The road to a friend is never long

My dearest blog family and friends,

Welcome and happy December!

It feels like weeks since we connected. How is life in your part of the world? The 2016 year is quickly coming for an end in my part of the world and I have so much to tell you. I went to pick my daughter Alyssa up this morning from her country retreat, where blissfully she is writing her novel, and I told her that I would give ANYTHING, to have endless peace and quiet in which to write.

Our daughter, Alyssa, thrilled to be starting her winter writing retreat in the country

 

Okay, mom, how fast can you go so I can start to write?

When you love to write, the words bubble gleefully to the surface, linking effortlessly into an exact image only the heart recognizes, and anxiously you search for a pen, pencil, ANYTHING, to capture that elusive essence into a lasting impression. If you are unable to, as I have been lately, those thoughts have to be suppressed. When that happens I am frankly, irritable.

In one breath, I would love to have the peace and time to write but then, if I didn’t live in the midst of chaos, life constantly flowing and changing, creating experience after experience, each one deeper and more powerful, I wouldn’t have anything to write about. Such a quandary, this life.

Are writers ever happy? Maybe that is why so many of them are internally tortured. And yet, at last when pen is in hand, we are blissful. So finally, I am here, sitting in my favourite chair, laptop waiting expectantly for brilliance to appear on the page. Then you know what happens?

Nothing of any significance.

My fav chair, although I rarely get a chance to sit down…today I got a new book from the library..don’t you love the library!!!

At least to my literary inward critic.

But here I sit and so I’m going to share some of what has been going on around Lakelin Reach. Did you know that is the name of our homestead? Years ago, I took a Feng Shui course at our local College and discovered the importance of giving one’s home a name. After all, it’s filled with energy just like people. And so, since our house often sounded, (and still does) like a music school, with our oldest playing piano and flute, and our younger boys playing violin, cello, guitar, sax and oh, you couldn’t miss the drums, we thought it would be an appropriate name. As you know from some of the pictures I post, our place sits above a beautiful lake and Lakelin, is Celtic and means, “Lake Song.” “Reach,” is a destination. Reminds me of the Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote that I love, “Life’s a journey, not a destination,” and so as a family we decided Lakelin Reach, would be a fitting name for a place where our much of our life experience occurs….in our home. Have you given your home a name? Do you ever leave the house and say goodbye…or greet it upon returning?

Today, as the afternoon wanes and soon, I will collect the children from school, I wanted to share a tiny glimpse into life at our home and also I really wanted, at last to share the most amazing, easy vegetarian meal. The last of my Meatless Monday meals….at least for now.

Falafals!

Have you tried them?

Do you love them?

I made these weeks ago for my meatless Monday final recipe but since then I think we have made them weekly as they are easy, healthy and delicious!!!

Alyssa had a friend from London visit and while Mark was here we made them, that is when I realized this simple dish is great when you have guests over as well. It makes a lot and you never have to worry if there will be enough food for everyone. (must be a big family thing)

Alyssa with her friend Mark, who she met when she was in London

As we move into the season of eating, I’m even more determined to feed my family vegetarian choices, for environmental reasons but also for health reasons. This is the time of year that most people indulge in too much sugar and other treats. so knowing my family are getting a lot of whole foods and vegetables makes me feel more comfortable with all the holiday baking we choose to do and partake.

But before we move into the kitchen, come and sit with me and we can chat a bit more. How was your November? Did it fly by as fast as it did in our house; a virtual blur of activities. The weather was mild for this time of year, so between several birthday celebrations, mine on the 8th, and then a few others scattered throughout the month, oh and then Remembrance day too, I was out in the garden performing my last bits of fall clean up. Having the chickens free range in our back 40, makes a bit of a mess but it’s so worth it.

Did I mention I love our chickens? We spent a bit of time getting them ready for winter….. all warm and toasty. David built panels for their run and we purchased a heated water bowl. We also hung a light to extend their day light hours and I strung a string of Christmas lights on the front side of their coop too. Chickens love Christmas too and this is their first winter on earth so I wanted them to enjoy this time of year too. Yes, decorations start early around here.

Since we have three children who have birthdays this month, Grace’s 14th, is actually today, I try to get our Christmas decorations done at the end of November.

Happy Birthday beautiful Grace….this year we made a candy cane ice cream cake

This year, David took a few days off to get some much needed work started on our attic conversion and I was able to convince him to take me up to the mountains to search of our Christmas tree. Clark took time off from studying for his LSAT exam, (which was on Dec 3rd) and Alyssa made some eggnog lattes and we headed up to a nearby provincial forestry site, where we had a permit to cut up to three trees.

We headed up the mountains but hadn’t traveled very far past the forestry permit area before we started to see potential trees. Lots of them. I think it helped that it hadn’t snowed much yet which made it was easier to see the trees, also to access them. David stopped the van and we all got out on an explore to find just the perfect tree for our holiday celebrations. As we searched, I trimmed the bottom of the large trees to collect fir and cedar boughs to hang around the house. They smelled so fresh and fragrant.

Me in awe….love trees, love the forest, love the country

Alyssa gathering greenery….oh so fragrant!

In the past I have felt bad about cutting down trees, and a bit worse after my daughter reminded me about all the carbon offsetting that occurs when one cuts down a tree. (Remember during my road towards minimalism a year and a half ago, I practically gave away our fake large, pre-lit Christmas tree?)

As we were touring the area, I felt better when my husband David said, “why don’t we take the little fir cuttings we receive each year from our rural district on Earth Day and come back to plant them close to where our Christmas trees are located. I felt a bit better and also it’s something we can do with the little ones. (When I was talking to my brother in law B about my feelings about cutting down trees, he did remind me that the trees are chipped afterwards and their mulch used to create new earth)

It was magical in the mountains. Quiet and peaceful, with only the sound of the occasional winter bird breaking the heavy silence blanketing us. This year,  not one vehicle past us, not even a logging truck, even though it was during the work week. Finally, we found a few serious contenders and we carefully assessed them, judging shape, colour and size of each tree. We narrowed down our choices and finally turned inwards, to connect with that intrinsic feeling you get when you know you have found, “THE TREE.” You know, like Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold in the movie, “Christmas Vacation,” when his family finally comes upon their tree and a light is glowing all around it, proclaiming, “I’m the one.” Unlike Clark, we did bring a saw..

David and Clark, who are both way over 6 feet…and our TREES!

We ended up with two beautiful 10 foot trees and somehow, David and Clark crammed them into our Honda Odyssey. Did I mention we have 8 foot ceilings in our house, except for our vaulted foyer, but we weren’t putting our trees in that location.  (We would have to do some pruning)

As the last branch was tucked inside the van, Alyssa brought out the themos of eggnog lattes and we opened the box of Tim Horton’s Christmas donuts we had purchased for the event, and we raised our mugs to our two Christmas trees and to the occasion of being together this early holiday season. This is a special year for after two years away teaching in London, Alyssa is home for Christmas.

I know it is golden moments such as this that I want to create, as it may be the last year our older two children are in our house together. If all goes well for our oldest daughter Alyssa, she will be living in as seaside cottage in Ireland next year writing, or perhaps teaching and traveling abroad, which is her passion. And this time next year, if Clark’s vision comes to pass, he will be back East attending law school.

You just never know what will be around the corner so it’s best to enjoy the journey….

I have lived long enough to experience many magic moments and know this time will never come again and “this is the only moment that exist.” We clinked our mugs again and warmed ourselves with the nog, savouring each mouthful of our gingerbread donuts and apple fritters, knowing this was a special moment in time.

I’ve discovered at least for me, that it’s these simple moments that make life truly special. Going to a Christmas tree farm to cut down our tree, and enjoying their hot cocoa or  hot apple cider, or taking the whole family to walk through a Christmas tree lot, oooohing and awing over trees, would have been nice, but that elusive wisp of of pure joy overcomes me when we do something that isn’t commercial. Being out in nature is certainly part of that feeling of peace and well being, but knowing we are going a bit farther; being creative, rather than just spending money, makes these moments even more pleasurable. As I’m experiencing that sense of contentment, I realize how breathtaking and mystical this extraordinary life journey is.

It was a great start to what I hope will continue to be a simple Christmas in our home.

This Christmas we are focusing less on the commercial aspect of the season and more on giving, being creative and just enjoying being together. When we came together a few weeks ago, to eat falafel wraps, Moroccan chick pea salad and sweet potato fries, it was another moment filled with good spirits..

Yes, my family knew I was taking pictures for you, my blog friends and family, but in a way, they have come to know you all as well and want to include you in our moments. It was interesting to discuss Middle Eastern food and culture and talk about what is street food to other people is really special to us.

Also, we had a chance to talk about what has been occurring is Aleppo, Syria and our thoughts and prayers are being sent to all the innocent people trapped in that battle. My heart goes out especially to the children and the parents who want more than anything to have a peaceful home to raise their families. (Also to those who have lost children this year)

Hopefully, soon, peace will come and again, Falafals can be their street food, sold in markets with children’s laughter ringing, like bells through the air.

With my mouth full of flavourful chickpea balls, I told my family, “my blogger friends are going to love this recipe.” They nodded in agreement, as their mouths were as full as mine, with tahini sauce at the corners of their lips. You may have discovered these balls already but I’m late in coming to the party. What inspired me to try these was again my oldest daughter who traveled to Greece and Turkey while in University. She decided to minor in Greek and Roman studies and boy was I glad. We have brought the other side of the world into our kitchen….in more ways than one.

I’d love to share this easy recipe with you as it was one of those meals that I thought would be complicated, ’cause I haven’t made them before, but they were a breeze to make. Don’t you just LOVE meals that are easy AND delicious?

So join me in the kitchen and we can whip up some falafel wraps.

Falafels

Ingredients (I doubled this recipe for my family and there was enough for 10…with some left over for the next day)

 

1 cup of dried chickpeas
3/4 chopped onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp lemon juice
11/2 tsp salt
Vegetable oil for frying
5 large pitas with pockets cut in half

Optional garnishes:
thinly sliced radishes
shredded lettuce
sliced tomatoes

Tahini yogurt sauce
1/2 cup balkan-style plan yogurt
1/2 cup tahini1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions

In bowl, pour enough cold water over chickpeas to cover by 1 inch soak for 4 hours or up to 24 hours. Drain well.

(I don’t usually shop at Walmart but since my son has been working there, when I dropped him off I often pick up this and that….I picked up some dried chick peas and what a deal….check it out for around $2.00 dollars you can make a boat load of falafals.

In food processor, coursely chop chickpeas, onion, parsley, and garlic, about 30 seconds. Add flour, cumin, baking powder, lemon juice and salt; pulse until blended, 10 seconds. Shape by heaping 1 tbsp into 11/2 inch balls. Arrange in single layer on waxed paper, lined tray, refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 12 hours.

Pour enough oil into wok, or Dutch oven to come about 2 inches up side, heat to 350 degrees using deep fry thermometer. In batches, gently drop falafels into hot oil. Deep-fry turning once, until golden and cooked through, 3 minutes. Drain on paper towel-lined tray. (To reheat, bake on greased baking sheet in 350 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

Tahini yogurt sauce; Meanwhile, whisk together yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, parsley, oil, salt, and cayenne.

Stuff pitas with falafels, 2 to 3 for large pita half (one if you are using small pitas) top with radish, tomato, lettuce and drizzle with tahini yogurt sauce.

It’s that easy!!!

And the Moroccan  Chick pea salad….spicy and a lovely compliment. I was inspired when I went to our local health food stores deli…absolutely yummy and so I tried to replicate it.

Moroccan Chick Pea Salad

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of dried garbanzo beans, soaked overnight
4 scallions or green onions (I still had these growing in my garden so I used the later)
1 large roma tomato
1/2 either cilantro or parsley finely minced
2 garlic cloves
1 cup of grated carrot
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp black pepper
pinch of cayenne 

Directions:…easy, mix everything together in medium bowl

And to round out this great dish, try making some……

Sweet Potato Fries...check out Cookie and Kate’s site for this recipe….yummy and healthy too!

I’m stuffed!

Want some tea?

Let’s go back to the living room and sit ’cause, before I go, I have to also tell you another story and it’s about our son William, who is 7 years old and is in grade 2 at school. One day when his class was out on a walking field trip, the kids noticed electrical outlets linked to the metal frames around the 19 trees planted a few years ago, along the sidewalk strip beside their school. The kids wanted to know if it would be possible to have Christmas lights put up on these trees. They thought it would make the strip more festive.

They found out that in order for this to happen, they would have to petition the municipal hall to request lights be purchased and installed. Before they took this next step however, they did a survey in their school to determine what the others children thought of the idea. They compiled the results and made up mathematical graphs and put all their gathered facts on a power point program.  They decided that since the majority agreed with their idea, they would contact the municipality and ask to be placed on the upcoming meeting agenda.

Will was selected to be one of the delegates from the grade 2 classes but before the presentation, there was much discussion about the pros and cons of putting the lights on the trees in our house. Since his older brother was preparing for his LSAT, and his natural inclination lately is to think logically, taking all the facts into consideration, he and Will had animated discussions around the upcoming presentation, how to present the case and conduct himself. Also, it came to light that William was concerned whether it was a good use of resources.

Of the 400 and some students in the school, only 7 thought it was not a good idea. One for religious reasons as the lights were being called, “Christmas lights,” and another child said “no” because it was, “boring.” Will was conflicted once he found out it was going to cost several thousand dollars. He knew that was a large amount of money and there was a big part of him that felt the money could be better spent feeding children less fortunate. Also, he knew in the winter, there were many children who were not dressed properly for our cold weather and also some who wouldn’t receive gifts at Christmas time.

Even though he had grave concerns, he moved forward with the grade 2’s and helped to be one of the presenters. Thankfully, the council were all wonderful with the children and it was a good experience for them to see how democracy is conducted in our community and our country.

(If you want to read the news article, click this link)

(If you want to read the news article about Will, in red above, and some of his grade 2 class, click this hyper-link)

The next morning I took him to school and he was absolutely THRILLED to see that the school had set out several large boxes around the Christmas tree in the foyer for collections of food and toys for children less fortunate. He turned to me with the biggest smile on his face and said, “Maybe we can do both things; bring light to the community and help the children.”

Tonight, as I was making our daughter’s birthday dinner, David came home from work early to take William and the little girls to the tree light up. They all came home in high spirits with stories of hot cocoa and each carrying candy canes.

Spirits bright at the tree light up this evening, Will and Kate with Tori up front left

Again, this little boy has come to teach me so much about love and compassion. He lives his life with such intense enthusiasm and joy for life but has the kindest heart. We can do both. It’s not one or the other and if we hold the vision of what is truly important to us, with focus, all of our dreams and wishes can come true, not just for us, but for the world. In our safe part of the world, where our biggest concerns are whether to put up Christmas lights or not, or in Aleppo, where the parents are just trying to keep their children alive.

Our house is a better place with this little boy in it, and the world is a better place for all of our children in it, for they all light the way for us to follow. They remind us to look inside and find that part of us that remembers how to love.

And with that, I will close my early December blog post to you.

I have so much to share but it’s a busy place around here, with Christmas parties and concerts, music theory exams and grade 12 transition interviews, so I can’t promise but I would LOVE to share a few things we are doing to keep this holiday simple. One is making homemade gifts so stay tuned as I have something for everyone.

Homemade board games

homemade blocks from leftover wood from renovation left overs…or from the forest	…kids love to build

(cool tie-dyed shirts….our sons love them and they are so much fun to create

and finally something everyone in my family loves…..

and

Caramel and spiced nuts

Thanks for coming for a visit today. I hope as December unfolds for you and your family, that you look for the magic in all the moments.

If you want more inspiration on keeping things simple this holiday season, check out the above video. Brittany Taylor  shares some great ideas for celebrating the holidays in a new way, with the thoughts of the environment and our well being in mind. If you can’t see the above, click on this hyperlink, “Keeping it Simple for the Holidays.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbHuihREij0

 

(Thank you Tamara for all the Hope filled ornaments over the years!)

Until we connect again, may you be well, happy and peaceful.

Blessings from Hope