Gratitude

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It’s been a beautiful and very exciting start to the month. Let’s dive in and see what I’m grateful for this week (and always).

Day 4: Work

I will be honest: For the bulk of the year, work troubled me. Despite being passionate about writing, baking and food, I just didn’t feel like Taste of Home was a good fit for me anymore.

However, I have recently accepted a new opportunity, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! I’m so excited about what this change will bring.

Day 5: Quotes

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I love Baba Yaga. I’ve been a fan of this folktale figure since I was a kid, and my adoration has only grown with time. In my home, you’ll find a few pieces of Baba Yaga art and a copy of Ask Baba Yaga, a collection of advice columns from the eponymous series on the Hairpin.

Over the years, one letter has stuck with me: “What Is Missing?” In a strange way, this specific column has helped guide me over the years. I think of it often.

Dear Baba Yaga,

I feel like I’m forever missing something inside myself. With people, without people, wonderful job, jobless. I always feel like there’s a gaping hole. What is missing?

BABA YAGA:

By rooting in the hole you make the hole wider; you scrape , its walls you open fresh soil — the earth of it smells blacker & blacker, you see the hole & the hole only, you live within it always; if you find yrself eating fruits in the good forest you remember the hole & go to look if it is still there dropping yr fruit-meat all the whiles. & if you think think think only of the hole it will become the great work & mystery of yr life, & you will die in the hole as you lived in it.

—Ask Baba Yaga

Day 6: Time

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Over time, working in the food space has robbed some of the joy I used to get being in the kitchen.

However, as I begin to untether myself from that career, I’m finding I want to be back in the kitchen for fun again. I’ve been flooded with recipe ideas, and I can’t wait to spend more time bringing them to life.

Day 7: Creativity

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I’m still working the world’s lowest-stakes side hustle: Kaminski Handicraft. And I’ve been finding new ways to love embroidery all the time. You’ll see below I’ve started combining watercolors and stitching (I love it!).

But I like to work on other smaller crafts and creative projects. These ugly sweater ornaments were my favorite craft from last year. These were so much fun to make and to share with my family on Christmas. I’ve got another holiday idea up my sleeve for 2023 and I’m dying to start. I’m glad that even though I’ve been working with a needle and thread for 25+ years, it still holds just as much appeal.

Day 8: Health

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I’ll put this simply: I hope that my family remains in good (or as good as possible!) health. I am so thankful for the doctors who help with this, especially for my mom.

Day 9: Friendship

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Last month, Michael and I hosted Stocktoberfest at our home—the first party we’ve held in at least three years. It felt so incredible to have a home full of friends.

A huge shout-out goes to my friend Amanda and her husband for making a serious trek to come see us. Seeing them walk through the door was a total surprise and filled me with so much joy.

Day 10: Books

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If you’ve been around here for a while, you may have noticed that this blog has turned into a list of book reviews more than anything. Since 2020, I’ve made more and more time to read (or listen to audiobooks). I find reading a few pages before bed or listening to a book while I sew relaxes me tremendously.

I’m so grateful for Libro.fm (as always: not sponsored, just a fan), for making listening to audiobooks and supporting small booksellers so easy. And I’m so happy to support the Milwaukee Public Library System! Where would I be without their Libby app and their top-notch Instagram account?

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined!

I’m back with another week of things to be thankful for. Take some time to count your blessings this month along with me.

Day 5: Creativity

When I first reflected on this year, I thought I hadn’t done as much creative work as I have in the past. But you know what, I still did a lot! I had a great craft show this spring and I have really kind neighbors that think of me for their creative projects like the one above.

I’m glad and grateful that my creativity can make others happy. And I’m very thankful that even in a tough year, I was able to make some space for making.

Day 6: Weather

After a few 70ºF days this week, the weather is finally turning truly autumnal. I love this time of year. And, thanks to Karolina Zebrowska, I’m appreciating Novembers more than ever.

Today it’s cool and breezy. That, my friends, is perfect sewing weather. I love and appreciate having days like this.

Day 7: Adventure

Three years ago, my mom and I visited Maine for the first time. We loved it. Before my mom had brain surgery, I promised her I’d take her back when she was up to it.

This October, we returned to Portland and Kennebunkport. I am so beyond grateful that I was able to go on this adventure with my mom.

Day 8: Words

After explaining my feelings of burnout to my therapist, she asked me, “so what are you doing for yourself?” At that time, the answer was not much beyond the basics.

So after my appointment, I walked over to Black Twig Bakery and bought myself (and Michael) some cookies. It’s now become a ritual after my sessions and it’s really been great! In sum: I’m so grateful for the kind and measured words of my therapist. Going on a regular basis has been amazing.

Day 9: Connection

I’ve taken a step back from a lot since my mom became ill. I feel like it’s the right thing for me and my family. But I am still so incredibly thankful for kind friends that reach out to check on me and ask how the fam is doing. Thank you for keeping these connections alive when I am not able to give them my all.

Day 10: Wonder

When I saw that I could walk out to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse in Portland, Maine, I couldn’t contain my glee. As I leaped from rock to rock on the breakwater, I was filled with awe and wonder. I got to be on the waters of Casco Bay and see really stunning sights. I also was fortunate enough to have the breakwater to myself to take it all in. It was one of the highlights of this trip and I’m so grateful I got to enjoy it.

Day 11: Feelings

I think it’s important to take note of the times you find yourself unexpectedly smiling. These unplanned yet marked moments of joy are what make life so wonderful.

A few times I found myself smiling or laughing without realizing it: managing a tricky stretch in a yoga class, seeing a litter of kittens up for adoption at the pet supply store, winning at darts in a dive bar, watching any episode of Lego Masters and playing Night in the Woods for the first time.

I’ll be keeping up with this series for the rest of the month. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

The past few years, I’ve followed this Instagram prompt by @positivelypresent. It’s a great way to reflect on the year and focus on what’s going well.

2022 has been a rough one (I know, I said this last year, too), but I do find that taking time to be grateful really does help keep some feelings of anxiety away. It also sets you up to express love and gratitude to the people you care about. That’s all good!

Day 1: Comfort

Much of this year has been about seeking comfort wherever and however I could. I’m really grateful to have a home that brings me a lot of joy and is always a cozy place to come rest.

No, it’s not a showplace or very fancy, but it’s warm and inviting to me. Plus, it’s always full of good snacks and cats—two of life’s greatest comforts.

Day 2: Nature

This summer, Michael and I returned to Bayfield to celebrate our seventh anniversary. While we were there, we kayaked along the shores of Lake Superior and even got to explore a few small sea caves.

Getting to experience nature in a new way was awe-inspiring. It gave us both a new appreciation of the beauty and the power of this Great Lake.

We also had the privilege of kayaking with some really knowledgeable local guides, some of whom are members of the Ojibwe tribe. Thank you for sharing some of your experiences and beliefs with us!

Day 3: Wisdom

For the longest time, I lived by the motto “better out than in!” when it came to emotions, stories—pretty much anything. But over the years, I’ve picked up a bit of wisdom from my sweet husband. Not everyone needs to know everything. Not everything needs to be said the second it comes to mind. It took me a decade to pick up on this, but it’s something I take to heart.

Day 4: Love

Back in March, I had to say goodbye to my sweet girl Zara. It was incredibly hard. Adopting a new kitten was also challenging. I wondered if I could grow to like her.

Well, Little Miss Ember is no Zara (and I wouldn’t want her to be!), but my heart has made so much room for her. Seeing her and Mukki together is so darling. I love these two beasts and I am so grateful to wake up to them each morning.

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned and please join in if you’re so inclined! You can use #gratitude30 on Instagram (where this challenge is really taking place).

Thanksgiving is over, but I’m not quite finished with this series. Here are a few more thankful-fors before we roll into the Christmas season.

Day 27: Beauty

There’s a quote by William Morris I think of often (but do not always abide by): “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”

Above is my living room on a good day. It’s full of soft blankets, a wonderfully kitsch owl lamp, my prized Green Lady print and one of our cats. While it’s not beautiful to everyone, it’s perfect for me and I’m thankful to call it home.

Day 28: Technology

Tech has allowed me to work from home for the past 18 months and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for that. Working at home has helped relieve some stress and has given me the flexibility I really needed this past year.

Day 29: Truth

When you’re going throught the shit, it’s pretty hard to be transparent about it. It’s no fun being the friend that only has bad news, that’s always in a bad way. But I am thankful to the friends and loved ones that I can be truthful to when they ask “how are things?” It lightens the load. Thank you.

Day 30: Memories

A lot of what has sustained me this year has been good memories, and I am incredibly fortunate to have so many.

Above is my mom and me in Maine two years ago. We had an absolute blast exploring Portland, Kennebunkport and later Salem, Massachusetts. I’m thankful that I got to do this trip with my mom and that we both enjoyed every second.

This is the last of this series for 2021. I hope it’s encouraged you to reflect on some joys in your life.

I’m back back back again with another installment of 30 Days of Thanks. I’m going a bit brief on these entries this week since it’s go-time for Thanksgiving prep. I hope your holiday planning and cooking go smoothly!

Day 20: Creativity

Getting to flex my creative muscles at work and during my downtime is a pleasure. I get to write and think about food all day for work and then log off to think about embroidery, sewing and food again. I’m incredibly fortunate.

Day 21: Home

When things are tough, I often have to remind myself of the good things I do have. At the top of the list (OK after my husband and cats) is always my home.

This 1960s ranch is imperfect and in need of some functional updates, but it truly is home. This space is odd, old-fashioned and absolutely comfortable. I like to think it puts others at ease as well. How could you not feel like putting your feet up with a comfy chair in the living room, plenty of natural light and cats sleeping by the window?

The above print is from Michelle Brusegaard and it is very emblematic of our home.

Day 22: Animals

My love for my cats knows no bounds. My two tabbies are such rays of light, especially in tough times. Mukki (not pictured—sorry, Mukki!) is outgoing, babyish, sassy and cuddly. Zara, my spooky little bat, has been in my life since I’ve been 17. She’s funny, intuitive, sweet and curmudgeonly.

Having the two of them jingling around the house and curling up next to me while I read is something I’m so so grateful for. Zara and Mukki, I love you both!

Day 23: Knowledge

Working at Taste of Home has really helped expand my knowledge of and interest in food. Sure, I’ve always loved baking but I feel so much more well versed in bread and pies now than even a year ago.

And my work this year has led me in some really interesting directions. I’ve learned about cocktail bitters, relish trays and why a mini rolling pin is a pierogi-making essential. I love collecting these tidbits of info.

Day 24: Art

While I’d love to get into the art vs. craft debate (I actually love discussing this), I’ll skip it for now. This year, I’m thankful that I got to share my artsy crafts with people at two different events.

It was fun getting back into the swing of in-person selling and I’m looking forward to doing it again in 2022.

Day 25: Family

I cannot tell you how grateful I am for my family. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to spend so much time with them this year, even if the circumstances haven’t been ideal.

Above is my husband, sister and me at my in-law’s anniversary celebration. This party was truly one of the highlights of the year.

Day 26: Weather

Above is the Port Washington Marina, not far from where I grew up. My family and I like to grab sandwiches and eat while looking at the boats and the lighthouse. Because it’s right on the lake, Port is always cold. But this day in August, I remember it was gorgeous—no jackets needed.

It’s nice to go home once in a while. And it’s even nicer when you don’t need a sweater in summer.

I’ll be keeping up with this series for the rest of the month. Stay tuned and please take inventory for yourself! 2021 is rough, but there are some bright spots!

Hey, all you cool cats and kittens. I hope you’re settling into a comfy November. I’m back with this week’s installment of 30 Days of Thanks. Let’s jump in!

Day 13: Kindness

If you’ve been here before, you’ve probably heard about my love for Studio Ric Rak, a vintage shop in my town. This place just has all of the best goodies from Pyrex dishes to handmade Christmas decor to awesome retro artwork (seen above!).

Earlier this year when I stopped in, I told the owner I was picking something up for my mom who just had surgery. I found a sweet little Easter decoration my mom could put up in her hospital room and the owner just said, “This one’s on me! Tell your mom to feel better!”

And that act of kindness is something I’ll not soon forget. Thanks, Chris!

Day 14: Routine

I’ve said it a lot: I am not a routine person. I like the idea of routines, but I think I’m just too chaotic for that. This being said, when Michael and I head up north, we do have a bit of a routine. In the mornings, we have breakfast. Then Michael goes out and takes care of the trees and I hang out on the deck with a good book.

We were up there a few weeks ago and it was a lovely chilly morning. I had a scary book, a hot cup of tea and a blanket. It was so relaxing, and I’m thankful to have this soothing routine when I’m away from home.

Day 15: Work

Let me say this: I love working from home. It is a huge blessing. It’s allowed me to have more flexibility and some extra time to spend with my family this year. I am tremendously thankful for this arrangement.

This all being said, I did return to the office once this year: to film this video! Above is a shot of some of the prop pretzels (real but just a day old) from the shoot.

Day 16: Growth

We all have heard the cliche: You grow through what you go through.

It’s true, though. This year has been so, so tough. And while I wish life wasn’t the way it is right now, the past nine months have really pushed me. I’ve become more patient, more giving and more resilient. Those aren’t bad things (even if you have to go through the proverbial dirt to get to them).

Shoutout to my friend Ellie for the irises above. She dug them up for me last year and they made an appearance in the back garden this summer.

Day 17: Food

Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” This is so obviously true to me, and I’m lucky to be surrounded by these types of people all the time. My family is packed with amazing bakers and I work with people who think about food all day long.

And I love to chat about recipes, restaurants and snackies. It’s just a great feeling. And recently I got to shoot the breeze with the folks that run Buckatabon and it was a real joy. I was having a low day but sitting and talking supper clubs and northwoods nostalgia is one of the cures for whatever ails ya (also ice cream).

Day 18: Self-Love

Here’s a selfie I took that I don’t hate. I was dressed up as a bat for Halloween.

Day 19: Fun

Fun looks different than it used to, but I have to say I’ve gotten a lot of joy out of sewing recently. After stopping at a fabric shop in Sturgeon Bay, I was absolutely giddy to pull out my sewing machine again (it’d had been in the closet once I finished sewing more than 200 masks in 2020).

Getting back into sewing has been a lot of fun. I’m thankful that my mom taught me this skill and that I’ve got the time to sink into some fun projects lately.

I’ll be keeping up with this series for the rest of November. Be sure to count your own blessings, too!