Ever Wonder

Differences abound and perspectives collide. There are billions of little hearts all trying to shine brightly at the same time. Individuality and the freedom to express it are at the cornerstone of any good imagination. Without the imagination, our ability to explore and pursue the expansion of our creative mind can easily be lost in the shadow of what we perceive society’s expectations to be.
Where are all the fertile, strong thinkers and what has happened to them?
And while we are talking about creative individuality, what happened to mutual respect and the manners that accompany differing opinions? Seriously, in all of this confusion, have we forgotten how to be kind?

A wise woman once told me, “ There is your truth and someone else’s, therefore, somewhere in the middle is the TRUTH.”
I like to think we all have the ability to learn from each other and to share what makes us unique. I mean seriously, do we really want a room full of nothing but ourselves?

I was recently on a road trip with a dear friend of mine. I consider this to be one of the dearest and most loyal of friendships I have in my life. And I love that we can appreciate and respect our intrinsic similarities and differences.

Up until this trip, I had never spent time in Colorado. The vistas and the rock formations certainly are breathtaking to see. The very early morning sunrise is quite awe inspiring, indeed. Imagine a quietness in the air so powerful that you can feel your heart’s beat in everything around you.
It just takes hold of you and wraps you up in its magic!

We loaded up my dad’s “almost” vintage Dodge truck with my friend’s moving boxes.
She and her husband are relocating to the amazing area of Grand Junction, Colorado.
Of course, I couldn’t leave Leo behind.
Turns out, he is a lot of fun to travel with!

I met beautiful new friends along the way!
In true Life Around My Table style, I prepared a wonderful summer dinner and we ate, drank wine and laughed!
The laughter was the most inspiring and healing part of the evening. Cheers to these Beauties!
I hope to be able to do it all again, very soon!

I’m dedicating my recipe for meatballs to my new young friend in Grand Junction, Colorado. This recipe is originally from Marie Amato, who was an incredible home cook and a huge inspiration to me in the kitchen.
Her secret ingredient: Love, of course, ….and Water!!!

This is for you, Julia!

Is there ever a time when a dish of Spaghetti with Meatballs is a bad idea? Whether for a Sunday dinner, a midweek supper, a holiday or perhaps even a lunchtime break, this traditional meal is always comforting and delicious. For me, I’m happy to see it on my table anytime!

Let’s face it, after all the hiking and walking around we did in Colorado and Utah, I’m certain it just didn’t matter how many carbohydrates we were EATING!!!

Whenever I start to wonder about what’s going on in life these days, I try to think of all the beautiful people in my life. Every connection comes through the heart. When we finally realize this, there is an open door just waiting for us to bravely walk through. Sometimes bravery is nothing more than having the courage to stand up and just be you. It never matters what anyone else has to say about you, not to your face or behind your back.
The real strength of the human heart is in its ability to just
Love Unconditionally.

There is a power in absolutely refusing to spend one moment of our lives hidden behind an armor of pretense and clouded judgments.
We can and will emerge from the chaos and brokenness of the world to see that
Inner Freedom is our Compass Rose.
So, go ahead, walk with an open heart and have curiosity about the World around us.

“Life is not measured by the number of times we take a breath, but rather by the extraordinary moments that take it away.”

EVER WONDER