And life rolls on....

I feel as though there has not been enough time to pause and reflect lately...life is rolling on.  I am using this post as a change to ..breathe....deeply...let go..and focus on what is important.  Being thankful and embracing the change with as much grace as I possibly can.  These pictures represent some recent happenings, my daughters getting older, school come to an end for another year, summer approaching (yeah!!!), the celebration of mother's day, and my daughter's move onto the next advanced guiding unit.  Wow!  When did all this happen. It is good to take pause....or it could all just pass you by.

One way I like to try be mindful about the moment in time where I am at is on Mother's Day.  I started writing letters to my beautiful daughters each mother's day.  I date the letter and mark how old they are at the time the letter is written and describe what they look like.  These are love letters, I express my intense gratitude for their presence in my life, how fortunate I feel to be their mother, and do my best to talk about where they are emotionally, and how their life is unfolding.  Each of my daughters had a beautiful box marked "Love Letters from Mommy" so the letters can be saved, unopened, until they are at least 18, preferably when they are much older.  It is easy to let the moments pass by without documenting what is in our hearts and the beauty we are surrounded by.  I am determined to let those in my life know how much joy they bring, and how thankful I am for their presence.

Pause over.  Got to get to swimming lessons.  Life rolls on....

Gratitude in a Bowl

 Round and round

Delayed  Gratification

The invariable mark of wisdom is to
see the miraculous in the common.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is the first post in my series of Bowls of Gratitude.  It is hoped I can explore my passion and love for food combined with my desire to see the beauty of life and be grateful for what I am surrounded by. 

I believe in eating what is in season (whenever possible - within whatever means you have).  My youngest daughter and I love pesto!  Perhaps Nonna's great pesto got us hooked.  In an attempt to feed our soul and craving for this delicious dish we make our own pesto.  In an attempt to capture the bounty we freeze batches of freshly made pesto into ice cube trays and then when frozen pop them out and keep them in the freezer for whenever the craving calls.  This method means we can have 'fresh' pesto whenever we want and nothing goes to waste (yeah!).  It also means some of us can have pesto, and those less convinced of the allure of pesto can have something else and nothing goes to waste (double yeah!).  We also love adapting the basic pesto recipe.  Today's pictures represent a batch of pesto made with spinach and almonds, instead of the traditional basil and pine nuts.  We adapt the recipe based on what is in our pantry/refrigerator and what fits are budget (pine nuts can be expensive!).  We have also made pesto with pecans or walnuts, arugula and basil.  Whatever suits your taste or budget.   No rules, just fun and full bellies.  This recipe makes me feel creative and connects me to my family, my families history and the future all at the same time!

I can also make this and when frozen share with those I love....and experience gratitude all over!  Enjoy!

Basic Pesto Recipe:

Handful or more of Spinach, Arugula or Basil

Handful or more of Pine nuts, Walnuts or Pecans

Teaspoon of Garlic (or to taste)

Teaspoon of Salt (or to taste)

Teaspoon of Pepper (or to taste)

Small Handful of Parmigina Cheese

Squeeze of Lemon (if desired)

Olive Oil

Place all ingredients in food processor, pulse a few times.  Add Olive Oil through the spout while processor is running until pesto is smooth (or desired consistency).  Taste.  Add additional seasoning to your liking.  If freezing, spoon into ice cube trays, cover with plastic wratp and place in freezer.  When frozen pop out of tray and place cubes in a freezer bag until ready to use.  Will keep for several months. 



In the meantime

Right now I am pondering what happens in the meantime...I think you know what I mean, that time between doing the dishes, getting the laundry done, putting the kids to bed, being the best parent you can be (realizing you are full of mistakes!), keeping your career on track, get the household repairs done, loving your spouse, engaging with your friends.....and trying in the meantime, in the small slices of space left.... to keep pursuing your dreams. 

I am trying to make the most of the meantime...trying to make my deep dreams come true.  My dream is to live the creative life...a life full of art, writing, painting, sculpting, dancing, design, and all things beautiful.  It is not easy, and most of the time feels like an uphill climb.  Sometimes it feels there is no time, no wiggle room to keep the dream going.  Things to do, places to be, people to see, bills to pay!  However, I am trying, and that has to count for something.  So here is to everyone who is trying to carve out even a small slice of time, space, breathing room and passion for all that is yours...you and your dreams.  The pictures today represent the hike, the exploration, the adventure, the warmth, and the caffeine needed to keep it all going!