Savouring January - Day 17 - Feel

Today I feel the quiet Joy of contentment. 

It’s a snow day so my cute hubby 

has been working from our kitchen table 

and I’ve been baking Grandma’s Honey-Oatmeal bread 

and working on our Epiphany letter.

Blessed be.

#SavouringJanuary2018

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Snowman Surprise

Since it turns out that we won't be decorating this year 

I thought it might be fun to have some cute Christmas napkins. 

I found this jolly fella today and thought he was perfect.

..

After a late afternoon of baking, 

I sat down to enjoy a couple of my "Chips Galore" cookies after supper. 

I even took a picture of them on my napkin before eating them. 

..

When I finished and went to wipe my hands, 

I grinned so big to discover that 

Auntie Joy was twinkling up at me ... 

again! 

⛄️  .  🎄  .  🍪

(I had *not* noticed her before.)

..

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Remembrance - Day 36 of 40

Measuring spoons 

because Gramma Underwood 

is the one who taught me to light a candle 

to remember my loved ones when baking. 

A pink heart 

because both of these dear women 

tenderly took me into theirs. 

💕

Blessed be.

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August Break 2017 :: Day 26 - Window

Grandmother Tree

peeking in on me

💕💕

Chocolate Crinkles

all ready for tomorrow's potluck.

#augustbreak2017

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Encircled in Love

I was recently asked 

about the women in this photo collage

so thought I'd share my answer here.

Before I introduce you, allow me to share the story behind my collage and how it came
to be...

In November 2015 I was taking an online course, "Honoring the Saints and Ancestors,"
and since these 4 women were the dearly beloveds I would be focusing on (and praying
with) and being very visual, I created my little portable circle of love then. I wanted to
feel them close to me during the month of remembrance.

Smiling because, unbeknownst to me, this was such an inspired idea!! Whenever I'm
baking, especially for a holiday, I will take this magnet off of our fridge and invite my
mothers close to me by placing them near where I am working.

Clockwise from the top left:

 My precious Moma who left us way too soon on January 6, 1997 at almost 57.
Of her 7 kids, I, her eldest, most favor her both in looks and temperament.
 
 Dear Grandma (Daddy's mom) passed on January 21, 1976 at 76.  I have such
fond memories of time spent in her kitchen and how she taught me how to bake and
crochet.

 Darling Grandma (Hubby's maternal grandmother) who considered me one of
her own from the very first time she laid eyes on me and I felt the very same love for
her. She was 72 when she passed on November 25, 1991.

 Grandma (Moma's mom) who I wasn't as close (or drawn) to but with my deep
love for the concept of the Communion of Saints (and the reason I was so drawn to
that online course in particular), I trust our relationship continues to blossom and grow,
just like all of the flowers in her garden that she loved so much. She was 89 when she
died on June 7, 1999 and had been a widow for 23 years.

Thank you for witnessing. 

  

.         *         .

.          *         .

<3

Treasured Tradition

(Warm Good Friday Blessings)

🕯  .   💕  .   🙏🏻

.         *           .

Family Fun Night

Last night we were headed over to see our new baby girl again

and bring dinner but then we were in the accident.

We were delighted to get to try 'er again tonight.

My little baking helpers and I made a yummy pineapple angel food cake. 

(And a wonderful memory, too!)

🍍😇🍰

Ballerina Beauties

My sweet big girls wanted to show me their dresses for their 

recital in May

Just a swangin'. 

👼🏻

Big Sister didn't used to like to have her picture taken

but she has warmed right up to it

which delights my heart so much!

After our supper of grilled cheese sandwiches,

tomato basil soup

sliced carrots

applesause,

and while we were waiting for our cake to cool.

Big sister blessed me with a private dance recital.

Such a gift

and so heart touching to be trusted

and loved so much.

Blessed be.

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Baking is My Therapeutic Love Language

Taking a quiet moment to be fully present in this moment before beginning some lovely 

baking therapy this evening, all while basking in the Light of Love. 

#grounded2017

💕     .       🕯     .       🔶

My bananas were frozen and the recipe I use is my Grandma's. It was the very first thing 

we baked together when I was 9 years old, after putting on our aprons, of course.

Yesterday at work was *tough* and, while today was a lot better, I knew I still needed some 

self-care... and I love to bake so I thought, "hey!" 

I'm not sure I've ever thought of baking as self-care 

before but when done in the right spirit, it so is.

It's also one of my love languages.

I have such fond memories of a dear family friend's mom who, when she would come for 

a visit, would keep a lighted candle when she and her daughter were working in the kitchen. 

I was so enchanted the first time I saw it and how Gramma Underwood (we "adopted" her) 

explained to me that it helped her to remember to pray for those who were on her heart 

that day, especially when preparing for big family meals like Thanksgiving dishes (which 

is usually when she and Grampa were down for a visit).

In November 2015, wanting to feel them close by, I created the collage of the 4 women 

behind my candle. Moma is in the top left, my beloved Banana Bread Grandma in the top 

right, Moma's mom in the bottom left, and hubby's dear Grandma who considered me one 

of her own in the bottom right.

(Have I mentioned yet that hubby affectionately 

calls me "a little old lady magnet?" 

I just smile and nod because I adore grandmother (and grandfather!) 

energy and am so drawn to them)

This evening, I knew I needed to feel them close. Just the simple act of gathering items for 

a little impromptu kitchen altar felt like a gift (the other picture is "Mary, Undoer of Knots) 

and my rock says Peace), as did taking a moment to pause ...

... breathe ... 

.... and gently remind myself that I am not alone. 

While they may be on a different plane, 

we are very much together in spirit. 

I know because seeing their sweet faces 

in the glow of candlelight tells me so.

And sure enough. I am feeling much more

 Grounded and centered, 

and also loved.

Blessed be. 

.           *           .

Thanksgiving Baking Play

This evening's play was trying my hand at coconut macaroons 

so we all moved to the counter that I usually bake on. 

 🙃

Not only does it hold my mixer and ice cream canisters, 

it's right next to my stove so it's very handy dandy.

Afternoon Goodie

(and, yes. It was as good as it looks!)

Everyday Beauty :: Afternoon

Baking a Pineapple Upside-Down cake 

in the company of angels 

and, as is my fond tradition, 

a lit candle to remind me of those I love. 

#everydaybeauty

❤️ . 🍍 . 🍒 . 💛

So, in the name of "keeping it real".... 😉

Turns out I filled the skillet too full and not only did the butter and sugar from the 

bottom/top run out and onto the bottom of the oven.... We had a bit of a fire just now!  

Yikes!

So glad my expert fireman was here to come and save the day by pouring salt on it!

My job?  Fanning the smoke alarm with a damp towel so it'd stop BEEPing really loud!! 

Who knew baking could be so "exciting"?! 😳

.               *              .

Good Friday

Baking Hot Cross Buns 

~ 

A Cherished Family Tradition 

.             *            .

Operation Chocolate Chip Cookie

Smiling and remembering 

my dear, beloved Grandma 

as I tell you that, 

between yesterday and today, 

I made 13 dozen plus 3 

chocolate chip cookies.

.             *            .

Thanksgiving Eve

Had some lovely company while baking my Thanksgiving pies. 

(Carmel Apple and Chocolate Pecan)

Smiling softly because I have such fond memories of spending time in each of their warm kitchens where life lessons were sprinkled in with the cooking guidance. Each has passed beyond the veil so while they may not be able to join me physically in my kitchen, I trust (and take deep comfort in knowing) they join me in spirit. 

I'm so grateful that I had my photo collage of them printed earlier this month! Having it close has been a gentle, welcomed visual reminder of these dear women that I love and miss so much and reminding me that they love me . . . still. 

 It's been a most blessed "Gathering of Spirits." 

❤️

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Blessing Basking :: Day 14

Yesterday it was very good to have some downtime 

and watch cooking shows

while smiling at our turkeys and pilgrims.

Pioneer Woman is one of my faves.

.              *            .

Happy Birthday, Darlin'!

I do love him so!

Smile!

(Thought it might be fun to document the making 

of his very favorite, Strawberry Cake, 

created by his dear Grandma.)

.           *          .

A Good First Day of Fall

Cloudy morning

Lunchtime Nourishment

Triangles

Afternoon

Baked Hubby's 51st Birthday Cake.

.            *            .

August Break 2015 :: Favorite Recipe

When I saw today's prompt, I smiled warmly, knowing in a heartbeat which recipe I would use. 

Grandma's Banana Nut Bread was the first thing she and I baked together when I was about 9 years old. 

This recipe card, written in my Moma's handwriting, is one of my greatest treasures. Splattered and stained with notes of my own, it reminds me of both of these very dear women and the many hours we spent together in their kitchens. 

Whenever I bake, I always light a candle to remind me of the people I love and as a prayer for those who are on my heart that day. 

While these two dearly beloveds (and so many more) have passed on, I trust that they still gather around me to love, support, and guide me. The only difference?  These days we gather in spirit in my kitchen instead of theirs. 

❤️

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Baking Goodies

Cooling a yummy batch of "Chips Galore" cookies. 

It's one of our all-time faves.

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An Inspiring Person - April Love 2015

My beloved Grandma

She inspired my creativity 

by teaching me how to bake, sew, and crochet

and I have such fond memories of her

and our time together.

The thing I cherish most that she passed down to me

is the love of writing (and receiving!) letters.

I will always remember her apron drawer,

that the first thing we baked together was banana bread,

and how much I enjoyed spending the night at her house.

I feel very blessed because of her 32 grandchildren,

I got to spend the most time with her.

I love you, Grandma!

(Miss you, too)

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