Mystery

When the going gets tough, it's good to have a friend.

Sometimes A Little Time Out is Required

Seeking solace this morning in a cup of chai and a good read.

Blues

It's been a while since I posted last. I've been so busy and time keeps getting away with me! The hazards of juggling a number of things. So here are just a few shots from my recent trip to Southern California. It was a lovely trip and I got to spend some wonderful time with my dad and my great aunt who is like a grandmother to my daughter. In addition, we were able to spend some time with some friends that we haven't seen in a long while. There is much to say for family and friends that one truly connects with. Home is my word for the year and it was nice to be at "home" with those I love and who love me back as well as being in familiar territory (Southern California was my home for 18 years). My daughter (above) absolutely adores reptiles and has since she was little. She said that this big guy was as cuddly as a kitten! While I agreed that he has beautiful markings (I've learned to appreciate reptiles through her) I stayed happily behind the camera! 

An Unexpected Walk Brings Unexpected Joy

My car has been leaking rain water (and we've been having sheets of it) into the passenger side floor. When I took my car to the shop the other day, they put a piece of plastic in to divert the water. Unfortunately, it made it worse. It soaked two towels clear through as well as the floor. Very wet. And  very smelly. Ugh.

I called the shop and they said bring it right down. So, I threw the soaked, smelly towels in the bathtub, laid down another old towel to catch the dripping water and hopefully soak up some of the water on the floor, grabbed my umbrella and yoga mat and headed out. After I dropped my car at the garage, I walked the seven blocks or so to the yoga studio. As I settled into my practice, I found myself letting go of all my concerns and feeling quite peaceful (as well as a sense of victory that I had actually made it there on time). In the more challenging poses, I could be mindful enough to find my edge and back off to a safe distance so I could breathe and let my muscles do their work. After the hour and half practice, I began my walk back to check on my car. The rain had let up temporarily so I didn't need my umbrella so I stuffed it in my yoga bag. It suddenly donned on me as I was standing at the corner waiting to cross the street that I could stop at my favorite bakery for a cup of chai and get a slice of quiche to take home for lunch. So I did. And sipped the most wonderful, spicy chai all the way back to the garage. It felt wonderful in the gray, drizzly, cold!

Back at the garage, they told me that they had taken the plastic out and recommended that I take my car to a body shop. Poor car. But I have no complaints. My car has been a good and faithful friend, seeing me through thick and thin and through every kind of journey and adventure for fourteen years. I love my car! So body shop, here we come. (And after that, a good detail).

There was a time that I wouldn't have allowed myself a cup of chai on the way back. I definitely wouldn't have stopped to pick up something special for my lunch. Make a sandwich at home or better yet, have the leftovers no one else will eat so they don't go to waste, I would have told myself. I might not have even gone to yoga for fear of getting there late and then feeling disappointed that I hadn't made it there on time. I used to keep myself boxed in and beat myself up a lot in those days. But not any more. It's so much better to find ways to enjoy myself, even when life throws a curve ball especially when life throws a curve ball.

Beautiful People

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.

― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Carmel By The Sea, Part 2

Here's a few more pictures of the way-too-many I took of the ocean in Carmel.

So beautiful.
Walking barefoot in the sand,
listening to the crash of the ocean,
smelling and tasting the salty air,
watching the seagulls soaring overhead
and the waves come in and out,
feeling my breath,
and I think:
this is the way the earth breathes.
And I feel at home, complete and whole.

Carmel By The Sea, Part 1

Carmel By The Sea (sometimes just referred to as Carmel) is a small town with lots of European inspired architecture. The top three photos are from Secret Garden, the most delightful little garden space designed in an alleyway next to Pilgrim's Way Bookstore. Carmel draws lots of tourism from around the world and it's easy to see why. The nature in Carmel and Monterey to the north and Big Sur to the south is just astounding. Relaxed and located in one of the prettiest places right by the ocean, Carmel is a city steeped in the arts. In the early 20th century, many artists, literary writers, poets, photographers and actors came to Carmel to help establish the Artists Colony (video). The ocean here makes my heart go pitter-patter and I think the beach in Carmel is one of the best.

Pumpkin Lattes in the Crockpot

It's so fun to try new things. It's especially fun if those things are inexpensive, decadent, make you feel luxurious and are easy to make yourself.  Today, I tried this recipe for homemade Pumpkin Lattes in the crockpot and they turned out delicious! So easy. I got up early, fed the cats (who seem to be starving lately--I don't need an alarm clock any more) put everything into the crockpot and left it to go do my yoga practice, meditation and reading. Two hours later, when the other two finally arose, we had fresh, hot Pumpkin Lattes and everyone loved them! I will definitely be making them again and again...

I tried making these on the stove top as well but using the crockpot really makes the difference as it allows the milk and coffee to really absorb the spices and vanilla. I skipped on the whipped cream and extra cinnamon on top, but you can go fancy if you want.

Below, I've reprinted the recipe. I'll be trying more of Stephanie's crock pot recipes--especially the holiday ones. I really like the idea of saving some time and energy (A crockpot uses approx. .02 of energy) while still making really delicious food.


Pumpkin Latte
(Makes 2)
2 cups milk 
2 T canned pumpkin 
2 T sugar 
2 T vanilla (not a typo. it asks for tablespoons) 
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or: 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and a teeny tiny pinch of ground ginger)
1/2 cup brewed espresso or 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
garnish with whipped cream (optional)

Add the coffee/espresso and milk to the crockpot. Whisk in the pumpkin, spices, sugar, and vanilla.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours if everything is cold. Whisk again.
Ladle into mugs, and garnish with whipped cream and additional cinnamon.

**If you're visiting from AEDM, welcome! I will be posting artwork as well. My philosophy and experience is that any kind of creativity contributes to my artwork, therefore, I focus on being creative each day, whatever that means on any particular day. Thanks for visiting!

Inspiration Saturday

 Really enjoying this song

How about breakfast with one of these?

My affirmation lately: "Something is now manifesting for me in totally satisfying and harmonious ways."

Have you heard Thandie Newton's Ted Talk?

Oh yes, this is luscious.

Nothing is more important than self-care. Nothing. Check out this list of 55 gentle ways to take care of you. Or make your own list (even better because nobody knows what you need like you do) and share a few of your favorite items in the comments below.

For those of you in the path of the storm, real or metaphorical, take good care and be safe.

Endurance is necessary

There are days
that are to be endured
rather than lived.
Their only purpose:
to test us
or to strengthen us
or both
or maybe they have no purpose
at all.

On those days,
those difficult days,
we must remember
for while it is important
to handle the good
days with grace
and gratitude,
it is even more
important to handle the
difficult ones with
love,
gentleness,
kindness.

Wildlife at the Park

There's a beautiful park near me that has an abundance of wildlife, especially birds and waterfowl. Although sometimes challenging and requiring lots of patience, there are plenty of opportunities to get some nice shots.  (And oh how I yearn for a nice DSLR camera...)

The Farmer's Market: A Festival of Color

I love shopping at our local farmer's market. Everything is organic and fresh. It's a feast for the eyes and soul as well as the body; a festival of color. Buckets abundantly filled with cut flowers; bins, boxes and baskets overflowing with luscious fruits and vegetables; and tables of fresh baked goods, fish, honey, sorbet and coffee. Tantalizing smells of fresh produce waft through the air, alive with the energy of those shopping and sampling. There's  a bit of an "old world" feel, similar to the feeling I had when I shopped the open air markets while visiting Paris and other European cities. It feels good to shop at the farmer's market. It feels good to buy fresh, local, organic food and support the farmer's who grow it and make it available. I know I'm getting quality, healthy, fresh, organic food and I love the eye candy; there's never a shortage for great photo taking. It's a highlight of my week. 

Centennial Plaza :: Mountain View Train Station