Thanksgiving Ode to the Amalfi Coast: Introduction to a four-part series

"Positano Moonlight" - Photo Credit: Lisa Melara

“LET US RECOGNIZE HOW BEAUTIFUL OUR SURROUNDINGS ARE. FROM THE TIME OF CREATION, CREATOR GAVE ALL HUMANS THE DUTY TO BE THANKFUL. CREATOR GAVE ALL PEOPLE ON EARTH WAYS TO GIVE APPRECIATION AND THANKSGIVING TO ALL PARTS OF CREATION.”   ~ Freida J. Jacques, Onondaga Nation Clan Mother (Turtle Clan)

To embark upon this series of reflections, I would like to borrow from the Haudenosaunee tradition of the Thanksgiving Address. I am touched by the Address’s expansive and yet personal way of honoring the natural world. It generously brings gratitude, awe, and attention to all of creation.

This summer, my husband and I traveled to the Amalfi Coast, in Italy's southern region of Campania. It is essential for me after any travel journey to reflect, distill and be thankful. I am drawn to writing, telling my story and creating picture books that attempt to capture my experience.

This reflection and the ones to follow is my way to call across the ocean and tell the land and people of the Amalfi Coast, I heard, saw, felt, touched, and breathed your beauty.  I am thankful to the land from which all my ancestors hailed and for the beauty I experienced.

Each part of the series will share reflections from the Amalfi Coast as they relate again to the sections of the Thanksgiving Address. I’m excited to have you join me in offering thanks and sharing images of the beauty and splendor of Italy’s Amalfi Coast!

     PART ONE: Thanksgiving to The People, Earth Mother and Waters

     PART TWO: Thanksgiving to The Fish, Plants, Food, Medicines & Herbs

     PART THREE: Thanksgiving to The Animals, Trees, Four Winds and Thunderers

     PART FOUR: Thanksgiving to The Sun, Grandmother Moon, Enlightened Teachers, and The Creator

GRAZIE MILLE! (Thank you very much!)