Let the world spin

Getting ready

Spin Spin Spin...Wheeeee

Happy Summer! These pictures are from our recent family vacation - the first real family vacation we have ever taken with our two darlings.  We drove to New York City, the Big Apple, the City that Never Sleeps, I could go on...I was worried about the long drive and how the girls would cope with all that time in the car and they were great.

I loved being together as a family, just us, no distractions, no phones, no housework or chores to be done, no obligations to be fulfilled, no expectations to met, just being together, doing we want, when we want - an experience I highly recommend! This time together, without interruptions from the rest of the world, is in my mind very precious.  It keeps us close, gets us connected, and strengthens the bond between us - there is no better way to spend time.  It also reminds us of what we love about each other, and brings out the best in ourselves, our relaxed selves.  The photos reflect the carousel ride we took in Central Park, as you may know, this is a historic and rather old carousel, a throw back to a different kind of fun.  Perhaps a more simple kind of fun.  Our vacation was a chance to remember, it does not have to be fancy, or trendy, just being together, as the world spins, is all you

need for fun.

Summer is here!

Soccer time and the living is good

Walking our world

Summer is definitely here...the warm, humid, at times, hot air is surrounding us, kissing our cheeks and making our moods and hearts lighter.  In our family, there are certain constants that tell us summer is here, the return to the soccer field (sometimes too often for mama!), the daily request for ice cream, the emergence of Crocs strewn all over the foyer. 

We are in the last days of school before summer break (yeah! double yeah!), and are already making our summer fun lists.  On the kiddies list....swimming (everyday - did I mention we do not have a pool!), going on a plane (their choice is Florida!) going to the zoo, camping and spending time with certain friends/family.  On my list...sleeping in/staying up late...running at night as the sun sets....having morning coffee on the front porch...a schedule of my own making....sleeping in/staying up late (did I mention that already?)...spending time with my beautiful darlings and family and great friends.

Here is to summer living...what is on your fun list?




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!

Love

It is with heavy hearts, and sad souls that we share with you the passing of our family fur friend.  Freud has been with our family for over 10 years, he came to us as an energetic pup, full of curiosity and affection.  He blossomed into a confident, loving, full of life companion.  Near the end, his health took a turn for the worse and he was unable to carry on.  Our family is incredibly sad that Freud is not here to share our days and our hearts with.  To say we miss him terribly would be an understatement. 

Here are just a few of my most favourite and happy memories of Freud - who we affectionately refereed to as Freudie...

     When I was still a student writing my dissertation Freud would cuddle up on the chair beside me and sleep on lap, his presence was comforting and reassuring.  Taking him for walks during those days was sometimes the only breaks I took
     Freud sleeping across our bed, snoring and looking cozy
     The way Freud would greet you at the door, barking and jumping up, looking for affection
     Freud sitting on my lap, looking longingly at me, sighing with contentment as I rubbed his belly or scratched his ears

When we brought our babies home from the hospital following their birth, Freud instinctively knew we were going to need some space to figure out how to care for a newborn, he starting sleeping downstairs for awhile, was protective when new people approached the baby, and adjusted better than us in some ways.

As a friend recently shared with us...Dogs are not your whole life but they make your life whole...this is the case with Freud.  We miss you Freud and love you very much.  Thanks for all your unconditional love and for making the past ten years full of warmth and cuddles.

Happenings

It feels lately like time is moving at warp speed, with much activity, changes, learnings...and of course, much to be grateful for, if you just stop long enough to look.  We recently had a lovely March Break, a time when work, and school stops for a week (so awesome!) and we slow down on the routine, and speed up on the fun, the long days playing, visiting with friends, hanging out with family.

One such adventure this past March Break, was a chance to connect and show love for our Nonna.  My darlings adore their Nonna and spent a day making pasta from scratch (or 'the old fashioned way' as my oldest says it).  It was wonderful, watching them connect, passing down the love for food and family from one generation to another.  Warms the soul...on so many levels....!  The girls loved eating their creation (Nonna did most of the work!) and enjoyed it for days to come. 

Food and the connection to family is an area I love to talk about, read about (remember my past post about my cookbook collection) and explore, on many levels.  As a result, I have decided to create a way to express this passion.  A way you will be hearing about more!  Stay tuned!