Month: April 2019

I hesitate to write this for fear of being politically incorrect. I take it on even though some may think this is old school or not gender neutral enough, but it does come with a good message and it can be applied to all.

There are times when my grandaughters come over and I show them my crown, although it is invisible, I use it as a metaphor. I will use the same metaphor for my grandson because crowns are gender neutral.

“Today I am queen bee and you two can put on your crown and be my princesses.”

I remind them to think of their invisible crown when they are feeling insecure or uncomfortable.

The crown is representative of who they are. It holds the power to make them the individual, beautiful people they are. I say, “never let anyone take your crown. It is what makes you, you.” They laugh and run around waving invisible wands.

I also tell them they may share their “crown knowledge” if they feel someone else is being mistreated.

I feel like if I explain the power of the crown enough times, they will realize they are powerful in their own being and can share their security with others.

Hold on to your crowns!🤴👸

Hope you had a wonderful Easter celebration. Feeling blessed to have shared this day with family.

Here are highlights of the “hunt”

Enjoy

Today I honor my mother in law’s memory by making one of her delicious breads. Spinach bread. Your son helped make it. You would be proud. I’m sure you were on his mind.

I wish I had the recipe for your scotch bread. It was one of my favorites, but you would have enjoyed all the other bread combinations we’ve come up with over the years.

Mother in laws are such a wonderful extension to the family. They are always much maligned or the butt of a joke. But I have to say, you were the best. How could you not be. You always thought I was funny and laughed at my jokes.

I don’t write of you often, but you are always close in my heart.

So I raise my glass to you and hold a piece of spinach pie in my hand and thank you for all and especially for your son.

Holidays always bring back memories of my house on 16th Street and all the wonderful family and friends who entered. On Easter, in this house, we made the “Pie”. It was revered.

One of my favorie holiday foods is Pizzagaina. It is an Italian Easter pie. I use the name pie loosely. Actually, when I think of pie I think sweet and not savory.

The Easter Pie goes by many names, shapes and sizes. My mother and grandmother made their pie in a lasagna pan and some years switched to two smaller casserole dishes. My sister, aunt and I, when I was older and married, each made our version.

The making of this Pizza, again loosely, became somewhat of a yearly, light-hearted competition.

Our family Pizzagaina recipe consisted of italian salami, prosciutto, basket cheese, eggs, ricotta and ground black pepper. Dependent on the previous years pies, the ingredients were altered, added to and taken away from dependent on which pie was deemed the ultimate the year before.

There were years when the pie wasn’t made by one of the competitors (no, not because of being a sore loser), but because it became too expensive, too high in cholesterol or too time consuming.

Did I ever win, I’m not sure. My sister would remember because she had the competitive pie spirit. I wish you were still here competing, but I bet you are making your best in heaven. Don’t let mommy or noni know I said that. Missing you all so much.

So, this year my daughter, Ashley, and her girls joined the tradition. We had a great time making this pie and the memories that go along with it. I hope the girls will remember me fondly in years to come.

Can’t wait til tomorrow to eat it. Never on Good Friday.

Hope you’re enjoying your day.

The seeds were planted, but marigolds have not poked their heads through the dirt so we improvised.

Hopefully, the imagination seed has been planted.

Happy Spring!🐥🐣🐰

Today was Liv’s actual Birthday. I had the pleasure of being with Liv and lil Miss Ava today. We celebrated Liv in ways that tired me out. The girls had a blast.

We started off at Country Pancake for Liv’s birthday breakfast. The girls ordered pancakes. Liv’s were plain and sweet tooth, Ava, ordered chocolate chip.

Liv ate my poached egg and Ava and Liv ate my turkey bacon. So grateful to share. We packed the pancakes to go.

We walked through town in search of the candy shop only to find it wasn’t open yet so we headed to the mall. Would’ve gone to the park, but it was still a bit cold and windy. Who could pass up the mall anyway.

It was a day of change ups. We set out to see the Easter bunny. Must’ve been looking for carrots. We’ll stop back later. Heading to the wishing pond to throw in some pennies. Ava found some earlier.

Walked to the play area after I got in some eyebrow threading Yay for me. The threader remembered Ava. Not a good thing. Ava was known to scream and cry and beg me and her mother not to have threading because we would look like clowns when we were done. Kinda makes me laugh. Believe me when she was hissying it wasn’t so funny. I digress.

After the play area we headed back to the bunny. Liv started crying then was all fine and huggy with The Bunny. Pictures, smiles, success.

We weren’t done yet. See the picture below. I’m getting tired writing and reliving.

Through the mall we motored.

Next, to the park. It was warmer now. Luckily for me, Liv fell asleep. Unluckily, for Ava we headed home instead.

Tried to carry Liv in the house quietly. Tucker jumped on us and Ava opened a plastic egg which spilled and crashed candy over the floor. So much for Livie napping.

Made some lunch, their mom came in and we decided to dye Easter eggs.

Loved spending time with my girls! Hoping Liv had the happiest of birthday surprises. Have a wonderful year, baby!

So how was your day