Winter Walk

After a lovely week in California, I'm happy to be back to Minnesota winter.....
I thought you might enjoy a scene from my daily walk.  Such peace.

Power of Words

This writing has been displayed always where I can see it.....daily for the past 28 years.  The words are very close to my heart......I believe in them and try to live by them.

Ancient Wisdom

Blue And Yellow

My recent postings have been all about color....and here's another one!  There is nothing cheerier than a bright blue vase with yellow tulips.....sitting on my blue table in the foyer it reminds me of the Swedish flag.  It kinda says,"Var sa god!"

I Wish I Were A Hay! (or Green)

The grass so little has to do, 

A sphere of simple green,

With only butterflies to brood,

And bees to entertain,

And stir all day to pretty tunes

The breezes fetch along,

And hold the sunshine in its lap

And bow to everything;

And thread the dews all night, like pearls,

And make itself so fine,

A duchess were too common 

For such a noticing.

And even when it dies, to pass

In odors so divine,

As lowly spices gone to sleep,

Or amulets of pine.

And then to dwell in sovereign barns,

And dream the days away,

The grass so little has to do,

 I wish I were a hay!

                                                                 Emily Dickinson

This time of the winter I find myself dreaming of green, green, anything green and growing!!
This is one of my FAVORITE POEMS, in fact I have it written on the lampshades of my dining room chandelier...that makes me smile and reminds me Spring is on it's way....

Purple Power

Somehow purple is becoming my signature color.  I don't know how this all started, but it has.  It was brought to my attention by my ophthalmologist (a very visual person) when she entered the exam room and said, "WOW, you're wearing a purple velvet shirt, purple earrings, and your purple coat and matching bag are in the chair next to you!  That MUST be your COLOR!!"  And I thought really??  Later that day, on my way into the grocery store, I grabbed a cart and followed the elderly woman in front of me who was slowly making her way through the door.  I had time to study her.....purple velvet coat...purple faux furry purse with matching suede boots......hmmmmm....I think the universe was giving me a glimpse into what might be my future.....
my very purple future!!
     

Power Of Words

 

Another reminder to be present in the moment.....

Happy Valentine's Day!

             HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL THOSE I LOVE (you know who you are)!!!

XXOO

Forest Bathing

In Japan there is a practice called "Shinrin-yoku" or Forest bathing.  It basically is spending time walking through the forest for stress relief, relaxation and aromatherapy.  If I could walk through a forest everyday I would.  I am fortunate to have a beautiful park system near my home which I walk, hike or snowshoe every chance I get...and I like to think of this wooded park as my big forest bathtub!  Here are a few photos from my last hike:

Be Mine

VALENTINES DAY COOKIES

"Larry"

                      This recipe is named for Larry, whom we love with all our hearts!!  


BLACK AND WHITE HEART COOKIES

4 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate            1  Tbs. instant espresso coffee
2 cups flour                                                           1 tsp. water
1 tsp. ground cinnamon                                          1 large egg
1/4 tsp. kosher salt                                                 2 cups best quality white chocolate chips
1 cup (or 2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar

Melt the unsweetened chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave.  Stir together flour, cinnamon and salt.  In a large mixer bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.   In another small bowl, mix the espresso powder with the water until dissolved.  Add this coffee mixture, the melted chocolate and egg to the butter mixture and beat well.  Add the flour mixture and stir just until incorporated.  Divide the dough in two and pat on plastic wrap into a disc.  Wrap well and chill for at least an hour.

Preheat oven to 350.  Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out with a heart shaped cookie cutter and place on parchment lined cookie sheets.  Bake for aprox. 10 minutes or until edges are firm and lightly browned.  Remove and cool.  Melt the white chocolate in a bowl in the microwave.  Dip one half of each cookie into the chocolate and place on waxed paper to set.
(makes about 55 cookies with a small cookie cutter)          

Winter Armchair Travel

There is something so enjoyable in reading a fabulous book during the dead of winter on the subject of a dream destination.  I recently finished this book and did not want it to end!  Written by Kathryn M. Ireland, (one of my favorite decorators) the book takes one to the French countryside and a home renovation during summer vacations with her children and many guests. Well written in her voice with beautiful photos. This book is a glorious escape!!