Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Growing

"My Ex-spearmint"

At the beginning of summer I purchased a variety of seeds with the intent of having an herb garden - only maybe not all herbs - more of a 'whatever' garden ('Because if anything grows, it will be a miracle garden', I said to myself very very deep down inside my soul).

I wasn't selective about these so-called seeds, mostly because I had (and still have) no idea what I'm doing. Neither thumb remotely resembles any shade of green whatsoever.  I even recycled some old dirt from a former (live) plant - aka a dead plant. Always a good sign.

When I started to plant the spearmint seeds on one side of the rectangular pot, they all came flying out of the package because they were so tiny. I let them be and started planting some basil (I think) and some spinach. I KNOW, right? I'm creative that way - don't be jealous.

Can we talk about those teeny tiny little wee spearmint seeds? That 2 foot tall thing in the photo above is what has become of them. What frightens me about this is that when I look up spearmint plants online, they don't look like this. But before you say it's a weed, just humor this greenless thumbed girl for a sec! Too soon?

Let's rewind to when I planted these tiny guys: I buried them in dirt, and then I watered them and prayed that something would grow. I didn't stop there - I kept watering, don't worry, but I seriously gave up on the spearmint. Then it happened! Well, actually I thought there was a hair or something sticking out of the dirt. I almost yanked it before I realized it was a living, growing, sprouting, teeny tiny plant! I was pretty excited that something had actually grown because of my help. Yes, I have kids, but they seemed a little less fragile. And now that they are growing up and out I'm all about trying to grow something with less of an ego.

Did I mention that it's over 2 feet tall? It's very bossy next to my basil and spinach. Just sayin'.

These seeds reminded me of the story Jesus told about faith and a mustard seed. Mustard seeds are rather small, but apparently they pack a pretty big punch once they are grown. He said we only need teeny tiny little wee faith (the size of a mustard seed) and something very big can be done with that faith. (This is my very own paraphrase... You're welcome).

Just the fact that my plant (whether spearmint or a weed) brought this truth to mind causes this girl to want to keep growing - both in my faith and maybe a few more herbs or weeds or vegetables. Whatever. I'm pretty relaxed that way. 

Monday, July 27, 2015

Pancake Stir Fry

Does this resonate with anyone? Anyone?  Bueller?

Okay, maybe not...

In the words of Richard Nixon, "I am not a cook."  You may be thinking, "Nixon didn't say that!" Whatever, close enough.

I'm the only person living in this house who tries to eat (wait for it) gluten free, sugar free and dairy free.  What is that called, actually?  Has it been given a name?  Please comment if it has, because otherwise I'm trademarking it.  I mean, I'm not a vegetarian, vegan or paleo (I don't think). So, here goes:  GFSFDF®  Get it?  It's good being the creative one in the family.

Anywho, tonight I made coconut flour pancakes. Do they at least taste good? (Cuz they look so bad). Nope, they don't. I think I added too much salt. Will I eat them? Oh heck yes I will!

**Hang on, something's burning**

Okay, I'm back.

What I have accomplished is the satisfaction of a sweet-ish tooth and a bread craving - all without white refined sugar or white refined flour (a.k.a. satan).  

So, after eating about 3/4 of the pancakes (yes, I'm sure it's meant to feed a family of 4...don't judge), I no longer feel like choking someone or eating an entire box of donuts.

Two birds, one stone.

Stir Fry Pancakes® What the heck, I'm trademarking that, too.

You're welcome.

Holy pancake coma...

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Yellow Frog

Meet Yellow Frog...
Isn't she pretty?  Well, okay, maybe not to you, but hear me out.  Yellow Frog belonged to my sweet Grandma ("Gramma-Jo") who passed away in March.  Gramma-Jo collected frogs. Actually, Gramma-Jo collected a LOT of things over her 99 years, but towards the end of her life on this earth, frogs became special to her.

Why frogs? Someone told Gramma that FROG stands for Fully Rely On God.  That was it...on to the collecting.  Want to know where my thrifting gene comes from? That's right - Gramma-Jo.  Back in the day, we could scour a Goodwill shop for hours. And guess who found some type of frog (be it ceramic, or a shirt or even pajamas) 100% of the time? I don't think I have to answer that...

Anywho, I have decided that it's necessary to keep Yellow Frog around for many reasons:

1. Yellow is my favorite color.  Yes - it's Gramma's favorite, too.  That used to excite me so much when I was a little girl! We liked so many of the same things and it gave me such a special bond to that sweetheart.

2. I want to be reminded to Fully Rely On God - like, always - and like, fully fully.  You see, this frog represents a spiritual icon to me.  Gramma had such a joy and a love for God, and I am certain that her love and prayers are the reason for my own joy in my faith today.  She was just cool like that.

And finally...

3. She's stinkin' adorable - just like Gramma!

So, yeah, she's a keeper.

What do you have that reminds you of someone special?

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Walking The Dog

So this happened today: 
And this:
There was even some of this!
I guess you could say I took some time to actually enjoy my surroundings. 

This is where I live. Well, not RIGHT here. But this is part of the small town in which I reside. Pretty nice. Very nice. 

So today I thanked the dog for having a mind of his own. I don't typically take the time to enjoy my surroundings this much. But the dog wanted to take the path less travelled. 

I wonder who's guiding his steps? I imagine it's the same One trying to get me to stop, look & listen. 

Nice. So nice. 

Good dog...