Newsletter Archive, Brownies, Cookies & Scones, Oh My!
Dear Reader,
Happy Holidays and Happy Almost New Year.
I understand that the holiday season and the end of the year can be a difficult time despite Christmas music, parties, booze and cheer. I’ve often been left wondering is this really the most wonderful time of the year?
When I questioned that statement, I questioned myself, wondering where to and when my childlike joy vanished. Life is, well, life, and I had to decide: do I wanna be a scrooge or do I want to at least feel the light of the holiday season? Life will always be giving us the unexpected, or even the expected, and we will not be ready, but I do try to maintain that the mind and heart can steadfastly be our greatest anchor - well - if we allow them to be.
I’ve felt anchorless with choosing to give up my apartment.
I’ve felt deeply sad about the loss of my uncle in the beginning of the month.
I’ve felt pain seeing my mom struggle with her health, my brother and my father.
I’ve felt out of sorts without my yoga practice and in thinking about an impending surgery in the New Year; one that will take almost a year to recover from.
Our only guarantee in life is change, the experience of pain and loss; health concerns and sadness.
Then, of course, we have the flip side of the above - which is gratitude and celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. A time of the year where we can take a moment to reflect on what we do have; on what the season of giving means and what that, in turn, does for our own heart. I want to hold on to those moments. Can you choose to hold on to them too? I can’t be the only one struggling with Grinch-dom and being a Scrooge. Can you change your state of mind today too?
While the last few months have been a whirlwind, they have also been filled with moments of boundless love. Spending time with my Aunt Deb and Uncle Al, feeling at home in their home, shared meals, wine, cooking, conversation, laughter, puppy kisses and time. I’ve had the gift of watching my goddaughter cook, dance and show me her smarts, quirks and warmth. I spent time with my cousin that I hadn’t since we were little. I held my Uncle John’s hand and said see you soon as he laid in bed. Moments of shared joy - a kaleidoscope in my mind - my heart rising up and tears coming out of my eyes because I admired him so very much. I’m holding that love I had for him and have been thinking about how he would express it. I told my Aunt Joyce, his wife to just breathe, because sometimes that is the best we can do. Our breath is a gift.
In every season, in every change, in every pain, lies a gift. Mine has been and continues to be time. Time to be with my family and time to think about how I want to live my life, which is not a place I ever thought I’d be or want to be in.
What has been your gift despite struggling? Unless you’re all sunshine and lollipops, always, this time of year? If so, send me a note, I’d love to know how you stay so cheery!
If you can’t be cheery, can you choose optimism? Gratitude? Will you choose to help someone else? Choose to breathe and reflect on the good in your life and not the losses.
The gift of time and limitless feelings of love (and puppy kisses) brought me in and out of the kitchen numerous times in the last few months. And, although you all know I cook, this isn’t a cooking newsletter, but I am thinking of a few new ways to get you more recipes in 2025. Cooking has been, and will always remain a love in my life, especially cooking for those I care for. It’s how I show love. It’s how I give. It’s how I create and get lost in a moment without attaching my mind and heart to anything but serving others.
What can you do to serve someone else this time of year? Can you make the time and find space in your heart? Maybe you already have?
Say no to what does not make you feel good. Always say yes to love. Say yes to cookies. Stay hydrated. Go for a walk. Tell everyone how much you love them - not to hear it back but to know you let them know. Love isn’t about us, it’s about how we transform from sharing it.
Make it the most wonderful time of the year and know that a new one is right around the corner. All of that said, I’ll stop bitching about my shoulder surgery and try to take my own advice too. Standing with you all in the struggle to be a feeling human being and praying you too can find the wonder and belief, love and service in this time of year.
Even when we think we have nothing left inside of us, there is always something we have to give. Three simple and sweet recipes, not particularly holiday oriented, but in staying with the theme of love - all of these hit the mark.
With love,
Tina