Neglecting the Blog

So many topics have entered my mind the last few weeks on what  I'd like to blog about. Topics such as cloth diapering, (obvious choice), marriage and relationships, (James and I just celebrated our 6th anniversary), wanderlust, (need I say more?), leaving Facebook (because I suffer from internet social anxiety disorder), big business health insurance companies (boo on them), Kawasaki Disease (my 4 year old was diagnosed and treated with it during the summer), and parental guilt, (being a work at home mom has its challenges.  How much time am I on the computer vrs how much time I am present for my little ones), to name a few. 

Modern life has been fulfilling yet exhausting the last few weeks.  With work, Dr's appts,  school functions, etc., I' find that I'm falling asleep shortly after my little ones.  I am yawning as I write this, so I think I will excuse myself and take yet another night off from my beloved blog.

Of course, before I close shop for the night, I shall twist this in my favor by stating how liberating it is to turn off one's computer or cell phone.  Make a day of it...or two.  You'll be surprised at how much more time you have and how you spend that time.  (I'm bad enough with my laptop, I can't imagine owning a smart phone as well.) 

Before I sign off, I will mention that I'm starting a new book, The Thirteenth Tale. When I finish, (at my current rate, this will be most likely be in the new year), I will report back on my experience.  Feel free to join along for a discussion.  The Thirteenth Tale at Amazon  
Peace out.

Ahhhh Exhale.

Sunday evening.  Quiet now.  Children in bed.  After an action packed, aka leisurely weekend at home, I can now take a moment to relax into myself.  I love autumn.  I love the darker days, turning leaves, colder evenings and the comfort food that goes along with it.  There's no turning back.  Say goodbye to summer salads and cold drinks!

On Friday I had a sudden urge to make homemade macaroni and cheese with baked Brussels sprouts.  The whole weekend has been filled with baked goods, yummies that we haven't had access to, for fear of turning on the oven and adding a few degrees to our already, overly hot house.  Tonight we had a dinner of veggies, sauteed asparagus with mushroom and red onion, bread and butter, and a recipe from my mother-in-law, Jeniveve.  Cauliflower cheese and peas. (Pictured above.)  Cauliflower cheese and peas is a favorite in our household not only for it's warming goodness, but also for the induced 70's nostalgia.  I actually didn't eat this as a young child, but it really has that 70's look and feel to it.   Can you imagine some bowl-cut-haired kid with plaid pants and a turtleneck, sitting at a Formica table happily eating his cauliflower peas and cheese?  I can.  Maybe he's wolfing down his meal so he can catch the latest Bewitched episode that is just about to start. 

Yesterday was October 1st and for our household it means, Break out the Halloween Decorations!  It also means taking a moment in remembrance of my Aunt Gloria who left us too early when she was merely 44.   Halloween and the festivities surrounding it, are also comforting on a deep level.  (I have my aunt "Dodie" to thank for many Halloween time memories and warming family meals.) What is it about the autumnal season, food and festivities, that brings us back to earth from the summer, centers us, and ignites in us the warm and fuzzy wonderment of our youth?

I feel strengthened and centered on this early October evening with a sense of....could it be....maturity?  I suppose what I am really feeling is balanced.  I am here and now.  I have a sense of the past and confidence for the future.  (I hope this lasts!)