A Rather Blustery Day

 

Yesterday was another dreary one, raining on & off for most of the day. While I could have braved the weather and tried to walk, I didn't want to take the chance of getting stuck out there. So, I stayed home and planned to do all sorts of things with that "found" time, but instead I pouted and peered out the window and complained about the bikers who, despite the pandemic and pouring rain, still showed up for Biketoberfest and insisted on racing up and down the street near my house, ruining my quiet Sunday. Yes, I've become that woman, the crotchety old lady who just wants peace & quiet, dammit! If I have to be locked in my house, I want it to be as pleasant as possible, please. Grrr..

Anyway, I managed to salvage the day (and my mood, sort've) by crafting & cooking, watching TV & reading, as per usual. Thanks to my friend Benzaiten who told me about this new Hulu series, Love in the Time of Corona. It's sweet, thoughtful, and, of course, relevant. Chip and I watched a couple of episodes, and I look forward to more later today. 

On my hearth was this easy slowcooker recipe, Butternut Squash Red Lentil Stew.

I mostly followed the recipe, didn't bother sautéeing the veggies and spices beforehand, just dumped them into the Crockpot and cooked on High for a few hours until the squash was fork tender, then stirred in spinach and coconut milk until heated through. Since I don't typically cook with oil, I left that out as well, making this dish perfectly meet my whole food, plant-based no oil criteria. (WFPBNO). I topped with a sprig of cilantro & served over steamed jasmine rice. 

The Verdict: Absolutely delicious! It was just the right amount of spice for me, but a less heat-tolerant diner may want to cut down or leave out the cayenne. I regret that I can't make a prettier presentation; you'll have to trust me that it tastes much better than it looks!

So far, today is no less blustery but the rain has cleared out (along with the bikers!) and the skies are mostly clear. I understand that more wet weather is headed our way so I took my window of opportunity and hit the sand at sunrise. Ah..with my feet in the sand, wind in my hair & the latest Brené Brown podcast episode in my ears (thank you, Lily!), it was the perfect way to kick off my Monday. 

Have a Beautiful Day,

Rapunzel~

Kicking Out 2009

I know it's only Dec 26th but I'm calling 2009 over. Kaput. Finis. I'm making a fresh start, today. No waiting until the stroke of midnight or the traditional popping of the cork. My family and I are gathering up the past year's heartache & pain, stress, drama & turmoil & tossing them to the curb. Goodbye, 2009. Though you had a few nice moments for the most part you sucked, big time.

With that out of the way, I can focus on the future, on 2010 which will be fabulous. Each year instead of, or sometimes in addition to, the typical New Years resolutions I also choose a mantra, a word or phrase to focus on for the 12 months to come. I've been pondering this for a couple of weeks and no matter how hard I tried to come up with something more original, one word persistently made it's way into my mind. I was still on the fence about it until a few days before Christmas when I opened a holiday card from my dear friend Benzaiten.



Once I saw this beautiful picture, so appropriate for those of us living in less than a winter wonderland, I knew it was a sign from the goddess! Not only have birds been significant of late, these are the exact colors of the living areas in the Ormond Beach house: ocean blue and sand, a serene, peaceful palate that is so unlike my home down south and yet one which I've been suddenly drawn to. I will be taking this lovely image to the craft shop this weekend, having it framed and then it will hang prominently in my new home, reminding me that whenever possible, in any circumstance, I should simply choose Peace.

Brightest New Year Blessings,