Most Memorable Meal...

 

    I would have to say, hands down, the Thanksgiving meal. I have not taken jobs because they couldn't assure me I wouldn't get Thanksgiving day off. And anytime I've worked somewhere, I always tell them Thanksgiving is the "only" holiday I value and need off. It is to me, a pure holiday of no hype and centered around togetherness. And it's not so much the food as it is helping prepare it and coming together to gather with family and friends sharing the meal with one another.
    But with that said, I have to say a lot of my fond memories ( besides Thanksgiving) that stand out in my mind are gatherings where friends come together to share food and friendship. I just think there is something about food that connects people and offers comforter and nourishment to all those who come. Maybe that's why I enjoy preparing food for my family and friends. It connects me with happiness, joy, conversation, health, nourishment, caring, so many of the things I value in my life.

Dear "Former" Mother-in-Law...

Dear Former Mother-in-Law,
It is with bittersweetness that I write you this letter. You were in my life for more than twenty years. I knew you before I knew your son. Things were never perfect but what family situation is, but I always felt you were my cheerleader in my life. You were what my mother was unable to be for me, and I thank you for that. You enjoyed the grandchildren and family time, you rose to the occasion even when you didn't always feel good. We have been through a lot together and it is the good that I hold dear.
Things did not work out as I had hoped and I know it was not the outcome you had anticipated either, but always know ( and I know you do, deep in your soul,) even though we do not speak to one another anymore, that you are loved and hold a special place in my heart and the heart of your grandchildren.

Loving Always,
Nancy

Oh Deer...

Earlier this year I wrote a post about an experience I had with a family of deer and today, I again had an experience with a family of deer. This morning I went to someones house to walk their dog and when I pulled up to the top of the driveway there to my right was a family of deer. A mother, father and three children. One of the baby deer had a hurt leg. But none of them ran and I continued down the driveway really slow then got out of the car and just quietly talked with them. It seemed like forever but I'm sure it was only a few minutes, then they all just wandered off, but the mother deer keep watch and I felt we connected mother to mother as I wished her healing for her child who was hurt. I know this may sound crazy but I'm always looking up the meaning of animals that find there way into my life. This past year I had a family of tree frogs living outside of my house. In the twenty two years I've been here, I've never had tree frogs visit, much less stay. Just yesterday I was taking a moment to read a book I'm trying to finish and a squirrel  jumped on the table outside my window and just hung out for awhile to chat.

Here is some of what I found when I looked up the meaning of seeing deer...

By observing the ways in which deer behave, it is possible to see what amazing qualities - or powers - they possess. From the deer we can learn that the gift of gentleness and caring can help us overcome and put aside many testing situations. Only love, both for ourselves and for others, helps us understand the true meaning of wholeness.

If a deer crosses your path, this may show you that you are a very compassionate, gentle and loving person. If you don't have these qualities, then consider if you have a problem that needs addressing. Are you facing a challenge in your life, whether with a fellow human being or a delicate situation? If you are feeling negative emotions such as anger, try letting go. Think about whether a gentler and more loving approach can sort the issue out. It may be necessary to speak the truth, this is best done with kindness and from the heart, this will generally give a better result.

Deer teaches us how powerful it is to be of gentle demeanor, to exert keen observation and sensitivity. Deer's are in tune with nature and all it comprises. They are sacred carriers of peace and show those with this power animal how to open their hearts and love unconditionally. 

Deer has entered your life to help you walk the path of love with full consciousness and awareness, to know that love sometimes requires caring and protection, not only in how we love others, but also in how we love ourselves. 

Deer teaches us to be gentle, to touch the hearts and minds of wounded beings who are in our lives. Don't push people to change, rather gently nudge them in right direction, with the love that comes from deer. Love and accept people as they are. The balance of true power lays in love and compassion. 
 

Tree...

Another tree, another Christmas! Each year we gather around the living room sharing stories and memories about each ornament that is placed on the tree. Some were from my childhood, some are from family and friends, and some where made when the kids were young. I could sit for hours with all the room lights off and just watch the twinkling lights on the tree making the decorations sparkle. It's a happy time, a happy place...

Car...

 I seem to do a lot of driving even though it happens to be my least favorite activity. Most of my friends live far away, my family live a good distance and I'm now helping a friend that lives on the other side of town from me. So I try to use the time in the car as a "car meditation." I quiet my mind as much as possible while still driving and just try to keep all the ideas, lists and thoughts that come flooding in when I'm still. I've heard of walking meditation, why not car meditation?!

Chopping, Mixing, and Baking...

It is the day before Thanksgiving and I've been in the kitchen with all but two of my nieces and nephews. We are all talking, laughing, chopping, mixing and baking and I couldn't think of a better way to spend a day full of gratitude! Looking forward to the end of the day when all the family will be together, a roaring fire will be made and the love will flow all around.

Embers...

Something about this cool fall weather, I just want to sit in front of a fire and stare at the embers. I don't know what it is about embers that are so mesmerizing. I could just sit there for hours looking into the fire. And it's always more fun to hang our with family or friends around the fire ~ talking, sharing laughter, eating a meal and just enjoying the company of each other!

Refuge...

"The library had become her solace. Her refuge. Books did not question or judge. They made safe companions."

Inglath Cooper, Truth and Roses: A Love Story

We all need a place of refuge from life. I'm glad my children feel that way about their home and with friends and families homes. To find refuge to relax, to not have to feel like you have to be anything but your imperfect, perfect self is a time to gather strength to keep moving forward in each present moment.  When I'm not able to be with those people who provide solace, I find it in books, nature, food, art, quiet time, and animals.

Domestic...

I had a few hours ( after I took time to sleep in) before I went to work today and I just caught up on all the little domestic things that needed to get done. The laundry, dishes ( dishwasher finally stopped working), sweeping, organizing etc. And I found myself as I consciously stayed in the present moment with each task, I was enjoying them! I've always loved doing all those "domestic" things and some I love and some I like but generally it's a part of the life I want. I want to be married, take care of my home and love my children and family and friends. Sounds simple? Just need the husband part and I'll be "all good."

Today...

Today I was fine until I saw a picture my niece posted of her being at the lake for the 4th of July. This overwhelming heavy sadness came over me. I missed a sense of family and extended family that use to be a group of friends that I don't get to see very much anymore. I felt such a great loss of connection and just felt kind of alone today even though I was surrounded by the world and my children ~ 

This Too Shall Pass...

Today...

"I Hope You Feel Beautiful Today."

http://you-are-beautiful.com/

I woke myself up an hour early today ( miscalculated my time)... I'm trying to find the beauty in these extra present moments. So I thought I would say ~ "I hope you feel beautiful today" to all those out there reading this. Pass it on to your family and friends and it will be a day filled with smiles! 

Family...

"Family... We may not have it all together, but together we have it all."

At times I get caught up in labels of what constitutes a family - mother, father, children, pets, and I forget just because we don't look like the perfect picture we are still very much a family. I consider my friends part of my family too. The more the merrier!

Dream...

I had a dream last night about a former family member that I was close to, that passed away about eleven years ago. I dreamed that they came back to life and I was stunned, but I saw them right in front of me and it seemed real but I kept doubting and crying because it just couldn't be. I've never had a dream that felt so real. I woke up and didn't want to wake up. I wanted that person to be there and for this not to be a dream. Their presence was with me and so strong.

Snow...

Oh the snow covered world outside provides me with no guilt days. As I'm stuck inside from the snow and ice outside, I couldn't be happier! I don't have to feel guilty for staying home and fully enjoying that feeling. Home is where I LOVE to be! When I go out to run errands, hang out with friends, visit family, always in the back of my mind, is getting to be at home later that day or days to come. For me being at home is a slice of heaven!

Furry...

As I was doing my many pet sits today, I thought how nice it was of the owners to pay someone to come in at least once or twice a day just to walk and play with their animals. If your going to be gone all day most everyday, what a great gift for your pet. Hats off to all the pet owners out there... I applaud you for your extra loving care to your furry family members.

Drummer...

"Maybe you’ve felt like you’re not cut from the same cloth. You’re probably right. You’re not ‘normal.’ You’re not ordinary. I’d say you’re extraordinary. You’re a voice. You’re a presence. And you are here to bring something different to the conversation. Let your difference make a difference."

Tama J. Kieves

My mother had given me a little plaque to put in my room when I was young that read:

"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears however measured or far away." 

I always felt growing up that my difference to the others in the family was a defect, something to feel bad about because I couldn't see life the way they saw it. But now a little older and wiser, I'm realizing I can bring something different to the conversation... AND that I CAN make a difference in the world!

Cooking ...

I love when I'm at someone's house whether family or friends and we are creating and cooking together. There's a rhythm to the chopping and stirring, the heat from the oven, the steam from the pots on the stove all baking memories. It's kind of like sitting around the campfire and were all telling stories about the different things we remember, bonding over the present moment. 

Happy Birthday...

I'm singing... Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear Nancy, happy birthday to me!

I decided I could celebrate myself, celebrate all that I add to the world, all that I was, all that I am and all that I will be. That's a lot of celebrating! It has been quit a ride for the last 53 years and I am looking forward to spending another 53 with all my wonderful, accepting, loving, family and friends. I am also stretching myself to opening up more to life and expanding the abundance that life is offering. 

It's never to late! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY ~ YOU ARE LOVED!!!

A Village...

There is a saying ~ "It takes a village to raise a child."~ this could also pertain to raising a creative idea.  My idea for a meal planning business doesn't happen on it's own. It has the support of my family and friends ~ my village! I was thinking about that and how most if not all great ideas and creativity are born with help from others. Leaving me with overwhelming gratitude. Thank you...ALL

No rules...

Our Christmas tree is still up and I'm still enjoying the way the lights twinkling at night and all the decorations full of memories that hang on the tree. We will probable take it down this weekend but it's nice to know in life there are no rules for how long you "should" keep your tree up or how you "should" do any of your holiday traditions. It's about what feels good and right for your family. And right now our tree brings up JOY!