My Thoughts & Thanks This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving - the time of year for obligatory overstuffing, spending quality time with the people you love, resting and meditating on all of the things that you are infinitely thankful for. Even though most of us tend to overlook the origin of this day of feasting, it has always been, and continues to be, one of my all-time favorite holidays. 

Growing up, my entire family would travel from all over the east coast to spend time together. Cooking, eating, laughing, and catching up on each others lives at a noise level that far exceeded the 60 decibel average of a normal conversation.

We also made the annual mecca to celebrate my grandmothers birthday, November 22nd,  and often fell on or around Thanksgiving day. There was always so much to celebrate, and we sure did make the most of the occasion.

Over the past few years following the passing of my grandmother and grandfather, my family has had an increasingly difficult time coordinating these Thanksgiving gatherings like we so organically did when my grandparents were alive. Sometimes family dynamics change, and without a matriarch or patriarch present, a new rhythm can form - but we each know that the love is always there! 

"The food to people ratio for this years Thanksgiving was ideal."

As a single woman in my late twenties, Thanksgivings over the past few years have looked a bit different for me. Nevertheless, they have all been marked with quality time spent among people I love and cherish. I am beyond blessed to say that I have been given the opportunity to spend this Holiday with framily (a word I reserve for friends who are like family). 

This year, instead of Thanksgiving party hopping (a food tour which I tend to do so well), my bff Alyssa and I decided to have a super chill Thanksgiving. We crafted a menu that consisted of our absolute favorite Thanksgiving dishes, cooked them up and spread everything out on the table all at once, community style!

Here are a few pictures of the massive spread we created!

Now, I must admit, the food to people ratio for this years Thanksgiving was more than ideal. And you better believe we made the most of it!

WHAT'S ON THE MENU!

• 2 Cornish Hens - Brined, seasoned and stuffed with rosemary, apples and lemon
• Green Bean Casserole - Alyssa went to town on this casserole and it was so good!
• Corn Casserole -  First time having this and Alyssa, once again, outdid herself!
• Homemade Gravy (from Drippings) - I was particularly proud of this accomplishment!
• Corn Bread Stuffing (A Jones family recipe) - One of my all time favs ever in life ever.
  
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes - Alyssa found this amazing crockpot recipe! So good!
• Candy Yams - First time making these and..."Those yams were a real crowd pleaser!"
• Rice Krispy Treats - I actively look for any occasion to make these addictive desserts.
• Chocolate Bark - Alyssa is a low-key amazing baker! She's also an event/experience planner so check out Muriel Experiences if your organization want's to put on a party!

We also watched one of my all-time favorite Holiday movies, The Family Stone. If you haven't seen it, I strongly recommend searching through the $5 dvd bin at War-Mart or buying it on iTunes. 

"I am keenly aware of the Lords many mercies in my life. And I am grateful for them all!"

THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR!

There are so many things to be thankful for! I would be truly remiss if I didn't share with you some of the wonderful reasons why I am so incredibly thankful. 

I am keenly aware of the Lords many mercies in my life. And I am grateful for them all! What a truly good Father he is, and has always been, to me. Keeper of my heart, protector of my life, provider of all my needs - My Lord is everything and more to me. I quite literally cannot tell my story without the frequent mention of His name. 

My Loved Ones

I have been blessed with some of the most amazing friends, family and positive influences in my life. People who I respect deeply, who are loving, caring and encouraging. Who believe the best in me, and teach me new things about the love of God. We grow together. Navigate life together. Trust each other, and celebrate one another. I count myself lucky to know you!

My Art & My Readers

Over the past year, my love for writing has continued to grow. I am learning more and more that writing requires a level of courage and vulnerability. Enough vulnerability to verbalize what's in your heart, passions, questions, challenges and experiences. And enough courage to share those things with the world, regardless of what others might (and will) say. There is also a dash of hope mixed into that equation. Hope that your courage and vulnerability will be received by just one person who needed to hear it. I am infinitely grateful for this gift of art!

I am so grateful for each of my loved ones and friends who engage with my art! You are some of the kindest, most encouraging people on this here planet and I am beyond blessed by you. Thank you for your positive words, and how you so willingly share your hearts and thoughts with me. Trusting me with your experiences, lessons and truths. I love you always! 

My Home

Wow, time flies! It has been over a year and a half since I bought my house. This space has been a sanctuary of sorts, an introverts haven, a comforting and peaceful home and one of my all-time, greatest investments! I am blessed to have been able to buy a home so early on in life, and I hope to continue stewarding this precious gift as best I can!

If you can, write down all that your heart is meditating on this Thanksgiving season. Don't be shy in recording why you are grateful for these things either. Another year will come and go, and you will forever be reminded of the good and perfect gifts you have been given in this season. 

Welp, gotta go! These left overs are calling me ;)

Gratefully,

Stasia Rose