Snickerdoodles
It’s a scientific fact that smells are connected to specific memories. Cinnamon is like that for me.
A Constant Companion, Chronic Disease
With chronic disease, the one aflicted begins in the dark, fumbling through protracted bouts of insomnia, depression, and pain until finally a lab comes back or an endless infection is abated before a diagnosis is pronounced. Only after a faltering diagnosis does a vague clarity or validation dawn.
My Garden’s Unique Language
After strolling through my bare, brown, leaf and mulch blanketed winter garden, my friend said to me, “your garden is a sanctuary. I felt so at peace after I left there yesterday.” I had shared with her some freshly cut broccoli and a take away bowl of swiss chard (from the garden) and lentil soup.
Bravely Excavate
How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage? I have recently been challenged to do just that, not in a didactic confrontational way, but within a the confines of a painful conversation.Painful conversations are inevitable with people about whom we care the most. If we didn’t care so much, we wouldn’t bother to ache!
King Ranch Chicken
I’ve noticed that from my younger demographic readers, I get the greatest response when I post my go-to recipes that happen to be nostalgic, “grandma” recipes. Therefore, today I’m sharing a Texas gold-star recipe handed down in many “Lone Star” families, the King Ranch Chicken casserole which originated from the King Ranch itself in South Texas.
Revenge Addiction
Similar to the way people become addicted to alcohol, drugs, or gambling, they may also become addicted to seeking retribution against their perceived enemies. It’s called “revenge addiction.”
Pomegranate, the Real Paradise Garden Fruit
Who would think that a miniature pomegranate tree could still be decorating a winter garden? Its leaves are as golden as the majestic Colorado Aspen, yet I get to see it each day in my own backyard!
This Little Light of Mine
Did you have an off-kilter Christmas too?
What a weird season this has been. No grandchildren clamoring through, no visitors dropping by, no glorious baking sprees, no in-person church Christmas celebrations. Yet, I still put up a few nativity scenes, the tree, and definitely the kids’ stockings. Everyone virtually greets us with a ‘stay safe” and “stay at home!”
Winter Gardeners
What do gardeners do in the winter? As I look out on my frosted over backyard, I’m cuddled into my favorite chair browsing through seed catalogues and my favorite gardening books.
Hope in a Four Year Old Refugee’s Eyes
The new year is a time to look back and sift through what we want to keep and what we wish we could discard. One way in which I cope with throwing away the detritus of life is by highlighting the stories of hope.