I SEE YOU

In the dead of winter, it's not uncommon for a mouse to make his way into our house. Little mouse thinks "Ho ho, what is this? There's food in abundance, water and lots of warm places to sleep! I've discovered Shangri-La!" 

But this little paradise has two healthy mouse hunting cats. And more often than not, I will find a miserable little mouse perched high on the top of the curtains with cats just waiting at the bottom, knowing, eventually, that mouse will have to come down. 

This is one I managed to rescue before the cats finished him off. I love the intense look on Sasha's face. 

"I See You, Little Mouse..."

One of my co-workers and I had this discussion about how we tend to flippantly greet one another, barely acknowledging the other's presence; just going through the motions: "Morning", "Hi" "How are you"...maybe a quick nod. So now she makes a point of stopping, looking me in the eye and saying "Good Morning. How are you, I SEE YOU." This may still be a pretty quick gesture but we make a point of sensing a connection.

C.S. Lewis once said:

It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods & goddesses, to remember that the dullest & most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship…You have never talked to a mere mortal.

This week, when you greet your fellow man, remember what a glorious creature you are interacting with, more than just another mere mortal slugging through life. They are a unique, one-of-a-kind creation: Connect. 

And Hey, I See You

SOMETHING NEW

Perhaps I complained a little too loudly about the cold weather last weekend...Old Man Winter has sent a reprimand - "You whining about the cold? I'll give you something to whine about!" We are getting us a real winter wallop; not only is it colder, it's snowier. So after shovelling out those extra 15 cm of snow in the driveway, I'm hunkered down in front of the fireplace with my hands wrapped around a Cinnamon Chai Tea.

I've been trying lots of different teas lately, thanks to a David's Tea gift box from Christmas. They are Something New for me.

Which got me musing about all the new things I discovered last year!

For example: I discovered new music and artists. The Bahamas with their easy summer sounding groove, Natalie Prass' "Short Court Style" which I dunno, I just find it fun. "Come for a Ride" by Divine Right - old song, but new to me. And Donovan Woods.  "Burn That Bridge" is over the top when it comes to building musical tension. 

I discovered new recipes too - chocolate meringues, Pasta with roasted squash and kale that I could every night for the rest of my life, and lots of great soups.

Of course, there were new adventures, new people and new pets who entered my life and touched my soul. 

All that to say, this year too, will hold New Things. The Thai Chicken Noodle soup I made last week is a keeper. And I have a stack of new books to read by my beside.

I pulled this book out of a boxful at my daughter's place. It is pushing near 100 years old since being published and chock full of fairy lore, mythology and classics like Tom Thumb, Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella. I'm enjoying this new read!

And of course, there will be new adventures ahead. Now adventures can be exciting but sometimes, not very comfortable. 

I happen to work in the healthcare field and well, looks like change is a coming (again) and I really don't know what the future holds regarding my job. My work family works hard, really hard, to support those in the community who are weak, ill and vulnerable, young and old alike. And the provincial government has determined there is likely a better way to spend the tax payer's money (again). This is old hat for us but there will be new processes and hierarchy put in place. 

This year, there will be lots of new things ahead for all of us. Some, like a good recipe or book or a new soul to connect with will make you wonder how you survived before. And some new adventures will be uncomfortable, even hard. 

I've rambled on long enough now, the snow has finally stopped and the real deep freeze is about to set in. Stay warm and safe everyone,  and try Something New.

RECIPE FOR COMFY-COSY-CANADIAN-HEAT-SEEKER

The dog wants out. The dog wants in. And out, and in...and every time I open the door this whoosh of cold air streams in. Frigid, icy, take your breath away kind of cold. The arctic air is making the rounds here in Canada. 

I thank God above that the furnace is working. It faithfully starts up with a grumble almost every 10 minutes. Still, my house is cold and the outfit de jour is sweaters, blankets, fuzzy slippers and socks. 

I want Comfy! I want Cosy! I want Heat! 

To the kitchen I go, where the stove gives off that extra boost heat seekers desire.

Breakfast is oatmeal, hot and comforting with dried cherries and pecans. Kinsip, a locally made product of Maple syrup infused with whisky makes it extra special! This stuff will spoil you when it comes to maple syrup. If you find it - buy it.

It was supposed to be a Christmas gift but at the last minute I heard that L'oreal commercial in my head that said "You're worth it" and I said "You're right" and I kept it. 

Oatmeal was the energy starter I needed and I got crazy in the kitchen making soups to stock up the freezer.

I started with a squash/sweet potato soup.

Squash, sweet potato, apple a drizzle of Kinsip (worth it) and seasoning. 

All blended up and topped with roasted sesame seeds - Voila!

Hadn't planned on the next one, but after a visit to the market the crazy mushroom dude was feeling particularly generous and gave me a LOT of extra mushrooms. So I made a cauliflower soup with mushrooms.

Roasted cauliflower is a very pretty thang.

Then I made a Thai Chicken Noodle, another fab recipe from the fab Marcus, my friend's hubby who is a kitchen wiz with the best recipes.

This one is a bit spicy with coconut milk, spinach, mushrooms (I've got a lot of mushrooms right now), red pepper and noodles. 

Another beauty from Marcus - vegetarian Shepherd's Pie!

So, here's my for all you heat seeking Canadians: Sweaters, blankets, working furnaces, slippers, socks, oatmeal, time in the kitchen, season with Kinsip and throw in mushrooms. 

You will feel comfy-cosy in no time!

IT'S POSSIBLE

There was a year when my daughter lived in Japan. I live in Canada, the other side of the world. And although the umbilical cord had been cut over 20 years earlier, the invisible one, the one that connects mother to child was and is, still intact. And it was stretched far too taunt for my liking. But I realized that if I really, REALLY needed to be with her, I could get on a plane and hold her in my arms within a day. 

Because it was possible. 

There are things we hope and dream for that seem impossible. But look again, try another view, consider the surprises and twists in life that you are not even aware of. Chances are those hope and dreams are indeed possible!

What if the worst happened? What if? Most of the huge mountains we perceive in our way are really only rather steep hills that may take the stuffing out of you in the process of climbing. But then you somehow make it to the top. You get a new perspective and take stock of your surroundings. Some things are lost, and unexpectedly some are gained. 

This coming year some of your impossible dreams can come true - So don't give up. Keep dreaming, keep hoping. 

It's Possible!