giving thanks

November 23, 2025 • 10 Comments

Two things shaped this week's blog. The first was the Ken Burns/Sarah Borstein/David Schmidt series The American Revolution that premiered this week on public television. To say my knowledge of the war was embarrassingly limited is an understatement. Both my husband and I, having been educated in two completely different school systems, were missing a lot of information about America's origin story. That is a shame, but on the other hand, I am thrilled that Ken Burns chose to take on the subject in time for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The fact that his magnificent project is out there for future generations will not only make America's youth much more knowledgeable about this part of our history, but they will be getting that information in a more interesting way. I highly recommend that Americans of every age and stripe view the series. It is a true work of art.

The second thing that shaped my thinking about writing today's blog was the appearance of Native American Chef Sean Sherman on an episode of The Daily Show on Comedy Central this week, discussing his book Turtle Island: Foods and Traditions of the Indigenous Peoples of North America. I tend to do a Thanksgiving blog of some sort during the last week in November every year. And when Chef Sherman said many Native Americans don't celebrate Thanksgiving, it made me think. In the same way my knowledge of the revolutionary war was lacking, the mythology about the Native Americans and pilgrims, and how Thanksgiving came to be, is incomplete and in many ways, inaccurate.

One thing I can do this Thursday, and should do every day, is give thanks to the people in my life and world. Thank you for being with me on this journey. I love the planet on which we live and am grateful for it. And I am particularly appreciative of the many creators who inhabit it. Artists who paint, make prints, design and make pots, vessels, and large and small things that make our lives better, weave rugs, do photography and make movies, who write, construct clothing, grow food to feed our bodies and plants that make us smile, and build housing and other structures. Composers and musicians whose talents never cease to amaze. And those who correct and care for any number of human needs or maladies. And then there is science...perhaps another blog! I could go on....

So, in the spirit of thanks, I spent yesterday and today photographing one of our New World foods - a bell pepper.

Food - bell pepper study 1 2025

Later in the week, many will utilize several other New World foods including pumpkins, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and wild rice as well as pecans for our meals. I dare not leave chocolate off that list!

Thanksgiving leftovers 2023 4

I hope there will be joy in the week and good food on your tables. Thank you for participating in this blog, and my thanks also go to Tim, Sara, Steve, Jean & Sam, and Catherine for your comments during this busy time of year. Happy Birthday, TTT!

until next Monday,

a passion for the image©

Keywords: blacks crossing photography, daryl a. black, food, ken burns, new mexico, pbs, pecans, photography, pumpkins, sean sherman, squash, the american revolution, the daily show, turtle island

Comments

Catherine Sobredo(non-registered)

Daryl, your beautiful images accompanied by your tribute to Burns and recommendation for all of us to watch “The American Revolution” opening our eyes to all that we did and do not know is much to be thankful for! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Steve Immel(non-registered)

Thank you for the timely and thoughtful recognition of Thanksgiving and for thanking "the people in my life and world." We are proud to join you on your journey and appreciate your nod to those who create. Like you my waning knowledge of The Revolutionary War is being revived by Ken Burns masterwork. I don't know how much of it is taught today but worry that it's superficial as is geography and civics which are all by absent in today's curricula.

I know even less about indigenous food and traditions and can understand that Thanksgiving mythology is not as appreciated in the indigenous communities. Why would it be?

Your Thanksgiving still lifes are as always elegant and beautifully rendered. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving you two.

Ingrid(non-registered)

Exquisite photos. What a beautiful way to say Thanks to all the beauty and bounty we are so privileged to have here.

Connie Taylor(non-registered)

I am thankful for your steadfast Monday “food for thought”. You and Fred are prime examples of good food and good living. We all give thanks for your sharing of art, dance and curiosity. Hugs.

Dave Okerberg(non-registered)

Daryl - I completely identify. Back in Newton Kansas they did not teach all this history that I have just learned from Ken Burns. Of course, it could have been that I slept through all my history classes, but Wow, so much information that I had no clue about!!

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