opened the door.
“What is it that you’re grateful for?”
Leah looked shocked and said to me, “I’m grateful for my friends and my boyfriend Ben.
He cheered me up when I was blue, and my friends are coming to get me to go to the zoo.
Love and friendship are very important to me,
and I’m grateful I have both in my life, don’t you see.”
Just then a car filled with teenagers pulled up to the curb,
and the blaring music had the neighbors looking disturbed.
Before old Mr. Wayne could yell “Turn that down ruffians!”;
I waved and skipped down the street as the old man started fussin’.
A few houses down and what to my curious eyes should appear?
The Smiths loading up a moving van, and not even shedding a tear!
“Mr. Smith,” I asked him curiously, “What are you grateful for? And why are you moving? Is it because of me?”
Mr. Smith smiled and shook his head,
“Child, it’s nothing you’ve done or said.
We were evicted from our house, so we must find somewhere else to live instead.
I’m grateful we have some money, and plenty to eat,
but I will miss living on this street.
I’m grateful I have my wonderful wife, so I know we’ll be ok in life.”
“You can live in my tree house,” I offered.
“There’s lots of room when you live high in the trees…”
Mr. Smith laughed and said, “I don’t know if I’d quite fit. But it’s quite a nice offer, and I’ll think about it.”
I said, “I understand, and I’ll miss you as well. I hope you find a home that’s for sale.”
I waved goodbye and skipped down the block until I ran into my dad, who didn’t look happy but rather looked mad.
I skipped right up to his glaring eyes, and when I said, ” Dad, what are you grateful for?”
I really took him by surprise!
He said, “I’m grateful for you and your mother, and for my parents and brother. I’m grateful I have a job and a home, and I’m grateful I’m not alone.
I’m grateful for my friends and I’m grateful for my wife. If you break it down, I’ve got a great life. And you’re the best part of all!” he said as he swung me over his head. “No one else could have had such a great kid!”
“So you’re not mad I went on a walk?” I asked when he put me down. My dad just laughed and said, “I was mad but I guess you turned me around.”
Stay tuned, Invisible Friends! Tomorrow, a grand feast in the Pond and Wednesday, and ode to tasty Thanksgiving foods! Stay tuned!
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:55 am
Your turkey has a cute butt! (There’s a sentence i never thought i’d type. LOL) Best tail feathers in the business! LOL
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:10 am
What a sweet Thanksgiving poem/story. And I think your turkey’s tail feathers are plenty perky – I’m sure that’s a heavy load to bear! Congrats on your book signing as well. Have a wonderful early Thanksgiving feast tomorrow!! Stopping by from SITS to say hi today.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:16 am
Cute Thanksgiving poem, I like it! I am grateful for my life too!
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
November 23rd, 2009 at 3:33 am
I love the Thanksgiving story! Very fun and reflective!
Have a great holiday!
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:21 am
I am loving the feathers on your turkey host..
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:48 am
Gobble gobble!! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at the Pond
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:17 am
Love it!! That owl is TOO CUTE!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:33 am
Shake a tail feather for me Theo, and a slice of pumpkin pie as I wont be having thanksgiving here in the UK. Oh well. Will still be eating some yummy stuff.
. So glad for you!
Blonde Duck, your hair looked so pretty at the book signing. It must have been a really special day
*kisses* HH
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:44 am
Love your poem!
I love Owls!! They are so cute!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 5:52 am
Oh duckie- you’re so cute!
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:05 am
Theo is adorable! Love the poem too.
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:06 am
I’m guessing the book-signing went well?
Well, you & Ben have a wondeful turkey day and that was really nice of your in-laws to put those flowers there for you!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:08 am
Love your turkey!
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:16 am
Food, shelter, clothing, family, and friends…after that everything is an extravagance…
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:53 am
Love the turkey. Congrats again on your book and the book signing. Like your poem.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:12 am
Did you really offer your neighbor your treehouse? How precious!
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:16 am
I’m glad your book signing went well! Have a great Thanksgiving!
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:25 am
I love Theo@ I’m excited to see what he has in store.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:48 am
Theo is adorable, and I love the poem!! I’m very glad your book signing went well! So cool!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:34 am
Thank you for reminding me I have so much to be grateful for!
Theo is a cutie and can’t wait to see what he gets up to this week!
Happy Monday!
~ingrid
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:48 am
This is very nice, we all should remember it is a time for thanks!
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:16 am
Theo is way too cute to eat!
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:45 am
Tell Theo I can shake my tail feathers pretty well too! I cant wait to see what is up your sleeve!
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
What terrific and heart warming story!
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
Love the Thanksgiving story – so cute and true.
I am glad the book signing went well, you deserve it! The new owl is tooo whoooo cute. Hee hee.
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:07 am
Oh I love the turkey…but that owl is SOOOOO cute! How fun to do a book signing.
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:53 am
Theo the turkey is adorable! Awww, what a sweet and touching poem, absolutely perfect for Thanksgiving!
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:56 am
I’m so glad your book signing went so well!!!!
You wrote beautifully, even in college!
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:55 am
ye special friend look sooo cute!! say hi from me
happy thanx giving
November 23rd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Awwww.. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving in store.
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Awwww…Theo is too cute! I just love all your critters..they make me smile. BOOK SIGNING??!! Dang, what did I miss? Well heck, congratulations!!!!! I’m so excited for you.
I will go back and read some more!
xoxo
Michelle and the kitties
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Yayyy for almost t giving! Please post a picture of your din din tonight (and the recipe!!)
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Cute poem! And I can’t wait to learn about Theo and your special new friend
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Lovely to meet you Theo, I am sure you are going to be a good host.
Happy Thanksgiving.
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Awww! Sweet!
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Nice story, Duckie.
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Oh! Theo is so cute…nice for Thanksgiving
November 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Oh, I love, Love, LOVE lillies…and Beanie Babies, too! Isn’t your gobbler a BB? I’ve got a few boxes packed away. Some day I plan to get a hutch with glass doors, unpack those beanies, and display them in style. Don’t care if they’re not worth a plug nickel…just think they’re too CUTE!
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Love your Thanksgiving story, Duck.
Nice to meet Theo. I sure hope he is guarding his tail feathers!
November 23rd, 2009 at 4:13 pm
awe! youre so creative and always so positive
I love that about you and love your poem! I did one like that for my Dad at Easter hahaha
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Your Thanksgiving mascot is as a cute as he can be- Your poem is quite clever and highlights what’s really important!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.
November 23rd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Thanks for stopping by today.
Theodore the Turkey is the cutest!
Loved the Thanksgiving piece.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Such a cute turkey! Love it! Your blog always gives me a smile!
Thanks for stopping by!
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Lovely story and I adore your new special friend, just too cute. I love turkey too, he’s laughing on the inside for sure.
xxx
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
What a great little story your wrote
Also that turkey is adorable!
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
CUTE POEM!!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, DUCKIE!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Glad your book signing went well, and thanks for introducing us to Theo. Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
aww what cute pictures!!
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:26 pm
That turkey is too sweet to be eaten!
Hope you had a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving.
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:50 pm
You are so talented Duckie! Oh how I wish I could write. I loved your THanksgiving story! I hope you guys have a wonderful Thanksgiving at the pond!
XOXO
Jen
November 23rd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
I was virtually there, at your book signing!
November 24th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Hannah says : Awww, Theodore the Turkey is so cute!!!
November 24th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Duckie, where do you find these magical creatures? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a turkey toy ever!
November 25th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I love Theodore! He is the cutest turkey ever!