A Night Walk

At 7:30 p.m. this evening, it was twilight, and night time was coming on quickly. These last days of summer go so quickly as the days shorten; just a few weeks ago I was still gardening at 7:30 pm.

Earlier this year I used T.V. as a way to persuade Jeremiah to sit long enough to potty train. But T.V. quickly became a habit before bed, and upon rising in the morning. It was easy to change the morning habit, but the night time T.V. session has taken a little more discipline (mostly on my part) to stay away from it.

These past couple weeks Jeremiah has rarely asked for T.V. and will quickly dismiss my "not now" and run off playing. Tonight I was tired, I so wanted to turn on the tube and let him enjoy; but no, our T.V. has miraculously stopped working! So I needed to come up with some pre-bedtime, wind-down activity.

Ah ha! A night hike! We dressed for the chilly air of a late summer evening, took out the stroller, Jeremiah, in his pajamas, climbed up and off we went! Our neighbors have a big open yard in which we could see the moon. Further down the road, we went to our favorite daytime hiking spot "the waterfall" and looked for stars.

Jeremiah commented "Mom, the moon is coming on a walk with us. There's not enough stars here Mom, let's keep going!"

He loved it and I have this feeling that perhaps taking a walk in the dark will help him appreciate night time more rather then have a little fear of it.

We could see our breath, and heard tons of animals in the forest and the swamp. It's a little cloudy, and we need to go out a little later for better viewing, but I think he is fascinated with the night sky.

As the summer wanes, and it's darker earlier, take the family on a night hike, or out the back door to gaze at the stars and feel the immensity of the Universe. Breath in the cool night air, pause; close your eyes, listen deeply to the sounds of nature.

As we spend more time outside at night, we will become more comfortable with whatever feelings come up. Breath deeply. Hold hands. Grow faith.

Turning off the T.V. and taking a break outside tonight gave me exactly what I needed; a break from the ordinary, a spontaneous moment of joy, connectedness, appreciation and faith.

I feel rejuvenated!

Waffles for Breakfast

Today, my dearly beloved son wanted waffles for breakfast.

So, I rediscovered one of my favorite recipes in Joy of Cooking and together we made fresh home baked waffles using my mother's heart-shaped waffled iron.

Here's the recipe:

Sift together:
1 3/4 cups cake flour (substitute whole grains for part if you like)
2 teaspoons double acting baking powder
1/2 cup salt
1 tablespoon sugar (can omit or add less)

In a separate bowl beat:
3 egg yolks (save egg white for later)
Add:
4 tablespoons melted butter
1 1/2 cups milk (I usually use cow milk, but try it with other milk)

Add liquid ingredients into flour mixture by forming a hole in the center and pouring in the liquid. With a few quick strokes, combine the liquid with the flour to make a batter with the texture of muffin batter.

Optional:
Add about a handful of fruit or berries, cheese, ham, nuts.

Beat until peaks form, but not too dry:
3 egg white

Fold the egg whites into the waffle batter.

Cook and serve!

I highly suggest using a little butter and some local maple syrup (unless, of course, you choose to make savory waffles).
Garnish with blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apple sauce- whatever floats your boat!

Enjoy!

Perhaps you have the opportunity to cook with your children, have them help! Jeremiah is "the stirrer" and has his own special spatula. We always remember to put on our "helper hats" and I usually have his 2 1/2 year old attention for long enough to cook.

This morning he helped separate the eggs (fresh from our chickens)!! He ate about 6 small waffles this morning; I feel confident that we will have a good day as his body is filled with healthy food; more importantly, his heart is filled with love and sweet attention from his mamma. It's special to be a mom-son team in the kitchen. I look forward to the next morning he has some special breakfast he wants.... we'll see what new adventure we have together.

Welcome

Welcome.

As I wake up each morning, my thoughts are turned to the sounds and songs of the birds dancing in the trees outside my window. My eyes turn to see the sunlight and the signs of a new day. I am overjoyed to see my son or my husband next to me sleeping; to watch the rise and fall of their bellies as they breath deeply, completely relaxed. I keep my thoughts here and now; knowing there are many "things" for me to do today.

Practicing being; my morning meditation reminds me that "being" takes practice and focus. At one time, this morning meditation might have been much more about "doing"- making a specific prayer, holding myself a certain way or invoking peace and stillness.

This blog is about practicing being a writer, a mother, a sister, a daughter of the Universe. Right here, in the center, where the Green Earth and Blue Sky meet; this is where life is happening.

Thanks for reading.