Happy Thanksgiving!

Driving through Stockbridge

Stockbridge in winter (the way I visualize it at Thanksgiving)

            One of my favorite pastimes in the summer is to drive the road from Lee, Massachusetts (where we live) through the town of Stockbridge to Great Barrington in the early hours.  As the sun comes up, there’s a still mist in the air. Clouds nestle in and curl up in the Berkshire hills as if Native Americans from the 1600’s have built fires to send smoke signals. The pine forests surround me with a collage of lush, green.

          

  My imagination is like a radio with a wide variety of channels to turn to. When I arrive in Stockbridge, one of the prettiest towns in America, I tune into my nostalgia channel. James Taylor is there in my mind singing “Sweet Baby James.” I can picture Norman Rockwell seated, with his pipe in his mouth, painting the image of his Thanksgiving. (Can you just about smell the aroma of the turkey in the scene?) Sometimes the cinnamon of apple pie wafts through the air as well.  It all takes me back to the many Thanksgiving celebrations I have had with family and friends through the years and gives me a cozy, loving feeling.

            This year, I hope you will tune into your nostalgia channel for a while and celebrate all the get-togethers you’ve enjoyed this time of year. We have so much to be grateful for.

            Thank you, Norman Rockwell for your phenomenal paintings which truly capture our spirit. And thank you to the people of Stockbridge for keeping the town the same as it was during the Rockwell era. (On the first Sunday in December, you can stroll the streets there and relive Norman Rockwell’s vision as residents dress in Rockwell clothing for the occasion.)

            Happy Holidays everyone.

Thank You, My Family and Friends

Thank You, My Family and Friends!   

As The Purple Bowtie launches, I want to give a HUGE thank you to my wife Jeanne McConnell. You are an unyielding supporter and adviser and you challenge my thoughts daily.  You have taught me about the street smarts of life and what it really means to love someone.

            A ‘shout out’ of appreciation to our family for their love and support:  my sister, Lynn Reynolds Makrin, brother-in-law Keith Makrin, niece Katherine and nephew Ryan. My stepson Brian McConnell, his wife Betty Kang, granddaughter Melody and grandson Sandor.

            Special thanks to my mentors:  Syd Beiner, you started me on this journey; Madeleine Bar Sadeh, you motivated me to write, Dr. Deborah Grayson and Kathleen Adams, you guided me into new realms of self-exploration. Marcia Cherniachovsky, you are my sounding board of self-understanding. Achim Nowak, your excellent advice helped me navigate the world of publishing.  Artist Lisa DiPetto, you reached into my brain and grabbed the images there. Donna Ratajczak, your ability to clarify complicated subjects and expert editing inspired me.  To Dan Grubb, Gabi Grubb, Penny Grubb, Anne-Marie Strand and Stuart Aken of Fantastic Books Publishing, your invaluable advice and guidance have wrapped up The Purple Bowtie into a treasured gift and tied it with a bow.

            To Camille Sanzone, Betty Armstrong, Mariette Van Rij, Ellen Shames, Ilana Plain, Neil Plain, Toni Armstrong Jr, Suzanne Munshower, Gayle Keiser, Andrea Presberg, Jackie Miller and Amy Cherry, thank you for sharing your input and encouragement.

            Finally, thank you to all the people who read The Purple Bowtie. May you pursue your dreams, discover your past lives, and stand up for who you truly are.