7 Gratitudes
No 1 // Crocheting is a blessing in the waiting rooms of life. When I crave instant feedback, what a great practice to turn to. A week into learning this handcraft I am finding it has a way of shortening fences. In action, it has sent new women across my path. Some at thirty thousand feet and others just across the dance studio waiting for our daughters to finish their tap number.
No. 2 // For nearly a year this book was repeatedly tucked to the bottom of my reading pile; in fear of what it may unearth. Once I started, I devoured it in a day. Unlike salt in a wound, which is what I expected, this read was soothing like oil and right on time.
No. 3 // The colder it gets, the longer the oven stays on. Lately, doughnuts are on rotation to kick off the school week. The children have no complaints.
No. 4 // That week we all came down with a stomach bug. In a fit of nesting, I somehow preemptively prepared what is now known as The Best Soup Mom Ever Made thanks to Cat Bude’s, French Kitchen Lessons.
No. 5 // The enjoyment of sharing a hotel room with my daughters. It’s girls-only time which is laced with pampering. Our curls twisted into towels on top of our heads like crowns; soft jammies, giggles and peaceful instrumental hymns as we lower sleeping masks over our tired eyes. It is hard to sleep when we are excited for what tomorrow brings.
No. 6 // The boys decided to move Battleship, Stratego, and Monopoly to the living room for easier access. Since we had vacant cabinet space in the fireplace area, I thought, why not move them all? This single readjustment has been a game changer (pun intented) for connection. Not only are the games getting more play but the coffee table has become a place to congregate. It’s the central most point in our home and all the children find themselves meeting more to play cards, Memory and all sorts of activities during down time.
No. 7 // My dear friend, Kate for introducing me to BBC’s Gardener’s World and single-handedly lighting the flame of obsession for Monty Don’s paradise at Longmeadow.