A Memphis Thanksgiving
This year I’m spending Turkey Day in Vermont. It is the first time in 11 years that I haven’t been in the Memphis area for Thanksgiving. I just realized that fact a few minutes ago and it made me sad. Even when I left the area for school I still always came home for holidays. And now, in this new phase of life, I will be missing some holidays at home. But that doesn’t mean I can’t be thankful for the things that exist in Memphis (or that I won’t be home in less than a week!).
13 Things In Memphis I’m Thankful For
My family. Scattered around Memphis and Millington, they are the real reason why I love the city. They are the ones who keep me coming back and the ones who created the great memories of the city with me.
Food. Do I even need to go into specifics here? I’m so thankful for the delicious food that exists in Memphis, from the fried chicken to the BBQ to everything in between.
Memphis Redbirds. I love baseball, I love Autozone Stadium, and I love the Memphis Redbirds.
Amie V’s photography. There is no one who better captures the beauty of Memphis, both the landscape and the people. Her 365 photo series featuring Memphis citizens keeps me interested as she creates beautiful portraits of Memphians.
MIFA’s Something Good In Memphis. I’m thankful for the this website and it’s mission to highlight all the good things going on in Memphis, because there are a lot of them.
Urban Art Commission. I watched the giant mural next to Redbirds Stadium go up from start to finish. It inspired me and made me love Memphis even more for the dedication to make more artistic and beautiful spaces. I’m thankful that the Urban Art Commission exists and is making Memphis a more beautiful place.
Memphis Tigers Basketball. Go Tigers Go! I’m thankful for the team that continues to thrive and bring the community together.
Diversity. There is nothing like living in a place where everyone is the same *cough* Vermont *cough* to make you appreciate the awesome melting pot that is Memphis, a unique city, full of different and amazing people.
Kerry and her love for Memphis. There are a lot of cool people in the city who are working to make everyone realize how awesome it is. Kerry is one of those people doing a a great job showing people reasons why it is easy to love Memphis.
Fogelman YMCA. I am thankful for my former employer and an all around great organization, helping Memphians get healthy, teaching downtown elementary school children water safety, and making Memphis a healthier, fitter place. Plus, I love the building!
The Memphis Zoo. Zoos are fun, and the Memphis Zoo is a great one. I’m thankful that they exist and are always trying create amazing community events and family friendly experiences like ZooBoo and ZooLights. Plus, I love Tuesday afternoons, when any resident can get in free, because what’s the point if not everyone can enjoy it?
Music. Another thing I didn’t appreciate until I left – the fact that any given night in Memphis I can go here live music somewhere. There are so many talented bands, clubs, recording studios, bars and live music venues that it was something I took for granted as something that should always be available, when really it is a gift of a great city.
Coming home. After three months of living in the Northeast, I’m excited to be coming home to Memphis next week even if it is only for a short time. I’m thankful for the feeling that Memphis is home, and that when I’m away I can proudly tell people about my city.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Glad you love your city so much! Ive actually never thought much about memphis before. This was the most I'd read about it in my whole life :) seems cool though. Hope you had a good thanksgiving in vt. I had gotten into the habit of spending thanksgiving at other people's houses, but until I moved to san francisco a couple yrs ago, I had NEVER missed a christmas at my parents house and the first time I felt so weird and empty and it still feels lonely so I can imagine how you might feel.
Memphis sounds like a pretty awesome place. I'm glad it's your city :)
Awesome Blog, Mate! I am always on the lookout for new and interesting sports sites and info… which is what led me here. I certainly plan on visiting again! Cheers