Kairos—“a right, opportune, or supreme moment in which something special and unique happens”
If you are so inclined, share a link to your “Kairos Moment” in the comment section. I hope you all have a blessed weekend!
home
Anew
There are those times when each of us needs a breathe of new life. When the grind of our day to day tasks feel a bit too heavy to bear, and we need an opportunity for fresh air to fill the fibers deep within our being, giving us a renewed direction and energy to guide us further on our personal journey through life.
This greatly-needed internal recharge took place this past weekend, which I must say was perfect timing for this mama who was trying her best to stay afloat in her desire to maintain a holistic household, while feeling pulled down by the current of a fast-paced, industry-driven society. Our family made the trek to Lawrence, Kansas and attended the Mother Earth News Fair where we were allowed the wonderful opportunity to interact with over 10,000 like-minded individuals, seeking that same recharge we were so desperately needing.
Our time was spent learning about everything from primitive drilling skills, to chicken keeping, to fermenting, to non-traditional building methods, and everything in between.
But the most wonderful moment of the weekend came in those last 60 minutes of the fair, when we were privileged enough to listen to Joel Salatin speak. Back home when my husband or I bring up this name, people look at us with raised eye brows while muttering, “Who?” beneath their breaths. But at the fair in Kansas, all of these people…
not only know him, but crowded in amongst one another to listen to him articulate just what it means to be a true steward of the Earth.
Chills formed on my arms before the presentation even began because the energy in this space was palpable. The words Mr. Salatin greeted us with were, “It’s lonely out there isn’t it? But look around you today. It feels a lot less lonely right now doesn’t it?” Tears brimmed in my eyes at hearing these words because yes, I had recently been feeling so very lonely. Lonely in my thoughts, beliefs and ways of life. But looking around this space made me feel so whole again because I am not alone. Not by a long shot. There is an entire community of people out there trying their best to live more deeply, trying to raise families in a way in which they tread a bit more lightly on the Earth. I left Kansas inspired. I left recharged. I left anew.
May each of you feel a sense of rejuvenation and renewal as you move through your week. Today I leave you with Joel Salatin’s final words of his presentation. I hope they move you as they did me…
May all your carrots grow long and straight,
and your radishes be large and never pithy.
May the coyotes be struck blind by your pasture chickens.
May all your culinary experiments be delectably palatable.
May the rain fall gently on your fields,
the wind be always at your back,
your children rise up and call you blessed,
and may we all leave the world better than we found it.
Kairos
Kairos—“a right, opportune, or supreme moment in which something special and unique happens”
If you are so inclined, share a link to your “Kairos Moment” in the comment section. I hope you all have a blessed weekend!
Weekending
This weekend was one of those that will be looked back upon with fondness. While we normally spend our weekends close to home, this one brought us on many adventures. One where the hustle and bustle was completely embraced, and fun was truly had by all. Our hours were filled with alpacas (it was National Alpaca Weekend after all), pumpkins and retro amusement park rides. Yes, quite the eclectic combo.
Here is a glimpse into our two days of fun…
I hope you all enjoyed a lovely weekend as well. Have a wonderful week my friends!
A Walk in the Woods
There has been a sickness streak in our house over the course of the last week, so when Sunday greeted us with beams of sunlight peaking through the curtains, crisp air squeezing through the window panes, and a home bursting with people finally feeling well again, we decided to get out there and embrace the day.
We ventured to Atwood, one of my absolute favorite parks in our area. My oldest daughter has also discovered the magic of Atwood over the course of the last year, having attended a multitude of day camps at this fabulous preserve. So, when she shouted, “Ok, I’m in charge today. I’m your tour guide. Follow me. Let’s go!” We all followed close behind, eager for the places she was about to take us.
Without further ado, here is our walk through the woods, courtesy of our six-year old tour guide…
Kairos
Kairos—“a right, opportune, or supreme moment in which something special and unique happens”
If you are so inclined, share a link to your “Kairos Moment” in the comment section. I hope you all have a blessed weekend!
Cooking Sauce with Daddy
While I was enjoying myself at a baby shower in the beautiful Anderson Japanese Gardens, my girls were home making pasta sauce with Daddy. My husband gets huge bonus points for this because not only did he cook with the girls (a feat in and of itself), he took pictures of them doing it! In honor of this momentous occasion, today I bring you a blog post written by the man himself…
Pasta sauce, or “sugo” has a special place in our family. Every holiday I can remember involved Grandma Jan’s giant pot of sauce, simmering on the stove, filled with meatballs and hunks of pepperoni. The pasta was always an afterthought, the lowly vessel on which more sauce could be ladled. Her recipe was given to her by her mother-in-law, my Great-Grandma Lou. She could flat-out cook and to this day, her skills bring the conversation to a halt, as eyes glaze over in remembrance of what she could do in the kitchen. Although she is no longer with us, her memories inspired a lazy Saturday to turn into a sauce making event that I was honored to share with two excited and delightful sous chefs.
This time of year brings us tomatoes, onions, oregano, carrots, and basil right out of the garden. Despite eating more than we process, there were enough tomatoes to get the project started. The girls both helped with Gianna pulling carrots from the garden and Addie peeling cloves of garlic. Both girls helped peel onions and prep the herbs. We absolutely destroyed the kitchen, used every cutting board in the house, and left onion skins all over the floor. Despite the mess, I was able to spend a few hours with my girls recreating the smells and flavors that I remember growing up with. My most sincere hope is that they will remember these moments and find time to create them with their children and grand children, so that future generations will know the importance of food, family, and the sense of community only found in the kitchen.
Basil Lime Gimlet
Date nights do not often happen these days. Crazy schedules, shifting demands of the workplace and caring for two young children make it difficult for this mom and dad to have a few spare moments alone. That is why this past weekend was quite a celebration. We enjoyed a date night. With just the two of us. Alone.
We spent our time at an early evening movie, followed by wonderful Vietnemese food, and all wrapped up with homemade garden-inspired cocktails. It was a perfectly wonderful evening.
We wanted to incorporate our garden bounty in our cocktails in some way, so here is our best attempt to embody late summer garden freshness in a glass. We hope you enjoy this little treat as much as we did!
Basil Lime Gimlet
1 cup lime juice
1/2 cup water
7 fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup sugar
Place the above ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar is dissolved and begins to bubble. Turn off the heat, and allow the mixture to steep with the lid on for at least an hour. Remove the wilted basil leaves and pour into a glass container and place in the refrigerator until chilled.
When you are ready to enjoy your cocktail, fill a pint-sized Mason jar with ice. Add 1 oz. vodka, 2/3 cup of the basil lime simple syrup above, and 2 fresh basil leaves. Now, for that rustic chic charm, attach a lid and rim to your Mason jar and shake away. I’m telling you, it’s the coolest martini shaker on the market these days 🙂 Once your cocktail is properly shaken, remove the rim and lid, serve and enjoy!
*A note about all my recipes: I use all organic ingredients, local when available. I use non-homogenized milk, and all of the dairy we use is from animals raised on pasture. I also use oils that are non-GMO verified. All our meat is raised locally on organic feed, and our beef is grass-fed, grass-finished. All our spices and cane sugar are fair-trade certified and purchased through a cooperative.
Thoughts
Thoughts and prayers headed to those who need it today. Wishing you a peaceful start to your week, friends.
Kairos
Kairos—“a right, opportune, or supreme moment in which something special and unique happens”
If you are so inclined, share a link to your “Kairos Moment” in the comment section. I hope you all have a blessed weekend!
Making of a Home 