Dear John

 

Dear John,

I'm sure you don't remember me, but boy do I ever remember you.

Long, long before there were blogs, there was you.

You with your special way of adding joy and beauty to each season of my life.

The way you shared the highlights of each season through recipes, photos and lists was something that I will never forget.

Lists like this:

  Thinking back to when I first met you there on the library shelf, I realize what a different world it is today.

Back then as a young mother I found a sense of peace among those library shelves.  Although I relished my role as a stay at home mom, the demands of child rearing, cooking, cleaning, carpooling, etc. sometimes found me needing a break from it all.

That's where you came in.  Although I'm sure you never knew that.

In those days there were times when an evening trip to the library was an especially indulgent time to find a little "me time".  I'd leave  bathtime to dad and recharge my parenting battery perusing the library shelves.  

Before there was Amazon I found a way to own a copy of Down Home.  Most likely it required a trip to the local book store.  I loved you so much I introduced you to my sister and she, too, came to love you.  Something about your Ohio farmboy roots and your love of life endeared you to us so much that we often talked about you and consulted your book for inspiration and advice.  

As the years went on, I added a few more of your books to my library.  Some purchased used from the internet.

Last week "The Holidays" appeared on the thrift store shelf.  Just seeing your name brought about the fluttering of my heart.

Glancing through the pages I realized the photos were really quite dated.  The copyright of 1986 (gulp)... the year my first baby was born, reminded me of how far we go back.  It made me a bit sad that someone had discarded you like that.  Fear not, you have a new home and a place of honor on my cookbook shelf.

All these years later I still find myself reaching for "Down Home".  Your lists and photos never fail to bring about an excitement for the current season.

Now that summer is near, I am reminded of the way you lit your gazebo with oil lamps on that sweltering evening so long ago.  There amongst the pretty garden flowers you served your guests a seasonal and refreshing menu.  You provided the recipes and tips needed to allow me to do the same thing should I choose to.

So much about this book reminds me of the way we share on our blogs.  I feel like you would be a great addition to blogland.

Yet, when doing a search for you now, I only find links to your books and a few old articles.  It's then that I have to remind myself how long it's been , how many years have past since I first became acquainted with you.  Perhaps now you are retired from writing cookbooks.  I really don't know.  But one thing I do know is that you will always hold a special place in my heart and your approach to enjoying the best of each season will continue to inspire me. 

 As a matter of fact, seeing your oil lamps lighting the summer night has once again reminded me to retrieve mine from storage and put them to good use this summer.  I do believe they add a touch of magic to those summer evenings.

In conclusion, I realize that it may seem a bit one sided this relationship we share.  But, truly that's alright with me because without ever meeting you face to face, you have added so much joy to my life.  Mostly in the small, day to day ways... you know the ones that matter most.

With warmest regards,

Kim

 

******

This week marked my seventh anniversary in the blog world.

As I look back over the years, I think that, just like my memories of John Hadamuscin, so much has changed with blogging since the early days.   Once in a while I stumble across an old post and see a comment from an old "friend" that at one time was such a vital part of my day to day blogging.  I wonder how they are now... I hope all is well with them and, to be honest, I miss them.  On the other hand, I accept that time marches on and things are constantly changing.  There seems to be a lot of discussion about just how much blogging has changed in the past few years.  While I can't speak for anyone else, I can say that it has been and continues to be an inspiring and enjoyable place to hang out.

Much like my "relationship" with John, I have never met any of you face to face either, but yet, I feel like I know many of you better than I know some of my face to face friends.  

You all have inspired me in more ways than I can count and I thank you for it.

Now, on to year 8!

 

We Interrupt This Blog Break...

 

Is there a saying about

you know you've hit middle age when a clean fridge excites you?

Ha!  Sad to say but that's whats been making me happy on my blog break.

Every shelf has been removed and scrubbed, the condiments have been organized, bits and bobs have been discarded and, best of all, the menfolk have been informed of the correct place to put things once they use them.  No more cramming the salad dressing any old place it will fit.  No sirree. kindly place it on shelf #2 in the door.   

  In case anybody starts slacking on the rules, I've stationed my Texas Christmas Pickles front and center to keep everyone in line.

Just kidding, of course.  Truthfully, I haven't had the heart to "undress" the pickles since my neighbor gave them to us for Christmas.  Talk about a cute presentation for her homemade pickles.

When I announced my "blog break", I knew it was time to do a bit less blogging and a bit more spring cleaning.  Soon it will be gardening season and then summertime will arrive.

I'm trying hard to get the house in order so that we can enjoy our time outside when the nicer weather arrives.  

So, officially I'm still on a blog break, but the truth is I miss you all and even though I'm cleaning and organizing my mind keeps wandering to what is new with all of you.  

In fact, I'll admit I have poked around in blogland a bit while on this so called break and as it turns out that has been a very good thing.  I happened to read this post  right about the time I decided to get serious about whipping my house into shape.  She is offering a challenge each day for the month of March and after looking it over it seemed very "doable" to me so I am on board and busy completing my daily assignments working toward an organized home by the end of the month.

What started the ball rolling was my pantry.

Since the holidays it had become so packed and messy.  It was driving me crazy every time I stepped in there.

This was taken after one shelf had been emptied and the clean up was getting started.  You can see how the floor space was being swallowed up by who knows what.  Yikes!!

My method is to empty one shelf at a time and give the shelf a wash with some nice soapy water.  Before replacing the food I check it for expiration dates and keep out the things that need to be used.  As I clean I brainstorm ideas for using up these items.  In one instance I had a small amount of angel hair pasta and a package of smoked salmon that we received in a gift basket.  I had no idea what to do with smoked salmon until I read a recipe on the back of the pasta and there was one containing both of these ingredients.  The dinner dilemma was solved although I'm not sure I'm a big fan of smoked salmon.  Whew, talk about a fishy smell.

 Once all the shelves were done I took everything off of the floor, vacuumed the nooks and crannies with the crevice tool and washed the floor.  

 Everything back in place.

As the chief cook and bottle washer I guess it just makes sense that a clean and organized pantry makes things run smoother.

When I was looking for inspiration to get started on this pantry overhaul, I found it here and in an effort to keep things from getting out of hand, this simple idea is one I plan to put into practice.

Good thing I was doing a bit of cheating on my blog break or I never would have gained all of this inspiration which, in the end, is helping me plug along on my spring organizing project.

I'd be lying if I said that it's been all work around here.

There's been some fun too which I'll be sharing just as soon as I get a handle on a few more jobs around here.

Miss You,

Gathering Fall Inspiration

 

It's been fun to see the little hints of Fall popping up in the blog world.  Some of you are jumping in with both feet when it comes to decorating.  As for me ... just sticking my toe in and thinking about it at this point.  I usually need to feel a nip in the air before I'm ready to bring out all the Fall decor and it's still a bit warm here.  But, it's coming ... I can feel it.

All of this made me remember a mug I found while out thrifting one day last spring.  

;;

 

 

After a little search through the mug cupboard, I found it.



Recently I placed an order with Keurig for my coffee.

I thought the order arrived in a timely fashion, but Keurig sent me an e-mail saying they'd had some delays in shipping and wanted to offer me a free box.  All I had to do was choose it and it was on it's way... free of charge and free shipping. 

I'm not one to turn down an offer like that.

It didn't take me long to decide on Pumpkin Spice.



 

 

While I'm dipping my toe into the fall decor waters, it seemed like a good time to marry my new mug with my Pumpkin Spice coffee.

I do believe the smell alone is enough to make me want to stick both feet in.

 

That lovely, spicy scent as it filled the air is making the anticipation grow.  

 

A new magazine to go along with my coffee  and now the inspiration is kicking in.

Looks like I might not need to wait for that nip in the air after all.



Are you cozying up your nest for fall yet?

 

 



Prepare to be Inspired

Recently I was contacted by a young woman named Heather Von St. James.  As a new, first-time mother Heather was diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer.  She invited me to read about her journey on her blog.  As I read what she has gone through I was so inspired by the brave and optimistic manner in which she faced her illness.   

Heather wondered if she might also share her story here on my blog.  As she so eloquently put it "I'd like to turn my pain into purpose and become someone that other parents can look to for guidance, inspiration and hope in situations like my own."

I am honored to share a guest post today .

I know you will be equally inspired by what Heather has to say.

If you would like to read more about Heather's story, I have added her blog button to my sidebar.

Now, I'd like you to meet Heather Von St. James:

 

I've been an optimist all my life. Some have accused me of wearing rose-colored glasses, as if that's a bad thing. While my "glass is half full" outlook on life has not always been popular, it never served me better than when I was diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer at the young age of 36.

The diagnosis was malignant pleural mesothelioma. It came on November 21, 2005, just 3.5 months after the birth of my first and only child. What was supposed to be the most joyous and rewarding time of my life as a new mother was instead marred by the three words everyone hopes they never have to hear: You Have Cancer."

I realized then that I had a choice: I could give in to the fatalism and have a pity party. I could curse God and ask him, "why me?" Or, I could suck it up and do the only thing worthy of my tiny, precious little daughter: fight it. And that's exactly what I did.

Cancer is generally thought of as this terrible thing that nobody wants to face. And to a certain extend it is. But it is also a double-edged sword, because some of it is good. When facing a cancer diagnosis, parts of your life will be irrevocably changed, some of it for the better. You learn to be a survivor of the disease rather than a victim. You draw strength from trying to make light of your illness. I learned to strip the disease of the fear it usually imparts on people. In doing so, I decided I needed to also help others do the same. Far too often, people diagnosed with mesothelioma lose faith and hope. I chose instead to find the good in having cancer.

I was referred to the world's foremost mesothelioma doctor, who scheduled me for surgery on Groundhogs Day in 2006. I decide to nickname my tumor Punxsutawney Phil as a result. We also christened the day Lungleavin Day, since I was going to have part of my lung removed. Every year since then on the first weekend in February, we still celebrate Lungleavin Day.

Another positive I can take from my experience with cancer is all the wonderful people I met during my journey. These people are some of the most amazing, strong and passionate people you will ever meet. I met fellow mesothelioma warriors who are trying to bring awareness to a disease that is still largely misunderstood. These people have enriched my life. It has more purpose in it now than ever before. I am going to continue to focus on the positives and help others keep hope alive like I did.

~ Heather & her beautiful, happy family ~

Amazing, isn't she?

Thank you, Heather, for allowing me to share your story here.