Does Oprah Know When Thanksgiving Is?

Okay that’s kind of harsh, as um, we adore the lady, but her magazine doesn’t seem to know what time of the year it is….I suppose the font on the cover is orange, but who has the time right now to find their true calling? I’m looking for Thanksgiving ideas this time of year, and thankfully their are a few buried in the back.

Now, I found my true calling about thirty years ago, so it’s not going to intrigue me. (And wouldn’t that subject be more appropriate for New Years or September start of school season?) Also, I never know what month the magazine is in because Oprah is always on the cover. Which is FINE, except could the art department kick it into gear and actually differentiate the covers?

I guess the main message is don’t sweat Thanksgiving. And that’s cool. But this time of year, for me, it’s all about dreaming and thinking about what I’m going to serve and make for Thanksgiving…what is my table going to look like, will I try something new, etc. So I need inspiration. Oprah is FULL of inspiration. Always. And I know what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m doing it, um RIGHT NOW!! So the main feature of the magazine really left me cold this Thanksgiving season, and frankly I wouldn’t have picked up the magazine at all if I wasn’t going to be writing about it.

Now I was surprised that my sister liked Oprah Magazine, as she is Classic. But all the columns (Dr. Oz, Suzie Orman, etc.) tend to be very structured and practical… so I can see that part of the magazine appealing to them, and then the inspirational parts like finding your true calling useful… It’s like the subject matter for Oprah is all ORganic and Smart, but there are always helpful lists and quizes for the ORganic Structures, Smart Structures, and Classics. They leave me cold. And frankly this whole issue does.

I personally think that Oprah is probably a great resource for Organics and Smarts, but not so great this month for Organics or Smarts who are interested in Thanksgiving. If you like cranberries, there is a novel recipe in soaking your turkey in a cranberry marinade, plus tons of other recipes with cranberries. (Personally not a fan, even at Thanksgiving, so go for it you cranberry aficionados.)  And there is this terrible, TERRIBLE page that tells you exactly which foods you should avoid at this ONE DINNER. Blah. Thanksgiving isn’t meant to be fat free. And I know that sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing are going to necessitate an antacid. And THAT is why God invented antacids. For Thanksgiving…