Heirloom Meals: Savoring Yesterday's Traditions Today

Tuesday May 10, 2011

Tabletop Tuesdays:
Butler’s Tray

My butler's tray sits in the front hall.  It's really a table to show off my decorative objects.

And are you surprised that some of the objects I am showing off are CHICKENS??

Sunday May 08, 2011

Life at Boulderwood:
Animal Mommies

What's beautiful about having farm animals is to experience the miracle of birth and watch the mothering instincts.

Here's a heart-warming photo ... Our sweet horse Gaefa is nursing. Our beautiful Valkyrie (may she be resting in peace in horse heaven) gave birth to our beautiful Gaefa a few years ago.  Gaefa means good luck and good fortune in Icelandic.  May all mothers have good luck and good fortune today. Happy Momies Day Valkyrie!!

Friday May 06, 2011

Carole’s Concoctions:
To All the Mothers and Women in my Life

I am not feeling like concocting today.  I feel like reflecting.  I had an interesting week. Busy with work.  All good. But right now,I want to reflect on mothers and women.  I am not a Mom.  It is not my fate. I do have motherly instincts. I am lucky to have an amazing Mom and had a great relationship and connection with my Nana.

Many of my best friends are Moms and I am lucky to know their kids.

My friend AnneMarie is a Mom, a daughter and truly one of the best friends I have ever had. I have known her for 25 years and seen her grow and develop into one of the finest human beings I know. The love she bestows on her kids and family is palpable. She has given them roots and wings.

I recently visited with my best friend, AnneMarie.  AnneMarie has a brain tumor.  She is scheduled for surgery on May 18th or 23rd. I am an emotional mess. She is incredibly calm and cheerful. Wow. I am in awe of her grace, compassion for her friends and family and her bravery.  She said to me, "I can't control my pain, but I can control my suffering." My heart aches with admiration.

AnneMarie - you inspire me!!

To all the mothers, sisters, girlfriends out there - embrace, celebrate, cherish and love each other. I love you ALL!!

Monday May 02, 2011

Ms Murky Mondays:
Thoughts on 9/11 and Osama Bin Laden

I'll never forget where I was and what I thought on September 11, 2001.  My thoughts, " Life as we know it is about to change forever."  And for a while it did.  People were really nice. Drivers were courteous on the road. We were all nervous. Terror alerts became the norm. But I really thought we would be under more sneaky attacks, that we would be on edge for the rest of our lives.

What happened was many of our personal freedoms were taken away in the name of national security. We made sure the war on terror was fought on other soil. The federal reserve loosened credit so dramatically that the real estate market started to boom and credit standards were thrown out of the window -- creating the biggest credit and housing bubble of a lifetime.  So, yes, life as we knew it changed, but not the way I imagined.

And now, Osama is finally dead. On the one hand it is a great symbol of our determination.  But I hate the thought that it is a symbol of our might.  Is our might the only way we can survive in this world? I hope not.  I think I'll focus on food and nourishment as love.  I know that will make me feel better.  What about you?

Friday April 22, 2011

Carole’s Concoctions:
Easter Pie and Earth Day Reflections

Time to make the Easter Pie.  And this one is not a concoction.  This one's from my family archives!! 

The cooking is always the centerpiece of our holidays.  But today I want to reflect on life, being alive and grateful for all I have.  It is Earth Day today. It is Good Friday. Be cognizant of the beauty of nature and our need to save and preserve. Be grateful for the mysteries of this wonderful life and the religious ceremonies that seek to explain and celebrate our great earth and all its creatures.

Never take any of it for granted - life, the planet, friendships, great food and family!! I just spoke one of my best friends in the whole world and learned that the tumor in her brain doubled in size in 6 months and she must have surgery. My heart aches for her and yet, I am in awe.  She is brave and calm.

So this Easter, I pray for AnneMarie.

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