Gratitude

Welcome back to another week of gratitude! November has been a crazy busy month, but I like slowing down to say thanks with these posts. A brief centering like this keeps the wheels from coming off.

Day 16: Magic

It’d be a shame not to go literal on this one! I’m truly so grateful that I got to visit Salem this past fall. My mom and I had an amazing time, and this witchy city helped me reconnect with the ghoulish, magical things I love.

Day 17: Seasons

Working in publishing, I spend a lot of time thinking about and even living for the upcoming season. But I’m grateful to come home to someone that keeps me grounded in the here and now. There’s no one else I’d rather watch Thanksgiving episodes of Bob’s Burgers with.

Day 18: Books

It sounds so silly, but I’m still so happy and thankful that I bought a Kindle. Having it at the ready in my bag helps me reduce my absent-minded screen time and helps me squeeze in a bit more reading. I’m actually two books ahead on my Goodreads challenge for the year.

Day 19: Kindness

I am truly thankful for all the little acts of kindness from strangers. These little just-becauses are so sweet and really lift my day.

So, to the barista this week who let me add vanilla syrup to my latte after I ordered (and for free), thank you. To the girl who complimented my eyeshadow while I was handing out hot chocolate for work, even though I looked silly in my rubber gloves, thanks! And to Mary Elizabeth Burt of Half-Caff Designs for giving me a shout out on Instagram, I appreciate you!

Day 20: Health

I’m so thankful that I’ve found a new doctor that I gel with. I’m not a big fan of the doctor, but my new one really put me at ease and helped me find a solution to a problem that’s been plaguing me.

Day 21: Inspiration

I draw a lot of inspiration from where I call home. Wisconsin, thanks for keeping supper clubs relevant (and consequently tasty ice cream drinks like the Grasshopper above), serving beer chasers with your Bloody Marys and making your Old Fashioned with brandy.

Day 22: Home

Every day I am thankful for my little home. It is strange, it is imperfect, it is occasionally frustrating, but it is so dear to me. What it lacks in space it makes up for in warmth and good memories.

I’m also so grateful to my great-aunt Mary who saw the potential in this little home so many years ago. Mary, you knew a good thing when you saw it.

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I’ll be back next week for the last edition of this year’s gratitude challenge.

Welcome back to another week of this 30 Days of Thanks. Let’s dive right in!

Day 9: Change

This is my house back in the ’60s and while so much hasn’t changed, I feel like Michael and I have made so many alterations. But every update we’ve made has been to honor this house and keep it the special place that it is to us. I’m thankful that we’re able to keep all its charms (while making sure it’s still standing).

Day 10: Peace

This photo just makes me feel peaceful. This is the Baileys Harbor Range Light in Door County. Visiting Door County is calming and familiar. I’m thankful I get to do it once in a while.

Day 11: Freedom

This photo was taken on the lake where my family vacations every summer. Being out on the water is really freeing and relaxing. It’s nice to just paddle out to the middle and float. There’s no time tables, no agendas, no cell service, just total freedom.

Day 12: Beauty

Two lighthouses in one post? You bet. This is the Portland Head Light in Portland, Maine. It’s the most photographed lighthouse in the world and for good reason. As we sailed past, it really was breathtaking. This alone was worth the trip to the East Coast.

Day 13: Color

This building isn’t a landmark (to me at least), but it still stopped me in my tracks in Kennebunkport, Maine (more on that soon). The colors of New England, particularly this house, were really inspiring and cozy to me. Still pinching myself that I got to visit. Thanks to Maine for being so wonderful (and to my Mom for going with me).

Day 14: Time

I am nothing if not an impatient person, but somehow I love a craft that takes all the patience in the world (and a good amount of time). I’m thankful to have this hobby that helps me slow down when all I want to do is go.

Day 15: Friendship

I’m pretty darn lucky to have picked up so many great friends at work over the years. Above are some newer additions to my circle and I’m so grateful for them! I’m so thankful to have a bunch of creative gal pals that encourage some of my out-of-the-box and over-the-top ideas. And I’m really thankful to have a handful of friends at work I can shoot the breeze, vent or just snag a coffee with.

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See you next week for more on this gratitude challenge.

Last year, I participated in the @positivelypresent Gratitude Challenge, and I want to do the same this year. I think it’s a good way to count my blessings and generally not be such a humbug.

So I’ll be posting Fridays here for the rest of the month (yes, even though it’s technically an Instagram challenge). I hope this inspires you to reflect on all the good stuff in your lives, too.

Day 1: Growth

I’ll say it now: 2019 has been a year! But in the end, I think I grew into at least a slightly better version of myself, so I’m thankful for that! But I don’t want to get too heavy right off the bat.

So I’ll say I’m thankful for the literal growth of my garden this year. Getting back into growing after a two-year hiatus was so satisfying and joyful. I’m hoping to improve for 2020.

Day 2: Knowledge

I love to learn new things. This year I’ve tried to brush up on a lot of new kitchen techniques like pickling. I’m thankful to have the time to dive into new ideas and projects.

Day 3: Love

I’m so thankful for this darling man and his love. Michael is so wonderfully warm-hearted and he is accepting of me and all my good and aggravating traits (like leaving embroidery floss everywhere but also being pretty good at embroidery).

Day 4: Music

Eight years ago, Michael and I flew to Montreal to see Beirut at a music festival. This was very much on a whim and very much an over-the-top way to start a relationship. But it was a wonderful and beautiful time (and the show was great).

Earlier this year, we got to see the band again right in Milwaukee, and I’m so thankful we got to do it! It was a great way to rekindle some of those fond memories.

(Psst… that’s us eight years ago at the show in Montreal.)

Day 5: Nature

The Great Lakes are such a special place. I’m thankful I live, work and vacation right on these lakes (particularly Lake Michigan, though shoutout to Superior!).

This shot is from Cave Point Park in Door County. It’s always been one of my favorite spots. Door County has such a special place in my heart.

Day 6: Creativity

I’m so happy that creativity plays such a big role in my life. I get to be creative at work and when I come home, I’ve got a creative outlet with my many, many crafty hobbies. I’m thankful that I get to express myself and create.

Day 7: Memory

Lots of great memories this year! I’ll say that turning 30 was a highlight and I’m thankful to all my friends and family who celebrated with me.

Day 8: Work

I can’t say how thankful I am to have a job I really enjoy and some really fun and creative coworkers. Working for Taste of Home challenges me in all the right ways. This year I’m really proud of making this chocolate babka. I’ll have some big news on this soon, but for now, enjoy this video!

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See you next week for more on this gratitude challenge (which isn’t much of a challenge because I’m lucky enough to have lots to be thankful for).

Day 17: Weather

As much as I hate the darkness that comes with late fall, I have to say that I love the cooler temperatures and the regular dusting of snow we’ve been getting. It’s honestly a relief to me when it starts to get cold because I don’t feel the stress of taking advantage of every outdoor moment. Instead, I’m thankful to stay inside, put on my softest socks and start a new project.

Day 18: Food

I say it all the time, but I think it’s true: Food is one of the greatest joys in life. And I believe it to be true because a good meal, a delicious treat or a sip of something nice is an easy way to lift your spirits or warm the hearts of others. This year, I’m feeling pretty thankful that I get to make a living writing about, tasting and making all kinds of wonderful foods – be they homey, sinful or just plain good.

One of my favorite pieces this year was a definitive ranking of Pepperidge Farm cookies. It’s silly, but it was so much fun (also Milanos are the best)!

Day 19: Beauty

This is a hard one! But I will say that when we got to Jamaica, I cried. I cried at how absolutely stunning the landscape was. I had never been anywhere tropical like that before, so it definitely took my breath away. Getting to visit is something I’m truly thankful for.

Day 20: Friendship

Gosh, am I lucky to have friends like these! I’ve known these gals (and a lot of my close friends) for a long, long time – like 15+ years long! We don’t see one another every day anymore, but it’s such a heartwarming feeling when we finally do meet up and it’s like hardly any time has passed. And, seriously, it’s so wonderful to just shoot the shit and have them know exactly who, where and what you’re talking about. Plus, they’re a blast. Desperate for another gals trip soon!

Day 21: Technology

Sometimes I joke that our home is a graveyard of technologies of yore. I’ve got a handful of old cameras from the ’60s and ’70s, the 50s-era hi-fi and two typewriters – a Royal courtesy of one of my good friends and an old Remington 12 typewriter that belonged to my great-grandfather.

I’m happy I get to surround myself with these relics at home. They’re sort of comforting! Plus, they’re a lot of fun to tinker around with.

Day 22: Family

I love my family. They’re the folks that really helped me become who I am. My parents and my sisters have always been endlessly encouraging to me (though, they aren’t afraid to tell me to get a grip either!). The whole lot of them are talented, funny and exceptionally warm. I’m thankful to get to be a part of that kind of family.

And I’m thankful that Michael gets to be my family, too. He might not have the Kaminski laugh down yet or the training you need to track five simultaneous conversations, but he’ll get there! I love all of you!

Day 23: Scent

Transitioning from family to scent is a bit odd to me, but that’s OK!

While I’m most partial to woodsy scents, a nice bouquet is always welcome in my home (unless it has lilies – that’s one scent I’m not thankful for).

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Thanks for tuning in for another week of #Gratitude30! I appreciate you all for reading.

Day 10: Music

Several years ago now, my aunt had my vintage hi-fi refurbished (thank you, Mary!). And I use “my” loosely here – this record player was in my mom’s house when she was a child and then made its way to my great-aunt’s home where it served as a nightstand of all things for many years.

At any rate, this hi-fi is a total treasure to me. When I first moved into my house (and had no cable or internet), it kept me company. Now that it’s fixed up, this stereo gets even more use. I love putting on an album while I cook dinner or clean up around the house. I also like to show it off during book clubs and parties – I think people get a kick out of it and how great it sounds after 60+ years! But I have to say, I love this record player most during the holidays when I stack my favorite Christmas albums high and let it fill up the house as we ready for guests.

Day 11: Gift

One of the most touching gifts I’ve ever received was a wooden bead necklace from Michael. On its face, it’s a bit of chunky, funky jewelry (which is great!), but really this necklace is so special. It’s so special because Hillary Clinton owns the same necklace. See, when she was campaigning back in 2016, she stopped by Anthology, one of my favorite shops in Madison. There she bought this red necklace and she was photographed wearing it later that week.

The Christmas following the 2016 election, I opened up that same necklace and I cried. It was such a thoughtful and moving gift, and I’m so thankful that I’m married to someone that would ever put all those pieces together to find the perfect present.

Day 12: Wisdom

As much as I sometimes think I’m with it, that I’ve got a handle on the world (as if), I often get tidbits of wisdom that blow my mind. Most recently I was in a yoga class with a new instructor. As we were bending into our forward folds, she said, “Don’t push this pose to your limits in the first go. By rushing to the end, you can do more harm than good.” This resonated with me in such a huge way.

I am the kind of person that wants to push everything to its end as quickly as possible (I am nothing if not impatient). But those words really set my mind right and encouraged me to exercise a little patience and softness. So to this yoga instructor (a new face to me), a big thanks!

Day 13: Art

I can hardly express how thankful I am to have this piece of art in my home. I first saw this painting hanging up in the world’s craziest and scariest antique shop (R.I.P. Hoarders World). Over the course of several months, that painting moved from room to room there, though I never worked up the nerve to buy it. Eventually, my aunt purchased it for me as the world’s best birthday present.

It wasn’t until years later that I found out this is the most reproduced print in the 20th century and pretty much the kitsch version of the Mona Lisa. I don’t care what it is – I love this piece of art so much. It feels like home.

Day 14: Routine

I’ll be truthful: I’m not huge on routine (it’s the Aries in me). I am, however, big on traditions which are their own kind of routines, right?

Right. So let me say a big thank you to my family and Michael for indulging me when it comes to all the traditions I insist upon, like standing next to the Garfield cutout at the apple orchard (Michael’s favorite).

Day 15: Clothing

One of my most satisfying hobbies is sewing. Being able to take a few yards of fabric and have something to wear a few hours later is pretty cool to me. I’m thankful to my mom for teaching me to sew and for my sewing classes at school. Those were so satisfying! If only I could manage to dedicate an hour a day to a project like that again! Until then, I’ll just make simple stuff like this ridiculous cat skirt.

Day 16: Novelty

As much as I like tradition and dislike change, I sure do like a bit of novelty in life. I’m constantly picking up (and dropping) all sorts of new hobbies, like making paper flowers, latch hooking, building putz houses, making these plastic canvas villages and all sorts of stuff. I love trying my hand at something new and craft-related. I used to think of this as some sort of character flaw, like why can’t you just be into one or two things, but now I see it as a strength of sorts. So I’m thankful that I haven’t run out of weird, novel crafts yet and I’m thankful that I’ve got the personality that makes embracing them fun!

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See you next Friday with another round of #Gratitude30. Also, next Friday is the Madison Makers Black Friday Market + Pub-Crawl. Local folks, I’ll see you there!

I’ve said it before, Thanksgiving isn’t much my holiday. This has everything to do with the food (not my favorite dishes) and absolutely nothing to do with the sentiment behind the holiday. In fact, that’s the part I love the most about Thanksgiving – being around my family and spending some extra time together. But instead of just being extra thankful for them for one day (I’m truly thankful for them all the time), I figured I’d spend the whole month putting a few more grateful vibes into the world.

I’m following @positivelypresent’s Instagram challenge for this one despite this not being Instagram. I’ll be posting Fridays the rest of the month. Now, on with the show!

Day 1: Home

Words cannot express how happy my home makes me. It’s tiny, funky and it manages to contain my greatest loves: my husband, our cats and our cozy life. Truly, there’s nothing better to me than cozying up on the couch with the three of them, a few fluffy blankets and an episode of Bob’s Burgers. It’s how I know things are right in our world.

Day 2: Inspiration

When it comes to my day job (and life, too!), I get unending inspiration from my family. Without my mom, I’d never been able to hack it at Taste of Home. She taught me almost everything I know about cooking and baking. And without my family’s stories and history, I’d never be able to write nice pieces like this one about my great-grandma’s long-lost cookbook.

Day 3: Love

Michael is my true love. Again, words can’t adequately express how wonderful this man is. He makes up for all I lack with his tender heart, incredible patience and boundless talent. He’s also encouraging, thoughtful and generous. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to have as a life partner.

Day 4: Color

OK, this is where the challenge is more suited for Instagram, but hey, I can groove with it. I am grateful for color after all and how it punctuates the best parts of my life. My home’s most prominent feature: decidedly not trendy avocado green carpet (which I love). My bedroom walls: a too-green green that my dad dutifully painted for me – all three coats worth (thank you, Dad!). My garden: full of magentas, ruby reds, violets, indigos and golds.

Day 5: Happiness

Happiness isn’t an all-day, everyday kind of thing, which is why when it comes along in a big way, I try to be thankful for those moments. I have to say seeing the Pacific for the first time this September, was a moment of pure happiness and joy for me, and I’m thankful I got the opportunity to do it!

Day 6: Words

I’m just happy that words play such a huge part in my life. Words are the reason I met Michael (thank you, college newspaper!), they’re how I make a living (hey, Taste of Home!) and how I derive a lot of joy.

Day 7: Memories

In the words of Demetri Martin, “I remember when I was into nostalgia.” It’s totally true, though. I’m a big time reminiscer. And I’m thankful that I’ve got a lot of great memories to look back on after just 29 years. I can’t pick a favorite, because we’d be here all day, but I love the memories that come along with our annual post-Christmas party and I’m so thankful that I get to carry on this tradition that my aunt started years and years ago!

Day 8: Nature

I am so thankful to live in a state with as much natural beauty as Wisconsin. As much as I love the dense forests of northern Wisconsin and the Kettle Moraine, I have to say I love the Great Lakes the most. Sitting on their shores is really centering, most especially alongside Lake Superior. It’s harsh and cold, but it’s also humbling and calming.

Day 9: Laughter

This is my dad telling a very bad joke, but we all still laughed. I’m glad that I’ve got a great dad that likes to shoot the shit, tell stupid jokes and doesn’t mind it when I imitate his distinctive laugh. Thankful to you, Dad!

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I’ll be back next Friday with more #Gratitude30!