I won’t be coming to Thanksgiving dinner in a blue VW Beetle
That was many years and many cars ago...
I used to have a VW Beetle. (Or Bug if you’re old school.)
A navy blue one with tan, leather seats and a sunroof.
I was reminded of that car the other day when I was going through a box of memorabilia that contained my high school graduation gown (because- definitely wearing that again), prom garter (really?), an assignment notebook with no assignments (star student), and a personalized license plate:
I bought Bug Azul (blue bug in Spanish) in my early thirties when I traded in a year-old white Subaru Outback with cozy, heated seats made of polar fleece - it was the perfect car for Wisconsin winters and hauling around people and stuff.
Hmm. 🤔
Doing some life-situation-math right now?
A gal in her early thirties trades in safe, spacious wagon for a VW Bug that seats two comfortably, four if your friends have short legs.
Smells fishy… right?
In other words, tell me you’re going through a divorce without telling me you’re going through a divorce.
Bug Azul wasn’t just a cool car, it was my ride into a new life.
In that life, I was no longer the gal with a house in the suburbs and wagon to match. I was “Bug Azul” - the girl who zipped to the gym, around town, and to and from the aiport every chance she could.
That cool, quirky little car helped me figure out where I was going & who I was. As things evolved, it drove me into the next phases of my life - and my next cars - which leads to another story that’s way too long for this newsletter.
Yet, like most things in life, I didn’t appreciate the importance of Bug Azul when I had it.
And - stop the car - wouldn’t you know… this little ditty about Bug Azul leads nicely to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:
You see…I wanted to write about Thanksgiving and the holidays, but I knew I needed to get your attention in a clever way.
(Because we’ve all heard a million times to appreciate the people around your table and respect our differences…)
So I used Bug Azul to reel you in. 🤓
Now that you’re listening~Next time you’re gathered with family and friends (like on Thanksgiving)…
Remember that everyone around the table has a Bug Azul story. (Which could explain a lot… )
Maybe it’s not a car story, but everyone has something that shaped the person they are today.
So if you find yourself stumbling around, trying to not talk politics, and also trying to avoid small talk at all costs, share a story like Bug Azul.
Then ask someone a question. What they were doing ten years ago? What was their favorite car? Where would they go if they won the lottery?
It doesn’t really matter.
What matters is that while we’re sharing stories, we’re connecting.
And isn’t that what it’s all about?
Cheers.
And since the holidays (and btw there are quite a few in December plus don’t forget Festivus) are approaching, I thought I’d share links and tips to all things holidays.
Hosting tips/survival
Recipes
Drinks
Gift Guides
Holiday decorating
AND MORE.
I think you’re going to like it.
PLUS.
Did you know? I’m running a special SUBSTACK FRIDAY SALE! From now until November 24, the newsletter is 40% off!
Hosting? Chop chop. You’ve got a lot to do before 🦃 Day.
We all know part of hosting means morphing into a complete nutjob the week leading up to the moment when your first guest arrives and and you answer the door as sweet as 🎃🥧. Oh, wait, that’s Holiday Abbey. (She’s psycho. Run fast & far if you encounter her.) Prevent this scenario with fun & practical hosting advice from Gaby of What’s Gaby Cooking in this episode of the Liz Moody Podcast. Plus, since you’re hosting, it couldn’t hurt to review the Best 52 Thanksgiving Cocktails or this Guide to Affordable Wine for Thanksgiving. (Because spending a ton of money on booze is a huge buzz kill.)
Not hosting, but contributing? Maybe you’ve graduated from bringing wine to an actual dish?
For years, I got away with bringing wine or crescent rolls on Thanksgiving. Then, when my niece suddenly wasn’t 8 anymore and started bringing a dish to pass, I figured it was time for me to Aunty up. Good thing I discovered easy and delicious recipes like these healthy side dishes, these vegan recipes, some amazing roasted brussel sprouts, a simple-but unique-salad, and many dressing options. Or, there’s always the hot bar at Whole Foods.