Empty Nest

Beren and I are on vacation now, have been up at the Ormond house since last Thursday night. As always, I love being up here; it's peaceful, relaxing and since there's little furniture and "stuff," there's little to do as far as housekeeping. So we spend our days shopping, mostly at thrift stores searching for items to decorate the house, or reading, playing on the computer, watching movies, sightseeing, etc. It's lovely, really, because even tho Beren lived here for 6 years and feels like a local, I'm still discovering the area myself.

Also, since our house down south is packed to the brim at home with people, critters and "things," it can be overwhelming at times! There's always someone home, something to do/clean/maintain, never a dull moment unless you choose to make it so. We've been getting away every chance we get as it allows a bit of breathing room, space for us and for the kids. I mean, it's not easy for us having 4 grown children underfoot all the time nor do they appreciate having the folks constantly peering over their shoulder! I'm sure this is especially true for Kali & Kevin; they're still newlyweds after all!

So, yes, this Ormond house is providing a respite from the hustle & bustle and chaos of "home" and I'm really enjoying it. For the most part. There are times when it's not so great, sudden moments of loneliness, long hours when it's a bit too quiet, when I miss the children, my pets..my Home. I don't have anyone here. No friends. No workmates. No family. Just Beren. Don't get me wrong, we're having a great time playing Newlyweds ourselves and I think this situation has greatly benefited out relationship, but I can't and don't want to rely on him 100%. And let's face it, we don't share the same interests all the time! When he's sitting in front of the television watching endless hours of football or Sci-Fi, I'm accustomed to doing my own thing whether it be visiting with one of my girls or hopping in the car to go shopping or run an errand. Maybe I go get my nails done or just putter around the house because, as I mentioned before, there is always something to do. Often I head to the kitchen and whip up dinner or a special dessert for the whole family to enjoy. Sometimes I just curl up with a book and Jezebel or Jackson and we catnap together. Up here I can't do any of those things. We only have one car and it's Beren's, a stick shift which I never learned to drive. There are no kids or kitties, no garden, no nothing. If I cook something it's only for he and I and dessert will go to waste around here, I'm not used to cooking for two!

In light of all this, I've been doing a lot of soul searching and deep thinking, might have even learned a thing or two about myself. While I've always enjoyed my alone time and am comfortable with solitude (I'm an only child, after all) I really do enjoy people around me. I like to cook for others, it's not nearly as enjoyable doing it "just" for myself. And as much as I like a quiet, clean environment I also come alive with the noise and ruckus that constitutes a full house! I'm happiest when the kids are all home, laughing and telling stories around the dinner table, passing food that I've prepared especially for them. It makes me feel special, important, and, yes, loved. Without that, I'm honestly not sure what my purpose is in life. It sounds so cliche, but if I'm not a full time mom, who am I? When my children move out, as they inevitably will, what am I going to do then? What will fill my time and, more importantly, my heart? Where will all of this emotional and physical caretaking be directed? Honestly, I'm terrified at the prospect! I've been a mother since I was 19 years old, for goodness' sake, 25 years of focusing on children, I don't know how to do anything else!

I know, most women experience this "empty nest syndrome" and they manage to get through it just fine. They go back to school, focus on their career, take up a hobby, or in the case of my friend Tracey whose son just left for college, join a gym. While those are all great suggestions, still I'd come home to an empty house at the end of the day.

I'm not sure what the answer is but I guess it's a good thing I'm getting this birds eye view of what's up ahead for me. Right now, today in fact, I can drive 4 hours and walk in the front door to be greeted by all of my children living under my roof and for a little while I'll be content. But this time is short lived and therefore ever-so-precious. I'm going to savor it, soak up all of the sweet moments while I can but also start planning for when those baby birds take flight. Perhaps at this point I need to start feathering my own nest?

Sunday Funnies ~ Kittehs

Beren and I have been sitting at the dining room table on our respective laptops for a couple of hours now. He's working (ugh, what happened to being on vacation?) and I'm e-baying, reading blogs, you know, the usual morning stuff. It's pretty quiet here other than an occasional slurp of coffee or banging of keyboard (that would be Beren, of course) until I burst out in uncontrollable giggles. Beren looks up and quite seriously asks, "LOL Cats?" LOL, you got it! No matter what mood I'm in, these silly things delight and entertain me to no end. I share with you just one of this morning's funnies, hope you enjoy it as much as I did.


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Alert! Gap Promotes Wicked Witchcraft!

Did you know that one of our favorite wholesome clothing stores is promoting witchcraft?! Yeah, it's news to me, too, but apparently the American Family Association is up in arms because GAP's latest holiday ad mentions Solstice. Of course it also refers to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, not sure how they feel about that. Goddess forbid a company should do something inclusive! Of course, I guess we shouldn't be surprised that GAP is behind this evil plan; after all, they sell children's clothing depicting witches already! Gasp!

That's right, my pretties, we wicked witches are just sitting around stirring our cauldrons conjuring up new ways to entice innocent folks over to the dark side! Watch out, Old Navy, you're next! Ooh, and Macy's, now that would be a good one...or how about good ol' Wal-Mart! Oooh, the possibilities are simply endless!

*cackle* *cackle*

Better run, we wicked witches have a lot of work to do before Solstice!




P.S. When we witches aren't out wreaking havoc, we like to sit back wearing our jammies and black hats shopping for jewelry!

Stormy Seas

November 19, 2009
Benefits of Calm
Leo Daily Horoscope

You may feel stressed as you deal with a hectic schedule today. You might be hurrying to meet deadlines or laboring under a burdensome workload, which could leave you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Since the quality of your thoughts are often more powerful in determining the type of day you have, you may want to take a few minutes to embrace a more peaceful focus. Taking time to meditate on a peaceful image or thought can give you a greater sense of inner balance, while stepping out to burn off excess energy through brisk activity can clear your mind and improve your endurance. The activities you pursue are not as important as the benefits you will enjoy by choosing to release tension and embrace a calmer focus today.

A calm mind-set improves our concentration and lightens our mood, giving us the ability to overcome distractions and accomplish our work quickly and easily. Though it can be challenging to rise above frustration and embrace a calm focus, doing so can mean the difference between feeling stressed or productive. Simply by choosing to release stressful thoughts and bring ourselves back into mental and emotional balance, we immediately feel more in control of our situation. Our focus then improves, our stress evaporates, and we are able to continue with our work feeling inspired and confident. With an intention to embrace a calm focus in all of your activities today, you will give yourself the freedom and flexibility needed to overcome distractions and complete your work with ease.

Yesterday couldn't have been farther from calm. Oh, it started out fine with a typical morning at the office followed by errands, laundry, housekeeping and packing for vacation but then things went terribly awry.

You see, Beren is still having "issues" with his ex-wife which are causing us quite a bit of stress. The details don't matter, it's about what most causes many divorces and subsequently post-divorce fracas: Money. Oh, yeah, and more importantly: Children. Though the dirty deed was finalized nearly two years ago (after a lengthy separation), they have still not found an amicable, peaceful way to communicate. Is it her fault? Yes. Is it his fault? Yes. As we divorce survivors know, there are always two sides to every story and I am close enough to the situation to see both sides, even if I don't always agree with them.

So, moving forward to yesterday, we had an appointment scheduled with his attorney for the afternoon, just before picking up his girls and heading out of town with them. Probably not the best timing but logistically there was no other way. From the way things have been playing out lately, I knew in my heart that this was not going to be a "normal" exchange of children. I anticipated drama at the least, a major upset at the most, but what I didn't expect his girls being escorted to our car by police escort. I didn't think it would get that far, couldn't imagine his ex would barricade them in the house & refuse to send them out to us, leaving him no option but to get law enforcement involved.

As you can imagine, the three-hour ride to our destination was not pleasant. The children were tense, I was upset & shaking, Beren was furious. I ask you this: what happened to doing things in the "best interest of the children?" Somehow along the way that notion was tossed out the window, wasn't it? Because surely this level of chronic stress & pressure can't be good for them, it certainly isn't for me. I've seen divorce from every aspect now and while I've made some mistakes along the way, I always tried to keep my children's interests a top priority, protecting them as best I could. I am rewarded with an amazing relationship with Strider, Husband #1, and a (mostly) amicable relationship with Husband #2. Let's face it, the aftermath of a stormy divorce isn't always smooth sailing but it doesn't have to be a constant typhoon either.

Today is a new day and I'm hoping things will settle down, that we will find some peace & harmony if only in This House, under my roof, because that's the only thing I can attempt to control. As for the rest of it, I guess at this point a court date is in our future, and all that that entails.

Wish me luck, I think I'm going to need it.

Weighed Down

The burden of the scales, originally uploaded by Koen Cobbaert.

Wow, the universe is really encouraging (pushing) me to continue with this decluttering! I have already put up a bunch of books on e-bay along with some collectible pottery that's been sitting in Beren's garage for years...grin...hoping to earn some holiday money.

I feel weighted down, honestly, by "stuff" as well as actual pounds on my body. I know from reading Peter Walsh's book that the two things are related, makes perfect sense to me.

The process is daunting, though, because there seems to be just so much stuff everywhere! I get started on a particular area of my house and halfway through I get frustrated and bored and want to quit. Same goes for dieting, I do well for several days and then I get tired of the counting, thinking, obsessing over each & every morsel that goes into my mouth! Why can't I just eat like "normal" people and be a "normal" size?

Are any of you going through this process right now? If so, how do you stay motivated? I could sure use some help right about you!

November 16, 2009
Making Room for Harmony
Leo Daily Horoscope
You may feel restless today, with a need to be productive in cleaning, organizing, or making home improvements. These feelings may be caused by a sense of oppression in your surroundings or simply boredom with the same old scenery. A good way to enhance this mood is by focusing on clearing away objects that no longer inspire you. While you may have sentimental feelings about some of the objects in your home, you can still clear away clutter without feeling guilty. You might consider passing along family heirlooms to other family members, giving sentimental objects to cherished friends, and donating other items to a local charity. If you simply can’t bear the thought of releasing these objects permanently, consider packing them carefully and storing them out of sight to see how your mood improves today.

By clearing our surroundings of objects that no longer inspire us, we create space for harmony and peace to enter. While sentimental objects can trigger happy memories, they can also make our surroundings seem cluttered and oppressive. If we choose to store these items away, or give them away to others who will appreciate them, we clear our environment of stagnant energy. Not only does this make room for harmony and peace to enter our lives, it also creates a space for greater abundance to manifest. Since a calm atmosphere can improve our moods, we will usually find ourselves feeling light, peaceful, and energetic again. By removing unnecessary clutter today, you will call in more harmonious energy to refresh your environment.

Party Time!

There's a busy day ahead for Beren & myself as we are invited to not one but two birthday parties! First, my dear friend R is having her annual bash at our favorite biker bar, always a good time. Afterward we are heading to a fancier soiree where my friend N is celebrating her 30th birthday. Both parties include live music and everflowing liquor but not a whole lot of food. I learned my lesson long ago about having something in my tummy if I'm going to indulge in a couple of cocktails and greasy bar food is not the best choice!

So, I'll be using my crockpot once again today, preparing this tasty chicken dish alongside steamed veggies and potatoes for the other folks. Oh, and since my girls don't eat meat, they'll have a chicken substitute, have you all tried these Quorn products? They are surprisingly good! The consistency is very poultry-like, am quite impressed with them!

Before I don my party hat, however, I have a bit of work to do here at the castle so I'll leave you with this scrumptious recipe. Have a fabulous day!

Crockpot Roast Sticky Chicken

4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. white pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 large roasting chicken
(NOTE: I didn't have any white pepper so i used a total of 1 tsp. black pepper instead)

In a small bowl, thoroughly combine all the spices. Remove giblets from chicken, clean the cavity well and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the spice mixture into the chicken, both inside and out, making sure it is evenly distributed and down deep into the skin. Place in a resealable plastic bag, seal and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, put the bird into the crockpot and do not add any liquid. As the cooking process goes on it will produce it's own juices. Cook on low 8 - 10 hours and it will be falling off the bone tender.

P.S. Yes, take the chicken out of the bag before putting into the crockpot *smile*

Enjoy!

Proud as Peacock

Peacock, originally uploaded by Rapunzel*.

I just received this lovely e-mail in my box, am so excited I just have to share!

Schmap: Fort Lauderdale Photo Short-list

Hi Rapunzel*,

I am writing to let you know that one of your photos has been short-listed for inclusion in the ninth edition of our Schmap Fort Lauderdale Guide, to be published early December 2009.

http://www.schmap.com/shortlist/p=51923102N00/c=SM20464038

Oh, my goodness! Even if my photo isn't included I'm so honored to have been considered, never thought this little snapshot was anything special but apparently to someone it is. *big smile*

What a fabulous way to start my Thursday!


Brightest Blessings,

Making a Home

Today's Daily Om is quite timely for me as I am still slowly setting up our other house, making it into a home. I'm enjoying taking my time, carefully choosing each item that I bring in, making sure everything is what I love and really desire to live with. It's exciting for me to start new & fresh with Beren, almost as if we are newlyweds! *smile*

I'll share a few pics of the humble abode but understand that we are still living "bare bones," and honestly I love it this way! No clutter, no mess, just the essentials. I'm hoping I can keep it this way.

My favorite part of the whole house, the back yard! We have about 1/3 acre which is huge by Florida suburban standards, lol! I love that Beren didn't clear the whole thing and install palm trees like so many others did, he left a nice big natural grotto. You can't see it in the pics, but there's a pond running alongside and a creek down the back!




The most important room in the house...wink....this bed is so tall I can barely climb up onto it!



The second most important room..please note that I do not share the former tenant's appreciation for pea green/aqua blue walls...shudder...we will be painting very soon!



November 9, 2009
A Living Dwelling ~ Creating a Beautiful Home

The homes we occupy are seldom ideal. A space that satisfies our basic needs may nonetheless leave us wanting where location, décor, or style are concerned. Yet every home has the potential to be beautiful. When we fill our homes with love, we transcend worldly factors such as market value and design. Our conscious, loving intentions can literally transform the spaces in which we live, dispelling any lingering unharmonious energy and replacing it with an ethereal beauty that is felt rather than seen. Our homes become spiritual dwellings that feel soulful and alive. Regardless of their outward appearances, they radiate love, making all who enter, including ourselves, feel instantly welcome.

Turning a space into the beautiful outward expression of your inner warmth is as easy as projecting love into it. When your intentions are sincere, you can infuse the walls of your home with your energy, your emotional sensitivity, and your generosity of spirit, turning it into a haven of affection, joy, laughter, and togetherness. It is up to you, whether you want your personal spaces to be peaceful and quiet or lively and inspiring. Begin by cultivating awareness within yourself. This will allow you to see your home as an integral part of your existence rather than somewhere you simply return to at the end of each day. Consider how you relate to each element of your space, and remind yourself that every room in your home can serve a purpose in your life and the lives of your loved ones. Finally, lovingly thank each room for providing for your needs. As you become more mindful of the manner in which your home contributes to your well-being, you will discover that, more and ! more, you want to love and be loved by it.

Appearance and other superficial qualities can be deceiving. An aesthetically beautiful home can prove unwelcoming. And a home that seems mundane in every characteristic can be as comforting and cozy as a beloved relative or friend. When you nurture and care for your home as if it were a loved one, it will absorb your tender intentions and project a love so touching you will soon come to feel a great affection for it.

On My Hearth: Tuscan Vegetable Soup

Beren & I are alone here at the Ormond house, having a wonderful relaxing time so far! The temperature has dropped just a tiny bit and there's a nice breeze blowing through so I thought I'd take advantage of it and make a big pot of soup. This one from More magazine is simmering on the stove right now, smells fabulous! I can't wait to dig in!


Tuscan Vegetable Soup

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

1 15.5-ounce can cannellini or other
small white beans, preferably
low-sodium, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1 medium carrot, diced
(about ½ cup)
2 stalks celery, diced (about ½ cup)
1 small zucchini (about ½ pound)
diced (about 1½ cups)
1 garlic clove, minced (about
1 teaspoon)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
or 1 teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
or ½ teaspoon dried
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black
pepper, plus more to taste
4 cups low-sodium chicken or
vegetable broth
1 14.5-ounce can no-salt added
diced tomatoes, with their juices
2 ounces baby spinach leaves (2 cups
lightly packed), chopped
1⁄3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. In a small bowl, mash half the beans. Set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, zucchini, garlic, thyme, sage, salt and pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Add the mashed and whole beans and the spinach; cook until the spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. Serve topped with the Parmesan.

Serves 6

On My Hearth: Savory Lentil Casserole

I'm working my way through the Good Carb, Better Carb Cookbook, finding a lot of great recipes to try! Tonight it's going to be a modified version of this yummy lentil dish, will substitute meat for veggie-friendly options.

Savory Lentil Casserole

1-1/4 cups dried brown or green lentils, sorted, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces fresh Shiitake or button mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 ounces Canadian bacon, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 to 3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place lentils ina medium saucepan; cover with enough water to come 1 inch over lentils. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, covered, 20 to 25 minutes untl lentils are barely tender; drain.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir 3 minutes. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 10 minutes or until liquid is evaporated and mushrooms are tender. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture; stir well. Cook and stir 1 minute. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, Canadian bacon, salt and pepper. Cook and stir until mixture is thick and bubbly.

3. Grease 1-1/2-quart casserole. Stir lentils into mushroom mixture. Spread evenly in prepared casserole. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 minutes.

4. Sprinkle tomatoes over casserole just before serving.

Enjoy!

Day of the Dead

For some time now my daughter Kali has encouraged us to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, Day of the Dead. Being a multi-cultural family who heartedly embraces other beliefs & customs, we figured, why not? With such a devastating loss this year, it seemed the perfect time to do so.

We always make an altar for Samhain honoring those who have moved on....





This afternoon each of us will visit Mom's grave, decorating it with flowers and pumpkins, lighting a candle and visiting with her.

Then tonight we will set an extra place at the table, inviting the spirits to join us in a feast. I'll be making Pan de Muerto alongside Mom's Vegetable-Beef Stew, not really a recipe per se but if anyone wants it I'll be happy to share.



Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)

Ingredients
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup (half a stick) margarine or butter, cut into 8 pieces
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup very warm water
• 2 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, unsifted
• 1/2 teaspoon anise seed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Instructions: Bring milk to boil and remove from heat. Stir in margarine or butter, 1/4 cup sugar and salt.

In large bowl, mix yeast with warm water until dissolved and let stand 5 minutes. Add the milk mixture.

Separate the yolk and white of one egg. Add the yolk to the yeast mixture, but save the white for later. Now add flour to the yeast and egg. Blend well until dough ball is formed.

Flour a pastry board or work surface very well and place the dough in center. Knead until smooth. Return to large bowl and cover with dish towel. Let rise in warm place for 90 minutes. Meanwhile, grease a baking sheet and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Knead dough again on floured surface. Now divide the dough into fourths and set one fourth aside. Roll the remaining 3 pieces into "ropes."

On greased baking sheet, pinch 3 rope ends together and braid. Finish by pinching ends together on opposite side. Divide the remaining dough in half and form 2 "bones." Cross and lay them atop braided loaf.

Cover bread with dish towel and let rise for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix anise seed, cinnamon and 2 teaspoons sugar together. In another bowl, beat egg white lightly.

When 30 minutes are up, brush top of bread with egg white and sprinkle with sugar mixture, except on cross bones. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Makes 8 to 10 servings.