On My Mind Today

The sun rises with clear blue skies, with hope for peace and serenity. I remain still with shallow breathing, careful not to disturb those who sleep. These days quiet moments are rare, they are more precious than gold. Silence is like an elusive butterfly, hiding just out of sight. Noise surrounds me far too early, and sometimes never seems to end. From television to constant chatter, at times it is difficult to breathe. Some days the sensory overload, can exhaust my weary soul. Just a few moments of silence and solitude, a bit of tranquility is all I need. Let me watch the sunrise appear in the sky, and see Mother Nature awaken. Her creatures stir and start the day, a great joy for the eyes to behold. So, give me just a few moments, to soothe my weary soul. The peace and serenity of silence, are far more precious than gold.

In our youth we have many dreams, ever changing with each new day. So much ahead in our lives, with choices we will need to make. Early on our dreams are smaller, with visions of first dates and kisses. Imagining gliding across the floor, at school dances with our first crush. Some of our dreams are a fantasy, of living a rich and famous life. The younger we are the bigger the dream, never believing it cannot become real. As the years pass by the dreams evolve, into much larger events in life. Marriage, children and so much more, making precious memories along the way. In mid-life things begin to change, and we see things with new eyes. After years of chasing our many dreams, we learn some things don't go as planned. Dreams become so much different, more personal and smaller in scope. With each year we begin to realize, the smaller dreams mean so much more. As we enter into our senior years, everything becomes crystal clear. Our only dream is to embrace each day, for sometimes life...

From Just a Pinch Recipes contributor, Vicki Butts, Grapeview, WA. this Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon is a good comfort food that warms your soul. The beef is extremely tender, and it pairs well with the smoky bacon and sweet carrots. You can serve it over mashed potatoes, with a baked potato side, or as a soup over rice. Any way you choose to serve it, the flavor is absolutely delicious! Yield: 4 -6  Prep time:15 Min Cook time:12 hours Beef Bourguignon 3 lb. rump roast, trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 carrots, peeled and sliced (I like to use baby carrots instead) 1 md onion, sliced 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 3 Tbsp flour 10 oz beef broth 6 slice cooked bacon, cut into 1-2-inch pieces 2 c red wine 1 Tbsp tomato paste 2 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp thyme 1 bay leaf 1/2 lb. small white onions, peeled 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced Place the beef cubes, carrots, and onion in the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper; stir ...

Looking at all the so called "reality" shows they keep producing that exhibit the worst of people's lives, and knowing that so many are watching, is very disconcerting. The people they present are often offensive and negative, or willing to make a fool of themselves for their fifteen minutes of fame. It is truly sad in many ways. To think we would rather look at such negative nonsense, instead of embracing our own life, absolutely puzzles me. It is very apparent that we have become a society that seems to dwell on the negative. I guess it is easy as there are so many negative messages put in our faces and screaming at us, while we must look much harder and deeper to see the many positive possibilities. It takes energy and a positive attitude to move your life in a direction that will bring joy and happiness.  None of it comes by just sitting back and expecting it to show up. You need to engage yourself each day and see what could be. Try something that you have ...

Over the last few years, my time has slowly been transitioning into being a caregiver. It has been a slow progression, but time for me is becoming more elusive these days. It can be difficult to r emember that if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be any good to those in your life.  It is not in my nature to put myself first, and I know there are many others like me. We try to make sure that everyone else in our life is taken care of and their needs are met. There are two reasons for this: we enjoy doing for others as it makes us feel good, and it is rewarding when we see them happy. Of course, my sister would say there is a third reason; our purpose in life is to help others. When our children are young our role is to take care of them. We plan, organize and prepare for whatever arises each day, nurturing them as they grow into young adults. As our children leave the nest we tend to transfer these actions to others in our life. The need to nurture so strong that we can...

Growing up, a lot of children do not like spinach - even when Popeye tells them it can make them strong. This recipe from Taste of Home contributor Judy Batson, Tampa, FL just might change their mind. Spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan is filled with delicious flavors that will win anyone over - even my non-veggie eater. Spinach-Parmesan Casserole 2 pounds fresh baby spinach (I used 3 - 8oz. bags) 5 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 400°.  In a stockpot, bring 5 cups water to a boil. Add spinach; cook, covered, 1 minute or just until wilted. Drain well. (I did not boil the spinach. I added it to the butter and oil with the garlic, Italian seasoning and salt and sauteed it.) In a small skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning and salt; cook and stir until garlic is tender, 1-2 minutes. Spread spinach in a grease...