As always, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed this time of year. My gratitude and awe for the wonders in our life springs forth like a rush of emotion and I'm reminded how blessed we are. I'm thankful for the health, the brightness and the beauty my daughters bring to our life; I'm grateful for the love, devotion and support of my husband; I'm so thankful for the friends that have welcomed us with open arms here in our new home - their warmth and kindness still overwhelms me.
As all of you, we've had our shares of highs and lows this year. But above all, we remember how lucky we are to have each other - that clarity helps us wade through any darkness that falls about our shoulders. That love brushes the cobwebs away and allows the sunshine to break through. I hope you are so blessed - and more importantly are mindful of those in your life who love you without question or condition. We all have someone... we may just not see them in the shadows sometimes.
To my friends in America - have a beautiful Thanksgiving. If you need a little last minute inspiration in the kitchen, this post by Heidi has some great recipes and this cranberry sauce is a tradition here.
And thank you to all of you who have made the first months at CISTHENE more than we could have ever imagined. We've added a few new features including my Obsessions, our Best Sellers and a Goddess Gift Guide.
On a final note before this food-filled holiday week begins, these images are a little peek at Ashley’s new book about handmade gatherings. You can also sneak a peek at the book in this video filmed by Dark Rye. So thankful for not only the opportunity to photograph this beautiful tome to friends and food - but for Ashley's friendship and those that she has brought into our life.
Something to get you through the week...
SOUL KITCHEN
Soul Kitchen : Echo And The Bunnymen
One By One : Billy Bragg & Wilco
The Last Time : Cary Ann Hearst
Only You Can Make You Happy : Au Revior Simone
Expectations : Belle & Sebastian
Don't Look Back : Luscious Jackson
Step Into The Light : The Clientele
Honey Honey : Feist
Equlibrium : Blue Foundation
Comes Love : Joni Mitchell
Forever Young : Bob Dylan
These Are The Days : 10,000 Maniacs
There's An End : Holly Golightly
Listen here.
Happy Happy to you and your beautiful family!! And congrats on the gorgeous Cisthene shop. I have had my eye on a few things but Sandy had other plans for us and our home...So as we rebuild I will patiently wait to purchase something lovely in the near future. Blessings to you!!
Posted by: Rose D. Frenchtown, NJ | November 2012 at 10:55 AM
Beatifully put! I love your outlook on life and your artful eye. And your songlists are always a saweet pick-me-up since I'm too lazy to dig up music new and old. Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Jillian | November 2012 at 04:28 PM
Beautiful words! I am oh so very aware of all I have to be grateful for, and I am.
Thank you for the playlist. There are a few long hours in the kitchen ahead, but I'm even grateful for that!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Cinnamon | November 2012 at 01:05 AM
Rose - I'm so sorry you've experienced the wrath of that storm. I hope your Thanksgiving is especially blessed this year.
Jillian - Thank you so much - I really love to hear readers enjoying the playlists - have a lovely holiday!
Cinnamon - Often it can be a hard journey to true thankfulness - I'm so happy you've found your way. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
xx
Posted by: jen | November 2012 at 07:53 AM