Things that make me think or simply smile.

Believe in yourself

"Believe in yourself
And all that you are.
Know that there is
Something inside
You that is greater
than any obstacle."

-Christian D. Larson

 

Glorious pursuit of life

"Exhaust yourself
in the glorious
pursuit of life."

- Lawrence K. Fish

Hello my friends! I'm so happy to be blogging again, excited to share what's been happening around here behind the scenes. I will admit, there has been many great books read these past couple of months, a glorious time indeed! I've been making choices to simplify my life, getting real with who I am, saying "YES" to what I want most in my life. And, of course, saying "no" to those things that no longer serve a purpose in the great scheme of being me.     A little reinvention going on and it feels quite good!

Happy Friday!

 

 

Hello February

 

"China tea, the scent of hyacinths, wood fires and
bowls of violets - that is my mental picture of an
agreeable February afternoon."

-Constance Spry

 

I do think that "books" should be added to make an even more agreeable afternoon!

I like February, a month of pink and hearts all over the place. Being one month closer to Spring helps a little too!

Welcome February!

Your own voice

"There is nothing more genuine
than breaking away from the
chorus to learn
the sound of
your own voice."

-Po Bronson

 

Making space

Changes slowly being made here on this blog for the opportunity to create a place for me to spread my wings just a little more.

First matter to tackle is my decision to no longer include "What's for dinner". I know, it only lasted maybe a week. Honestly, it took more time for posting than I intended, ending up with no time for me to post about those things that are more important to me. I never intended for this blog to be recipe centered and it was starting to feel that way. My heart wasn't feeling it. In the end, you never know until you try. I will occasionally be posting family favorite recipes. I have a new motto around our house, it's just food and as long as it's healthy I'm keeping it very simple on the meal cooking side of life. This is leaving me more time to pursue what I'm most passionate about: reading and learning.

I'm making space for what matters most in my life.

No time like the present to begin!

Perfect

One afternoon.
A new book.
My favorite drink.
Perfect.

The artist of being alive

"The most invisible creators I know of are
those artists whose medium is life itself.
The ones who express the inexpressible-
without brush, hammer, clay, or guitar.
They neither paint nor sculpt-
their medium is their being.
Whatever their presence touches
has increased life. They see and don't have to draw.
They are the artist of being alive."

-J. Stone

A quote that stirs my soul, giving me permission to just "be".  Allow the striving to quiet, sit in the truth of who I am and what I love. So often I find myself feeling that I need define a greater sense of living artfully (in a creative, artsy kind of way). Truth be told, that's just not me. I prefer to have many experiences, embracing what the moment is asking for. Through writing, photography, pasting in my discovery journal, reading, exploring nature, baking, or simply just sitting quietly.

The artist of being alive. yes.

What's for dinner:: 12:365

12:365 - Chili's Southwestern Vegetable Soup

Leftover chicken from slow cooker chili chicken (10:365) used in this recipe. The soup goes together quickly and makes good leftovers.

One change I make to the recipe: I add the frozen vegetables at the end, cooking until al den te.

Happy Cooking! 

What's for dinner:: 11:365

11:365 - Date night at The Cheesecake Factory.

Lars and I enjoy sharing appetizers at The Cheesecake Factory. The Spring Rolls and Crab Cakes are our favorites.

I love date night!

What's for dinner:: 10:365

10:365 Slow cooker chili chicken quesadillas with a side salad.

One of my goals is to find more slow cooker recipes. In the past, I haven't been successful with the recipes I have found. Until this one. Slam dunk. This is a favorite of mine to make, super quick with  enough leftover chicken for another meal (see 12:365). The chicken is so tender, not dry.

I substitute Organic chicken breasts for the chicken thighs and like to experiment with different salsas. We had a large family gathering a few months ago which left me with tons of salsa from Baja Fresh. I froze it in pint jars, using a jar in this recipe (the salsa that is really dark, no tomato base?). It was ok, we prefer a salsa with more of a tomato base for this recipe.

Happy Cooking!