Monday, November 23, 2009

Talk Turkey

It's only a couple of days before Thanksgiving, so I looked up "Talk Turkey" in my new favorite book, Why You Say It, by Webb Garrison, which is full of words and phrases that we say all the time without thinking why. Here's why we say "talk turkey".
"Half a dozen anecdotes seek to explain this expression for speaking plainly. Most of them recount a conversation between an American Indian and one or more white settlers. Discussing the division of game bagged in a joint hunt, the native insists that his comrades talk turkey and hand over to him the biggest bird shot during the day.
These entertaining frontier stories bypass a skill that was long familiar - and important - to veteran woodsmen.
Many a fellow reared in the woods became an expert turkey caller. That is, he so skillfully imitated sounds made by the big wild birds that some who heard at a distance came within gun range. It was this bonafide turkey talk, not banter at the end of a day's hunt, that spawned our American expression for speaking in a clear and forthright manner."
Interesting.......?
Since it is so close to Thanksgiving I want to list some of the main things for which I am thankful.
1) My husband. He has been my best friend all of the 37 years (in December) that we've been married.
2) Our three daughters. They are all so different from each other. I used to say they were like the points on a triangle. They were each out there with their own unique talents and personalities, but were connected by those strong lines like on a triangle. I have told them forever that their dad and I won't always be around, and that their friends will come and go, but that their sisters would be their sisters forever. I love them more than words can describe.
3)My son-in-laws - I feel such a relief everyday knowing that my daughters are in such good marriages. All three of the guys are different from each other, just like our daughters are. But, they are so well suited for my girls. And what great dads they are!!!
4)My grandchildren. They are also very unique in their personalities and interests. I won't go into the detailed descriptions, but you can believe me when I tell you that they are all extremely smart, gorgeous, talented musically and artistically, sweet, adorable, funny, cuddly, compassionate, and....... need I go on? I am not the least bit proud of them either. LOL
5) My mom and my in-laws. It is so hard to see them getting older and not able to do the things they once did. They all lived very productive lives.
6) My siblings and cousins. We are all very close in "heart" even if we don't all live close to each other. I am thankful that some of them will be at my house on Thursday and will be bringing food! My husband will cook the turkey.
7) My friends - I have some of the best friends that a person could ever ask for. I have, like the song says - some old friends and new, some are silver and some are gold. I am so blessed with the people that God has put in my life.
8) My blogger friends. This experience has been unbelievable. I love reading your blogs to learn about you and the creative things you are doing. It is really a small world isn't it?
9) Every night I pray for my family's health, safety, and most of all happiness, and we have been blessed with all three!
Have a great Thanksgiving!!

9 comments:

Gail said...

I love the idea of Thanksgiving - a truly inclusive holiday. Australia has recently embraced Halloween, maybe we should adopt Thanksgiving too.

KID, MD said...

What a great story! I never even thought about that phrase before. I hope your Thanksgiving is great!!

Zep said...

I'm thankful my mother does Thanksgiving every year :)
I'm also thankful I found you through the "internets". U R A Treasure....
Enjoy your moments!

Claudia said...

Hi Julia,

I love this post about talking turkey. Thanks for the story behind the phrase! I love your list of things you are thankful for! You are blessed with a loving husband, and a wonderful family. And they are blessed by having you!

xo
Claudia

Kim said...

so interesting to know the history behind certain sayings. Your list of things to be thankful for is wonderful and has brought tears to my eyes. Life is truly grand, isn't it? I am grateful you stopped by my blog Julia and that I met you through blogging also- I love to read your blog and I think you are a fantastic woman- hope your thanksgiving is wonderful!!!

Faye Lewis said...

I DON'T KNOW WHY I'M HAVING RUFFLE FEAR!!!!

Susan said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you! I know my Mom and Dad have the sames prayers for us in the evening and YES - it works!

Jocelyn said...

Just wanted to stop in and wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Jocelyn

Kathy said...

Thank you Julia, that was great! Happy Thanksgiving to all. I loved reading you list.

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