Wild winds are lashing the house, the sky is dark before night comes in, and the leaves of the trees are shaking in the wind as the sky lights up with flashes of lightening. It’s another summer afternoon. Meanwhile I am cosy inside my bright little house, cupcakes cooling on the counter and sweet potato roasting in the oven for dinner. This week was packed with activities, and now that I’m at the end I can see that among the hustle and bustle there was much to be grateful for. Here is my Nourished Life Gratitude List 2015 – Week Forty-Eight:
On Monday night we lost power in the middle of a lightening storm. After Chris and I made sure the house was secure and found ourselves a light we went out for a little drive around the darkened streets. We surveyed the damage to our neighbourhood and thanked our lucky stars that it was nothing more serious than a few trees and the absence of light. I was grateful for our little every day adventure, the rain slicked streets and watching the lightening play, and I was just as grateful to come home and sit in our little house, where the lights came on miraculously just as we went to bed. 
On Friday night Jess and I went to dinner (sushi!) and to see Mockingbird. I was grateful for a fun night with my little sister and best friend. She is an awesome human being who has some wonderful things happening at her life in the moment – every single one she deserves because she works harder than anyone I know. I’m so proud to call her my sister. 
Saturday morning dawned bright and hot. Mum and I lingered at the markets and enjoyed coffee and breakfast together. We were both delighted by the delightful barrels of cherries that one of our favourite stallholders was selling. The best part? She grew and harvested these jewelled beauties herself! I treated myself to a few handful for an indulgent breakfast this week. I was grateful for a chance to spend some time with Mum and talk about life.
After the markets on Saturday Mum and Dad came around to our house with a wonderful Christmas gift – an awesome set of decorations to make our house into a mini North Pole! I still need to put the lights up but I’m pleased with our sleigh and our nutcracker (he’s hiding in this photo). On Sunday Jess and I went to help Mum and Dad put up the amazing display Dad has been working on all year. It looks amazing and I promise photos will be shared once it is finished. I’m so grateful that my parents love Christmas so much, and that my Dad puts so much effort into sharing the Christmas spirit with so many people. 
On Saturday night Chris and I had a date night to eat shabu shabu for dinner and watch Creed. I was grateful that we tried out a new (to us) cuisine and restaurant – we had a great time! We will definitely be going back it was super fun and delicious too! 
Also this week:
I started this week by filling our bowls with sunshine!
Who says the holidays has to be all about cookies? This ginger cake will delight sweet creatures too!