Maybe the Amish are Right

The lazy days of summer are long gone. Lately, my days feel like they are filled with work. The other day I realized that by the time I leave my house in the morning and return it has been 10 to 12 hours. Most of the time this is simply just getting home from work. Sometimes it is longer if I've had some sort of appointment after work. I have begun to think...maybe the Amish have something right?! I find myself longing to live a simple life full of family, friends, home grown, home cooked meals, and tending to those in my care. Sure, I love my electricity and computers but it seems that the American way of life, the pursuit of career, is exhausting these days. I am trying to make the best of it and do what I can. After all, isn't that all the God expects? Do the best I can with what I've been given? Right now, this involves trying to be content that my life is not full of simple things and learning to take advantage of the moments I do have to dedicate myself to the practices of silence, stillness, a meditative heart, and tending to those in front of me. Maybe one day soon I will find my simplicity despite the busyness? In the mean time, I ask God for His grace to make it through without complaining the WHOLE time.

Breakfast is the best!

I think that breakfast is my favorite meal. Well, it is my favorite meal when I don't have to get up and go to work. When I'm on vacation or the weekend, I love all the foods that can be made for breakfast. When I'm working, I have to say my breakfast time isn't that exciting because it usually requires I eat something fast and on the go. Usually those boring breakfasts consist of things like Luna bars, fruit, string cheese, or yogurt. When I'm not working, I have the joy of cooking breakfast. Also, since I'm always on the quest to find the balance of enjoying yummy food and healthy food I thought I'd try a new recipe. This recipe comes from the reality star, health chef, Bethenny Frankel. It is a simple recipe for multi grain french toast. I have to admit I deviated a tad bit and make some variations. I used whole grain bread from La Brea bakery, purchased at Whole Foods (yummy!). Also, I added a dash of milk in the recipe. For my toppings, I used homegrown strawberries, a dab of whipped butter, and real maple syrup (lightly drizzled). You can get the recipe for yourself here.

A few of my favorite things

Mazy enjoying the warmth of the sun.

Some freshly cut hydrangea blooms from my sister's garden

(mine haven't started blooming yet)

Some beautiful foxgloves growing in my garden

My recent acquisitions on a trip to Anthropologie

Saturday Morning Gardening

All these photos display some of the beauty and work the goes into my little backyard garden.

Easter Pictures

So, I'm a bit late on posting pictures from Easter but I thought I'd share anyways. These are pictures from Easter brunch. I had my family over and tried to do a spring look on the table (on a budget).

Invasion of the Aphids!

Well, that time of year has come. My roses are swamped with aphids!!!! They are worse than I've ever seen them! I got some organic spray to help but I'm not convinced I'll be able to avoid using chemicals!!! Help!

Saving the World

I hold a strong belief in respecting all of life. One reason I care about respecting all of life is because it is strongly rooted in Christian belief. True Christian belief holds value to all of God's creation: humans, animals, the land, the sea, and all within. This is why I believe in supporting local farmers, buying organic food (when possible), and respectful treatment of all animals and humans involved. This is not a "kick" I'm on, as some may think. It is not simply a trendy thing to do. It is rooted in a theology. For saving the world, is not simply about getting as many souls to heaven (while this is important). It is much more. It is about restoration. It is about being an agent of healing in the world, as opposed to destroying it.

Patriarch Bartholomew speaks of environmentalism being a theological issue below.