Good Food Good Mood

Sustenance of life, food is the source of strength and nourishment. Not only do I love the taste of food, but the look, the aroma, the texture, and the sounds associated with eating like a good snap, crunch, or “‘uumm” as its being consumed. I enjoy food thoroughly!  Lucky for me, my dad was aContinue reading “Good Food Good Mood”

GOATs in Our Kitchen

Now that the cooler weather has taken hold, I am spending more time in the kitchen. Simmering scents of stocks, soups, and stews constantly fill the room. Cooking means planning, planning means prep work, and prep work means finding the right tool for the job. Looking for a thingamabob the other day, I opened aContinue reading “GOATs in Our Kitchen”

Piece of Art, Peace of Mind

Seeing vibrant red, yellow, and orange leafed trees against a backdrop of purple mountains, attending a fall festival fundraiser called the Apple Squeeze in a quaint town center, and spending time on the east coast with family sharing food, news, and memories around dining room tables were a few highlights of my October. What aContinue reading “Piece of Art, Peace of Mind”

A Little Good News

From my journal: December 10, 2012, Newbury Park, California “Bought a shiny gold box for everyone on our team and a few for staff…pretty holiday store displays…and the smell…so sweet…!” Is it possible that a treat often described as rich, decadent, and even luxurious can actually be good for you?  Or is it that IContinue reading “A Little Good News”

Time for Hygge

Scenario One: Lights are down low, soft fleece blankets cover us on our outstretched leather recliners. Fresh popcorn in bowls and drinks in tall glasses sit on side tables within reach. Our beagle lies on the rug chewing a treat while warmth emanates from our fireplace. A large black screen on the wall above theContinue reading “Time for Hygge”

A Note to You

So far, this is how it’s added up. 145,766 words 5,198 revisions 3,120 hours 208 posts 17 themes From my journal: October 20, 2020, Newbury Park, California “Scheduled my first two blog posts- yay! Feeling more comfortable with the format and content…long time coming…it’s now a reality!” When I realized that I have been writingContinue reading “A Note to You”

One Step At a Time

Leaf peeping, sampling goodies at food festivals, sipping on pumpkin spice lattes, baking apple crumbles, and celebrating fall holidays all mean…October is here! I’m looking forward to taking part in these events, as well as my next Quest for Calm experience. It combines an activity I do every day and one that has been aContinue reading “One Step At a Time”

Falling for Fall

Autumn is officially here. Hooray! Although we live in Southern California with milder seasons year-round, there is a freshness to the air. Breezes are cooler, and leaves on the liquid amber trees are beginning to change from green to yellow, orange, and red. It’s just the best time of year! Time to take out myContinue reading “Falling for Fall”

Not for Some, But for All

With my right hand over my heart, I was four and a half years old when I learned the 30 words that I would recite about 180 times each year, for 13 years without fail. “I pledge allegiance to the Flag, of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands,Continue reading “Not for Some, But for All”

Shining Bright

After many years, our routine is always the same. However, our experience there, never is. Preparations begin an hour before we leave. In charge of food and drinks, Robert first fills our MIER cooler with freshly made sandwiches. Sometimes, homemade or Rhineland Deli subs with the works. Mayo, mustard, thinly sliced onions, ripe juicy tomatoes,Continue reading “Shining Bright”