Thankful {every day}

My heart overflows with gratitude for the life I have been given.  Truly, I pinch myself regularly because it just seems unbelievable to me that my daily existence is filled with such beautiful love, good health and glorious abundance of food and breathtaking nature.  My complaints are few, for I realize how fortunate I am and it's not something I take lightly.  We have one life to live, and with every sunrise, I awaken with a thankful heart.

There shouldn't be just one designated day for giving thanks and reflecting upon all the goodness which fills our lives.  If we all made more of an effort to appreciate the good fortune which comes our way versus the focus of what isn't up to par, then I believe there would be more smiles in this world.  Let's give it a try, there is nothing to lose.  Here's to being thankful for each and every. single. day.

[Reverie-Daydream Image]

A Thanksgiving Must ~

Does tradition dictate your holiday menu?  I'm kinda all over the board when it comes to keeping or letting go of traditions, but there is one food that is a must at our Thanksgiving feast ~ Sweet Potato Souffle.  And to be honest, I'm not sure it really qualifies as a souffle, it's probably more of a casserole, but a twitch develops every time I use this term, for in my mind, it equates to a hodge-podge of ingredients...so let's go with souffle.  

My beloved Aunt Dean is the one who opened my eyes to the delicious goodness of this root vegetable and ever since, I've been addicted.  

Sweet Potato Souffle

3 cups of cooked {mashed} sweet potatoes

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1/2 cup softened unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a mixer, combine and 'whip' all ingredients together.  
Pour into individual baking dishes or one 13 x 10 baking dish.  
Prepare topping.

Topping

1 cup brown sugar

1/3 c. flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cardamom

1 cup chopped walnuts

1/3 c. softened butter 

In a medium size bowl, use a fork or hands to mix topping ingredients together, 
sprinkle on top of sweet potato mixture. 
Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes {individual baking dishes 30 minutes}.

[Reverie Daydream Images]

Great and Small ~

I'm making a daily effort to truly appreciate the greatness in every little thing, and it feels really good.  

Here are just a few bits that keep my cup of gratitude running over:

the tiniest perfect persimmon I have ever seen,

the purple and pink hues spread throughout the sunset skies,

tickle fests amongst a pile of pillows,

joining friends for an impromptu coffee,

hearing the crows caw for their morning crackers,

receiving a card from someone special just because,

adding pink sprinkles to a cupcake,

smell of cloves,

warmth of a newly knitted scarf,

pomegranate seeds,

warm cotton flannel sheets,

a helping hand from a stranger.

Wishing you and yours a beautiful Thanksgiving filled with love and gratitude for all things great and small.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]