The Wonder of Living

Skip down and read the quote I used today on this blog. Now, take a minute to think about life, and your life precisely.

Of course, I realize that for many people (me, too!), spiritual faith comes into play here. It is the anchor, the stronghold of our lives, the "what" (or who) that gives us a reason, a focus for our being.

Make sense?

But aside from that, what gives you pleasure in living? Esthetical feelings. That warm fuzzy feeling. The exhilaration of being alive. What do you really like about your life? Enjoy doing?

I have one friend who raises a certain brand of dogs. She does it well, makes money on it. You can see the love for her canine friends in her eyes. She works hard at making this a success in her life, but she also gets pleasure from it. It's that extra something that provides the needed "fun" in her life. (Work though it is!)

I have another friend that is an excellent pianist (been jealous of her ever since I've known her! Grin!), plus she sings with her husband. But something must have been missing. Somewhere along the line, she needed something else to make her life a little more interesting. She went back to school, became a nurse. Loves that career! Gave her fulfillment.

Another friend is just a homemaker (and the word "just" does not belittle her homemaking skills). She does it well. She has a love for children, feels an obligation to bring joy into children's lives and hearts--so much so that she adopted two children--and this was after raising her own brood--and did a good job of it, too! Successful? Joy? Sure, probably plenty of it, along with the weariness of mothering two active children.

For me, writing (I can hear you! You knew what was coming, huh?) I wrote when young. Wrote in school and college. But . . . I didn't pursue it as a career, as the joy in my life. Thus, I occasionally I'd feel that niggling thought: you're not doing what you're called to do. Or . . . You won't live forever, when are you going to accept the ability I've given you?

I know the failings in my own life: the tendency to crowd my life with activities and things. The stress I live under. The weakness of not enough determination--sometimes. The weakness in fearing failing and rejection. Why did I wait almost too long?

The joy of creating something worth reading, the satisfaction in finishing a 90,000 novel--or 45,000 novel! The fun in research. The ability of taking separate words and connecting them into a book. AH!

Then as a bonus you have times:

Sitting with someone you love reading together.
Traveling down a highway, listening to a good tape, watching the beautiful scenery.
Playing with your children or reading a book to them.
Watching their faces light up when they first see the Christmas tree.
Hearing your son say, "He's my brother. I love him."
Watching the sun rise or the moon set.
Watching the moon through the treetops.
Reading the adoration in your dog's eyes.
Hearing your loved one say, "I love you."
Feeling that love without words.
Feeling the fear and dread when someone you love is in danger (why is that a blessing? Because you have someone to fear for)
Washing the car together.
Soaking in a hot tub.
Seeing a newborn (child, animal)
Experiencing the excitement of getting ready for a vacation.
Anticipating an evening out with friends.
Watching the city lights.
Seeing the lights of Albuquerue in the distance.
Feeling the ocean waves hit you, suck at you, getting you wet.
Feeling the ancientness of the Native Americans.
Living. Breathing.


One of my very best fun things to discover is a new breakfast dish that I really like. Love fixing them, too! Thought you might enjoy this breakfast recipe hint for today!

Make Ahead: French Toast Bundt Pan Breakfast
(created by Leslie Sausage)
(a cross between coffee cake and cinnamon rolls!)

12 (very cold) unbaked dinner rolls
2 eggs
1/3 c liquid hazelnut coffee creamer
1/4 c pancake syrup or honey
3 T butter, melted
2 T sugar
1/2 T ground cinnamon
1/2 T vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Buy frozen rolls or make the rolls yourself; but this works best if the dough is still very chilled from the refrigerator before the dough starts rising.

Cut rolls in fourths. Combine the other ingredients in a bowl. Dip rolls in mixture and place in Bundt pan which has been sprayed with non-stick spray. Pour remaining mixture over rolls.

For make-ahead, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at this time.

When ready to prepare, loosen cover and let rise at room temperature until rolls rise to the top of the pan.

Bake at 350 degrees f for 35 minutes. Invert onto a serving platter. Drizzle with syrup and powdered sugar. Slice and serve with additional syrup.

Hint: Don't eat too many!



Quote:
The wonder of living is held within the beauty of silence, the glory of sunlight . . . the sweetness of fresh spring air, the quiet strength of earth, and the love that lies at the very root of all things.


Blessings.