I’ve been meaning to read Russell Brand’s “My Booky Wook” since I received it as a gift in 2009 when it was made available here in Canada. At the time I remember picking it up, reading the first few pages and thinking: “My vocabulary sucks, I can’t read this and understand it.” Because, let’s face it - even if you dislike Russell Brand’s humour, you have to admit he knows words. And not only does he know words, but he knows the perfect way to organize them into captivating an audience’s attention. I also think it’s the accent, but that’s probably because I’m Canadian and anyone with a British accent sounds ten times more intelligent to me no matter what they’re saying.

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So I’m taking a moment to reflect on the things I’m thankful for in life:

- Family and friends, of course. Life would be terrible without you. Thanks for being so amazing.

- Music and my favourite musicians (This year in particular I’m thankful for having had the opportunity to meet “Simple Plan” and Zac Hanson in person). I’m thankful for the inspiration my favourite bands/artists offer the world through their music and their positive actions.

- Film, because it will always be something I’m passionate about. If I was not keen on the career path I have chosen, I would have ventured into film (behind the scenes). I’m thankful for film’s ability to allow someone to escape from a bad day - even if it is only for a couple hours. Have a seat on the couch, put a movie on and become immersed in the world of fiction.

- Books, because through reading I become a stronger writer. Through reading I learn something new everyday. Through reading I am able to use my imagination.

- Food/shelter/health/education. Because not everyone is lucky enough to have these things. Let’s work together and change that!

- The country. Beautiful, open, quiet, inspiring. I’m a city girl, but I’m thankful that when I go for a drive out into the country it’s all fields and sky. It puts everything back into perspective and reminds me how big the world really is.

- Misfits/Rebels. I’m referring to the people out there who aren’t afraid to be a bit “off their rocker”. If we were all the same, nothing would ever change. And I’m pretty sure a large percentage of us would be unhappy. There’s nothing fun about soma (“Brave New World” - Aldous Huxley reference). Be a bit wacky once in awhile. Make a funny face, sing in public, express your love for cats, or your knowledge on video games, or bands (I’m basically describing Tumblr right now, aren’t I?). Don’t be a sheep (unless dressing up as a sheep is your thing. Don’t let me stop you)!!! But please, everyone, violence is never the answer. I find that violence fits under the “norm”, unfortunately. It happens every single day, and it solves nothing. Focus your anger into something that will have a positive outcome. Paint, write, join a sport’s team, have verbal debates, etc! End of mini rant.

Virtual hugs:

A little more Chris Traeger air-banjo:

And Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, eh?

I don’t think I’ve ever had this much difficulty writing an essay before. “Beloved” is a great book and all… I thought it was beautifully written and definitely prompts some heavy thinking, but gosh!!! Once I think I’m on track with an idea, someone gives me a bizarre look as if to say: “Cat, you don’t even know what you’re talking about. Where is the evidence?”

I have a problem with this “evidence” part of writing an essay based on a fictional novel. For one, everything in a novel such as “Beloved” is subjective. What I find as evidence to back up one of my theories, may be evidence in another person’s theory that completely contradicts mine. You see? So if someone were very fixated on their theory, and their theory alone, then whatever I’m trying to express might come across as too far-fetched to be a decent idea. And vice versa. So at times, when talking with fellow peers, it’s as if we’ve all read a different novel.

Anyway, back to attempting to structure some sense into this essay. Oh “Beloved”, I’m running out of patience here.

(Mikey gif does not belong to me, but to someone who has far more talent than me when it comes to computers. I apologize for not knowing whom to credit).