Wordless Wednesday (recipes posted soon, pinky swear)!

Ten Word Tuesday

Sore feet,
Lots of treats,
Work party complete,
I'm beat.

Friday night grateful moment

t's still early as I being my weekly gratitude ritual, and we're already hankering for bed. It's the dark, I tell you, the dark. This crazy darkness... I could NEVER live at either of the poles, no way. I know, this is shocking news. You'd never have guessed that! Ha.

So, this week. Wow, did this week feel long. And not in a good I-got-alot-done kind of way. More like it-feels-like-the-longest-week-ever, thank you very much.

One of the contributing factors to the oh-so-long week was the passing of our dear, beloved Jack. He of the most sweet and kind eyes, the lover of belly rubs (well, basically any kind of attention), and dog of ritual. His standard greeting for me as I returned home and opened the garage door was to approach my car by the driver's side and make sure it was me, and then lead me in a kind of crazy-8 fashion into the garage. Oh how I miss my garage lead-in guy... I am grateful for Jack that he wasn't sick, and didn't have a protracted illness. He just got old. But until the end, his energy was good and his love was that boundless unconditional adoration I can learn so much from. He was always the stable dog, the pack leader. Never too barky, never too out of sorts, just constant and precious. His loss is felt very deeply in our house right now.

I'm grateful for Darby (Jack's sister) that she has Chief right now. They are both a little wide-eyed and lost, and every time I come home they check out my car's hatchback, Chief especially, sure that Jack has just been at the vet's and will come bounding out of the back of my car as they've all done countless times.

I'm grateful for my husband, my communicative and thoughtful husband. It was the kind of week where having each other to talk to and lean on felt extra needed, extra special... just extra. 

The sunshine this week has been lovely, at least three days of clear and sunny. What bliss. Other than wishing for snow, this is the other kind of weather I most adore this time of year! I'm grateful our weather has been mild this winter, so far. Makes whatever comes later feel almost doable.

I'm grateful for time and energy to enjoy holiday baking. I got a good crack at it yesterday and today, and am feeling ready for what's ahead in the next couple of weeks. Having fun with some experimenting, and also with some tried-and-trues. Mmmmm, what is it about butter and sugar and flour all coming together that is just delightful?

The Christmas lights around town are starting to go up, and you can see trees through front windows too. Whoever came up with the idea of Christmas lights originally must have been like me and gotten just sick of the darkness. Well, bravo Christmas light person, whoever you were. It's the one palatable thing about the dark, seeing all the wild lights everywhere. I'm grateful for the lights, and the cheer they bring.

I'm grateful to have options in finding my baking supplies. If I had only one grocery store from which to glean my many nuts and butters and chocolates and such, I'd be out of luck at least half the time. I do the rounds (and we'll hit up Costco this weekend too for some choice bulky ingredients too) and eventually find it all, but it is good to have options!

Technology continues to bring out my grateful, whether it's the IMs from Seth or the texts from thoughtful friends or the quick check-in from husband between meetings, I am grateful for the ability to stay in touch.

From yummy dinners to thoughtful flowers at Jack's passing to calls and texts, I really do have the best friends. Ever. I'm grateful for each and every one.

And because I need a little mood lift (and so do you, I'm sure), here are a few images I've pinned recently that make me smile.

family

pie

thundercloud (I am so using this one!)

elephant

nutellanails (and I thought I was a nutella nut...)

turkeybaby (kinda creepy, kinda funny...)

bunnybaby (yep, that was what the week felt like; where's my bunny suit?)

I hope that whatever your week has held, it's been a good one. What's on your grateful list this Friday night?

Me, I'm sleeping. And napping. And then maybe sleeping some more. (With some butter, sugar and flour thrown in for good measure, of course.) 

Peace.

Thursday 13: Holiday baking/party list

his week I've been working quite a bit on refining my baking list for the holidays. I know, nothing like waiting until the holiday is UPON us, right? There's a work event next week-- half sweet and half savory bites--and two cookie exchanges as well, so it is definitely time to get hopping!

I've always relied a lot on various food blogs and now Pinterest to bring new ideas my way, and they have not disappointed. Here are 13 items that are on my must-make list this holiday. My hope is to actually blog about them as I make them, but we all know how that goes around here lately... But, hope is a good thing.

 Marshmallows! Homemade! The top spot is currently held by this adorable candy cane variety...

Chai latte cookies


 I'm torn between making red velvet cake balls, or these red velvet cookies... still undecided.

Oreo cheesecake cookies? Yes, please.

My sister-in-law Kim is a torrone fan. I'd tell you exactly how big a fan she is, but I promised I'd stop teasing her about eating the whole bar of it she brought to Thanksgiving. So I won't mention it again. Ever. But I have promised to figure out how to make a home version. I think it looks doable... somewhere between a nougat and a fudge...

Whimsical spiral cookies... how fabulous do these look?

Eggnog is a seasonal favorite--I've made pound cake and cheesecake and custard pie--and so this year I'm going to try a fudge of eggnog. Sounds pretty yummy to me!

I love the buttery-ness of shortbread, and this recipe with the additions of cranberries, nuts and white chocolate would tip it over into holiday heaven.

A couple of years ago I dipped little apple balls into caramel and nuts, and put them on sticks like mini caramel apples... this year I saw a recipe that will have similar flavor--but with a cheesecake twist: Caramel Cheesecake Apple Dip. Yum.

Cranberry and nut nougat slice: doesn't this picture look almost vintage? The rosy color of this sweet bar totally won me over, and the cranberries sure don't hurt. So pretty.

Macarons have been on my to-do list for a long time. I am always compelled by their look, their color, and of course, the imagined flavor as well... I finally overcame my silly intimidation and gave them a whirl just yesterday--last night--and while I was distracted and moving too quickly (a beloved family dog passed away yesterday), they were passable and I learned quite a bit about the process. Certainly not perfect, and not as puffy as the pictures, but I am going to get right back on the macaron horse later this week and give it another gallop. I had been thinking about doing a hazelnut variety when I happened upon the picture and recipe above... voila!

I have been wanting to play with this idea for awhile, the stuffed baguette... Not sure what exactly I'll put in the middle, but their jumping off point of cream cheese and olives and such is a good one. Perhaps I'll figure a way to turn my old sundried tomato-pesto torte into this clever appetizer?

Also utilizing our friend the baguette, this little clever vehicle for the fresh veggies is cute and unique. I think I will take the extra time--it's more work than throwing together a crudite platter, for sure--and do this for the work event next week...

I'm looking forward to getting started on my lists--lots of groceries to buy, for sure. I will also haul out the old standards of fruit and nut fudge, cake truffles/balls (coconut ones were very popular last year), and maybe something that has lemon curd in it--there are a lot of egg yolks that will be looking for a home when I get done with whipping whites for macarons! And I noticed in my recipe list that I've never posted my flourless chocolate bites... what's with that? Those are a must EVERY year... this year I've been thinking I might mix it up a bit, but they'll definitely get made!

Happy holiday baking! What are you making? I'm still open to suggestions... tell me what I'm missing.

For more Thursday 13s, go here.

Midweek inspiration: Two wings to fly

God turns you from one feeling to another
And teaches you by means of opposites
So that you will have two wings to fly,
Not one.
-Rumi

Check out my mom's blog for a sweet quote and picture of Seth and I walking the beach last week at the coast. And her 365 project too, she's a great photographer--the heron above is one of her shots.

Common Miracles Week #29: Sunshine & quiet

“Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. It actually takes guts. Each time we drop our complaints and allow everyday good fortune to inspire us, we enter the warrior’s world.”
– Pema Chodron

ov. 28th? Seriously? We came home to 63-degree weather yesterday afternoon, and while it was easy to believe the tales of high winds while we were away for Thanksgiving--areas in the yard where there had been bark were completely bare--it was also uncharacteristically warm. Heavenly warm. And, of course, undoubtedly soon to change.

But while it's here, I'll take it. The sun is shining, there's a tractor mowing in our field--a crazy sign of the nearing global warming apocalypse if ever there was one--and the dogs seem happy as clams. I'm a little worried they'll lose whatever winter fur they've built up, but I think the temps are supposed to dip later this week, to something in the 40s...

Sunshine streaming through windows never fails to lift my spirits and make me believe that anything is possible. I simply love it. I know that if I were to live where the sun shines (almost) 100% of the time I would probably take it for granted and stop being *so* in love with the sun, but since I live in the Pacific Northwest, that probably won't happen any time soon. What's the old saying about "without the bitter, the sweet isn't as sweet"? 'Tis true. Without the clouds, the sunshine wouldn't seem so bright. Without the rain, there wouldn't be rainbows... I could go on.

But, for today, I will just bask in the sunshine and be thankful for it's warming effect on not just my body, but all of me.

As for the quiet, I'm basking in that too. I (must have) said something snap-ish to my men last night (which of course I can't remember!), as husband turned to Seth and said, "Mom's ready for some quiet time, Seth. She'll be glad to get you off to school and me off to work tomorrow." My eyes widened a bit and of course I protested. And I'd still protest... but... I have gotten very used to my quiet. I wasn't always that way, but over the years of being more "at home" (and maybe a bit with age, as well) I've gotten a bit protective of my quiet. After a few days of high people interaction, being home and hearing only the sound of the dogs barking occasionally (well, this morning they are pretty excited about that tractor mowing...), and whatever snippet of music I might play, and other than that... just peaceful... that, to me, is completely restorative.

I found this quote last night in a devotional:

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths, or the turning inwards in prayer for five short minutes. -Etty Hillesum

This from a young lady writing from a Nazi concentration camp. Talk about inhabiting a warrior's world...

I hope your Monday is off to a great start, and that somewhere in your day is that rest between two deep breaths.

To learn how the Common Miracle project started, go here.

Friday night grateful moment

hat a quick week! Zoom. I guess when you have a different party/celebration almost every day of the week, time is going to fly by!

This week we've been tickled to spend with family. In the guise of Thanksgiving vacation, we have also celebrated birthdays (mostly my mom (Oct. 24) and dad's (Nov. 19), and wee bit 'o late celebration for me as well), feted Kim on her recent U.S. citizenship ceremony, had a moment to mark the 6th anniversary of dear husband and I, and yes, had our Thanksgiving yesterday. And for good measure, this morning we opened up stockings and presents (CHRISTMAS! Now you know why I've been such a holiday fool this fall). Talk about a crazy amount of fun and food.

And at the end of this busy week, lots of gratefulness... probably more than can properly be listed here!

The mantle changed with the celebrations. Here's our birthday theme.

And our citizenship celebration theme.

And, of course, Christmas.

The anniversary was a little more difficult to decorate for, but Ma made sure we had flowers around!

The nieces, patiently waiting to open presents!

This week I'm grateful the power came back on (it was off for about 12 hours the day before Thanksgiving). I'm also grateful that subsequent storms weren't as severe, and that we've had peaceful walks on the beach without wind. Amazing, given how strong the winds have been at other times.

I'm grateful for family and the ability for everyone to flex and bend with the need to accommodate each other, different schedules and desires and interests.

I'm grateful for good food and lots of hands in the kitchen.

I'm grateful for leftovers. Thanksgiving food is always better the second day, and today was no exception. I'm full up on all the fixings again, and happy as a clam.

I'm grateful for sunshine. We had heaps and heaps of sunshine today. Warm and happy walks on the beach, even if a sneaker wave did catch Ma and Kim unawares... heads up next time, ladies!

How do you know you're on a Pacific Northwest beach? The pretty greenery in the sea debris.

I'm grateful for walks and talks with Seth.

I'm grateful to have wandered some great galleries and glimpsed some pretty amazing art. I didn't take pictures of the most captivating pieces--I don't think that's really an approved practice--but I was upstairs at a little gallery and saw these simple bird paintings that made me smile, and couldn't resist. They were actually affordable, as opposed to a lot of the art I saw, and totally up my color alley.

I also saw a large number of fabulous bronzes and sculptures, many in the natural themes--bears, owls, wolves, rabbits, deer--and was blown away by the artists' creativity and skill. It was very inspiring and reminded me that I need to seek out that kind of inspiration more often. Too many times I just skip looking because I don't have an immediate need, can't afford it, or think a gallery isn't going to suit my tastes. If I can keep my mind open, happy surprises can await. (Don't get me wrong, I did go through quite a few kitschy and run-of-the-mill galleries before I arrived at THE one. Good art doesn't grow on trees. But when you find it... wow.)

I'm grateful for husband, for these six years and for all we've learned and grown together. It's been wonderful and I wouldn't change a minute. He's exactly the husband God knew I needed.

In an odd way, I'm grateful to be done with the bulk of Christmas, and now can move on to December with really just a bunch of baking on my brain. I still have my two guys to take care of, but they're pretty easy... I am exited to get into the kitchen and try out a few new things for the work holiday party and a couple of cookie exchanges I am going to, as well as a little pierogi making with my Canadian girlfriends too. I know December is going to fly by, but I feel ready for it!

I hope your week has been lovely, wherever you are, whatever you've been up to. What are you grateful for this week?

And I hope your weekend brings you peace, love and sunshine.

Peace.

Thursday 13: 13 things I'm looking forward to eating today

appy Thanksgiving, everyone! I know, this post should be filled with 13 quotes of gratitude, or 13 reasons I'm glad I married my husband six years ago today (there are more than 13, for sure) or some other deep and meaningful post, but nope. You get to hear what I'm excited to eat today. This is my favorite food day of the year. Period. Yum.

Tomorrow I'll make a stab at deep and meaningful, I promise.

Thirteen sounds like a lot of items to eat, but as I got rolling with it, it does appear that indeed, we will have at least 13 items at our ample buffet...

1. Turkey. I roasted three turkeys last week for a YoungLives dinner, so I'm feeling really ready to roast again! I experimented with a very simple roasting technique (450 for the first hour, 350 for the next three or so hours, cover as needed) and stuffed it with garlic, lemon and sage. And butter. That's it. It was amazing, and I think we'll give that a go again today.
2. Turkey loaf. This one is an old family favorite, from our more vegetarian days. Even though we all love turkey, we really can't envision the holidays without both on our plates. How odd, I know. But very "us."
3. Stuffing. We'll roll pretty simply with this one. Sourdough, cornbread, herbs. No nuts, no fruit, no meat. Definitely no meat. I am forever scarred by the Thanksgiving where a meat stuffing made an appearance. That's all I'm going to say about that.
4. Mashed potatoes. Did you know cream cheese is the secret to truly creamy mashed potatoes? I know, The Pioneer Woman does it too, but I swear I was doing it first.
5. Gravy. Simply and pure, like all good gravy should be.
6. Cranberry sauce. There was a small misunderstanding on the cranberry sauce procurement, so the grocery stores had better be open for cranberries in our early morning run!
7. Brussels sprouts. I'm feeling a little gratin coming on for the Brussels this year. A little cream, a little cheese, and there won't be any complaining about the Brussels, I am sure.
8. Yams. These puppies will get roasted in rosemary. I know, not really the sweet style, but, again, this is how we roll around here...
9. Corn casserole. Look at all these veggies! A girlfriend made this for the dinner last week, and I loved it--I don't have the recipe posted yet, but I will. It's a variation on this one, though.
10. Pumpkin pie. Simple, basic, and essential to this day.
11. Rolls with butter. Lovely bakery in town made a contribution (well, we paid them, but...) to our dinner of beautiful rolls. I think this is the one meal of the year when I feel that bread with my meal is critical.
12. Sparkling cider. Not a drinking clan, this is our beverage of choice. We have an assortment of the sparkly stuff.
13. Leftovers. Doh. Right after The Muppet's and some early Black Friday shopping (some stores are open at 9 p.m.? That sure beats early Friday in my book.) I anticipate some fridge raiding.

I hope whatever's on your table this Thanksgiving, it's right up your alley! I am off to roast the bird!

For more Thursday 13s, go here.

Midweek reminder: This is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

omorrow is the sixth anniversary of our wedding day, and this poem has always been one that I associate with husband. Carrying his heart (as I know he carries mine) for the past six years has been a joy and a blessing. I knew when we chose Thanksgiving Day for our wedding it would serve a dual purpose: recognition of the gratitude we felt in finding each other, and sweet reminders of thankfulness in the years to come.

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in

my heart) i am never without it (anywhere

i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done

by only me is your doing, my darling)

i fear

no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want

no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

--e.e. cummings

Sure enough, we are surrounded by family and love and warmth and food. It is as it should be, and I am thankful.

Ten Word Tuesday: Prep

Thanksgiving prep day: almost as lovely as the holiday itself.