wellness

A Recipe for Gratitude and Greatness.

{Photo credit: Jen Young}

{Photo credit: Jen Young}

Embrace an attitude of gratitude.

Eat. Drink. Make merry.

Life is short.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pound Cake with Honey Capra Icing.

Recipe adapted from Dianne’s Dishes.

For the cake:

2 (1 c.) sticks butter

2 c. pumpkin (a freshly killed and prepared pumpkin is preferred, canned will suffice in a pinch)

1/2 c. sour cream

1 c. organic cane sugar

2 c. dark brown sugar

Mix above ingredients well. Then mix dry ingredients together in separate bowl:

3 c. unbleached flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. preferred pumpkin pie spices

Crack 6 large farm fresh eggs into yet another bowl. Add dry ingredients and eggs to wet mixture, alternating and mixing thoroughly with each addition. Pour mixture into greased and floured bundt, loaf or muffin pans.

Bake at 325 until done-traditional cake testing method of toothpick in center applies, as each pan requires different baking time. Remove from oven, and for optimum density and moistness, immediately cover pans with foil and let sit while enjoying a cup of tea, or for 10-15 min.

Uncover and remove dank pound cake from pans, then cool completely.

For the icing:

6 oz Capra Goat Cheese with Honey

4 oz cream cheese

1/2 (1/4 c.) stick butter

3-5 Tbls honey, to taste

1/4-1/2 c. powdered sugar, to taste and consistency

Whip it. Whip it good. Whip it real good.

For frosting, leave thick and use plenty of powdered sugar. For a thinner icing, add a couple Tbls tasty bourbon, I used Wild Turkey, in honor of the season, and because I plan to Gobble Gobble these tasty treats up! 

After cakes have cooled, spread icing/frosting as desired. A lovely garnish of pumpkin seeds, raisins, and  seems appropriate here as well!

{Photo credit: SR Atchley}

{Photo credit: SR Atchley}

Now, proceed to dance a harvest song!

Express your gratitude for the earth’s endless harvest with the sweet sweet goodness that you just baked!

{Photo credit: Jen Young}

{Photo credit: Jen Young}

Morning Prayer to the Four Airs.

“I give thanks that I have risen again today and to the Great Rising of Life Itself.

As the sun brightens up the sky and earth, may my soul be bright with gratitude for all the good things in my life. May I be generous in sharing these with others.

I give thanks that I have risen again today and to the Great Rising of Life Itself.

As the trees, rivers, animals and everything sing their songs of life, may my soul sing the song of my heart. May I sing gladly whether in joy or in sorrow,  and may it  help me find humor and laughter in the day.

I give thanks that I have risen again today and to the Great Rising of Life itself.

As the sun crosses the sky to where it will set in the west, may my soul proceed on its journey through life. May I keep the vision of my life ever before me and may I have faith that my life has meaning.

I give thanks that I have risen again today and to  the Great Rising of Life Itself.

As everything in nature strives to live and survive, may my soul be strong in its struggles. May I meet adversity with courage and hope.

I give thanks that I have risen again today and to the Great Rising of Life Itself.

As the earth spreads out from me to the horizon, may my soul expand to embrace it. May I speak the truth of the land and take responsibility for my life.”

~ Tom Cowan, based on a 19th century prayer of the Scottish Highlands

 

More meditations here.

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SR Atchley

SR Atchley

A writer, artist & dreamer, Shanna has been potentiating talent since childhood. She is moved by nature, the arts, and academia, along with the vast mysteries of our inner and outer worlds. Shanna has a BSN, and has spent the majority of her career caring for others. It is possible to share your dreams & talents with Shanna by emailing her, or connecting via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If all else fails, she’ll likely find you in a dream, in which case, please feel free to introduce yourself.
SR Atchley
SR Atchley