I am not sure whether I am simply getting older or perhaps just becoming more Americanized (after 18 years here!), but for the first time I find myself really looking forward to Thanksgiving. Don’t get me wrong; I have always enjoyed the festivities celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, but in a sort of forced ‘not quite sure why we need this when Christmas is coming up’ way.
This year there was a very definite shift for me – rather than researching the best Turkey recipes or creating seating plans, I have truly started thinking about what I am thankful for. I’m proud to say my Thanksgiving list is far longer than my Santa list! At the top is being thankful to all of you and the British Weekly for making the Anglo-American community such a pleasure to be a part of. I think we have really lucked out – I think it would be hard to find such a lovely expat community anywhere else in the world! There is absolutely no excuse for being bored or lonely here. Between our Brits in LA events and that of our members, there is practically something to do every day of the week!
(Photo: Kara Miller)
I did get a little lazy and even slightly jaded over the summer, and it was only when I visited London last month I was able to remind myself how amazing Los Angeles is. Whatever you are in the mood for you can usually find it 40 minutes away – whether it be desert, ocean, greenery or skyscrapers. With giving thanks being on my mind these last couple of weeks, I have made a concious effort to visit my local hiking trail in Runyon Canyon. It’s so easy to drive past the very thing that initially drew you to your neighborhood and not give it a second thought. It is time for us all to stop occasionally and smell the roses. Perhaps your local beauty spot is the beach or an old movie theatre – whatever it is make sure to appreciate and utilize it rather than take it for granted. These little moments are food for the soul and really just as necessary as food and water.
And so many of the best things to do in LA are free – even our events don’t need to cost you. If you are willing to spend a little time helping us set up we usually offer tickets in exchange (for you and a guest). Craig as you know is currently starring in Noel Cowards ‘The Vortex’ – they are in need of volunteers and in return you get to see the play. If you are free to give them a hand email vortextheplay@gmail.com. I think we all have to be thankful to Goldenvoice. They have given us a bunch of tickets for various British and Irish acts performing here over the next few weeks – we will be running competitions on our Facebook Page. (www.facebook.com/britsinla) so make sure to check in daily. Johnny Marr, Celtic Woman, Alex Clare and Jamie T tickets are all up for grabs! Before I sign off I have to thank Abraham Lincoln for proclaiming we all have a day to give thanks! Tweet us @BritsinLA and let us know what you are thankful for – we always love to hear from you!
If you want to check details for any of our upcoming events you can always visit our website Britsin.LA
Cheers!
Eileen
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