to be nana

we see eye to eye

smooches

and huggies

 

 

life is beautiful xo

 



yoga for the soul

 

 

Fear can only grow in darkness.  Once you face fear with light, you win.  Steve Maraboli

 

My soul has been yearning for an outlet to embrace gratitude and serenity, and once again, I found the place that provides me with same.  Last week Darcy and I attended my sister's yoga class and our souls sang with glee.  Kiki has been instructing yoga for a decade and one of her locations is at the St. Joseph home in LaGrange.  The beauty of this place is in the multitude of artwork by Sr. Mary and the peaceful ambiance of the chapel.  It's amazing what happens in a mere 90 minutes. This week Steve joined me and he fell in love with the whole experience.  His comment was "this is exactly what I need." 

Thanks to my sister, Kiki, for providing this opportunity to keep in touch with my essence.  My love for you holds no bounds.  Our mantra: we shall overcome!

I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then... Lewis Carroll

 

but today, I can find joy in the moments that take my breath away. xo

 

 





to be dapa

 

pure bliss

mixed with strong arms to hold him

and singing silly songs

and a plethora of smooches and huggies

 

who could ask for more?  xo

 



mad hatter salad

 

Mad Hatter Salad

 

16 oz. coleslaw mix

7 scallions, chopped

1/2 cup butter

1 head fresh broccoli florets

6 oz. ramen soup (chicken or oriental)

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup pinenuts or sunflower seeds

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tblsp. soy sauce

dash of sesame seeds

 

In a small jar, combine vinegar, oil, sugar and soy sauce.  Seal and shake.  Set aside.

 

In a large bowl, toss coleslaw, scallions and broccoli.  Melt butter.  Crumble ramen noodles in bowl and mix with almonds and nuts.  Sprinkle seasoning packets over all.  Add to skillet or wok and stir until noodles and nuts toasted (about 8 minutes.)

 

Pour sauce over mixture in serving bowl, toss in sesame seeds and enjoy. 

 

Trust me, you cannot stop picking at this dish.  You'll keep coming back for more.   xo

the art of aging

 

This is our Big Daddy at 77. 

 

As the baby boomers age gracefully, we find ourselves with the important task of taking care of our folks as they endure their twilight years.  For those with larger families, the duties can be shared which can make for a much easier experience, but when only one person carries the load, it can be daunting.  There are numerous organizations that provide professional assistance and guidance if situations become unmanageable and we should accept that help when needed.  Sharing our concerns with others involved in their own family needs is very comforting for this is the world we live in and the right thing to do.  Avoiding nursing homes has always been my goal when caring for our loved ones and discussing progress with their doctors is a huge course of action to make sure they get the best care available.  It is known a child will always give the most loving and compassionate care because of the bond we have, however, most times we need an experienced medical advisor or caregiver to help us guide the way.  Give yourself permission to take breaks and share the load if it becomes too heavy.  Refresh and revitalize so patience is always in your heart.  I found this message to be extremely powerful and a gentle reminder of the circle of life.

 

"My dear child, the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through.

 

If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don't interrupt to say: "You said the same thing a minute ago"...Just listen, please.  Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.

 

When I don't want to take a bath, don't be mad and don't embarrass me.  Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a little one?

 

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don't look at me that way...remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life's issues every day...the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through.

 

If I occasionally lose track of what we're talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can't don't be nervous, impatient or arrogant.  Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.

 

And when my old, tired legs don't let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.

 Moments where I become confused and don't recognize you, please be calm and gentle and know I will feel your unconditional love.

 

When those days come, don't feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.

 

I'll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared.  With a big smile and the huge love I've always had for you.  I just want to say, I love you..my darling child."

 

 

xo