Happy Valentine’s Day

13 February 2011

heart in sand

Welcome to the official new home of The Lion's Share! Since this website and company is a labor of love, I thought Valentine's Day would be a good time to officially unveil her...

I've spent the entire weekend at my Sister and Brother-in-law's NYC home babysitting for my nephews as well as being treated to some delicious food!  I've also been able to work on this site while drinking coffee and chatting with my Sis in her kitchen...and knitting what I'm referring to as, my "Iona cardigan." All good things that remind me of the flow of how I want to live...working for myself.

This new site has been such an important step in all of that and I am so excited! I'd love to hear from folks in the comments section...and if I've captioned any photos incorrectly, please enlighten me! It is all, of course, a work in progress...for instance, the photo galleries will take a while (but Scotland is up :). 

Of course, now that I've moved over here, I can't decide what to write about! So maybe I should take this time to reflect on all the things I love and am grateful for. You can never do enough of that.

I'm very grateful to this blog and blogger for being my home for the past 2+ years.  I'm super grateful to my friend Jay for patiently answering all my website related questions during my redesign and for encouraging me to go ahead and do it in the first place!

I love the direction my life is taking and all the people who support and inspire me...the books that come my way, the motivating conversations that let me know I've finally found the right track...the SARK forum, ABCcreativity, my herbal teacher and Sisters...

I am grateful for focus and for play...for silliness and heart breaking beauty...

Long dinners with good friends

Good beer and Scotch...

Prayers, music and swaying trees...

Laughter

Tea

Space to breathe

SCOTLAND

I'm grateful to be me.

I'm grateful for you.

XO

Giving Thanks

28 November 2011

Thanksgiving Day in Connecticut


I think it is high time I express my gratitude and thanks for everything going on in my life...both inwardly and outwardly...

Sometimes I can't believe how many yummy things have been happening in my life.  So many wonderful gifts...big and small.

I am endlessly thankful for:

• Scotland

• My 3 year herbal apprenticeship...I can't imagine my life without it, and I can't believe it's almost over

• The nest egg I've been saving...it feels so liberating to finally have one

• To be (pretty much) debt-free

• Amazing opportunities coming my way in the New Year

• The process of letting go

• A lovely family...who supports me even though I know they worry

• Fire pits and CT getaways

• Amazing (amazing!) friends all over the world

• Discovering my essence

• Art sales

• My blog readers

• Wonderful e-courses that have been helping immensely

• Connecting with like-minded souls

• Whisky

• Beer

• Food

• Community

• Sleep

• Creating

• Photography

• Finding my path, and travelling it

• Being an artist

• Creative Dreaming...it works!

What are you thankful for?

XO

Every Little Thing Counts

20 February 2011

I've been thinking about my dreams and goals and what they need right now...and once again, I need to give myself a break and realize that all steps in the right direction count.  They don't have to be enormous leaps, either. Sometimes doing simple little tasks make the way clearer.

I had intended on taking this long, President's Day weekend to overhaul my whole apartment...wash dishes, do laundry, get my tax information put together (after a little bit of rest on Saturday as I like to do).

The weekend started off well. I stopped off on the way home, Friday, to pick up a stuffed cheddar burger and fries at "The Flip Side" and then vegged a bit in front of some Torchwood with a Guinness to wash it all down with. Bliss.

Saturday morning found me relaxing in front of Hulu and OnDemand with tea and breakfast. Then intermittently washing dishes, knitting on my sweater and continuing to catch up on Bones for the rest of the day (I had my grocery delivery in the afternoon, too. I tried kippered baked salmon for the first time and loved it!!!) I was still decompressing from the week.

Then, Sunday...I wasn't feeling well...so I ended up in my big orange chair a lot but still getting up to put clothes away and wash more dishes...etc...

I realized that this was paralleling how I'm feeling about managing and going after goals right now. I tend to get into a funk when there is a bit of a lull in activity between achievements. And last week had been no different. In the wake of launching my new website and getting a promotion (yes!) things started to feel a little uncomfortable. I started thinking about everything, worrying a little...and then I thought, "If I got everything I wanted/needed all at once, my head would explode."

So I have decided to acknowledge that most of the time my progress is made by simple tasks such as putting away stray clothes or washing the dishes in my sink...because when my kitchen is somewhat in order, I have the space to make a batch of completely experimental chocolate chip cookies with pancake mix...



And, after all, isn't that what life's all about?

XO

Day Dream Believer

14 November 2011

Inside My Current Workspace


I've been taking the toe-in approach to shifting and changing my life. A pace, that while at times is maddening, I find necessary for my adjustment. I'm trying to trust my timing...something my herbal teacher Robin stressed to us during our last class...

11/11/11 has indeed brought a big change into my life. One that I am not ready to discuss on here yet...but have no fear, it will be a huge part in the near future.

A few years back I participated in a women's empowerment workshop. It was a huge step along my path. One of the visualizations we did was to imagine our work environment. What our office would look like. Mine ended up being a kitchen, which totally baffled me since I didn't really cook that much at the time (can you imagine???) and yet I accepted it. Not sure why I did, maybe I just trusted that my vision knew what it was it was talking about. I find that whatever my brain comes out with first is usually what ends up unfolding in my life. The instinct before all the hows and worries put in their 2 cents. 

I've been dreaming about that work environment again...

A cozy kitchen, time and space to do yoga, time out and about with my camera, photo assignments, awesome co-workers, minimal desk sitting, sharing healthy food, music, knitting, collaboration, working on handmade projects and art...and the list will keep forming...

The Universe needs some direction or else we'd keep spinning our wheels...


XO

Childhood Bliss

22 August 2011

Friday Morning at the Breakfast Table


I finally got to do some camping! Well, sort of. I spent a weekend with 2 of my herbal Sisters and we slept outside in a tent. The whole roof was mesh so we could see the stars...

We arrived late on a Thursday and climbed into the tent after midnight. The air was chilly and the crickets were out...it was heaven! I was a little afraid of being outside...wondering if I'd be comfortable on the ground or freaked out by "weird" noises...but instead I was was very comfy and loved sleeping outside! Looking up and seeing the sky, feeling the breeze...all the while cozied-up inside my sleeping bag. It was pure bliss.

I don't have any photos of the tent because it was dark every time we went out, and then it rained on the last day! Note to self for future camping...learn what to do when it begins to thunder and lightning...

The weekend was a nice little getaway...Friday was basically spent around the kitchen table a la The Golden Girls. All we were missing was the chocolate cheesecake...although we did have whisky cookies and peach pie over the course of the weekend.



Lots of yummy food was eaten...


Breakfast and lunch! Delicious berries and homemade yogurt and cheese ravioli with wild spinach, tomatoes and olives.

 

Fish sticks with homemade tartar sauce and a peach pie for after!


We did our green-witch thing, attending a Full Moon ritual Friday evening. It was all so mellow and grounding. The theme was centered around re-capturing our childhood delight...recalling fond Summer memories. I brought forth the times when I ran out to pick veggies in the garden, eating ice cream while sitting on the running-board of my Dad's '38 Chevy, trips to New Hampshire and mini golf under the stars...sleepovers...

Much like the sleepover we had! The childhood memories continued to be made, but as adults. It was brilliant. We stayed up, giggling in the tent, creating (naughty) inside jokes. All in good fun, and totally quotable...to the confusion of others! I finally had to put a stop to the mayhem because I couldn't keep my eyes open. But I was amongst friends who know the value of coming from a place of personal power and making our needs known. All in all, it was a very important lesson for me.

Saturday was spent doing a little bit of shopping...buying goodies at the market and smudge at "Sacred Circle."

I found that I was in true vacation mode because not one shred of me felt like cooking...I was actually very surprised. I felt totally relaxed and it was so important to be in the company of like-minded women. I realize that my life is slowly and automatically taking a turn towards the new. As I open up and expand, all the things I've been visualizing and planning are coming to fruition. Sleeping under the stars might seem like a small thing, but for anyone that knows me, I've been wanting to go camping forever...and this was a little taste...and it proved how things are changing. It felt very right to sleep outside.

Shopping around at Sickles Market:



I'm finding how everything is working out so interesting. I returned to Queens feeling so light and purpose-filled. A feeling I feel a lot lately when sharing time with members of my tribe. It's so amazing and beautiful. More evidence that following our bliss is the only way to go.

XO

Camping Out in the Essence

21 November 2011

Perfectly Imperfect


I've been thinking a lot lately about "essence." What my essence is and just staying put there. It feels pretty good to take up residence there because, after all, that's where everything is born...

I've been doing this by taking part in all the things I love. Whether it be cooking, attempting to make beer, going on a photo shoot, knitting, re-stringing and tuning my violin, singing, working on art projects or daydreaming about the future. I'm finding that I feel more and more at home in my skin. It also shows me where I'm headed.

What could be better? I think I'll stay here for a bit...

Before the World Was Made
by W.B. Yeats

If I make the lashes dark
And the eyes more bright
And the lips more scarlet,
Or ask if all be right
From mirror after mirror,
No vanity's displayed:
I'm looking for the face I had
Before the world was made.

What if I look upon a man
As though on my beloved,
And my blood be cold the while
And my heart unmoved?
Why should he think me cruel
Or that he is betrayed?
I'd have him love the thing that was
Before the world was made.


 XO

Beer Me

07 November 2011

 Preparing for later...


What could be better than a Fall beer tasting? Why, a Fall beer tasting at Mystic Seaport, of course! I've been wanting to go to this since it started 2 years ago...and this year the stars aligned. Always, magic in 3's...

I had my eye on the events calendar all Summer...just waiting to see those words "Fall Beer Tasting." And when they finally appeared, I raced to the calendar praying I didn't have class or other plans.

I was in luck! October 15th was the weekend, and I was free! So after a quick call confirming with Mom and firing off an email to my fellow beer-lover Sara...the plan was set. We would be attending Mystic Seaport's 3rd Annual Fall Beer Tasting in the Boat Shed. How cool is that?

The day began nice and easy with breakfast at Mom's and a trip to The Book Barn. Then we headed to Mystic for a lovely lunch at the Shipyard Tavern. It was my first time back since they changed to Latitude 41. It was a bit of an adjustment after having visited the Seaman's Inne my entire life...but I was pleasantly surprised. I chose a delightful Cuban sandwich and some parmesan truffle fries...yes, you heard me right, parmesan truffle fries. I also enjoyed a pint of Seadog Blueberry Ale (which was fantastic). I know...a pint of beer before attending a beer tasting? What can I say, we pre-partied.







Then, with orange wristbands on, we were off to the boat shed, camera in hand...of course.








After a brief intro and welcome by the event's sponsor, Shipyard Brewery, we were unleashed onto our new best friends. The guys with the beer. I began with a Shipyard Stout that was delightful...and I quickly moved on to Double Old Thumper, Smashed Pumpkin and more than I can count...but not until I took on my mother's extras. It was like she had 4 hands! I was still on my first taste while she turned around twice with a cup in each hand. It was hilarious!











As the evening progressed, so did the stacks of plastic cups in our hands. We had to make sure we tried everything! 

Woohoo!

Couldn't Beat the View

Good Times

I had more than one fun interaction with fellow drinkers. And everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was super mellow and chill. It was a good New England crowd :) 

I thought this was so cute...

We came away full of new flavor and with a complimentary Mystic Seaport glass. I love free gifts. I'm trying to remember which beer was my favorite and am having difficulty! There were so many good ones.


In a word the beer tasting was:



Worth the wait!


I love spending time in Mystic, especially the Seaport. Now, I'm looking forward to The Lantern Light Tour! Funny how now that I live somewhere else, I'm discovering where I grew up. 

XO

And The Winner Is

08 March 2011

So I chose the winner in the most scientific and advanced way possible...yes...folded up pieces of paper in my stripy knit hat (which I made myself!) And the winner is...

I believe that she wants the image used in the main contest post, with the Forres forest?



I took this photo while on my 30th birthday trip in August, 2008. The forest was a hop, skip and a jump down the road from my retreat B&B (Newbold House). I went on quite a few forest walks that week...mostly after dinner (which was made up of fresh produce from the hotel's gardens and worked by volunteers from all over the world). The Forest was gorgeous. So quiet and serene...and seemed to go on forever. The retreat week was fateful, too. All the quality "me" time resulted in the inspiration for this blog, participating in the Herbal Apprenticeship, buying the laptop which I am writing on (so I could blog/work from anywhere) and the seed for my dream of being involved with a place like Newbold House. Maybe I'll return some day to be one of the house and garden volunteers. :)

Thank you to everyone who entered to win and congratulations, Ella!!! It's a very special photo to me.

If anyone is still interested in a photo, I am going to start sending simple, postcard prints as a "thank you!" for donations in support of The Lion's Share.

XO

Ain’t No Words for the Things I’m Feeling

26 September 2011

Strolling Along Main Street - Niantic, CT


Oh my, I've begun to quote The Waterboys again! You know what that means: Deep place of pondering, and (always) good listening...

I also just received my copy of "An Appointment with Mr. Yeats" and an accompanying signed sheet of music from The UK. YAY!

I spent another lovely weekend in the country (a.k.a, CT) and am now back in the city.

I got to see the remnants of the giant oak tree that came down with enough force to bury it into the earth, yet only close enough to break a few shingles and knock a shutter off of  my Mom's house. Can you say someone up there is protecting us? I think so.

Also, my Mom bought a fire pit!!! Huzzah! I've been wanting one for ages! We christened it with s'more making with my nephews  (Leo doesn't like to eat them, but he was more than willing to make them for us). We bought toasted coconut marshmallows for ours...and some assorted chocolate mint ones for hot chocolate, later in the season. Sitting outside, tending that fire gave me a very satisfied and serene feeling.


I love going to the craft supply store...


This is what happens when you get a fire pit...and are let loose in Wal-Mart...


Isn't She Beautiful!? I felt like a true Woods-Woman!


Pizza! And a Happy Leo...

Tending the Fire

On Sunday we walked to check out some antiques on main street and I came across this in the window:




Lots of messages like this have been coming my way lately. Lots of food for thought.


I just got the 20th Anniversary edition of Outlander. :)

I had a wonderful reiki session by phone after a long hiatus. Sigh...

I've been preparing to have a serious clear out at my apartment...

I just started The Creative Business Incubator

I also have a new selection of delicious Celtic songs on my iPod. Mmmmmm. Makes me want to take out my violin again (each time I have a listen I get closer to rosining my bow...)

So, even though I have a lot of words to describe what I've been up to...I don't really have any that adequately describe how I'm feeling. Sort of dreamy, I suppose. Which is infinitely better than upset belly and anxiety attacks. I'll take dreamy any day.

XO

A Dreamy Birthday

29 August 2011

Napping at The Book Barn in Niantic, CT


Sooo...I have recently turned 33. Yes, seems crazy right? Well, maybe just to me. I still feel 18 some days...or maybe 25...then again, some days I feel like I'm 80! I wholeheartedly would not want to be 18 or 25 again (but do hope to reach 80). Not that now is all smooth sailing, but since I turned 30 I've learned to not only roll with things, but also take control. All in all, I am thrilled to be 33. Such a magical number...

This year I did something different. I organized a trip to a midnight 3D movie! "Fright Night." However, other than seeing David Tennant in leather pants, it was pretty underwhelming. There is never anything underwhelming about David Tennant ;) Now, if he'd spoke with his own accent (Scottish) my birthday would have had some icing on it's cake! ;) Anyway...what was I talking about...?

Oh yeah...my birthday shenanigans...

Since we had time to kill before the movie...we contented ourselves with food and drink at St. Andrews restaurant. A favorite spot, as you can all imagine. And what luck...we were put right by the man doing a whisky tasting. Happy Birthday to me! So I had a taste of 12 and 18 year old Highland Park. Nice. And then ordered Jura "Prophecy" followed by Jura "Superstition!" A particular favorite of mine...sigh. No beer for me that night...so who's beer am I holding in this photo???

Heather and I at St. Andrews

After getting back to Queens at an ungodly 2:45 in the morning...I was blessed to have the morning to recouperate and pack for a quick weekend in CT with my family for a birthday bbq.

I had requested stuff I loved as a kid...hamburgers and hotdogs...potato salad...and my cousin was going to make dessert!!! Woohoo! What could be better?


We also took a side trip to the famous Book Barn. I never really visited when I lived there but now seem to hold the place up on high...

Cats and books are everywhere...as well as places to chill, read, play games...hang out with some goats. You know...just like Barnes & Noble...






After the Book Barn, I suggested we have lunch at Crescent Beach. It's a favorite place of mine for breakfast, but lunch is every bit as lovely...



View from the table



A local...

We weren't the only ones having lunch...


The night before I had spotted an old package of butterscotch morsels in my Mom's recipe drawer and it triggered a yen for the peanut butter/butterscotch rice crispy treats she used to amke when I was a kid (otherwise known as "Scotchies.") So we bought the fixings for them after lunch. Note: natural peanut butter does not melt like Skippy. It sort of kept getting more solid...so I had to give up the fight and mix it all together with my hands. It actually felt wonderful! Sort of like a spa treatment.





To add to the CT smorgasbord, my Mom had bought the New England delicacy that is "Brown Bread." Yes, for all of you not aware, brown bread does indeed come in a can. I know it seems strange...but trust me...it's yummy. Especially in the Fall, warmed up with a touch of butter. MMMMMMMMMM....

After gathering up all our goodies we made our way to my Sister's for the bbq! As always, the real star is the big table that my Brother-In-Law built...and now the addition of some Adirondak chairs! TADA!






There was, of course an over-abundance of food...I felt like I was going to pop...and that was even before the dessert.

Sweet E's Cupcakes!




Getting toasty (and toasted) by the fire

It was a lovely birthday...now, what do I do next year??? Hmmmm....

XO

Tour de Force

20 October 2011

Whisky Collection at the Scotch Whisky Experience


Wednesday was tour day! We had some lovely meals at The Edinburgh Larder and Stac Polly...and beer and whisky...what could be better?

Great Glen Venison, Pork and Pepper Salami with Anster Cheese!



Guest Book at Scotch Whisky Experience



Haggis Neeps and Tatties at Stac Polly



Starting the Witchery Tour after Dark...ooohhh...


XO 

Tea Time

23 June 2011

Shimmering Sugar

When I moved to New York City, I sort of adopted a cafe my Sister had introduced to the family when I was 10.  I think I've done a similar thing with Clarinda's Tea Room while in Edinburgh...

I first visited in 2008 while in Scotland for my 30th Birthday trip. I had been invited to stay at a friend's house and we met up with two other lovelies who were in town for the day. It was a wonderful afternoon.  I believe I had cinnamon toast and Scottish Breakfast tea...



Since then, I make it a point to go at least once while in Edinburgh.  Last time I was there I missed it's hours a couple of times because my hotel was so far and I didn't get myself down there early enough!  But this time we were staying at Craigwell Cottage which was just a quick walk away (you can actually see Craigwell through the window at Clarinda's.  Fate!)

Craigwell Cottage through the window

Clarinda's challenged my comfort zone because it's a place where you share tables...if there's a seat, you sit.  I'm still not so good at this, but working on it (last time I was in Edinburgh I had worked up the courage to sit at a bar alone and order a beer).  It can be difficult when I'm on my own, but luckily this time I had Sara along!

However, every time we walked through the door there were plenty of tables open. So no sharing.  In fact, we sat at the same one both times we ate there.  That seemed to happen a lot that week (Edinburgh Larder). Everything was so relaxed and wonderful.

More Sunshine!


Corned Beef Toastie with Pickle and Breakfast Tea

I have fallen in love with toasties.  I know that they are basically paninis...which I have often. But "toastie" is so much more fun to say!  I also will always choose the toasties with pickles.  For example, if cheese and pickle is on the menu, I'm all over it.  I also think I could become a brown sauce addict...


Even more sunshine...and a Sausage roll

We had breakfast at Clarinda's on our last full day in Edinburgh (sniff). I had not had a bacon or sausage roll yet so I fixed that!  Unfortunately I forgot that it was Good Friday...I had also forgotten it was a Friday in Lent the morning I arrived back in town...sigh. But the Scottish breakfast was calling...

Maybe next time, if I'm on my own, I will share a table with a friend I haven't met yet.  Until then, I will remember toasties and breakfast tea by the window.

XO

Sanctuary

19 June 2011

Before a delightful lunch at The Sheep Heid Inn, Alison introduced us to Dr. Neil's Garden in Duddingston.  This little "hidden" treasure was so peaceful and delightful, I couldn't get enough of it...

Entering the little sun room with all the little pots full of seedlings and such reminded me of when I spent a week at Newbold House in 2008.  There was a green-house attached to the dining room and I enjoyed taking some tea in there after breakfast. I learned a huge lesson in quality "me" time while surrounded by new plants and the community atmosphere. It was my first exposure to that lifestyle/mindset and I totally fell in love.




I could just imagine myself, sitting in Dr. Neil's little sun room, enjoying some tea while it misted outside.  I didn't need to do that, though, because there was very little mist during our visit (the "Scottish" weather waited until our last day). The sunglasses I bought on Iona came in very handy and the lovely weather allowed us to fully enjoy all the Spring plant life.

Alison obliging my "crazy" photo instincts and standing still

I don't think it could have gotten any more charming and magical. So quiet and serene.  It was sort of like going down the rabbit hole for a bit, but Scotland tends to have that effect on me in general :)

Here are some more pics of the delightful half hour we spent in Dr. Neil's, before enjoying our lunch at The Sheep Heid Inn. You can't get a prettier waiting room (click on thumbnails for full images):

{gallery}photogallery/drneils:300:160:0{/gallery}

 XO

Quick & Easy

11 November 2011

Mmmmmm...


I've been feeling under the weather since Wednesday and almost forgot that I had a food blog to post! It's hard to think about food when you haven't felt much like eating...so this will be short and sweet...

One of my favorite quick meals lately has been chili...and after years of not quite hitting the spot, I think I've found my secret ingredient. I suppose we should all have our signature chili recipe, right?

The basic flavor I like is bbq-based.

For an easy slow cooker chili I will buy the following:

1 28oz can of diced tomatoes (organic)
1 bag, cut okra (I used frozen this time)
About 1 cup sweet corn (I used frozen this time too)
Chili Powder
Cumin
Sea Salt
1 can of organic beans (my favorite are black beans)
1 lime, juiced
1 pound bbq, shredded brisket

I put it all in the slow cooker, on low while I'm at work. It doesn't need a lot of time because the meat is already cooked...so it's mostly for the veggies to thaw and all the lovely flavors to mingle.

It is really lovely mixed with a dab of homemade yogurt...which I always have plenty of on-hand.

Once I ordered regular shredded brisket by mistake and so I researched barbeque sauce recipes and added my preferred ingredients to the pot. It worked out pretty good and was still quick and easy.


XO

Oh Iona

09 April 2011

This was some of the company I had today...


I returned to Iona for the second time yesterday.  There still hasn't been any rain! And new friends abound. The sense of community already filling me...

We walked and walked and walked...visited the North Beach, sang, shared some wonderful meals and met lots of these little guys, up close and personal.

It's definitely Springtime.  New life sprouting everywhere...including inside my heart.

XO

Iona 2011 Part I

15 May 2011

Where to begin?  One blog post cannot contain all my thoughts and feelings about my time on Iona, so this will be part 1...

This was my second Pilgrimage to Iona and I found the experience quite different. Iona was gifted to me. It was the place I needed most, but didn't know it until I arrived.

The first week was titled "Matter Matters" and I was very distracted by outside forces...one of which being Iona herself.  It was so different than any place I'd been before.  Beautiful and quiet.  I didn't quite know what to do with all that quiet.  Add to that a few personal dramas etc...and it was quite a week!

It was the last week of October and everything was getting ready to turn in for the winter. Including me. Very contemplative and cocoon-like.

One of the first things I saw, was a basket full of heart shaped stones, in the shop, with the words "Trust" and "Love" carved into them...

I think those words sum up my Iona experiences quite well.

This trip was Springtime! Both in nature and in Spirit.  I feel like everything is being born anew in my life.  Very light-filled and more extroverted. I suppose I've come out of the cocoon.

It makes so much sense that the week was called "Pilgrimage for Change."

Internal struggle seems to always be a theme, but since Iona strips away a lot of the outside world, you can really zero in on what's at your heart center.  It never ends up being what you expect...

My word for this week was "direction."  I put it out there and hoped to God that it would be answered.

I was asked, "With Whom will I stand"

I heard, "The Creatures" as we walked past sheep and lambs and cows (and the land itself is a wild creature indeed).

I was asked, "What will Save You?"

I heard, "Scotland has saved you..."

I think that's true.


XO

Inspiring Minds Want to Know

23 April 2011

Randomly Inspiring Words in "Ness" on The Royal Mile


I've been wanting to start sharing about the awesome and inspiring people I've been meeting throughout my journey of self discovery, and have decided that Easter would be the perfect time of year to start.  Re-birth is a strong theme this time of year...

While on my recent holiday in Scotland (I did tell you all about that, didn't I? :) I met some lovely folks in person, finally, and all the conversations were SO inspiring and affirming! I also had the pleasure of sharing this trip to my spiritual homeland with my good friend, Sara, who shared with me (over a full Scottish breakfast) about an e-mail she wrote to her wee Godson, Logan, out in California (along with a stuffed Oscar the Grouch).

I think it's the perfect sentiment, and kick-of, to the stories I will be sharing about inspiring people.  So here's my first guest blogger, Miss Sara Osten!!!

***

So, Easter. It’s an odd event. Because here’s the thing: This is a holiday that often involves church services, brunch, Jesus, big hats, an Easter ham, decorated eggs that kids need to hunt down, and funny stories about rabbits. Oh, and peeps. (which are really weird and a little gross, even though they are kinda cute).

Technically, it’s the seasonal day of religious celebration following the Spring Equinox. (Here in New York, where there was still some snow lingering about... this is highly welcomed.)

To the early pagans, and depending on where you lived, the “Eostre” festival was either a time of sprouting or seeding. The rituals involved were mostly about the balance of day and night times, to pray for good earth, and to the gods that would bless the crops and families.  

Then, as Christianity spread, it was common for missionaries to practice some good salesmanship by placing pagan ideas and rituals within the ideas of the Christian faith and turning pagan festivals into Christian holidays. For Christians, it was the time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, the two celebrations became one, but the early pagans also brought along the eggs and rabbits, since they were their symbols for Eostre. Hence, why we probably have chocolate rabbits and jelly beans today. Although who knows where peeps are from. Probably Mars :)

So, whether or not you want to celebrate Jesus rising from the grave, or crops rising from the cold winter, or just the fact that you get an Easter basket full of goodies, is all good. So maybe the whole point of this is to celebrate... life. And, since everyone has adapted the meaning of this holiday anyway, why not us? Here’s my proposal: let’s celebrate someone who led an inspiring life!  

Recently, your Mom sent me this adorable picture of you playing with trash cans. Embarrassing, I know. Sorry. And I’ll be sure to show them at your wedding :) But because of you Logan, and reminding me that even playing with trash cans can cause so much happiness.... I remembered one of the funny characters on Sesame Street, and the amazing genius who created him, Jim Henson.  

You know, Henson is the reason why I got you that pirate puppet (which I hope you like!) that I believe overthrew the dog captain and took over as commander of your pirate ship! Anyway, Henson created Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Muppet movies, The Labyrinth, and he even helped create Yoda from Star Wars, as well as countless other projects. With Sesame Street, it helped me learn so many things, like numbers, colors, and the importance of sharing and being nice to others. And most importantly, imagination and being silly is a really good thing. The worlds and characters he invented are just as vivid and original today. In fact, Sesame Street is over 40 years old now, and still feels as fresh and smart as it was when I was kid. Pretty cool, huh?

So this Easter, I will think about you, your Mom and Dad and how amazing and inspiring you all are and how happy I am to have you all in my life! And perhaps even think about this quote from Jim Henson: “The most sophisticated people I know - inside they are all children.”

Happy Easter!

ps. Fozzie... he was my favorite. And this one was just too darn cute. 

Sara in Edinburgh 


***

A huge "THANK YOU!" to Sara for sharing this wonderful note. I admire her devotion to letter writing in this digital world...it can be done, even through an email.  It's a great talent...and such lovely words!!!

This is a fantastic introduction to the stories about inspiring people I've been meeting, including Sara. She planned and saved and quit a job/lifestyle that wasn't suiting her in order to find herself and her passion again...a road that isn't easy, but always worth it. I couldn't have asked for a better drinking buddy in Edinburgh! 

This is exactly what we need to do...celebrate inspiration, be inspired ourselves, and help each other to be inspired! It creates a much lovelier and purpose-filled life.

Happy Easter!

XO

Home Sweet Home Away From Home

04 June 2011

This pillow sold me on the whole place...


The last time I was in Edinburgh, I stayed at a hotel over in Bruntsfield. While a good deal, it was also far from all the places I love going to most while in town (Holyrood Park, The Royal Mile, Calton Hill...). During that last trip, while on my rounds, I passed by this charming group of buildings and thought, "Boy, would I love to live there!" Fast forward a little while after returning to NYC.  I had befriended a lovely lady (via Twitter and my blog), named Susan, who rents out a self-catering holiday flat just off The Royal Mile. And guess where that flat is...

Yup.  Serendipity seems to be knocking on my door in regard to Scotland all the time lately.

The first thing I want to mention about Craigwell Cottage...is that it is part of what used to be a brewery! We stayed somewhere beer used to be made! Hello!? Can you say, perfect? :)

Entrance to Craigwell

Craigwell Cottage was exactly what I was hoping for.  Last time I wandered around Edinburgh, staying in my "far-flung" hotel, I thought..."I've been here too many times to be a tourist...I really would love to have my own space...more like a home."

And that home turned out to be Craigwell Cottage.  My only complaint was that I wasn't able to stay longer! I would have indulged in a lot of cooking blog posts from Edinburgh, had I the time.  Maybe when I return???  :)

You can't imagine how delighted  I was to be able to return to a friendly face and cozy abode, in my favorite city, following the long (but lovely) trek from Iona. I sort of ran around the place filled with child-like glee. Like it was my first apartment or something.  I guess, technically, it was my first Edinburgh apartment :)




I was horrified though, because on the train ride from Oban I realized that I'd given Susan the wrong arrival time.  I'd gotten all smug with using the 24 hour clock and in my Iona haze I had given her a much earlier number. Bless her heart though, she took it all in stride (especially since there followed a blown fuse and near lockout incident...that she didn't find out about until after the fact, over cake.  I must have seemed like a real loon!) I blame the Iona-Lag and my delirium of being back in my beloved Edinburgh.  I don't think the enormous grin left my face until our final day...




Sara and I settled very quickly. It was beyond nice to be able to have our own rooms, get up and have tea and a first breakfast while taking full advantage of the free wifi in the living room.

Chilling out on the couch really gave me a sense of living in Edinburgh...a hotel just doesn't give you that...

Delicious Double Doors

Another amazing aspect of staying at Craigwell was that we had a direct path to one of my favorite places to eat, Clarinda's Tea Room.  In fact, when the back door is open at Clarinda's you can see Craigwell. Can you believe that while I used to sit and have tea at Clarinda's I was staring right at my future Edinburgh lodgings?  The Universe works in mysterious ways, no?

 Returning from Clarinda's

The place is fully stocked with everything you would need...DVDs...an enormous floor puzzle called "Teddy Bear's Picnic"  (which Sara and I tackled in a post pub, and possibly sugar or fried food induced, fit of silliness [I'll reveal pics at at a later date]).

A hop skip and a jump from Holyrood...we were able to go out for lunch and shopping...pop up to Calton Hill, say hello to Arthur's Seat...and then run home for a quick rest before going back out for dinner or a pint.  We also ate in a couple times, which was a blessing after hoofing it all day. Having a home to rest our heads made all the difference.

One night, coming home, we had trouble with the gate and lo and behold, one of our neighbors was there to help us out.  He even told us to knock on their door if we needed anything.  We felt very safe and looked after.

I feel so grateful to have found this little gem and would stay there again in a heartbeat. Knowing me, I'll say hello every time I pass by, even when not.

I still wish I could live there :)

XO

Friends In High Places

18 April 2011

Dr. Neil's Garden, Edinburgh


Today has been wonder-full! Breakfast at Clarinda's, climbing to the top of Nelson's Monument...watching the ball drop in time with the 1 o'clock gun...shopping...

Then our friend, Alison, "Scooped us Up" and took us to The Sheep Heid Inn and Dr. Neil's Garden in Duddingston. Beer and sausages were devoured...more colorful terminology learned...and gorgeous views enjoyed...


Sausages of the Day and Mustard Mash


The Sheep Heid Inn, Est. 1360


Sky from Blackford Hill


We're currently chilling out in Craigwell Cottage enjoying some whisky and contemplating whether or not to go out for a beer.

XO

Fancy Footwork

12 April 2011 

St. Columba's Bay


Today was pilgrimage day. Lot's of magic happening...

Awwww....Love.



Dun I



Exhausted, but Happy


XO