I love looking ahead to the future! I love New Years resolutions... the sense of hope, promise, and renewal they bring. But, in retrospect I am scratching my head wondering who on Earth thought January... right after Christmas... a whole month full of cold dark nights... and grogginess from a complete lack of Vitamin D was the best time to set out and turn your whole life around? How could it possibly be ok... to start running like a race horse after 11 months of leisurely playing in the meadow? Is it any wonder that so many of us fail and that so many of us have just given up on trying to begin with. When you think of it in this light, it is pretty clear that January has to be the worst month of the year to do anything other then bundle up, sink in to some hobbies, and just wait for those thick heavy snow clouds to blow over...
Yet, many of us are like the spring bulbs that we covet and force in sunny window in our home. We would not dream of sitting out for anyone, anything, including the natural forces that govern our bodies through a series of patterns that have been passed down from our ancient ancestors... No, there is just no way that we will sit out on this round of opportunities to fulfill some of our personal dreams and desires. Some of us are not and have never been natural bloomers... We may or may not end the month in a colorful show of color or sense of success, but it can never be said that we didn't give it our best go and there certainly is something to be said of the anticipation, thrill, and excitement of trying.
January 30, 2007
Forcing Bulbs in January 2007
The Nuns that Live Upstairs
The freestyle thoughts thread jogged my memory and I remembered a poem I wrote at 4 am one morning in our old Apt. in Orlando. Three nuns lived in the apartment above us and to date they were some of the noisiest neighbors I have ever had. I often worked late, and would be exhausted, but these ladies were up and at it 4 am sharp every morning... there was just no sleeping through it. Sometimes, you just have to laugh or you will cry.
The Nuns that Live Upstairs
Every morning I hear them. Their clatter could wake the dead.
Once again I hear them; the Nuns above my head.
Every night I vow to sleep as I say my good night prayers, but some how I always awaken with bits of the ceiling in my hair.
It must be from the creaking as they rock in their chairs, oh how I wish those nuns didn’t live in the apartment upstairs.
I think they might be praying but, I really am not sure.
Do you really have to be so loud when you knock on Jesus’ door?
Please go back to bed I pray you are keeping me awake,
And if I don’t get some sleep; I soon might meet my wake.
They get up so early, I think God is still asleep.
Maybe they are his alarm clock; his noisy little sheep.
January 26, 2007
Snowflakes That Fall
January 16, 2007
Sitting on pins and needles
There was a message on Blue's phone when we woke up this morning and it literally has us sitting on pins and needles. The message was from someone in Blue's company.
Basically, the message was... "We have heard you were interested in the Australia Project... this may be more of a reality then you realize..."
I am waiting to hear more and I am just a ball of nervous excitement! A project like this would mean we would be based out of Victoria, Australia for 1-3 years. We would have "NO LIVING EXPENSES!" This means we could put aways a nice chunk of cash for our "forever home," the experience of living abroad together, and opportunities that I can not even begin to imagine yet...
To say we are nervous and excited is an understatement!
January 15, 2007
Valentine's Day Tree
When on the road, sometimes I volunteer if we are in a place for an extended amount of time. Last winter, I volunteered in a soup kitchen run by nuns. Everyday we would set one long table, the shivering homeless and exhausted working poor, would line up to sit down for a hot meal, all cooked by the nuns and members of the church. Winter is dreary, but combined with the state many of our "lunch guests" were in, and your eyes would just well up with sadness.
However, the nuns always found a way to create a warm atmosphere and sense of family. They celebrated all of the holidays big and small. It was always a delight to see how they had decorated and what rituals they would bring to share with their guests. I learned so much that winter and ever since I have been inspired to make the holidays special, while creating rituals of our own.
It was in my quest to find some ideas for Valentine's Day, that I found pictures and instructions for a Valentine Tree. The concept is so simple, yet very stunning. It is a perfect project for a grey day.
Here is the link to the site I found:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/jenny/p...valentines_tree
I will post some pictures of my version when it is done.
January 8, 2007
Attack of the Jiggles!
OK, My tree is still up, but the holidays are officially over. How do I know, well because we finished the last of the chocolate truffles last night surely that alone can signify the end of something big...
All of the girls in the Parlor have got me thinking... so many getting in shape trying to eat healthier, setting the bar higher and higher every day. I am super proud of them, but I feel like a slug cheering them on... knowing I am only half heartily committed, sitting at my computer making excuses. "Oh, I'm just waiting till my tennis shoes arrive in the mail." and "It was raining."
Well, today the sun was shining, my tennis shoes were here just waiting for their first adventure and where am I? Hanging out in the Parlor dreading the attack of the Jiggles. Freaking out knowing that as soon as I stepped on that tread mill, that the junk in my trunk was going to Jiggle like there is no tomorrow.
But, I did it. I made myself go and check out this new gym that I have been hearing about and let me just tell you, not only did it Jiggle, it shook and shook like their was no tomorrow.
Yes, ummmmm... after the tour of the gym. (Which by the way has more beautiful people in it then I ever knew existed in our small Midwest town... )
I found my way through this cavernous place all the way back to the cardio section. Of course you have to walk by everyone and everything to get there... Incredibly cut people in the weight rooms watching you go by as they pump that iron... muscles bulging that I didn't even know existed... People pounding those poor little racket balls like there is no tomorrow, and stretchers with their lithe little bodies cooling it all down. No, not what I at all expected in my little town.
Determined however, NOT to walk out of there with my head down and tail between my knees, I found the only empty treadmill. Started my Ipod and tried to breath as the lighted sign above my head scrolled though this motivating little sentence...
"Hey You... On The Treadmill... Pick up the Pace... You Slacker!"
As if this were not enough, I looked to the left and little Miss Wash Board Abs is running her little heart out, barely breaking a sweat... While Mr. Biceps on my right is not only sweating, he is running on that treadmill like bad guys are after him. So, what do I do? Decide in that moment that it is time to pick up the pace way sooner than I had expected or intended. So, yes, not only did it Jiggle... it shook at cataclysmic rates. And the whole time I prayed that Mr. Midlife Crisis on the elliptical didn't have a heart attack. I have never wished I was more invisible in my whole life...
But, I did it and it felt GOOOD! I even jogged for 5 minutes at the very end. I was mortified within an inch of my life, but I'll tell you what... I was motivated too. More motivated then I have been in an awful long time... The view today outside my comfort zone was surreal and I thought about many things during that 35 minutes and all of them has got me ready to Pick Up The Pace and I have a feeling that this all happened for a reason. Motivation is found in different places for each of us... but for me, it is in the 4 walls of that gym.
January 7, 2007
Cream Drop Biscuits
I am posting these because you can not just eat soup alone.
I have made these so many times and have spent enough on cream to be able to possible afford my own cow. I know there may be better recipes out there, but there is something so satisfying in having these light fluffy things out of the oven and melting in your mouth in less then 30 minutes.
Serve them with soup, tea, breakfast, or a naughty high carb meal all on their own. Yes, we have done this. If you have some jelly or jam to use up this is am excellent way.
Enjoy!
CREAM DROP BISCUITS
If you’re in the mood for a real breakfast treat, hot cream biscuits slathered with butter and jam can be just the thing. Try them with the quick strawberry jam.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cups chilled heavy cream
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Stir together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add cream, then stir just until a dough forms.
Drop heaping 1/4 cups of batter about 1 inch apart on an ungreased large baking sheet. Bake in middle of oven until tops are pale golden and bottoms are golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes.
Makes 12 biscuits
Gourmet
May 2001
The link to this recipe may be found here:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/r...friendly/105042
January 4, 2007
Smoked Ham, Barley, and Vegetable Soup
This is one of my favorite ways to use up some of that leftover ham from the holidays. (I usually, cut up leftover ham the day after Christmas and store it in the freezer till I am ready to make this soup.) The soup works well with either chopped up ham or the smoked ham hocks. Something about having this soup simmering on the stove just comforts my soul. Enjoy!
SMOKED HAM, BARLEY, AND VEGETABLE SOUP
10 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
3 pounds smoked ham hocks
3/4 pound russet potatoes (about 2 medium), peeled, diced
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
1 medium onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed
2 teaspoons dried oregano
8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Bring broth and ham hocks to boil in large pot. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes. Add diced potatoes, tomatoes with juices, onion, carrots, celery, barley, and oregano. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered until meat and barley are tender, about 1 hour.
Using tongs, remove ham hocks from soup. Cut meat off bones and chop coarsely. Return meat to soup; discard bones. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing.) Add green beans; simmer until beans are tender, about 15 minutes. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper.
Makes 8 servings.
Bon Appétit
April 2000
This recipe comes from: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/r...ws/views/103243
January 1, 2007
Good Morning 2007
“Stop dreaming and you have nothing left, just your hand to wipe away the tears.” ~Lila Says (movie)
2006 was a year of extremes for Blue, my brother Rob, and I. Our highs were high and our lows were… well darn pretty low. Changing out calendars the other day, I was absolutely amazed by just how much happened in this past year… Flipping through my old calendar, I saw how we started it with an emergency trip to the local hospital with Rob 2 days into the New Year. Rob at that time, had just come back from Iraq, after fulfilling his 4 years to the US Marine Corps in Nov. 2005 and was living with us as he decompressed and transitioned into the very next chapter of his life. What we did not know about Rob and many others that serve in this war, is the extra baggage that stows away in their sea bags… a nasty little gift for their time served called PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). And in my brother’s case it was severe, so severe that it sent us to the hospital last Jan. 2nd and several more times in the month of January. We were living in Parkersburg, WV at the time and had to commute 1 ½ each way to Clarksburg 3 -4 times a week in the winter weather, for anything non emergency… usually a series of tests as my poor brother… who was physically sicker that I had ever seen him, was poked and prodded by the doctors at the VA hospital as they ruled out everything from seizures, to cancer, to exposure to biological warfare agents… Yes, his symptoms were that varied…
Mine and Blue’s whole life stopped as we spent endless nights researching the VA system, the tests he was scheduled for, the diagnosis that was being ruled out at the time, and comforting my brother who was waking up with the most horrible nightmares, so bad that he would faint, display seizure like activity and black out after them. Once again we would be rushing to the hospital… and poor Rob would lose 24 hours of his life following the black out… the days that followed were pretty fuzzy too… Our trips to Clarksburg turned into 2 ½ hr drives each way to Pittsburg as his condition became more severe and our local Parkersburg hospital was no longer equipped for the symptoms we were seeing. I don’t believe I have ever felt more scared in my entire life… and the responsibility of it all was crushing at times. Blue and I wanted him better and we were tenacious when it came to his care. The thought that we could fail him drove us in high gear through most of the winter. Thankfully the Pittsburg, VA hospital was able to help us, and with every physical condition in the world ruled out, we all focused on PTSD, the extreme case my brother had, and what it was going to take to triumph over it… I suppose this is where all of our winter and early spring went…
My brother worked harder that he has probably ever worked in his life and we saw him improve rapidly… Blue and I are still fiercely proud of Rob and how hard he worked to turn it all around… (Today, you would never know the personal hell we all went through, just one year ago...) Around this time, the local economy in Parkersburg was starting to take a severe nose dive… and we planned to relocate to Ohio where there were far more jobs and opportunities… So, spring kept us busy packing and preparing for a fresh start and all of the excitement and utter chaos it brings. To give me a much needed break, Blue flew me out to Vegas where he was working for 2 weeks. That trip was amazing and it really helped Blue and I recharge and decompress a bit. I hiked in the desert as much as I could, the sun reviving my exhausted soul and weary spirit... I will never forget the beauty of it all. Not much survives in the desert, but the things that do are just so beautiful that it almost hurts your eyes to look at them.
So much to do on the strip… but in all honesty it was the barrenness of the desert we craved… maybe because it mirrored how empty and drained we had felt after that terrible winter with my brother.
Summer came, we moved, and it sucked every bit as much as moving does… There is something tragic and disheartening about seeing all you have accumulated in this world reduced to stacks of ugly brown boxes… I was glad when it was over and we had all adjusted… But after months of running on high gear, I just started to feel as if I was going to crash… I suppose it was around this time that I found the Parlor and it truly became the place I went to heal, a place that slowly helped nurture my soul as I began to pick up the discarded pieces of my own life that had been put on hold and the resolutions that never saw the light of day. With complete awe and wonder I watched as all of 2006 completely turned around for us.
The Parlor and the people here will always hold a special place in my heart for this… You all met me on the start of the upswing of it all and I know in my heart that it was many of the things that were shared here that helped me savor it more then I could ever express…
Saying goodbye to 2006 is bitter sweet for me, it started off as one of the darkest nights my soul has ever seen and has ended with the most beautiful dawn I have ever witnessed in my life… Such an honor and privilege to be able to share it with you all…
This morning 2007 greets me as I look off into the horizon, the sun is starting to make its climb into the sky and the haze is beginning to burn off. I can already see that it is going to be stunning and my heart aches from its beauty. I have only an inkling of the adventures in store but my heart, mind, and body are ready for them all…
And because it would not seem like a new year if I did not start it with some resolutions, here are mine…
*To better manage my time… the down time these last 2 seasons has been very good for me/us and much needed. But, I can sense that it is time to “make the bed” and get moving, so I do not miss all that this particular “day” has in store for me…
*Doing whatever it takes to get my website officially up and running, so it may better serve and aid those it supports.
And…
*To only allow myself 5 passions or hobbies simmering on the stove at anytime… There is so much that I want to do/learn, but I am finding that I am not very productive with any of them if my mind is just too scattered to truly focus on them. I may change them a bit through out the year as one replaces the other, but I will try to focus only on the ones there at the moment…
As I begin January, here is what is currently simmering on my stove in no particular order:
1. Needlework (Embroidery, Appliqué, Felting,)
2. Seasonal Craft Project of the moment
3. Fitness/Self
4. Reading/Soul
5. Photography/Lomography
So hard to limit myself to just 5, so here is my future file, a collection of hobbies/passions that I look forward to exploring in the future…
Drawing, Oil Painting, Soap Making, Canning, Gardening, Knitting, Quilting, Tennis, Mosaics, Stain Glass, Culinary Techniques, Yoga, Pilate's, Beading, Candle making, and the many other ideas that cross my radar this year…
