Dear 2010

Thank you, 2010, for all of the goodness that you packed into 365 days.

Thank you, 2010, for New York City in April ... for Wicked, for The Chocolate Room, and for all that the word integration has come to mean to me this year. Thank you.

Thank you, 2010, for the summer week by the sea ... for the festival after the storm, for the tiki bar with reggae music, and for that sweet, sweet feeling of sitting in Flagler Coffee and being home away from home. Thank you.

Thank you, 2010, for our whirlwind weekend in Chicago ... for all the fun of being a tourist, basking in the city with my family, and having a smile that couldn't be wiped from my face. Thank you.

Thank you, 2010, for turning my daily routine upside down. I resisted all of the changes that going back to working from an office can bring. But once I relaxed about it, I started to discover the positive aspects of it. From the other side, I can see that it was meant as a gift all along. My jaw is unclenched and my eyes are now open. Thank you.

Thank you, 2010, for the big role that friendships have played this year. I have been blessed with many new friends who feel so much like long-time friends to me. It has been so much fun getting to know them and learning more about what we have in common. I appreciate the reminder that we are never too old to make new friends. Thank you.

Thank you, 2010, for the big blessings and the small ... lessons learned ... prayers answered ... the magic in the mundane. Thank you.

Thank you, 2010, for the love in my life, given and received ... for the roof over my head ... for the freedoms that I have the good fortune to enjoy every day. Thank you.

Thank you, 2010, for giving me the clarity to know that I'm one lucky girl, that I've got it really good and the wisdom to take not so much as one drop of it for granted. Thank you.

Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve Labyrinth Report

We gathered at the labyrinth at noon on this unseasonably warm New Year's Eve. We walked to give thanks for this year that has passed. We walked to contemplate the new year to come. Our individual paths woven together like a beautiful tapesty as happens in day-to-day life. Sometimes we travel in the same direction. Sometimes quite the opposite. But kindred travelers on the journey, nonetheless. Only one way in. Only one way out. And all in it together.

Day 16,520 Gratitude

Today I am so grateful for ...

The kind and efficient staff at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center for making my daughter's upper GI this morning easy and comfortable for her.

Reiki. Just can't give thanks for it often enough. It's always on-hand when needed.

The opportunity to have fun this afternoon printing/binding manuals and other materials for the first SARA Reiki I/Animal Reiki class that I'll be teaching, January 8-9. So excited!

The optimistic weather forecast for this Friday's outdoor labyrinth walk to say goodbye to 2010. Rumor has it that it will be at least 50 degrees!

Angels. Especially those disguised as humans. You know who you are. But then again ...

Pondering Self-Sabotage

Not a pretty subject, I know, especially at such a pretty time of year. Maybe the subject of self-sabotage doesn't apply to you. It sure applies to me. Especially at this time of year. So I thought it might be worth dedicating a post to it. Awareness is everything.

I sabotage myself when I make myself a slave to shoulds.
I sabotage myself when I let procrastination keep me from keeping my word.
I sabotage myself when I tell myself that 'just one more' (anything) won't hurt.
I sabotage myself when I avoid exercise.
I sabotage myself when I make things more complicated than necessary.
I sabotage myself when I setup unrealistic expections.
I sabotage myself when I make assumptions.
I sabotage myself when the only thing green on my plate is sprinkles.
I sabotage myself when I don't drink enough water.
I sabotage myself when checking my phone becomes obsessive (and rude).
I sabotage myself when I don't make time for creativity, pleasure and fun.
I sabotage myself when I make excuses instead of speaking my truth.

There's my dirty dozen. Care to share?
_______________________________________

Following up with a bit of synchronicity today regarding the self-sabotage theme du jour. Here is my horoscope that arrived this afternoon from Rob Brezny:

LIBRA (September 23-October 22):
In 2011, I believe you will have the chance to weave your fortunes together with an abundance of allies who are good for you. They will be your equals, they will share at least some of your important values, and they will respect you for who you are. That's excellent news, right? My only worry is that you might shy away from the demands that such invigorating collaborations will make on you. It would be less work, after all, to fall back into reliance on more prosaic relationships that don't ask so much of you. Please don't take the easy way out, Libra. Rise to the occasion!

Day 16,518 Gratitude

Today I am so grateful for ...

The long exhale that is the week between Christmas Day and New Year's. Don't get me wrong. The family gatherings are wonderful. I know better than to take one second of it for granted. But I welcome this time of in-between with few places to go and little to do.

Packages with the last pairs of earrings from the giveaway being prepped for their new homes. I can't thank all of you enough for playing along. This was so much fun and I hope to make this giveaway an annual event. In the meantime, supplies have arrived in the mail so that new pairs can be made. I look forward to posting them in my shop in the days and weeks ahead.

The reset button that is yoga. I love that I can get on the floor, do some random stretches and postures for just a few minutes, and feel better for having done so.

What are you grateful for today?

Day 12 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with clear star rondelle beads and sterling silver beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what is your favorite thing to do to welcome the New Year?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
Congratulations, KATIELEIGH! You were the only commenter on this post, so this very last pair of earrings is yours. Thanks so much for playing along! Earrings will soon be added to my Etsy shop ... some of the same beads that you saw in the giveaway and new ones too. Please check back if you're interested.

Day 16,513 Gratitude

I grew up in a family of five ... my parents, sister, brother and me. I am the oldest child with all of the stereotypical first-born traits to prove it. December means that the five of us get to be together, plus our spouses and children too. For some crazy reason that we can't go back far enough to put our finger upon, we bowl. We go bowling. Not because it is something that we necessarily enjoy or feel inclined to do at any other time of year, but because it is tradition. We will go to worship at the chili parlor beforehand. Goodness knows that if you are from Cincinnati but had to move, the chili is something that you never ever stop missing.

So today's gratitude is about being with family, having fun, and passing down holiday traditions, however unconventional they may seem. It's also about the day-to-day things in our own hometown that we take for granted when it continues to be our home.

What are you grateful for today?

Day 11 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with Chinese Writing Stone beads and wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what is the one trick/technique that you can always count on to relieve stress?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
Congratulations, VISIONWISE! Let's connect so that I can get these earrings on their way to you! One last chance to win ... please comment if you haven't already.

Day 16,512 Gratitude

Today I am so grateful for ...

Phoebe buried under couch cushions. This is how she sleeps, usually on her back with legs in the air. Makes me laugh out loud every single time.

The Winter Solstice. Not that I'm all that crazy about winter's official arrival, but it does mean that the days will now get a little longer, a little brighter, a little bit more each day.

Gathering with my side of the family tonight. We all live here in town except for my brother and his family, who are visiting from Alabama. All of us together at the same place and time is well worth celebrating.

Cuticle oil. So silly, considering that there are much more important things for which I should be grateful. But have you ever had a hangnail? Then I know that you know what I mean.

And, last but not least, my new purple purse. Rumor has it that happy surprises are in store when one carries a purple purse. I started it.

Come on, tell me what you're grateful for today ...

Day 10 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with green translucent white-heart beads and sterling silver beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what new skill would you like to learn in 2011?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
DARIO wins! Please send me your snail mail address as soon as possible. Two more days, friends, and two more pairs of earrings to win. Go comment if you haven't already! And thanks again for playing along ...

Day 9 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with tortoise glass beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what is your power word for 2011?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
Congratulations, CAROL! You are today's lucky winner. Looking forward to getting these on their way to you. I hope that everyone else will hang in there ... three more chances to win!

Souper Sunday: Potato Soup

This week's soup recipe is courtesy of Tim. I've been blogging off and on for about 10 years. Tim's been stopping by since my previous (and now defunct) blog, Jul of the Day. In 2005, for my 40th birthday, I initiated the 40-4-40 Project wherein I requested that blog friends send me a children's book with a goal of reaching 40 books to donate to a local battered women's (and children's) shelter. Tim not only sent one book but the whole Harry Potter series! And in hard-back, if I'm not mistaken. Is that awesome or what?

Here's the back story on the soup, in Tim's own words ...

"We had about 2 dozen family and friends together tonight for soup night [and really, isn't that just about the perfect size group?] ranging in age from less than a year to over 80 [and really, isn't that just about the perfect range?]. This time we had potato soup, taco soup, hot & sour soup, beef & barley soup, and chicken & dumplings. [One advantage of this size gathering is the variety of soups. I don't think we ever have fewer than three kinds. And really, isn't this just about the perfect variety?] Oh, and we had french bread, corn bread, and fried rice on the side plus three different desserts. [And really, well... you get the idea by now I'm sure.]

Since the potato soup is the one that I helped prepare this time, that's the recipe I'm giving you. But wait, there's more. I've attached a photo too of a bowl of this delicious soup with the [optional] garnishes of shredded cheese, bacon bits and chives."

Hearty Potato Soup

6 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 carrots, diced
6 celery stalks, diced
2 quarts water
1 onion, chopped
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 cups milk

In a large kettle, cook potatoes, carrots and celery in water until tender (about 20 minutes). Drain, reserving liquid and setting vegetables aside. In the same kettle, saute onion in butter until soft. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Gently stir in cooked vegetables. Add 1 cup or more of reserved cooking liquid until soup is desired consistency. Serves 6-8.

Garnish with shredded cheddar and/or bacon bits if desired.

Thanks Tim!
_______________________________

Hey, let's keep Souper Sundays going through winter. My goal is to have recipes through February, at least. So if you have a personal recipe to share, please send it to me via e-mail. A picture would be great, but not necessary. Even if you just want to share a link to a favorite soup recipe online, that will work too. I'm trying to make this as easy as possible for everyone to participate.

Day 8 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with Rhyolite leaf beads and sterling silver beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, where would you love to visit/vacation that you've never been before?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
Congratulations, FRANCES! You were the only commenter to submit prior to the 11:59 p.m. deadline, so these leafy pretties are on their way to you. There are still four beautiful pairs of earrings in the queue, so best of luck to the rest of you!

Day 7 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with Moss Agate beads and sterling silver beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what is your favorite place to visit/vacation?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
Congratulations, LORENA M! Please send me your snail mail address so that I can get these beauties on their way to you. Everyone else has five more chances to win, so don't forget to stop by and comment in the days ahead.

Day 16,508 Gratitude

Today I am so grateful for ...

Reiki prayer shawls making their way to those who commissioned their creation to give as gifts in days to come.

The shuffle function on my iPod and my on-going fascination with the way that it never fails to play a song or spoken words which have a message, clue, or answer for me.

Placing an order to restock my Magic Beans supplies. I love what that means in a literal and figurative sense. Replenishment is a strong theme for me lately, especially in terms of my creativity.

The peace of mind in knowing that we have a compassionate and knowledgable team taking shape to help support a loved one back to good health.

Friends. Always grateful for my long-time friends, but marveling at how this year has blessed me with new friends who feel so very much like long-time friends.

Day 6 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with opaque yellow white-heart beads and sterling silver beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what are you most proud of accomplishing so far in your lifetime?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
The lucky winner of these sunny earrings is BETH! Congratulations! Connect with me via e-mail and I'll send these on their way to you. Everyone else can keep those comments comin' ... six more chances to win! As always, I really appreciate you playing along and sharing with me.

Day 5 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with Botswana Agate oval beads and quartz crystal beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what are you most proud of accomplishing in 2010?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
Congratulations, TIM! These beauties will soon be on their way to you ... please send me your snail mail via e-mail. I hope that whomever you gift these earrings to really enjoys them. (Not that you aren't more than welcome to wear them yourself ... they're magic!) Although I'm hard-pressed to choose, these may be my favorite pair of the dozen. But that certainly doesn't mean that there aren't more great earrings to come, so please don't give up everyone ... seven more chances to win! Keep those comments coming and thanks again for playing along!

Day 16,506 Gratitude

Today I am so grateful for ...

The understanding that gratitude need not necessarily be a bright, shiny, fluffy sentiment to count.

Compassion for myself when my "thank you" ends in "dammit."

Never giving up my trust that there is a bright side and that things always unfold as they should.

Sustaining my sense of humor, however inappropriate that it may be at times.

For those in the trenches providing mental, emotional and spiritual support to those who need it, especially at this time of year.

Day 4 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with Malachite cube beads and sterling silver beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what is your favorite movie of all-time?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
Congratulations, RW! You've won this pair! Please contact me via e-mail as soon as possible with your snail mail address and I'll get them on their way to you. Again, can't thank you all enough for playing along ... remember, there are still eight more chances to win.

The Persistence of Squirrels

I watched this little guy (or girl) scamper the limbs of our sycamore, intently making its way to the suet feeder. It proceeded to hang by its feet in order to feast upon the greasy goodness. Eventually, it stopped to look around, scampered down to the yard, dug up a nut it had buried there at some point, and fled beyond the fence and my sight.

I know that squirrels can be pests ... especially when it comes to feeders intended for the birds. But there's something about their persistence that resonates with me. They are flexible in a literal and figurative sense. They just don't quit. Obstacles do not deter them. There are layers of lessons there for me.

This is a great description of squirrel's medicine. Perseverance, preparedness and playfulness are other attributes that it tries to teach us through its antics. I don't know about you, but I can certainly use more of these qualities in my day-to-day life.

Day 3 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with Chrysanthemum stone beads and sterling silver beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what is the best movie that you saw in 2010?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
Congratulations PIXIE ... these beauties will soon be on their way to you! I'll be in touch. Thanks again, everyone, for playing along! I am having so much fun reading your comments and getting some great recommendations as well. You have 9 more chances to win, so please don't forget to check out Day 4 of 12 and the posts to follow. As always, best of luck!

Day 2 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with translucent red white-heart beads and sterling silver beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what is your all-time favorite book?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
Congratulations MAGGIE! You are the winner of these earrings. I will be in touch about getting these to you. Everyone else has 10 more chances to win, so go comment on the next pair, if you haven't already. Thanks again for joining in the fun! As always, best of luck!

Day 16,503 Gratitude

Today I am so grateful for ...

Snow. Never thought I'd say it, but there it is. There's something about it at this time of year, backlit by colored lights, that makes it all okay. The first round of snow fell this morning, changing over from rain through the night. It's a sloppy snow, bathing branches in white and has already melted considerably. Not the stuff of snowmen. More arrived late afternoon into the evening. I smell a snow day tomorrow or at least a delay.

Fudge. I make it at Christmas and must say that it's pretty darn awesome. Not that there's anything particularly complicated about fudge making. I suppose that I use the same basic recipe as everyone else. The craft is more in the cutting than anything else. But I have so little up my cooking sleeve that I can't help but be proud.

Art for art's sake. The playfulness of it. There wasn't a lot of that for me in 2010, but I'm grateful today to realized that fact. Sadly, I can't remember the last time that I made something just for the fun of it. I don't let myself experiment, frolick if you will, with new techniques and mediums. I think I'd like to do something about that in 2011.

Target for having my beloved TAZO Zen green tea in stock. Sounds like a small and silly thing, I know, but this tea must be a favorite in this area because it's difficult to find it in stock at the local grocery store. I haven't found another green tea that I like anywhere near as much.

Last, but certainly not least, the fact that you all are playing along with the earring giveaway. It warms my heart. Best of luck!

Souper Sunday: Renda's Cream of Jalapeno Soup

Katie has come through again with another soup recipe to share ... she says that this one has a little Southwestern flavor for ya! She admits that she has no idea who Renda is. Her mom got the recipe from her friend, Connie. (I LOVE when recipes get passed down and around this way! Take THAT Food Network!!)

Renda's Cream of Jalapeno Soup

1 small onion or some minced onion
3 jalapeno peppers
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
24-32 ounces chicken broth*
1 8-oz package cream cheese
1 1/2 cups half & half**

*Katie usually uses one 32-ounce carton, but sometimes adds less broth if she want it thicker.
**Katie often use 2% milk

Saute the jalapenos and onion in butter until soft. Add flour and blend well. Add broth (to desired thickness) and bring to a boil. Add cream cheese, whisking until smooth. Add half & half (don't boil after this point).

Serve with tortilla chips or bread, if you like. (Katie's friend, Amber, has made this and added rice to thicken it - which would be good!)

Katie hopes that we enjoy and assures that its a truly delicious blend of creamy and spicy. She didn't have a photo of the soup, but sent along this photo of a favorite holiday decoration. "This little tree came to me through a Secret Santa exchange in seventh grade, and has graced my house with its cheery lights every year since!"

Thanks Katie!

::URGENT::
I am out of soup submissions and only have a couple more soup recipes of my own to share. One of them I call Soup of Shame and, honestly, I don't think I have the courage to post it because I'm sure that you'll think less of me because of it. So you can help me out A LOT by sending me a favorite soup recipe of your own or at least a link to one that you've tried and enjoy. Pretty please!

Day 1 of 12

Sterling silver leverback clasp earrings with painted wood ovals and sterling silver beads wrapped with sterling silver wire.

Leave a comment on this post by 11:59 tonight and these could be yours ... an $18 value, free, as a Magic Beans gift from me. (If you post anonymously, please include your first name or nickname with your comment.)

For the sake of having something to comment, what is the best book that you read in 2010?

The winner will be drawn tomorrow morning and identified as a note at the bottom of this post, so please check back.

Good luck!

::UPDATE::
The winner of these earrings is SANDI! (Even though she still owes us what her favorite book was for this year.) Please send me your snail mail address via e-mail and I'll get these on their way to you. Although Sandi is excluded from future drawings, the rest of you have another 11 chances to win!

Mercury Retrograde Thrive Guide

Three times each year, Mercury spends about three weeks dancing backward through the sky. Today begins another dance which lasts through December 29. I am not an astrologer. There are many with whom you can consult for more specific information. But here is how I plan to thrive over the next three weeks:

1) Keep my sense of humor.

2) Back up my computer and know who I'll call if things get wonky.

3) Hold the signing of contracts, launches, and major purchases until after the first of the year.

4) Proofread, proofread, proofread.

5) Confirm all appointments a day in advance or on that day.

6) Listen more. Speak less.

7) Clear up any perceived misunderstandings, stat.

8) Sh*t happens. So do mechanical problems. I'll take a deep breath. And see #1.

9) Prepare incredibly clear instructions for others and make certain that they understand them.

10) Be gentle with myself and others when mistakes are made, delays occur and things get forgotten.

11) Be ready (if not delighted) to run into people from my past.

12) Make a priority of anything involving "re" ... this is a great time to review and revise plans and projects.

Remember, it's just three weeks. They will frustrate us to the degree that we let them. Hopefully, we will be so busy celebrating the season that we won't even notice. Before we know it, the New Year will be here and we all, with Mercury, can move forward again.

Day 16,498 Gratitude

Today I am so grateful for ...

Christmas ornaments that remind me of happy travels.
(Beluga Whale = Chicago)

Homemade chicken soup - Day 2.
(Always better the second day.)

Oxi-clean.
(You should see how sooty I get when I start a fire.)

Our living room skylights.
(Because I need access to all of the sunlight I can get.)

Filling our bird feeders.
(Because hungry woodpeckers will cuss you out if you're slacking.)

The 12 Days of Christmas, Magic Beans-Style

I get THE BEST ideas when I journal in the morning. Okay, not everyday, but once in awhile, amid my mundane and repetitive musings, I'll strike gold. Or in this case, silver.

Stay with me.

So I'm writing this morning about how I would like for Jakk's Magic Beans Workshop to wrap up 2010 on a high note. I'm mulling over what that might look like, when it came to me, "Twelve Days of Christmas."

Huh?

So I keep writing to see where this is going. And, you know what? It took me to one of the most joyful places of all. Giveaways! Not just one, but twelve.

Ta-dah!

So starting on December 12 ... 12/12 ... I will begin the Jakk's Magic Beans Workshop 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways. Everyday from 12/12 through 12/23, I will post one pair of Magic Beans earrings, made with love by moi here at the Workshop. Enter to win that pair by leaving a comment that day and I will draw the winner the next morning from those who commented. The winner will be announced on that post and contacted for their snail mail address. Once received, I will take their precious package directly to the post office (where the staff will surely grow weary of seeing me).

Seriously.

You've got twelve chances to win a pair of dangly gemstone and/or beaded clasped earrings set in all sterling silver. The only disclaimer is that you can only win one pair. Once you've won, you're done ... but you should certainly enter every single day until you do. I realize that it may be a stretch to assume that I have at least 12 visitors here, but I have faith and hope that you will be so kind as to spread the word. Trust me, wearing these earrings makes the sky look bluer, food tastes better, and your teeth get whiter. Okay, fine, I'm not at liberty to make such claims. What I can assure you is that they make great gifts, for yourself or someone you love.

Are you in?

If so, the fun starts next Souper Sunday, 12/12. There will be a picture of the earrings for that day and, again, all that you'll need to do to enter that day's giveaway is to leave me a comment in response to an absolutely random question. Unfortunately, e-mail entries cannot be accepted, but you can certainly comment anonymously if you can't log-in otherwise. I will draw the winner for that day on Monday, 12/13, and post the next pair of earrings for you to enter to win. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Thanks in advance for playing along!

Day 16,497 Gratitude

Things for which I am so grateful today:

The therapeutic benefits of homemade chicken soup.
How a one-hour reflexology appointment can put me back together again.
Fulfilling another Reiki prayer shawl order.
Telecommuting on Mondays.
Photo orbs.

Day 16,496 Gratitude

So grateful for ...
Fat, cuddling cats.
Finally putting up our Christmas tree.
Three-quarters of the day spent in pajamas.
Dan's cheesy, chicken enchiladas.
Tums.

Souper Sunday: Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

This is one of my personal favorites ... adapted from a recipe that I found many years ago via Epicurious. Another soup well-suited to sipping from a mug! So creamy and delicious.

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup

2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed (about 4 cups)
1-2 32-ounce box(es) of vegetable broth
1 apple, peeled, cored, diced*
1/2 cup apple juice or the fresh juice of 1 apple**
Optional: Sour cream and chopped chives for garnish

Melt butter in large pot over medium-high heat. Saute onions and nutmeg for about 5 minutes or until onion begins to brown. Add squash, broth, apple and juice. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes or until squash and apple are tender. Carefully puree until soup is smooth. Add water or more broth (if on hand) to reach the desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with sour cream and chives if desired. Makes 6-8 servings.

*Fuji, Gala or Red Delicious apples work well in this soup.
** I juice one fresh Granny Smith apple in my Breville. Love the tanginess!

:: URGENT :: URGENT :: URGENT ::
More soup recipe(s) needed as soon as possible! I have no other submissions in the queue and I'm already running low on personal soup recipes to share ... weeks before winter's official arrival. I'm counting on you to help me keep Souper Sundays posts going until March.

Please send your recipe(s) to me via e-mail (jakk@magicbeansworkshop.com) along with:

1) A photo of the soup, you, you + the soup, or anything that captures the mood of the season; and
2) A link to the blog or website to which you would like to be linked.

Happy cooking!

Day 16,495 Gratitude

So grateful for the first measurable snowfall today, which is funny because measurable snowfall plus grateful wouldn't normally appear in the same sentence for me. But there was a special kind of magic to what fell today. It was moist and heavy. The roads stayed wet and passable while the grass, trees and structures were blanketed. I like to call it mashed potato snow. The perfect kind of snow to put one in the holiday spirit. (But not so great for those with snowmen on their mind. All in due time.)

So grateful for a stolen date night this evening while the daughter was at work. Soon enough, she will fly from our nest and it will be just the two of us again. But, in the meantime, we have so much fun stealing time away together when we can find it.

And, speaking of the daughter, so grateful that her first day of in-car driver's ed went well. The weather was making her anxious, but thankfully it wasn't so bad that it had to be cancelled.

So grateful to confirm that I will be teaching my first Reiki I class in January. When I became a Reiki I practitioner in October 2000, I never dreamed that I would one day be teaching. It was the furthest thing from my mind. Just goes to show that you just never know.

So grateful to announce that Mandala Mondays will definitely return in January. I've missed coloring and I hope that you have too. More information to follow in the weeks to come.

In the In-Between

December, for me, is the in-between. By the time that this month arrives, I have either accomplished what I set out to complete or made peace (as best I can) with what I didn't. All that is left is the cleaning up, clearing out, and kissing goodbye of what needs it. Although the urge to start something new may be strong, especially with the New Moon arriving tomorrow morning, Mercury will go retrograde on December 10 and stay that way until December 30. I read it said that it's progress report time. How well did (or didn't) you weather this tumultuous year?

Day 16,494 Gratitude

So grateful for this Colonial Candle that fills my home with its berry-liciousness. Every year I find myself on a quest for a pine candle that actually smells like pine. I always give up and go with this mulberry candle instead. Not exactly a traditional holiday scent, of course, but my family and I have enjoyed it for so many years that the connection is there for us.

So grateful for lunch today with dear friend, Beth, at Green Dog Cafe. (Also grateful for her newest shots from Spring Grove that are creatively inspiring the daylights out of me.)

So grateful for the familiar comfort of needle(s) and yarn. My pacifier.

So grateful to be registered for Julie Lusk's yoga sleepover in January. She holds these amazing weekend retreats twice per year ... winter and summer. I know that I've attended at least a dozen of them over the years. The winter gathering is my favorite. A great way to welcome the fresh, new year. Also, a great opportunity to clobber my cabin fever.

So grateful for two cosmic nudges today to relaunch Mandala Mondays in 2011. Watching and waiting for the third to seal the deal.

What are you grateful for today?

Day 16,493 Gratitude

(Fred from the archives: 12/02/08)
So grateful for rescued greyhounds curled up in their blanket nests.

So grateful for some phone time with my mama and glad to hear her laugh.

So grateful for the Oreo's stashed in the cupboard when I was desperate for something sweet with my tea.

So grateful for the roaring fire that my husband is building for me now to warm my heart and bones.

So grateful to bear witness to my daughter's compassion and to support her as it shapes the woman she's becoming.

What are you grateful for today?

Day 16,492 Gratitude

I am grateful 'tis the season to make these num-nums. The recipe is as easy easier than pie. All you need are round pretzels ... if you're lucky enough to live in Cincinnati, Husman's makes them. Chocolate kisses. M&M candies. Set oven to 200 degrees. If you don't have a silpat liner, give the tray a swish of nonstick spray for good measure. Put a chocolate kiss in the center of each pretzel and bake for just two minutes. Hot out of the oven, push one M&M into the top of the each kiss to help it spread out. Allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. And then, my friends, prepare yourself to eat the whole batch in one sitting. You've been forewarned.

I am grateful for our first snowfall. We had flurries for most of the day and this evening I noticed a dusting had begun to accumulate on the grass and roof tops. I'm not a fan of snow or winter, in general, but there was something about the snowglobe-ishness of it all that appealed to me today. (But snow in March? Not so much.)

I am grateful that reservations have been made for Taos. Flights are booked and lodgings secured for early arrival, so that I can get my altitude-legs before the workshop begins. Pinching myself because I get to spend one night in the swoon-worthy Solarium. They may have to force me to leave.

I am grateful that my first day in my new office is under my belt. I'm having to craft a whole new routine. I think that the rewiring will do me good. Despite some initial ambivalence, going there today felt, well, it felt just right. At least for right now. I know that at some point, maybe sooner than later, this arrangement, too, will change.

I am grateful for this song. No video. Just the music. But it's more than enough. It's amazing!