Bliss List Friday ~ Feeling the Joy

Happy Friday and Happy March! Wow time is flying. We are heading toward spring and I just saw a large flock of birds pass as I write.
Here's my Bliss List:

101 years young

1. My grandfather turned 101 years young this week! He is a wonderful man that has lived a full life and keeps sharing his zest with his two children, five granddaughters, and 14 great grandchildren. We celebrated at a favorite local spot that serves family style chicken dinners including fresh biscuits and apple butter. Because it was so busy, we squeezed in the coat room to get a family photo.

2. I gathered a  group of local moms and started a Treadmill Challenge. Our face book group is Team Fit Moms ~Friends. Inspired .Together. The challenge is to do 30 minutes on a treadmill or anything cardio for  five days a week. I cannot believe the inspiration happening there. It sure has gotten me motivated and moving.

3. My quest for clearing clutter in my home has been successful. I am doing a little space clearing each day and letting go of things to create more room to grow.

4. Warm weather this week has been great for hiking with my kids. My little guy is perfecting his stone skipping technique.

5. I'm proud of my oldest son who competed on his school's Math Bowl Team. They brought home a blue ribbon and really worked well as a team. What a great experience.

That's my little bliss list. I sure enjoy reflecting and sharing.
Wishing you peace and joy,
kathy

Time for Joy

http://www.etsy.com/listing/27416944/

Do you want a world with...more joy and happiness? Then find your own joy and happiness and contribute to the joy and happiness of others. ~Bo Lozoff

March is upon us. That means spring is arriving soon. I love spring. It's a time of rebirth and renewal. The trees come back to life, flowers start to bloom, the birds return, and I feel a burst of energy and optimism.

I have chosen a word for the month. Joy. I just entered it in my journal. I plan to ponder what brings me joy and share it here with you. What I've realized is joy is an inside job. We must look within ourselves to see what brings us joy and then share with others. So often we look to others to fill us up. This can bring disappointment and frustration. It is up to us to discover our own joy.

The first thing I want to share that brings me joy is waking up earlier than my kids and husband. I usually try to wake up an hour before them. Sometimes it hard but it is so worth it. I stretch, welcome the day with gratitude, and savor a cup of strong hot coffee. This quiet time in the morning gives me a chance to breathe, think, plan, and wake my lovies with a peaceful, not hurried attitude.  If you have not done this before, I encourage you to try it. Maybe just one or two mornings a week. I promise it will bring you more peace and joy.

The time is now. Let's jump start our joy. Great things are are coming our way. Open your journal and write Joy at the top of the page and start listing the things that bring you joy. It can be as simple as a cup of hot tea, a nap in the afternoon, or a dream to visit the ocean. Those will probably all be on my list.
Sending you peace and joy,
kathy

Slowing down this week.

I'm on a pursuit of awesomeness. Excellence is the bare minimum. ~O Magazine, March issue

Everyday this week I have had an extra child home from school due to a stomach bug going through our house. Aside from the unpleasant job of being the cleanup crew, I have found myself slowing down to tend to them and cuddle on the couch and have an extra cup of tea.

I even read the recent issue of O Magazine titled "De-Clutter Your Life!" My favorite article was Martha Beck's on worrying too much. She urges to stop fretting, agonizing, panicking, and otherwise losing sleep over things you can't control.


Two things especially stayed with me. First, she writes, People blossom when we love them, not when we worry about them. Worry just teaches worry. Let it go. I will try and remember this when I worry about my  kids.

She also writes, Stop fixating on stuff you can touch and start caring about stuff that touches you. She's referring to focusing on experiences rather than objects. This helps as I continue the quest to de-clutter my own home. Stuff tends to pile up here quick.

I'm also going to try the soba noodle recipe with kale and walnuts. I'll let you know how it tastes. Time for another cup of tea.
~kathy

Bliss List Friday

Trailblazing today.

This will be my final Bliss List for my e-course however, they have been so much fun they may continue. A great reminder to capture the precious moments of life.

My son helping my friend paint. Little guy watching.

1. My son wanted a blue bedroom so we let him choose his shade. He chose Dynamic Blue which fits him to a tee. Here he is helping roll the paint. I will post the finished walls soon.

 2. The broccoli cheese soup recipe I made on Valentines Day. It disappeared fast and I will make it again soon for sure!

3. The butterfly charm I gave my daughter for Valentines Day. She loves it so much. My mom gave her a silver charm bracelet and we will help her collect charms over the years as my mom did for me.

An evening out with my some members of my book club who are dear friends for life.

My son blazing a trail.

5. Today's sunny hike with my son who blazed the trail in his ATV. I know he loves when I watch him navigate the trails. It was a serious workout for me and so exhilarating!

Thank you so much for sharing my bliss,
kathy

Celebrating Friendship Tribes

Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. ~Anais Nin

My friends are my estate. ~Emily Dickinson

I truly treasure my friends. I am so fortunate to have a few friendship tribes that nourish my heart and soul. The fierce and amazing mom tribe that has blossomed around kids (and wine), my dear book club that has been meeting once a month for twelve years, far away friends that I don't see or talk to often but love when we reconnect, and then my new blooming online tribe of  like minded creatives who I have connected through blogging and e-courses.

Last night my book club gathered within our fifty mile radius at a bustling little place called The Friendly Tavern. We all indulged in house special breaded tenderloins, burgers, and patty melts and cut them in half and shared them. We washed them down with glasses of Blue Moon on draft with orange garnish.

It was another lively evening of laughter and sharing. Anita is learning to crochet and showed us a gorgeous magenta sweater she is creating. Tiffany recently moved her photography studio out of her home and into a studio nearby. She walked us over to her gorgeous Nathaniel Edmunds Photography studio and we celebrated with red velvet cupcakes. We are so proud of her success and know great things will happen as she takes her business to the next level.
The power of friendship never ceases to amaze me.  I am so grateful for the friends I have in my life. We share, listen, encourage, cry, and celebrate success. Friendship is so worth nurturing. Finding a tribe to share our passions can really light up our lives. Thank you friends.
Hugs and happiness, kathy

http://nathanieledmunds.com/

Love is...Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl

Good soup is one of the prime ingredients of good living. For soup can do more to lift the spirits and stimulate the appetite than any other one dish.  Louis P. De Gouy, ‘The Soup Book’ (1949)

Happy Valentines Day friends. We woke up today with cold temps and a fresh blanket of snow covering the ground. As lunchtime approached,  I was in the mood for soup. Broccoli cheese soup in a bread bowl to be exact. This is what I made to share with my husband and little guy for a delicious Valentine's lunch. I used frozen veggies to make it super quick and easy. Here's how:
Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Bread Bowl
1 stick butter
1 c. frozen diced onions
1/3 c. flour
1 c. half and half
2 c. whole milk
1 c. chicken stock
1 16 oz. bag frozen broccoli
1 c. frozen spinach
1 t. salt
black pepper
Dash of nutmeg and cayenne pepper
3 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 pkg of 6 Kaiser bakery rolls

Melt butter in a pot on medium heat. Add onions. Saute for 5 minutes then sprinkle flour on top and stir a minute. Pour in milk and half and half. Add spices, then broccoli and spinach. Simmer for 20 minutes then add cheese to melt.

After this, I used my new favorite tool - an immersion blender to puree. You can use a blender or just mash the broccoli for a more chunky version. I really like the smooth texture the blender creates and my kids will not know about the spinach. Add more chicken stock if needed.

Carve out the tops and center of the rolls creating a bowl.

Pour the soup in the bowls and top with more shredded cheese.

Cheesy green goodness in an edible bowl. Enjoy!
xoxo, kathy

Sweet Little Blooming Bliss List

I am truly enjoying the Friday Bliss List posting. It makes me reflect and be grateful for good things happening.

This week I started an e-course called Blooming True with artist Flora Bowley. She had us stretch our bodies, tap into our intuition, and splatter paint on a canvas. It's scary and exhilarating!

We were asked to use warm colors for this first of many layers. I'll will post my progress next week.

Red velvet, coconut almond, dark chocolate raspberry, caramel, and chocolate truffle.

Bliss was also found by discovering a new little local chocolate shop called Confection Delights. After meeting owner Pamela, I indulged in a red velvet chocolate truffle. Divine. I bought a little box for my friend Liz's birthday and ordered few more for Valentine's Day. Can't wait to give them away!
Lastly, the snow is falling and I'm happy to spend the evening getting cozy with my family on the couch.
That is my short and sweet Bliss List. I would love to know yours.
Hugs and Happiness,
kathy

Ready to Bloom True

All aglow in the work. ~Virgil

I've always loved to paint. Standing before a blank page or canvas, imagining the possibilities. I don't consider myself an artist really, more like a painting enthusiast. It's fun. It makes my heart sing.

My new Heart Studio!

This week I am starting Flora Bowley's first ever Bloom True e-course. She is an amazing artist who gives retreats all over the world. She is intuitive and heart centered in her teachings and art. She incorporates mind and body, yoga and breath. That's my kind of girl!

Since my family needs breakfast every morning, traveling to a retreat is not possible. I can now take Flora's class in my kitchen between dishes, laundry, and basketball practice. Last night when everyone was sleeping quietly, I transformed my office into an art studio. I am calling it my Heart Studio.

My heart leapt and twirled as I bought Medieval Gold metallic glaze and foam brushes at Michael's. I am looking forward to this five week painting adventure with women enrolled from all over the world. I will be posting on my progress and journey while Blooming True.
~kathy

Vision boards and a painting I did in high school called Purple Plenty

Ready to Bloom!

Bliss List Friday

Favorite Blissful things of the week:

Taking my daughter to her first lesson with horses where she groomed and walked the horse. She has been on cloud 9 all week!

Communicating with my friend who moved to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil with her husband and three children. What an adventure!

Hiking with my little guy in 50 degree sunshine. Not typical for February in the Midwest.

Exercising every day this week. I'm feeling stronger and have more energy.

Hot date with my husband this weekend. A rare thing with four young kids.

Wishing you a week full of bliss. Remember, it's the little things that mean so much.
xo, kathy

If it's not Yes! It's no.

If it's not Yes! It's no.
This quote recently caught my attention. It's my nature to try and please and help others and say yes. Like many women and moms, we say yes to things even when we may not really have our hearts into them. When that happens we get emotionally and physically drained. We and our loved ones can suffer, and no room is left for the true things we want and need.

I was just asked to teach yoga at a really great place. I have wanted this in the past. When I finally got the call, my heart did not leap with joy. I started fretting. Not that I wasn't thrilled about the offer, I love sharing my passion for yoga with others. It would be making my plate too full at this time.

That's me enjoying reverse warrior pose.

I have learned my lesson on this the hard way.  If the timing is not right, then I should not be making a commitment. It's not fair to myself or others. I have also learned that saying no is not easy but can feel freeing.

As February begins, I feel the need to let go of clutter and things that do not nurture my soul. Hopefully this will open space to listen to my inner compass, for ways to give and grow that make my heart sing.
Wishing you a month of love and joy,
kathy

Blissful Things

My e-course instructor Liv Lane wants us to share things that bring us Bliss this week.  Thinking about the things that bring me bliss is wonderful. It's like keeping a gratitude journal. After focusing on bliss and gratitude, it's easy to be in a uplifted mood.

My Bliss List:
1. Hearing "I love you Mama!" from my four year old son with a big hug included. Always a favorite.

2. Visiting my 100 year old grandfather who still lives on his own. He shared memories of when I was a little girl and our special evening walks when I visited him in Florida.  He's such an inspiration!

3. Splurging on a new tube of lipstick (Mayflower by Nars) and blush (Orgasm by Nars). Thanks Tonya Leigh!

4. Discovering Pioneer Woman's Frito Chili Pie. It's the best recipe ever! This will be my Super Bowl Sunday meal for sure.

5. My daughter and me making decadent dark chocolate gooey brownies with a box of Pillsbury brownie mix and a few other things (secret ingredients). Recipe below.

Please send me your Bliss List in the comments below and share the bliss.

Happy Bliss List Friday! Kathy

Kathy & Chloe's Dark Chocolate Brownies
1 box of Pillsbury Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix for a 9 X 13 pan.
Follow all directions for brownie mix in a large bowl.
Add: 1 t. cinnamon, 1 c. white chocolate chips, 1/2 c. chopped walnuts, and 1 T. melted butter.
Stir in and bake as directed.

Winter Wonderland!

Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius.  ~Pietro Aretino

Winter weather in the Midwest is so unpredictable. One day it may be snowing and 25 degrees and the next sunny and 45.

When it snows my kids get so excited. They rummage around finding snow pants, hats, and gloves that are usually mismatched. It's a race to get outside to catch snowflakes on their tongues, make snow angels, and have snowball fights. These times are priceless.

The snow covered trees are so quiet and beautiful.

Shortly after, the air warmed, snow melted, and I went out on a hike with my dog Betty.

And a river runs through it.

My husband is fishing in January and caught a few!

Some favorite things: Hiking and taking pictures.

The trees are saluting to the sun in the western sky.

Sun in January is a gift!

Smile quick - a self timer shot.

And a spectacular sunset to end the day! Thanks for reading. Kathy