happy thanksgiving!

We had a most wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday. You know us, we typically don't turn holidays or events into huge parties. We like to cook and decorate our house by ourselves. And as you know, we also don't spend a fortune on decoration, presents, food, clothing and the like, but we do value to make times festive, kind, joyful and generous, beautiful and dressy.

There are times were I wish I could by lots of elegant dresses, pillows, plates.... And when I do buy something I like to buy things that I see as special and that I adore. But I like to remind myself that they will only bring joy if I can also be happy without them. Well, it was one of those celebrations yesterday, where everything was simple, everyone helped, friends and family came together, with their kindest and most joyful selves.

In the morning we had breakfast with some of our dear friends. We chanted and chanted, Theodore and sometimes I playing the harmonium and everyone singing. Afterwards, we sat to eat a delicious brunch. Our typical is, Barbara's amazing eggs and potatoes, Matthews colorful fruit salad, our rolls, hot coffee and tee, all bruit perfectly! ;) Between chooing and sipping we laugh, become serious, tell each other how yummy everything is and how nice it is to get together. At the end when everyone leaves we make plans to repeat this kind of get together very soon. Good thing the holidays are coming up, so it probably will happen again very soon.

At home I cooked our traditional meal. You see, I didn't grow up with Thanksgiving, and so I have slowly established some traditions, picking up some from Ananda and then some from Theodore's family. I love to think of our families while I cook. Usually we all cook together, but I must say I really enjoyed cooking this one all on my own.

I thought of Wendy when making the mashed potatoes, as I included one ingredient recomended by her: Boursin! (Of course it was delicious, thank you Wendy!)

I thought of Dede, because it is from her that I learned how to cook and clean up at the same time!

I thought of my mom because I put on a white table cloth and her pink vintage serving bowls.

I thought of our Ananda family, as that is where I was introduced to the nut loaf.

Theodore, Sophia and I wrote a little for what we were grateful in our family. I think this activity is a must for future Thanksgiving. To hear everyone express what they are grateful for gave me a very warm and grateful feeling inside.

A very happy Thanksgiving and much gratitude to all.