
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
Breathtaking scenery … I’ve never been to Colorado or Utah. Looks like a wonderful trip with wonderful friends … new and old along the way. I printed the spaghetti recipe … yum! xo
Author
Let me know your thoughts on the recipe, if you try the meatballs. The trip was just the perfect getaway. There weren’t any crowded spaces, obviously from my photos. We just took our time and I really just appreciated being able to get outside and absorb my surroundings. See you soon on your new Blog.
XO, Diana
beautifully said. It made me relax and think. Love you Toni
Author
Hey Toni,
Just to be able to relax and think is so important these days. I hope you are doing well and staying healthy. Looking forward to chatting with you in person one of these days.
XO, Diana
STUNNING PHOTOS OF YOU AND LEO!!!!!!!!!!
I think I am printing the recipe HOLD ON!
NOPE not working………I SHALL GO BACK AND TRY TRY AGAIN!
WE NEED MORE OF PEOPLE LIKE OURSELVES AND LESS of THE OTHER STUFF!
I read the book by THE NIECE………more about THE FAMILY than THAT MAN.
A VERY INTERESTING and EYE OPENING READ.It all FALLS into PLACE………….in just ONE BOOK!
XX
Author
There are so many wonderful and beautiful people in this world. We just need to keep focusing on them all. The rest will come into balance, it always does. I’ll be in touch with you for a proper chat this coming week.
XO, Diana
I’ve been to Moab and also made it to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain NP. I’ll never forget the golden marmot I decided to pet at Rocky Mountain NP. Everyone I was with was about to have a heart attack but he/ she just sat there for a few seconds. I’d never seen a marmot in my life.
I love your thoughts and I wish everyone took the time to be kind. It’s become a forgotten word.
Your summer meal looks absolutely mouth-watering. Excellent photos too.
Author
It is a breathtaking part of the United States, most certainly. I think it has magical properties that just come out of the earth. Kindness and patience always take a focused effort, yet, they are never really a lot of hard work. I show my love through my food and my photos. Thank you always, for your lovely comments. Have a beautiful week ahead.
XO, Diana