Chocolate Torte

I made this Chocolate Torte last Saturday for a dinner party.  I had never made a torte before, and it was worth the wait.  The crust was made from gingersnap cookies that were ground up in the food processor and butter.  The funny looking things on the top are crystallized ginger.  It was so good.  This recipe is definitely a keeper.

Gratitude

I am a firm believer that it is not so much what happens to us in life, but how we react or respond to our circumstances.  I can be grateful for whatever comes my way, or I can respond with bitterness.  I am trying to learn gratitude in everything.  I have had some difficulties in the last few years, and I think that goes along with being human.  I have also had many blessings. 

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

Just in case there is anyone who has not yet had a chance to see this video of Katrina reading an except from her book, you have got to take a few minutes to watch this.  She has such a way with words, and she has given permission on her blog for her video to be put on other people's blog's and forwarded.   I had to go out and buy her book, and it is next on my list of books to read.   I am so lucky to have found this video on another blog, one about gratitude, and have been reminded of something I try to always remember, that is, to be mindful of the here and now, and enjoy the ordinary days.  Here is her video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0