I posted this originally on /orate but I felt it deserved its own blog post.  It’s called Thanksgiving for a reason, after all.

I’m thankful that despite the economy being in the shitter, I have a house that I can live under with my family, who I love dearly, and some dogs and cats who are super cute. We also have food and water and creativity, all of which keeps us from going insane.  I find this to be something that should never be taken for granted.

I’m thankful for the new American administration. While my brother is fearful for the future of the War on Drugs, I believe that other things will be made better by our government, finally.

I’m thankful for my parents, who did not divorce and are still very much in love after 43 years?  44?  It’s a lot, either way. My father specifically had his last radiation treatment for throat cancer this last Friday. His neck is cooked and red but his voice sounds so much better already. We can only hope that all the cancer cells have been eradicated. My mother continues to be the most solid rock I’ve ever known, a paragon of what it means to be a human being — strong, humble, and wise.

I’m thankful for my two brothers, Russ and Matt, and the family that has grown from them — my nieces Samantha and Hannah, who are getting far too old these days, my sister-in-law Iva, whose resume prowess has made me look ten times better on a piece of paper, my new sister-in-law Jennifer, who married Matt a couple of weeks ago (I should give you guys a call…), my dear ex-sister-in-law Michelle .. hmm, that sounds bad.  My sister-in-law once removed?  My … friend.  My family member.  Practically my sister.  Who was there from my childhood until my college graduation, and continues to be a supreme mother and a vital part of the Belville household.

I’m thankful for my extended family, who are all the most loving, honest Christians I know, and set a positive example for what it means to follow the teachings of their lord.

(I’m also thankful that I can be an agnostic and not be killed because of it.)

I’m thankful for my friends back in Boise, who have shaped me in more ways they’ll ever know.  I certainly wouldn’t be the man I am right now without the five years I spent at Boise State, with people who I love dearly.

I’m thankful for art, beauty, music and love.

And of course, I’m thankful for you, dear readers, friends, fans, etc.  My life has been altered, augmented, shaped by each and every one of you, and mostly for good, too.  While I continue to pursue my career in the arts, I truly feel blessed that you are there to push me along and offer my guidance and good vibes.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I hope you eat a shitload of turkey (or tofurky, if you’re a weirdo vegan