I’m Halfway There

01 September 2012

Birthday Card from Sis...


So...today marks three months since I arrived back in Scotland. I have 3 to go. But right now, I'm on holiday! Yes, I have been working so much and it was my time to have a week off. This morning I took the ferry from Iona to Mull, and then the bus across Mull to the other ferry...which took me to Oban and then got on the train...to Crianlarich...

I can't tell you how insane it was to plan a vacation when you are living in the place you usually go. Changed my perspective entirely. For the first time I had absolutely no clue where to go! And I was way too tired to really enjoy the search. Once I found this place though, I was excited to "get away." I did find the "crowds" a little much in Oban. Funny, right?

So, here I am, after some tea and chips in the bar...ready to get on here again.

I've been experiencing so many things I can't really put into words. I'm also starting to think about the future...I knew I would have to eventually. Although, I still have a fair bit of time here to go, thank goodness!

I've met so many amazing souls...and said goodbye (another group of lovelies is leaving this week while I'm away). 

I've done so many random things:

Seen Tibetan Monks dance and a popular Scottish Singer at the village hall...

Danced at discos (one in fancy dress) at the village hall...

Gone to Zumba...also at the village hall (and once at the fire station! The truck had to be moved out :)...

Celebrated a birthday (34!)...

Danced on the North Beach and then during a service in the abbey (on my birthday)...

Prepared food in the kitchen with the most amazing kitchen team (I know I haven't written much about being in there, but I will. It was exactly what I'd hoped it would be. I'm moving into other departments now)...

I've read during services and really enjoyed it...

I sing almost every week with the staff choir...

I've gone on long walks with other vollies to various places on Iona and Mull...

I've had countless amazing conversations with people from all over...



Inside the card. Very True...


I'm also knitting a scarf...Something I like working on while hanging out in the vollie lounge at home...

I've gone through every emotion more than once. Iona isn't just a thin place...it's a deep one too...

And now it's time for rest.

XO

An Abundant Life

26 July 2012

My Afternoon Snack at the Iona Heritage Centre Tea Room


The other day I was walking home from work and, as I looked at the (always) stunning view I thought, "Wow…do I lead a privileged existence!" And it struck me how funny it seems in contrast to my old life in New York City...

There I earned a decent pay-check, rented my own apartment, was able to afford vacations once in a while, occasional shopping sprees, dinners out in the city with friends etc. However, at the end of the day there was always something missing.

Here, I am on my feet a good part of the day…washing dishes, cooking etc…and all for weekly pocket money. Yet I feel more abundant than ever. I consider my "salary" to be the privilege of living here on Iona. Eating delicious, homemade scones and chatting with people from all over...oh yeah, and have I mentioned napping on the beach? Cause that happens a lot too.

I also look at money differently. I am more than fine right now with rationing out my allowance for crisps and dinner out once in a while (last Friday some friends and I took ourselves on a picnic at The Nunnery…catered by the Spar). And right now, I'm writing this blog outside in the sun thanks to the Heritage Centre tea room's wi-fi...with birds chirping and a packet of Tyrells crisps sitting next to my Highland Spring water.

Funny how gratitude can make you realize there is more than one way to be rich.

XO

Unfettered

20 July 2012

Another Gorgeous Iona Sky


One of the things I find marvelous (yet was hard to get used to) is the lack of keys in my pocket...not to mention no need for a metrocard, work ID or for the most part, mobile phone...

In New York I couldn't leave my apartment without making sure I had all these things or else I'd be lost or stranded in some respect. Talk about a feeling of liberation not needing them at all.

We have no locks on the the doors at the Macleod Centre or Abbey...and I don't need to show my ID for admittance anywhere. And as far as mobile phones...well, we see each other all the time so we mostly chat in person. I actually leave my phone in my room all the time.

It was really weird for the first couple of weeks. I kept feeling like I was missing something.

I think that before I felt having all these things made me more connected, but I don't think that's true. Now, I feel I was tethered to everything instead. I don't need devices to feel connected here. Connections come from smiles, laughter, conversation, impromptu dances and hugs.

XO

The Un-Realness of my Reality

17 July 2012

Heading Out for a Friend's Birthday Swim


I keep thinking about how we create our reality and how amazing that is since currently, at times, my reality is decided unreal...

I'm talking about the moments when I am outside and Iona is surrounding me in all her loveliness...and dramatic beauty. These are generally the moments I take a step back, laugh and say (sometimes out loud) "YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!!" Seriously...it's like I'm living on a movie set. :)

I started composing a poem in my head while out for a walk to the Machair a couple weeks ago. It began because I was feeling just how inadequate my words and photos are for you all. There is no way for me to accurately share with you what it's like to be here.


I wish I could package up:

The sound of the wind through tall grass---

The sea, churning and lapping against sand---

The sound of the sheep and cows munching on grass…ripping it up with such precision. It's a sound I can't describe…but makes me so happy…like when my dog would sneeze…



There's also:

The feel of warm wool against a sheep's skin…

The sound of my breath mingling with the breeze…

How the cool sand soothes my weary feet after a day's work…

How the light washes over the land…changing minute to minute...

The blue of the ocean…like my favourite water color...

Time and space...

Laughter and tears...

Singing in the abbey...hearing the notes vibrate off the stone walls and surround me...

Dancing in the kitchen...

My obsession with naps on the beach (in fleece, some days)...

Feeling wonder…and wondrous…

Being grateful every moment…and like an important piece in a puzzle…





It's so incredibly unreal. And Yet it's real.


XOXO

Reflections

07 July 2012

An afternoon at the beach


Time is so weird right now. I feel like I've been living various lifetimes since the end of May...

A new one started when I arrived in Edinburgh…and then another when I got to Iona. Every week is another one still…

Yesterday was my one month anniversary on Iona. Oddly enough I had planned a dinner out at The St. Columba Hotel with one of my new friends last night. We realized it had been exactly a month since meeting on the Jetty while we were enjoying a drink out on the lawn, overlooking the sound of Iona. Pretty romantic, eh?  LOL.

A lot has changed within me...I'm changing every minute.

I have blog ideas all the time that evaporate in a heartbeat because my brain is alternately relaxed and inspired. New ideas rolling in and out...

I keep thinking how incredible it is here...how everyone looks familiar within seconds. I don't quite know how to explain that. Some sort of magic or the way community builds really quickly here.

I think it's remarkable how my moments and days flow organically into each other. One minute I'm planning a reiki staff session with one of my roommates, then I'm volunteering to sing a song during that evening's service...which leads to me and three other vollies sitting on the floor of the empty  Abbey harmonizing and I end the day piled onto a couch watching a movie with my friends.

Every day is full and every moment a gift.

XO

I Never Sy Never Anymore

23 June 2012

Gate for the Path to The North End


I'm finding that I've a smaller attachment to being online than I used to. I think that, before, I got a lot of my "Activity" and socializing from being online and since I've been here I've been surrounded by social activities so much that when I go online it's mostly for a quick email and or facebook check...I've also been getting more involved in things I had forgotten about and or never thought I'd do...

One of these things was cycling! Yes, I rode a bike for the first time since High School last week. Hills are a bit of an enemy...but it was a lot of fun.

To begin with, I was terrified that I would either crash or run into someone (there was a close call with a lady on the road).

By the end of the afternoon I was zipping down the road with the wind in my hair...sheep and cows flying by. I'd forgotten how fun it is...with no traffic to freak me out I was able to relax a bit. 

I've also been participating in staff sings at the Abbey...music being something I really wanted to get involved with again. I'd love to borrow a violin at some point too. I miss playing.

I've been here for a little over two weeks and feeling very involved. I really appreciate that. I usually sort of hang back and scope things out beforehand...but Iona sort of sweeps you up and carries you along before you realize it.



I Chose the "Edinburgh" Bike



Riding Past This is Quite Nice



Watching and listening to these magnificent creatures munch on grass is such a blessing



View from one of the gardens on the island


XO

Finding My Footing

15 June 2012

The windowsill in my room


I've been here for over a week now and it feels like much longer...in a good way. I was reading through some earlier blog post drafts from a few days ago and my feelings are so different now. One thing that has remained constant though, is that I've always felt that I'm supposed to be here. I've never questioned that...

I think one of the challenges when coming into a group as a new person is to find your place...or rather to figure out who you are within it. I felt the urge to alter or be "something" in the beginning. Sort of like when I was a freshman in college and looking for a group to belong to.

Fortunately...with my years has come experience and I was finally able to step back and see that I can be who I am within the already established group and sort of slowly melt in. A week in and things feel much more cohesive. I really enjoy the community atmosphere. Having tea and chatting in the common room etc. Maybe there will come a day when I don't but for now, after years of living by myself in the city, it's great. I didn't get the same vibe when I was in college. I was also much more to myself and shy of strangers then. I don't know if I could have done this when I was younger. I've actually been thinking about that a lot this week. As much as I sometimes regret not finding this path earlier...I would not have been ready for it then. The whole idea would have terrified me.

I really like working in the kitchen. The other day I was going into the grain closet to get some flour and had a small moment of immense joy. Something as simple as doing that made me indescribably happy. There's such a feeling of accomplishment cooking for everyone...and the group effort of it all. I also like that I am not responsible for every task...it lifts the burden of feeling alone (like when I had to take care of everything in my apartment...laundry, cooking, dishes, etc). Working together and sharing meals...sharing chores increases the sense that everyone matters. There is a tone here that I am still sliding into, after years of a sort of disconnection. It is a welcome change.

Two moments from this week stick out in my head, amongst the many others of laughter and sharing of stories:

There was a lovely couple sitting next to me on their first evening here. I was VERY new and not sure what my roll was at our table. I, admittedly, felt overwhelmed. After revealing this they helped me out with the odd word of encouragement and advice. I ran into the woman the next day on my way towards the nunnery and we waved and smiled like old friends. She was having a hard time breaking up a bit of chocolate, so I offered to help her break it. We had a nice little chat and she gave me some of the chocolate.

The other was when I got stuck in a sneezing fit on my way to the store, without a tissue (I apparently have the cold everyone eventually gets when working here). I popped into the public bathroom near the jetty to find one and wash my hands. There was a lady in there whom I laughingly explained my problem to, and as I was washing my hands she tucked a small packet of tissues in my pocket saying she had more in her car.


My New York life feels very far away already.


XO



This is the view from my room

My First Week Back on Iona

11 June 2012

I Love These Guys


I arrived on Iona on June 6th and am still trying to settle in. There is a lot to absorb, but it promises to be a really great experience already...

I actually had an entire post done...and then the fire alarm in the Abbey went off and we all had to go outside. I forgot to hit "Save" before shutting my laptop. :(

The weather has been outstanding. I have taken some beautiful walks and met some wonderful people. Right from the beginning it seems to fold you in bit by bit.

There have been highs and lows...not unhappiness, mind you. I think it's because Iona is a place that gets down deep inside and pulls out what's meant to emerge. It takes a lot of energy. It's an unfolding...but I've found a dramatically gentle transformation. If that makes any sense.

I helped make sticky toffee pudding and the sauce.That was fun :)

I have had moments of worry...seeing as I have no plans other than to be here.

Clearly, though, here is where I need to be.

Ferry to Mull

Another Gorgeous Commute

Not a Bad View


XO

Bon Papillon

06 June 2012

Cake Makes Everything OK


Okay after relating the darker side of my return to Edinburgh, I thought I'd share the light. Namely, the times with friends, eating! This particular post is devoted to my afternoon at Bon Papillon with Alison. I had the ginger and beetroot cake with lemon cream cheese frosting. A...YUM!

The whole place has such a serene vibe. Full of soft light and artwork.

I think I'll let the images speak for themselves.








Scones!


One of THE best cakes I've ever had


Artwork Throughout


So calm and serene


My Mom would love the dishes...


Delightful!

XO

Acclimatizing

04 June 2012

 
Back in Town


I've been trying my hardest to be present the past few days here in Edinburgh. However, I think I really yielded to the jet lag this time. Not to mention the fact that for the past month or so I've been constantly doing things for this trip. I finally gave in to the urge to nap...

I have been SO tired and the weather has been SO nice. Sort of ironic, right? LOL

Thank goodness the days are so long here right now. I haven't felt guilty about staying in and resting in the mornings. I've gotten out each day for walks through Holyrood Park and visits with friends. A nice little balance. I also have been starting to get a little nervous about the big shift. I don't think my new life has really sunk in yet...I'm still sort of floating around in limbo.

I do remember going through similar emotions when graduating from college. Not really a funk, but no full-on party either. I think I am sort of lying low right now. Settling in on Iona will be helpful.

I had to re-adjust to the cold here too. It was really warm when I left New York. I felt like such a wuss because I saw a lot of people in short sleeves while I had busted out my scarf and jacket. My friend, Hilary, informed me that it's the law to wear short sleeves here in June. :D I still think my inner thermostat needs a tune-up.

Maybe I should have planned a little differently. Maybe I could have used some more quiet time (there are a lot of tourists here for the Jubilee). Although I have been able to escape since I know the town fairly well. I can slip off to quieter places or hang out around Arthur's Seat.

Can I also share that I've been sort of embarrassed by some Americans this time around? There seem to be a lot of us them here right now. During my first meal back, I was sort of bombarded by a slightly clueless family. Not fun on 1 1/2 hours of sleep. I tried to send love and leave it at that. It was a definite test.

Oh! And I also had an unpleasant experience with a really rude bus driver. That was lovely. Sort of reminded me that rudeness can be found anywhere and allowed me to flex the "try not to take things personally" muscle. My friends expressed their outrage and shared similar stories to help re-align my view on the situation.



Breakfast at The Royal McGregor after flying in


Meeting up with friends has been wonderful. It's softened the weirdness that I'm going through during this transitional time. Made things feel normal and grounded. All my friends have been so super throughout this whole thing. I really appreciate the love and support.



Picnic Lunch on Calton Hill


Anyway, I just thought I'd pop on here and share what's going on. Following a dream isn't all cartwheels and confetti :) There are down moments when you don't know what's going on. So, I'm happy/I'm muddled...and I'm leaving for Oban tomorrow morning and then to Iona on Wednesday. I'm a little worried about the train ride since my bag feels so huge this time, but I'm sure it will all turn out fine (more than fine)!

Today I finally felt the fog lifting. Maybe it was the nap I took after breakfast. And the sun was out again! I strolled along a higher path in Holyrood Park and took it all in. Edinburgh! The air...the green...the space. And me. ;)

I started out in my jacket and by the end of my walk was in short sleeves. I think it will all be fine.




XO

Au Revoir NYC

01 June 2012

Simply Elegant


Last night, in New York, my Sister Tracy took me out to dinner at Fraunces Tavern. It is this little gem of a restaurant/museum where George Washington said goodbye to his troops. Not a bad place to say farewell to NYC, eh?

As I write this, I'm sitting at gate C102 at Newark airport waiting for my flight to Edinburgh. I'm also wondering if there will be a delay or gate change since there is a flight to Brussels which keeps lingering.

Ah, good. Edinburgh just popped up on the board. SCORE!*

I feel so official, sitting here at the airport on my laptop…I am, after all, a full time writer/artist now ;) I am LionArt Creations.

I'm all ready for the flight. I have a bunch of books and one Paul Gross movie on my iPad. Yes, you read that right…MY iPad. I know I said that I wasn't sure what I'd do with an iPad…but I was gifted one. Yup, I went from "I don't really know what I'd do with an iPad," to "Oh my God, I have an iPad." This is why I never say never anymore.

I got all my errands done (adding buying an iPad case to the list) and I feel completely prepared, yet have absolutely no expectations. Funny, right? I don't know how to go about this all any other way. I've approached every other Scotland trip that way and it hasn't led me wrong yet.

This will be posting after I connect to the internet in Edinburgh…so a bit of a time warp. Sorry for that. I had intended on writing one when I got into town, but then thought I'd go easy on myself. You might see me on Facebook though…from my new iPad…  :D

I decided to post these photos from dinner last night and use my time at the gate to reflect, if I could, about the past few weeks…and the past 15 or so years. If that's possible.

Bangers & Mash

Fish & Chips

Oyster Stout

Candlelight Made Everything Glow

Irish Cheese Plate

Meeting Hall Benches at the Tables

Different Rooms to Choose From

Lighting Over The Chef's Table

What's Not to Like?

My mind is in a bit of a fog, to tell the truth…and I doubt that the jetlag will help. C'est la vie.

When I stop to think about all the changes I've gone through over the years…I almost don't recognise myself. However, I am there through it all. I was thinking in the car ride over here about how, in the beginning, I wasn't a traveler. I wasn't one until I traveled. 

We need to experience and try things before we write them off as impossible. This whole part of my life wouldn't be happening if I hadn't shifted and changed and tried things over the years…taken risks and dared to imagine my life could be different. That my life could be MINE.

The biggest difference has been losing or pushing through the fear of failing or looking "stupid." Seriously…I used to panic over saying the wrong thing during a food order over the phone. It's these little things that can hold us back if we let them.

I used to meet people who were traveling for an extended period of time and think they were so cool and couldn't imagine that type of life…and now I am one of those people! SO my conclusion is that nothing is impossible. Sitting here and seeing the flight info posted…seeing where I'm about to board a plane to is proof of that.


I will most likely crash for a serious power nap as soon as I get his up on the web…so stay tuned for more!!!

It has begun!

XO


*Our flight did end up having a gate change, but it didn't have much of an effect. I had a lovely chat with an Edinburgh local while we waited, so I didn't mind. Right now, I'm happily checked in to my hotel and about to take that nap. The sun is shining and I had a nice long walk through Holyrood Park with my new camera. I also ate a big breakfast with tea accompanied by my iPad.

Body & Soul

14 May 2012

Yes, YES.


A funny thing happened the second I officially announced my plans for the next 6 months and change...I started inhabiting my body more fully, feeling healthier and more open...

For years, YEARS, I have suffered stomach problems and more. As time has progressed I have developed neck and back issues from sitting at a desk long hours and the lovely TMJ. In short, I feel pretty tense and closed down most of the time. I tend to feel better when away from the city and out from behind a desk.

Hiding my plans from a lot of people for months didn't help either. I'm so ridiculously honest (a trait I'm proud of, btw) that it was eating me up inside...making me feel like a traitor in some respects.

So, as soon as it was all out in the open, I felt I could breathe again (another one of my "issues" due to tension and stress...and the fact that I really dislike taking large breaths of NYC air).

I've had relapse moments during my packing...but nothing too bad.

This past Thursday evening I went to a book launch for a re-release of "Sounds of the Eternal" by John Philip Newell with artwork by Tobi Kahn. As I was walking up 5th Avenue (a bear of a task) I could see the clearing of Central Park in the distance and my whole body yearned towards that space. My heart simply wanted to be free of the buildings...my lungs wanted to take a full breath...and I realized that my up-coming adventure to Iona is that clearing...it's what my body is aching for.

Once inside the 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church (where the party was) I discovered that there was going to be a little service before the food and book signing...complete with prayer, chanting and excerpts. As I sat and listened with closed eyes, surrounded by the quiet of the chapel, I could feel my body shiver with the energy I keep locked down. Much like when I have a really good Reiki session. The feeling is unmistakable.

Another interesting thing were the dual energies I had going on inside me. You see, I had left the office to pop in to the party in lieu of a lunch break (which I rarely take since I dislike going out into the neighborhood so much) and I could feel the worry and pull of work creeping into the meditations...like, "What if this runs long and I upset the balance" etc. It's an icky feeling, and probably self-inflicted, but still. It was hard going back onto 5th Avenue after feeling the release of tension (the wine helped). Heading back out with my defenses down usually makes me more skittish...like after a nice quiet vacation.

Three weeks and counting...I can see the clearing ahead...

XO

Dinner in Bed

11 May 2012

Turkey Burgers


Well, my loft bed has been dismantled and I've been camped out on my futon (in front of the TV) since Monday night. That night, I decided to chill out and enjoy my dinner in bed...

I figured, why not? My coffee table is sort of strewn with things I need to figure out what do do with/how to pack.

What did I make for dinner that night? Well, I still had the lemony/buttery/rosemary infused noodles from Cousin's Weekend on my brain...so I cooked up a big pot o' noodles and re-heated some yummy turkey burgers in the steamer (I am going to officially lose my microwave when I move, I've decided).

I had cooked the burgers on my cast iron grill the night before...sprinkled with Celtic sea salt, powdered garlic and powdered lemon peel. MMMMM.

It was a very quickly put together meal (because I was tired and starving!) and then I hopped into bed with it all to enjoy some of my dvds before I have to pack them all up.



I don't foresee a lot more cooking in my kitchen before I leave. My energy is wrapped up in wrapping things up...and I really don't feel like creating a lot of dish washing opportunities. I'm spent.

We will see :)

XO

Progress Report

09 May 2012

Yes...Packing Up My Kitchen...


So...I think this is when the structure of this blog will begin to change...I have been so caught up with packing, that I don't have any new creations to share. I will have photos of the custom box I did to share (as soon as the new owner sees it). Now, back to the report:

Funny thing about starting to pack up all your belongings to go out of the country for six months...Once you begin you simply want to clear out everything, have it done. I haven't had one moment of clinging to the past in this process so far*...

I thought I would drag my feet a bit, and maybe I did in the beginning but I haven't had much time to be sentimental about much. Circumstances have come up that have required me to break down certain things (my loft bed) earlier than anticipated and the result has been increasing JOY rather than sadness and reminiscence. Funny, eh?

And it also has caused me to feel giddy at the thought of clearing out more! Odd.

I did have one sad moment while working around my place...remembering the elation I felt when I moved in. It is a darling little place (noisy upstairs neighbor aside). This move won't result in my being able to set up a new home on the other end...but that's okay. I'm going to be setting up a new home inside myself.


Sara was a Godsend...packing away in the living room last weekend



I'm fairly certain I will be creating a new home at some point down the line...believe me, I've had my fears about that seeing as I'm not going to be earning a conventional paycheck for a while...but this is all part of the journey, right?


 
Sara also helped me polish off some of the beer in my fridge...

I read this article recently...about not knowing what you want being a great gift and I realized that even though I am consciously moving in a direction...I still don't REALLY know what it is that I want. I think it's better that way.

In essence...for the next six months, I'm basically going to be doing whatever sounds cool.

And that sounds awfully cool.

XO

*I need to add, that after writing this post, I did have a minor meltdown (which I think is totally justifiable). I had a bit of an emotional morning while starting to clear out my desk at work. However, I breathed through it and was okay. I know that this is all part of the process. My note from the Universe that day was SO appropriate and made me feel a whole lot better:


Very often, Lee Ann, when tides start turning, great gears start shifting, and gusting winds start blowing at the onset of a really wonderful dream's alignment with your present life, there is commotion, unpredictability, even turmoil. 

So, hey, let's always assume that's the case whenever you experience commotion, unpredictability, even turmoil. K? 

Whhh-hhh-hh-h-h-h-ish- 
    The Universe


Let not your senses deceive, for even as the tempest may howl, just beyond it lies a serenity that could not otherwise find you. The storm before the calm, Lee Ann, if you will.



Talk about a sign from the Universe, eh?

I think I will feel a whole lot better once my apartment is cleared out and I can focus on packing for Scotland...

Say a prayer for me!

Cousins Weekend

04 May 2012

This Says It All...Doesn't It?


Ah, cousin's weekend...were lovelier words ever uttered? Last Friday I hopped a Metro North train so I could fit in a second helping before heading out of the country for a while...

These weekends hold some of my favorite moments. Cooking and laughing and catching up. Gathering around the kitchen table and simply enjoying being together. Funny aside...my Cousin Elana has been pregnant both times we've done this! LOL. The group keeps on growing!

This time we extended the links on the cousin chain. There was me, Elana, my dear cousin-in-law Frederick (whose laugh is totally infectious), their Son Brayden (whose giggle is totally heart-warming) and two teenage cousin's I had yet to spend time with, Hailee and Kaylyn (So glad to have gotten to meet you both again!). It was truly a full house (not to mention the little one on the way).


Dining Table

It's as if time stands still for a little while in the house. The quiet and safety is palpable. No matter how busy...there is an underlying sense of peace that only comes from a firm foundation of love. I am so grateful to have spent some time immersed in it

I don't really have any recipes to share  since I improvised everything (I thought up the Saturday evening menu while meditating in the choir loft as Elana played the organ). So, since a picture is worth more words than I have at the moment...here are our weekend meals in images:

Saturday Breakfast:

"Cajun" home fries and bacon!

Cinnamon Rolls in Lieu of toast

All the pieces together

(I scrambled and cooked the eggs with a little garlic powder and ground sage)

Saturday Dinner:

Spring mix with bosc pears, toasted walnuts and crumbled goat cheese

Frederick Broke out the Whisky for me :)

Egg noodles slathered in lemon-Rosemary infused butter...and salmon cooked to perfection by Elana

(We also had some amazing chicken, which I apparently forgot to photograph)


Chocolate cake pop a la Elana and coconut sorbet for dessert...and the rest of my Macallan

Sunday Lunch:

Green beans with lemon, butter and Montreal steak seasoning, leftover home fries and marinated steak

Sunday evening Elana, Frederick, Brayden and I went out for dinner. I had a beet salad with crab cake, and a flight of Glenfiddich (12, 15, 18)...oh yes and Key Lime pie which I finished for breakfast on Monday morning.

This was a wonderful way for me to start easing into the new phase of my life. I want to fill it with sharing food and time. That is what we are meant for. 

Elana made a comment about how long it takes for us to realize our life is our own again when making drastic changes. She now happily stays home with Brayden being a wife, mother and cake decorator (after being laid off from her corporate America job). I have been mulling over these words a lot since our time together. I am expecting that the shift in my life style will take some getting used to...we get so accustomed to things even when we aren't happy...but I had never thought about my life not really being my own until now. I've been burning up a lot of energy trying to hold on to something that is all mine, outside of my day job. This has been part of following my dream. What a revelation it is to see that it will finally be all mine...of my choosing.

I am looking forward to being one person again :)

Good things always come out of Cousin's weekend.

XO

P.S. You can read about our first Cousin's Weekend here:

Family Affair Part 1

Family Affair Part 2

Family Affair Part 3

It Runs in the Family

02 May 2012

Behind the Scenes of Cousin's Weekend


I got back from "Cousin's weekend" on Monday and thought I'd share some photos of the silly and artsy-ness that runs through my family on here today...

While I cooked breakfast on Saturday (blog to follow on Friday)...a whole lot of creating was going on around me.  It was the first time I've ever seen my cousin Elana decorate a cake in person...



Preparing to roll out fondant


 
1 Finished Birthday cake = 1 happy five year old girl
 


And to further amuse...this was also happening on the side:




We had a kitchen full of creative women!

XO

S’Mores and a Big Top Cupcake

20 April 2012

Prep time is important...


I spent this past weekend in CT with my Nephews. The weather was beautiful and sugar seemed to be on the menu a lot...

I have to say, I really love using the fire pit. We used it to make s'mores and (sort of) cook hot dogs for Sunday lunch. The s'mores were more successful.




I also ended up decorating some cupcakes, including a "Big Top" cupcake...which I have to say came out sort of lop-sided. We also had a ton of extra batter so my Mom poured some out into cupcake pans...and I added some creme de cacao the the rest and made them into tiny, boozy cupcakes. Gotta love my Dad's old liquor cabinet...

There's no recipe today...instead, I encourage you to have fun with food. Make a big top cupcake, toast some marshmallows...or get tipsy on cupcakes.

You only live once ;)

XO

Signs from the Universe

16 April 2012

Well Timed


One thing I have noticed throughout my recent dream-pursuing journey is that The Universe will tell you what's what just when you need it. Nothing like a higher power reminding you what direction to go in...

It certainly makes you rest easier...or at least in the moment. Following though is something else entirely :)

The times when when I wavered or thought about wussing out were the times I got nudges back to the path.

Like when I was telling my cousin that I might simply move back to CT while walking in a park in my hometown...and in that moment we heard bag pipes. I'll never forget that. We turned to each other and she said, "You hear it too, right? I did indeed. We never saw the piper though...


And while in church, I asked God where I was supposed to go...and when I looked down at my hymnal, the song was "The Summons" by John Bell of the Iona Community.

Apparently I needed a house to fall on me that day. Or in this case...The Abbey.

I just happened to have my camera in the car that day...




Trust the process. It won't steer you wrong.

XO

The Summons

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean and do such as this unseen,
and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you've found to reshape the world around,
through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

Lord your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In Your company I'll go where Your love and footsteps show.
Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

Poetry Challenge Accepted

18 April 2012

Can't Beat the View


Monday night I gave myself a challenge...to write a poem by Wednesday blog time. After all, it is National Poetry Month! I felt I must write at least one...

I write all different kinds of ways. Sometimes a sentence pops into my head and I go from there...sometimes it starts with images...but lately, I've been  picking random words and forming an instinctual poem with them.

I usually choose around ten...and then am off. I try not to labor too hard over the finished product...I guess it's sort of a quick-fire challenge with words.

This was my list...gathered from items on my desk.

1. Guide

2. Copy

3. Complex

4. Be

5. Star

6. Top

7. Art

8. Mark

9. Accent

10. Now

Forward Motion

Guide me to the top.

Your star, 
marking now, 
and what will be.

No copies please---

Give me Art
and colorful accents...

All those complex fears
simplified into love...

And courage.


XO


If you decide to take up a poetry challenge of your own, please share in the comments section!

Dreams Come True

09 April 2012

Iona


A year ago today I was on Iona beginning "Pilgrimage for Change" with John Philip and Ali Newell. Little did I know how much of a catalyst that week would be...

Today I am announcing, officially, that I will be leaving New York City to volunteer on Iona for 5 months starting in June (I am going to be working in the Abbey Kitchen and in Housekeeping). 

Then I will be able to travel a bit more ;)

This has been a long time in coming and there are moments when I almost can't believe that it's all real.

But it is!

I will be writing more about all of this...however right now I am a little exhausted from all the upheaval that is going on. Lots of changes.

The structure of this blog is going to begin to change in order to reflect the shift in my lifestyle, but I intend on documenting the whole process. I suggest that anyone wanting to follow me should subscribe to this blog since my post may become a little erratic :)

But for now...

WOOHOO!!!

XO