Shawna Thomas: NL Gervasio

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to one of my favorite nocturnal people. No really, folks, Jinxie is going to bed a few hours before others wake up. She's a talented writer, an editor and produces her own magazine. Yup, she's busy. If you haven't already, I'd so recommend following her adventure as she tries out online dating. She has some awesome dating tips.

Here's Jinx (also known as NL Gervasio)

Many years ago, I spent the holiday with my mom's side of the family. Umi, my brother and I would head out to Black Canyon City where my grandparents lived, meeting my aunt, uncle and cousin out there, and whoever else decided to show up. I always enjoyed it when my other aunt could make it down from Colorado with her family because we rarely got to see them until they moved back to Arizona. It made for a pretty full house in my grandparents' tiny two bedroom home.

Back when my grandfather was alive, Thanksgiving Day was filled with the aroma of a giant turkey baking in the oven, football on the television, and lots of loud laughter inside and outside of the house. We're a loud bunch when we'd get together. Still are at times; just a smaller bunch.

Dinner included:

A 25-lb. turkey

Mashed potatoes

Corn

Cranberry sauce

Rolls – the brown and serve kind

Gravy

Cherry pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie (homemade, of course)

The television would stay on during dinner so we could watch the game, and after dinner, about an hour before dusk, half of us would take a walk down to the river to work off the delicious meal. One time in particular, I got to see the horses running along the river. It was a seriously magical moment and beautiful sight to see, and is probably one of my favorite holiday memories.

It's these memories that I'm thankful for; having the chance to grow up with this part of my family, who spoiled us not with material things, but with love. Being loved was never a question in my mind with them.

Christmas was even better because that meant spending the night and having the Waltons cavalcade of goodnights filter through the house.

I'm thankful for having such a wonderful and supportive family, who loved me during my punk phase, even if they were embarrassed, and who always treated me with respect and encouraged my dreams.

Because that's what family does.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families, or whoever you choose to share your holidays with.

NL Gervasio

"Jinxie G"