Being Thankful

On Thanksgiving it wasn't a family tradition to
go around and say what we've been thankful for.
I always wondered why there was no
actual "giving thanks" in our Thanksgiving, and I
always wished that we could do that.  But I think
I was also aware of the cheese factor that it can bring
to the table-so I never brought it up.

Now I try my best to make sure that it happens at
whatever table I happen to be at for the holiday.
Since we're attending a rather large feast this year
I'm thinking that it'll be too much to have everyone go
around and say something so, I'm going to post mine here.

I'm thankful for...

*My husband and our home together

*Family, the one I was born into, the friends that are close
enough to be family, and the family that I married into.

*Having a job that allows me to be a part of something that
I am passionate about.

*Being able to slow down and appreciate small stuff,
whether it's a delicious cappuccino, the sun shining on my
face, or just a good song.

*Friendships that can stand the test of time/busy lives/
different schedules. The comfort of knowing that you
can always pick right back up where you left off.

*Adventures. National, international or even just within
my own city.

*Art, and being able to express myself in various ways
whether it's through dance, collage, or my greeting cards.
Having that outlet is incredible.

*Having love in my life, in various ways and intensities.


I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving,
surrounded by friends and family. <3

The Eleventh Month Itch

A few days ago the husband and I both expressed how we were both
slowly getting into the Christmas spirit but, because we know it is still
only November and Thanksgiving is not even here yet, we've decided
to fight the urge.

I did declare that as soon as Thanksgiving dinner was over I was going to
go into full blown Christmas mode.  So that's happening.

To hold myself over I've been pinning away on my
Wallace and Davis  holiday board finding ideas for the season and getting
so excited for  everything that comes with it <3

A Year in Books: September/October

I've forgotten to post this 2 months in a row, eek!
Sometimes I just get out of blogging mode;
I start to feel like I don't have much to say
or that some things aren't worth sharing.
But the itch to post things inevitably comes back
and once again I start to share my thoughts and whims
with the masses (and by masses I mean friends and family who
happen to read this )

So here we go, this is what I've read

September
Back to Bologna-Michael Dibdin
The Apprentice-Jacques Pepin
Expecting Better-Emily Oster

October
Nasty Bits-Anthony Bourdain
Clementine in the Kitchen-Phineas Beck
Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies-Ben Macintyre

It's been a good bunch. I plan on making some of the recipes from
Clementine in the Kitchen. French fare is perfect for winter time!
I also really loved at the end of Bourdain's book, which was all different
essays from different points in his career, how he commented on each
of them. Sometimes agreeing with what he said and sometimes
admitting how ridiculous he sounded. That was fun to read.

I also went in to a mystery store that is right by work
and it is floor to ceiling stacked with every mystery writer you
can imagine. and they have TONS of first editions!
(which always come at a price-but how cool?!)
I'll be going back there to find some new authors
and to grab some more Agatha Christie's.

As usual I'd love to hear what everyone is reading.
comment, text, call, email, write a letter. tell me.

Latest Obsessions

*First Aid Kit-This Old Routine
Swedish sisters making songs that have me wishing
that my sisters and I could sing. Perfect soundtrack for
this time of year.

*Cranberry Vanilla Coffee Cake
From Lottie & Doof. Made this yesterday and
it turned out perfectly. I recommend using fresh
cranberries.


*Learning about Burgundy.
So many things to memorize. Communes, vineyards, producers, vintages...
The bonus of studying wine is that drinking is a form of learning.
Last night we had a 2004 Bruno Colin Les Gravieres, Santenay 1er Cru.
I had forgotten what the vintage was and could not believe it when
the husband told me that it was almost a decade old.  The acidity was
so fresh and still pretty bold.  We're going to get another bottle and
cellar it for a few more years and see what happens.


*Finding some vintage Indian cookbooks
It's another cuisine that I find slightly overwhelming
but LOVE to eat. So I'll be heading to my favorite cookbook
shops in the city and finding a good starter guide.

Total Relaxation

Amid this stressful week of trying to put together an event at work, 

I'm currently enjoying a serene moment.  I'm drinking my

favorite hot chocolate (raw cacao powder and cinnamon) and watching 

the snow fall from my living room.  I've turned on the fairy lights that we have 

hanging around our bookcase and for just a short while-everything will be perfect.