I'm back! After a month long hiatus from my blog, I want to declare I am well. My computer however needed serious healing with the local computer geeks...but it now seems well too. While it was being repaired though, I was able to plough through my latest book club selection by Caroline Myss called, "Entering the Castle... Finding the Inner Path to God and Your Soul's Purpose." (This book was inspired by St. Teresa of Avila, who was an extraordinary 16th century saint and contemplative master. She wrote "The Interior Castle" which was a guide to finding your soul.) A glimpse into the writing from this book......
"Contain your experience
with the divine so that it does not escape you but rather shapes you.
Be silent. Silence will help you avoid engaging in the games of
competition and illusion that regularly seduce us in the outside world.
Silence also helps you avoid distraction. It helps focus the busy
mind---the mind that always has to be doing something, thinking
something, the mind that always has to be otherwise engaged lest it
become introspective and allow the soul's voice to override its own.
The silence I am describing is a silence that you use to contain the
grace you receive when you enter the Castle of your soul. This quality
of silence allows you to engage in discernment. You carry this silence
within you, even when you are with others. It allows you to hold your
center amid the chaos of your life; it keeps you clear so that you do
not do or say things you will regret or make decisions out of fear."
Caroline Myss
Source: Entering the Castle: An Inner Path to God and Your Soul, Pages: 38-39
Our book club meeting was cancelled last night because our hostess, L, had a houseful of sick children and an ailing husband. (I have been there!) That's okay, as it gives me more time to go back and work on some of the "soul work" that the book suggests. Do you ever find it interesting that when you are working on connecting with the divine, that stuff comes up to make you work all the harder to align yourself and your actions with your highest self? WEtLL, I have had a boat load of crap hitting the fan around here all month and I am very conscious of how unsettling it is to me. I guess that is the thing about raising your vibration. All of a sudden you are hyper-sensitive to negative energy fields AND how you are reacting to them. Let's just say, I have been caught up in the drama a bit more than I would have liked. Okay, here is where I breathe in and whisper "Om" and exhale slowly.Peaceful breathing. I'm not going to go into details over everything that has transpired, for there is always something in life to suck us in and take control of our sacred self and don't we love to vent! In retrospection, I'm so grateful for the blue screen which signaled the shut down of the hard drive on my computer, for I wouldn't have taken the time to REALLY read this deeply moving book or been listening to my soul which is gently reminding me that all is well. In our darkest moments, the brightest light shines. Although I was aware that the key to communing with my soul was practicing a daily ritual of silence, meditation, and prayer, this book reaffirmed what I already knew and helped to get me back on track. It carried me through some rough patches this month. In the past, my prayers have often started with a thank you, but then they would go on asking for protection for my family, friends, and world. While reading "Entering the Castle," I have come to realize that within the walls of my castle, I am always protected. There is NOTHING to fear. My prayer is now just a humble thank you. It is a blissful thank you. It is a tearful thank you, as I've been reminded that I am perfect exactly as I am and always, ALWAYS loved. All is well. On this earth school, we get side tracked as we bump up against walls and try to figure out how to scale them. We forget that the draw bridge to our castle is always down for us to cross and we can enter at any time to be restored and filled with the love that is waiting there, just for us. Then when we re-emerge to our "real life," we are over flowing with light and love and wherever we go we shine.
I'm going to spend a lot of my weekend in my castle, restoring my energy. In silence, as much as one is able with 6 children in residence. In quiet contemplation throughout the day. I may head out for a walk in nature sometime throughout the weekend and then when my legs are tired, I'll return home to make myself a pot of spicy chai tea. My favourite thing to drink this time of year. Maybe I will even whip up another batch of cranberry orange scones.The last batch I made last week were literally inhaled. A favourite room in my castle is filled with floor to ceiling dark wood bookshelves, loaded with books. A crackling fire is filling the room with light and on either side of the fireplace are comfy chairs. Between the chairs, is a small table, perfectly suited for a tray with a pot of tea and a plate of scones.
It is there, when I sit opposite my soul and open up boxes from my past. Memories of humiliation, hurt and ridicule. It is there I empty the boxes, letting go of fear, anger, and scorn. Not just inflicted upon me, but also when I was the perpetrator of pain. I become humble. My wounds finally heal and divine grace overcomes me. Peace and a sense of of belonging fill me and a connection to all things in time and space overwhelm me. Tears of gratitude flow. And then I leave that room after saying a thanksgiving prayer and open another door, peeking into another castle room where more soul work can take place.
What does your favourite castle room look like? What restores your soul so you can heal and go out into the world and fill it with more light? You are not alone.
Princess Victoria and Kathryn in their castle in our family room
Before I close, I want to share my delicious scone recipe with you so you too can whip up a batch and perhaps while you are sipping your tea and enjoying a scone, you will think of me and know you have a soul companion while you are on your journey. Your soul's journey. (BTW..scones are a Scottish quick
bread originated between 1505 and 1515. Scones are named after the Stone
of Destiny (or Scone), the place where Scottish kings were once
crowned.......kind of an appropriate thing to take into your castle is what I was thinking)
These scones were eaten quickly while still hot, yummy!
Hope's "Castle" Cranberry Orange Scones Ingredients 2 cups of all purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar and then 2 tbsp of sugar for topping 1 tbsp grated orange peel 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/3 cup cold butter 1 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup orange juice (I squeeze the orange that I used for the peel)...save 1 tbsp for the glaze 1/4 cup half and half cream 1 egg 1 tbsp milk for the topping Glaze recipe 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar 1 tbsp of orange juice 1 tsp of cinnamon...Alyssa loves this addition Directions In a large bowl, combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, orange peel, baking powder salt and the baking soda. Then cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles course crumbs. Set aside and then in a smaller bowl combine cranberries, orange juice, cream and egg. Add to flour mixture and stir until you have a soft dough. Pour onto a floured surface and then knead gently. Pat dough into an 8 inch lightly greased pan...I use my cake pan. Brush top with milk, then sprinkle with the sugar. Bake at 400 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly brown. Let sit for a few minutes and then turn over onto a wire rack. When slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the warm scones. Cut into triangles, serve nice and warm,,,,and don't forget to set aside a few to take into your castle with your pot of tea. "Let your Castle become a sacred ground beneath your feet. Live the power of your soul. Listen to and follow the voice of your soul. You are not alone. No higher purpose in this life exists than to be called into a mystical relationship withe the divine." ~Caroline Myss~...last page from the book
"Let nothing disturb you Let nothing frighten you All things pass away God never changes Patience obtains all things He who has God lacks for nothing God alone suffices." ~Saint Teresa of Avila~
Leeds Castle in the U.K. (interestingly, as I was writing this blog post, my daughter unbeknownst to me was touring Leeds Castle...WOW!
And all manner of things shall be well~
Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful. Blessings from Hope
Little did I know but this blog post was inspired early this morning, when I selected one of the tiny wisdom cards from my seashell. The words on the card said, "Slow down~When you move too fast, you miss so much."~
These precious cards were given to me this past Christmas by my niece, T, who lives in Victoria with her family. Her husband R and her two beautiful daughters, H and M. My niece T, is a gentle soul with a warrior's heart. She is sensitive, compassionate, kind, loving and oh so generous. Thank you T, for helping me remember what I already know.
(If you are interested in learning more about these cards....I will put more details below)
The wisdom cards given to me by my niece T.....this one says, "Slow down, when you move too fast, you miss SO much."
As I went about my morning, I thought about this message and very quickly it became clear how it would resonate in my life. First, I received an email from my wonderful sister B, who is a strong, intuitive woman with such a kind heart. She goes out of her way to help others for instance, rather than going to high tea to celebrate her birthday this past Sunday, she asked how she could help our son who was flying back to the city to start his second term of University.
She not only picked up Mitchell but his friend as well, she took them grocery shopping at Costco and then drove Mitchell to his dorm and his friend to the place he resides while going to school. Other than a foot injury last year, she always seems to be so healthy. She is really good at listening to her body and soul, and taking care of both, but is service to others another key to staying healthy?
Then, she told me about her daughter T and her granddaughters not feeling well this week. Flu season is here after all, but I just went hmmmm, maybe there is a message I can learn from all of this today. T (who you may remember gave me the wisdom cards) and her husband both work, lead a busy life in a large city, raising their two beautiful girls but they are really good at listening to their bodies. What's up....are they able to slow down enough for what their bodies need?
Then I received another lovely email from my sister, C, who is a yogi, a personal trainer, a reiki master, an artist, and I think a modern mystic...but aren't we all? Except most of us aren't truly tuned in or even trying to listen. Anyway, she wrote me an interesting email titled, "Universal Health." In her email, whether she realized it or not, she inspired me on ways to stay healthy, and also help the earth. She mentioned that this month she was involved in some art classes and then she talked about hanging their laundry to dry and how she loved the smell of air dried clothes.
Finally, she wrote about their green bathroom practice to save water, "when it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down." Okay, maybe TMI, but I was thinking of how her whole life has been devoted to staying healthy within her mind, body and soul, while inspiring others to follow suit. Also, by walking the earth gently it allows healing to take place which in turn nourishes us. Mother earth give us the basics for perfect health, clean water, air and healthy food, not to mention beauty everywhere to feed our soul.
She then took me down memory lane when she used to teach fitness and on her business card were the words, "Universal Health." Her creative, and artistic son, S, drew a picture of a cute alien in meditative pose, floating above the world with, "Universal Health" as the heading. She wasn't just promoting her ability to train individuals towards greater fitness and health but she was referring to how we could heal the earth, and hence heal ourselves by creating a healthy Universe for us ALL to enjoy.
Okay, too many coincidences for me to ignore. I had to write about health and how we can heal ourselves. It also seemed like the perfect blog post for a New Year, when so many people are working towards their conscious intention of obtaining great health, more joy, greener living...etc. Thank you to my sisters, and my niece for this inspiration.Although, you have no idea how extensive you touch my life in so many other ways. Okay, here is my post for today....
Recently my family had a lovely, relaxing holiday, as well as two bonus snow days which were magical. I thought we were ready to start the New Year with gusto and although everyone finally returned to school and their respective jobs this week, some of us were not functioning at our best.
Now that is understandable, as it takes a few days to re-adjust to getting up earlier and fitting back into a regimented structured schedule, but over the holidays a few of our children caught cold viruses and weren't recovering as fast as I would have liked.
Will got sick first, a few days after Christmas. Although he had had a slight cough, I was surprised how quickly his croup incident came upon us. We had put him to bed, thinking nothing other than it had been a lovely day. There was no warning whatsoever, until in the middle of the night, I awoke to our little guy's barking cough. I knew exactly what was occurring when I saw him sitting up in bed, gasping for air.
The first croup incident occurred when he was a toddler. When we realized he was having such a hard time catching his breath we did the logical thing and rushed him to the ER at our nearby hospital. When we arrived, they diagnosed him as having croup and administered medicine through an inhaler. However, he had improved so much just by being out in the cold air on the way to the hospital, that the next time he had a croup incident, we just took him outside first rather than rushing him to the ER.
At the back of my mind though, I'm always second guessing taking my child outside, instead of to the hospital. As I sit rocking him, bundled in a warm comforter, whispering soothing words, "it's okay, it's okay, take little breaths, little breaths," I'm praying inside, "please God, keep him breathing, keep his heart beating." It's such a terrifying experience as a parent and yet, a part of me is also saying to myself,....."Hope, it's okay, it's okay... JUST keep breathing." We always know the path to take deep inside.
What is always amazing to me is how resilient children are. They can be extremely sick one night and then bright and chipper the next morning. It's so surreal. But there is a lesson here, as small children live in the moment and appreciate the smallest things in life. Their joy and exuberance is another key.
Then, a few days after putting the vaporizer away, we heard that tell
tale, barking cough
coming from the twin's room. Both girls had had colds, but it was Kate
who was struggling to breathe one night. Although she and her twin,
Victoria had been tiny 5 pounders,
when they were born, they have been healthy
babies and toddlers. We have been really thankful that they have hardly
had a cold in
their 31/2 years. So when she caught the croup virus, it really
caught us off guard. Thankfully, like Will she recovered nicely after a
trip outside and an evening with the vaporizer in her room. Then a few
days later, Victoria, who also caught a
cold, developed a rash all over her body, which I understand is a common
side effect from some cold viruses.
Not only were the little ones feeling unwell but our oldest daughter Alyssa, who has been teaching in the U.K. since September, and working so hard at her new position, caught the flu right before Christmas and she spent the whole holiday coughing and was extremely tired. And back in our home, Grace had a cough and Clark also had been really tired and suffering from a sore throat. As the kids got ready to head back to school, I KNEW I had to do something drastic. I opened up my pantry and went into my laundry room, where I keep my herbs.
Okay, my pantry needs serious organization work...but keeping a well stocked pantry with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, flax, oats, quinoa, can really give you the boost when you are needing a quick energy fix.
I use this indoor expandable clothing rack to dry my herbs...it's great and accessible when I need to refill my herb jars.
Being able to grow my own herbs has taken my cooking to another level...one of greater health AND looking at my herbs reminds me of that song by Simon and Garfunkel..."Scarborough Fair"....see below
If you can't click on the link above, click here to hear and view... Simon and Garfunkel's song, "Scarborough Fair" which I always think of when I'm using "parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme" in my cooking...love this classic sweet melody....sing it while making your soup to heal your family
I took stock and knew that things like garlic, ginger, "parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme", brown rice, vegetables, all simmered in an aromatic broth would heal us. There is something restorative about these foods, they are our comfort foods, allowing our bodies to balance and return to perfect health. Here is my version of a healing Soul Soup....
Hope's Chicken and Rice Soup...(although I have added chicken, vegetable broth and more veggies works beautifully with the rice and all the garlic and ginger too...let your heart be your guide) Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil 2 medium onions 4 garlic cloves 4 tbsp fresh minced ginger 2 celery stick 6 Chicken Thighs 12 cups of chicken broth 1 cup of uncooked basmati brown rice 5 large carrots 1 tbsp parsley (and if you have any fresh as well you can add it to the soup when serving) 1 tbsp sage 1 tbsp thyme 1 tbsp rosemary Salt and pepper (optional: swiss chard or spinach)
Directions:
1. Soak 1 cup of brown rice (I use basmati) in 2 cups of water 2. Bake chicken, seasoned with some salt, pepper, garlic and ginger in 375 degree oven for 30 minutes
I sprinkled the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder and ginger powder...and caught all the juice in the tin foil and added it to the broth
3. In a large stock pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil and saute, 1 diced onions, 1 cup up celery stick, 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 tbsp of fresh minced ginger...cook until translucent.
4. Add 12 cups of chicken broth
5. Add the dried parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, oh and salt and pepper to taste. Then carrots.
oops, sideways...but you get the idea...lot of lovely dried herbs are the key to flavour
And if you are making it a totally veggie soup...be creative..I love beans and mushrooms with carrots
6. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to a frying pan and saute second medium diced onion, 2nd celery stick, 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp minced ginger...add the cooked chicken. Allow the chicken to brown really well creating more broth for the soup. (we are funny about meat...we like to cook it really well...especially chicken...plus it just makes more broth) After cooking for about 10 minutes, add chicken to the stock pot....add salt and pepper liberally as you are browning the chicken
After cooking the chicken in the oven, browning it with onions, celery, garlic and more ginger just layer the flavors again.
7. Rinse the rice and add to the stock pot.
I had been soaking the rice in a jar...rinse it and then add it to the soup...boiling and then simmering
8. Bring to a boil, then simmer for an hour.....or until the rice is cooked. (I like making my soup mid afternoon and simmering for a few hours until dinner...the smell in the house is like aromatherapy in my opinion) Also, if you want to add some swiss chard or spinach do so just before serving the soup...the added greens are lovely and add more nutrition to your soup.
Light a few candles, serve with a green salad, bread sticks (recipe below) and a glass of white wine...or in our kids case, they had their Umma's special, "pink lady"drink..which is cranberry juice and ginger ale which is perfect when your tummy isn't feeling all that great and you are maybe a bit dehydrated....it makes it festive for the kids to have a special drink.
Okay, actually this doesn't look all that great...ha...but then I had to serve 9 people and wasn't able to touch up before the photo shoot...but you wouldn't believe the flavour...D came home for lunch the next day so he could have more soup!...good thing his office is just 5 minutes away from home.
My family was saying...'really mom, another blog post...can't we just eat already...it was so delicious and restorative HERE'S TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH!
The little girls sitting next to us at their little table were thrilled with the Soul Soup..."we are all in perfect health!"..CHEERS!
Although, I did not make bread sticks on the day that I made this delicious soup, as we had some good heart buns in the house, I love making my bread sticks to go along with my soups...or my pasta...well my kids like bread sticks anytime. Here's the recipe. Mitchell brought the recipe home from his grade 9 Foods class. I have never been a fan of taking Foods in high school for our kids because I teach them how to cook at home but this was one recipe, I was thankful to receive as we enjoy it several times a month.
Mitchell's Bread sticks...also known as our Crazy bread recipe Ingredients 5 cups Flour 5 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 5 tsp yeast 450 ml of hot water Topping; 1/2 cup of melted butter 2 tsp garlic powder 75 ml parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 425 F 1 Combine flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and yeast 2. Add hot water to make sof dough 3. Turn out dough onto lightly floured counter Knead until smooth, and elastic, about 2 minutes 4. Cover, with a damp paper towel, Let rest 5 minutes 5. Meanwhile, combine melted butter, and garlic powder 6, Roll out dough to 1 cm thickness. 7. Using a pastry brush, brush on half of the melted butter 8. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. 9. Bake for 7-9 minutes or until lightly brown..watch closely 10. Remove from oven and brush with remaining melted butter and sprinkle with parmesan cheese Cut into sticks or shapes of your choice
I make a large batch and they disappear very fast...the little kids begging for some BEFORE dinner
Then as if that weren't enough, as this health idea was brewing in my brain all day, I received a phone call from our son Mitchell. As I mentioned earlier, he is back in Victoria attending his second term of University, but today he called me to say he went to the clinic as he wasn't feeling great and it's now confirmed that he has contracted mono. (His roommate in his University cluster had caught it in the fall) I absolutely knew by then, that after the little ones were in bed tonight, I would be writing a blog post about health and healing.
I wondered why he was so tired during the holiday break. While he worked really hard at his grocery store position, both weeks while home, as well as filled each moment visiting family and friends, he seemed more under the weather than is normal for this energetic, upbeat 18 year old, (almost 19 year old) so I was concerned. Knowing this virus was brewing, makes me wish I had made some soul soup for him before he left to return to school.
Well, as for the Wisdom card message, "Slow Down, when you move so fast, you miss So much, " a few thoughts have come to me today. First, often we become sick to begin with by burning the candle at both ends, if you will and not allowing any light to infuse our lives. We work so hard and life for many people today is stressful. It's also, not aligned with what our earth needs to heal itself either.
When we slow down and connect with nature, we are able to balance ourselves and recognize what each of us needs to do in order to stay in perfect health and keep our Universe healthy as well. By living consciously, breathing deeply, moving and connecting out in nature, eating whole, as close to nature food, we stay in our natural state. Perfect health.
So the next time you become ill, say thank you. It's an opportunity to slow down and allow contemplation and connection to occur...."what are you meant to be doing after all?"
And before I close, I just wanted to share some information about the precious wisdom cards and a link to an interesting TED Talks presentation by Allan Savory below. First about the precious cards.
These card were created by a Victoria, B.C. yoga teacher, mother and nature lover, "Linda Cirella." Each deck contains 80 cards and is printed on eco-friendly paper in Victoria, B.C. Canada
These cards were created to remind you of what you already know deep within your core; and to help you to connect with it....because when you embody that wisdom you shine BRIGHTLY and you feel more ALIVE. And as a result you have more to give to others...So the world gets a little brighter!!!
Thank you again to T for the cards and to my sister B and my sister C...for always inspiring me! YOU ARE LOVED!
If you are interested in purchasing the cards contact Linda at om_shantii@yahoo.ca
Wisdom is always a great gift to share.
And my final thought for the day is in regards to a Ted Talk my sacred sister, L, sent to me about healing our planet by Allan Savory. (thanks L...your angels must have whispered to send it to me)
I believe it's worth the time it takes to view it....slow down, when you move too fast you miss so much.
You never know when you will pick up a tiny piece of wisdom, put it in your back pocket and contemplate how it may change the world. Remember, we are ALL connected!
Until, I see you again, may you be WELL, happy and peaceful.
This is what the lake and surrounding hills looked like on Christmas day 2014..so much for a white Christmas
And then, this was a picture from our deck yesterday, January 5th, 2015. Looks like winter is finally here
And not only has winter finally arrived but yesterday and today were SNOW DAYS!
I don't remember a time in the last 20 years when we received so much snow or there was a snow day declared, although in 1998 we did have a snowy Christmas. That was the year that Harrison was born on December 19th. It was also the year that my husband D. brought Harrison and I home from the hospital on the 21st and then promptly went to bed with a terrible flu. He didn't get up for 10 days and when he did, he had a terrible cough for months later. Our oldest, Alyssa, said she remembered that Christmas being really snowy and it was probably because with a new baby in the house and a sick husband, I had the three older children, then 8, 5, (almost 6) and 2, (almost 3) outside a lot helping me shovel the drive-way...although being still young, they were probably sledding in our yard.
Anyway, it's been a while since we had a snow day. D, couldn't even go to work on the first day so what did we do?
Well, the little kids did some colouring in their new books.
Will tried to read a really funny book he received for Christmas...
And Clark and Harrison shovelled....
And shovelled.....
And Shovelled.....and these were just a few of the pictures I snapped of them digging us out.
Of course D and I also took our turns. After all we do own 4 snow shovels so this white stuff is not unheard of...but we don't usually get such a large snowfall all at once.
The four younger kids loved it and were thrilled with their first SNOW DAY break.
So let us remember this early January snowfall. Both Mitchell, who is back at University and Alyssa, who is in London teaching, are not going to experience sore aching backs from shovelling this year. We miss them both a lot!
I loved having two days added to the end of our holidays where we could just hang out, get used to waking up earlier and I was able to wrap my head around the fact that soon it will be business as usual...back to school, basketball games, piano lessons, jazz band practise, preschool, swimming,...well you get the picture. A busy life.
This time was an extension to the magic I felt over the holidays. Snow, pure and crisp laying a blanket on the world and for a moment we could breathe deeply and be still.
Me, in repose on the sofa, looking down the lake, while sipping some hot tea.
Of course I also took advantage of the fact that I didn't have to drive kids anywhere. On Monday, I undecorated the house...is that a word..."undecorated?"
It's always kind of sad taking down decorations, as I love twinkling white lights all over the house. Normally, I'm usually in a rush and pack everything away quickly but on Monday, I was able to linger over the sentiment that our ornaments hold. The Popsicle stick ornament, shaped like a tree with a picture of Alyssa holding our cat Ninja....the fall of 2000. We had to say goodbye to our dear Siamese cat and you could see the tears in Alyssa's eyes in the picture and the love in Ninja's.
Then there was my Hope Angel, given to me by my best friend Tamara while we were trying to conceive and a soft white teddy with silver thread in memory of our soulbaby we lost the next Christmas. The Christmas of 2002 though, had a little angel holding a sign that said, "It's a girl!" That was the Christmas, Grace Elizabeth arrived. I put away golden cello's and wooden violins, little girls in ballet shoes and on skis, little teddies kicking soccer balls and playing basketball and then there were the 6 stars, representing our 6 children at the time. Of course, we had to buy two more when the twins were born in 2011.
It was a joy, going down memory lane and carefully packing away all the Christmas decorations with care. Then while shovelling the driveway late yesterday, I noticed something in the snow and when I went to pick it up it was a snowman ornament holding a pair of skis. On the skis it said, "Clark, 2000." He would have been involved in the Nancy Greene Ski program that year and it was our custom to choose ornaments based on our children's hobbies or interests. It must have fallen off the real Christmas tree, as we were taking it out and putting it in the snow bank.
A memory from Christmas's past and our oldest son who was downhill skiing
This truly was a beautiful tree....of course I say that every year!
Today, we did more shovelling and the boys put the Christmas tree boxes (10 Rubbermaid) down in the crawl space. I had all the kids strip their sheets on their beds and in between washing clothes and bedding, I made yummy muffins. This is a recipe that my sister J really liked as there is a delicious crumble on top of them. If you are looking for a great berry muffin recipe check this one out....
Hope's Fruit Blast Muffins...for a large crowd Ingredients 3 cups of flour....I use 11/2 cups of whole wheat and 11/2 of white flour 11/2 cups of sugar...again, I use half brown sugar and half white 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp baking powder 2/3 cup vegetable oil....coconut oil is very nice 2 eggs 2/3 cup of milk (whatever you want, almond, rice, cow) 2 cups of berries...I used blueberry today but a mixed berry blast is lovely Then for the topping...add the following to a medium size bowl 1 cup of brown sugar 2/3 cup flour 1/2 cup of cut up butter 1 tbsp of cinnamon Mix them all together with a pastry cutter...or a fork
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease muffin tins or line the cups
2. Combine 3 cups of flour, 11/2 cups of sugar, the salt and the baking powder.
3. Place the oil into a 2 cup measuring cup; add the eggs and then enough milk to fill the cup.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and then fold in the blueberries.
5. Fill the muffin cups right to the top and then sprinkle the topping mixture
6. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven or until the toothpick comes out clean. 7. Let the muffins sit in the pan for 5 minutes and then put on a cooling rack....enjoy warm.
Note: This recipe made 22 big muffins...but if that seems like a lot...you have to try them...they disappear really fast...and of course you can always take a few freshly from the oven to your neighbours, who may be feeling kind of isolated and "snownly"
Muffins are ready guys...come on in and warm up.
Make muffins and they will come.....
Well, tomorrow our kids go back to school, from our kindergarten son to our University son, all classes are scheduled to be going. The little girls go back to preschool and after school, the avalanche of activities begins anew. Am I ready for the New Year? Not really. The holidays and this snow day experience reminds me that slowly down is precious. I wish we could have snow days, every day, but maybe we can keep the feeling of unwinding, and turning inward all year long. It's an idea.
Wishing you a year full of snow days.
Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful
