Cookies, just for fun

I have a problem. Name: sweet tooth. Why are some of the most irresistible things in life actually the worst for you?

On second thought, the problem that's bigger than the sweet tooth is the AVID baker that I live with...who brings me a cookie fresh out of the oven -- every batch. And no, I don't ask her to.

So here's the solution I've come to. Eat all the goods -- and quick -- so I don't have to worry about eating them anymore. I've discovered that would only work if there weren't a constant stream of freshly baked calories in the kitchen. It also doesn't say much for self-control. Or a nauseous stomach. Or the fact that I'd like to fit comfortably inside one airplane seat, not two.

And is it wrong to want just a taste of sweet after a meal...every meal? I say no. I'm a runner! I eat salad. That's my justification. What's yours?

Jump in!

My arms are fully extended to grab hold of summer. I've officially welcomed it, albeit a few days early. Summer means lots of time outside, barbecues, day trips, windows open, and warm nights. It means big dinner salads and sorbet for dessert.

--By the way, something to try: ginger ale over mango sorbet
and fresh blackberries/strawberries (in pretty stemware). --

It's time to break out the summer tunes, fire up the barby, and invite friends over. It's time for sunscreen and tan lines, picnics, and golf. I think this is the summer I'll finally learn to play tennis. I love summer because it comes with no reservations -- it leaves you free to do anything...besides snowshoeing. Take a deep breath and relax, she's finally here.

A fly the size of a lima bean just buzzed by -- gotta go.

Crust-Free

I just finished writing an article on change/moving and had MAJOR writer's block. It's submitted, so here I sit listening to the rain outside my window -- such a lovely sound -- and reflecting on change. I'm convinced that every day we must strive for it! Even if it's in little ways, like putting your right leg into your jeans before your left.
Or sleeping with your head at the foot of your bed for a night.
Or taking a walk instead of surfing the internet.

Making a habit of change keeps us from getting crusty. I think we all naturally lean toward stale (though some fight harder to avoid it) and the only way to stay fresh is to change and grow.

Honesty and humility could be at the root of change. If your heart is to change, it will require an honest inventory of what's in there. It will require humility to admit to the cobwebs and clean them out. The same goes for relationships: if they are to thrive and remain that -- relationships -- honesty and humility must be absolute essentials.

Note to self: Let your hair down, invite Jesus in, brace yourself for pain and reward in the same breath, and don't forget to laugh at yourself.

Comments

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I've tried to adjust the settings to make leaving comments easier...let me know if it worked!

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~~~~~

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Comment! I love to know who's reading and what you think.

xoxo

Weekend in April

Some favorite shots from the weekend:

Megan visited from California...we weren't expecting snow.

Trying to leave the house for lunch.
Decided otherwise when snow piled on our hats before we even got to the car.

BIRTHDAY DINNER!
The girls --

em, elyze, me, dawn, lauren

LOVE this picture -- making salad

Our delicious Cobb Salad

(photo by Lauren)

Melting Pot for dessert...chocolate!!

(another beautiful photo by Lauren)

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Well, mine doesn't. One of my new year's resolutions was to keep a plant alive. I started basic, with a plant that was already alive and thriving, thinking it would increase my chances for success. Here was Plant on its first day in its new home:



Looks healthy, full, alive.

I just watered it a few minutes ago and snapped this picture. Go ahead, take a look:



I had nothing to do with it. Promise. I water it regularly and even moved it from its original spot so it could get more light! Nurturing care and attention was all it got, and all it did in return was throw its leaves on the floor. Whatever. It's still alive, but I don't know how long before it's completely bald.

And for the decorators out there: no, I haven't potted it. Still waiting to see if it's worth it. Not likely.

Freedom

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance."

~ Thomas Jefferson