There are moments in my life where a reality check is necessary not only necessary but crucial to my well being. And not just any ol’ reality check will do. The fact is a gratefulness meter of ginormous proportions in my life is in order for this girl’s world. It became evident when I was relaxing on the front porch with someone I didn’t even know very well. She was gracious enough to sit with me and as we politely meandered through the usual generalities of hi, how are you doing, I just seemed to erupt into a ten minute (I do everything in 10 minute blocks, haha!) venting session. It
was like word vomit–the kind that is projectile and uncontrollable. I could hear myself blah blahing, but somehow couldn’t stop. It sort of resembled to me and I’m sure anyone falling victim to the sound of my voice the phone conversations that Charlie Brown or any other character would have–you know (whah, whah, whah). Anyway, I finally ended it with, “I’m having a bad week, I’m not
usually like this, I’m usually up and happy come what may…” I don’t know if she bought my offerings of explanation simply because I don’t know if I bought it. I think I’ve spend enough time thinking about what I don’t like that I’ve had a weekend filled with all the things I LOVE. My sister was the one who first turned me on to a “Gratefulness Journal”. She had just moved away to a big city all by herself. Alone, afraid and certainly challenged on all sides, she became a little stressed when she found herself in the throws of a very busy and indifferent city unlike the little box in which we were raised. She learned when she focused on the things that were vexing her instead of searching and naming the blessings and beauty she encountered each and every day, her whole mentality created a world unbearable to live in. So, remembering her wisdom, here’s what I’ve come up with. Aside from my children, friends and family, all of which I’m truly blessed and thankful to have in my life, I love the feeling of a very hot shower when you’re cold to the bone. I love to hear the squeals and laughter of children running through a sprinkler or water fountain on a very hot day. I love when you worry if your children are listening to things you’ve said to them and suddenly the day comes unexpected like a beautifully wrapped box with the most intricately tied bow they offer a thanks for telling them this or that. It’s like angels resound in a collective “Ahhh!” I love when I have loads of laundry to fold and Lifetime decides to feature a series of movies to fold clothes by that not only remind me that I have a great life but I’ve not seen any of them. I love when I think of something to do and it’s unique and then when I have a day clear to do it I remember it. I love when I see an elderly couple hug and kiss like their on a date. I love seeing my parents sitting on the back porch just talking about their day. I really love waking up to the sound of chirping birds. I love that I have a sister and we still are discovering new things about each other. I love that my children say they feel like they can tell me anything and I don’t make them say it but I hear them tell their friends. I love looking at my 10-minute meals Facebook page and the number of “likes” keep increasing. I love seeing old farm houses as I drive past them and my mind wanders to what kind of life might’ve taken place within the walls. I love when I capture the essence of a couple when I photograph their weddings. I really love when I think of things I love because my mood changes and it’s very hard to remember what my present circumstances might be if I’m making room in my mind for what I’m truly grateful. And this is the simple truth. I really love when I figure out a recipe for the most decadent chocolate ever and it takes only minutes to make. This pie is first grade easy and a dish worthy of your next event calling for a dessert on the fly.
Chambord Pie
By Published: July 11, 2010
- Yield: 10 Servings
- Prep: 10 mins
This pie is first grade easy and a dish worthy of your next event calling for a dessert on the fly.
Ingredients
- 3 squares 3 oz. semisweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 T. Chambord Liquer
- 1 9 inch unbaked pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heavy saucepan over low heat. Remove the pan from the heat and add the sugar, then the eggs; beat well. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 25 minutes or until just set. Serve warm or cold, with ice cream or whipped cream.
