Wishful Thinking {guest post ~ à la parisienne}

Time with our young children is so fleeting, and their sweet minds are so impressionable and eager to learn. Before Amelia was born, I had this deep desire, and every day I spend with her, this desire grows. I wish to homeschool my daughter.

Aside from long division, spelling, biology, and French, I desire to teach her other skills, model values, and give her experiences that reach far beyond the so called academic world.

I wish to:

*Read to her and listen to her read; teach her about the value of holding old, 
musky pages in her hands and reading a real book.

*Place seeds in her hands above the rich soil; 
teach her about growing food and caring for the earth.

*Bring her to the post office as we send an order to a foreign land; 
teach her how to run a business from home.

*Sing the song "My Country 'Tis of Thee;" 
teach her to respect and have allegiance for her country.

*Take her on mission trips; teach her about serving others and selfless giving.

*Bring her to nursing homes and visit widows from our church; 
teach her about loving and caring for others.

*Give her measuring cups and mixing bowls; 
teach her how to prepare delightful, healthy meals .

*Visit national parks and foreign countries; 
teach her geography as we behold it.

*Hand her a paint brush, a needle and thread; 
teach her how to use her imagination.

*Sit at the piano with her, play a song together, sing; teach her music and its value for the soul-its ability to comfort, to produce joy, to awaken.

*Memorize  Bible verses  with her; teach her about the truth in God's Word 
and the everlasting promise it holds.

*When tragedies strike and when we encounter heartache, teach her not to be afraid, 
not to lose hope-that God has the "Whole World in His Hands."

As a parent, I believe that it is my privilege and my duty to positively shape the way my daughter views and interacts with the world around her. It is my wish to provide this wealth of knowledge from our home-everyday.

Mandy, the very sweet, beautiful, and talented lady of à la parisienne is one of those special connections that come along through blogging.  We have never met in real life, but I know the lucky day we do, it will be an instant bonding session.  I'm not sure there isn't anything she can't do ~ she is fluent {and teaches} French, designs and creates romantic accessories, captures stunning images through her camera lens, and most importantly is an extraordinary mother.

[images: à la parisienne]

Cuban Bread

Last week while in Florida, we discovered a hidden gem in the heart of Ybor City ~ La Segunda Bakery.  McDreamy and I will search out any establishment that boasts a history of upholding tradition, and this corner bakery has stood the test of time and discerning palates {including ours}.  They bake 7,000 loaves of bread per day, and  place a freshly cut leaf of palmetto across the top of each loaf to create the signature split down the middle ~ a true sign of authentic Cuban bread.

We paired our warm buttered Cuban toast with a café con leche, and there wasn't  a word spoken until every bite and sip was savoured.  

Do you have a favorite bread?  I'm determined to successfully bake bread this year, and the recipes are waiting to be tackled despite how much they daunt me.  Any suggestions or tried-and-true tips you wish to share in regards to yeasts, temperatures, and such...well, I'm all ears {and eyes}.

Rehearsal

Do you ever have those days that feel like a dress rehearsal for something big?  Hours spent in earnest preparing for the 'show', moments of anxiety, sleepless nights, and a bevy of creative thoughts crashing into one another waiting for that moment of sheer brilliance to shine and allow the 'curtain' to rise for the first act of what will inevitably set the tone for one of your life's greatest plays.  

Lately, there has been an inspirational 'storm' brewing within, and I'm working through all the stuff that tends to block the flow of piecing all the  'characters' together.  Multiple pirouettes of ideas dancing in my mind will hopefully unite in synchronized beauty allowing for a star to be born.  

Perhaps our thoughts are always in the midst of a rehearsal ~ continuously warming up to keep our creative juices flowing, pushing us to be our very best, driving us beyond those set limits, and inspiring us to achieve standing ovation performances.   

Either way, I tend to enjoy dress rehearsals and live performances, don't you? 

[The Rehearsal by Edgar Degas viewed on display at the Tampa Museum of Art's Degas Exhibition]

Wishful Thinking {Guest Blogger ~ PVE Design}

I painted this work of art in Central Park, it is of "Bethesda Fountain".  Fountains have always played a key role in my life long list of wishes. I have a photo of myself standing in front of the Trevi Fountains...pregnant with twins.  My wish was for healthy babies, and now those babies are 18 and soon will be off to college in the Fall.  Now, my wishes for my boys are that their life paths will be filled with higher learning, friendship, hard work and love.

Wishes help us to keep the positive energy flowing and what a better way than that of a fountain to symbolize the flow.

Patricia of PVE Design is a talented artist with a flair for finding beauty in everything.  She lives a healthy life, follows her passions and raises incredibly athletic and intelligent offspring.  There are no doubts that when she makes a wish, it certainly comes true.

[illustration by PVE Design]

Wishful Thinking {Guest Blogger ~ Souled}

I believe in possibilities, so I tend to wish a lot.

Some of my wishes are tiny and silly, like wishing someone would deliver almond and honey-drizzled toast to my bed every morning. Some are work-related, like wishing before every house showing that my clients fall in love and see their next home as soon as I unlock that door.

And some of my wishes are flat-out heartbreaking to me. Like wishing my life was bustling with two babies and one on her joyful way. Wooden blocks and scrambled eggs and finger paints and dance parties after late-afternoon naps. Their daddy coming home to us just as the sun goldens. And then it all begins again.

Until that wish comes true, I guess I'll keep dreaming.

Oh, that's the way with wishes, isn't it? When all of your wishes come true, all your dreams disappear.


Jamie is the beautiful bright soul behind the brilliantly written blog, SOULED.  She weaves words into stories that sparkle, and I swear she makes the stars twinkle brighter and the sun's rays cheerfully glisten every where she goes ~

[image via Pinterest]

Quinoa, Squash, & Black Bean Salad

Looking for a delicious and healthy salad?  This protein, high-fiber packed meal satisfies even the most voracious appetite.  As long as there are butternut squash available, you can guarantee we are eating this at least once a week.  

Remove the 'skin' from the squash, cut the body into approx. 1" rounds, brush both sides with olive oil (usually I add a few crush garlic cloves to the oil before spreading), then either roast or use a panini grill until softened.  In the meantime, rinse dry quinoa thoroughly prior to cooking.  Add cooked (or canned) black beans to the cooked quinoa, toss with olive oil and sea salt.  Place fresh arugula, then a large portion of quinoa, black bean mixture atop the butternut squash.  With a heavy hand, drizzle olive oil and generously add feta or goat cheese.  Grab a fork and enjoy.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Fragile

Constantly, I am reminded of how precious and fragile life truly is ~ some days are heavier reminders than others {our thoughts are with many who are suffering today}.  So much can change in a blink of an eye.  

This sweet little hummingbird suffered a crash landing into the glass door, and our cat, Cookie, ever-so-gently picked this tiny beauty up in his mouth and carried to Sean.  Rarely does a  hummingbird remain still long enough to leave the onlooker time to admire its stunning magnificence.  Sitting in the palm of Sean's hand, he/she breathed, blinked its eyes, and partook in the offering of sugar water.  And then, like a flash, it raised its body, fluttered its wings while hovering at eye level for a span of time {as if to say thank you} and then raced off with a fellow companion who showed up to add moral support. 

Kind words, simple gestures of a hug, a smile, a hand to hold, prayers and wishes, we are all here to help one another ~ great or small. 

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Wishful Thinking ~

If I had one wish, it would be for everyone on this planet to have access to affordable and fresh organic food.  Around every corner, there would be communal gardens offering seasonal goodness and local farmers sharing the fruits of their labors with one and all.  

Healthy food, food which is the gift of the Earth, is so incredibly important to me.  My entire life revolves around it, for I am a firm believer in you are what you eat.  As the old adage states, "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away" is a simple truth.  What we put into our bodies equates to our overall health ~ Eat Good, Feel Good. 

Whenever I leave my 'bubble' of Northern California, I immediately begin to worry about where I will find the food which my family and I are used to eating.  This should not be a worry.  It is not fair to be considered 'high maintenance' because I expect local, seasonal food wherever I go.  What happened to the history of planting, growing, and eating food from a local garden?  Why has genetically engineered corn become the base for most everything in a typical diet?  

Perhaps I'm naive, but I truly believe if every person on this Earth had access to the edible greatness which comes from unaltered soils, then hunger, disease, healthcare, the environment and more would be impacted in a positive way.  

Wishful thinking of a healthier, happier world is something I do not plan to stop.  Anything is possible if we set our minds to it, take action towards change, and support the efforts of those who are making a difference.  One life, one body, one chance ~ we are all worth it.

**This post is the first of a new series, Wishful Thinking.  Each Wednesday, an admired blogger will share their thoughtful wishes.  There are no boundaries.  The platform is open to all things great and small, and I anticipate Wednesdays will be quite wonderful around here. 

Tea time ~

This is PERFECTION in every. single. way.  I've seriously considered enlarging it to LIFE size to feign having tea with someone who looks so spectacular in a turban, to drink tea with such civility, and to sit within architecture of such grandeur ~ one word:  bliss.

[Irving Penn 1951]

Petite Aventure {Napa Valley Balloons}

Early risers definitely get the 'birds eye view' of the valley.  It's a pretty spectacular event to behold these hot air balloons being prepped for their floating adventure.

I'm curious, would you go UP or keep your feet firmly planted?

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Lemon Scones

Lemons.  I have a love affair with them all year long, yet it seems these past few weeks, I've baked or cooked solely with the purpose of using this happy-colored citrus.  These lemon scones have been the tasty base for our weekend brunches...easy, healthy, and delicious.  

 Lemon Scones

yields 8

2 cups spelt flour

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

6 tbsp. unsalted butter (unsoftened)

1 egg

1/2 cup whole milk

1/2 cup dried cranberries (or other fruit of choice)

1 tsp. lemon zest

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in bowl.

Drop tablespoon of butter (one at a time) into bowl as you mix on low setting.

Whisk egg and milk together and slowly pour into bowl while mixing.

Add fruit of choice and lemon zest ~ mix well.

Spoon dough onto non-stick surface, pat and shape into a 1/2 inch-thick wheel 

and cut into 8 triangles. Place each triangle onto a baking sheet, 

bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.

They are tasty with or without a simple glaze of lemon juice and powder sugar; 

however, I prefer to slather with fresh lemon curd.  Enjoy!

[Reverie Daydream Images]

14

This sweet little pug was my Valentine's Day present of 1997, and it is also the day my beloved McDreamy walked into my world. Little did he know, fourteen years later, he would still have the package deal! 

Happy Birthday Ashton ~ you fill our hearts with joy.

 

~ Here's to a weekend of conversations from the heart ~

~ Trois ~

Today, you are 3.

Your sweet, sunny spirit lights up our world.

~ Happy Birthday Little Crumb ~

Country Girl

Now that I'm a 'country' girl, I've been thinking this skirt is a definite must for Spring/Summer.  Ever since I saw it here, my thoughts have returned to its perfection...and since I'm dreaming, add those shoes to the mix too.  Those beauties would make aerating the garden soil enjoyable and chic, non?   Seriously, I might just have to try my hand at replicating this wrap-around of appliqué whimsy {or hope someone in my family catches the hint...it would be a perfect handmade birthday gift!}.

[Image via the fabulous Dustjacket Attic]

An Inspiring Siesta

There's a very special birthday happening this weekend, and it involves my Perfect 10.  Several nights a week, we have these great discussions about art, life, when and where we should go next, and constantly plotting our next creative adventure. 

So it was no surprise when I asked McDreamy what will set the tone for his year ahead, he simply stated "A Siesta by Sargent".  As an artist, he finds inspiration in every moment of the day, each color hue that graces the sky, and the minutest strokes of a Master's brush.  Just knowing he chose a masterpiece with such fluidity and graceful beauty as the theme for his year makes my heart light up ~ I cannot wait to see what this piece inspires him to do. 

[A Siesta by John Singer Sargent]

Today, I leave for Alt!  This trip has been planned for months, and I can hardly believe the check-in date has arrived.  My bags are packed, my pencils are sharpened, and my senses are ready to soak in all the great knowledge that will most definitely be shared during this conference.  I'm beyond excited to spend some time with my 'hotel mates' ~ Alexis and Jeanne.  And I'll definitely have a case of the jitters when I finally get to meet two of my blogger favs ~ Karey and Joslyn. 

But my heart will remain in California, right where it belongs with my little family. This is the first time I'm leaving the crumb for more than a few hours, and folks, there is going to be some separation anxiety {all on my part I'm sure}. Obviously, she is in exceptional hands with Papa McDreamy, so my worries are few.  One thing I know for sure, I'm already looking forward to my return back to both of their arms and a continuous stream of kisses.  

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Last Evening ~

During our last trip to London, McDreamy and I enjoyed roaming through the galleries of the St. James's district, and one night, we accepted a spontaneous invite to an artists reception in honor of Paul Hedley.  Of all the beautiful pieces, this particular one, Last Evening, captured my heart, and there isn't a week that goes by that I don't retrieve the image and just stare.  I'm not  exactly sure what I adore most ~ the obvious sultry warmth of a Riviera evening, a romantic candlelight dinner on a secluded balcony, or her blissful contentment of an extraordinary beautiful moment.  This is the wonderful gift of art ~ its magic constantly lingers within our minds and renews our spirits. 

Oh the power of a brushstroke....

[Last Evening by Paul Hedley]

Granola Bars ~

I'm a big fan of homemade anything, and granola bars are no exception!  They are the perfect running-out-the-door breakfast necessity as well as an ideal companion to an afternoon espresso or tea.  {and they also make delicious, healthy gifts}  The bonus with granola is that you can 'personalize' the mix to satisfy your taste buds...

Homemade Granola Bars

{adapted from Ina Garten's Back to Basics}

2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup coconut flakes

1/2 cup toasted wheat germ

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2/3 cup honey

1/4 cup light brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/3 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped pitted dates

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup chopped dried apricots

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter an 8x12-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper. Toss the oats, almonds and coconut together on a sheet pan and bake for 15-20 minutes (stirring occasionally) until lightly browned.  Transfer to a large bowl and stir in wheat germ. Reduce oven heat to 300 degrees. Place butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for a minute, then pour over the oat mixture.  Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Pour mixture in prepared pan, wet fingers and lightly press the mixture evenly into the pan.  Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Cool for at least 2-3 hours before cutting into squares. 

[Reverie Daydream Images]

2011 ~ A New Beginning

Life is a journey of change ~ a constant flow of beginnings and endings.

One of the greatest lessons of 2010 was the importance of embracing change and realizing no matter how difficult it can be at times, it happens and finding a peace with the circumstance is far easier than resisting the path life offers.  

There is a reason for everything, and every moment of each day are tiny impressions upon life's grand overall scheme.  Ups and downs, dreams and worries, setbacks and giant leaps all combine to create the beautiful portrait of our individual journeys on this planet.  

We truly do have the power to make our lives what we want them to be, and this takes courage, hard work, persistence, and a passionate belief system in one's self.

So 2010, thank you for making me a stronger person.  You offered up a load of changes, and now I know they were all for the good.  I'm going to bundle up this year's memories and lessons learned and use them as stepping stones into 2011.   I am ready more than ever to take chances and try out new territory.  My creative juices are ready to flow, my reveries are going to blossom into realities, and my heart is going to embrace everything that comes my way.

Here's to happy endings and new beginnings!

[Alphonse Mucha ~ Reverie]