In the last 8 months I have encountered many epiphanies and adventures. I've started posts but never published them until tonight! Tonight is special in a very different way and it started Christmas Eve.
Leon fixed a PreChristmas dinner of turkey, dressing, cranberry relish (my favorite), potatoes, and of course pumpkin pie. You have to understand that this is a small endeavor compared to his feasts in the past. Anyway, I asked for the broth from the turkey and the dark meat (again my favorite) but had no idea what I would do with them.
For the last few days I have cruised Pinterest and finally decided it would be a soup. Now I have only made soup once in my life, French Onion and a total disaster! The other points of interest were the dull rainy day, reading a health magazine and posting to a new Pinterest board called Goals for 2015.
I had stayed in a Bah Humbug mood long enough and decided some action was needed. It was dusk and very dreary but my mood instantly changed when I entered Barnes and Noble for a book on dieting inspiration. Lights were bright, people were laughing and the slight scent of coffee/hot chocolate lingered in the air. I found a new book "My Prairie Cookbook" by Melissa Gilbert based on The Little House on the Prairie series. Then I found the book I was after Biggest Loser Bootcamp. On a lark I asked about a new copy of Bella Grace. (see previous posts) It was there, one copy!!! The trip to Barnes and Noble turned into a joyful adventure.
My next plan of action was to visit the grocery store for healthy foods only! I planned to clean the fridge and replace ALL the rich goodies of Christmas with healthy foods only. The grocery store turned into another adventure! I walked slowly through the produce for just the right fruits and vegetables to tempt me and build creative recipes. On to the fish counter for salmon and shrimp and finally to dairy for Greek yogurt, eggs, and fat free 1/2 and 1/2. My cart was full of only healthy choices and my head was reeling with great ideas.
The drive home was so joyful and I could hardly wait to get home! I arrived home to darkness except for the tree lights. It was homey and comforting! I put on an apron. (first time since I was a kid with Grandma) It belonged to my friend, Cathy's mom. I love it, soft pink and white gingham with a turquoise cross stitch design. I've decided to collect old aprons again. Made me feel very capable, a homemaker for the first time in a long time (almost 35 years). My field in high school and when I started college was home ec. and I had forgotten those simple pleasures and feelings of accomplishment!
I cleaned the fridge, pulled out the food, and decided on a recipe from Martha Stewart.com on Pinterest. I loved watching the butter sizzle, chopping the celery, carrots and onion, and the earthly smell. Simple pleasures for all my senses! While the soup was simmering I started reading the Bella Grace magazine. The first article is about silence and the only sound I hear is the fridge. I realize how much I am enjoying the quiet and the cooking and the magazine and how it is all touching my soul!!!!
The soup is earthy, homey and satisfying. I have accomplished something new and I am blissfully happy!! My new epiphany -- enjoy simple pleasures and homemaking!
+++ We are no longer taught to appreciate homemaking and that is a shame. It is probably one of the most gratifying feelings of accomplishment I have felt in a long time.
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