Skip to main content

#stayhome

Image
By

I look at this photo and it seems ages ago. I took it while laying in the sun on a hotel rooftop in Miami. In reality, it was only taken 3 weeks ago today almost to the minute. Since then, a pandemic has taken this world by storm. Mother Nature is shouting from the rooftops and people are being forced to listen. We are being told to stay home, don't leave the house unless necessary, and practice social distancing. Such a funny term: social distancing. What will this do to human connection? To human culture? Behavior? Our future perspective in this world is about to go through a massive shift. "Are you ready for this," Mother Nature asks? I sure wasn't. 

 I have been learning so much about myself in the past 2 weeks.  How does one react in vastly unknown and uncertain times? I am no longer in a rush to do things.  It's strange, I never felt that hurried before but now there is ample time to focus on things I didn't spend that much time on before. Connecting with friends and family is all digital now.  Video calls and messages to check in, see if everyone is healthy, and try to have a laugh and maybe "cheers" the screen with a glass of wine. As an extrovert who is fulfilled when around people that I love, it's been difficult to find other ways to recharge my batteries.  Nature helps, as she always does.  Feeling grounded outside and watching Winter fade into Spring helps me realize that there will be more seasons to come and the light will outshine the darkness. 

 I have been taught to embrace the uncertainty and that in order to grow, we all must transform. Transform into what, I am not sure yet.  But I know that it will be a better mindset than I had 3 weeks ago.  My distant cousin in Italy wrote to our family and said, "Now we can really understand that we do not need all we have and seek. We can understand what is essential in our lives...We also pray for all human beings, may we all understand much about life, love and nature. I do hope so." 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gifts for the Host

By
One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that there are a million reasons right now to throw a holiday party.  Here are some examples: cookie exchange party, holiday movie night party, ugly Christmas sweater party, or maybe a let's-drive-around-the-neighborhood-and-look-at-lights-party (if you drink the spiked egg nog before driving around, consider this a walking party).  Whatever the reason, holiday parties are a wonderful time to get together with friends.  Hosting is not an easy job, but it makes it more enjoyable when guests show up with a nice gift.  Here are some great hosting gifts under $50 to give this holiday season. A new way to keep white wine chilled A great game for the long winter nights in by the fire These throws are super soft and cozy Homemade popcorn is the best. Try this recipe with it! This reminds me of a martini shaker I would see in a James Bond film.
Post a Comment
Read more

No Cook Antipasti

By
This past weekend we hosted a few friends over for some wine and antipasti.  This was a perfect menu for me because cooking in my kitchen during the summertime is very dangerous.  I think if I turn the oven on for more than 20 minutes, my kitchen shelves will begin to melt.  We live in a traditional older Uptown duplex, and with only one window air conditioner, cooking in my kitchen becomes an activity similar to sitting in a sauna.  I tend to make the most of fresh food, and take advantage of our specialty foods in the nearby grocery stores.  Hosting an antipasti party allowed me to assemble, rather than cook, and the results were delicious.  This weekend allowed me to participate in the best parts of the summer;  eating fresh, natural, and simple food. Caprese on a stick Sun dried tomato and parmesan cheese Antipasti platter
Post a Comment
Read more

Happy 4th of July!

By
Fireworks over the ocean at Key Biscayne Let's take a mini break from talking about my trip to discuss the current holiday that is upon us, the 4th of July!  Just like most Americans, I love the birthday of America and am excited to celebrate with everyone!  We are heading up to the cabin tonight for a patriotic boat parade and some fireworks over the lake. I have been lucky to experience this holiday in a variety of places and there are always family, friends, food, and perhaps a cocktail with Uncle Sam (just to clarify I mean the father of America, I don't have an actual Uncle Sam). Here are a couple of links for your 4th of July viewing pleasure!  Hope you all have a fun holiday planned!  If not, take Katy Perry's Firework advice, "you just got to ignite the light, and let it shine!"  Happy Birthday America! I'm hoping to try this recipe tomorrow while we grill our steaks Love this Saved by the Bell episode of the 4th of July One year...
Post a Comment
Read more