Thanksgiving Week

This day marks the start of Thanksgiving week in the US. It is good to pause (often) to recall and remember all the things (and people) for which I am thankful! This fall has been a good one, but it has also been hard, since my father’s cancer has returned and has spread to other areas. I am reminded of how precious each day is with loved ones. And, I want to celebrate our time together.

So this Thanksgiving week we will celebrate life, love, God’s goodness and his gifts as we visit with dear family from out of town. Peace! ~Suz.

 

Sweet, tender, and sad…

After the Wedding (2006) is a film that reveals its characters and crafts an intricate, rich story, one scene at a time. It is poignant, moving, and life-affirming.
A beautiful, beautiful film.
Netflix info.
Academy Award Nominee for Best Foreign Language Film
Danish with English Subtitles

 

Lately…

Lately, I really have been experiencing a lot of joy. And, to be honest, it is in spite of life’s ups and downs. I have been savoring life, savoring sweet moments with loved ones, relishing the sunshine, relaxing, walking, creating, thinking, tasting, and living fully. This is a good season.

Peace!

walking downtown
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view from inside the Starbucks
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looking down the street
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mountain view
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“art on the streets” piece
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art, wine and inspiration

wine and cheese set the mood
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artistic expressions provoke emotional responses
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given a camera, i am drawn to the details
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what inspires you?

 

The beauty of fall…

I am enjoying this fall immensely.
I hope you are enjoying it (or spring in the southern hemisphere) as well!!

 

Tomorrow. Tomorrow. Panna Cotta, I love ya….

You’re only a day away.
I have prepared the panna cotta (which is chilling as we speak) and the raspberry coulis, and it will be fabulous tomorrow.

Here is an image of one I’ve made. ‘Twill be lovely.

 

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose

“Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose” by John Singer Sargent (24″ x 30″)

I love this ethereal picture, the dusk closing in and the glow of lanterns lighting the fragrant garden.
I spied this print recently and decided to purchase it. Then, my sister prompted me to take advantage of an amazing sale at a local shop to get it framed. Here it is. I am thrilled. I just love it.

I am off for the weekend. Enjoy your weekend, friends!

 

Peace! Be Still!

Spell with Flickr

In the midst of turbulence at sea, the disciples of Jesus were overcome with fear and doubt.

But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”(Mark 4:38, ESV)

I can sooooooo relate to this cry lately. Do you not CARE, Lord, that the world is troubling, disturbing, dangerous, and threatening to overcome me/us!?!

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39, ESV)

He spoke and the turbulence ceased. All was quiet, and there was a great CALM. I am longing for that calm in many ways. And I am challenged by his words that followed.

He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40, ESV)

Oh dear. Full of doubt and lacking in faith…
…humbly seeking HIS face, HIS strength, HIS courage, HIS grace to face the turbulence and challenges of the days and the world.

 

Good film (Italian) – Days and Clouds

Bread and Tulips (Pane e tulipani) is an enjoyable Italian film (2000) by Silvio Soldini about an Italian marriage. I just discovered his film Days and Clouds (Giorni e nuvole) made in 2007 that looks at an Italian marriage a little more realistically. The husband of this affluent couple loses his job and it places quite a strain on their life. This film brings to light a number of the challenges facing many families today. It is, like Bread and Tulips, a tender look at human relationships, family, and social connection, but through the lens of economic hardship. I highly recommend it.

 

Mousse au Chocolat

I am testing a recipe for chocolate mousse (or mousse au chocolat) for a French dinner evening inspired by the film “Julie & Julia.”

The ingredients are simple enough. It is the whisking, heating, sieving, and folding that are challenging! And who would have guessed I would need five bowls, three pans, three spatulas, and three wooden spoons to accomplish this feat?
~Very tasty!
I am going to make pots de crème au chocolat to compare and see which I prefer…

p.s. I do prefer the pots de crème au chocolat, which I prepared without the orange. Delicious.