Bursting into Fall

Hello Friends~ As we say goodbye to summer I wanted to share some recent photos.
First, rainbow that I captured in the late summer sky. There was not much rain here this summer so I was happy to see this burst of beauty in the sky.

My son brought home a little sprout of cabbage in a Styrofoam cup last spring from his third grade class. He and my mom nurtured it all summer and it grew into a beautiful giant cabbage. We recently cut it and I made a delicious cabbage, chicken, and apple stew. It was full of love and flavor!

Indy's beautiful cabbage

Little guy starting preschool

September flew by as the kids are back in school and busy with soccer games, spell bowl team practice, and Nature Garden Club activities. My little guy started preschool too.

My Munchkins

Roots to Grow, Wings to Fly

Now that the leaves are changing and the air has gotten cooler, my creative juices have begun to flow. I painted this picture for my sister's birthday last weekend.  I named it Roots to Grow, Wings to Fly. The tree represents her and the birds are here three kids soaring through the sky. I think she really liked it as she hung it next to her bed.
I also just signed up for an e-course called Do What You Love given by an English lady named Beth Nicholls. I'm looking forward to some creative inspiration.
How about you? What things are you doing as the seasons change? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Shine your light,
kathy

Tomato Time! Grilled Tomato, Basil & Cheese Sandwich with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato. ~L. Grizzard

Tomato season is in full swing. Grab a few from you garden or local veggie stand and treat yourself to one of these delicious sandwiches.

Toasted Cheese, Tomato, & Basil with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

Heat a skillet on medium with olive oil.
Add a slice of bread and top with cheese (I used cheddar/mozzarella), layer sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, salt & pepper, and slice of bread.
Toast both sides until golden brown and cheese is melting. Slice in half.
Honey Mustard Sauce:
In a small bowl whisk together 2 Tbsp. honey and 2 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard. Enjoy!

Delicious!

Another of my all time faves is the CBLT (California Bacon Lettuce & Tomato).

CBLT: In an oiled skillet toast bread, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado slices, salt & pepper. Feel free to add fresh herbs and mayo if you wish. Enjoy!

Have a beautiful day,
kathy

Escape to Nashville, IN

For our mom's birthday, my sister and I took her on a road trip to the wooded rolling hills of southern Indiana. Our first stop was The Brown County Winery for a tasting of their delicious sweet and tart wines.

After browsing through a roadside flea market and finding my sister's old summer camp Gnaw Bone tucked way back in the forest, we reached our final destination. Nashville, Indiana. This is a little gem of a town filled with cute boutiques, art galleries, and down home restaurants that serve fried chicken, biscuits, and homemade apple butter.

We checked in our charming bed and breakfast in the heart of town called The Cornerstone Inn. Upon arriving they directed us to the gathering room where fresh baked pies and fluffy cakes awaited.

The highlights of our little excursion were being together, carefree laughter, shopping, and eating dinner at a surprisingly gourmet restaurant called The Hob Knob, recommended by locals. The house spinach lasagna and tart glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc was delicious.
To end the evening we ended up at The Chateau Thomas Winery tasting room sharing a bottle of their Fleur d' Peche wine and listening to a country blues singer sing about his long legged lover. She was sitting right up front and was truly has the longest legs I have ever seen when she stood at about 6'3!

 

After an abundant farm breakfast including strong coffee and gooey pecan rolls, we hit The Nashville Country Store for caramel corn and fudge for the kids, we hopped in my sister's van and drove home listening to the country singer's original "hits". A great escape!
Shine your light, k

12 Books of Inspiration

I love love love books. Here is a list of books that are always on my bedside table for comfort and inspiration. They could be great gifts to you are anyone you hold dear.

1. SARK's New Creative Companion SARK is an artist that captures the magic of everyday inspiration. Just opening this book makes me smile.

2. The Blessings of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel
This is great for moms/parents with young children. Lots of guidance and advice, but I mostly love the importance she puts on family traditions.

3. The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer
He is one of my favorite self-help gurus. This book guides you on your journey to create and attract the life you desire. Read the last chapter first on Connectors. Inspirational!

4. Happy Yoga by Steve Ross
This is great for the yoga lover. He has a happy approach to life, yoga, and music.

5. 1000 Places To See Before You Die
I feel like I go on mini vacations when I open this book. I want to see them all!

6. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Women by Kristine Carlson
A great bedside book for daily inspiration. My favorite is her page on "Walk Through the Open Doors."

7. The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
A total guide to discovering your inner artist. It is full of ways to become more creative in everyday life.

8. Grace Notes by Alexandra Stoddard
This book has been at my bedside for over ten years It's filled with daily quotes that are timeless and classic.

9. Girlfriend's Guide to Getting Your Groove Back by Vicki Iovine
Another good one for moms with young kids. I totally relate to her funny stories - especially never leaving the house without a diaper bag even though all your kids are potty trained.

10. Yeah Dave's Guide to Livin' the Moment: Getting to Ecstasy Through Wine, Chocolate and Your iPod Playlist by David Romanelli
You don't have to be a yoga lover to enjoy this book. He encourages us to enjoy a delicious moment, beautiful moment, and funny moment every day.

11. The Power by Rhonda Byrne
I love The Secret too. This one is all about the power of Love.

12. Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort of Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach Another book I go back to time and time again. Great insight for simplicity amidst a busy life.
Happy Reading,
Kathy

Summer Country Living

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. ~Jim Davis

Summer in the rural Midwest is hot but heavenly.

Here you can drive down the street and find fresh picked garden veggies on a bench in front of a farm with a cup to stuff some money in. The honor system.
My kids and I happily stuff the cup with dollars and pick up round juicy sweet onions, zesty peppers, and giant green zucchinis.

Up the road a little I can grab a pint of natural honey from Cara and Braun's while the bees buzz around. This morning my friend Amy dropped off a loaf of fresh baked zucchini bread on her way to the county fair where her kids will show sheep.

I sliced the bread, spread some butter and honey on it and washed it down with an icy glass of dark sun tea. Heavenly. She promised me she would give me the bread recipe.

Next stop, the sweet corn stand for tonight's dinner.

Celebrating Summer, Abundance, & Growth

Hello friends~ Summer is here!

My Wildflower Garden Blooming

Are you feeling more alive in the light of summer? Do you feel a yearning for growth or new directions? Do you have dreams of learning something new, starting a business, getting healthier? Listen to your inner voice inside. Go outside and walk in nature and feel the abundance. Grab a little journal and write seven things you want to do. Just by writing them you will begin to create the energy for these amazing things to grow and happen. I am confident they will. Shine that light of yours.

I just returned home from a wonderful visit with my 95 year old grandmother. Last year she moved to be closer to my Aunt and cousins. I miss her so much but know in my heart that she is where she needs to be now.

Tuesday was my favorite day of the year. Summer Solstice. The day of the longest light from the sun. I always feel so alive during this time. It has long been celebrated as a time of light, love, growth, and fertility.

The night of Summer Solstice at my Aunt's house we were gathered there for dinner. She had friends in town from Tuscon, Arizona. Liz, who I met and is in her sixties, and I instantly connected. I told her this was my favorite day of the year. She instantly agreed and said, "Midsummer!" She told me she teaches high school English and loves teaching Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream.

A huge storm came out of the sky with lightening, thunder, and buckets of rain. Liz and I went out onto the porch and danced in the storm together celebrating the summer sky. It was a rush of cleansing energy!

I am feeling grateful for so many blessings.

Wishing you an abundant summer!

kathy
keep me posted on your amazing new directions.
kathyanne70@gmail.com

What's for dinner? Grilled Steak Sandwiches with grilled peppers, onions, and melted cheese.

Hi Friends~ I love to share meals that my family devours. They did tonight with these sandwiches made from leftovers.

I had leftover grilled sirloin steak that I sliced thin and leftover grilled sweet onions and red and orange peppers. (they can be sauteed too)

For the kids: Set aside some sliced steak and lightly salt.

For adults: Put the sliced steak in a baggie with the peppers.

Grab some hot dog buns and sliced cheese. Turn on oven to 350.
On the stove top, saute the steak and peppers until they warm.

Place steak and peppers on bun and  top with cheese and a dash of spicy brown mustard if you please. Place in oven for 5-10 minutes or until cheese in melted and bun is toasted. Serve with a light salad or fresh organic blackberries like I did.

For the kids: saute steak and place on a bun and top with cheese. Toast in oven. I hope you get two thumbs up like I did!

Happy Summer!

Love is exactly as strong as life ~Joseph Campbell

Love is exactly as strong as life .~Joseph Campbell

This was today's quote in one of my favorite little books called Grace Notes by Alexandra Stoddard. I love her sweet inspirational books. This was a day that I felt love.


Wildflower Hill

 Wildflower Hill is beginning to bloom.


nest of three baby sparrows

Baby sparrows have hatched in a bush next to the front porch. The mama sparrow is working hard to care for them. 
The kids helped me plant small container gardens of lettuce, red peppers, carrots, and flowers.

Little Scout found a toad friend.

And I am embracing the moment while drinking a glass of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and waiting for my husband to finish on his tractor and join me.

Are you embracing the moment?
~kathy
Note from the next morning:
The night did not turn out as blissful as when I wrote. My dog Betty found the nest and killed the baby birds, the toad died from too much love and attention, my wine glass broke and I stepped on a chard of glass, and my husband did not come in until much later. I'm still glad I embraced the serene moments while they lasted.....c'est la vie!

May Days

“It's spring fever.... You don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”~Mark Twain

The Mothers

The month of May has been sprinkled with good things. Mother's Day was filled with family together here at the ranch. To make it easy on the moms, my dad picked up food from a  Mexican restaurant and we set up a taco bar. It was easy, delicious, and no cooking. Hooray!

Huge Mushrooms!

We were able to sit out on the new deck and drink bubbly while the dads and kids went mushroom hunting with huge success.

Little Scout turned 4 and we celebrated at the Zoo with Mimi, Aunt B., and cousins Zach and Gracie. The big highlights were petting the Dog Sharks, riding the zoo train, and the close pacing Cheetah.

waiting for zoo train

Soccer and baseball season are in full swing and Indy, Blaze and Phoebe are loving the action.

big defensive kick

Blaze and best buddy

Spring has given me energy to create a few new things of my own. I'll write more later about those. How about you? Do you have any new creative projects to begin or new directions you want to take?
Shine your light,
~kathy

Grace is not the property of youth or talent. We find the necessary measure where we need it most: in our own good humor, in the love of family, or in the kind act of a friend. ~Claire Davis

The Great Motherhood

There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one.
 ~Jill Churchill
In Honor of the Great Motherhood

Sleepless nights, diapers, Desitin, runny noses, fevers, tears, tantrums, smiles, giggles, tiny toes,
Love.
Dinosaurs, baby dolls, butterfly kisses, twirl the earrings, wash baseball socks, spelling tests, pony tails, hair cuts, soccer balls,
Love.
Play dates, mom friends, PTO, school lunches, grocery shopping, breakfast, lunch, dinner, cook,
Love
Growing pains, doctor appointments, dentist, vet, birthday parties, cakes, costumes,
Love.
Hungry mouths, runny noses, bills to pay, fundraisers, laundry baskets, hugs, kisses, bedtime stories, prayers,
Love.
Game balls, trophies, homework projects, disappointments, heart to hearts, discipline, tears,
Love.
First love, heartbreak, graduation, gray hair, worry lines, weight gain, laugh lines, confidant, friend, Mother,
Never ending Love.

Happy Mother's Day!