It seems each year that I find myself posting on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I don't think it's a day many people are thinking of writing. Thoughts are more likely turned to families and friends, pies and stuffing and how best to cook that bird. 

So what's a Seeker to post about?

Well, many of you might know that I have a weakness for sentimental commercials. I've posted about them before. I particularly love the ones that manage to intrigue us with a story while they're trying to sell us on something. 

At this time of year, and honestly since about Halloween, we're inundated with Christmas commercials. Out of curiosity, I decided to Google Thanksgiving commercials. I was pleasantly surprised to see there are some lovely ones - centered around family and food of course.

Here's a sampler. Take a peak while the pies are baking.

 

 

A little Thanksgiving humor...

There is some writing craft involved here. I love to see how even in these very short clips, the ad writers managed to tell a story, create characters which at least I come to care about, inject some pathos and some humor, and sell us on a theme of the importance of family and love and togetherness - often in less than a minute.

 

 

If you watch this one through to the end, you'll see the message we all send to all of you. We're so grateful for you, so thankful you are in our lives.

You  know how the Thanksgiving Parade always ends with Santa's arrival? Here's a Christmas preview.

As writers, we can appreciate the twist ending.

Happy Thanksgiving Seekerville!

Thankful in 2020

 

Do you ever get a song from a commercial stuck in your head?

I've had one in my head for the past few days, and for the life of me I couldn't remember what the product was. I searched the internet with no luck, and just when I was about to give up...

it came on the television.

So here it is.

I had a good laugh when I finally found it, because Green Bean Casserole has never been a favorite of mine - and that's me being nice.

But the song is an earworm for a reason that goes beyond music, I think. This is the time of year we remember to be so thankful. Hopefully, we're thankful all year, but Thanksgiving is the time we really stop and focus.

Thanksgiving 2020 is a little different from previous years. Usually the warnings come to make sure and cook the turkey thoroughly, but this year the warnings involve smaller gatherings, masks, and social distancing outdoors.  (That last is probably actually in keeping with that first Thanksgiving.)

It might be a little harder to remember to be thankful this year too. It might require a little more effort.

But if we look, there are many things to be thankful for, even if they're not they typical ones.

So today, let's make an attempt to share what we are grateful for this year.

I'll get us started.

On a personal note, I'm grateful to have a new book coming out, and  I'm extremely grateful that my youngest daughter managed to land her dream job in her dream location during a pandemic. 

I'm grateful to all the health care workers and other essential workers who have sacrificed so much for so many. 

I'm grateful to the many scientists who have worked so hard to find treatments and vaccines.

I'm thankful for technology that allows us to stay connected even when we have to be in isolation. 

And I'm thankful for Seekerville and all of you who come here to share with us each day. 

Your turn. What are you thankful for this year?