Oh, and May, it was kind of revelatory for me to realize that gratitude can actually make me feel better, even though I've heard that message about keeping a gratitude journal since whatever year Oprah (was it Oprah, or do I just remember it that way?) cemented it in popular culture. I like the idea of your family doing this together! As for thin mints, I based them on the recipe at bakedbyanintrovert.com. I thought Dorie Greenspan's chocolate cookies were perfect, but I would up the mint slightly in the chocolate coating next time, I think.
Kindly, I too have fantasy conversations with MIL sometimes! That's probably the way to go, for a while at least. I'm sorry that friend pulled back from you. It seems a lot of people struggle with how to respond, or how to respond with empathy for both people at once. One thing we seem to be strengthening is our capacity for empathy.
First successful sourdough loaf baked this week! Thanks for the encouragement, May.
