My Zen Man

Anyone who knows me,

knows that My Larry is the most important thing in my life.

{do not mess with my daughters either}

While at the beach this summer, someone had built 

and 

left Zen Rocks at the beach.

I loved that they were left there untouched.

I sat down by them and enjoyed the afternoon.

Then Larry came strolling up.

I took this photograph then.

My Zen Man

with

Zen Rocks.

Quiet the mind

and 

the soul will speak.

Happy Thursday dear ones.

Love you.

Me

Better Than Being In Bed

I have a virus.

It has taken away my energy 

and

has made me grumpy.

REALLY grumpy.

I am trying to focus and be sweet.

I want to be in bed.

Instead, I am at my work table,

making our holiday cards.

This year, the cards are my design.

{Larry and I take turns each year}

I like to get them done before we go to the beach.

It looks like these will be done in time!

The house is quiet, except for....

Francis Cabrel.

M. Cabrel is a favorite of mine.

This is his new CD.

It came yesterday.

Yes.

I am making the greeting cards and listening to this amazing CD.

That's better than being in bed, isn't it?

You know how much I love recipes.

Look at this one.

I never heard for it before.

I am not sure if I am going to make it,

but the idea of it makes me smile.

Perhaps that is the "feeling better" part of its power?

Back to Francis and the cards.

Love you beyond the Cayenne powder.

Me

"One single still light shines bright: if you intentionally pursue it, after all it's hard to see. Suddenly encountering it, people's hearts are opened up, and the great matter is clear and done. This is really living, without any fetters -- no amount of money could replace it. Even if a thousand sages should come, they would all appear in it's shadow."

~CHUZHEN~

(above photo is my photo,

Jardin du Luxembourg. My favorite (outdoor) reading spot while on holiday)

***

I just walked 4 miles. This is the first day, since surgery, that when I arrived back home after a walk, I did not feel exhausted! The morning is amazing. A strong wind out of the North East, whisperer of storms this afternoon. My plants are beginning to show the effect of a hot Texas summer. Perhaps a good rain will perk them up. I have designed and am constructing a new dress. It is a retro type of gown, fitted and made out of hand painted Batik.....a cloudy almost rainy day is perfect to work in the studio and sew. Larry is spending the day in Joshua,TX, working with a salesman who needs to boost his sales. Libby is snoring and I have the feeling that she will sleep the morning away. Today is our ONE SINGLE LIGHT. Live it, enjoy it, make it yours. Love you beyond the stars. Me.

Happy Monday Recipe

SPICY MEXICAN QUICHE CUPS

1/2 lb bulk Italian sausage

6 eggs

6 Tablespoons Old El Paso Thick 'n Chunk Salsa

2 oz (1/2cup) shredded cheddar cheese

2 oz (1/2cup)shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup chopped Jalapeno chilies

1 (15 oz) pkg Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts softened

***

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Brown sausage in med skillet till no longer pink.

Drain. Cool 10 minutes.

2. Roll out pie crusts and using about a 3 1/2" round,

cut 12 rounds.

Place the rounds in muffin tin, forming a cup.

Set aside

3. Beat eggs thoroughly in med bowl.

Stir in salsa.

In another bowl mix cheeses, chilies.

Stir in cooked sausage.

4. Spoon heaping tablespoon of cheese/sausage mixture into

pie crust cup. Repeat for all cups.

Top cheese mixture with egg mixture, for all cups.

5. Bake at 425 degrees for 14-18 minutes or till filling is set.

Remove from muffin tin, serve warm.

12 quiches

This was our Sunday, dinner and movie (movie, Amelie) meal yesterday.

The evening was enjoyed by all.

***

"After enlightenment, the laundry"

ZEN Proverb I suppose, I best get the washing machine spinning....

Love you.

Me

In a few weeks,

Larry and I will be sitting at this table.

(we have dinner here every year

on a special day in August)

Everything is planned.

All I have to do is wait. Of course

We both have jury duty between now and then.

The awards dinner at PFG.

Vacation bible school.

Numerous dinner parties.

Ok OK!

I will stop.

The point is....

I dislike

waiting for things.....

"How much of human life is lost on waiting?"

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

***

YOU?

are you patient?

Calm?

Zenlike in the face of extreme

impatience?

I think that I have adult onset

ADD.

That is my story and I am sticking with it!

It is THURSDAY!

Love you.

Me.

SPRING Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.~Wu-men~ Love you, Me

*************************************

Last week I was in South Carolina. This view of the inlet was mine when I woke each morning. Often I would go right to work. Breakfast was insisted upon.....but I ignored all suggestions.

Today I find myself missing the inlet with all of my heart. The calm of my days, the heron and pelicans, the boats leaving the pier with fishing line snapping in the wind. Perfect moments.

I do feel quite homesick....but thank goodness for busy weekends. Moments shall speed by because I am so busy. Right? .....right?

~If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?~Dogen

Love you.

Me (from where I am meant to be)

******************************************************

WATER

"Before enlightenment; chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment; chop wood, carry water.”

~Zen Quote~

***

The City informed us, that today, 9:am,

they will be turning off the water as they

replace the water main.

6:00PM (this evening) they will

return us to normal.

I am trying to get things

straightened out,

Libby fed and walked,

and then I will leave.

Shopping, lunch out

and then a movie.

***

We live in a very old part of town.

The trees,

homes,

neighborhoods,

neighbors,

and water pipes

are all

OLD.

Merde.

It is Christmas all over again!

New water pipes.

Be still my beating heart.

May all of your pipes flow well today.

Love you.

Me