I have always been fascinated by Alice in Wonderland. Not so much because of Alice, but what she found there. Specifically the Mat Hatter.
The Mad Hatter could simply not understand why Alice did not understand anything. Quite annoyed with the very idea that she found him “Mad.” Listen Alice, all the best people are actually quite mad my dear. If you don’t have time for tea, the least she could do was make polite conversation.
There is nothing at all normal about our lives, but I am here to tell you that tea, is in fact, normal.
Let’s make a simple tea:
To a small pot of boiling water add the following:
The peel of an orange-any size will do, and please do eat the orange while you assemble the rest. Sliced Ginger. Cloves. A few Cinnamon Sticks, and an Anise Star. Bring to a good rolling boil, remove from heat, cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain and add to your perfect teacup, add a black tea bag and let steep to your liking. Add Honey to taste.
For perfect sense and clarity, the reasons for these ingredients are Orange brings happiness and light, Ginger gives balance and roots us in peace, cloves provide protection, cinnamon gives abundance in all things, our star Anise asks us for our intellect, and the black tea grounds us. Honey is the protector and provider.
I am here to tell you that you have time for tea.
Sit a
Sit a “spell” and have tea, we are all quite mad here. All the best people are.
Years ago, I fell down my basement steps. I had my phone in my hand, texting, lost my footing, and down she went. I ended up with my ankle broken in three places, surgery, pins and rods and a spring and summer that year of recovery.
Never a confident person on my feet. I often fall up steps, never quite judged a door frame correctly, and often fall or trip over nothing. When I do these things, I am usually quite mad at the door frame for being in the same place all the time and will look back at the nothing I tripped over in disgust. This has me always walking with my head down, looking at my feet. Watching where I am going, eyes out for obstacles or that nothing, knowing where I am going, yet not looking ahead. The treadmill is no different. Head down and find it difficult to follow along on a video workout because – the look down.
Lately I have been looking at this differently. Why am I doing this? Watching every single step. Sure, it MIGHT keep me from falling, I MIGHT avoid that crack or nothing and not trip. The thing is, I am not looking ahead. I am not seeing where I am going, I just know where I am going. I am not looking around and seeing the things around me very often.
We have all seen and heard these things:
Head up! Eyes Forward! Shoulders Back! Walk with Confidence!
I have begun to consciously walk with all those things above. I know where I am going. I know I am on the right path of this life. There are going to be things that might trip me up or slow me down. There are doorways in life that I might not correctly judge and bump into them on the way out or in. I might fall on my way up, but guess what? It is still heading up. I might be down, but in what way? How long?
We know what we are doing. YOU know what you are doing. I believe that every human knows what they are built for. There are things that get in the way. Life happens and takes us off a path. Sidelines us. Might even stop us. We hurt sometimes. Maybe we hurt all the time. Life can cause deep wounds that will always be there. Where bandage can be in the press forward. The falling up. Even in the falling face down.
Remember that the nothings of life are there too, to trip is up. Look at those with disgust and keep pressing forward. Eyes up, shoulders back, head up, WALK in confidence.
I think we have to be aware of what we “give air” to. What is happening around us is only given life if we breathe it in. This can be tricky as those things that are happening around us are necessary to be aware and awake to. Information coming at us at fast and most times furious speed. How do we advocate if we do not address ?
So many of us are holding a light in the dark it seems. For some this looks like warning. For others it looks like teaching. Still others, it looks like anger. But for all it is the same thing. It’s our “Iceberg Dead Ahead!”moment. But the music is too loud, and no one is listening. We all know what happens after the iceberg.
The trees, gardens, and plants give us air. Food. Beauty.
As the wind blows, the seeds of these fall to even give more.
When they wither, those seeds are scattered to grow anew, and give us more. A cycle so perfect, no matter what we do, still continues.
Don’t give air to what harms. Give air to what grows and flourishes. Give air to what is good. Let your seeds fall to give more.
I live in Zone 6b. (Didn’t that sound professional?? )
With the halfway point approaching between the Winter Equinox (Soltice) and the Spring Equinox, now is the perfect time to start some seeds and see where they take you. The spring equinox is the astronomical first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. The spring equinox is also known as the vernal equinox or Ostara.
Right now is the perfect time to begin to dream of fresh cut grass, dirt on you hands, and the growing season.
Sat, Feb 1, 2025 is that moment.
You are not limited to these seeds only! It is however a great starting point.
“A cloaking flower. Chive Blossom – Ensures you will win an argument. Conveniently, also an antidote for hurt feelings”.
Chive blossoms are the purple, bell-shaped flowers of the chive plant, which is part of the allium family. They can be used as a garnish for savory dishes, but only last for a few weeks in the spring.
They are so pretty and seemingly begin to bloom at just the right time to bring color and call to the summer to hurry up.
Turns out they are edible! You can add them to salads, sandwiches, and let them infuse in some vinegar to make a delicious Chive blossom vinegar.
It is a very easy process, and worth every savory drop!
But Cathy, how do you use it?
Sprinkle chive blossom vinegar over homemade French fries, salad greens or roasted veggies. You can add several tablespoons of it to the water as you boil potatoes for potato salad to bring a noticeable punch of flavor to the finished salad.
It is also a pretty pink color and look wonderful in your pantry.
Anyway, here is how to do it.
2 cups chive blossoms (fresher, newer blossoms are best- skip the older, faded ones)
2-3 cups white vinegar
Quart-sized glass jar with plastic lid.
Soak and wash the blossoms. Drain off the water and thoroughly pat dry between a paper towel. Fill the jar 1/2 to 2/3 full of chive blossoms. Pour the vinegar in a small saucepan and warm over medium heat. (Don’t let it boil– keep it just below a simmer) Cap the jar (you can use the plastic lid or add parchment paper to the top to avoid corrosion from the vinegar) and place in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks to steep.
Strain out the blossoms and store the finished chive blossom vinegar in your cabinet. It should last 6 months, but you won’t have it that long.
These Winter days have me planning for sweet beautiful Spring.
It’s very interesting how personal trauma works. The dictionary reports trauma to be this:
“A deeply distressing or disturbing experience.” Adding “personal injury” as definition number 2.
I came face to face today with an individual that I can say caused both definitions to my life. The pain this person caused me and those around me because of it, is actual trauma. The impact this human had on me is hard to describe and took almost a solid year to not actively hate. Hate doesn’t hurt anyone except yourself. When you feel that type of anger it is harming you, not the object of that emotion. They do not care. So, there they were. Smiling at me, and asking how I am. Really. Smiling at me, and asking the pleasant question of how I am. I felt kind of sick to my stomach, a wave a nausea. This person is a successful businessperson. Well respected in the area where I live. Folks enjoy name dropping their name because it makes them feel important or “In the know.”
So, there they were. Even added a “Nice to see you.” What? Ok.
In my mind I have had a different conversation with this person. In the active hate stage of my healing, I had a lot to say. Truth is it took me a second to recognize them. I think I blocked out the face completely. When the second it took expired, I did have the wave of nausea, that quickly disappeared, and to that pleasant question, I answered, “I am great!” When the “Nice to see you,” followed up, I said “Yes.” Because I am certain it IS nice to see me, and it is not nice for me to see them, so I was not going to reciprocate the sentiment.
After the walk away, I realized that I am not completely healed. Professionals call this a “trauma response.” I had a wave of anger because they do not have anything to heal from. They wounded me. I did not wound them. I have had to pull myself basically out of bed because of what happened. I have had to reintroduce light into a dark place directly because of their actions. They seemingly bounce through their respected professional life, with a smile, and “nice to see you” as they go.
We cannot deny the responses we have to those that have wounded us or harmed us in whatever way. Do not let anyone tell you they did not cause that, because they do not dictate what your responses are to their actions. Do not live in that active hate. It harms you. They do not care. That is a very hard thing to do, but you are worthy of that healing. That freedom.
Feeling all the emotions and facing the responses, and seeing things for exactly what they are, can all be a part of the healing that only we can do.
It was interesting the thought the occurred to me. I used to see this person as very tall in stature. As if towering over those around them. Today though, as I walked away, I thought to myself, “Is that person shorter?”
The answer to that question is yes.
There is always a path to healing. We are all different. Check out some resources below, and ALWAYS talk to the medical professionals in your life. We are not alone in our journey though this life.
Don’t you just love Summer? This has not been the same kind of Summer though. The summer garden became a refuge, and a source of peace during these uncertain days. What is certain, seeds in the dirt producing food.
Bringing garden fresh goodness to your table is the joy of it. One of the best things is SALAD! You can make a boring salad, not so boring with this easy, and impressive dressing. I put this in a Mason Jar, strictly for style points.
Here is the recipe:
2 cups sour cream
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded, tops removed
Tsp onion powder
Tsp garlic powder
Tsp black pepper
Good bunch of Cilantro leaves, at least a cup. (Leaves only)
Juice of 1 lime
What to do:
Add all to blender. Blend until smooth. Store in refrigerator. Should last a few weeks. I doubt you will have it that long though. It has been hard to go back to commercial dressing after this fresh and easy to accomplish taste.
There really is nothing quite like a juicy red, ripe tomato right off the vine. It can turn a simple BLT, into a chef’s special!
Below is a quick and easy sandwich spread, that just makes sandwich night a little more somethin-somethin.
Here’s what to do:
1 cup of Miracle whip
2 tbl ketchup
1 tsp onion power
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Black pepper to taste
½ cup chopped sweet *onion (optional)
Mix, and spread on your favorite sandwich.
Note: You can double/triple this, for a BBQ. It is especially good on hamburgers. Make the ordinary, extraordinary!
*added our garden onion to this. The onion adds a unique flavor but is totally optional.
Fall is on its way. Sometimes you can almost feel it in the air. Enjoy these lazy days of summer, while they last.
After the winter, there is always Spring. I like that. Especially during this time of uncertainty, there is still the hope that this season of the four brings.
One thing for sure, there is nothing better that sprucing up your spaces with the vibrant colors of this time of year. Greenery and blooming color to signify the change of season around your home. Dusting off the outdoor areas a bit, getting out those chairs for your sitting and conversation to enjoy and make your own.
I found these adorable throw pillow covers, and it opened up endless possibility to refresh for the seasons. Linked here , cute patterns that add that little touch that can be incorporated into anyone’s style.
Throughout the outdoor spaces small touches from your style and personality, can bring a charm that is welcoming and comfortable. Bring who you are into your decorating. deigning with your own sense of creativity.
I added this very simple to make egg wreath to the front door. Made with more muted color plastic eggs, a grapevine wreath, and some hot glue. Supplies linked here with the grapevine wreath you can find here. You could use any color or size plastic eggs, and make that any size too! Even though this says Easter, I feel most of April it is in season too.
Came across this old stove top, and snagged it right up! I had a time deciding how to use it, and how to incorporate it into the home. Once I did, it has become a focal point for adding touches of each season in a rather unique way. Placing more muted color faux flowers here as well, to keep the more primitive theme tied together.
OOneof my favorite little items I recently came across was this delightful bird, wearing a crown. The shop I found it in, VC Wares, located in Wheeling, WV, I will link here. Her shop in gorgeous, and so is her online shop!
Some plastic eggs from Dollar General, Jute rope from any craft store, and hot glue, worked together to make these primitive looking eggs. It ties the theme throughout, and was so easy! I added some embellishments from old jewelry, buttons, and greenery.
The promise of Spring. The hope. Bring that feeling to your spaces. Express your individual style. Even the most tiny thing, can be an expression of who you are. After all, Home really isn’t a place. Home is wherever YOU are.
May all the blessings of this season, be yours. Be well!
This is a very easy take on an a breakfast or brunch recipe. Grab those muffin tins and get crackin’. This recipe made 6 muffins, however you can easily adjust to make as many as you want.
You’ll need:
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
Honey ham (or ham of choice)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
About a quarter of sweet onion, chopped
2-3 sliced baby bella mushrooms
About 1/4 cup shredded cheese of choice
Salt, pepper, dried basil, pinch red pepper flakes, or seasonings of choice.
Olive oil, enough for saute.
What I did:
– “Grease” pan with olive oil, Pam, or butter. I used Smart Balance.
– Arrange ham in each section as your holder.
– Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a small saute pan, add chopped peppers, onion, and sliced mushrooms to pan , add salt and pepper to taste, and cook until softened.
– Fill cooked veggies to each section of muffin tin with ham “cups.”
– Whisk together eggs, milk, and seasonings and pour into each section as evenly as your eyeballs can do. Top with your cheese of choice.
– Bake in 400 oven for 25 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean.
Done!! Enjoy.
These also are great to make ahead, and have on hand for a quick on the run breakfast.
It is my belief that women should help one another. That, my ladies is what I am here to do.
🙋♀️
You shall be the Queen of the summer BBQ, the Diva at the next get together, Royalty at your church’s pot luck, the Ruler of your home, with this recipe. Tell all your low carb friends to sit down, because you – YOU – have arrived.
💪👩🍳👸
DRESSING:
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup raw honey
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
4 cups small broccoli florets, diced
4 cups small cauliflower florets, diced
12 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and diced
8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, small cubed
1/2 medium red onion, chopped and rinsed
Instructions:
Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a medium sized mixing bowl.
Cover and chill.
In a large salad bowl, toss all salad ingredients.
Pour dressing over salad and toss to evenly coat.
Top with additional bacon and serve immediately.
Rule. 🙋♀️
Tips:
I added fresh Parsley because it’s like a song one must sing.🎶
Try best you can to use local produce from a farm market, it just is better. Your grocery produce will do just fine though. It’s just the style points to discuss with your subjects how fresh your salad is.💁♀️
Now go. Be strong and mighty. Get your power back, be the *Queen you were born to be.
