100 Joys

I heard a story of a lecturer who showed a piece of paper with a blot on it to a group of businessmen. He asked the audience what they saw. They responded ‘a blot’. The point is that often times we notice the flawed and miss the joys in life. This week, I’m paying attention to the joys in my life – particularly the ones I overlook.  When I began, I was hoping to notice 25 in a few days. I put a blot on a page and began recording around it. On the first day of this practice, I observed 26 things I’m thankful for.  I’m now aiming for 100.  As I am writing down my blessings, the blot is becoming less visible. Why don’t you start recording your blessings today? You’re outlook will change – mine has.

Here are a  few from my list:

-         Naps

-         Healthy lungs

-         Bird tracks in the snow

-         Clean fresh laundry

-         Doctors

-         Brisk air

-        An Invitation

Buckwheat Pilaf

Its so much fun to explore with differant grains.  It makes cooking and serving more interesting. Buckwheat, for one,  is  hardy; nutritious;  and part of the rhubarb family.  It’s not actually a grain but a fruit that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. Because of it’s nutrition, it is used as a grain.  It’s a good substitute for anyone who is sensitive to wheat too. It is easy to cook and normally quite cheap to buy. This recipe is so good you’ll make it again and again. We’ve never had leftovers, its so yummy.

30 ml (2 TBSP) canola oil

50 ml (1/4 cup) diced onion

1 clove garlic, crushed

250 ml (1 cup)  mushrooms chopped

250 ml (1 cup) whole buckwheat

284 (1 can) vegetable broth (or homemade)

300 ml (1 1/4 cup) water

2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt

1 ml ( 1/4 tsp) ground black pepper

50 ml (1/4 ) cup minced parsley (optional)

Heat oil in fying pan over medium low heat and saute onion, garlic and mushroom until onion is golden. Add buckwheat and cook, stirring for 3 – 5 minutes and buckwheat is lightly toasted. Add broth, water, and seasonings. Cover, reduce heat and cook for about 30 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Garnish with parsley.  Yield 4-6.

                       (Sauteed onions, garlic and mushrooms with Buckwheat toasting)

                                     (add the broth, water and seasonings)

                                            (Put in a colorful dish and ready to serve)

By the way, this is the first time I used a cast iron fry pan.

A Rewarding Mess

“I am thankful for the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.” —Nancie J. Carmody

This quote sums up one the joys of entertaining. The day after we’ve had friends over, we sit around in the mess for awhile, remembering the fabulous event. We sure like to create a place for our friends to get caught up with each other.  The mess is a bit of a reward really.  If you’re not having friends over, I sure hope you do.  It doesn’t need to be complicated.  Its about the people not the food.

A Successful Marriage

Last week my husband and I were downtown for  a morning appointment. I’ve been working from my home for 10 years now, so I don’t go downtown very often. I was so interested in watching the people hurry by – bag in one hand and coffee in the other.  As we were waiting at a crosswalk, an elderly couple (about 80 ish) wandered up and stood next to us. They were dressed very nicely and were holding hands. I noticed he was conscientious of her and watched her  lovingly. We greeted one another and he joked about the coffee in my hand.  He said  they were living in an apartment just around the corner and they were out for their morning walk.  That brief encounter stirred something inside me as I stood with my husband.  I came across this quote today and was reminded of that lovely couple once again. I think they’ve been practicing this truth for many years. Let’s do the same!

“A successful marriage requires

falling in love many times, always

with the same person”

Milton McLaughlin

Ground Seeds

It’s so easy to add extra nutrients to your diet by using 1 – 2 TBSP of ground seeds daily. They’re high in protein; essential oils; vitamins; and minerals. I grind seeds like flax, pumpkin and sesame separately in my coffee grinder.  I like to keep a couple containers of ground seeds in the refrigerator for convenience.  I use them up within a few days. Add 1 – 2 TBSP of fresh ground flax, pumpkin, sunflower or sesame seeds to cereal, shakes, stir fries, soup, apple slices or whatever you like.  Give it a try. You’ll be healthier for it.

Homemade Laundry Soap

I’ve been making and using my own laundry soap for two years now.  I thought it was a good time to give an update.  I am still very happy with the soap, it cleans very well; is quick to make; and my cost is under 15.00 per year.  Many of my friends have tried it and liked it.

If you are not making your own soap, I hope you give it a try.

Here is a link to my original post. http://flourishnow.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/homemade-laundry-soap/.

Ingredients

- 1 cup grated Sunlight bar soap – about 1/2 a bar (cost 2.00 for 2 bars)

- 2 cups boiling water

- 1 cup Arm & Hammer washing soda (cost for one box about 5.00)

- 1 cup Borax (cost for one box about 5.00)

- 1 gallon of warm water (16 cups or 4.55 litres)

Method

-grate 1 cup bar soap and melt in 2 cups boiling water, stir until melted

-once melted pour into big pot (I used a canning pot)

-add 1 cup washing soda and 1 cup Borax

-stir together – until dissolved

-add 1 gallon warm water (16 cups or 4.55 litres)

-stir until mixed well

-pour into empty laundry containers or a big pail

-use 1/4 cup per load – cold/warm/hot water

-shake or stir each time you use

One batch makes about 6 litres (roughly 1 1/2 US gallons) and costs about 2.00 per batch – maybe less.  You will have enough ingredients to make many batches. I filled a little more than 3 – 1.89 litre laundry jugs for less than a dollar per jug.  As you can see it is pennies per load. The batch may go gel like and clumpy, this is normal. Shake well with each use. Pre treat stains before washing.

-  sud less

- can be used in HE washer

More ‘Repair and Reuse Old Things’

I sure like restoring and reusing things. I previously saw the Sherwin Williams paint color ‘Naval’ on  Favorite Paint Colors. I really liked the color and was waiting for the perfect item to use it on. I came across this small chest of drawers and decided it was the piece to paint the color ‘Naval’. I think it looks great,  don’t you?  Now I have extra storage space in my laundry area. It’s so easy to fix something up. I simply sanded this piece lightly;  washed it down; painted it; and applied new handles.  I let it dry for at least 8 hours before I applied the 3rd and 4th coat of paint, just to be sure the paint was cured. All in all, it was a weekend project. Let’s keep things out of the landfill and reuse where we are able.

                                            (Chest of drawers lightly sanded)

(First coat of paint on the drawers)

                                  (First coat of paint on the frame)

                                       (4th coat of paint and new knobs )

                                         (Sherwin Williams – “6244  Naval”)

On Being a Friend

Today I’m meeting my girlfriend who I’ve not seen in a year. We don’t visit very often , but when we’re together it’s like no time passed at all. I hope you nurture your friendships always and have the wisdom to understand the differant seasons.

‘Sometimes being a friend
means mastering the art of timing.
There is a time for silence.
A time to let go and allow people
to hurl themselves into their own destiny.And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over.’
~ Octavia Butler

Lentil Vegetable Soup

                                  (Lentils after boiling)

This soup is so tasty; nutritious; quick to make; and inexpensive. Today I made a double batch to freeze. I like to have it on hand for times when we’re not able to cook. Other times, I take it to a friend who is not feeling well.  If your not making your own soups, I sure hope you start.

Lentil Vegetable Soup

(taken from Canada’s Healthy Living Guide, October 2004)

1 cup (250ml) mixed Lentils (I use green lentils)

1 small white onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 TBSP (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil

1 cup (250 ml) carrots, diced

1 cup (250 ml) red and yellow bell peppers, diced (optional)

1 cup (250 ml) celery, diced

2 ½ cups (625 ml) vegetable stock or water

2 bay leaves

Pinch cayenne pepper

Boil lentils for about 20 minutes.  Drain. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until tender. Add carrots, celery and peppers and sauté until translucent.  Add lentils and stir.  Add vegetable stock, bay leaves, cayenne and salt.  Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.  Remove bay leaves. Garnish with parsley. Serves 2.  Puree part if desired.

(I often add a little chopped spinach just before serving)

                                   (Vegetables sauteing)

                                           (Puree a little -  I love this stick blender)

Food Intolerences

Ladies, if you (or someone in you family) has an intolerance to food or if you suspect there is an intolerence, give this book a read.  I have a few sensitivities and I really like how this book sums up what I have read in many other books.  Its a good reference book. I bought my copy used at thiftbooks.com.

Book Description : Dramatic mood swings caused by popcorn. Soaring fevers brought on by milk. Nosebleeds, sinusitis, migraines, eczema, even depression: these symptoms can mean your body is saying a resounding NO to a particular food…….Find new ways to shop for, cook, and enjoy substitutes for dairy, wheat, corn, and sugar…….

January Prayers

( This is a repost)

It’s January and I’m keeping the spirit of Christmas alive. You see, each day I re-read a Christmas card and say a special prayer for the sender.  I’ve been blessed over and over as I continue this practice year after year. When our girls were home, we would put the cards in a basket. Each evening at the supper table, one girl selected a card which we then read together and prayed a special prayer for the sender. Maybe this is a tradition you would like to start. It sure is special. Have a wonderful week.

Christmas Prayers

This is a re post.

In the midst of the excitement of the Christmas season, I like to experience calmness. These two prayers help to keep me focused on the true meaning of the season. I like to take time regularly to reflect on these prayers written long ago.

Christmas Prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson (1800’s)

Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels,the gladness of the shepherds,and the worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing, which Christ brings,and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children,and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake, Amen!

Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine St. Augustine of Hippo (AD 354-440)

Let the just rejoice,
for their justifier is born.
Let the sick and infirm rejoice,
For their savior is born.
Let the captives rejoice,
For their Redeemer is born.
Let slaves rejoice,
for their Master is born.
Let free men rejoice,
For their Liberator is born.
Let All Christians rejoice,
For Jesus Christ is born.

Please Respond

Do you know what RSVP means when you see it on an invitation?

Well, I’ve been thinking about this because through my own experience as a host, I ‘ve not received responses to an invitation.  I like to think that the current trend is that people   haven’t a clue what RSVP means.  It’s simply ‘please respond’. It appears on an invitation to help the host in planning the party/event.

Please, if you receive an invitation that includes RSVP, then be sure to reply quickly – and let the host know if you plan to attend or not.

Have a wonderful day, Linda

The Hardest Thing In Life

Knowing What I Now Know (KWINK)

‘Knowing what I now know, would I get into this if I had to start over today?’ (Brian Tracy)

I like to ask myself this question now and then. It helps me be certain that my life is in line with the things that are important to me. You can apply this question to relationships; products you’re using; investments;  services  &/ expenses. If your answer is ‘no’, you need to plan how to get out.   Once I asked myself this question after volunteering in a position for awhile.  It just was not what I thought it was,  so I resigned.  I’ve questioned my investments and set up a plan to get out of a few.   I’ve suggested to my daughters that they ask themselves this question about friendships.  Sometimes people, investments, products etc. just aren’t what we thought they were and that’s okay. Just give yourself permission to get out.

‘To Do’ Lists

I can’t say enough about ‘ to do’ lists or ‘lists’ in general. That’s because I’m simply better organized, at home and at work, when I use one. I transfer things from my mind to a list.  I save time (and money) because with a list,  I’m not being pokey. Otherwise, I go from this to that and I don’t really accomplish much.  Lists help me prioritize too. My recent lists have included: Thanksgiving dinner, fall gardening,  and clients to contact this week. I keep a daily list too.  It’s for things that  I dont want to fall through the cracks like: meditation, exercise,  call a friend, or pick up library books.   Today I came across this amazing online tool called Wunderlist, maybe you’ve heard of it.  It’s very easy to use and it’s FREE.  Starting today, I’m managing my tasks from my home computer, office computer and my iPod Touch.  If you’re like me, always looking for ways to stay organized, give this a try.  I think you’ll like it. Have a nice day. Linda

                                                                                (Wunderlink screen)

Fall Gardening

One of the things I best like about Fall is planning next years garden. I’ve been wandering around my garden and accessing my plants. I’ve noted, in my gardening journal, which plants did well and which ones didn’t. I’m deciding which plants need thinning and which ones need to be moved. I’m thinking about options for the plants that struggled. I’m imagining what seeds I can use in borders and where to place my pots. In the next few weeks, I’m going to trim the perennials and transplant the ones that are going to a new location.  I’m going to dig up the bulbs; clean them off; and replant some of them.  I’ll draw diagrams in my journal – so that I’ll know what’s where come Spring and Summer.  Ladies, plan now for next year’s garden. You’ll be really pleased with the results. Have a wonderful Fall. Linda

Juggling Life

Today I was reading motivational notes that I wrote down a long time ago. I came across this bit of wisdom.  Maybe you’ll like it as much as I do.

Life is a game in which you are juggling 5 balls in the air. Name them work; family; health; friends; and spirit. Work is a rubber ball, you drop it and it bounces back. The other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit are made of glass. You drop one of these and they will be scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. (Paraphrased -  Brian Dyson CEO of Coca Cola Enterprise)

Line Drying Clothing and Linens

Ladies, are you line drying your laundry outdoors? It’s one of my favorite chores to do when the weather permits.  My clothes smell so nice and because I’m using home made soap , the scent is natural. You’ll also save money by not using the electric/gas dryer. Follow this link for a few tips about line drying.  For some of you it’s just ‘one more chore’.  I certainly can appreciate this because for a few years there just wasn’t extra time for me hang the laundry.  If you’re not living those busy days now, why not give line drying a chance. You’ll be pleased.

Rain Barrel

I sure like to use my rain barrel. Rain barrels are simply a storage tank for temporarily holding stormwater.  Stormwater from your roof is collected into a barrel that is attached to your downspout. The benefits of using a rain barrel for watering in your garden are:  rain is naturally free of chlorine and fluoride; helps conserve water; and it reduces ones water bill. Also, rainwater contains nitrogen (produced during lightning strikes).  Nitrogen is an important natural fertilizer for the soil. We’ve just got our second rain barrel and I can hardly wait for it to be hooked up. We’ll attach a soaker hose to it and use it solely for one of our dryer gardens. The other barrel is used for hand watering. My potted plants just flourish from rain water.  If you’re not using a rain barrel you’re  missing many benefits. Why not give it a try?

Remember to clean it once in awhile (the car wash works well). You’ll need to drain and disconnect it before winter also.  Have a wonderful day. Linda