The Fondness of Friendships and a recipe too!

photo credit: D. Sharon Pruitt

Recently, a conversation between two friends on facebook touched my heart so deeply, it inspired me to write this post. It all came about when my dear friend Meg,posted on her status that she was making butternut sqaush soup. Another friend inquired about the recipe. Long story short it was my recipe! How wonderful!

I have known both of these lovely ladies for over a decade. The friend that was cooking the soup moved out of state some time ago. We haven't been able to keep in touch as much as I would like to. It was quite some time ago that I had shared that recipe with her. When I learned that she was cooking and using my recipe... a deep sense of sisterhood filled my heart. That's the funny thing about life, people come in and out of it all the time. However, the memory of the moments you shared with that individual is what you hold on to, what you are grateful for and most importantly, what you treasure. I feel fortunate to have had so many awe-inspiring women walk in and out of my life. So on this halloween day, I want to share this same recipe with the rest of you lovelies. I hope that when you make this soup, you will remember me and that I will be there with you (in your kitchen)and we can relive some of the special memories we've had together! Enjoy it's yumm-a-licious!

Apple and Butternut Squash Soup
Yields: 8 servings (this recipe has evolved over the years)

3 tb unsalted butter
1 lg onion
2 tb curry powder
1 ts chilli powder
3 lb butternut Squash, peeled, seeded and cubed (8 cups)
3 cups of Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and chopped
Salt & Pepper
1/2 c Heavy Cream
3 1/2 c Veggie Broth
1 ts ground cloves
1 ts all spice
1 ts cinnamon
* Note I always sprinkle a bit more of the above 3 spices to taste*

In a large heavy pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add curry powder and chili powder. Mix well. Stir in 2 1/2 cups of veggie broth, squash, apples and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer 30-45 minutes until squash is very tender, stirring occasionally.

Strain soup, reserving liquid. Puree vegetables in a food processor in several batches. In same pot, combine vegetable puree, reserved cooking liquid, remaining 1 cup of veggie broth and cream. Bring just to simmering. Add cinnamon, All spice and cloves to taste. Ladle soup into warm bowls. Garnish with parsley.

Original source for this soup was the Victoria Magazine, January 1994.

Beijocas and Happy Halloween!
Nancy

Heart of Nourishment

The girls love being sisters!

As I began settling in to the start of the week, I was accompanied by a misty, gray, crisp autumn morning. I felt compelled to let out a long sigh. And at that very moment a profound sense of gratitude swelled up inside me.

I acknowledged my current state: calm,peacful and collected. I realized that loving my children is helping to heal me. What I mean by this, is that I am loving them in a deeper more compasionate way than I have ever known. Honoring them with respect and dignity. I make intense efforts to avoid diminishing their feelings and allow them the space to feel what they are feeling. All in belief that they will continue to develop and understand who they are and what they need.

For example, when I find myself saying things like "oh your not really that upset, you are just tired". Amelie, will look at me in a confused way. I realize that I'm denying her true feelings and I quickly say "Oh you are upset" and make sure to accompany my change of thought with a comforting long hug. She'll respond with a confident yes and surrenders to my hug.

Parenting isn't simple, nor is there a quick read that will explain the right and wrongs of parenting. I believe that following what your heart tells you is the best way. Being a mother and understanding the true core of unconditional love and wanting and needing to express that love to your child is nourishing to the heart. Wouldn't you agree? Please share some stories on how your child/children have nourished your heart? I would love to hear them!


Link Love:

This is just darling!

If my creative and wonderful hubby is reading this. Here's what I envision the inside of the mudroom to look like.
Love how she captures precious moments in her photos.
I've really got a thing for burlap. This and this. oh and this. I LOVE IT!
I'm really digging this for one of the walls in Amelie's room!
Oh how I wish Jason and I could re-honeymoon here again.


Beijocas
Gypsy Being

Believe In The Wonders Of Tomorrow

Looking out my window....

On this beautiful Sunday I'm finding myself revelling in the midst of the comforts of winter and the hints of a the new beginnings of spring. Not sure if I'm ready to say goodbye to winter. However, I'm feeling anxious for a redefinition of me. I'm re-evaluating some of the priorities and expectations I've written down for myself and thinking it is time to change. After multiple gut checks, I continue to tell my self that I need to be true to my inner self. There are many things going on right now and I promise to share them soon. In the mean time, I wanted to toss the idea out there of taking risks, accepting challenges and committing yourself to all of the emotions such changes can bring about. I have no willingness to let things stay the same. It is in the journey where you evolve and appreciate the depth of your work to reach the celebration, the happiness and accomplishment. Are you about to face a change or challenge? I would love to hear about it!


Today's Link Love:

You can never have to many pillows. Enjoy this!

Oh I could really use these for our garden boxes this spring.

Love Love Loving this band!

EEK! I want this. It would go perfectly on my porch!

Excited to celebrate this event in town next weekend!

Still thinking about getting this! Should I do it?

An Enchanted Birthday

My special little flower, Amelie had her 4th birthday party today. It took everything I had not to ball my eyes out. She is no longer the tiny little baby I once held in my arms. She is now such an amazing young lady! And the time is just going so and too quickly. She came into this world 12 weeks early weighing 2 lbs and 11 ounces. She spent 10 weeks in the NICU. Our little miracle. As healthy as could be... just needed time to grow! I know she has so much purpose in this world. She is just so sweet and loving it melts my heart. While blowing out her candles, I asked her to make a wish and she softly replied "I wish we could all be best friends". Her genuine kindness and open love is a constant reminder to me to be true to what my heart desires and don't let anyone or anything make you lose sight of it. Sometimes as an adult I get distracted with everyone's expectations and judgements. Amelie is an old soul and her confidince inspires me and she is opening my eyes to being youthful and carefree again. She helps me laugh more and worry less. And when it really comes down to it... LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED! And we sure know how to love and be loved in the Bodnar household. So this post is especially for you, my Amelie. You are the bravest, most joyful and kindest spirit I have ever known. Thank you for giving me the gift of motherhood. I am truly blessed! Happy 4th birthday my little flower!

P.S.
We are so proud of you! You are a wonderful Big Sister
xoxo

Amelie ready for her enchanted birthday party at the carousel of happiness

The morning of her birthday party- making apple and cinnamon pancakes for breakfast. Amelie loves to help in the kitchen

So excited for her birthday party!

Penelope-The Fairy is also ready for her sisters enchanted birthday party!

Winter Wonderland

The snow outside is bringing a silent solitude.
I am hear most certainly to grow into these mountains.
It seems as if everything nature has to offer is a tiny miracle.
So often the beauty of the forest speaks in silence to the very core of my being...

I just tucked Amelie into bed for a nap but before she closed her eyes, we read this new book. It was a must have. We are so excited to build fairy homes in our own back yard. We've decided that the winter fairies need homes too and so we are going to start building them some. When I finished reading, I planted a big kiss on her cheek and she kissed me back and said "I love you Nancy". PRICELESS!

Enjoying the snow storm on a silent Sunday. Resting and being mindful of all the little miracles that surround me. How about you? What are you doing today? Oh and if you have ever built any fairy homes please share photos and ideas.

image credit to loretolda's photostream

Rejuvenate

Rejuvenate:to restore to a former state; make fresh or new again.

My family and I are enjoying the first day of the year snuggled in our love nest. The conversations are filled with the excitement of what is to come in the new year. In one word, 2011 will be about rejuvenation. Nurturing our youthfulness. What rejuvenates you?

Link Love:

I absolutely love this song. It makes my heart melt! It's the song I would've written for my family.

I'm excited to decorate our home some more with colorful art! This would look fantastic in Penelope's room.

Wish I had one of these today.

This makes me want to plan a winter vacation to somewhere very warm.

Just can't get enough of this. Such a beautiful capture.

I could go on...but my sweet Amelie wants to jump on our bed...I best join her.

Happy New Year!

A Very Merry Christmas Indeed

It's late in the evening and every one is nestled in bed. I am taking the time to reflect on today. I've added some more pine logs to the fire so that it continues to burn a bit longer in the wood stove. The loud crackles of the burning wood ease me and I sit in my cozy chair and stare at the Christmas tree lights.
I chuckle at the new tradition we started this year and how we strongly agreed to ensure it would become a tradition. It was wearing our Christmas pajamas all day! I must admit it felt comforting and somewhat festive for each of us to fashion our holiday specific pajamas all day. I grab an old knit throw blanket and throw it over me. I find myself drawn to the light shining in through the window. It's a glow from the stars and at that moment I am overwhelmed with relief and joy. Everything I have ever wanted and wished for I have.
My little family. These three people who are my whole world are upstairs sleeping peacefully.
When they laugh, dream, believe I am adoringly engaged and find myself dreaming of how to

ensure that they continue to laugh, dream and believe. Their pure love heals me. It is the gift of all gifts and my favorite one.

I hope that this Christmas you were surrounded by those who give you pure love! And as we embark on a new year, may you write down all of your dreams and find ways to make them happen. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!