Wonders of Creation

Wednesday Wonders of Creation, a place for me to wax poetic about people who amaze me, influence and impress me, who have made an impact on my life in profound ways.

Today, since it's my darling daughter Skye's "birthday month" as she puts it, I'm going to start with her. On March 3, she turned 21 which seems to have happened in the blink of an eye. Really, she's all grown up?

 The day I went into labor, it started raining softly, as the day progressed and my labor pains grew, the weather also kept pace. By the time we made our way to the midwives, it had become one seriously stormy night, complete with thunder, lightening and raging gusts of wind that rattled the windows of the old Victorian house that had been turned into a birthing center. It was the kind of storm that would make a Bronte novel proud. I've always called her my little weather witch, because as soon as she came into this world, the winds calmed, the rain stopped and the sun came out blissfully. By the time we drove home with her that morning it had turned into the most beautiful Spring day, with blue skies to break your heart.

Controlling the winds!

This is how she describes herself on her blog:
"Once upon a time, a girl named Skye was born from stardust. She always knew she was kinda quirky. She loves the color pink, anything that sparkles, and pretending to be grown up. Skye tries to see the positive in everything. She adores baking cupcakes. She aspires to be a travel show host, a famous writer, a Princess, the best girlfriend ever, and an icon."

May her dreams and aspirations all come true, with blessings she hasn't even dreamed up yet! She inspires me on a regular basis, and I'm in awe of her brilliant quirky mind. Her sassiness and foot stomping are to be admired as strength of her spirit. To say she's a beauty wouldn't be to brag overmuch, she is. She touches the life of everyone she ever comes into contact with, making their day just a bit happier, sparklier, and magical. She's been a gift to my life that goes beyond words. I consider her, and her sweet brother Cory, to be my life's greatest achievements!

I usually find a song for her and post the lyrics for her birthday. This year it's an old favorite from Natalie Merchant, which thanks to Skye is inspiring my Wednesday theme. From the minute I heard this song, it reminded me of Skye, myself and the women in my family. We all seem capable of throwing people off balance, confounding and astounding. We're all a wonder!

Wonder

Doctors have come from distant cities
Just to see me
Stand over my bed
Disbelieving what they're seeing

They say I must be one of the wonders
Of god's own creation
And as far as they can see they can offer
No explanation

Newspapers ask intimate questions
Want confessions
They reach into my head
To steal the glory of my story

They say I must be one of the wonders
Of god's own creation
And as far as they can see they can offer
No explanation

O, I believe
Fate smiled and Destiny
Laughed as she came to my cradle
Know this child will be able
Laughed as my body she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience and with faith
She'll make her way

People see me
I'm a challenge to your balance
I'm over your heads
How I confound you and astound you
To know I must be one of the wonders
Of god's own creation
And as far as you can see you can offer me
No explanation

O, I believe
Fate smiled and Destiny
Laughed as she came to my cradle
Know this child will be able
Laughed as she came to my mother
Know this child will not suffer
Laughed as my body she lifted
Know this child will be gifted
With love, with patience and with faith
She'll make her way

So you can see I'm not fibbing about her brilliance, go check out her blog!
Oh My Skye!

Simple Bliss Sundays

Another new theme day! Simple Bliss Sundays, because Sundays are always a day that I like to stay home, relax, cook delicious things, pamper myself and soothe my soul.

Whatever I'm doing, I've become completely hooked on watching Oprah's Super Soul Sunday a completely mind blowing, heart opening series of some of the wisest, thought provoking people on the planet.

Today we started out with a nice breakfast of eggs, bacon and english muffins with marmalade. Then I moved on to putting a pot of black eyes peas on to simmer for dinner later. Chopping all the veggies, and then sauteeing them with bacon and ham absolutely equals bliss!

I'm a latecomer to cooking black eyes peas, only making my first batch this past New Years day. Honestly, I used to HATE them. I thought they were stinky and one of the nastiest things ever. Memire (my darling Grandmother) used to try and make me eat them, yet even for her I wouldn't do it. Then John got me to taste some a few months ago. They were....okay, sorta. Tolerable, but I knew I could probably make them more to my liking if I made my own. So on New Years day I decided to be traditional and give it a shot. They were heavenly, done my way, and so now they're on a regular rotation for our dinner menu. We just serve them up over steamed rice, maybe with corn bread as a side. Now to wait for these little yummies to be finished!

My next plan for the day is a long hot shower. My sinuses have been giving me pure hell for more than a month now. I've done the double round of antibiotics, and everything else known to humankind, yet they are still making my head ache like there are little dwarves tunneling in my skull with jackhammers. Hot showers, herbs or spices steaming on the stove, using my neti pot, and taking tons of mucinex seem the only things that make a difference for a short time.

To make my afternoon shower more relaxing and pampering, I made a citrus sugar body scrub. I adore making sugar scrubs of all kinds. If I'm in a pinch for time and just need some quick exfoliating I'll just grab a couple spoonfuls of table sugar, dampen it between my palms and use it as is.

When I do have more time, I grab a bowl, add sugar, a few drops of vegetable oil ( I like olive, almond, canola or coconut oils) then I add in whatever strikes my fancy. I've used everything from a dash of chai spice blend, (great with brown sugar) to ginger, various essential oils like rose, jasmine, chammomile, or peppermint, to citrus like today. It's pretty much anything goes depending on what scents you like.             

Here's todays recipe if you'd like to try making your own.

Zest of one orange and one tangerine

About five tablespoons sugar

a few drops of olive oil.

Blend together until you have a light crumbly mixture.

Take a shower as normal, then right before you get out use the scrub all over. With citrus, I would not use it on my face or other delicate spots. Use your common sense, some things shouldn't go near your eyes. If you've zested the citrus finely it should wash right down the drain, so you don't have to worry about clogs.

May your Sunday also be filled with blissful moments dear sugarpeas!