Second Chances

Hi folks!

What second chances have you had in your life?

If there is just one lesson to take from this process of divorce, it is that life is a continuous journey of change and discovery, leading to second chances for a new way of living. Second chances following a time of great difficulty, and of discovering this person within.

This person within, who was first, and always, a daughter, wife, mother, sister, niece, cousin, aunt and friend. It left me asking, who really is this person deep inside?

Nearly all of my life I have been the "caregiver", the reliable, helpful and giving one. Giving to everyone, yet not so giving to my own self. What is left when parents have passed, children have grown, and a marriage, only held together by a "thread", has unraveled? Thus began a journey to discover this person within; so weary, and yet so ready, to seek a peaceful and joyous way of living a graceful life.

It is astounding how God will work others into your life at the very time you most need them. He will work small joys in as well, to ease your pain and give you hope.

My heart is full of gratitude for every positive person, all to whom, I am so grateful. I find myself smiling for no apparent reason, other than I am happy. I seek to find every small joy, peaceful moment, and give thanks for everyone, and everything good, that has come my way!

It has not been easy. As my father would have said in a life difficulty, "it ain't for sissies"! Ha! I can say that with certainty, divorce ain't for sissies!

I do not have much, I have much yet to work out, but I am content, living in peace and love. So, truly, I do have much!!

It is OK, I have discovered, to truly enjoy this life. A life of love, humility, grace and gratitude. Yes, a wee bit of fun too!

Second chances come through in many ways.

Little did I know when I rescued my sweet dog, Grace, giving her a second chance for a better life, that she would soon be giving me comfort so needed. Thus, she, in turn, rescued me! Here she is at her favorite new spot by the lake!

God is truly amazing.

May you take a second chance, and run with it. And, when you do, in turn, help someone through their difficult journey to reach their peace and joy.

Peace.

Irishgirlinpink

Drop-kick Donuts

Hi Folks!

Here they are!

Drop-kick Donuts!

Gotta' love it! When divorce issues seem to never end, and you feel like drop-kicking something; no, I cannot say someone! Try a kick-boxing class (which, so kicked me more!), go for a run, walk, hug someone, or the best yet, hug your loving pet. My sweet Gracie gets so many hugs every day, and she soaks every one up and hugs back! How do I love my pet so much? She is a creature made by God, and she is full of love and joy. Well, my kids get more than a few hugs too! More on them soon, and so you know, they are my heart and soul. I love them so!

Here is my story of making some drop-kick darn good donuts and making someone's day!

One early winter's morning, my son and my nephew were headed off to ice fish. What else do we do in the frozen tundra? Well, hockey of course!

As I was up before the rooster crows, I decided to surprise them with a warm sack of freshly homemade drop donuts to take to the ice shack. I had read an article on homemade donuts, it mentioned that they are a dying art, that donuts sold in grocery stores simply pale in comparison to good old fashioned homemade donuts.

Reading that reminded me of my mother frequently making homemade donuts when I was a wee one. Her donuts were just fab! I still have her antique green glass jar, originally belonging to my grandmother, which she stored them in.

So, I decided I would give it a shot. I made applesauce spice drop donuts that were perfect for the chill, no, freeze of winter. My son hurriedly took the hot sack plumb full, with a "thanks mom", and left to pick up his cousin in the cold, pre-dawn morning.

My nephew, who loves everything and anything homemade, was shocked with surprise at the sack of still warm, sweet donuts. I learned that he ate near the entire sack, leaving just two for my son, before arriving at the ice shack. My son, used to receiving my baked goods, decided that it was such a treat for my nephew that he didn't mind. He said that my nephew talked nonstop on how he could not believe that I had made donuts for them so very early that winter morning.

It really is a treat when you make someone's day, as I hope I did that day for my sweet nephew.

I hope you give these babies a whirl! Give away many, keep just a few. Enjoy with a warm cider or cocoa, to warm your soon to be cold winter's morning!

Peace.

Irishgilinpink

Dropkick Donuts - Applesauce Spice Drop Donuts
2 C Flour
1/2 C Sugar
2 t. Baking Powder
1/2 t. Salt
1 1/2 t. Cinnamon
1/4 t. Mace
1 Egg beaten
1/2 C Applesauce
1/2 C Buttermilk
1 1/2 T Butter Melted and Cooled

Mix dry ingredients well, whisk together the wet ingredients and incorporate into the dry. Mix gently not to over-mix.

Fry in hot oil (canola is good, high heat point) in a cast iron or other 3-4" deep skillet. I use two small teaspoons to scoop dough into a ball. Keep small or they will be doughy in the center. Fry just a few at a time to maintain the proper oil temperature.

Now, the fun part, especially if you have wee ones wanting a part in donut day. Shake, shake, shake (and what the heck, do a twirl!) those balls in a sack of cinnamon sugar mix. I use a lot of cinnamon! Set on bakers rack to cool. Do not keep in a sack or container until cool and cinnamon sugar is set. Note, they will become soggy if kept in an airtight container.

On another note, check out this cool blog listed under the blogs I follow. My friend, sweet Laura, creator of Angles and Elements. A blog on what she loves, what she does. She is awesome!!

Lovin' Lilies

Hi Folks!

I just wanted to share this photo of my lilies in their glory. My son took the photo with his phone . . .what a great camera on the phone!

Life is so fab, and there is so much to seek and enjoy! May you enjoy the sweet and small things and find what you need to create beauty in your world.

Divorce is a most difficult and painful experience. When life becomes hard and you feel scared, let God be the one you seek. Peace will follow.



Stop and smell the roses ... or lilies!

Next blog is Dropkick Donuts! Catchy title, huh??

Yes, I have a recipe and picture of lovely applesauce spice drop donuts to share with you.

Find your joy!

Peace.

Irishgirlinpink



Check out my previous posts!

Bittersweet Fall - Fallin' into Makin' Muffins

Hi Folks!

I believe we are finally experiencing a taste of fall! My very favorite season. The air is crisp, the birds are flocking, and a few trees are tinged with gold. Oh my, I so love everything about it!

Sweet Grace

Also, walking sweet Grace is now a pure joy!

Here she is waiting for crumbs that may fall! Sweetest dog there ever could be! My true companion! Can you tell that I sort of love my dog??






Speaking of fall, and a taste, check out these "knock your socks off" melty good muffins!

Makin' Muffins

Yes, these were made, along with many others, as I baked my way through that separation nearly two years ago. I baked like you wouldn't believe, and much to the joy of others, I might add.

Also, in the midst of the last two years, I surely added some unwanted weight. It is time I find my way back with my other loves in life, that being yoga, running and walking, and baking, of course. Jiggle and all! Ha!

So, separation, divorce and baking . . .how does that fit?

Well, it did for me. Baking was a way of taking myself away from everything that was out of my control. It was my "space", a place to put my hands to work, to create, a place to let go and enjoy. Whatever it did for me, it surely brought me some peace.

My love for baking and cooking goes far back to when I was a wee girl. I watched my mother as she also so enjoyed her baking and cooking life. She was an excellent and amazing baker and cook. She could turn the simplest ingredients into something so special. Oh how I missed and needed my parents. My dad, I can tell you that he was the best dad ever, he was my hero! He would have been all over it, to see me get through.

I gave it all to God, after months of worry and sleepless nights, I realized what I could not control. I had to give it up and let go. Amazing, when you put it all in God's hands, you will find a deep sense of relief and peace. God will get you through. People will be there for you just when you need them most. Trust in the power of prayer, and then let it go. Breathe. Be thankful for everyone you love, and every little thing. I took nothing for granted.

Do not let stress rule your day. Find what you love and do it. Let no one steal your joy and peace. Be happy anyway, no matter what is taking place around you. Go into your "space" and know that you deserve to enjoy your life. Take the time to care for others. You are special (as a trusted friend has told me many times, much to my not liking to hear it)!

Know this, you will not only get through it, you will be stronger and happier than you can imagine. You will be surprised by how strong you really are. This difficult period of your life will leave you saying "I did it, I got through". Be proud.

So, go create something! Make some muffins, and make someone else happy!

Peace.

Irishgirlinpink


Melty Good Harvest Muffins (Yes, I made up the name) Hope you give them a whirl!
1.5 C Cake Flour
1/4 C Wheat Bran
1/4 C Flaxmeal
2 t. Cinnamon
1 t. Baking Powder
1 t. Baking Soda
1/2 t. Salt
Apple finely chopped
3/4 C Pumpkin
1/2 C Applesauce
3/4 C Honey
1 t. Vanilla
1/4 C Butter melted and cooled
1 Egg beaten
3/4 C Buttermilk

Mix dry ingredients; combine wet ingredients and mix into dry ingredients just enough to blend. Be careful to not over mix it for a tender crumb. Drop into prepared muffin cups and top with streusel. if desired. Bake in 400 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.

When cool, top with icing.

Streusel
4 T Cold Butter Cut into a mix of 1/4 C Flour, wee bit of Oats, Brown sugar and Cinnamon to liking.

Icing
1 C Confectioner's Sugar
3-4 T Milk
Wee bit of Orange Juice and Zest

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