AHHHHH Friday!

When asked, in one of the numerous “friendship” emails this week, what my favorite day of the week, I right away said FRIDAY. I don’t know why but for some reason the activity of the week comes to a close and I look forward to one of the “weekend visits”.

As a child Friday signaled playtime with dad and we would get to do all the crazy things us O’Connor’s did. Whether it was taking a hike in the forest to find “water moccasins” or my parent’s favorite past time, visiting relatives and friends.

The best place in the world to visit was my Aunt Noreen and Uncle Paddy Cannon’s house on the South Side of Chicago. It was a small house on the corner where activity reigned supreme. There were people coming in and out of that house all day long and never was anyone turned away. Aunt Noreen in her sweet Irish brogue would pull you in the front door and say, “now come, sit down and have a cup of tea and a little something to eat”. That something to eat could have been a slice of toast but it was the best toast you ever tasted because it was made with such love. When you went to the Canon house, you were treated like a king or queen. You were welcomed with warm hugs as you arrived and you were given even more as you left.

Now as I reflect on those days, I understand the reason my Mom and Dad took us to Aunt Noreen’s when ever they could, because the visit always left you with a good feeling. That feeling made any troubles you had vanish and gave you the kick start you needed to enter a new week on Monday. 

I personally think that is why I love visitors so much. Aunt Noreen always made me feel special and now that those days are gone and she has passed, I feel compelled to keep that hospitality going. It doesn’t matter what I serve as long as it is done with love, affection and open arms.

 

So, with that being said, I have my kitchen set up waiting for those visitors with a pot of tea on and a chilled bottles of wine in the refrigerator. As for the food, well as I get back on my feet there will be more treats…I need just a little more time…hope you like toast!

Another one bites the dust

Just read on Cup of Jo that the magazine Domino is shutting down. I don't think I can take any more losses. Cottage Living, ME Home Companion, House and Garden, Country Home....what the heck am I going to read in bed at night. How will I keep my idea files filled????? This is not a "good thing"!!!!

I had to make a change

Just as my life evolves, so does my logo. It will keep evolving until I hit on the one that makes me say...."now that tells my story". As with all good things...its going to take time.

Let me know if you like it.

Comfort Food

I have yet to mention I love to cook. Nothing makes me happier than creating a new dish. Since many times I forget to write down my new creation and friends often ask for the recipe, I thought I would post them here.

Curried Butternut Squash Soup

1 Large Butternut Squash
Place on cookie sheet and place
In a 350 degree oven while you prepare the rest.
Keep in the oven for 1 hour
1 Red Onion
Diced
1 Clove of Garlic
Minced
Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon

Sauté red onion and garlic in a stockpot over medium heat.
Soften and lightly brown should be the consistency.

48 ounces of Chicken Stock (any brand)
Add to sautéed mixture
1 Can of Garbanzo Beans
Drain and Rinse.
Add to the pot.
3 Tablespoons of Curry Powder
1 Tablespoon of Salt

After 1 Hour pull Squash from oven and let rest/cool.
Cut in half and removed seeds and discard the skin.
Cube squash, 1 inch approximate and add to stock pot.

Simmer for approximately 1 hour.
Use and immersion blender to emulsify the soup to a
Creamy texture.

Fresh Cilantro added after blending.
Approximately half a cup should be enough.
Use more for garnish.

To finish off the soup:
Chop up store bought, cooked chicken into bite size pieces
And let simmer in soup.

Finish off with some
Fresh Cilantro Leaves and Chopped Walnuts.

Enjoy with friends. Don't forget the Evolution

Inspiration comes from many places

My brain is just a mess. Zeroing in on what makes me tick and how can I take that ticking and make it a business.

During one of my brian storming sessions this morning I happened to read A Bushel and a Peck and had one of those AHA moments.

I am so impressed at how people can do so many things and be so darn good at it. The author of this site just amazes me with all that she does. It was her question about "what is an artist?" that caught me today and even made me cry.

As I read the blog post I determined that an artist is anyone who looks at the world and sees beauty, takes that beauty and tries to capture it to share it with others. I have always wanted to be an artist and by this definition, I think I might be.


Just the other day I posted my first item for sale on Etsy and feel as if I have finally broken the chains that have held me back. I have held myself back for fear that what I produce might not hold up to the standard of the other artists on Etsy.

After reading A Bushel and a Peck this morning it gave me the hope that I needed and told me to keep moving forward and keep discovering who I am. I know I have it in me and I have to be myself. I have my own unique talent and I am an individual but, an indivual who is also an artist.

I thank all of you out there who share you stories and give the inspiration to keep trying and keep reaching. Sharing with one another helps make the world a better place, one step at a time.

Retail Therapy

This weekend I made the escape from my everyday routine of cold weather lock down/recouperation time and went to my one of my favorite shops for inspiration. Scentimental Gardens in Geneva, Illinois. To my delight they had just stocked up with new finds from their latest trip to Europe.

I need to go back and soak it all in because I came away with only one item I coveted and really really want. I know there is no way I only wanted one thing...impossible.
Isn't it beautiful...I can see storing a great treasure in there, although I love the display with the baseballs. So stinkin cool.

I did purchase some new plants that I plan on putting around the house after I transplant them in to the most adorable containers. Thos pics come tomorrow when I reveal my next level of change to my house. I am thinking spring and green....

Can it be true????

My thermometer is reading 90 degrees? I love the sunshine!!!

And Shea is feeling much better....its a great great day.