One word about turkeys... What would be yours? Since you're reading Vegman, it's probably neither "dinner" nor "delicious". "Ugly" maybe? Or "funny"?

Maybe you're living in the US, and the world around you is preparing itself for Thanksgiving. Does it bother you that so many turkeys around there are approaching their rather unpleasant fate? Can you still laugh at the famous "Friends" episode with Joey's head stuck inside of the giant dead bird (to my endless shame... I still can)? Or are you able to brush away the nagging feeling and enjoy the holiday nonetheless?

I don't know about you, but I grew up turkey-free. My grandpa, a farmer, had hens, but there were no turkeys around. In our local forest park there is a deer-park with turkeys involved, but I always took the deer and donkeys over their feathered friends. I have to confess... my word would be "ugly".

Last year however, I stumbled upon a project that generated my interest for the clumsy birds. It's Farm Sanctuary's annual Adopt-a-Turkey Project. For the donation of 30 $, you can adpot one special turkey, and they even send you an adoption certificate if you want one.

So, last year, I gave my heart to Jordan, youthful and kind with an affinity for apples and kale, her slogan being, "Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving and let me gobble my way into your heart."

This year, Payton is my chosen one. He looks kind of funny, and his mantra, "In a ton of ways, compassion pays," just tugged at my heartstrings.

You can adopt even if you're not US-based, and maybe, just maybe you might like to start a new Thanksgiving tradition as well... because... isn't it all about being thankful?