November Reflections

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, for many reasons. It is a time for reflection, to give thanks to God and to others and a day to enjoy family, right before the rush of the holidays come into view. I think it's also a nice time to reflect on this year alone, and all that there is to be thankful for. I have fond memories of past Thanksgivings, getting together with family and having lots of people over at the house. But this year will be a little bit different. My sister and her husband are hosting at their place, and it will be a smaller and more intimate celebration and feast. Personally, that is more of my style. It can be easier to reflect and voice what and who you're thankful for. I remember last year, with all of the people we had- equal to three different tables, we had namecards and a question per card to make it easier for conversation. I remember my question was about cooking memoirs and why I like to read them so much. Some things haven't changed. Ha

This year, my goal for Fall was to contribute something for Thanksgiving dinner. I will be cooking an appetizer, Quiche. I think quiche is always great for almost any occassion, and a nice way to start out a hearty and delicious meal. I feel that this Thanksgiving has a different feel to it, perhaps a more reflective and melancholy tone, due to the happenings and challenges of this year. I think trials and challenges are another thing to be thankful for this year, a blessing in diguise.

Last year's dinner table. Elisabeth and I were conversing in a few languages at once - Italian, Chinese, Russian and Spanish. We should recreate it again soon!:)

I'm looking forward to putting my quiche together, reading a good book (getting closer to my goal for this Autumn), and going on a nice, Fall walk, and later sharing a nice and warm meal with the people I love most. In a way, it's weird to think that another Thanksgiving is here, and another liturgical year ending, and a new one soon beginning. The feeling in the air is slowly changing, a brisk, chilly air is coming in, and all things Fall are becoming more of the past. Winter and all things Happy Holidays and Seasons Greetings (which I particulary am not a fan of) are part of the hustle and bustle of the holiday cheer, and all that glitters. I'm just trying to enjoy the Thanksgiving season, and take it all in- the memories, the food, the company and the love. Happy Thanksgiving!