At last, it’s election day.
If you haven’t voted yet, please do. Change only happens when we all do what we can to make it so.
And when the results come in, if you don’t like the results of the election, please go here to read a recent post on how to deal with whatever happens after today.
In the meantime, let’s look at some positive November celebrations and keep ourselves away from the news feed for today. Tomorrow is soon enough to look.
November is Gluten Free Diet Awareness Month. Hmmm. Didn’t even know there was an entire month dedicated to a GF diet…
Well, in honor of this, I’m sharing my recipe for the delicious chocolate cake that I make and bring to events (or did, before COVID) where no one knows it’s GF and there’s not a crumb left on any plate afterwards!
I LOVE chocolate and this cake is the best desert! If you are a chocolate lover, too, treat yourself to this fabulous cake, put on some good music, and enjoy the day!
Thanksgiving is also coming up and it will most certainly be a different celebration for many families. This has always been such an important family holiday here in the US and Canada. Everyone brings something to the table, a HUGE turkey is roasted in the oven all day, extra chairs are set around the table, and in some homes, extra tables as well. Gratitude is the word of the day. We think and talk about what we are grateful for in our lives, and smile as we also remember previous Thanksgiving dinners, and family antics, which we are grateful for from years past.
Well, that’s the sentiment in Norman Rockwell’s painting, anyway. I realize that’s not what all families experience, but for most of my life, mine has been something close to Rockwell’s depiction, and I am grateful for that.
There was one year – I believe I was 19 at the time, and living alone in my first apartment in the city. I didn’t shop for myself for either Thursday or Friday that week as I planned to go home and stay overnight.
Then it snowed. I mean several feet of snow. No one could go anywhere, including myself. I was pretty sad that year to miss the family gathering. I ate a left-over chicken leg, watched all the Thanksgiving specials on TV, and felt sorry for myself. Not the best of Thanksgivings…
Then there was the year that my sister’s new boxer pup jumped up and grabbed a hunk of turkey off the counter as it was “resting” before being carved. She ate it before anyone could get to her, and then in the middle of dinner, vomited it all back up right next to the kids’ table. Not pleasant, but funnier than heck. That’s one we remember each year. 😊
This year will not have some of the usual Thanksgiving traditions for many families. Zoom and Facetime are great for keeping us all in touch, and, it won’t feel the same using our phones or computers to engage in conversations with our children, parents, cousins, etc. during our Thanksgiving meal, but at least it’s possible to both see and talk with them all. Let’s be thankful for this technology.
As I write this newsletter, COVID rates are spiking everywhere again, so some families will not even be able to Zoom or Facetime with loved ones who are hospitalized. Let’s say a prayer today, and on Thanksgiving, for all those families.
THE MOST IMPORTANT thing that you can do right now is to take care of yourself! Do whatever makes you smile. Sing whatever songs make you feel good. Say any prayers that give you hope for the future. Put on the oldies and dance around the kitchen as you cook. Tell jokes – even silly ones. In future years, your family will remember that corny joke you told and everyone will laugh and laugh…
Our human life is a gift. Appreciate that gift and take care of this body and mind as best as you can.
Here is a simple exercise to help relax those shoulders that you’ve probably been wearing as earmuffs. Bookmark it, do it every day until we get to the other side of these challenging times. Take care of YOU!
As always, I wish you all the Best of Health,
Kathi
