Tea Tree Oil "Magic Potion"

“Lavender, thyme and tea-tree oils have been used for centuries as antiseptics; their chemical compounds appear to kill microbes on contact.”
Andrew Weil, M.D.

About a week ago I noticed an itchy rash on the back of my left leg, small red bumps that I assumed was poison ivy. I thought maybe one of the dogs brushed up against my leg and that is where it started. I rubbed some Cortisone 10 on it thinking it would help. Fast forward a week and I now have the rash all over the backs of both legs and it is beyond itchy, more like a slow painful burn that doesn't go away. I have also tried using a couple other medical creams with no relief.

Today I was desperate for relief. My entire family including me has had a severe stomach virus sweep through our home. Each of us had vomiting and diarrhea for 12 hours straight. Today I came out of my virus fog to the hard work of massive loads of laundry and carpet scrubbing. Also, the rash was excruciating.

Something in my brain pulled up tea tree oil. I knew I had a facial soap in the shower with it (Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Organic Tea Tree Oil and Awapuhi from Trader Joe's). I grabbed it and started spreading it all over my legs. Within an hour I felt relief. My oldest son even observed that it looked better.

I googled tea tree oil and found these facts below. I will definitely have this on hand for summer.
"dr. k"

The health benefits of Tea Tree Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties like anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti septic, anti viral, balsamic, cicatrisant, expectorant, fungicide, insecticide, stimulant and sudorific.

The All-Cure name given to this oil is not a bit exaggerated. The Tea Tree oil can be used as a cure for almost all sorts of tropical infections and diseases. You name it and it has the cure for that disease. It is invariably found in almost all the households of Australia, particularly those having small children. The magical healing and disinfectant properties make it a wonder-drug. It also boosts up immunity.

•Anti Bacterial: It is said that wherever Mother Nature gave the diseases, she gave the cures there itself. The activity of microbes, bacteria, virus and fungi are at their peaks in the Tropics and hence most of the medicinal plants are found there too. Tea Tree is one such plant. It can cure some of the ugliest bacterial infections of the Tropics. Wounds, which are most prone to bacterial infections in this region, can be effectively cured and protected using this oil. Although this oil is seldom taken orally, but if so, in mild concentrations, can cure internal bacterial infections too, such as those in colon, stomach, intestines, excretory system and urinary system. It can also be used in treatment of Tuberculosis.
•Anti Microbial: Microbes prefer to keep safe distance from this oil, since it is an effective anti microbial. It can kill and keep away certain microbes (protozoa) which are responsible for causing Tropical fevers, malaria etc.
•Anti Septic: Open wounds are most susceptible to infection by bacteria and fungi and may result in septic or tetanus. Thus they must be protected well in advance. For this, Tea Tree Oil can be a wise choice as it is an excellent anti septic. It can be applied directly on the wounds, boils, sores, cuts and certain eruptions, as well as insect bites and stings, to protect them from infections. It is as good as any anti biotic, but without its adverse side effects.
•Anti Viral: Viral infections are very hazardous and re-appearing, since virus can survive under most intolerable conditions. They can bear unimaginable heat, cold and even poison, as they develop a protective shell called “Cyst” around them. Some viruses are intelligent enough to develop a new cyst each time they are activated, like the Common Cold Virus, to duck our immune system. They never die a natural death and can live dormant (neither live, nor dead) for even hundreds of thousands of years. They can be killed only if their cyst is ruptured using some compound or they are subjected to extreme heat which is beyond their tolerance. The Tea Tree Oil helps rupture this cyst in some viruses and can give protection against them. It also helps cure viral infections like common cold, influenza, mumps, measles, pox etc.
•Balsamic: The Essential Oil of Tea Tree has balsamic properties, that is, it boosts health. It promotes absorption of nutrients from food and gives protection from diseases too, thus proving beneficial for total health.
•Cicatrisant: The Cicatrisant property of this essential oil makes it heal wounds quicker and protect them from infections, as well as help neutralization of the scar marks and after spots left by eruptions, boils, pox, acne etc.
•Expectorant: Those who are suffering from cough and cold, congestion, bronchitis and other troubles associated with cold, are sure to get relief using this Tea Tree Essential Oil. It gives relief from cough, cold, bronchitis and congestion.
•Fungicide: The Tea Tree Essential Oil is as effective against fungal infections as it is against any bacterial or microbial infections. It inhibits fungal growth and cures diseases like dermatitis, athlete’s foot etc.
•Insecticide: It is obvious that an essential oil that is so deadly for those adamant and hardy bacteria and viruses, will be effective against insects too. Tea Tree Oil is an efficient insect deterrent and insect killer. It does not let parasites and other insects like mosquitoes, fleas, lice, flies etc. come near a person who has rubbed some of this oil on his body. It kills internal insects and worms too, such as intestinal worms like round worm and tape worm and others like hook worms.
•Stimulant: This essential oil has stimulating effects on hormones secretions, circulations etc. but more prominently on immune system. It boosts up immunity and acts as a shield against infections.
•Sudorific: Besides infections, another cause of diseases is accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins are either generated by the body itself, as a by-product of various reactions, or get inside the body somehow. Our body too, has certain mechanisms to throw away these toxins. One of them is perspiration or sweating. It has many advantages. It removes toxins, moistens the skin, open pores on skin and keeps the body cool. Tea Tree Essential Oil, being a Sudorific, increases sweating and promotes removal of toxins like uric acid. It also helps remove excess water and salts from the body.
•Other Benefits: Gives relief from muscular pain, aches, sprains,
Few Words of Caution: No potent threats, except that in some rare cases it may be sensitizing to few people.

Blending: This Essential Oil blends well with Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Rosewood, Rosemary and Thyme essential oils.
This article was contributed by Aparup Mukherjee

Planting Perennials and Annuals

The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. ~George Bernard Shaw, The Adventures of the Black Girl in Her Search for God, 1932

There's a few things I've learned in life: always throw salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for good luck, and fall in love whenever you can. Alice Hoffman, Practical Magic

My basil and lemon balm are already in pots sitting out in the soft falling rain as I write. I just stumbled across this article about lavender and other wonderful things to plant. I also love the picture and want a garden to look like that.
Happy gardening,
K
Planting Perennials and Annuals That Last

Ten Years Strong

Ten years ago on my 30th birthday my mom had a surprise luncheon for me. She invited six friends from high school, college, and current. They did not know each other well. I was pregnant with my first child. A couple friends had just had their first babies. I casually mentioned to them that I wanted to start a book club. They all were interested in joining.
Soon after, I made invitations and invited them to the first book club meeting at my home the following month, May 2000. I asked them to bring any friends that would like to join. The book we read and discussed was Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom.
Ten years later our book club is still strong with the original members. Meeting once a month, we have shared in the births of many babies, life's extreme ups and many downs. They surprised me with a beautiful Tiffany silver medallion inscribed necklace from the Notes Collection. Here is my letter to them below.

Hi Friends,
I was blown away by last night. I want to thank you so much for the beautiful necklace. This gift means more than you will ever know. It has truly been my pleasure organizing our book club for ten years. We really have created and nurtured special friendships, trust, and a comfortable place to share our ups and downs. We are very fortunate to have each other. It is my hope we continue to grow and evolve as a group.

On a funny note, my daughter thinks the necklace has the "book club rules" written on it. I guess the only rules I can think of are to show up, have fun, eat good food, and maybe read some books. Everything in moderation, right?

Kirsten, Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and deck with us. Kord was wonderful and his dinner and drinks delicious. You both are glowing from happiness and love. The blooming wisteria is truly a message sent from heaven.

Anna - your sugar cream cake was sinfully delicious. I will share this coveted recipe. I know you never share catering recipes so we will guard it. The salad was also so good.

Most of all, thank you all for making the drive last night to share in an unforgettable evening. You are all such smart, strong, beautiful, and amazing women and I am proud to be your friend.
Love,
Kathy

Feeling The Force at 40

At 40, something magical happens to you--something liberating and rejuvenating and exhilarating. You acquire a healthy disregard for what other people think. You gain the confidence to define yourself boldly and on your own terms. You don't accept anyone else's judgments but your own. In short, you stop living your life for other people and start living it for yourself. The force is with you because, at long last, it is in you. Laura Randolph

It has been a little over a week since I turned 40. So far I love being 40. I am feeling more comfortable in my skin than ever before. That is why that quote above jumped out at me. I am feeling that "The Force is with me" at 40.

This year I am making the commitment to take better care of myself. A light bulb went off recently as I sat in the dentist chair as they told me it had been way too long since my last visit. I realized that I make sure my kids and dogs have regular dental and doctor visits but my own are few and far between. My youngest son is almost three and I just went back for a follow up check up with my OB/GYN. He also told me it was important to have yearly exams.

So, around my birthday every year I am making the commitment to myself to have those important exams. I truly love being a wife and mother. At 40, I now have the wisdom to know that if I do not take care of myself I won't be able to take care of everyone else that I love.

My actual birthday was fun. My little "Scout" and I met my mom at The Pita Pit for yummy sandwiches. My mom told the owner it was my 40th and he was surprised we were there to celebrate and gave me a gift card. That's as fancy as I wanted with little Scout joining us.

When my "bigs" and husband got home later that day they showered me with homemade cards - my favorite! When my quiet oldest son wrote, "Mom-I love you very much.", it was the best gift ever. My daughter gave me an extra thick purple yoga mat, and my son Indy gave me the New Moon DVD. I also received a new zoom lens for my Canon from my husband. He took us out to dinner at a nearby organic farm with a "Loft Restaurant" on one of the barns. The homemade ice cream was delicious!

Later that week my friend Tammy baked me a three layer carrot cake. We hiked with the kids to Tipi Hill, and then returned to enjoy the delicious cake.

I am just feeling so blessed to be where I am at 40. It is my hope to continue to learn and grow and keep becoming more of myself. May The Force be with you too!
Shine your light,
K

Whole Lotta Hiking

I am reflecting on the past week as my kids are back in school after their spring break. Little Scout just fell asleep so I wanted to write my thoughts. The weather felt like one of many gifts. Springtime in the Midwest is unpredictable and we had warm sunshine for most of the week. The grass got greener by the day and my daughter was thrilled to show me pale Spring Beauties and bright yellow Trumpet Lillies blooming in the woods.

Speaking of woods, we did a lot of hiking this week around the ranch. Near perfect weather and the fact that the kids are getting older are the main reasons. We all would take hikes together and then I was lucky enough to get the kids one on one. My husband took a couple days off so we could help each other give the kids precious individual time.

When I walked and explored with each kid individually, I was amazed by the extraordinary conversations we had. My son "Indy" guided me on an adventure through "shell valley" and up to "piston hill". They all have named the areas and know the land better than I do now. I truly know now what the "wonder years" are starting to mean.

This also makes me think of the book, Last Child in the Wood: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv. In his book he discusses how nature can be a powerful stimulant and learning tool for children.

He summarizes that Neuroscience teaches us that what's important for a child's mental development is not necessarily the amount of knowledge he memorizes but rather how much of his body and brain he uses, and he writes how Nature stimulates all the senses. Research has shown that the stimulation of all five senses increases a child's intelligence and creativity. Thus, when children watch television or play video games instead of playing outside in the park or walking in the woods they're denied vital mental food for their growth.

Louv also writes that nature offers an experiential learning experience in that children can slowly come to understand nature and themselves by interacting and interfacing with nature. There's a wondrous process of exploration and discovery when a child interacts with nature.

I so agree with many insights in his book. I remember when I was eight years old I loved laying in the grass and looking up at the sky, and just dreaming. Yes, we do have a Wii, DSi, and online Club Penguin membership. Those things can be good in moderation for cold weather days and rewards for good grades. But when the sun is shining you will hear me tell the kids, "Go outside and play!" Just like my mom did.
Shine your light,
K

Perfect Cheese Pizza

My daughter and her friend helped me make homemade cheese pizza today. It was fun and delicious. I definitely recommend you try this at home with your kids and friends. It was a cheap and great pizza party.
Perfect Cheese Pizza

1 16 oz ball of fresh pizza dough wheat or white. I used wheat from Trader Joe's.
1 c. marinara sauce. My fave is Ragu Sun dried Tomato & Sweet Basil
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese or your favorite cheese blend

Preheat oven to 375.
Take dough out of refrigerator and let stand for 20 minutes.
Flour your work surface. Lightly oil your pizza stone or pan with olive oil. I also oil a rolling pin. Roll out dough to about 12 inches and place on stone. Spread sauce on dough. Add more than one cup if desired. Sprinkle with cheese and place in oven for 14-15 minutes or until bubbly. Let cool, cut and be ready for smiles.

Note: Next time I will make my own and add olives, fresh basil, mushrooms, crushed red pepper, and anything else to jazz it up. Can't wait!

On the Run

Running is one of the best solutions to a clear mind and has never failed to give me great results and that's why I keep coming back for more. Sasha Azevedo

I woke up today feeling energized and ready for some fun. The kids are on spring break so we have no worries about crazy morning routines this week.

As they were all lallygagging around and watching cartoons, I decided to lace up my Asics and go for a run. The air was cool but the sky was clear blue with the sun starting to shine. As the warmer weather has approached, I have been thinking about running on a regular basis.

In a recent article in More Magazine it said running can be very enjoyable mentally, both relaxing and invigorating, and has well-known physical benefits: weight control, reduction of risk of major diseases, promotes better sleep, etc.

The article also explained that it's never too late to start. Running is simple, requires no equipment other than quality running shoes, and can be done almost anywhere, alone or with others. It's the most efficient workout going, and has numerous health benefits for all ages.

Other reasons I want to start running include:
1. I turn 40 in eight days.
2. I still want to be able to eat cake, pizza, and enjoy
a glass or three of wine every once in a while.
3. I need the energy to keep up with my kids.
4. It does not cost anything and would be great around my hilly farm.
5. It will give me some productive alone time.
6. It will be a good compliment to my yoga practice.
7. My clothes might fit better.
8. Maybe I have a chance of loosing those last "baby weight" pounds
(my baby is almost 3).
9. Maybe I will find a running buddy or group.
10.Did I mention brownies, cheesy potatoes, and a dark IPA?

As I approach 40 I want to keep feeling good. That's probably the best reason of all.
Shine your light,
K

Hello Spring!

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies. Nadine Stair

Today is the first day of spring. To me, this is the beginning of the new year. The prayer I received this morning says it all.

Wisdom, strength and love are reborn in me today.
Every year I see the rebirth of spring as the grass turns green, flowers bud and leaves and blossoms burst forth on the trees. Each sign of spring occurs at the right and perfect time, when the earth is ready to generate new life.

My personal springtime occurs as I open my heart and mind to the Divine. To prepare my soul for rebirth, I pray and meditate. I invite wisdom, strength and love into my life knowing that these powers propel me on my way to growth and renewal. As in nature, my renewal comes precisely when my soul is receptive and ready.

This morning was sunny and warm so we went outside to celebrate spring's arrival. I noticed some daffodil sprouts popping up. Listening to the birds chirp and the woodpeckers peck was music to my ears. My son "Indy" climbed a tree and I gave him my camera to snap one of us on the swing.

Pick up that journal and start writing. Lace up those shoes and start walking. Grab a sketchbook or paints and start creating. Don't worry about the house or that sink full of dishes. Begin something new for you.
Happy Spring,
K

Lift Your Spirits Lime Bars

For Christmas my friend Tammy gave me certificate for a "dessert of the month" baked and delivered by her each month. So far she has made a moist and delicious coconut pound cake, and for Valentine's Day she delivered dark chocolate cupcakes with raspberry mousse filling.

Last night I was up all night with my son who has a stomach bug. This morning as I drove my other two to school, I had to go in to deliver the sickie's Leprechaun trap project to his second grade classroom. It is quite cute with a little rainbow bridge, gold coins cut out of ribbon, and a secret trap door for the Leprechaun to fall through. We'll see tomorrow if he catches any on St. Patty's Day.

I learned that my friend Tammy was subbing for the school nurse so popped my head in to say hello and she said my monthly treat was out in her car. I grabbed the plate of goodies, went home and made some green tea and enjoyed a lime bar (or two) before becoming nurse and cleaner again. They really lifted my spirits - thanks, friend.

Macadamia Nut Lime Squares
recipe from a Paula Deen magazine

2 1/2 c. crushed sugar cookies
1/2 c. finely chopped Macadamia nuts
6 T. butter
1 3/4 c. sugar
1/4 c. flour
3/4 t. baking powder
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 c. fresh lime juice
2 t. lime zest

Preheat to 350. Lightly grease 9x13 pan. In med. bowl, combine cookie crumbs, nuts, and melted butter. Press firmly into bottom of pan and bake 12 min., or until lightly browned.
In med. bowl combine sugar flour, 7 baking powder.
In small bowl, whisk together eggs, lime juice, & zest. Pour over hot baked crust and bake 20 minutes or until center is set.
Enjoy!

Yoga Mom at the Park

Yoga is an exercise in listening...it teaches you to tune in to your relationships. Trudie Styler, yogi and wife of Sting.

I took my new issue of Yoga Journal to the park today with the kids. It was a warm and sunny day and there were many kids of all ages playing basketball, swinging, sliding, and playing tag.

About an hour into our stay I realized I was the only parent left there with all these kids. As I read the article about Sting and Trudie's 27 year marriage and passion for yoga and each other, I would pause and glance around to see all kids were doing fine.

My passion for yoga began almost 20 years ago during my Junior year in college. After the first Hatha Yoga class with a lovely instructor who played Enya as she taughts us cat pose, downward dog, and sun salutation, I was hooked.
Four semesters later in the Yoga textbook she had written she signed mine:
To Kathy (our model), Yoga will always be there for you. Dee Ann Birkel
How true her words have been and I still treasure that signed book. Little did I know that almost 20 years later I would be the mother of four children and a part time yoga instructor.

After reading the articles and studying the poses in my Yoga Journal the kids were still happily playing. I knew the chicken in the oven at home would be quite brown, yet I decided to stay and enjoy the moment. I placed the magazine on the ground to use as a yoga mat and began gently stretching into butterfly pose and seated forward bend. I then created and practiced a sequence for tomorrow morning's class.

The funny thing was that none of the kids snickered or even payed me any attention as I did my yoga in the park. I am sure it looked a little funny or eccentric to them. It was truly peaceful and fun. I did have to tell one kid not to use bad language at the park but that's part of being a mom. A job I have earned and really love.
Shine your light,
K

What's Your Medicine?

Today I popped into Barnes and Noble bookstore to kill thirty minutes until the sporting goods store next to it opened. My two sons decided to play baseball this spring instead of soccer, so I had shopping list of cleats, batter helmet, balls, etc.

As I opened a mixed media art magazine, a cool quote jumped out at me. I scribbled it onto the sports list.

We all bring our own medicine into this world. Kellie Rae Roberts, artist. Unleash your joy is her artwork posted.

This quote made me pause and smile. We do have a certain medicine that is uniquely our own. I can think of a handful of friends that each have healing medicine to offer others. I hope I do too. Maybe I will ask them.
What is your medicine?

I also discovered that author Kelly Corrigan's new book is out called Lift. Ironically, after returning home I was sent a short clip of her talking about the same type of subject of the quote I posted. Check it out. I dare you.
DareYou_Kelly_Corrigan.mp4.mp4
Shine your light,
K

Time to Putter

So you see, imagination needs moodling - long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering. Brenda Ueland


Putter - verb. To busy or occupy oneself in a leisurely, casual, or ineffective manner: to putter in the garden.

It is a scrumptious sunny day today and I am fighting a cold. My throat is scratchy and raw and my muscles are sore. My energy level is low. After grocery shopping with my six and two year old, taking them to a little park, and dropping my daughter off at P.M. Kindergarten I was whipped. Since my little Scout has a cold too he agreeably went down for a nap.

Instead of darting around multitasking, I made a strong cup of tea and took it easy. After the tea and Advil kicked in and the house was peaceful and quiet, I spent an hour puttering. By puttering I mean leisurely going through piled up catalogs and magazines, and casually thinking about the house and ways to freshen it up for spring.

I ask myself, do I need to be sick with a cold to take time to putter? Taking time to putter and to just go with the flow is actually productive. It creates space for being rather than doing. It made me feel like my house was my home instead of a constant work space.

Looking on the bright side, having this cold gave me the gift of puttering today. I am grateful for that. Have you puttered lately?
Shine your light,
K

Thoughts on Leadership

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
John Quincy Adams

We are all leaders in some areas of our lives. Being a mom of four, I feel this is the most challenging leadership position yet. I absolutely want to inspire my kids to dream, learn, and become their personal best. My most inspirational leaders have been my parents and friends.

What leadership position do you have? Is it parenting, in your career, or in your community? Most of us have a combination of leadership roles.

What leaders do you turn to in your life? Who inspires you to dream more, learn more and become more? In the link I posted below. Alex Lickerman M.D writes his thoughts on leadership on his blog Happiness in this World.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/200911/how-be-leader

To summarize his blog post he writes his ten requirements to being a great leader.
1.Be confident
2.Be kind but firm
3.Be an expert
4.Be decisive
5.Be willing to have people disagree with you
6.Know when to spend time building a consensus and when to make an executive decision
7.Have a vision
8.Care about the people you lead
9.Mentor people
10.Fully visualize every repercussion of each of your decisions in advance.

The one that jumps out at me today is #7 Have a vision. Do you have a vision for your life or family or business or community? This is something I will contemplate and expand upon more in a future blog. Now I have to spray paint my corn hole game and set up for the school's Spring Fling fundraiser. PTO Mom - is that leadership?
Shine your light,
K

Good Marriage Quote

To keep the fire burning brightly there's one easy rule:
Keep the two logs together, near enough to keep each other warm
and far enough apart - about a finger's breadth -
for breathing room.
Good fire, good marriage, same rule.
Marnie Reed Crowel, natural history writer

This quote and Renoir painting are favorites of mine. I enclosed this quote in the card I gave at the wedding we attended last weekend.
Like the quote, I believe it is important for married couples to stay close for warmth and support. It is also essential to have space for room to grow as individuals.
As spring draws near and tends to be a time for renewal and rebirth, these things are good to contemplate. Do you have breathing room in your marriage to pursue individual interests and growth. Do you support your spouse's individual interests?
After fifteen years of marriage I have found that if my husband spends a day on his tractor working the back 40 he is revived and happy. I always benefit from his happiness.
Do you share activities and spend quality time together to keep the fire burning? Last month we got out for a "date night" and talked the whole time. It was fun for us to reconnect as a couple without all the kids wanting our attention. We decided to try and make date nights a more regular occurrence.
Time together and time apart - this combination can make life interesting and fulfilling.
Shine your light,
K

Gateway to Spring - An Invitation

It is March 1st today. It will officially be spring in twenty days and I am glad to be through Janufeb. We were in Chicago this past weekend for a wonderful family wedding. After a fun lunch on Rush Street we shopped in a favorite store called Anthropologie. A small book called The Invitation caught my attention and I bought it. The author begins the book with her poem The Invitation and I posted it below. I found these words inspiring.
Happy Reading,
K
The Invitation
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon. I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain!I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it or fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself; if you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul; if you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day,and if you can source your own life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours and mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes!”

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up, after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you, from the inside, when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

by
Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Cowgirl Chicken & White Bean Chili

The aroma of good chili should generate rapture akin to a lover's kiss. Chili Appreciation Society's motto
I absolutely love chili in the winter. I have about five favorite recipes that are based on beef, Cincinnati style with cinnamon, bison, vegetarian, and chicken. Last weekend for my Dad's birthday I spent a whole afternoon making one of my favorites that I named Cowgirl Chili. It is an all natural perfect blend of white beans, a whole chicken, and green chilies. I made a huge crock pot for the party and it was devoured by the adults and children. I made a "from scratch" version and poached a chicken in a pot to make the broth. For quicker versions you can cook the chicken in the oven or buy a rotisserie chicken at the store and use 6-10 cups of canned or boxed chicken broth. Use some colorful bowls, bandannas for napkins, and have a cowgirl feast! Make it your own.
Happy Cooking!

Cowgirl Chicken and White Bean Chili
1 3-4 lb. chicken
2-4 stalks celery chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. oregano or Italian herb blend
1 T. salt

1 T. olive oil
2t. ground cumin
2 medium onions chopped
3 4.5 oz. cans chopped green chilies undrained

4 cans Great Northern white beans drained and rinsed
3 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper

Optional but delicious garnishes:
fresh cilantro chopped
fresh avocado diced
sliced jalapenos
shredded cheese
sour cream
tortilla chips
bottles of Corona beer with lime or your favorite brew

In a large post place chicken and next 4 ingredients with ten cups of water. Simmer for one hour until chicken is tender and falling off bone. Strain all the broth and put broth in plugged in crock pot or pot on stove. Pick chicken off bone, chop, and put in crock pot. My kids love to pull the wish bone for fun.
In another pot saute olive oil and next 3 ingredients until onions are soft. Add to crock pot. Add the white beans, 2 cups shredded cheese, and more salt & pepper if needed. Simmer in crock pot for 4 hours.
An ice cold Corona with lime is a good garnish too. Yee haw!

Gratitude

You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.
-Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance

Gratitude can be a powerful positive force in life. It always helps me turn my thoughts around when I am feeling lack or the need for something more. Some of us like to keep gratitude journals. I ususally have running pages in my daily journal just for things I am grateful for. It is fun to read down the list and it instantly infuses joy in my spirit.

I recently found a website just for expressing gratitude. You can post what you are grateful for and send it out into the world. The site is: http://thankfulfor.com/

Today I am grateful for the golden ball of sun that is shining on the frozen snow and all the possibilities this new day holds.
What are you grateful for today?
Shine your light,
K

Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake for Valentines Day

If the people have no bread, let them eat cake. Marie Antoinette

I made this cake for Valentines Day. My sister Libby gave me the recipe and told me we would not be able to keep our hands off this cake. She was right. It disappeared so fast I did not have time to snap a photo. I just enjoyed the last piece with a cup of hot tea for breakfast. Yum!

Chocolate Chip Pound Cake
1 box yellow cake mix (18.25 oz.)
1 3.9 oz.pkg French Vanilla instant pudding mix
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup water
4 eggs beaten
3/4 cup sour cream
1 bag mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325. Grease and flour a Bundt pan. Stir together dry ingredients and then add in wet ingredients until well blended. Fold in chocolate chips.
Bake for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool and flip pan to release cake.
Enjoy!

Picturesque Morning

The cream of enjoyment in this life is always impromptu. The chance walk; the unexpected visit; the unpremeditated journey; the unsought conversation or acquaintance. Fanny Fern

It is Friday February 12th. This morning was one of the coldest mornings yet also the most beautiful. After I had dropped the kids off from school I noticed a truck pulled off to the side of a desolate country road. I slowed down to see if they needed help only to see a familiar neighbor holding a camera out the window. I just smiled and said I was going to do the same thing. I got home and grabbed some gloves and my camera as the sun was coming up. It was cold, icy, and silent except for a few birds chirping. Here are a few photos I snapped. My hands are still a little numb.
Shine your light,
K

Gift of a Letter

Letter writing is the only device for combining solitude with good company.
Lord Byron

My husband has two aunts that still believe in the written word and post office. They even have e-mail accounts. Yesterday I trudged through the snow down our long driveway to collect the trash bin and mail. To my delight there was a card postmarked from Colorado by Aunt Karen.

After getting comfortable in the house I gently opened the card. It had a painting of a beautiful pink orchid and green hummingbird on it. Inside was a letter to say hello and describing her Victorian doll house project and recent orders from seed catalogs for the upcoming spring.

This card is sitting on my desk and has brought me joy. Unlike an e-mail, I can pick this card up, ponder her writings, and enjoy the painting. Now it is my turn to "write" her back the real way. I encourage you to surprise and brighten a friends day with the gift of a letter.
Shine your light,
K

Artist in Residence

This is why I blog the most. It is a little space for me and a positive outlet. My house is not serene, calm, and orderly. I do my best. My mom recently told me my blog does not reflect the chaos of my life. I told her it is a blog for joy and gratitude, not of complaint.

My lively and curious two year old son keeps life interesting. These days we have more than one bubble bath per day due to potty training and his love of "art". Last night he found a green marker and colored his toenails. He was so proud of this accomplishment! Since he is my fourth, I know not to give these small things too much power and attention. This will pass like all the other bizarre stages.

Like I tell my kids before they play a ball game or try something new.
Do your best and have fun.
I will take my own advice.
Shine your light,
K

Glimpse of Blue Sky

Give Thanks
Do the work
Go the extra mile
Give thanks again
All shall be well

As I write the sky is gray and pregnant again with soft giant snowflakes gently falling. The river is raging with white caps due to all the rain, snow and ice we have had lately.

Yesterday something special happened. As my daughter and I were driving to the grocery store, the heavy clouds parted and we got a glimpse of the bright blue sky. Seeing the vibrant light blue sky swirl with soft white clouds felt magical and uplifting. A few warm rays of sunshine even shone through briefly. The bright sky did not last long as more snow clouds rolled in but it was long enough to give us and everyone we saw a little more spring in their step.

Feeling the warmth and vibrancy of nature gave me a boost of energy. Also a feeling surfaced that its time to tie up some loose ends. Spring will be here in a couple of months and the natural pace of life will pick up. My intent is to go through some of those lingering piles of paperwork, rotate some outgrown kids clothes, and just tend to the house with more vigor and care.
One more cup of coffee and then I will begin.
Shine your light,
K

Baking the Blues Away

If you're afraid of butter, use cream. Julia Child


To help lift my winter blues I have gone on a baking spree. Who better to turn to than Paula Deen's Lady & Sons Cookbook for some bright and buttery inspiration.

Since yesterday my hand mixer has been busy whipping up Deen's Aunt Glennis's Blonde Brownies, oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and as I write the smell of Gooey Butter Cakes are baking in the oven. I added some coconut and chocolate chips just because.

There is something definitely intoxicating about mixing butter, eggs, vanilla, and sugar together. For me it can be an instant shot of joy. No candle can compare to the actual scent of fresh baked cakes in the oven. The whole house smells delicious.

Now, back to those butter cakes.
Shine your light,
K

Dark Days

I won't be made useless, I won't be made idle with despair. I will gather myself around my faith, for light does the darkness most fear. Jewel

Sometimes I wish I could just sleep during the entire month of January. That is what my body wants to do. These cold gray days are heavy and long. We have had a long stretch of "frog" -freezing fog which has not lifted or let any light through. Nothing seems to lift my spirits. I know it is the depths of winter and this too will pass.

I also feel heavy with sadness for the people in Haiti. My heart goes out to all the people suffering from such massive earthquake damages. The loss of life and hardship is daunting. My thoughts and prayers have been with these brave people constantly. May God be with you.
Keep shining your light,
K

Stacking Firewood

To live well is to work well, to show a good activity. Thomas Aquinas

I was born and raised in the suburbs but feel more at home in the country. I love the wide open spaces that make way for room to breathe. My husband and I have been living out in the country for almost eight years. A dream we both shared.

Our home has an efficient wood burning stove that heats the house in the winter. My husband spends a lot of time and energy hauling fallen trees out of the woods and cutting and splitting them for firewood. Thankfully his tractor has a log splitter that makes things go quicker.

I have been his assistant in helping stack the wood on the side porch. We burn a lot of wood so there is huge pile to stack. This past Saturday evening I bundled up in my favorite old goose down coat and worn in chestnut Uggs and began stacking. The air was clear and crisp, the snow was bright white and thick, and the logs heavy.

Back and forth with an armful of wood. Through the snow and up to the porch.
Back and forth as my nose starts to drip....
Back and forth as the air pierces my lungs...
Back and forth as I look in the window to see the kids watching TV...
Back and forth as my lower back aches....
Back and forth as I hear a coyote howl in the dark night...
Back and forth as my body works and my mind empties...
Back and forth as I begin to feel peace...

The more I stacked the more soothing it became to my soul. It was a repetitive moving meditation of such surprised delight. I was physically exhausted yet mentally uplifted. A feeling of exquisite joy overcame me when I stacked that last log high upon the pile. I came in to the house and sat by the warm fire with a new appreciation for an accomplished task that turned out to be an unexpected gift.
Shine your light,
K

In the moment

Realize deeply that the present is all you ever have.
Make the now the primary focus of your life.
Eckhart Tolle

We are burrowed in as winter weather has taken the Midwest by storm. On this cold and snowy winter night there is no place we need to be except home. Being here now made me contemplate living in the now.

Kids are good at living in the moment. They don't have huge responsibilities, pressing schedules or running to-do lists. This picture I snapped of my son says so much of just enjoying the present moment. Instead of scurrying to the car he wanted to stop and taste the snowflakes.

This moment is the best moment of your life. It is now. The past is gone and the future is unknown. Are you living in the now? Do you slow down to look others in the eye when they talk to you? Do you taste your food? Today I decided not to check my e-mail while eating my lunch. I just focused on eating my tortilla soup and how the flavors tasted. It was delicious and filling.

In the process of "being" rather than "doing", life can be so much richer and connected. Eckhart Tolle writes chapters about this in his book, A New Earth. I highly recommend it as many light bulbs went off when reading it. Enjoy the moment.
Shine your light,
K

2 X 10 4 ME (Meditation and Exercise)

Surrender and Just Breathe..........

It is a day before three of my kids go back to school and I am already feeling the tension build. Coaches have called about tournaments this month, I am overdue for tumbling registration, and the homework, PTO duties, and Scouts will begin the day after tomorrow.

As I sit here and take a deep breath I decided to make two small goals.

1. Sit quietly to breathe for ten minutes each day. This is hopefully a small but attainable dose of meditation.

2. Exercise for ten minutes each day.

Hopefully ten minutes should not be too difficult to squeeze in. I could stretch, do jumping jacks or a sun salutation, and jog up to my mailbox and back in ten minutes. If I do ten minutes each day that adds up to 60 minutes per week of exercise and 60 minutes of meditation.

Let's begin. Do you want to join me?
Shine your light,
K

New Decade

Happy New Year and Happy New Decade!
Ten years ago we rang in 2000 with fears and questions about Y2K. I still have a small Y2K survival box with Sterno cans, matches and MREs somewhere in the pantry.

Ten years ago we found out I was pregnant with our first child. For me the past decade has been defined as the baby years. Pregnancy x 4, childbirth x 4 (3 natural and 1 C-section), breastfeeding, exhaustion, joy, depression, (did I mention exhaustion?), and growing up and into parenthood. "Friends" dear to my heart have been Baby Mozart, Elmo, Barney, Brown Bear, Polar Bear, Madeline, McQueen, and Pooh. I could write a book on this paragraph.

My husband and I once tried to figure out how many diapers we had changed over the years. How many "wipes & dipes" trips to the store..... How much money we have spent on baby essentials. We are still making diaper runs so we are not totally out of that stage but will be soon. After a decade I will not be too sad. I look forward to hopping in the car sans diaper bag, sippy cup, and stroller.

This decade my car will be full of backpacks, sports gear, folding spectator chairs, crayons, activity books, and hopefully vacation bags.

I also look forward to catching up on a decade of movies. I recently watched Love Actually and realized I need to discover more good ones from 2000 - 2009. Please e-mail me with any suggestions. kathyanne70@gmail.com.
Shine your light,
K

Drinking Sunshine

When Mom brings home lemons, we make lemonade. -my kids

My son Indy discovered we had a juicer hidden in the depths of the pantry. Of course he wanted to make some juice right away. I brought home a bag of lemons for him to make us a batch of liquid sunshine. We added some sugar and water and it was tart and delicious and such fun. My husband and I joked about him being actually productive for us making nourishment for the family.

As 2009 comes to a close on this eve of New Year's Eve, I am in a reflective state of mind. I am feeling grateful for my family, friends, and warm home. Since we have been mostly in the house due to cold and snowy weather, I have felt overwhelmed at the huge responsibility of raising four kids. On this journey I need to figure out how to take care of myself and nurture my marriage as well. I know for sure that I am not alone in feeling that this is a tricky combination to excel in all areas.

My goals for this upcoming year include:

*Finding joy in each day

*Potty training my fourth and youngest child by his third birthday in May

*Clearing clutter in my home

*Exercising on a more regular basis

*Having a deeper relationship with my husband of fifteen years

*Eating and preparing healthier meals

*Sharing my joy and journey with others

Hop aboard this silly blog for a Journey of Joy.

Happy New Year and remember to shine your light,

Kathy Anne

Hugs & Kisses for Santa

Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart...filled it too with melody that would last forever.
Bess Streeter Aldrich
It has been a festive Christmas Eve. I started the day by teaching a yoga class. Twelve students arrived seeking peace of mind and body and we shared the best gift to ourselves - an hour of yoga bliss.

As I was out, my mom came to help the kids transform the house and set the table for Christmas Day. After returning, I put little Scout down for a nap and Phoebe and I got to work in the kitchen preparing the Christmas Day feast. We also prepared some treats for Santa. We call them hugs and kisses for Santa. On a giant cookie sheet we placed tiny pretzels on wax paper. On half we topped the pretzel with a Hershey's Hug (white and milk chocolate kiss). On the other pretzels we topped them with a chocolate and caramel Rolo. We put them in the oven for three minutes at 200 degrees to melt. After taking them out we topped the hugs with a plain M&M. The Rolos were topped with a cashew. We then placed them in the freezer to firm. These are our hugs and kisses for Santa tonight.

Now we are waiting for my husband to arrive home with Blaze and Indy from some last minute shopping. We will spend an evening home by the fire reading Christmas stories and waiting to hear the reindeer hooves on the roof.

Merry Christmas,

Kathy

Winter Solstice

There's a certain Slant of light, Winter Afternoons - That oppresses, like the Heft of Cathedral Tunes.
Emily Dickinson

Today is Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year due to the sun's tilt. Tomorrow the days will begin to have more daylight. I have always felt a strong pull and fascination to the winter and summer solstice dates. From the beginning of time we humans have celebrated these changing of the seasons of darkness and light with many celebrations. Christmas "Christ's Mass" is on December 25th which is Winter Solstice on the Roman or Julian calendar. Ancient Sweden's Winter Solstice is Lucia, Feast of St. Lucy. The Germanic "Yule" is celebrated with midwinter feasts and gift giving. The celebrations around the world are vast and abundant. Wikipidia.org has great information.

On this cold winter's eve, light a fire in the fireplace or some candles on the table and create your own Winter Solstice celebration to welcome the coming light.

My friend Tammy gave me a bracelet today that says "Shine". The tag reads:
Drink up each ray of sunshine
Feel the promise of hope at dawn
And bask in the miracle of a new day.

Gift of a Poem

It was one year ago today that I received my last hug from my friend Granny Lin. She came that snowy and cold evening so I could go to a PTO cookie exchange. When I came home the kids were all in bed and I was in good spirits after having cookies and strong eggnog with other moms. Lin and I cheerfully talked about upcoming Christmas festivities with our families and she promised to drop off her famous yeast rolls on Christmas. I walked her out to her car and gave her a big warm hug. That was the last time I saw Lin. She passed away due to pneumonia shortly after that day.

I found out a couple months later that she had gone home that night and written me a poem. Her husband recalled she was very intent on finishing this poem and stayed up late into the night. He found the poem on her computer desktop weeks after her passing and gave it to me.
It is truly a gift.

Dear Kathy,
There is nothing more beautiful than the rainbow
There is nothing more uplifting than the raindrops glow
There is nothing more exhilarating than the gentle winds
There is nothing more blessed than the sun God sends.
Only a child of God is more marvelous
Walk tall, you're a daughter of God
Cling fast, fast to the iron rod
Recognize the beautiful rainbow that your are
Be aware that though the rain falls from afar,
If you will listen
You can almost hear it glisten.
Be aware that though the winds are gentle and sweet,
You can almost see them as the flowers move to its beat.
Be aware that though the sun makes no sounds
You can almost hear the joy it causes; it abounds.
LB Toney Dec. 18, 2008

Grateful for Friends

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.
H.D. Thoreau

Today I am feeling grateful for the friends in my life. As time goes by I am realizing how important friendships are yet how fragile they are too. Friendships need to be tended to and nurtured. In this season of giving the best gifts for friends are a little time and attention. A card, phone call, e-mail, or even text to just check in. Getting together is even better.

Last night my book club of nine years gathered for our annual holiday party and book exchange. We drank red sangria, ate homemade goodies including Shannon's holiday split pea, lentil, & cranberry soup, fresh salad with candied walnuts, asiago cheese bread, and Anna's creamy chocolate brownie trifle. We all chose a wrapped book and laughed because the books all happened to fit us so well. By the end of the evening we were gathered around the table just talking. After nine years I found out one friend has her black belt in Karate. They asked me to do a yoga Sun Salutation in my heels. We continue to learn and grow as friends.

We contemplated what has made our book club continue for nine years. None of us live in the same neighborhood and a few of us drive up to 45 minutes each month. Yes, we have proudly read 88 books but we have become more of a friend club than a book club. We decided that our commitment to showing up once a month is key. Making time for each other is not always easy to do but is always worth it. No matter how tired, busy, stressed, or crazy our schedules are we show up regularly to share two hours of fun each month. These two hours each month for nine years have gotten us through birthing numerous babies, new jobs, illness, layoffs, marital strife, divorce, and many other personal triumphs and tragedies.

So, friends this is for you. Thank you for sending those silly or heartfelt e-mails, cheering on the sidelines of our kids' sports games, carpooling, meeting for a quick lunch, showing up for book club, or talking on the phone from afar. You are cherished.

Shine your light,
Kathy

Stuff

You can't hitch a U-Haul to your coffin.
M. Toney

My neighbor Marc said these words to me almost a year ago shortly after he lost his beloved wife and my friend Granny Lin. Lin and I became friends over a loaf of bread. During our first Christmas living in the country I had a two year old and a newborn. My husband works long hours into the evening and I was a little lonely. Just before Christmas Lin drove up and sang me a Christmas carol with her grandson and gave me a warm loaf of bread. We were fast friends.

For six years she watched the kids while I ran to the grocery each week. In the short time I was gone she would do my dishes, bake something, and read books to the kids. She even taught Phoebe how to knit. She would bake me the best pineapple upside down cake for my birthday and she was the best hugger ever. Almost one year ago I received her last hug. She is still greatly missed.

Lin was a keeper of stuff, a pack rat of sorts. She had trunks and drawers full of things old and new. It has been difficult for her husband to sort through and deal with. His quote about not being able to hitch a U-Haul to your coffin has stayed with me. How much stuff do we really need to accumulate? How many dishes, cookbooks, shoes, clothes, and things do we need to keep? I feel that well organized family photos and a few keepsakes are all anyone would ever want from us when we are gone anyway. Lin's smile, warmth, hugs, and fresh baked goodies are what I miss the most from her.

These are just thoughts that are surfacing as I move and clear my stuff to bring more holiday stuff out from the basement to put out. Come January I am cleaning house!
Shine your light,
Kathy Anne

Coffee and a Daily Dose of Inspiration

There is a voice in the universe urging us to remember our purpose for being on this great Earth. This is the voice of inspiration which is in each and every one of us.
Dr. Wayne Dyer

As I begin another busy "sports Saturday" and like most mornings, I try and wake before the "Barbarian Horde" (as my husband affectionately refers to the kids). After making a strong vanilla soy coffee I like to go to my laptop in the kitchen for some morning inspiration.

In order of my favorites section, I visit http://www.dailyword.com/ for a morning prayer.
I then click to http://www.dailyguidance.com/ for a quick positive quote.
Next, http://www.dr.waynedyer.com/daily-inspiration for another tidbit of good vibes.
Depending on time or later in the day I click on http://shaktigawain.com/ and some favorite blogs.
Two blogs are by my cousins. One is a doctor and a mother of baby triplets living in New York City. My other cousin lives in Chicago and is raising a daughter and devoting her blog to finding ways to give more of herself daily based on the book 29 Gifts.
My good friend Tiffany's blog http://stonersix.com/ documents her daily life as a Midwestern mother of four with a military husband, and she owns a photography business and works a corporate job.
Lastly, I have recently found http://psychologytoday.com/blog/the-happiness-project.

A common thread these sites weave include focusing on joy, gratitude, faith, inner peace, and the quest for happiness in daily life. Take a peak and see if one gives you a spark of joy.
Shine your light,
Kathy Anne

Dishes and Peace

If you do the small things in life well, the larger things will fall into place.

Now that we are in full swing of the holiday season my mind is swirling with a whirlwind of activities including school Christmas shows and parties, gifts to give, cards to send, Cub Scouts, basketball and indoor soccer games, a house to clean and decorate, heaping laundry baskets, and much more.

This morning peace was found in something I normally loathe. It was a sink full of dirty dishes. As I turned on the water I began to feel comfort and order as I slowly rinsed the dishes with the warm sudsy water. A calm feeling came to me that all is well. How grateful I am for the warm water....for my comfortable home and healthy family. All I have is all I need.

Finding time to embrace the sacred in the ordinary can do wonders. Doing the small daily things in a more mindful manner can pave the way for more peace throughout the day.
Shine your light,
Kathy Anne

Feeling Thankful

On this eve of Thanksgiving as my son and I stir the cranberries and I teach him how to zest an orange, I am feeling very thankful.

Tomorrow morning I will teach a yoga class and then zip home to get ready to have 15 family members for Thanksgiving Day. I am feeling surprisingly non-stressed now. The main reason is because of my Mom.

Today she drove almost an hour from her home and arrived with her car full of pressed table cloths, ironed napkins rolled and tied with raffia, a handmade centerpiece, a cherry jello dessert, and fresh pears, grapes, and cheese for a special appetizer.

We happily worked together all day to get the house clean and festive. My piles of papers and full laundry baskets are quietly hidden in the "no-no room". The extra-long table is set, the china and crystal rinsed and ready, and the scent of cranberry and orange fills the air.

The funny thing is...my Mom is not even coming tomorrow. Of course she is invited but Thanksgiving is typically my Dad's holiday and hers is Christmas. Even so she knew I needed the help and enthusiastically whisked in to save the day. For that I am so thankful.
I love you, Mom!
Kathy Anne

Can't wait for Thanksgiving Leftovers

As I am cleaning my house and clearing my kitchen table and shoe garden in preparation for Thanksgiving I can't help but get excited for the next day's leftover turkey and other dishes.

Before I was a stay at home mom, my sister, dad, and I owned a bustling gourmet sandwich shop in the city. One of the most popular sandwiches on the menu was the Turkey & Cranberry.

I always make it after Thanksgiving and it is so delicious!

Turkey & Cranberry Sandwich
Leftover Turkey pulled in strips
Cranberry sauce (Ocean Spray Whole Berry is good too)
Cream cheese
Crisp lettuce
Thick multi-grain bread or white rolls

Spread cream cheese on both sides of bread. Spoon cranberry sauce on top of cream cheese. Place turkey on cranberries. Sprinkle with salt & pepper. Add crisp lettuce and top with bread. Slice in half for a beautiful and delicious sandwich.
Enjoy!
Turkey and wild rice soup recipe to come soon....

Bitten by Twilight

I'm the world's best predator, aren't I? Everything about me invites you in- my voice, my face, and even my smell. As if I need any of that! -Edward Cullen, Twilight, Chapter 13, pg. 263.

Yes, this summer I was bitten by Twilight. Two of my intelligent good friends in our book club of nine years became flushed -faced giddy girls talking about this book. Also visiting Twilight websites and listening to the soundtrack on their ipods as they zipped around suburbia in their suvs.

I took it on our summer vacation and was hooked. I even read it to my kids (leaving some parts out). My husband even surprised me and bought me the movie and we all watched it together. I was trying to explain to him what it was about this book. He logically said to me, "It must just be a great story." YES!

Tomorrow a few Twilight-loving friends and I have tickets to the opening sold out showing of New Moon at 12:02 a.m. I have not been out of my house at that time in years. For this I will and can't wait!

Pictured is my son Indy giving Edward some competition on Halloween. I don't think Edward is into skateboarding though.

Shine your light,

Kathy Anne

Souper Lunches

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

It is cool and the rain is falling today. This is a perfect soup day! Instead of taking time to slice veggies and put together a homemade soup, I decided to grab a favorite off the pantry shelf. Today we had Wolfgang Puck's Old Fashioned Potato. I toasted a bagel and buttered it with Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter (Trader Joe's).

Wolfgang Puck soups are my favorite. I usually find them at the grocery in the organic section. Other Puck favorites are tomato basil, in the picture (served with grilled cheese), tortilla, and chicken and wild rice.
Enjoy your soup!