The approach of the end of the year has inspired us here at Authors Unbound to reflect on some “everyday gratitudes.” From seasonal foods to the movies, shows, podcasts and more that brought us joy this last year, we are taking a pause to simply appreciate.
What fall food or snack delight you this time of year?
I’m all about the fragrant spices that go into teas, pies, soups, and stovetop potpourri boils — cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise! Body-and-soul-filling!
What are you most thankful for heading into winter?
I learned years ago, when being mindful of the effect that the darker season can have on our moods, that the best way through it is to take in wholeheartedly the unique things that nature can offer only in its dormant phase. Some of my favorites are the smells of brisk coniferous trees and earthy damp soil, migrating birds, frost patterns and cracking ice, tracking little animal footprints in the snow, and of course a cozy reading ambiance. All these little lighthearted bits of life (and hibernation) that appear allow me the chance to practice ongoing gratitude.
Which movies, shows, music, or podcasts most caught your attention this year?
Shows: The Bear!! Also finally watched The Great, which is marvelous.
Artists: Still Woozy, King Mala
What fall food or snack delight you this time of year?
Pan pizza / focaccia!
What fall food or snack delight you this time of year?
While most people are breaking out their crockpots, I still fancy the oven for a great smelling home cooked meal. My stuffed peppers are the BOMB. Filled with lentils, quinoa, feta cheese, tomatoes, fresh basil, onions and a delicious combination of spices, this is a beautiful AND scrumptious meal that hits the spot, even while remaining healthy! Perfect Fall food!
Which movies, shows, music, or podcasts most caught your attention this year?
(a) The podcast “We Can Do Hard Things” with Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle continues to inspire, amuse and educate me; it’s become a weekly staple in my life; (b) I discovered a show this year that I had previously thought was a horror genre, but turns out was a lovely family drama with a hint of the mysterious: Drops of God which plays in French, Japanese and English so you have to watch subtitles, but is a pure delight! (c) as I returned to the gym post-Covid, music has played (literally) a huge role in my motivation; still a HUGE fan of Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, and any old-style funk to get me moving.
Allie’s focaccia
Allie’s pan pizza
Rebecca’s stuffed peppers
Which movies, shows, music, or podcasts most caught your attention this year?
Forester (band) Starstruck (show) and Barbie (movie)
What reading spot do you love most?
Definitely snuggled up in my bed.
What are you thankful for heading into this winter?
My job, I love my team, my boss and my role, and I am thankful that this environment has given me the flexibility to take care of everyone in my family better!
What fall food or snack delights you this time of year?
Hmmm, I’m into all of the snacks and all of the things so it is hard to pick! Probably sandwiches and soup!
What are you most thankful for heading into this coming winter?
My family is healthy and I have three special little boys that while drive me absolutely nuts, I’m blessed to be their mother and watch them grow.
What reading spot do you love most?
Anywhere that’s quiet (remember THREE boys!!)! I love mornings when I get to read alone with my cat and a cup of coffee. Many hours spent with a warm purring kitty, book and coffee including while we’re camping in the motorhome!
Which movies, shows, music, or podcasts most caught your attention this year?
The film Lakota Nation vs. the United States is great & features poet Layli Long Soldier. Some of my favorite podcasts this year included Ghost Herd, Search Engine, Ghost Story, and Heavyweight. I listened a lot to boygenius, Black Belt Eagle Scout, Lori McKenna and Geese.
What reading spot do you love most?
I don’t read in this spot often, once a month maybe, but it is—by far—my favorite. When the weather is warm, I sit outside. When the temperatures are chilly, I stay cozy in my car. I love the idea of “going somewhere” beautiful simply to read with a great view as backdrop.
Haley’s reading spot
Brigitte’s reading spot
Christie’s reading spot
What are you most thankful for heading into winter?
Selfishly, I’m thankful for my new XC skis, a healthy shoulder, and being able to ski with my wife this winter, deep in the mountains/back country.
Which movies, shows, music, etc. most caught your attention this year?
I’m a huge lover of documentary films and the one film that has captured my heart is My Octopus Teacher. It made me realize that a small action or a small connection can have profound implications, and it is through and within the small things that we can better understand the big things.
What reading spot do you love most?
I love to read cuddled on my couch under a giant duvet, a quilt my grandmother made me wrapped around my head and shoulders, with my fuzzy fingerless gloves on. Yes, both my house and I run cold.
Which movies, shows, music, or podcasts most caught your attention this year?
Shows: Shrinking, Starstruck, Succession
What are you thankful for heading into this winter?
Where I’ve landed! Love my fiancé, our dog, my friends, my job, and life in Bend! Plus, it’s almost time to snowboard.
What fall food or snack delights you this time of year?
I have become a RAMEN MONSTER!!!!! I love making this garlic butter ramen and also peanut butter ramen (thanks, Allie!) And since I always top it with an egg, sometimes it also counts as breakfast!
What reading spot do you love most?
My very favorite spot to read is in front of the woodstove, with an ambiance channel playing in the background and my book buddy (Duna) in my lap. Some of my favorite screens can be found at Ambient Worlds and The Vault of Ambiance (on YouTube).
What are you thankful for heading into winter?
It’s been another unprecedented year of growth and innovation at AU, and leading that charge is my outstanding staff of badass women. I’m so grateful for their collaboration, support of one another, and shared love of books and authors. Every single one of them is committed to spreading kindness while offering a helping hand — in an industry that can be (at times) unpredictable and impersonal, these small efforts are a difference-maker. To say that I am thankful for them is a wild understatement… but oh so true!
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