Yoga Tuesdays

Today was a good day despite the awkward and sometimes uncomfortable positions I contorted myself into for yoga. It had been 3 weeks since I attended a session. I was eager to go again but wondered how my body would feel about it tomorrow! Time will tell. :-/ It was difficult today for me but that is all forgotten in the growing twilight and the approaching dawn. (See Next Chapter for reference.)

It was good to chat with the person I carpool with; and when I arrived, there were a couple of other ladies who greeted me and welcomed me back! It put a smile on my face. :-) I'm beginning to be known. No dates were set up for coffee, not even close to that kind of connection, but it's a start.

As we began the session lying on our mats, I had a hard time focusing on my breathing -- "being in the present moment because it is the only moment." Nevertheless, I was very content!

Next Chapter

A new day is dawning. Of course the dawn, or sunrise, does not happen in a moment's time. Twilight comes first with no actual sighting of the sun. I perhaps feel (rather than see) the first signs of twilight. Was it so dark before? No, I wouldn't say dark, instead I'd say nondescript. There's been no depression, grumblings or even mild discontent. I've been happy, even. But I think, at least for me, it takes a surprisingly long time to turn the page - finishing one chapter to then start another.

I'm not sure where this story is headed. Do you always know about your story? Although none of us are in control of life, I refer to the general direction. Just today the last of our house guests left for their respective homes. For a time we had two very different worlds collide. Not in a volatile sense! Different worlds literally, but they were also very different parts of my world, or my story. Now that the house has returned to just Brian and I. I'm somewhat philosophical or contemplative. Unfortunately neither of these worlds are part of my daily life now. My world's geographical point of reference is now Florida. However, my story has not really begun here. This concerns Brian in regard to my health and well-being. We women need our relational outlet with other women.

I have learned over my lifetime that rushing things (or people) doesn't really work. I might feel a sense of urgency to do something, get a task accomplished; but my timing isn't always the best. Oh, I'm not saying that if I push through and do something like order a needed item, book a ticket, etc. there are disastrous results. However, the times that I do "go with the flow" (not overly stress about the to do list and accomplishment) I have found, for example, sometimes the price is better when ordering or the timing of the trip would have conflicted with another event coming up. Not always but sometimes.

Most of all I can't "accomplish" relationships. They take time. I do need to be in situations that allow me to meet people. That being said, I don't want to rush into groups and join this or that. I go to a yoga class once a week, although yoga is not about chit chat! And I've signed up for a small group which lasts 3 months, for the gospel according to Dr. Seuss. We will see. Rome was not built in a day. Nor are heart attachments! Nevertheless, the twilight will progress to an actual dawning because my story continues!

My Approach to the New Year

It's Saturday morning, the first Saturday of the new year. Of course I've already explained my feelings about this time of the week, brilliantly entitled - Saturday Mornings! I've finished my first cup of coffee, read some and reflected a bit. Although I've wanted to write these past few weeks, time and circumstances didn't allow me to sit down and actually accomplish this desire. So, we have some catching up to do!

I hope your holiday season was a good one. Unfortunately, I realize this is not always true for everyone. I'm sorry if that was the case for you. Family dynamics, financial instability, expectations and past echos can wreak havoc on our emotions, particularly during the holidays. Let alone tragedies can happen at any time of year. I'm becoming aware of how I can subtly project my circumstances, reactions and emotions on to others or even groups of people. A small example would be that since I live in Florida now, I can find it difficult to remember that much of the world is experiencing winter. I look out my window... it's sunny and should reach around 80 degrees today.

At any rate, my holidays were probably typical fare. That's not to say I didn't enjoy them! Getting together with family is not only important but fun. (The traveling I could have done without but that's beside the point.) There were a couple of bumps along the road - overwhelmed at times, not feeling well, and miscommunications, but these are part of life. What I loved was spending time with people I see so infrequently.

The new year stretches before us, filled with promise and hopeful expectations. Needless to say, I don't really know what's going to happen, nor am I in control of it! I've not made any grand resolutions. Any goals I have are pretty simple. Two things I would like to see happen (resolutions ?) are: 1) I become more of a reader again. Somehow I've let computers take too much of my time and I want to take some of it back for reading. 2) I'm giving myself a year to get fully settled in the new house. I hate to admit it but we left California (having lived there 3.5 years) without having unpacked a few boxes - ever! So, I'd like to unpack, buy what's needed, paint and decorate. This last goal doesn't seem ambitious to some, perhaps most, but it has been problematic for me in the past.

I don't want a huge agenda hanging over my head. Too many things take place without any plan, whether it be a surprise, spontaneity or just plain out of my control, so I want to be flexible. (For example, it's now Sunday afternoon and I'm finally finishing this post which started yesterday!) I am finding, the simple and very often small choices and activities can bring the greatest joy, impact and/or peace.

Of course, I'm not a type A person, more like a type A-. :-) Therefore many people will not be able to relate with me! That's OK - go for the gusto, A types! We need all kinds of people for this world to function. I'm looking forward to 2013. I hope you are too.

Coffee Grinding at its Best!

The name of my blog is Time for Coffee, as well you know. I have made no secret of the fact that I love coffee. It can be a wonderful comfort, distraction and/or energizer, all in one if need be. I was asked one time what my favorite coffee was. My response was, "Mine!" I realized she meant brand of coffee, but I always felt my espresso machine and I made a mean cup of joe, even though I'd used a few different brands over the years. And, if I do say so myself, I've been complimented numerous times by guests.

Well, I have to confess I didn't know what good was until my husband! ;-) He is good but I was referring to the gift he gave me (Christmas came early). Please remember that Brian hates coffee (though I married him anyway.) Despite his distaste for this delicious ambrosia, he spent hours researching coffee grinders unbeknownst to me. I hadn't complained about my grinder; I've just been thrilled the past month to finally have my espresso machine unpacked and back in use!

Where did he get this idea? I don't know, but I love him even more for it AND my coffee!! OMG! Who knew a grinder could make such a difference?! Sure, I was aware that grinding my coffee fresh for each cup was best. Although I have to admit I usually ground enough coffee for about 3 or 4 cups at a time. After all, I had to fill the grinder to a certain point to run it! I had a system down, a rather crude system but a system nonetheless. I would count off the seconds for the grind, coarseness level, I felt was best for my machine. Needless to say, this produced inconsistent results. In addition, my old grinder has blades which apparently is 'hazardous' to your coffee! They don't really grind the coffee as they are more like a blender, chopping the coffee. Do you want the details? Well, in brief, the blades produce friction and heat, degrading your coffee and the oils left in the grinder can become rancid, mixing in with your coffee. For a more extensive description between the two types of grinders see Gimme! Coffee.

My new grinder is electric but is based on the vintage one pictured here, using conical burrs to actually grind the beans. Now to the results! Can I just say - WOW! As a rule, I take my coffee with a splash of milk. I almost did my usual with the first cup utilizing the new grind. In fact, two drops of milk went in before I thought - Hey, let's really put this to the test. I took a sip of the black brew. Hmmm, this is good. Strong, not bitter and very smooth! Of the four cups I've had since the blessed arrival, only one had milk in it and I think I now prefer my coffee black. I NEVER thought that would happen! The difference is difficult to describe and needs to be experienced.

My life has changed! No, I'm not being dramatic!! I had no idea how vastly different it would be; now there is no going back! I would recommend doing a little research, too. Brian tells me that the high end of these grinders can cost as much as $800! Ridiculous! Trust me, Brian did not pay anywhere near that much. If research is not your bag, or you need the experience first, come on over and enjoy a cup!

Past the Time to be Thankful...or not!

Happy Day after Thanksgiving! I know other people call it Black Friday but to me that name sounds so depressing. How did a big retail sale day get labeled this? (I know it's because these sales put them "in the black" for the year but still...) Brian's comment when I wished him "Happy Day after Thanksgiving!" was "Happy Friday." He is a man who lives in the present! And he is NOT a man to get up early and spend hours in a line or online just to get great deals. So, today is just Friday!

Me, I rather enjoy stretching out holidays. Is it just a good excuse for not getting much accomplished? Perhaps. Today my coffee tastes particularly good, in fact, I'm on my third cup and it's not even three in the afternoon. Although I love coffee, I'm a two cup a day girl, usually around 9am and 4pm. But I have to say that three cups is still not very motivating for productivity, just enjoying the lanai and doing a bit of writing!

I'm a little late (strictly speaking) for any sort of dissertation on the attitude of gratitude. Well, dissertations remind me of school anyway, which is long past. However, it's never too late to be thankful. Thankfully (!) I don't have to think very hard to find a myriad of things for which I'm thankful. Brian tops the list, of course. From the spectacular to the mundane, there are wonderful things and people all around me. Although we are new to the area, we had two invitations for Thanksgiving dinner. We chose to drive 90 miles to be with Brandon, our youngest, and the family he is staying with at the moment. There were 25 people for dinner!! Yikes! And we only really knew Brandon. Yet, dinner was delightful, engaging conversation and delicious food!

I have friends and family in several countries (also giving me a reason to travel and open up my home)! I don't lack for anything I need and actually have many "wants." Brian is an awesome man, let alone a wonderful husband. I am content and very grateful. I hope you all can also find many reasons to smile in your heart!

New Digs!

I've been rather out of touch lately, but I don't need to tell you that! It has been a long stretch between the last post and now. Here are a few words to describe this intervening time:  frustration, nervousness, relief, excitement, fatigue, overwhelmed and perseverance.

It's been an even longer time since I left California to start a life in Florida. For four months, almost to the day, Brian and I were homeless. We traveled across the States and arrived in Fort Myers. We unpacked our two suitcases in the first short-term rental which was a small place, about 800 sf., on a lagoon. Unfortunately the timing of our arrival did not allow for the full enjoyment of our temporary locale because of the heat and humidity. Except for short jaunts out and about, I preferred the comforts of air conditioning!  Nevertheless, we were comfortable in our situation.

As is the nature of short-term, our time ran out at our little home on the lagoon so we packed up and moved a half a mile to another, bigger short-term rental. All the while we were waiting for some word, any word, on an offer we put in on a house - just a week after we first arrived. It was a short sale but still no communication after two months. Since we weren't locked into that house, we kept looking. We perused more homes online and actually viewed about half a dozen.

On one particular mid September day we had scheduled to view a few houses with our Realtor. On the morning of our meeting, Brian, the faithful researcher, noticed a new house on the market. We added that one to the list for viewing. Within minutes of stepping in the door, Brian had fallen in love with this obviously VERY recent foreclosure listing. I, not being one to leap, walked through the whole house analyzing. I have to say the view was hard to beat; plus, the house just suited us! I was sold on it and we put in an offer that day.

It was not all smooth sailing from that point. In fact, that started the frustration and the other facets mentioned in the first paragraph. However, all of those ups and downs are a dim memory now that we've been living in our house almost two weeks! There are still a lot of boxes and projects to do but we have our bed to sleep on, a functioning kitchen and, needless to say, a wonderful place to relax, have a cup of coffee (or iced latte) and soak in the warm weather! And it's bug free - I love these "pool cages." :-)

Now being more settled, I feel a greater ability to actually start life here, get plugged in and begin making connections. It will still take time, as the adventure continues to unfold!

A Blast of the Past

I recently went to a concert. Honestly, I don't remember the last time I went to one, so therefore, I've come to the conclusion it's been a loooong time.

We saw Stevie Nicks, and what a treat!

I never saw Fleetwood Mac or Stevie Nicks (solo) in concert before, even though there was a time when I played the Rumors album to death. So many of the songs she sang were very familiar and took me back to days long past. Those days seem like yesterday, but times have changed. My pre-concert ritual was quite different this go round. Brian and I went out to dinner, enjoyed a lighter meal and one glass of wine. Suffice to say, in earlier days, the preparation for concert enjoyment included altered states. I must note, I don't think I had more fun at any other concert regardless of the manner in which I got ready.

The demographic of the concert goers was also different than I remember but then...I am too! I realize the demographic all depends on the performer, his or her genre and age. Time has steadily marched on from when I used to attend concerts even though part of me is in denial of that fact. But some things haven't changed. I still saw someone being forcibly carried out by security, a woman dancing up front (in red) seeking attention and the beer was flowing. One particular modification I noticed evoked laughter. I remember during classic, softer, ballad type songs the Bic lighters would come out and the arena literally lit up. Well, at this concert, I saw one Bic lighter on display but others just activated their cell phones and held them up. :-) Quite a sight! I did laugh and saw a new way in which technology has made it's mark on us all.

Our time spent listening to Stevie struck me in another way, as well. What talent! Some people might not approve of her background or choices. Of course a lot of people would not condone mine either. Does any of that really matter? Stevie's talent is a gift and should be honored as such. I realize we all have our individual taste in music, art, cuisine, entertainment activities, etc. nevertheless, an appreciation for special talent seems compelling. Let's face it, some people are extremely gifted. No matter the area of life, I'm not one of those people! I'm OK with that and marvel at others who are! I am of the mind, however, to downplay, shun, or even attack someone's ability because of political affiliation, spirituality, or questionable personal choices partially robs us of joy and beauty.

I'm not saying we all have to agree! It's a foregone conclusion that we won't. I just think appreciation and honor should be given when due. An untainted perspective regarding giftings is a challenge, one I'll always be working on. But I don't want to miss inspiring creativity.


Photo from Wikipedia.org (Stevie Nicks)

National Coffee Day!

How can I not post on such an auspicious day!? I am compelled to commemorate National Coffee Day with a succinct love letter captured in a poetic photograph. :-)

I also have a treat for you! I found this amazing recipe for your day's ending or a coffee dessert. The Italian word, affogato, you should all know because of it's inherent heavenly combination - gelato and espresso. Yum! Needless to say, I'm a big fan. This recipe takes a wonderful pairing and adds other elements which will send your eyes rolling back in your head. Enjoy!

The original blog post is from Taking on Magazines One Recipe at a Time. I return to read The Mom Chef's blog not only for the recipes but for her wit and the glimpses into her life.

Affogato with Orange - print this recipe
from Every Day With Rachael Ray Magazine, September 2012

4 tablespoons orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
1 pint vanilla ice cream
shaved bittersweet chocolate, for sprinkling
freshly grated nutmeg, for sprinkling
4 teaspoons orange zest
1/2 cup hot espresso

Pour 1 tbsp. liqueur into each of 4 cups. Add 12-cup scoop ice cream to each. Sprinkle with chocolate, nutmeg and orange zest. Spoon 2 tbsp. espresso over ice cream. Serve immediately.