It’s All About The Dance

Have you had those precious moments when everything around you seems to be effortlessly moving in harmony?
You know you’re in the moment and the groove is flawless?
Those are the times when I just know I am living my life to it’s truest calling.  

Then there are those moments when it’s just NOT!
Somehow, I’m still living my life to its truest calling, perhaps even more so, at times like these.

Learning to put all of Life’s Little Lessons to work in real time…

It’s like standing too close to the edge and thinking that you have put yourself in the right position. The only thing that you didn’t anticipate was the wind picking up and throwing the spray of the crashing waves perfectly in your direction!
So, what to do? What to do…

”When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.” Buddha

It’s been a quirky couple of weeks here. Finding humor at almost every crossroad surely proved the most effective way to deal with the curveballs being thrown my way. From no hot water in my house for a week, to parking problems; the only way I could resolve any of these issues was to go through them.
That’s just the way of the Universe!

Thankfully, IT all balances out.

Mardi Gras,
Fat Tuesday, or Carnevale.

No matter the name,

it affords us the opportunity to put aside normal routines and conventions, be creative, and assume an anonymous identity, even if just for a brief moment.
Who or what would you allow yourself to become?

I love the mystery.

My mind congers an image of an elaborate mask and a long cloak slowly floating along cobbled streets at dusk, where the only lights are from ancient gas street lamps, their amber light diffused by the mists rising from the Venetian Canals.

This ignites my imagination of the Carnevale di Venezia, which has been celebrated for centuries throughout Italy.

Carnevale also marks the time
to indulge and enjoy favorite foods and desserts before we give it all up for the
40 Days of The Lenten Season.

I have organized and used up many of the staples in my pantry and refrigerator with the intent of not letting things expire or go stale. I use this time of year to refresh the provisions in my kitchen, much like I used the start of the New Year to declutter and purge my living space.

Crêpes served with Blueberries, Maple Syrup and Irish butter, (because Pancake Day here in the US coincides).

Crêpes

Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1 cup all purpose unbleached flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup whole milk
• Butter, for coating the pan

Equipment:

• French steel Crêpe pan or small, very shallow nonstick fry pan

Method:

1. Put all ingredients in the blender container and secure the lid. Blend for 20-30 seconds at high speed. Remove the lid and scrape down interior of container. Replace the lid securely and blend for an additional 10 seconds.
2. Heat crêpe pan on medium heat for at least five minutes.
3. Take a thin slice of butter and swirl it around the pan.
4. Simultaneously, pour batter into pan while lifting the pan and swirling the batter to coat the pan in a thin layer. This batter is very liquid and will move easily to coat the pan. (1/4-1/3 cup of batter usually coats the pan, depending on the size of the pan)
5. Allow the crêpe to cook, untouched. The surface will become dry and the edges will start to become golden. 30-45 seconds, depending on desired color for the crêpe.
6. With a table knife or thin plastic spatula, gently remove the crêpe from pan and onto a plate.
   Garnish with a little butter, Maple Syrup and fresh blueberries. Enjoy!
   

Like so many others, my life here at home is filled with everything from ease and laughter to concern and hard work. No two days are ever the same, that’s for certain!
Life is in constant flux.

When I can bring love to the table in the form of delicious food, I will always make the time. I have learned over the years that some of the best things I have to offer others is a place where we can come to together, converse and share all that Life brings us.

Life is all about the dance.
Weaving in and about the many aspects and nuances of the present moment affords us many ways to absorb the power of happiness. Allowing smiles and laughter to become invaluable assets in our daily lives is perhaps the most inspiring and wonderful gift we can give and receive.

After all, most smiles are started by another smile!
Who will give you yours today?

As we begin the 40 Days of Lent, I am focusing on quiet reflection and observation of not only myself, but how I connect to the World around me.