Thanksgiving & Poker

The holidays...it's a difficult time of year for so many people.

Memories of the past, good, bad, or indifferent 

seem to spring to mind when the thermometer dips and the air is cold,

Maybe it's the longer evenings, 

maybe it's the bunking down that we do in our homes...

whatever it is that causes the memories, they flood in.

What makes Thanksgiving a favorite in my mind, 

is that there isn't an expectation of commercial excess. 

(The commercialism drives me crazy.)

Sure, people stuff themselves silly, 

but the only thing that's abundant is food and hopefully love. 

Though traditions vary, one thing is consistent...

It's a time when families and friends gather.

As far back as I can remember Thanksgiving was for food and cards. 

Yep we're a gambling family and we bet BIG.

But we'll let anyone to the table with two dollars...

See it's big money. ;) 

Nah, it's just big fun.

As soon as my nieces and nephew could read numbers and tell the different colors, 

then they could play cards.

Poker is the game.

We're old school.

But we don't just any any poker game, 

it's all about a game called Michigan Poker.

As a kid I remember being terrified the first, second, 

and well, every time I sat down with my aunts and uncles to play after the meal.

They meant business.

This wasn't a time to mess around.

When they played cards, they PLAYED CARDS. 

You really had to pay attention and move quickly.

No "fiddle-farting around." (As my Grandma would say.)

Just pay attention and call out your cards.

If you haven't played, well, you should. 

It's really fun and takes no real poker ability.

There's one true poker hand at the start.

That's it.

When I first started out, I was a little secret weapon.

See I had been playing cards with my grandma since I could hold them.

Most people look at me and think that I don't know anything.

And sure, I play along with that...for a bit.

But, then the gloves come off and the poker face is on.

I teach middle school.

 I know how to not laugh even when I really think what the kid did was funny.

Yeah, I've got a poker face.

It's just fun and I look forward to it every year.

Plus, you learn a lot about people.

Their tells, their bluffs, the way they handle winning and losing...

always good lessons.

So this Thanksgiving, spend time playing games.

Actually, just play...anything really that doesn't involve a TV, phone, or video game.

Don't plan or even think about Black Friday.

You don't really need it.

Just hang out with those you love.

Talk and laugh together.

Reconnect and remember why the character of people is important.

And it is the most important thing to me...

Be kind, be loving, and be generous.

You'll get more in return then you ever imagined possible.

Cheers to you and those you love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lori and Murphy