Out on the Front Porch

2011-04-05T16:06:00.000-07:00

(courtesy of LuigiFDV on flickr.com)

Rake the muck this way. Rake the muck that way. It will still be muck. In the time you are brooding, you could be stringing pearls for the delight of heaven.

-a Hasidic master

Good Morning, Morning!

2011-04-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

cinque terra, italy -photo courtesy of plentyofcolour.com

Courage and cheerfulness will not only carry you over the rough places in life, but will enable you to bring comfort and help to the weak-hearted and will console you in the sad hours.

-William Osler

Canadian Physician

Good Morning, Morning!

2011-03-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

To have courage for whatever comes in life - everything lies in that.

- St. Teresa of Avila

2011-03-30T15:29:00.001-07:00

Let your assumptions rest.

Good Morning, Morning!

2011-03-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

We don't receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.

-Proust

2011-03-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

In this home...
We do second chances.
We do grace.
We do real.
We do mistakes.
We do I'm sorrys.
We do loud really well.
We do hugs.
We do family.
We do love.

-Anonymous

In Conversation with a Friend

2011-03-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

Do you have any plans set?

"No, although there are my personal estimates, provided God paves the way for me. I mean I can only wake up in the morning and walk to the river and cast my reel."

Good Morning, Morning!

2011-03-18T10:32:00.000-07:00

"Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness."

- Mother Teresa

You are not alone

2011-03-13T22:02:00.000-07:00

“There is suffering in life, and there are defeats. No one can avoid them. But it's better to lose some of the battles in the struggles for your dreams than to be defeated without ever knowing what you're fighting for.”

-Paul Coelho

Good Morning, Morning!

2011-03-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

"There is hardly ever a complete silence in our soul. God is whispering to us well nigh incessantly. Whenever the sounds of the world die out in the soul, or sink low, then we hear these whisperings of God."

- Frederick Faber

Good Morning, Morning!

2011-03-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

"Must you continue to be your own cross? No matter which way God leads you, you change everything into bitterness by constantly brooding over everything. For the love of God, replace all this self-scrutiny with a pure and simple glance at God’s goodness."

-St. Jane Frances de Chantal

2011-03-08T19:30:00.000-08:00

"How can we complain when He Himself was considered 'as one struck by God and afflicted'." (Isa. 53:4)

- St. Therese of Lisieux

Good Morning, Morning!

2011-03-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

"Life is truly a constant beginning, a constant opportunity, a constant springtime. We need only to learn once again as we did as children, letting fascination and curiosity give us welcome cause for taking a second look, rather than taking for granted. Fortune, happiness, and peace of mind await those who learn to look for the miraculous hidden among the common. The unique blending of sun, soil, and seed at the springtime of seasons will provide predictable and miraculous results for those who will learn to take full and complete advantage of spring." -Jim Rohn

Good morning, Morning!

2011-03-04T10:31:00.001-08:00

Completed Art Puzzle, originally uploaded by Phizzychick!.

The art of simplicity is a puzzle of complexity.

Douglas Horton

New Blog

2011-02-09T13:53:00.000-08:00

I've created a new blog at www.loaveswishes.blogspot.com. If you follow me on here, consider following me there. This new blog is primarily for baking topics.

Good Morning, Morning!

2011-02-01T07:40:00.001-08:00

I heart winter (365/349), originally uploaded by JenniPenni.

“You can't help respecting anybody who can spell TUESDAY, even if he doesn't spell it right; but spelling isn't everything. There are days when spelling Tuesday simply doesn't count.”

- Winnie the Pooh

Good Morning, Morning!

2011-01-31T09:36:00.001-08:00

Linum-Bokeh, originally uploaded by picaddict.

“God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that you try.”

-Mother Teresa

2010-12-05T17:49:00.001-08:00

Swiftsure Racing, originally uploaded by ireena eleonora.

Faith is a passionate intuition.
William Wordsworth

2010-12-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

God loves us; we need only to summon up the humility to allow ourselves to be loved.

- Pope Benedict XVI

thankful

2010-11-22T09:55:00.001-08:00

thankful, originally uploaded by traci meyer.

“Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

—Charles Dickens

Good Morning, Morning!

2010-11-15T10:52:00.001-08:00

Aurulent Adria, originally uploaded by sonofsteppe.

Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart. -Saint Augustine

Vivaldi - Cello Sonata in E Minor RV40 - Mov. 1-2/4

2010-11-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

2010-10-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

I must be willing to suffer because there is so much more at the end of perseverance. I must reject the pleasures of today for the glory of tomorrow. There is a higher calling.

2010-10-26T12:17:00.001-07:00

Enlightened holy cross, originally uploaded by B℮n.

Grace falls like rain. Everything rides on hope now. Our Redeemer is so good.

2010-10-21T10:55:00.000-07:00

"Many of us spend our whole lives running from feeling with the mistaken belief that you cannot bear the pain. But you have already borne the pain. What you have not done is feel all you are beyond the pain."
- St. Bartholomew

Lately, I've been feeling nerve pain again. It isn't really bad, but it totally freaks me out because I've experienced mind-blowing pain with this condition before and felt I couldn't handle it. But, I forget. I DID HANDLE IT! (Plus, there's always neurontin and valium.)

2010-09-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

"When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight."

-Kahlil Gibran

Last week my kind friend, Esa, called me to recite me this line of Gibran's "On Joy and Sorrow." I hadn't heard from my friend in two years, but he wanted to reach out. Moments like this make life so very beautiful.

Good morning, Morning!

2010-09-03T13:35:00.001-07:00

Holding hands, originally uploaded by Dianna Narotski.

It's a beautiful day out today. A cool, balmy breeze sweeps by and occasionally taps in puffs upon your shoulder. The sun smiles down upon the damp earth diffusing the smell of wet grass and leaves. Claire and I intended only to go outside to the park for a few minutes. I was just trying to make good on my promise to take her out. Stopping her incessant reminders was a bonus. However, the park visit turned into a little walk, then a hike. Claire and I began walking along a trail behind the apartment. We stopped and watched fish swim under a bridge then continued on searching for the shiniest leaves, the best bug-killing weapon, the prettiest cloud, or the other's hand. Claire loves holding hands. She feels more secure in the world when she's holding my hand. Little does she know I feel more secure when she's holding mine. It's beautiful to have that gift of assurance, knowing that there's a love that flows from God within us and between us.

Good Morning, Morning!

2010-08-25T11:46:00.001-07:00

Autumn Colors at Portland Japanese Garden, originally uploaded by David Gn Photography.

"Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow."

-Helen Keller

2010-08-18T12:50:00.001-07:00

WHAT'S IN THAT HOLE?!, originally uploaded by unaerica.

“It ain't nothing to find no starting place in the world. You just start from where you find yourself.”

~August Wilson (American Writer, 1945-2005)

Good morning, Morning!

2010-06-13T17:35:00.001-07:00

The Flying dog - The strange case of the dog who jumped over his shadow, originally uploaded by Franco Ferri Mala.

"One of the secrets of a long and fruitful life is to forgive everybody everything every night before you go to bed."

~Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Good morning, Morning!

2010-05-31T21:28:00.001-07:00

I love you - - - - - -, originally uploaded by cattycamehome.

"Each small task of everyday life is part of the harmony of the universe."

- St. Therese of Lisieux

Good morning, Morning!

2010-05-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

A Prayer from Mother Teresa

"Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him and serve Him in the distressing guise of the poor."
- Mother Teresa

Good morning, Morning!

2010-05-16T11:33:00.001-07:00

Seminole State Park, Georgia, originally uploaded by *sebastien.mamy*.

"Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones (one of my favorites)

2010-05-15T18:38:00.001-07:00

Blau.-, originally uploaded by ancama_99(toni).

By waiting and by calm you shall be saved,
in quiet and in trust your strength lies.

- Isaiah 30:15

Good morning, Morning!

2010-05-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

Halong Dawn, originally uploaded by Julian Kaesler.

"For he who has no tranquility there is no concentration."

- Bhagavad-Gita

Good morning, Morning!

2010-04-28T11:11:00.001-07:00

Searching for peace..., originally uploaded by carf.

"You can reach heaven from any place on earth."

- St. Samthann

Good morning, Morning!

2010-04-19T18:46:00.001-07:00

SAKURA - Bunches, originally uploaded by *Sakura*.

“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise"

~ Oscar Wilde

Good morning, Morning!

2010-04-05T11:14:00.001-07:00

Twist, originally uploaded by .delila..

I'm encouraged by the delicate beauty around me. That such fragility can survive the harshness of reality gives me hope. It is the reason I can dance.

dear world,

2010-04-04T20:50:00.001-07:00

Coronado Bridge, San Diego, California, originally uploaded by Sir Francis Canker Jones.

i love you. sometimes i want to crawl under the covers and hide from you. but, most of the time, i just want to embrace you.

Good morning, Morning!

2010-04-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

Autumn in the valley of Gourette, originally uploaded by B℮n.

The steeper the road, the faster it rises towards ever wider horizons.
~ John Paul II

Good Friday Morning

2010-04-02T10:05:00.001-07:00

Eyes To Heaven, originally uploaded by andy andrews.

"Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven." ~St. Rose of Lima

Good morning, Morning!

2010-03-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

iugum enim meum suave est, et onus meum leve
My yoke is freedom, my yoke is love, my yoke is unity, my yoke is life, my yoke is fruitfulness.

Travel photos from my dear friend, Irena

2010-03-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Irena is back from her stint in South Africa! Of course, she's still hundreds of miles away from me. But, at least it isn't thousands! She's convinced me to visit the place if I ever get the chance.

Good morning, Morning!

2010-03-24T10:46:00.001-07:00

Catch the Light, originally uploaded by More Altitude.

"The Sun appeared, and all the shadows ran. / I ran after them, but vanished as I ran -- / Light ran after me and hunted me down." -Rumi

Stuck in my head..

2010-03-21T20:09:00.001-07:00

splash!, originally uploaded by Alessandro Vannucci.

This beautiful Brazilian love song has been stuck in my head all day.

Good Morning, Morning!

2010-03-06T09:31:00.001-08:00

wrinked hands with rock.jpg, originally uploaded by chinua000.

"A thousand half-loves must be forsaken to take one whole heart home." ~Rumi

Happiness in a Box

2010-03-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

{happiness in a box}

Vivaldi Turns 332 Today!

2010-03-04T15:20:00.001-08:00

Vivaldi, originally uploaded by fataetoile/ Cinzia Rizzo.

A short clip of a ballet done to Vivaldi's "Summer."

it's in the details

2010-03-04T14:51:00.001-08:00

Young Buddhist monks, originally uploaded by B℮n.

so, i'm browsing through flickr looking at beautiful photos. the caption for this particular photo has a lot of interesting background about the theravada school of buddhism in laos. but, all i notice is that the buddhist monks are drinking bubble tea. yum. :D

my snow angel!

2010-02-12T07:55:00.001-08:00

my snow angel!, originally uploaded by Comb, Simone & Claire.

there's been a blizzard in texas! claire's loving the winter wonderland!

Year in Review!

2009-12-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

*****************************
1. TRAVELS:
- Houston for a wedding
- Boca Raton, Hallandale Beach, and Miami to visit Grandma Carolyn and Rob

2. NEW LOVE(S):
- introspection

3. DISCOVERIES:
- flaws
- learning to love flaws
- tea of the day at "Fat Straws"
- White Russians
- active listening
- Wii fit
- Bikram yoga
- UT Tyler counseling psych MA program
- Pastazio's cannolis

4. LOSSES:
- Neurontin (1800mg per day to be exact) ..YAY!
- a perpetually-affixed CTO vest
- quite a bit of whimsy

5. MILESTONES:
- significant recovery from spinal cord surgery (recovered mobility--no longer on bedrest (!)--no longer on pain meds)
- applied and got accepted into the UT Tyler MA in counseling psych program- classes start Jan 11th!
- learned how to help Comb feel understood during conversations
-my dad swore i'd be back to jogging sometime in 2010..well, i have a secret..i've made a lap or two around Addison Circle park...slowly but surely! i don't think it is something that will be healthy for me to do on a regular basis (something lower impact would be safer), but i just wanted to prove to myself and to my dad, that it was possible. btw, i love my dad! :D

6. THE YEAR SOUNDTRACK:
Songs:
"Use Somebody" -Kings of Leon
"Low Rising" - Swell Season
"Crack the Shutters" - Snow Patrol
"Dream" - Priscilla Ahn
Bands:
Mat Kearney, The Kooks, Swell Season

7. MOUNTAINS:
-lawsuit
-relationships
-physical pain and limitations

8. MY RECOMMENDATIONS:
Listen to yourself. Respect your limits. Connect with yourself and with others because that connection is what grounds us.

9. MOMENTS TO REMEMBER:
-a huge number of Claire's firsts. endearing moments too many to list..hopefully the photos will help keep my memories permanent.

10. ETC.:
-working on strengthening myself physically, obtaining a masters in counseling, and understanding the intricate dynamics that make many of my closest relationships what they are

11. 2009 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION(S):
Endure.

12. 2010 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION(S):
Stay in school. Don't do drugs. (ie. follow through with the masters program and avoid pain meds)

Christmas Season!

2009-12-17T09:01:00.000-08:00

Oh, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Christmas decorating, cookies, shopping, wrapping, and cards are all done! Now I'm switching gears to focus on GRADUATE SCHOOL! Classes begin January 11th and before that I must finish paper work, study for the GRE, apply for financial aid, register for classes, buy books and MOVE from our apartment to my mom's house. Things are looking up these days, most definitely. I'm feeling really well and have been off of my pain meds for several weeks now! Before New Year's, I'd love to post on the year in summary--so here's my attempt to hold myself accountable. In the meantime, I'll be buzzing about. Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Transitions

2009-12-02T12:55:00.001-08:00

In my own time, originally uploaded by dandelion_♥.

me: i called claire and told her we were going to pick her up tonight and she ran and grabbed two stuffed animals and stood by the door then started crying when we weren't there
the poor thing is going through so much
it's difficult to explain all of these transitions to her
well i just can't
me: i wonder if God has the same heartache for us..knowing that we're not aware enough to understand the transitions we go through in life

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-11-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

"Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished."

~Michael Strassfeld

A song by "Snow Patrol." Have a beautiful day!

2009-11-02T13:21:00.001-08:00

Clifty Creek intimate cascade, originally uploaded by Bernie Kasper.

Deep, unspeakable suffering may well be called a baptism, a regeneration, the initiation into a new state. Suffering can be likened to a baptism - the passing over the threshold of pain and grief and anguish to claim a new state of being.

~George Eliot

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-10-28T05:43:00.001-07:00

Double A trees, originally uploaded by B℮n.

"I think dreams are special destinies that God gives to people. It's like your own little cosmic fortune cookie."

~Chaedria LaBouvier (a friend of mine)

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-10-10T09:30:00.001-07:00

102 - Apr 12 - Bunny Slippers, originally uploaded by ladybugrock.

“Bunny slippers remind me of who I am. You can't get a swelled head if you wear bunny slippers. You can't lose your sense of perspective and start acting like a star or a rich lady if you keep on wearing bunny slippers. Besides, bunny slippers give me confidence because they're so jaunty. They make a statement; they say, 'Nothing the world does to me can ever get me so far down that I can't be silly and frivolous.' If I died and found myself in Hell, I could endure the place if I had bunny slippers.”

-Dean Koontz

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-10-09T07:36:00.001-07:00

As their world suddenly turned upside down, they were barely able to cling on..., originally uploaded by cmac66.

The world has enough pain, loss and difficulty to keep all of us sad, bitter and hurt for a lifetime.

The world also has enough hope, love and renewal to bring us a full measure of joy, happiness and fulfillment - even in the midst of life's inevitable sorrows and losses.

- Dr. Neil Neimark

2009-09-19T11:07:00.001-07:00

Green Algae on Oak, originally uploaded by maxi millipede.

“The sense impressions of one-celled animals are not edited for the brain. This is philosophically interesting in a rather mournful way, since it means that only the simplest animals perceive the universe as it is.” -Annie Dillard

2009-09-19T10:23:00.001-07:00

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-09-11T07:46:00.001-07:00

Haena Surf - Kauai, Hawaii, originally uploaded by PatrickSmithPhotography.

One could laugh at the world better if it didn't mix tender kindliness with its brutality.

~D H Lawrence

(Today would be D.H. Lawrence's 146th birthday and 8 years since the 9/11 attack.)

From Claire's book "Love is a Handful of Honey"

2009-09-04T20:49:00.001-07:00

I`ll follow my dreams..., originally uploaded by neloqua.

"Love is that high-flying feeling / That makes you leap out of your bed. Love is what makes you throw open the curtains / And somersault 'round on your head. Love is that warm cozy feeling, / A cuddle that tells you you're sweet, / And love is that feeling of laughing out loud / When somebody tickles your feet. Love's skipping out in the morning / And hoping the day never ends / And love's what you feel when you all get together / And go on adventures with friends. Love's when you hide in the forest / In places that nobody knows. Love is that fluttery feeling you feel / When a butterfly taps on your toes. Love is a handful of honey / And love's making friends with the bees / Even the flowers are bursting with love / When they're dancing about in the breeze. And then when your stomachs are grumbly / Love is unwrapping your treats / And love's stuffing everything all in at once / Leaving masses of mess on your cheeks. Love is splish-splashing through puddles / And love's getting soaked in the rain. Love is a rainbow that bursts through the sky / When the sun begins shining again. Love's when you can't stop describing / Just what you've been doing all day / And love is when somebody quietly listens / To everything you've got to say. Love is a great bedtime story / That takes you to faraway lands, / And love's when you want to show someone you care / So you snuggle up close and hold hands. Love's looking out of the window / To wave at the Man in the Moon, / And love's when you whisper good night to the stars / Who'll be watching you dream very soon. / And then when you're tired and sleepy / And you're cozily tucked up all tight / Love is that last little cuddle and kiss / That helps you sleep safe through the night..Good night!"

my status update from facebook

2009-09-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

"we are doing really well! claire is running around the house, destroying things faster than i can fix them and making us laugh all the while. she has learned to say "i'm nuts" and is quite the little lady using her "tank you," "pease," and "sorry." however, to balance it all out, she announces whenever she passes air saying "i fart!" we're very proud. :)"

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-08-27T07:57:00.001-07:00

Verdant, originally uploaded by dandy_fsj.

Peace begins with a smile. ~Mother Teresa

Today was Mother Teresa's birthday!

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-08-21T07:39:00.001-07:00

Dreaming............., originally uploaded by Nicolas Valentin.

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.

~Saint Francis de Sales

(St. Francis de Sales would have turned 442 today!)

Strike My Fancy

2009-08-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

Claire and I are fond of Sandra Boyton books. This morning Claire picked out a Boyton book called Your Personal Penguin. This book has always been a little troublesome to read because I didn't know the tune that I was supposed to read it to. Comb fixed the problem this morning by pulling up the tune on his computer and playing it on the speakers. Soon Claire and I had a penguin dance going on in the living room. Flap your "wings" and waddle like a penguin to this tune. Have a fun day!

"Your Personal Penguin"

Strike My Fancy

2009-08-17T13:24:00.001-07:00

Trio of Autumn Woven Baskets for a Nature Table or Children's Purses, originally uploaded by Pictures by Ann.

"Trio of Autumn Woven Baskets for Nature Table or Children's Purses"

This is an idea I wanted to file away to create myself sometime.

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-08-07T10:10:00.001-07:00

Singing Chaffinch, originally uploaded by Herzkasper.

Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow.

-Dorothy Thompson

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-08-06T06:37:00.001-07:00

Unbeeindruckte Natur, originally uploaded by DaAnda.

"Edelweiss"

2009-07-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Most of us think that if we are not suffering from any particular disease or illness, then we are healthy.

But true health is more than the absence of disease.

True health is about our physical health and our emotional, mental and spiritual health.

In fact, it is nearly impossible to be physically healthy if we are emotionally distraught, mentally distressed or spiritually out of touch. Our physical health occurs in the greater context of our mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Gerald Jampolsky M.D., psychiatrist and author, defines health as "inner peace," which comes from an inner sense of unity and wholeness.

It is interesting to note that the words "health" and "healing" both come from the root word "whole," meaning "to be one." In other words, true health and healing embody the notion that we are more than mere physical beings. We have thoughts, emotions and spiritual beliefs that move us far beyond mere physicality.

-Neil Neimark, MD

2009-07-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

I've got an old friend in town. We haven't seen each other in two years so I'm taking a blogging break! See you all later!

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-07-16T07:13:00.001-07:00

pamela1, originally uploaded by fardazza.

"Try not to become a man of success but a man of value."

Albert Einstein

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-07-15T07:57:00.001-07:00

Heart of flower, originally uploaded by manu4971.

In the middle of the night, there is a star. That keeps me smiling.

Agitated

2009-07-14T14:35:00.001-07:00

Snarl, originally uploaded by Ajka_Hungary.

I'm so agitated. For the past few nights, I've been on the brink of having an anxiety attack. Each night I have a great deal of trouble falling asleep as I struggle with a sense of impending doom. I'm not ready to follow through with a lawsuit. It feels wrong to me. I know that I cannot put all of my reasoning into words because, frankly, a lot of it isn't reasoning: it is emotion.

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-07-14T07:02:00.001-07:00

(252/365) (099/365), originally uploaded by kimberlyfaye (busy).

“If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

~Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Swiss and Fig Sandwich

2009-07-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

My mom harvested so many figs from her tree again this year and brought 2 bagfuls to us. Because figs are very perishable (they only last about 5 days after picked), I've been trying to find a recipe to use all of them. In the meantime, I was hungry and made a delicious sandwich with the figs! If you have any fresh figs on hand, try it!

*1 crusty baguette
*several fresh figs, sliced lengthwise
*swiss cheese
*fresh rosemary, minced
*olive oil
*salt

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the baguette lengthwise and heap the fig slices on one half. Layer swiss cheese on the other half. Sprinkle a bit of olive oil over the figs. Sprinkle a bit of minced rosemary and salt over the cheese. Close the two halves together and bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is well melted.

*This recipe would probably be even better with goat cheese, but I didn't have that on hand.

If you are just making a single sandwich like I did and don't want to go through all of the trouble of heating the oven, etc, just pop the sandwich in the microwave for 25 seconds. Yum!

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-07-13T07:27:00.001-07:00

Willow Lake Sunrise, originally uploaded by NaturalLight.

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed."

~Albert Einstein

Have a good weekend!

2009-07-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

I wish you a warm breeze that kisses your face,
A gentle sun that lights your path,
A blue sky that inspires your heart,
A strong hug that strengthens your resolve.

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-07-10T07:19:00.001-07:00

Seagulls mobbing behavior, originally uploaded by Bеn.

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song."

- Chinese Proverb

My Great-Grandmother's Blueberry Tea Bread

2009-07-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a recipe that my grandmother got from her mother and then passed down to me. It is a beautiful breakfast tea bread that reminds me of a moist blueberry muffin in loaf form. It is delicious and with all the ripe blueberries at the market, you've no reason not to enjoy this right now!

*2 cups flour
*2 tsp baking powder
*1/2 tsp salt
*1 cup sugar
*1/2 cup butter, softened
*1 egg
*3/4 cup milk
*1 1/2 tsp vanilla
*1 cup blueberries

Preheat oven for 350 degrees. Mix together flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, butter, egg, milk, and vanilla. Mix at low speed until ingredients are dampened, then mix at high speed for 3 minutes. Dust blueberries with a bit of flour then plop them into the mixture and gently fold them in. Bake in a sprayed loaf pan for approximately 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out cleanly.

*This is delicious served with cinnamon sugar whipped butter. Just mix softened butter with some cinnamon and sugar and voila!

A Break

2009-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

I've been on a little blogging break because this three day weekend took a lot out of me. I've been feeling quite tired and need to get the house straightened up. A toddler can do a lot of damage in no time at all!! Despite being tired and having to deal with a bad case of the grumps (4 molars coming in and a diaper rash make for an unhappy Claire) , we got in a bit of fun. We've been trying to teach Claire how to sign, watched two firework shows (Claire seemed quite alarmed by the antics in the sky and kept saying "Bye, bye," trying to alert us to her uneasiness), went to a a friends house to play Taboo, and visited with Aunt Yung.

I make no apologies for the lack of posting though. I have some great books and have had little time for reading lately. At any opportunity, I'm trying to catch up with housework or reading. Once I'm done with some books, I'll post reviews!

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-07-04T08:14:00.001-07:00

Alive...moving in grace and liberty...floating lighter than a feather...dancing in the morning light, originally uploaded by neloqua.

"I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief...For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free."

-Wendell Berry

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T06:37:00.001-07:00

Photo: The American Flag of the United States of America (USA Flag), originally uploaded by jcolman.

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-07-03T20:46:00.001-07:00

"We are not born all at once, but by bits. The body first, and the spirit later; and the birth and growth of the spirit, in those who are attentive to their own inner life, are slow and exceedingly painful. Our mothers are racked with the pains of our physical birth; we ourselves suffer the longer pains of our spiritual growth."

-Mary Antin

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-07-02T07:08:00.001-07:00

The Earth & the Heaven, originally uploaded by Catch the dream.

"When our two lives grew like two buds that kiss At lightest thrill from the bee's swinging chime, Because the one so near the other is."

-Brother and Sister by George Eliot

Strike My Fancy

2009-07-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

Summer reading!

Last week, Barnes and Noble held a great sale online. I bought a few books for myself and bought a few for gifts. Part of my order arrived today! So, now I just need to find the time to read. I'm one step closer to this goal, having finished all of the dishes, vacuumed the house, and laundered every piece of anything that needed to be washed. These are the triumphs of a stay-at-home mom!

I'm not sure which of the three books I should start with. The one that I was most excited about, The Scent of God, has yet to arrive. Eeny, meeny, miny, mo should do the trick..

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-07-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

"Cheerfulness is the very flower of health."

~Proverb

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-06-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tired, Worn Out, Well Loved

2009-06-29T07:54:00.001-07:00

My Old Teddy, originally uploaded by poppalina.

I'm feeling so tired and worn out. I think all the post surgery stress, drugs, and lawsuit issues have a lot to do with it, but this morning was an immediate cause. Claire woke up screaming and writhing in pain. Comb and I tried desperately to figure out what was wrong. We'd never seen or heard her behave like that. I started thinking that she might have an intestinal obstruction, given yesterday's symptoms. After about 30 minutes, she started to calm down a bit. A few minutes ago, the director at Claire's daycare called me to let me know that Claire just suffered a fall and would have a severe black eye. Poor Claire! At times like this, I feel so exhausted because, try as I might, I cannot do anything to help her. I wish I could drive to her and lift her up to my chest, but these things are impossible right now. I feel tired and worn out, but very well loved.

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-06-29T07:39:00.001-07:00

“To spare oneself from grief at all cost can be achieved only at the price of total detachment, which excludes the ability to experience happiness"

~Erich Fromm

Mango Tilapia

2009-06-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS

4 tilapia fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
dash of pepper

Salsa:

1 mango - peeled, seeded and diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and diced
3 roma tomatoes - peeled, seeded and chopped
1 lime, zested and juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In a shallow baking dish, combine the olive oil, orange juice, and pepper. Rinse the fish fillets and pat them dry. Place them into the baking dish and turn to coat with the seasonings.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until fish can be flaked with a fork.
While the fish cooks, combine the mango, onion, avocado, tomatoes, lime zest and juice, cilantro and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Stir to blend and set aside at room temperature until fish has finished cooking. Place fillets on a platter and spoon the salsa over them to serve.

I suggest serving this over rice. This is amazing stuff and it doesn't get much healthier! Enjoy!

(Let me know how this goes, Hue! Happy Cooking!!)

Good Morning, Evening..

2009-06-28T18:50:00.001-07:00

~ Seen Scene ~, originally uploaded by ViaMoi.

If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes.

~St. Clement of Alexandra

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-06-27T06:28:00.001-07:00

Perfect Bloom, originally uploaded by judy stalus.

Many persons have the wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.

Helen Keller
(Today would have been Helen Keller's 129th birthday!)

Baking Fiend

2009-06-26T11:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know what has gotten into me, but all I want to do is bake all day. For the past month or so, I've baked something at least once a week. Yesterday, I made banana muffins with cinnamon sugar centers and a double batch of oatmeal raisin cookies. A few days ago, I made carrot cake. I'm now in the process of making double chocolate brownies and an apple blackberry pie. It's the first time I'm trying the apple blackberry pie recipe so I'll post it later if everything turns out well!

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-06-26T08:32:00.001-07:00

Blossom Bokeh [Explored], originally uploaded by kimberlyfaye.

"All things are possible until they are proved impossible - and even the impossible may only be so, as of now."

~Pearl Buck
(American author and Nobel laureate who would have been 117 today)

Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T08:17:00.001-07:00

RIP Michael Jackson's Star On Hollywood Blvd, originally uploaded by Sërch.

Whether or not you cared for Michael Jackson and his music, it is undeniable that the world just lost a little color, a little character, and he will be missed by many.

“In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” -Michael Jackson

Strike My Fancy

2009-06-25T10:07:00.001-07:00

This makes me want a pet hedgehog! What do you think might be a good name for this little fellow?

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-06-25T09:31:00.001-07:00

Fields of Gold, originally uploaded by Allard One.

"Living isn’t enough! One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower!"

~ Hans Christian Andersen

(Photo: tulip fields in the Netherlands)

Good Morning, Morning!

2009-06-24T07:21:00.001-07:00

, originally uploaded by kimberlyfaye.

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember... You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart... I'll always be with you."

~ Winnie the Pooh

Yesterday's Adventures

2009-06-24T06:14:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day, brimming with play and sunshine! You may have noticed that I didn't post a "Good Morning, Morning" post and I apologize if you missed it, but we were out having too much fun all day! My mom and brother visited. We had a picnic in the park and played in the fountains. Claire didn't eat much of her sandwich during the picnic because there were just too many other things to do outside! After all, it was her first picnic and there were butterflies and balls and grass and countless other distractions.

Out on the Front Porch

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

In Conversation with a Friend

Good Morning, Morning!

You are not alone

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good morning, Morning!

New Blog

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

thankful

Good Morning, Morning!

Vivaldi - Cello Sonata in E Minor RV40 - Mov. 1-2/4

Good morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good morning, Morning!

Good morning, Morning!

Good morning, Morning!

Good morning, Morning!

Good morning, Morning!

Good morning, Morning!

Good morning, Morning!

Good morning, Morning!

dear world,

Good morning, Morning!

Good Friday Morning

Good morning, Morning!

Travel photos from my dear friend, Irena

Good morning, Morning!

Stuck in my head..

Good Morning, Morning!

Happiness in a Box

Vivaldi Turns 332 Today!

it's in the details

my snow angel!

Year in Review!

Christmas Season!

Transitions

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

From Claire's book "Love is a Handful of Honey"

my status update from facebook

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

*Strike My Fancy*

*Strike My Fancy*

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Agitated

Good Morning, Morning!

Swiss and Fig Sandwich

Good Morning, Morning!

Have a good weekend!

Good Morning, Morning!

My Great-Grandmother's Blueberry Tea Bread

A Break

Good Morning, Morning!

Happy 4th of July!

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

*Strike My Fancy*

Good Morning, Morning!

Good Morning, Morning!

Tired, Worn Out, Well Loved

Good Morning, Morning!

Mango Tilapia

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Good Morning, Evening..

Good Morning, Morning!

Baking Fiend

Strike My Fancy

Strike My Fancy

Strike My Fancy

Strike My Fancy