I'm not going to take up a lot of space today, since I'm getting ready to make a big batch of sweet potatoes and some delicious cranberry salad, but I wanted to take a moment to wish those of you who celebrate it a happy Thanksgiving. Even though I'm thankful all year long for the blessings in my life, I realize that sometimes we don't take the time to really look at them in detail.

I'm thankful for so many things -- I'm thankful that I'm healthy and happy, that I have a roof over my head and food on my table. I'm happy that my kids are getting a good education, and that we live in a country where it's okay to disagree or be different. I'm thankful for the friends and family in my life, and I'm thankful for all of you who take the time to read this blog, share your opinions, and help to educate others about what it is we do and believe. I hope all of you have a wonderful day, and that you'll take a moment to think about the things for which you too are grateful.

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This is so cool that I'd love to see something like it in the United States. Over in Derbyshire, UK, an exhibit in a public park celebrated not just one faith, not just the mainstream ones, but a number of different religious beliefs that are represented in the area. Decorated stalls explaining Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Sikhism, Muslim, Baha'i and Pagan religions were on display, and were staffed by people who got a chance to educate passers-by about their faiths.

Organizer Janet Tristram said, "The idea was that people would be able to walk through the faith history of the world and, through that, see how diverse Derby is." The event is part of a larger project called Forum of Faiths, which aims to educate people about the diverse group of beliefs that are represented in Derbyshire today.

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A blog reader writes in asking, "I live in a traditional dorm on campus. The rules are that there can be no candles or burning of anything that would produce smoke... I still want to hold a circle in my room, but I've been having trouble trying to figure out how to create the same focus without the candles. I have ADD tendencies, so I have to have an object of some sort to focus on or I cannot focus. Do you have any ideas as to how I could adjust things without the use of candles? Unlit candles are also prohibited."

One of the most valuable skills you can ever learn as a witch or Pagan is that of improvising and making do with what you have. If you're not allowed to use candles, but you feel like you need something tangible to focus on, you'll need to figure out what else can hold your attention. One option might be to use a bowl of water, or perhaps a stone held in your hand. I have a friend who has a lovely labyrinth plaque that she traces with her finger as a way to focus herself prior to a working. There are any number of things you can try -- and they may not all work for you. Particularly if you have ADD, you probably know that what works for other people might not work for you, so experiment a bit to figure out what's best for you personally.

A dorm situation is a unique set of issues, anyway. Especially if you're living with a non-Pagan roommate, it can be a challenge to find ways to practice magical living in a dorm room. Even if you're in an apartment, if you're stuck in a smaller living space, there are always potential issues at play. Here are some tips on practicing magic in a smaller space: Celebrate Rituals with Limited Space.

Readers, do you have any suggestions or tips for our college-age practitioners?

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If you live in the United States, you can't avoid the fact that Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away. I've gotten a few emails from folks who are wondering if -- given the often Christianized context of Thanksgiving and blessings -- it's okay for Pagans to celebrate this holiday. Also, there's the issue of whether or not Thanksgiving is in fact glorifying the obliteration of Native American culture by Europeans.

First, it's important to recognize that Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday. It's a secular one. Also, for many people, it may be more of a family custom than anything else. Here are some tips on how to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family, despite any spiritual differences you many have with them: How Can Pagans Celebrate Thanksgiving. Also, be sure to read Ten Ways To Show You're Thankful for some more ideas.

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