We all know it. We have all heard it before. You simply cannot live in 2010 without feeling like you are some convict if you are not engaged in some sort of rigorous physical activity at least three times per week. I can't help it but my mind is instantly taking me to images of that guy with curly hair that "Sweats to the oldies". Or, what about that lady with practically no hair...Susan Powter?
For me, I am just so busy. The demands of life are, well tremendous at times. My two younger angels are made from some other planet; their energy is endless and they never need to recharge.
On the other hand, I do! I need my eight hours of sleep. I wouldn't mind a nap either, if I ever could. I find myself drinking coffee to energize. Yes, that works wonders in the morning. But what do I do at about; oh say at two or three pm when I'm crawling on the floor with the kids- not because they crawl anymore but because I can't stand up? No, actually I'm joking.Luckily it's not that bad yet. But you know what I mean…
So I was thinking.Many productive, busy people have the time to workout. Even the President of the United States of America works out! Can I do it? Actually, I have been doing it for the past few weeks (and limping around on one leg while chasing kids is not cute) and I'm starting to get over being really sore. So now I’m fully committing to working out five times per week. Even with my busy schedule.I’m just tired of the same old excuses and I’m tired of how I feel when I just expect my body to somehow take care of me when, I’ve done nothing for her.Since I’m in what is kind of like an arranged marriage with my body, I’m going to try and do my best to take care of my better half in hopes to get along better in the world.
December is going to be a trial for me to see if it will work.Even though it is packed with a kids birthday, two family member's birthdays, my birthday, Christmas and New Year’s (Oh, what am I thinking!) I think, or at least I’ve heard it can help reduce stress. What do you think? Want to do it with me? Maybe we won’t have to run to the nearest caffeinated company to reclaim our day. So, if energy is all I get, then let's roll! Or, I should say run.
Today, unlike most days, I was able to venture out to the market kid free! Now don't get me wrong, I love taking the kids with me. Well, uhhh...do I really, hehehe. So today before I left, I spruced myself up and was looking pretty good, if I might say so myself.
While at the market, I took extra time as I perused each section. Instead of grabbing the usual brand and jetting off with my cart, I paused, took a deep breath and looked at other brands around me as well. How nice this was!
As I began to wrap up my shopping, I realized that I forgot the OJ and had to go clear back to the other side of the store. Has that ever happened to you? Oh, good it's not just me! As I was taking my tiny baby steps ( I decided to wear heels to the store) I unexpectedly spotted my neighbors husband. “Oh no" I thought to myself. "Just keep going; act like you don't even see them.” I pushed my cart faster and began to twist my head from side to side in confusion. 'Oh, I can't find what I’m looking for.” The next second, I began to pass Joyce. I made my way to the OJ section. The kind gentleman asked me if I was finding everything ok. Turns out, they didn't even have the OJ I was looking for. FYI Raley’s in Loomis does not carry organic OJ! After he told me this I nodded and thanked him for his help. Then, I stopped. What the heck was I doing? Why did I ignore Jim and Joyce? I am always talking about getting to know your neighbors and begin all neighborly and stuff and then I ignore mine?
And so I had to do it. I had to backtrack and find them. Sure enough I did. They were in the baking isle. In a matter of milliseconds I found my mind wandering into their country home, envying her country wisdom and skills. Realizing she is from an era that is just beginning to die out. Wanting to make the connection with her I smile. “Jim, Joyce good to see you!" They stop. They smile. "Hi. Are you our neighbor?" Remember, I told you that I spruced up and all, so I think Jim and Joyce had a hard time recognizing me. They began to tell me about the unexpected loss of their daughter. I also found out about her memorial service in Idaho. Even the details of their Thanksgiving were shared with me. I found out that this year they used paper plates and paper napkins for the first time. Joyce reminded me that she had five children and that she had conceived one every year! I soon was reminded about the wealth of wisdom and knowledge right next door to me. Joyce knew all too well the joys and sorrows of motherhood.
As I wrapped things up with them and daintily hobbled away, I was thankful that I decided to make the connection with them. This time of year if you don't feel particularly festive, why not start next door?
I've seen something like these several times now in the Martha Mags. and thought how fun and beautiful it would be to attempt these desserts. So today I felt particularly compelled to make these desserts.The Crostata is cooking in the hot, aroma filled oven and we've long since tasted the pie. As I sit here and type the hot air around me is filled with a rich, buttery aroma. I know these desserts are NOT healthy! The way I see it, Thanksgiving is but a few days away and this year I am not cooking. I feel compelled to at least thrust myself deeply into the realm of cooking something long and time consuming- especially this time of year. And so I did.
Comments on the Apple-Blackberry Pie with "Turkey" Pate Brisee- Great! Slightly sour, but not too much. This dessert is definitely not too sweet. I could see this going over really well after the big meal on Thanksgiving due to the blackberry imitating the cranberry in its tart-sour flavor. Martha often uses leaves on her fall pies. I do not have the leaf cookie cutters, but I did have a turkey.
And so we begin another project, another dreamy "wish list" and then what happens...life! I don't know how many times I've watched an episode of Martha and swore up and down that I was "gonna do that". So what happens to us? We really start out with the best intentions. A project gets started, or nearly completed, and then bam! Or we just pile up the project ideas for so long, that we begin to shut down our creative, divinely inspired gift and become as sour as a lemon, and as bitter as an unripe persimmon.
NOT ME! As the poet Dylan Thomas once said “Do not go gentle into that good night." Or, as Buzz Lightyear once said, “Never give up, never surrender."
And so here I am. A mother of three beautiful children, that takes up ALL of my time. Since the coffee bean was made to create energy, what's my excuse?
Follow me into a journey of creativity and beauty. Let's join together to create a lifetime of wonder and simplicity. Let's not do this alone.How about we just see, if the average woman in America today, has enough time and money to become the creative, green, and happy mama that we feel in our core exists in our world? If so, then our dreamy wish list can become a reality.
