I love oranges right now. They are juicy, perfect, and bursting with flavor. I love different types of foods at different times of the year. I will devour a great salad but I don’t want anything to do with them in the winter. I wonder if it’s conditioning – that’s not something we had in the winter growing up in South Dakota. All the fresh, juicy flavors of summer are so fun to think about in the winter – and so fun to finally get to when June rolls around. When fall comes, I crave pumpkin bread, chili, kettle corn and turkey legs. In the winter: roasted meats, baked potatoes, soup, soup and more soup, anything that warms the belly.
Category: inspiration
Enjoy the little moments in life
I have eaten the same breakfast every day for 7 months. I love it. I never grow tired of it. If any of you are eating instant oatmeal – you’ll want to take a few extra minutes and make this instead. It sticks to your ribs, as they say, and it tastes delightful. Most mornings I comment on how good it tastes. Allison will say, “I know, I know – it’s SO good.” Apparently I can be a little repetitive (and annoying. That can just stay between us).
To sleep: a love letter
Dear Sleep:
I love you.
I can’t get enough of you.
Let’s ditch these yahoos and meet for a rendezvous.
Wendy
Willpower is a jerk
Willpower is the kind of jerk who says they’re going to do something and then doesn’t follow through. Or who breaks a promise, then promises the same thing again – expecting you to believe them. Willpower might actually be a guy I used to know!
My life in the ‘hoods’
Every parent has had more than their share of advice about how to handle tantrums. The advice ranges from “pick them up and remove them” to “ignore them.” It’s possible to pick them up. But, if you’re going to attempt this, it helps if you’ve had experience lifting flailing, 8-legged, baby giraffes. You can also ignore them…
Everyone needs a mom
Disclaimer: This is in no way to discount the importance of fathers. It’s just not about you this time.
My children complain that they never got to go to the doctor unless they were dying. They blame this on the fact that I’ve worked in Emergency Departments all of their lives. They exaggerate. On the other hand, my sister says I’m one of those neurotic mothers whose children always have to have a coat or a sweater on whether they are actually cold or not. She probably doesn’t exaggerate. My children are getting mixed messages.
Joy takes work
This is Merriam-Webster’s definition of joy:
- the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires
- the expression or exhibition of such emotion
- a state of happiness or felicity
- a source or cause of delight
It’s probably a good thing I’m not responsible for the definitions of words. This definition seems very limited and it doesn’t convey the profound experience of joy for me. Of course, when I define it, I have to use my hands to indicate how powerful it is for me. Maybe I need to make a video dictionary. Hold that thought.
Gluten free for life
I have been gluten-free for a year and a half. What an amazing difference it has made in my life! Getting there was a long and winding road. For many years, I didn’t even know it was a problem in people who didn’t have Celiac disease. Then, after I did know, I was a little frantic because I liked my bread and other baked goods…a lot. Continue reading Gluten free for life
Love is a strong word
Don’t get me wrong – it’s not like the love I have for my children, husband, extended family and friends or, say…chocolate! However, it is love. I love to run. Who would’ve thought? When I started this journey, I remember saying, “I don’t run. I have never run. I will never run.” People like me are the reason the phrase “never say never” was coined. Continue reading Love is a strong word