Upon approaching Thanksgiving, as Ethnic Beauties in America, our minds turn to many things. Often we think about eating, drinking, cooking, cleaning, making up that guest bed, visiting, and relations. Some of us think of pigging out. Others look forward to competition in the kitchen, and seeing loved ones old and new. Yes, and we ponder giving thanks; we do not forget that we should be grateful, for many things. Neither do we forget those less fortunate. We remember that this holiday is about remaining thankful and giving. Therefore, I would like to list simple ways that we can do both.

Give someone a heads up; tell another that you love them, if you do. Never mind if your words may not seem to matter. The truth is you will have said it. Give an invitation; ask someone to share a meal. Give to a food bank, or to a gently used coat drive. Give generously to organizations sending care packages to our soldiers overseas, or to the military here at home, diligently guarding our great land.

Thank someone who has meant a lot to you and tell them why. Start with the admin that makes your job easier. Or thank your landlady, or your neighbor, for the hook up, or for grabbing your packages. Thank the youngster at the grocery that bags and carries for you. Thank your child for being yours, for making you laugh, or for being great company. Thank your Nana for being ornery. Send up thanks for that fashion-forward idea, because you now know what to wear, on your bod, or in your hair.

Give to someone in need. Give the elderly a fraction of your time, ask and listen to how they are doing. Give a couple of hours. Down at the supper for those less fortunate, smile or nod as you spoon up sweet potatoes. Give away unused clothing, yes even things you'd secretly hoped to get back into. Donate toys or bikes, if your kids are grown and play with electronics and now have four-wheeled rides.

Thank those who invited you to the ethnic feast. Thank the girl who walks your dog, or tip the paper boy. Tell that National Guardsman that you pray earnestly for him, and his family. Thank the post person, and the overnight delivery man; you know, Mr. Eye Candy. Thank someone who aided you, recently, or in times past. Thank that great babysitter, or your sulky teenager for doing, or not doing the dishes. Do not forget the organization that chose you. There were other applicants; Thank you Bella!

Give yourself a moment: to make up your face, to try that lovely new lipstick, to polish your nails or your toes. Give yourself time: maybe to soak your feet, to spritz on perfume, or to make eyes at cutie-pie. Give yourself license: to read that book, to watch that channel, to work out, or not. Give yourself permission: to laugh or cry, to enjoy a slice of red velvet cake, to fall in love, to indulge.

Thank your Creator, your God, or your particular power source, for allowing you to see another year. Then thank yourself for all the good that you do. Thank yourself for being gracious and caring, for being smart and stubborn, for being in, or out, of shape. Thank yourself for being real enough to, at times, say no. Never forget to give thanks, because you, my lovely, are one heck of an ethnic beauty!