happy st. patrick's day

A pot of gold can be as close as the twinkle in your child's eye.  Look for it and count your blessings. 

Happy anniversary Dan and Darcy!

Thanks to all who are praying for our Uncle Bill - God is surely listening as he is recovering slowly, but surely.  He is a true testament of strength, courage and determination to live life to its fullest and an inspiration to us all.

Now we continue to pray for Japan.  xo



it's a naked room!

Now that the "other house" is completely ready to go, I begin my renovating projects at our beloved sanctuary.  Just like Terry Bradshaw in the movie Failure to Launch, we joke about having our own space to do whatever we like; however, unlike him, our house is still full. This is as close as I can get to having a naked room;  not so I can run around naked, but all the heavy clutter is removed.  I can feel the burst of good feng shui energy flowing all over.  I like having an echo in the house without all the "stuff."

Mikey begins the huge task of repairing walls, priming and painting this much needed restoration.  He is a perfectionist and did a beautiful job on his own place, so I know it will be gorgeous when he is finished.  I have some great ideas about window treatments from a consultant which will be the icing on the cake.  Today I will browse for some pretty light fixtures and meet with a contractor to refinish the hardwood floors and plan the bathroom renovations.  Instead of painting the outside of the house, we decided to have it all aluminum sided to give it a fresh, clean look with long-term low maintenance.  We are not spring chickens and the less we have to do, the better. 

This is Robert, my massage therapist.  Thanks to him I am able to accomplish all these mighty tasks.  His healing hands brought back some much needed circulation after the horrendous ordeal at the other place.   It's funny how life's circles continually surround me.  Robert heals at the very same place I began my journey at The Goddess Touch when I had my wellness spa.  It is now called Celestine and owners Jen and Debbie have the joys of managing the place.  I still frequent my old stomping grounds for their services and feel right at home when I do so. 

Our spring is just around the corner and the sun inspires me to get out and about.  We just began the season of Lent, time of renewal.  Perfect. xo



show me the light

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light

Dear God,

Show me the light at the center of my brothers.

Show me the light at the center of myself.

Show me the light at the center of the world.

Where I see guilt, show me innocence.

Where I focus on mistakes, show me how to focus on efforts at good.

Help me have faith in goodness of others.

Help me have faith in Your spirit within me.

Thus may darkness be cast out.

May I cleave to the light that is my heart.

This is my prayer.

May I see the light in everyone.

Praying for someone is a gracious act.  It gives blessing to the one who prays, as well to the person who is prayed for.  Imagine life to be a camera:  the amount of light in the picture is determined by the size of the aperture at the time the picture is taken.  For most of us, most of the time, our experience of life and its potential for joy is severely limited by the constriction of our own hearts.  It is as though an aperture is shut, at least partially, that could be completely open.  The joy we seek lies less in something new happening and more in our opening our hearts more fully to the love in our lives already.  Only love can make us happy, and only we ourselves can determine its presence or absence inside our hearts.  To acknowledge love is to increase its capacity to heal us; to ignore love is to let it slip away.

Look around you while you are in public somewhere or gathered with loved ones.  Look into the faces of the people you see, and silently say:  The light of God in me salutes the light of God in you.  Do it for five minutes minimum, each day, and happiness will be yours. 

Wherever we picked up judgmental attitudes, they do not serve us now.  They do not serve God or the creation of a new world, and serving God is our only goal.  To serve God is to think with love.  Let us search our minds for the judgments we still hold, for the unforgivenesses, the places where we do not love.  The ego is sly and insidious.  It takes discipline and vigilance to do the mental work necessary to purify our hearts.  Honesty with ourselves and God, and the willingness to be healed by Him, form the crux of our journey.

Dear God,

I surrender to You my thoughts of judgment.

Please heal me of my temptation to blame Your children whom You adore.

Teach me to love as You do.

Teach me to see the reality behind the superficial masks, the truth in the hearts of all Your children.

May I see the innocence in all humanity, that I may see the world of Your creation, the world anew, the world that shall be.

I relinquish my miscreations.

I surrender my belief in guilt.

Bring me home to the truth at last.

May all God's children be innocent in my eyes for they are all my brothers.

May I see this that the world might heal.

Dear God, give me new eyes, Your eyes.  Amen.

Thank you Marianne Williamson, for Illuminata.

Hold them in the light with love and bless them to their highest good. xo

couple cases of corona

Jason~Asad~Bobbie~Anthony~Wayne-o~Mikey

My heroes!  These bulldogs took the bull by the horn as they loaded and stored the plethora of items from our house in the city.  Some of the furniture was unbelievably heavy but the guys are like Hercules and handled it with ease.  It didn't hurt that Mike brought a couple cases of Corona to motivate them, either.  They probably ascended and descended all 50 stairs at least 100 times throughout the day with the treasures to be stored from the attic to the basement and onto the truck.  No one ever complained how difficult or tedious the task was.  Who needs a stairmaster?  Not only did they spend the day with us, but afterward Jason went on to work all night, and I suspect the others continued their own missions as well.  Thanks so much, guys.  Love you all.

cousins (brothers of the heart) Ed (Bonyok) and Wayne-o

These guys are like brothers and spent their childhood running (literally) through the house and attending the numerous gatherings with their families.  They browsed through each room remembering the times they played and bonded, then more recently, painted and repaired the place and I could see the twinkle in their eyes reminding them of days gone by.  Afterwards they looked at each other and said "It's time," and chuckled at the notion of ending a long, long sojourn.  They held on to pieces of the old days with simple souvenirs of their ancestors, like the old cane their Grandpa used, or the old hat Uncle Steve wore when dabbling in house repairs.  Old being the operative word here. 

brothers of the heart~anthony and mikey

These guys are like miniatures of the aforementioned dudes.  They, too, had their share of repairing ceilings and painting and sanding walls at this abode.  Notice the reinforcement Mike is holding!   It doesn't take much to motivate them and they got down and dirty without a hitch.  Anthony and Mike work well together and there is nothing they can't handle.  It's a good feeling to know the next generation has the gumption to get 'er done, regardless of the challenge.  Their strength and tenacity makes us proud.

 the mighty truck

So long, Sawyer!  Once the loaded-to-the-hilt trailer truck was packed, it didn't take long to unload and store.  We celebrated the accomplished mission by dining at Home Run Inn for delicious pizza and chicken strips.  This was the hardest day ever and I must mention there was a moment when it could have been my last.  After I dropped Jason off so he could go to work, there was a long train on 63rd.  I waited patiently, even though every inch of me screamed home, home, home and just as I was heading on Harlem to get on I-55, I noticed an SUV with its hind on top of a grid rail, facing the other direction.  It staggered my mind how it got there and a few feet ahead of me were two cars stalled.  All of a sudden the car in front of me slid and jammed into a stone rail but kept driving away and then my Jeep started sliding and just as it was about to ram into or even over the guardrail into a huge drop, it stopped, as if my angels caught it.  I waited to see if another car would hit me from behind, but it did not, so I continued driving away from the black ice and got home safely.  My whole body was shaking uncontrollably and I heard the news mention enormous amounts of accidents and roads being closed because of the black ice.  I was saved last night, no doubt.  It was too close for comfort and today I will thank my Lord for His blessings. 

Once again, thanks to everyone who took part in this huge endeavor:  Wayne-O, Bonyok, Bobbie, Asad, Anthony, Jason, Billy, Danny, Mikey and most of all Jesus. 
You are the best! xo

dear mom helen

Helen and George

It has been three years on this day that you were reunited with the love of your life.  The time passed quickly, yet it seems like a long, long time since you took your last three breaths (one for each of your sons, and grandsons.)  We cherish the time you were with us in this life and hold tons of gratitude for the love you gave to our sons.  This priceless treasure of your time is instilled in them forever and they will continue your legacy with their own children.  I know you and Dad are playing with baby Dillan and in a few months we will know that joy.  I found some cute baby items, pictures of you with the boys and your beloved cruise trips, as well as some cute little notes from Wayne and Bobby.  I even found all your tax returns dating back to 1954 and a book of war stamps.  I placed them on the pink blanket that kept you warm while you were here.

nostalgia

As we prepared to exchange ownership on your beloved home, I discovered an immense amount of relics from your past.  I boast being an organized person, but you put me to shame with how you kept every single item in its place.   Your love for your home and family is evident in all the memories you contained in every box of your life, and Mom, you had a ton of boxes!  We will keep many of the family historical items, especially the lone trunk your Dad brought with him from Poland; it's priceless.  Mike went through all Dad's tools and will make him proud to carry on his mechanical expertise.  The new owner came by and the first thing he said was it was a lucky house - he felt it, too.  He was very impressed when Wayne mentioned all the generations that lived there for 70 years.

As we lovingly store your treasures until the boys settle in their own homes, know they will be cherished and your efforts to maintain them will have not been in vain.  Steve plans to decorate his place with most of your furniture - he loves that stuff!  Bobby is still grounded in your neighborhood and is doing beautifully thanks to Thresholds.  Now you have another cliffhanger with you, for Uncle Frank left this earth yesterday morning - he was 96! 

Keep smiling down on us and hold us in your hearts, as we do you and Bombhead. I know Wayne made you proud as he handled everything just as you requested.

  Give Dillan a smooch from me and when he is with us, I'll do the same for you.  xo



mascarpone

This was quite a transition weekend.  I know of five people who moved to new places and my niece is one of them.  She and Joe are officially new homeowners and her timing was impeccable for we were able to transfer many items to her new abode and are thrilled they will enjoy them.  I know Helen and George are smiling.  She wants to decorate it in the 70s fashion so they fit in perfectly.  Congratulations Melissa and Joe!  Enjoy your new digs.

I just have to share these two new breads I recently discovered.  My family is big on deli sandwiches and the Turano whole grain is so delicious and makes excellent toast.  The pita bread is a nice variety for dipping into hummus or olive oil, oregano and parmesan cheese after warming.  Speaking of warming, it looks as if our winter days are waning and since it is the last day of February, March provides a mental transition into spring.  Thanks, Mother Nature.  I can't wait!

To celebrate, I baked lemon cupcakes with green-colored frosting and sprinkles since St. Patty's Day is almost here.  Dan and Darcy will have their one year anniversary on that date; we must decorate accordingly.  Recently I discovered a new-to-me cheese which is the highlighted subject for today and look forward to using it more often.  I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of recipes from this ingredient.

Mascarpone is a fresh, very rich cow's milk cheese with double or triple cream (60-75% milk fat.) Its texture resembles a sticky pudding and is the color of cream.  The main ingredient is sometimes used instead of butter or Parmesan cheese and is not made from whey, as is ricotta.  Mascarpone originated in the southwest of Milan in the late 16th century. It is a specialty used in various dishes of the Lombardy region of Italy.

Mascarpone cheese is the staple in tiramisu which literally means to pull up.  The biggest problem with mascarpone is that most people pronouce it as if the r is before the s instead of in front of the p ~ marscapone.

Italian Chicken Spirals with Basil Mayo Dip

6 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (2 lbs.)
6 think slices prosciutto (2.5 oz.)
6 medium spinach leaves, stems removed
1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
3/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil
1/2 small shallot
1/2 clove garlic
red pepper for basil mayo
white and/or purple flowering kale (optional)

Place chicken breast half, boned side up, between 2 pieces of plastic wrap.  Pound chicken lightly to 1/4 inch thickness.  Repeat with remaining chicken breast halves.  Set aside.

Place spinach leaves in colander; pour boiling water over leaves in the colander set in sink.  Drain spinach on paper towels.

Place a chicken breast half, smooth side down, on cutting board or other flat surface.  Season with salt and pepper.  Arrange a slice of prosciutto on chicken.  Spread a rounded tablespoon of cheese evenly over prosciutto.  Arrange a spinach leaf on top.

Roll chicken lightly from one long edge and place, seam side down, in a greased shallow baking pan.  Repeat with remaining chicken breast halves.  Combine olive oil and paprika; brush over chicken.

Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until chicken is tender and no longer pink; cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate several hours.

For Basil Mayo: Combine mayonnaise, fresh basil, shallot and garlic in a food processor blow or blender container.  Cover and proces or blend until almost smooth.  Cover and chill up to 4 hours.

To serve, trim off ends of chicken rolls.  Cut each chicken roll into 6 slices.  Arrange slices on serving plate.  Serve Basil Mayo spooned into a sweet pepper half and garnish with fresh basil.  Makes 36 appetizers.

Make ahead tip:  Prepare chicken.  Cover and chill up to 8 hours.  Prepare mayonnaise.  Cover and chill up to 4 hours.

Of the recipe shares, the appetizer is the most time-consuming.

Pasta Shells with Walnuts

4 oz. dried tricolor medium shell macaroni or cavatelli
1/4 cup sliced green onion
2 tablespoons butter
4 oz. mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup coursely chopped walnuts, toasted

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain.

Meanwhile, for sauce, in a medium saucepan cook the green onion in butter over medium heat for 1 minute.  Reduce heat.  Add the mascarpone cheese.  Cook and stir until cheese melts.  Add milk and stir until sauce is smooth.  Stir in Parmesan cheese and toasted walnuts.  This is a meal in itself.

Now for the dessert!

Strawberry Dessert Pizza

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup whipping cream
8 oz. mascarpone cheese
3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon finely finely shredded lemon peel
4 cups sliced strawberries
chocolate curls or grated chocolate

For crust:  in a medium mixing bowl combine flour and brown sugar.  Cut in butter until mixture resembles course crumbs.  Press firmly into an 11 to 13 inch pizza pan.  Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or until light brown.  Cool completely.

Just before serving, in a medium bowl beat whipping cream with an electric mixer on low speed just until soft peaks form.  Add mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar and lemon peel; beat until fluffy (mixture will thicken as it is beaten.)

Spread cheese mixture atop cooled crust.  Top with strawberries.  Garnish with chocolate curls or grated chocolate.  Serve immediately.  Makes 12 servings.

I chose these recipes because I have all the ingredients in the house to make them immediately, but I urge you to browse around for whatever strikes your fancy.  I am amazed at how this dainty cheese can be utilized.  Enjoy.

Adios, February. Hello, March...xo



mini makeover

Every few years I get a bee in my bonnet to improve our humble abode.  Now that the days are fast approaching where we no longer carry the burden of another house, I find myself inspired to improve our own place.  Unlike most of our friends, we have not experienced the empty nest syndrome and probably will not for a long while, so we may as well pretty up the place to our liking.  After observing the traffic in our home, I find the most used rooms are the baths, so that is where I will put my energies.  The entrance living room and hallway could use a nice painting to freshen things up; the current salmon color is looking a little drab these days.  Mike is an excellent painter so I plan to offer him that challenge. 

These are some ideas I gathered for what used to be known as the boys bathroom, however, Darcy seems to hang out there more than anyone, so we may as well tweak it up with some fun stuff.  I am determined to decorate with those adorable vessel bowls that are quite popular now.

This is a little masculine, yet I think Darcy will like it. 

A new shower, fresh tiles and new toilet seat are first on the list.  I am fed up with the current crapper that is too low and wobbly.  The floor tile is still beautiful and very secure and the mirror and light fixtures enhance the stained glass window, but the old school sink and cabinet will be history. 

These are just some ideas that inspired me.  The lower bath is quite small but the upper bath is huge and is still considered my happy place.  We will probably replace the tiles, sink and mirror up there and spruce it up just a notch.  I really like this amethyst stone bowl.

Having lived in this home since 1984, we already invested in all the infrastructure replacements so now we can focus on fine tuning with pretty little things.  I might add beads to the window treatments as enhancements but everything else is the way we like it.  Someday we will have to refinish all the wood floors, but not anytime soon.  We all enjoy coming home to our mini mansion as we fondly refer to it and just like the three bears, this is just right for us ~  not too big, not too little. 

Next Steve can redesign the back garden a little more, perhaps adding more stones and making room for home grown vegetables just like we had a long time ago.  These are fun projects, not overwhelming extreme makeovers as in the past, or the huge endeavor with the other property.  One home is enough for us, especially since it is filled with much love and joy.  Plus, without the extra burden, we can travel more often and visit God's countries. 

Now that's a big bathroom! 

Renew and Redo xo