June 29, 2014

Till The Morning

As I've grown older, mornings have become a favorite part of my day.

Especially this time of year, when I can wander out and poke around in the garden.

Always a slow riser, I am even more so now since I had to give up coffee because of a heart arrhythmia several years ago. 

Turns out I didn't know how anxious coffee made me feel until I stopped drinking it.

Anyway, I've been wanting to share a super-easy granola recipe that I've been making. A batch of it usually lasts me over a week, unless Mr. Fix-It gets into for a late night snack.

I love it for snacking too.

It's hardy enough to put hunger pangs at bay for several hours, plus it isn't too sweet. It seems perfect actually.

Toss together in a bowl:

8 cups of rolled oats
2 cups of nuts ( almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans etc)
1/2 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup pure maple syrup

Add after cooking:
2 cups of dried fruit ( I usually add raisins but dried cherries are great too, or cranberries)

I bake it at 350 in a glass 11" X 17" pyrex pan because it's easy to stir while baking. Bake for 15 minutes, stir it, bake it for 15 more, and stir again. Then I shut the stove off and leave it in there until I remember it's there. Turns nice and golden brown, and yummy.

If you're more of a muffin person these better than sex muffins are, shall I say, very, very, very good.

Lastly, I leave you with a favorite old song.

Happy day,
Louise


June 25, 2014

Science Says So

Research suggests that as we grow older, particularly after mid-life, we tend to grow happier. I feel happier at mid-life than I ever have, so to hear that more happiness might be in store for us is good news.

This is from a really good article on Inc.com:

"Studies have discovered that as people age, they seek out situations that will lift their moods, for instance, pruning social circles of friends or acquaintances who might bring them down. Still other work finds that older adults learn to let go of loss and disappointment over unachieved goals, and focus their goals on greater well being."

The article lists 10 ways to bring more happiness into our lives.

Here are a handful of ways, beyond the common lifestyle choices of exercising and getting enough sleep (so that we aren't crabby little whiners):

  • Nothing matters more than our connections with other people- not even a raise.
  • The importance of getting outdoors.
  • The importance of helping others.
  • The practice of smiling.
  • Move closer to work- a short commute is worth more than a big house. A short commute is heaven.

All good reminders.

It always comes down to the simple things in life.

Things have grown way too complicated.

Have a nice week, dear readers of mine.

Thank you to Carolyn for sending this in.

xo



June 14, 2014

Maybe That's Not Love



Donna Lou Steven's video "Older Ladies" and Lines of Beauty are a match made in heaven.

Just 10 days on Youtube and it already has over 22k hits. It's very catchy and makes me wish I was in it, as not only are the lyrics great, but it looks like it was a lot of fun to make. I've already listened to it five times.

Oh man I love creativity. Keep it coming girl.

Also this week, from The Open Mind, some truths we so easily forget:

  • The average human life is relatively short. 
  • You will only live the life you create for yourself.
  • Some kind of failure always occurs before success.
  • You don't have to wait for an apology to forgive.
  • It's not other people's job to love you; it's yours. 

The last two I think are especially important. In all my years of observing people, those who hold grudges or can't find a way to love themselves are sailing on a sinking ship. The good news is that these wounds, usually from childhood, can be healed. But as my friend, therapist Cindy Brennan says, in her wonderful new book, Living , Loving & Unlearning,  you have to face the darkness, to see the light.


June 06, 2014

Because

#thethirdtimeisthecharm
I'm changing the channel in my head to one of gratitude:

First of all, I'm thankful for my health and strong body, and for the health of those around me.

I'm grateful that the plane crash that killed 7 people, a few miles from here this week, did not land in our neighborhood or any other. 

I'm thankful for my perfectly imperfect home.

I'm grateful that the delphiniums, that I've tried to grow twice before, are finally blossoming.

I'm thankful for our eldest daughter who has lead us to a more organic life, with her flourishing vegetable garden and her environmental studies.

She broadens and inspires me, more than she knows.

I'm grateful that this week's car repair was only $425, and that we didn't need a new transmission costing $4000.

I'm thankful for frugal people, who inspire me more than anyone, while making-do with less.

I'm grateful for my love of making things.

Anything.

I'm thankful for the near-summer sun, the longer days, and the birds, who chirp outside our bedroom each morning.

I'm grateful for this Norwegian blog.

Even when I don't have time to read it,

her photos are like little rays of sunshine.