I’m back and still grateful! Be sure to count your blessings this week leading up to Thanksgiving. Life is hard but there’s a lot of wonder and joy in this world too.
Day 12: Work
I get to do some pretty awesome stuff a Taste of Home. This year, I had the pleasure of joining in on a virtual bake-along with Christina Tosi, one of my favorite bakers of all time.
Because I’m not just fortunate, but very fortunate, I’ve gotten to speak with Christina four or five times over the years. It’s always a joy and am I ever thankful! Also thankful that Christina turned me on to adding malt powder to brownies (try it even if you aren’t a malt person!).
Day 13: Kindness
I’m married to the kindest man. Michael, I am so grateful to be married to someone with a soft heart (and someone that knows just where to take me for birthday dinners: Ishnala).
Day 14: Food
Is it absolutely ridiculous that the donut above was at the top of my list of must-do Maine activities? Yes. But it was also so incredibly satisfying.
While it took we had a few false starts, my mom and I snuck a trip to HiFi Donuts in while we were in Portland. It was absolutely delicious and maybe my favorite eat of the whole trip.
I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: I am so grateful that I got to do this trip with my mom and so happy we got to revisit a few places from our last trip to New England.
Day 15: Music
This year, my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. This is a big deal and the celebration required all the bells and whistles—including live music.
Booking a band on short notice during peak wedding season was a challenge, but in the end, I am so thankful that I was able to track down the Pray Trio. Sarah and John did such an incredible job and added so much joy to this party. Thank you both for playing family favorites from Patsy Cline, James Taylor and Elvis for us!
Above is a photo of my parents in 1982—the year they were married.
Day 16: Health
I’m so thankful that my mom’s health has been good enough to allow her to do so much this year, including taking our annual trip up north. It was an absolute blast.
Day 17: Seasons
My mom and I hit New England at just the right time for fall colors. I’m so happy and grateful that we did (that was the plan, but you never know booking so many weeks out!). This photo was taken on our last day in Maine. It was just about to pour, but we stopped the car and snapped this photo. It captures the essence of our trip perfectly.
Day 18: Joy
I talked about recognizing unexpected joy last week, but this idea is worth revisiting.
This year, I went on a press trip to Sonoma, California (yes, again!). It was a really lovely time and full of top-notch food, wonderful wine and stunning views. Despite all these lovely things, the highlight of the trip for me was getting to stomp grapes.
As a kid, I was a major fan of I Love Lucy. Getting to stomp grapes a la Lucille Ball was so much fun! I could not stop grinning. It paid off: I was given the “most enthusiastic stomper” award and came home with a hat (which I wear on the reg). Without this trip and my role at Taste of Home, I’d never have the opportunity to live this childhood dream. I’m so thankful I got to do this!
I’ll be keeping up with this series throughout November. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).
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