" The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it basically because you feel good, very good when you are near or with them," -Charles Bukowski
I've been learning a lot about myself this year, what I want from this life, what I want to achieve, my inner most desires and goals. Above all, no matter where I am or what I am doing, I want to be happy. Happiness is my number one goal. This goal, is easier to achieve than one might think. It's just a matter of setting your mind to it, opening your mind to infinite possibilities. I am not worried about successes or failures, for these moments are meant for learning and experiencing. My goal is to be happy and live comfortably with the people dearest to me. I want to surround myself with free spirits and beautiful souls.
Memorial weekend is upon us. The weather forecast looks very adequate for such a weekend. I know for one thing, I want to embrace the glorious outdoors and spend much of this holiday outside, relaxing and eating delectable summer foods and drinking hard cider. Soon it will be June, when Summer will be in full swing. Summer dresses and sandals will be worn. Iced tea will be paired with fresh salads and grilled meats. Festivals and outdoor concerts will bring all types of people together. Fireflies will present their glow on the slightly breezy summer evenings, while the little kiddies will chase after them and collect them in jars. Picnics and barbecues will be plentiful. And the bright, beaming sunshine will provide natural energy and vibrant smiles. All will become exuberant with natural ease and summer happiness.
My beautiful mother's birthday was last Thursday. She chose an authentic Mexican restaurant for her birthday dinner. We started the meal off with guacamole and chips and salsa, of course. My sister and I gave in to the half-price house margaritas, while dad ordered a good ol' Corona with lime. My mom and I ordered the mushroom tacos, marinated and topped off with a jalapeno pico de gallo and Chihuahua cheese. They were unbelievable. The margarita balanced the spicy pico exceptionally. After dinner we went for a walk through the neighborhood, ate large pieces of cake (pictured above) and opened gifts. It was a lovely night and celebration.
Guess who's been baking again? Yes yours truly! And I'm embracing the bright flavors of Spring. Ahh Spring, finally Spring. I cannot even complain about this previous rainy week, because I am just so thankful for the warmer weather and the flowers peaking out of the ground, blooming beauty. The bloomed magnolias are some of my absolute favorite, though the flowering season for magnolias is so short. I do so enjoy exercising outdoors when the weather is nice. My mother and I take daily 40 minute power walks, breathing in the fresh air, listening to the birds, conversing, and observing the natural wonder that this world has to offer. These walks are so enjoyable, they do not even feel like exercise. They are especially enjoyable, now that the strong winds and brutal cold have passed, and the warming sunshine has found its way back to us.
I do so apologize for the lack in posts. I have been so busy with work and personal affairs, and not so busy with at home cooking and baking. I will also admit, I have been very busy eating that of which you see above. Mr. Peter Cottontail paid us a visit and brought us each a multitude of goodies, which I have been busy eating. Although baked goods and chocolate are in my daily diet, I do have to watch my portions, therefore I have not had the need to bake. I know, I know no excuses...but this little lady does need to watch her girlish figure with the warmer weather approaching. I will say, however, that I will soon be working on a new dessert for work, as well as a special Mother's Day dessert for my beautiful mother, both of which will be bright and summery. And then the week after Mother's Day is my beautiful mother's birthday, so a lovely chocolate birthday cake is planned and soon to come as well. So much to be excited about and many posts promised within the next few weeks.
I do wish that you all are well and enjoying this beautiful life, embracing each day to the fullest, and baking to your hearts content. I do promise you some delicious posts in the near future, you have my word.
Cake is art. Every year I put a great deal of thought and creativity into my love's birthday cake. His favorite DJ is Bassnectar, thus I try to incorporate his symbol into his cake every year. This year I incorporated an album cover into it as well, bringing the elephant and hummingbird wings into the design. His trademark symbol was incorporated into the green "nectar flowers". The blue and brown whimsical "grasses" were the base to the "nectar flowers". But I made sure to make the focal piece the elephant and the symbolism behind.
The weather is finally warming-up, at least a little. April showers are trying to bring May flowers. And I am so very ready for it all. But I will admit that I cannot believe how quickly time is going, that it is already April, when it feels as if it were just New Year's and snowing. Though I sometimes become stuck in the monotony and habitual patterns of everyday life, I am trying to remind myself not to work against time, but work with it. Embracing each moment for what it is, right now. Living in the present moment. I sometimes forget this after a long day, but then I come back to reality and remind myself not to look at the big picture too much. Maybe I have not completed the vast majority of my New Year's goals, but that is okay. April will just bring more opportunities, especially with better weather and more daylight time.
