I have changed course a million times trying to figure out what song to bring you for Thanksgiving. I have researched a zillion "Thanks" songs to no avail, and have been racking my brain to deliver this simple, yet heartfelt, message...but with which song? We could have done "Thanks To You" Emmy's version, or Chris Smither's version of this Jesse Winchester song. None were on the web. I thought about Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant," Loudon Wainwright's "Thanksgiving," or even his "Suddenly It's Christmas." From the sublime to the ridiculous.
Today, thanks to us all. To our maker, to each other, to our land. To our families, to our friends. To life. To living in this great country. To freedom, to the stars and the sky and the wide open spaces. To those that have helped us along the way. To complete strangers for a smile, the opening of a door; of a small inconsequential kindness that made such a difference. I don't think we take the time to say thank you enough. Don't just take, give back. Be a good neighbor. Do things to help out in your family, community, school, church. Be considerate, be loving, share. Celebrate the harvest.
Sometimes saying 'thanks' is a hard thing to do, so the song we bring you today has no lyrics. It is from Native American artist Bill Miller. He has posted two CDs this year; they came out in June and September respectively, Chronicles of Hope and Spirit Wind East. He is an award-winning recording artist, performer, songwriter, speaker, painter, and a world-class flute player. Miller received the GRAMMY® award for Best Native American Music Album in 2005 for Cedar Dream Songs. Our friend peter Cooper did a wonderful story on him that was featured in the Tennessean's Entertainment/Music section, Tune In Music City.
Be thankful for whatever your blessings. The song "Wind Spirit" is from Bill Miller's album of 2000, The Art Of Survival. Let the warmth fill your heart. Be still, be joyous.
- Jessie Scott
