On Thanksgiving, I am grateful for family time and embroidery time

A four-day weekend for an artist really means: how much progress can I make on this piece I want to finish? How many grant proposals can I write? Which residencies should I target for my next round of applications? Who do I need to follow up with about upcoming shows? Where is my art being exhibited right now, and do I have time to go photograph it on site?

Yes, we work all the time. For me, it doesn't feel like work, so I'm trying to say thank you for unscheduled days when I can make my work without too many external pressures or responsibilities.

Thanks also to my family for hosting a delicious and colorful (see below) Thanksgiving meal yesterday. I can't wait to eat the leftovers today. I admit to having a turkey and cheddar cheese sandwich last night as the perfect sequel to our Thanksgiving lunch.

Watermelon radish with turnip on plaid tablecloth.

Finally, I am so excited to have finished a piece I've been thinking about and embroidering slowly for the past few weeks (again, see below). I channeled my inner teenage girl for this one. Candy cane-colored hearts – OMG!