feliz dia de pabo.

a few years ago, probably my first thanksgiving while working at the nursery with my dominican co-workers, when asking how to translate "happy thanksgiving" to spanish, (i knew the "feliz" but i wasn't sure of the thanksgiving part, aside from some form of "gracias") they told me what i included as my title, feliz dia de pabo (translating literally as happy day of turkey). it works, but there has to be something better. yet, i think it is appropriate for a nation that has probably become more consumed by the turkey and eating than by the giving thanks. i mean, who can blame them? much of this nation is so defined by the individualism of the culture that who is there to thank for getting us where we are but ourselves? and the spanish in our nation correctly interpret the emphasis on the turkey and the eating, naming it "dia de pabo".

**Just as a side note, i looked up the english to spanish translation on http://www.ets.freetranslation.com/ and they translate it as "accion de gracias feliz": action of thanks.**

i could go on and on with a list of obvious things that i am thankful for: a new job (despite how much i loved the nursery, it was time to move on), a good recovery by my mom, beautiful nieces and nephew, etc etc. i of course am thankful for many things great and small. but the photos below are a representation of what brings such joy and contentment...


meet hilario escona. (now i have a feeling i've included this photo before...forgive me, but this is my blog isn't it?) hilario is one of these nicest, hardest working, funny guys at cedar hill. hilario made it very difficult for me to leave cedar hill nursery - not because he didn't want me to go, though he didn't. though each of the guys made me feel like one of them, hilario considered me family. he proudly told our customers that i speak "professional spanish" (that must be said just as he does for it to truly capture him...more like "fessional spani"), hilario considered me half-dominican.

now, steven peralta (my co-employee, elvis' son). i don't have a lot to say, other than how adorable he is. its a cute picture to illustrate the point of this blog: what i am thankful for.

what i am thankful for this particular thankgiving 2007, (not that i am more thankful for this than say my mom's health, recovery, and testimony of faith) is my ability to communicate in spanish. i don't say that in a self-promoting intention. i say this because the ability has opened up so many doors for me. it has allowed me to create real and lasting relationships with several co-workers (such as hilario). they add a whole new dimension of joy that puts a smile on my face just thinking of the memories. the fact that i now am a customer of cedar hill nursery is an added blessing - i look forward to the big greeting and welcoming bear hug from hilario and the others.