Friday, August 26, 2011

Rocky Rocky Road

Hi folks!

On a beautiful fall day nearly two years ago, was a day that had been long coming. It had been so difficult for years prior and it became more and more difficult to coexist in our home. There was absolutely no chance, as not a single shred was salvageable. Communication of any sort had diminished to nearly none. I was living with a stranger, the person I once could trust and lean on had become the person I now trusted the least.

One particularly difficult day I took my dog, sweet Grace, to the park. I felt such heart pains that I had started to run, rather than walk. I had had enough. With tears and a desperate need for some sense of peace, I looked up and quietly said to God, the angels, and anyone else for that matter, that I DESERVE better. All I could see was the years passing by. I had no doubt this marriage needed to come to a close.

I can tell you that following that day, the wheels of change did indeed begin to turn (amazingly)! So, on that fall day, unfolding circumstances brought it all to a head, opening a conversation for change. The separation began that night. The relief was remarkable, and the journey began from there. I won't deny, the road was a bit rocky for the next year and a half. However, there was peace!

Know this, it really does get better! If there is one thing for someone in the deepest pit of this journey to know, it is that there will be light at the other end. You will see much brighter days, so stay strong and keep facing forward. This rocky road will smooth to a just wee bit of a bumpy road. There will be surprises along the way. People will come into your life in many ways, to help you, or just to make you smile! I was so surprised by so many caring people. It is amazing the goodness and kindness you will find in others.

I hope you are blessed with trustworthy friends to help you through. A friend who knows everything and loves you without judgement. That my friends, is a friend worth keeping!! I only hope that my trustworthy friend knows and feels the same, because I truly can be a wee much at times! Ha!

How about some Rocky, Rocky Road Goodies??

Peace.

Irishgirlinpink

Rocky, Rocky Road Goodies

1 12 oz Chocolate Chips
1 12 oz Butterscotch Chips
1 C Chunky Peanut Butter (yum!)
1 Bag Mini Marshmallows
1 C Nuts - Pecans, Peanuts, what you like best

Melt the chips and peanut butter over low temperature and cool. Add marshmallows and nuts. Spread into buttered cake pan. Chill before cutting.

I know, these are not a baked goody, but they are an easy summertime treat for young and old. Heck, the are pretty good with a glass of Merlot or Pinot Noir too!! Hope you try them. Enjoy!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Wedding Day

Hi folks!

No, not mine!

I attended my nephew's wedding this past weekend. I must say that it was the loveliest of weddings that I have attended. The wedding and reception was lakeside, at a beautiful resort. As I sat listening to the pastor speak to these two beautiful young people, I was moved to tears. There was my nephew, grown and so handsome, the boy who used to snarf down my berry pancakes on vacations past. However, I realized that it was more than reflection on my dear nephew, it was that I was listening to words of what a marriage should be between two people.

As I listened intently, he touched on the importance of love, respect, compassion and kindness, and his advice to the young couple to keep growing together in order to not grow apart. This couple beamed love for one another. They were beautifully happy.

I realized that the wise words of the pastor were not a part in my marriage. It was somewhat a revelation to me. Is that what was missing in all of the busy and empty feeling years?

I believe every person who comes into our life has come for a reason. Good and bad, short or long, relationships leave us with lessons to grow and learn from. I have learned so much through this change in my life, and I am so grateful for having been blessed with two amazing sons!

So, it was a wedding with special meaning for many, including me. This was not my next intended post, but the wedding so moved me.

I promised a recipe with this post. Here is a lovely cupcake in honor of the happy couple.

Peace.

irishgirlinpink

Yellow Butter Cupcakes
(Note this is a heavier cupcake, which can easily hold a filling.)
2.5 C Flour
1.25 C Sugar
1 t. Baking Soda
.5 t. Salt
1 C Butter
1 C Buttermilk
4 Eggs, beaten
1 T Vanilla

Combine dry ingredients. Add remaining ingredients. Beat in low speed just unto fully mixed. Yes, this is correct, and the batter will look slightly curdled. Bake in 375 degree oven in greased mini cupcake pans for approximately 15 minutes.

Fill cupcake with homemade vanilla custard or pudding if desired.

Fudge Frosting
Melt 6 T butter with 3 oz. desired bakers chocolate. Add 3 C confectioner's sugar, 1.5 t. vanilla, and 4 T milk. Beat thoroughly to desired consistency. Add more sugar or milk as needed.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Open Doors

Hi folks!

Well, this is my first blog moment. Uff Da La! On the skirttails of a conversation I had with a new acquaintance, I expressed my love of baking and cooking, and how I found comfort in baking while getting through an absolutely frightening time of my life. A divorce ... an end of 32 years, and an end to the family as we knew it. This new friend understood me. Though not a divorce, he also had a critical life changing moment where his baking gave him much needed comfort.

So, a new beginning, while baking my way through divorce. Through some difficult times, I baked some darn good stuff! There was nothing like shutting down worry, turning up the music, and putting my hands into a mixing bowl. Having at it, to create something simple and lovely, while my life was less than simple and lovely.

On a whim, I recently entered a local Fair baking contest. I nearly did not participate, but decided to take a chance, what was there to lose? I truly had no expectation of winning, but thought it an opportunity to see some fabulous bakers and their goods. Well, amazed is an understatement, I was stunned to see a Blue Ribbon on each of my two entries! Amazing Grace! (By the way, Grace is the name of my sweet dog.) A moment of pure joy! This small victory was the one of the best things to happen to me in some time.

If you are experiencing a life changing event, know that you are not alone. Take each day at a time, sometimes, a moment at a time. Be good to others, be even better to yourself. Do find a way to help someone else, as it certainly will help you. There are open doors, dear friends, if you choose to walk through them.

How did I get through it?? Stay tuned. A recipe to follow on next blog.

Peace.

Irishgirlinpink