It’s been a big week here! Today is my last day at Taste of Home and tomorrow I’m gearing up to sell holiday hoops at the Walker’s Point Makers Market and Bar Hop. I have a lot of wonderful things going on, including these things I’m thankful for.
Day 11: Memories
My great-aunt’s religious order is selling their motherhouse and convent and much of what’s inside. My family and I saw this as an opportunity not only to visit with my charming aunt, but to visit the convent for perhaps the final time.
While this space belongs to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, I have plenty of lovely memories here. As a child, I got to visit the orchards and farm on the grounds. When I was a bit older, we all celebrated my aunt at her 50th jubilee. Later, we’d come to visit my aunt and take tours of the old chapel and the stunning 60s-era church. Michael and I even got married at the Mound back in 2017.
I treasure all of these memories, and I’m so glad I got to enjoy this space while I could. I’m also thankful that I was able to take home a few small pieces of the place (I purchased some art and a small holy water font at their estate sale). I know it held so much meaning for the nuns who lived, worked and prayed there. They have been nothing but gracious in its transition. I hope to embody a bit of that spirit in my own way.
Day 12: Beauty
On top of a fantastic vacation in Ireland this year, I also got to visit France! This trip was sponsored by Fromage from Europe, and it was really delightful. Besides tasting an absurd number of cheeses, the folks who put the trip together coordinated a visit to Chateau de Chenonceu.
While I loved seeing the castles in Ireland, this chateau definitely had all those fairy-tale vibes. Seeing the facade as I walked up the driveway felt downright magical.
Press trips of all kinds, but especially this one, are a huge privilege and one I’m so thankful I got to take advantage of during my time at Taste of Home.
Day 13: Kindness
I am grateful for so many acts of kindness this year. Small and large gestures of kindness and thoughtfulness filled this year with ease and light.
One small act of kindness that I think of fondly, though, is when a man saw Michael and me taking photos of Dublin Castle through scaffolding and construction. He was kind enough to show us a better view and took lots of photos for us (including many on kooky angles like this one). He also shared plenty of jokes, stories about Irish history and where to get a good order of fish and chips. Gerald, you’re a gem, and thank you for giving us such a warm welcome to Dublin!
Day 14: Love
There is nothing better than being loved by (and loving) my mom.
Day 15: Emotions
When we packed up to leave our home during renovations, I turned all sorts of mopey. But when I checked in on the progress just a few days in, I was totally overcome in the best way.
The work all the craftspeople did was astounding. I teared up the first time I walked down our new stairs (shortly after I took the photo above). Seeing this work filled me with joy and appreciation, and I’m so thankful for the folks who had the skills to make this happen.
Day 16: Music
One of the best parts of visiting Ireland was the music. Everywhere you turned, you’d hear someone playing guitar in the street or hear an Irish trad band from a nearby pub. It made so much of the trip feel magical.
I think one of my favorite moments of our whole trip was walking the streets of Galway our first evening and hearing a trio of girls playing “Dreams” by the Cranberries, one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s a memory I’ll treasure for ages to come.
Day 17: Animals
Each year with this prompt, I mention my wonderful cats. These two are what truly make our house feel like a home. I am so thankful for Mukki and Ember—even when they’re being naughty.
I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned!
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