(by Rebecca Dautremer - amazing French illustrator!)It hasn't been an easy year for me. I've had to accept the fact that my drawing skills aren't amazing as I thought they'd be, I've learned that I only let myself be a counselor on the surface of things, and that when all is said and done, I'm afraid of commitment and change. These things have made me break down and cry a few times already, but I know that in order to function and grow, I need to toughen up and be there for those who have it a lot worse than I do.
I'm thankful that both my parents are alive and healthy, and lucky to still have jobs in this less-than-perfect economy. I'm thankful that they still encourage me and my sisters to work hard and do what we love especially when times are tough. I'm thankful to have some really great little sisters, who I look up to as my big sisters most of the time because of their maturity and their ability to work with purpose and have fun at the same time.
I'm thankful to have a job that is rewarding and honest, where I get to see the ups and downs of adolescence and help out by the means of personal experiences. I'm thankful that I get to use my art skills for their amusement, and I'm glad that I'm able to grow as an artist through this job, which is such a luxury. I'm thankful about having some co-workers I can actually share feelings with, not feeling like I'm being judged or ridiculed, but rather making friends though solidarity. I'm also thankful that they put up with my aloofness.
I'm thankful that God has given me so many chances to use my art and writing skills with rewarding experiences. I got to go to Space Camp because of my writing, I'm hoping to teach myself script-writing, and I have an idea for a Young Adult novel that's finally coming to fruition. I've used my art skills to design posters for the school library's reading program, I've sold buttons and jewelry at an anime convention and put my name as an artist out there, and I'm taking classes in drawing and animation for an MFA. I feel lucky to have this opportunity to take classes and actually show me what it takes to be a professional in this field.
I'm thankful for being a world-traveler, and that hopping on a plane doesn't feel at all intimidating or scary. I love that I'm open to new languages and cultures, and I'm thankful to have a family that's proud of its heritage. I'm glad that this travel bug of mine hasn't gone away, that it's pushing me to visit places like Japan, India, and Italy.
I'm thankful for my cat, my indulgence for exotic foods, my love for running, my interest in animation, my never-ending love for reading, my commitment to writing, my therapeutic baking habits, my ear for all kinds of music, my quirks, my attempts to draw anything and everything, my love for singing in the car, and my commitment to shows like Glee and Parenthood.
Finally, all I can say is thanks to those who constantly believe in me and have dealt with my selfishness and my bickering about so many things this year. It's clear that I shouldn't have to complain so much, because I have a great life and great people to share these thoughts with.
I hope you all have a great thanksgiving!
