Hello, Little One...

"Hello, Little One," Grandpa Chuck said with adoration to CJ, and when he noticed I had come in the room, he said, "Hello, Big One." It was said with the same adoration in his voice, but..."Hello, Big One?" 

"Good thing your grandma has a great sense of humor, CJ."

Carole Is DEAD?

If there were a classical music version of Name that Tune, my husband Chuck would be a top contender, being able to cite the composer, as well as the title of the composition. He doesn't do quite as well with popular music that has lyrics, or the artists who sing them, for that matter.

Last spring, we were discussing music during breakfast one morning. I enjoy a wide variety of artists, including country and pop vocalists. I had suggested he give a listen to Ebba Forsberg from Sweden. Our conversation deteriorated rapidly when I told him Ebba reminded me of Carole King.

For your listening pleasure, in case you haven't had the good 

fortune of hearing the mellow voice of Ebba Forsberg.

Chuck: She reminds you of Carole King? Why because she is old and dead?

Me: Carole King DIED? 

Chuck: Didn't she sing "Hello, Dolly?"

Me: You mean Carol CHANNING?

Chuck: Oh. Yeah. Her.

Me: So Carole King is still alive, right?

Whew. That was a close one. I was so sad there for a moment.

I'm happy to report that Carole King is still alive and well. So is Ebba Forsberg. We extend our condolences to the fans of Carol Channing, who may still be grieving.

Getting Back to Nature, Ourselves, and Each Other

April 10, 2016 looked like a great day for hiking. Sort of. I'm learning spring weather is unpredictable anywhere, but even more so in south-central Utah. We'd had wind, rain, snow, sleet, and sun in the few days since I'd arrived from Illinois. The morning had come in bright and sunny, but we knew it could change at any minute.

Bridge and I were taking advantage of this lovely break in the weather, and we were heading out for a nearby canyon. Everything we do together seems bittersweet these days; time has passed all to quickly, and my baby boy is chomping at the bit to experience life as an adult on his own. Can't we just slow down the clock and the calendar for awhile? I've often asked this question since I became a mother 29 years ago.

As we drove north, we headed into blue skies filled with big, puffy, white clouds. Simply gorgeous. When we got out of the car at the mouth of a canyon north and west of Richfield, Utah, we saw storm clouds gathering to the south. Hm...

A slot canyon formed by a river bed is not the best location for hiking before an impending storm. We weren't planning to hike long, however, and where we were, the weather was perfect. The slight breeze would keep us cool.

One of the best parts of hiking for me, besides the obvious scenery and exercise, is the opportunity for making deeper connections as we begin to relax, and talk, picking our way over rocks and boulders, walking further into the canyon. It's a good time for personal reflection, and the perfect opportunity to reconnect with each other. When we're inside, conversation seems to focus on the surface stuff; schedules, menus, upcoming events. Somehow it's easier to ask the open-ended questions outdoors, the questions we attempt to answer, but realize there may be more than one answer.

Much of our time in the canyons is spent in companionable silence. Some of my best thinking is done outside. When we do talk, most of the time, we mull over questions, and offer tentative thoughts as they come. Often, there are no hard, right answers, but I think we both come away feeling like we have been heard, and there has been a thoughtful attempt at mutual understanding. Our bond grows, as does our respect.

While exploring the red rock riverbed, we attempted to explore answers to questions like these: Who are we, really? When are we free to be our true selves? When does our responsibility to respect the opinions of others give way to respecting ourselves enough not to lose our own values and owning who we are? 

After about a half hour of hiking, we came to a rock wall, where there would be a waterfall if the creek were running. I watched Bridger as he scrambled up to where the wall was well over his head. Then he explored the banks of the riverbed, which were steep and full of loose rock. He came back with the report that the ground on the other side of the wall is pretty, but the trail didn't get any easier. I noticed the storm clouds were getting closer, and we decided this was as good a place as any to turn around. 

On our way out of the canyon, our conversation became less general and more specific. We realized there have been times in our lives we've both been like chameleons, blending into the landscape around us, whether we really belonged where we were or not. It's easy to start losing bits of yourself when you pretend to be someone you're not, trying to fit in with the crowd around you. After awhile, it's hard to recognize who you've become, and it takes hard work to find yourself, and honor who you are. We are realizing that the people who love us want to know what we really think, and how we are doing, and they will handle the truth of our hearts better than we might have given them credit for. It's better to let others live their lives as honestly as they can, and hope they will understand we are trying to do the same. Yes, the talk can get deep when we have the time.

The storm clouds were overhead as we neared the entrance of the canyon. By the time we climbed into the car, a few raindrops splashed on the windshield. We'd made it, and just in time. 

As I reflected on our day, I thought it was a good analogy for Bridger's life. Even when storms are threatening, he will take advantage of the time and resources available to make the best of things. He is willing to take risks that offer desirable outcomes. He is comfortable asking questions, and isn't concerned about not having all the answers. His positive attitude, common sense, and deep thinking will serve him well. 

I'm sad to realize the little boy I raised is gone, but I'm happy to know the wonderful young man who has taken his place. I'm so grateful for all of the laughter, the learning, and the love we have shared. I will cherish in my heart this day we spent hiking, reflecting, and talking about the important stuff. This mama's heart is so full. 

Jeepers Creepers

Yesterday was just a grey sort of day, inside and out. I had planned to mow the lawn, but as I looked outside, the wind was blowing, and the sky was cloudy. I didn't really want to mow, and that headache was creeping back into my life. AGAIN. (What other excuses could I muster up to avoid the mowing today? I'd take all that I can get!)

Aren't these adorable?

Ever since I bought my reading glasses last Saturday, I've had a love-hate relationship with my readers. They are adorable; colored frames with decorative ear pieces that allow me to see books and screens crystal clear, BUT, they make me dizzy and they make my head hurt. The trade-offs makes it difficult to know what to do. Do I want to see well, or FEEL well? Can't I do both?

So yesterday, I refused to wear them. Oh, great. My computer screen was blurry. My book was blurry. This was not good news. And even though I wasn't wearing my readers, I still ended up with a headache. 

It was hard to know what to do. Once I finished whining, since I had a headache anyway, I put on my glasses, and finished reading Anne Lamott's book Operating Instructions. At least I was able to see well. 

Jeepers creepers, indeed. These peepers aren't exactly the godsend I was hoping they'd be. They're cute enough, now if I can just figure out how to avoid the headache. Hmmm...

Addicted to Mugs

How many coffee cups does a kitchen need? A lot, apparently!!!

I may have a mug problem. No cute coffee cup is safe from purchase when I'm out to make a score. I'm a regular at T. J. Maxx, always looking for my next hit. 

Why so many mugs? They are irresistible to me. I don't do much entertaining, and Chuck doesn't drink coffee, or even hot cocoa. Unless he starts drinking blue Powerade Zero from a coffee cup, I have enough mugs to last me a full week, at BOTH our houses.

It all started a couple years ago when I was setting up housekeeping in the Cozy Little Cottage in Joseph. I told my daughter to be on the lookout for a cheerful orange coffee mug, something that would lift my spirits each morning as I started my day. Each time either of us went shopping, we perused the mug selection to find just the perfect one; I, in Utah, and she, in Colorado.

Then ONE day, in T.J. Maxx, I found the perfect cup for me. It was my favorite color, orange. A simple saying was stamped on the side: "think happy. be happy." This was the holy grail of coffee cups. I was so excited; I sent Sierra a message from the store, letting her know the search was over. 

She shot back a picture message, of the identical cup, with the question, "Does it look like THIS?" She had found the same mug, in Denver, and was planning to send me a little care package, complete with an orange phone case she had bought for me. She was disappointed I'd ruined her surprise. 

"Honey, that's PERFECT! Now I'll have a matching set of cups. THANK YOU!" 

Fast forward two years later: I have two homes, and two kitchens to stock, and I am so thankful that I have my favorite mug at both houses. 

But it didn't stop there. It turns out that innocent little cup was actually a gateway mug to a growing addiction.

Over the months that followed, I was drawn to T.J. Maxx like a junkie to a dealer. My collection has grown as I have developed a weakness for bright colors and cute phrases. At least they're not expensive. At $2.99 a hit, this is one addiction I can afford to feed. 

Recently, Chuck and I were in the housewares section of T.J. Maxx. I buy my "good enough" coffee there, the occasional piece of cookware or specialty utensil, bedding, and home decor items that "speak to me." And of course, coffee cups. As we were heading to the checkout, Chuck held my hand a little tighter, and quickened his step. He was in a hurry, and I wasn't sure why. I craned my neck, and pulled back a little, and saw the reason for his actions. He was whisking me past the display of coffee mugs.

"You'll thank me later," he said with a wry smile. "When we get ready to move, and it's time to box up the coffee cups, you will be glad we didn't buy any more mugs." 

He has a point. There may come a time when I will reach the same conclusion he has; I have more than enough coffee cups. One day, but not quite yet. 

Have you ever considered if you are compulsive about your favorite thing, whatever it is? Maybe it's books. Magazines. Figurines. Yarn. Craft supplies. Techie gadgets. Camera equipment. (I threw those last two in for Chuck. Just teasing, Honey.)

They say the first step is admitting we have a problem.  I wonder if there is a support group for people like us...

The Return of My Owl

Silence hangs 

in the house,

so heavy and still,

as night settles

over the valley.

The small clock

on the mantle

stopped weeks ago,

no longer disturbing

the quiet with its

ticking metronome.

The streetlight sends

its  amber glow through

the lace curtains,

mixing with the blue

of the computer screen,

the only lights

in the front room.

Senses quicken

as a muffled sound

pushes its way

into the stillness

of the night.

From deep inside 

the throat

of a solitary owl

comes the sound again.

Straining to hear 

through the

thick silence,

the reward comes

in the mournful call

of a lone owl

perched high 

on a limb

of a barren tree.

"Thank you,"

I whisper

toward the tree,

"I'd hoped

you'd come back."

My owl has returned.

Put the Lime in the Coconut Scones

Wait until you taste these fluffy, citrus-y, melt-in-your mouth scones. I had promised friends I would share the recipe my daughter Sierra concocted, but then the A-Z Blogging Challenge started, and these scones got pushed onto a back burner. But today I will introduce you to our scones.

Once we started making them, it was hard to stop. My daughter may or may not have made them every day for a week; they are that good.

This recipe is all about simplicity and yumminess. That's it. There are no claims for helping you lose weight, or helping you develop self-discipline. They are just easy to make and a delight to eat. Without further adieu, here you go!

Put the Lime in the Coconut Scones

2 cups self-rising flour

2 heaping tablespoons of sugar

1 1/2 cups full fat coconut milk (canned, not in the carton)

Set aside 1 tablespoon for brushing on dough before baking. 

1 teaspoon grated lime zest

1/2 cup organic, unsweetened grated coconut (or just use regular sweetened, grated coconut. What the heck.) 

1 tablespoon raw, turbinado sugar for sprinkling on scones before baking

Lime glaze: Stir together 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lime juice and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. If you have more lime zest, this is a good place to use it. Drizzle the glaze on scones after baking.

1. Preheat oven to 375.

2. Mix dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Add in coconut and lime zest.

3. Stir in coconut milk until just mixed; do NOT over-mix. If the dough is too dry, add another tablespoon or two of the coconut milk.

4. Gently knead the mixture on a lightly floured surface a few times. Too much kneading will result in a tough scone, and nobody wants that! If the dough is too sticky to work with, add an additional tablespoon or two of flour until the dough is smooth, and easily shaped.

5. Shape the dough into a circle on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

6. Brush the top of the circle with the reserved tablespoon of coconut milk, and sprinkle with sugar. (We love the raw sugar granules which are chunkier than table sugar.)

7. Cut the dough into 8 wedges with a pizza cutter. (If you're like me, you might forget to slice it before baking. Don't worry; it doesn't ruin it. It just bakes up nicer to have it pre-sliced.)

8. Bake for 16-20 minutes, on the top rack, until the crust is golden brown.

9. Let it cool for just a few minutes before topping with citrus glaze.

Tangy lime and sweet coconut make this a tropical treat sensation.

And So It Begins...

The time has come for me to have one more thing to try to keep track of: reading glasses. This should go well. I'm the woman with the jewelry box full of single earrings missing their mates. In the last month, I've misplaced my purse, my wallet, and the necklace Chuck gave me for our wedding. I'm sure there were more things, but I can't remember what they were. The struggle is real, folks.

Something had to give, though. I'd been noticing that my far-sighted eye was getting MUCH worse at reading, and wondered if my more frequent headaches might be alleviated by correcting that eye.

A Lasik procedure a few years ago gave me monovision; one eye corrected for distance, and the other one was left as it was for reading. It gave me the best of both worlds for several years, as my eyes adjusted to the depth of focus needed at any given moment. My near-sighted eye seems to be holding its own, but the far-sighted one has been struggling with reading and computer screens.

So, Chuck and I went to Walmart to buy some inexpensive glasses. I wanted the wildest ones I could find. Perhaps Walmart wasn't the best place to go for a wide variety of styles, but after trying on the hot pink and red ones, I chose the black and white ones with the zebra case. Woo-hoo. Yeah, I'm going to be THAT grandma.

Notice one pair is already dangling from Chuck's shirt. He's teaching me you can
never have too many glasses. 

The first thing I did when I got them home was remove the corrective glass from one side so my left eye doesn't have twice the correction it needs. If having glasses doesn't make me feel extra pretty, that one little tweak should be a confidence booster, don't you think?

Will I be the absent-minded senior searching for glasses while wearing them on top of my head, or will I finally give in to wearing them on a chain around my neck, like my grandma did, or maybe I will have to buy multiple pairs to have scattered all over the house.

Thankfully, Chuck bought the same strength I did, so for now, I'll be able to use his if mine go missing. He has glasses in the car, on the desk, counter, and kitchen table, and tucked in the collar of his polo shirt. That's what works for him.

Any bets on how long it will be before I'm looking for Chuck's glasses because I can't find mine? One week? One day? In a few hours? Time will tell...

By the way, just in case I DO lose these little $5.88 beauties, any tips on where to find plaid or polka-dotted or multi-colored glasses for a steal? I'm hoping one of you will share your source for wild and crazy glasses with me.

Z Is for Zzz...

Finallly, the last day of the A-Z Blogging Challenge is upon us. If you haven't fallen asleep yet with my Daily Affirmations for Intentional Living, let's give you a little nudge, and talk about getting some Zzzs on our final day. ("You're getting very sleeeeeepy...")

"But I don't wanna take a nap," I must have said hundreds of time during childhood. 

"I'd like to take a nap, but I'm just not much of a napper," I must have said just as many times during adulthood.

Insomnia and I have been bedfellows for decades. Falling asleep at bedtime, which is any time after 7:30 p.m., is a cake walk for me. Staying asleep has been an elusive quest most of my life, it seems.

Enter retirement, combined with my lifelong history of brief sleep patterns, and suddenly, I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, any time of day. Sleeping past three in the morning is still a challenge, but these daytime naps are wonderful.

There is something very delicious about sleeping while there is daylight. I am learning there is something to be gained from slowing my pace enough to rest. It is also very reassuring when I wake up anytime after 3;00, knowing a restorative nap will be on my agenda later in the day. 

My mom always told me, rest is as good as sleep, so even if you can't shut down all the way, there are still benefits to closing your eyes and lying down. If you are a napper, you know exactly what I mean, and if you are like I was, maybe you still have this little life lesson to look forward to. 

Before I go, I just have to share a few of the "inspirational quotes" on napping I found on Timothy McSweeney's Internet Tendency. Maybe they'll be just the inspiration you need to take a nap today.

FAMOUS INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES TAKE NAPS.

BY PATRICIA ROBINSON

- - - -

“Dream as if you’ll live forever; live as if you’ll nap today.”

- -

“Nap like no one is listening. Nap like you’ve never been hurt. Nap like nobody is watching.”

- -

“Do one nap every day that scares you.”

- -

“Be the nap you wish to see in the world.”

- -

“Every girl is napping. Sometimes it just takes the right guy to see it.”

- -

“Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other is napping.”

- -

“To the world you might just be anyone, but to one person you’re napping.”

- -

“Never frown because you never know who is falling asleep to your smile.”

- -

“When life gives you lemons, take a nap.”

- -

“Everything happens for a nap.”

- -

“Shoot for the moon, and even if you miss you’ll take a nap.”

- -

“What doesn’t kill you makes you nap.” 

Y Is for YES

As a young mom and teacher, I tried very hard to say yes as often as I could. As long as a request wasn't dangerous, illegal, or just plain wrong, I would try to find a way to make things happen for my children and my students. I like to have fun as much as anyone, and I have found that being open to new ideas and experiences has made for an interesting life.

The little yeses led to sleeping outside on the trampoline, having breakfast for supper, going to the circus, planting snapdragons, reading the Boxcar Children in the tree house, eating from the ice cream carton with spoons, water balloon fights, opening birthday presents early, watching the sunrise and a solar eclipse, winter walks in the snow, learning to downhill ski at 48, Renaissance Faires, buying a drum set...

The big yeses led to body surfing with my kids at Myrtle Beach, road trips to Colorado and California, meeting the man of my dreams in the Smokey Mountains, accepting his marriage proposal just after sunrise in those very same mountains, moving back to Illinois... 

Saying yes to so many wonderful things life has to offer led me to where I am today. I find myself happily married to a man who seems to share my philosophy. We indulge each other in our passions, knowing that the same will be done for us.

Why not say yes? If I can't come up with a very good reason to say no, I always try to muster up the courage and enthusiasm to say yes. 

"Find a way to say yes to things. Say yes to invitations to a new country, say yes to meet new friends, say yes to learn something new. Yes is how you get your first job, and your next job, and your spouse, and even your kids. Even if it's a bit edgy, a bit out of your comfort zone, saying yes means that you will do something new, meet someone new, and make a difference. Yes lets you stand out in a crowd, be the optimist, see the glass full, be the one everyone comes to. Yes is what keeps us all young."  

-Eric Schmidt