This Thanksgiving, Kauai’s Fringe-dweller’s buzz is a new twist to the holiday name. Forget the pilgrims and natives story, of course. Black Friday is being boycotted. And don’t bother greeting each other with the traditional “Happy Thanksgiving.”

No, (or, rather, in the life-affirming ‘yes’) Thanksgiving is being transformed. We can now share with each other a new and neutral celebratory reminder.

We have evolved to “Happy Thanksliving”.

So, in keeping with living in thanks, Jeb, the Bohemian and I moved out of the kitchen (grateful, of course, for the homemade chocolate and avocado pie in the refrigerator) and went down to the beach, ever-thankful for a beautiful day on the island.

Commentary on the menace of beach trash, aside, it was fun to watch this boy moving his new-found treasure. A huge plastic buoy had washed toward the river mouth. Full of water, it was very heavy, but he refused to give up, dragging it to the other end of the beach with slow and steady determination.

These shots are of him – Sisyphus in motion – and then, just resting with his find.

The other two pictures are random photos taken while Jeb and the Bohemian explored Jeb’s secret beach hideout. No mom’s allowed. Which, suited me just fine. No need to be in the boy’s club when I can draw mandalas in the sand, dip my toes in the river and sing to myself in the wind.

I could expound upon these moments, metaphors aplenty.  Embracing shadows, treasure or trash…Could Sisyphus simply have enjoyed the uphill journey if he only had enough presence?

But it’s a holiday.  I’ll rest my mind.  Just let myself feel grateful in this thanks living.