Thursday, December 15, 2011

in the eye of the storm, i am calm



Around this time of year (and all other times),  I avoid shopping malls and all the people gorging themselves on huge pieces of chocolate shopping cake.  It feels like I'm in the eye of the storm.  It's calm and everyone is losing their mind around me.

Although, at times, I'm losing my mind a little with all this sewing.  If I said I totally got this holiday stress under control,  that would be a complete lie.  I just need to keep my focus.  Remember what this season is all about.  And not worry at all that our handmades will arrive once again after Christmas.  Just know two things about me.  I'm almost always a week late with holiday or birthday gifts and if you leave a message on my cell phone, I may not get it for a week because it usually lives under a seat in my car and I don't check it often.




I have realized over the years that I have absolutely no control over the tree decorating.  I've completely surrendered to that.  Lego airplanes dominate the lower branches.  Sweet, I love it.

 
 

One more thing about me.  I love simple meals.  I found this recipe in one of those magazines at the health food store (Delicious Living December 2011).  It's really good.


Cauliflower, Celery, and Leek Soup
Saute one medium leek thinly sliced and 7 celery stalks thinly sliced in 3 TB of olive oil for 4 minutes.  Add one pound of cauliflower and 4 cups of broth.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered until veggies are tender.  I added my favorite seasoning blend.  Once cooked, I blended in blender and put back in the pot with a little cream.  Added salt and pepper to taste.

Oh and one more thing...I deleted intense debate because every month or so it would completely lose my comments.  The down side of that is that any comment that you ever left on my blog through intense debate has been deleted.   sigh... 

10 comments:

  1. I want to steal away to your house for a bit!

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  2. Dan and I used to send out christmas cards weeks late (new years cards, we called 'em!) We haven't sent out christmas cards since Rose was teeny. Your sewing looks lovely, I'm sure it'll be enjoyed whenever it arrives.

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  3. Yes! Me too on the avoiding and staying focused. I started planning for Christmas back in August, but I am in crunch mode like everyone. I have revived Christmas cards this year...the photo variety because I realize those are the ones I like to receive! Thank you for the soup recipe! And Intense Debate...did you delete or remove from your blog? If the latter, you should still be able to read all the comments, even if no one else can. I wish I had never started using Intense Debate!

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  4. Nicola, I'm sure I still have an intense debate account. I just took off the widget. I think we've almost made all the quilted potholders we'll send out. It was so much fun. I sat in front of the fire last night with Jonathan doing the finish work. Lots of love put into them.

    Rachel, I should really just do new years cards. that would make more sense for us! :) I'm getting better though. In general, I hate to be late for anything!

    Sarah Jane, come on over! The kids would have fun! :)

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  5. Our cell phones must be related because mine is always under the seat of my car ;) And I hear you on the (slight) stress of making/ doing it all this time of year. Actually after I write this I'm off to sew five bean-filled fish for a bean-bag toss game I'm making for Amelia. Oh, the things we do for love! :)

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  6. Ellie! I'd love to see your bean bags when you're done! I need to make some bean bags for reading games for the boys. I'd much rather be slightly stressed over sewing projects than the mall any day of the week! Happy Holidays to you and your family. xo

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  7. Oh, I love the Lego airplanes decorating your tree, it´s so creative! And me too, I love simple food , it´s healthy and cheap, do we have to say more?
    Happy Holidays, dear Kyndale and family!

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  8. I love the Legos decorating your tree!! I am with you about the whole shopping thing, I did all of my shopping online and I really can't stand the mall this time of the year. I feel everyone forgets the spirit of Christmas and can only think of the shopping binge

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  9. Thanks Imene, I love those legos on the tree too. I've done a little bit of on-line shopping. In most cases, I can get all I want from one place and we have great outdoor stores here in Reno like Sierra Trading Post and REI. Have a great holiday. Happy New Year!

    Mina, I like homemade, simple and fast food. But I'm not scared of spending a fair bit of time on a special meal either. My kids are getting older and need more food. Gone are the days that we go to the local burrito place and the kids order a kid meal. They're into adult meals now! Not that we go out very often!
    Warm Holiday Wishes to you and yours!
    xo Kyndale

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  10. Your fabric is beautiful! We've been busy sewing and embroidering here, but not quickly enough, because my mom and dad went home with an unfinished gift. Sigh.

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