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Making pesto. Or attempting anyway. I tried on Saturday and I think the pine nuts I used were old - something just tasted off so I'll be trying again. The basil is growing great in my raised beds and I want to master this one.
Vacationing. I spent last week on Martha's Vineyard with a special group of friends (my first time there and I loved it). We switched up our annual get together and headed to the other coast this time (vs. Oregon) and it was a true vacation. I love these people and the absolute joy they bring to my life - especially through laughter. Man I haven't laughed that much in years.
Cuddling with the kids after being apart last week. They spent the week with Chris vacationing in the San Juan islands.
Planning. A camping adventure. Layouts. Fall schedules. Work-related stuff.
Cultivating relationships. With friends, kids, Chris, family and with someone kinda special.
Savoring the beginning.
Listening. To music really loud. And checking out new-to-me music and making playlists and feeling it through my whole body.
Repeating. Finding myself saying the same things over and over again such as "please go get in your bed" and "that behavior is not okay" and "take your plate to the kitchen" and "are you calm?" and "take a deep breath." I'm in one of those places where I hear what I'm saying and wonder if it's the right thing or should I be phrasing it differently, wondering how to get across what I really want to communicate to my kids.
Pruning and puttering out in the yard. My happy place. Cutting flowers and bringing them inside. Waiting on the bigger tomatoes.
Living the length and width. That's what it's all about.
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107 comments
Basil....process in blender with as little water as possible...freeze flat in ziplock bag... Break off pieces all winter long for soups etc. yummy!
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Watch out for those pine nuts-they may have tasted "off" because they are grown and shipped from China, which grows a different kind of pine nut than stateside. My husband got "pine mouth" from a pesto I made with those kind of pine nuts, and he had an alkaline taste in his mouth for weeks. Anyway, they can go rancid or you could just have a rxn to them. Glad you had fun in MV, I love that place, too. Very special. Thanks again for all you inspiration and I look forward to more in the fall.
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It made my heart happy to hear about your joy-filled, truly restful vacation, your wise wording about "cultivating" relationships, and the hint about the special person in your life. I had noticed the "date night" photo in your Project Life, and was hoping that meant good things were happening for you. :) "Up", indeed. :)
Carmen.
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Hurray for everything in today's post!
Wishing you happiness and peace - someone kinda special is very lucky and blessed to have someone as special as you!
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I made pesto with asparagus the other day... barely could even tell it was there! A great way to add in some added vitamins into it!
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Awesome and ditto to the comments above! Glad to hear you are well. Take care and have a fabulous week!!
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Love this post. It made me smile.
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Happy for you Ali... thanks for sharing! x
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:-) Happy for you!!
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All I can say is, you go girl.
Email me if you want some playlist ideas-I'm always keeping an ear out for awesome music and could make you one.
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Oh happy happy, Keep on living that length and breadth! It's all good.
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Here's to spending time in the yard! Sounds like a wonderful summer!
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I'm not a digital user- so thank you for making the clear stamps!
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So glad to hear good things are happening in your life, you so deserve it, savor every moment and so glad you made it to the east coast this year, MV is a special place, don't you think. Just happy for you.
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You've have some very exciting and fun things going on in your life right now, dearie. Good for you! So very happy for you too!
Looking forward to seeing some of your travel pics as well.
Take care you,
Suz
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You're a true wordsworth Ali! I don't scrapbook (like at all) but nonetheless I really enjoy reading your blog for your stories, photos, way with words, and inspiration! Happpiness is contagious!
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Try using almond flakes in your pesto; it works just as well as pine nuts.
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I'm with you on the kid area! Glad to hear about your someone special.
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So happy to hear about all that is happening in your life. I can sense in your post that you are in a happier place. I love to make pesto too and having fresh pine nuts is critical. Our weather here in the Midwest has been awfully hot, and no rain. Last weekend was perfect weather and was the first time I was able to spend time in the yard. And I loved every minute of it. Realionships are important and I am working on them too. I have a fantastic yoga teacher who helps to keep me grounded, living in the moment. That is my mantra.
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Was on the Vineyard for a day trip Sunday and a friend told me you were there. It's so beautiful! Have always wanted to vacation there but not my husband. We always do the Cape which I do love! You sound so much happier in your post! So glad for you.
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