I fell in love with African music when I was a young child. My father, who loved music, would play it for me and I would dance to it. Forty two years later it still resonates deep down within my soul. So, imagine my pleasure this morning when one my twins ran into the kitchen, stopped, looked up at me and said, "This is really pretty music Mommy." We listened to a variety of African artists for the next 3 hours and there was peace and tranquility in my home.
2 Links to 2 of my favorite African artists:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IecSMEH9ZVg&index=2&list=LLPJPe4K2WBhyoiWj9mT3GLw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dO8xnMCNK0
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Day 17
Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful day! .... Today was the first day I opened the windows and door to my back porch. As I glanced out my windows, I was happy see a Robin, that faithful harbinger of Spring; so I vacuumed away the leaves, windexed the table and enjoyed my afternoon tea in the warm Spring sunshine. It was wonderful! Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Day 16
Happy Spring! Today as I loaded the twins into the car, the warm sun kissed my cheeks and made me smile. After dropping them at Preschool, I drove over to the bank where I had a chance meeting with an old friend. How wonderful it was to see someone, who although I have never kept in touch with, is a true friend. Standing it the parking lot discussing our loved ones, politics and our favorite radio station, I was amazed at how easy it was to fall back into such a happy conversation. So this is for you- wherever you are- blessings and happiness in all you do.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Day 15
Substitutes. Often times we don't get what we want in life. On a warm summer day, we may dream of riding in a convertible with the top down, but settle for the windows open in our Mommymobiles. We may wish for a second cup of home brewed coffee, but opt for a McDonald's $1.00 special on the way to wherever it is we are going. Or we may simply desire a flatter, tighter tummy, but settle for a figure flattering top that hides the bumps and lumps. But substitutes are not all bad. In fact, many are a true blessing. When my husband is away and the cat meanders into the bed and graciously curls up in a ball next to me, it isn't the same, but I still feel warm and cozy. When I can't have drink because, of course as you well know, I've given up alcohol for Lent, a cup of hot herbal tea with honey will do. And when I haven't a minute of sanity as I've overbooked myself, a moment with my invisible audience can bring much peace. Because in reality substitutes are the real thing and living in the here and now and being able to find contentedness in the moment is true happiness.
"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things." Henry Ward Beecher
"The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things." Henry Ward Beecher
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Day 14
Per request: My recipe for Banana Cream Pie
1 Graham Cracker Crust (use my recipe from Day 5)
3 TBSP cornstarch
1 1/3 C. H2O
1 - 14 oz. can condensed milk
1 TBSP. butter
1 TBSP. margarine
3 egg yolks, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 bananas, sliced & dipped in lemon juice (so they don't turn brown)
In saucepan, dissolve cornstarch in H2O, stir in condensed milk and egg yolks. Cook while stirring continuously until thick. Remove from heat. Add margarine, butter & vanilla. Cool slightly. Pour into crust. Arrange bananas on top w/ whipped cream.
Homemade Whipped Cream
1 C. Heavy Whipping Cream
1/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
*** If you want a quick version of this recipe, use vanilla instant pudding (pie recipe) instead of cooked mixture.
and my little moment of happiness today:
Making homemade (from scratch) cupcakes and sharing them with my neighbors. It was wonderful to watch their expressions as they opened their doors. I love my neighbors! ... and sent off 2nd Sun Submission - 3 more to go!
1 Graham Cracker Crust (use my recipe from Day 5)
3 TBSP cornstarch
1 1/3 C. H2O
1 - 14 oz. can condensed milk
1 TBSP. butter
1 TBSP. margarine
3 egg yolks, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 bananas, sliced & dipped in lemon juice (so they don't turn brown)
In saucepan, dissolve cornstarch in H2O, stir in condensed milk and egg yolks. Cook while stirring continuously until thick. Remove from heat. Add margarine, butter & vanilla. Cool slightly. Pour into crust. Arrange bananas on top w/ whipped cream.
Homemade Whipped Cream
1 C. Heavy Whipping Cream
1/4 C. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
*** If you want a quick version of this recipe, use vanilla instant pudding (pie recipe) instead of cooked mixture.
and my little moment of happiness today:
Making homemade (from scratch) cupcakes and sharing them with my neighbors. It was wonderful to watch their expressions as they opened their doors. I love my neighbors! ... and sent off 2nd Sun Submission - 3 more to go!
Monday, March 17, 2014
Day 13
Holding my son(s) in my arms. When I first found out that I was pregnant with my sons, I was terrified and overjoyed at the same time. The idea of motherhood, let alone the idea of twins, was daunting. As my pregnancy continued, my fears were doubled as I discovered one of my sons had Hydrocephalus. Once the twins were born, my stress levels continued to accelerate as my sons were both in the NICU. Then came the surgery for the Hydrocephalus, a zillion doctor appointments and many unanswered questions. When the twins came home, they were both so small that I had to wake them in the middle of the night to feed them just to make sure they were getting enough nutrition. Rarely did I get enough sleep, have any peace of mind or any real time to just sit back and "hold my baby(ies)". Four years later things have gotten much better. I now get enough sleep, lead a relatively peaceful existence and have time to myself during nap time. At four and a half, my sons are full of energy, excitement and wonder. They hardly ever stop for a moment, so I try to enjoy every precious hug I get from them. Today as I sat down to write this, one of them started crying in his sleep. I stopped writing, went upstairs, picked him up and rocked him in my arms until he fell back to sleep. It felt good to hold him, to inhale the scent of his hair, to caress his cheek. I'll hold on to this moment for as long as I can.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Day 12
Sitting in church beside my husband gives me great joy. Each week I look forward to the time on Sunday morning when the twins go off to children's church and we can quietly listen to the word of the Lord together. As I slide over next to him closing the gap between us, and he takes my hand in his, I know that for this brief period of time we are of one mind.
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