TreasuresInTerraCotta

I have been thinking about things I want to be good at.  Things that I am not actually good at and that, if I'm honest, are going to take some practice.  Oh, it is the wretched learning curve! I suppose that the sooner I step onto the learning curve and start marching forward, the sooner I will begin to ascend that curve.  So I have decided that it's time for me to stop looking at all the things I can't do and stop fretting about the millions of things other people do beautifully.  I have decided that I am going to make a list for me...because, when all else fails, make a list! I am going to make a list of those things I want to do well.  Then, perhaps, I can start focusing on my learning curve tasks when I have a few minutes or hours instead of wasting those same minutes wondering why my house isn't Better Homes & Gardens perfect or why my menu doesn't read like America's Test Kitchen.     It is a matter ...

Bread and Wine - a love letter to life around the table with recipes by Shauna Niequist I met Shauna at the Global Leadership Summit last month where she was on stage and I was watching by simulcast 1700 miles away.  She was spunky and charming and when I discovered she had written a book entitled Bread & Wine  I reserved a copy at the library while they were still "on order."    In my minds eye, I see the joy and connectedness that occur at the table: the gathering and the sharing and the stories and the laughter.  And yet, I feel a constant lack in this area of my life.  As a result, I have read books devoted to the topic, tried various methods to facilitate conversation and connection, and consciously attempt to relax as a host.  But the desire still lingers and the vision seems elusive.   Before I even finished reading the Introduction to Bread & Wine I felt that familiar lon...

My first-born turned 8 this weekend!  How can that be?  It really seems like no time at all.    And here we are 8 years later!  You are amazing and smart as a whip and inquizative about every thing.  You study and look and explore and ask questions.  I love the way you interact with adults as if they should answer you when you ask how much cement is in a cement truck or why the gas company is digging a hole on our street or when he last went elk hunting.     You are a first born, like your mama.  You are strong willed.  And you are tender-hearted.  You are a perfectionist.  Like your mama.     And you have the best laugh and adorable dimples.  You are super strong.  You have a funny sense of humor.  You are amazing!   When you asked for a Ninja themed party I told you No.  Immediately you suggested a Garden Party.  Absolutely y...