Category: Uncategorized

I have all but disappeared from the blogosphere and Twitterverse of the past year. I suppose I have no particular reason other than a need for quiet, if that. Perhaps it has been merely laziness, but I feel drawn to return to my writing now that I am studying for my Master of Humanities in English. Reading the literature and discussing concepts and theories with my peers renewed my love for intellectual discourse, so I plan to bravely return to this space.

I will begin by participating in Susannah Conway’s The August Break,  and I believe I shall use nothing more than my phone’s cameras to capture each day’s prompt. No need to dive head first into the practice — just a simple step into the water to feel the waves upon my feet once again.

Dear First Love,

When my feet were able, I danced. I didn’t just walk or run — I danced. Tapping my toes, spinning in circles, moving my body to the music. For nearly 10 years you and I were inseparable. At one point you were my career of choice until I fell in love with animals and their care. You were still there in the wings, waiting for me just in case I faltered. One day my family moved away from all that we knew, so we were forced to part ways for a while — although I still moved to the music whenever possible. One year we finally got to go en pointe, fulfilling a dream of twirling around on my tip toes. This relationship wasn’t exactly great for my feet, but it was superb for my soul. The blisters, bruised toes, and soreness were a small price to pay to enjoy you. I’m sad that we don’t enjoy each other’s company nearly enough, and that’s my fault these days. Perhaps this is life beckoning me to rekindle our love affair…

“Sit At Your Desk And Listen.” – Franz Kafka

I hear Brian playing Skyrim, the soft, vaguely celtic music providing ambience. Anna’s cleaning herself in the front windows, licking furiously and likely pulling out fur. Junior snorted contentedly as he sleeps in his puppy bed. The fridge motor is humming away as it cools the food. The dog on Skyrim barks randomly. Brian presses buttons on his controller, probably scrolling through a list. The sound of blacksmithing comes back.

Like these posts? Check out Austin Kleon for more delicious ways to steal like an artist!

Last month was a roller coaster. Some days I would make sure I was sleeping, drinking enough water, and eating good, wholesome foods. Other days I felt like I was fighting challenge after challenge, simply trying to make it from the time I got out of bed until the time I could get back in it. January didn’t feel very restorative to me, but I did take baby steps to building a more restorative lifestyle. My husband and I joined a gym and have been walking on the treadmill. I’ve stopped eating so much extra sugar, and I do my best to mindfully drink water.

This month I’m planning to research my interests a little more now that the Cultivate prompt series is behind me. I want to explore different options, consider prospective schools, and imagine my life if I decided to go back to school and pursue a different career path. I will restore the student in me. I’m planning to give up a lot of junk this month, too, which will restore my energy levels and overall health. I’m finding that my word is more of a mantra than anything else. When I think back on last year, nurture was definitely a daily mantra. Does this nurture me and the ones I love? Does this restore me and my dreams? I’m still carrying the mantra nurture with me as a companion to restore.

 

 

 

 

 

We were low on ingredients but filled with a craving for some sweet treats. So I went into my pantry and came out with some tasty goodies!

Peanut Butter Cookies

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
Dash of vanilla
Dash of salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Beat together ingredients. Form into balls and press down on a greased/ lined cookie sheet. You can use a fork, a glass, or just your hands, depending on how you want them to look. Bake for 8-9 minutes. Allow to cool before enjoying.

Popcorn Marshmallow Treats

3 cups popped popcorn, preferably unflavored
2-3 oz mini marshmallows
1 tbsp butter

In a dutch oven (or big pot), melt butter and marshmallows. Stir in popcorn, then turn out on a piece of parchment paper. Form into popcorn balls. Makes about 9 or 10.

I’m taking a hiatus. I haven’t felt inspired to create quality content for a while, so it’s time to relax and regroup. I’ll be back soon with some great ideas.