Feeding our Souls

With my husband by my side,
quietly, I sit watching the sun slowly go down below the trees.
Her golden rays reflecting off the lake.
Sparkling like champagne. I can feel the temperature dropping on this winters eve, and the warmth from the coffee in my hand is like a small hug. Inviting. The crickets are chirping, and I can hear a flock of birds flying overhead. I look up to see them, so gracefully, and in unison, pass by.
So free,
I think to myself.

John and I don't talk much during sunsets.
We just sit and enjoy what she has to say, the
beautiful sun. It's a reminder of something bigger than us.
Nothing we could say could ever compare to what she has to offer at that very moment. That moment when she's going to bed and gives us her last dance of the day.

So we sit in silence. We watch and listen.
Soak in all the good and let go of all the bad. Just us, together in a moment.
Feeding our souls.
I will always cherish each sunset we share.
I love you, my dearest husband.

Always, Diane

Winter

As a winter usual, I've been hibernating this month. Doing a lot of cooking, reading, and Netflixing! Getting my days and nights mixed up from staying up way too late. I do manage to get out and spend a few hours outdoors on occasion. If you know me, then you know I just don't like the cold weather. Sweaters, warm socks, blankets and coffee are my closest friends as of late.

This week, I figured out how to make the perfect pot of rice. I've been doing it all wrong for too long. Crazy, right? Turns out, I was adding too much water. Conquering the kitchen, one dish at a time! 

Also, I tried a new, simple way of cooking sweet potatoes. Delicious!

Recipe;
Peel and cube potatoes. (I did small bite-sized cubes)
Toss in 2-3 tlbsp. of olive oil
Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper to taste.
Cook in cast iron skillet over medium heat until tender. (I like mine a little blackened) 

That's it! So easy and good. And healthy! My guys loved them, too.

Yesterday evening, I had a short visit with my dear friend, Sissie. We met out at her goat farm. Played with all the new, little babies, drank coffee, watched the sunset, and had a nice chat catching up on life. Was good to get outside!

Hope you're all staying warm and cozy!

Hugs,
Diane

January, 2015!!

Happy New Year! I still can't wrap my head around it being a new year already. We made it through December with one of the best Christmas' yet. We all spent the night at mama's house on Christmas Eve. My mama, brother, sister and I, and our little families were all together under one roof. We played games, watched movies, ate oysters by the fire, made candy, laughed, cried and had the most precious time. My mama was happy and so were we. I wouldn't change a thing about it. It was perfect! Hope your Christmas was wonderful, too!

So, here we are. It's January. I still have a mound of laundry to do, and there are remnants of wrapping paper laying around, yet I'm sitting here drinking my second cup of coffee and writing this post. I'm not one to make new year resolutions, however, I do have a plan for a great year. I mean, don't we always plan for a great year anyway? Seems kind of silly once you say it out loud or write it down. It's going to be a bit crazy come spring, J.T. graduates high school.  (long pause) Still soaking that in as well.  He was just six years old not long ago. My husband starts nursing tomorrow, yes tomorrow!! So, what's my plan? My plan is to be the 'calm' in the storms ahead. The meal planner, chef, problem solver, garden planner, chicken whisperer, back patter, hug giver, you know...the usual!  (Smile) I just want to keep things on track and running smoothly. So... my goal, my 'plan' is to keep this house a home, a place of comfort and love.  It's simple really. Consciously slowing down and taking time for life. I don't want to just drink a cup of coffee, I want to drink a cup of GOOD coffee. I most certainly don't want to "microblast" it three times before I have finished it. You know? Planning meals in advance and having all the ingredients in my kitchen make it easier to eat healthier, make homemade meals and stay away from processed foods. Plan, schedule, and slowwww down.  That's it. Live intentionally. Enjoy it. Love it. Life is short. One minute you are six, and the next minute you are graduating high school...and before you know it your forty-two year old husband is attending nursing school.

Now, I'm off to "microblast" my coffee and tackle that mound of laundry! Ha Ha. (True Story)
Hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year!

Light and Love,
Diane