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5/14/13 Rolling Stones in real life
In December 1969, a few months after I was born, The Rolling Stones released the album Let It Bleed, with the runaway hit “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” The chorus features the lyrics, “You can’t always get what you want but if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need.”
I was whining about a few things today when I realized that my energy might be better used if I were grateful for having what I NEED instead of bemoaning that I don’t have what I WANT.
What I have: a fever blister. What I want: clear lips. What I need: Patience as my body heals itself.
What I have: an apple with almond butter. What I want: chili cheese fries. What I need: Nutritious fuel for my body.
What I have: a pain under my right shoulder blade, probably from working too much with my mouse and/or iPhone. What I want: a pain-free body. What I need: a body that is healthy so I can continue to lead an active, productive life.
I’d sure love to hear YOUR have/want/need. Thanks for visiting.
Posted in Tunes Tuesday
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4/26/13 Friday Freewrite
What an emotionally challenging two weeks. I want to walk in a field somewhere…where it’s quiet except for the buzzing of insects and the rush of birds’ wings.
Photo cred: ETSY
I am reminded of a hill near Camp Hiawatha, my grandparents’ cabin on Lake Hortonia in Vermont, where I played as a child. The sun is out but it’s not hot. Clouds in the sky but not overcast. Sky is blue but not so stunningly blue I notice it. I’m more interested in the slightly worn path through the tall grass. It ends at an edge of woods on a hill. For years I never ventured through the woods, not out of fear, but because I was so content in the field. As a teen, I explored the wooded hill and found it was disappointing. The path ended in a nondescript clearing. No overlook onto the lake. No secret campfire ring or natural monument. Sometimes not exploring something keeps the mystery of it intact, but if I hadn’t gone, I’m sure I would have always wondered what it was.I’m alone but not afraid. I collect wildflowers for a bouquet for the table. Queen Anne’s lace is a weed but to this child, it’s a beautiful flower. I haven’t thought of this place for a long long time. I’m glad I did today.
Lake Hortonia, Vermont – photo cred: ucmohiou.blogspot.com
Posted in Friday Freewrite
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Rice Pudding!
Because “regular” dairy disagrees with my tummy, how happy I was to find this recipe for RICE PUDDING from Bree Hester! Simple ingredients. Simple process. Complex, creamy sweetness. I had spoonfuls of it straight from the pot last night, and a few bites for breakfast this morning. My notes below this luscious picture from Ms. Hester:
- I substituted SILK brand unsweetened almond milk for the Almond Breeze, generic brand of Splenda for the sugar, and 1/2 dropper full of real vanilla (too much, less next time) extract instead of the bean. I also didn’t have berries. It was still yums.
- Plan to be near the stove for an hour or more…cooking the rice “risotto style” (adding a bit of liquid at a time until rice absorbs over low heat and stirring occasionally) takes tiiiiiiiime. But soooooo worth it.
- Next time I may omit the sugar (it was almost too sweet) or try xylitol; I may add a touch of nutmeg and/or cinnamon.
- If you’re into texture, this feels wonderful in your mouth.
- I want to try this with quinoa next.
- It’s better the 2nd day.
Let me know if you try it and what you think!
Posted in Eats & Sips
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Not so zesty today
Photo cred: families.com
Those laundry-wringer thingies? Yeah, I woke up feeling like I’d been put through one.
Physically draggy–heavy limbs, like I’m walking through mud. Mentally in a fog–thinking of basic words is a chore and did you just say something? Could you please repeat? Emotionally flat one moment, on the verge of tears the next.
I want to crawl into bed and cry myself to sleep. I know the causes: allergies, missed medications, restless sleep, sad news. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way and the hope I cling to is that I know it will pass. I also know that a step toward healing is acknowledging and not isolating, so…here I am.
For now, I’ll take my allergy meds, drink water, talk to God, tell people I love them, and put one foot in front of the other.
Thanks for listening/reading. May we all find peace in the storm.
