Create!

I have started to believe that everything we do is a creative act. By that I mean we are always engaging in and creating how we are going to take our next step. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed at 6am is an act of creation; making and drinking coffee; writing an email; driving the car. Although these acts may not be creative in the sense of art or music, they are creative in that I create my next moment. Some of these creations are just my day to day endeavors, and don’t offer much in the way of sharing their impact with other people. Some of these creations take extra time and effort and include other people, which makes the impact a little more worthwhile and important. Take the creation and sharing of food, for example. I have yet to find a creative endeavor that begets to such confusion as the art of making and sharing food. Cooking is a creative process; even when following a recipe line for line, creation occurs. And the creation of food leads to the desire to share; to cook for others; to hear praise of how good the food is; to discuss the secrets that make it extra spicy or seasoned perfectly; to indulge others in something that you created. However, I often find such an opposite, almost reversal effect. Inevitably, when food is shared, so is the discussion about workouts, losing weight, and keeping in shape. Many times, I have found myself hovering over the most creative of dishes only to listen to conversations about running 10 miles, doing pilates and attending yoga classes; signing up for marathons…Today, in fact, I attended a brunch that was chock full 99% of homemade delicious brunch food…Stratas, quiches, homemade deviled eggs, a homemade quinoa and berry salad. The table was full of the most impressive and delightful dishes. And what did we discuss? The 10 mile run that needs to be done to run off the calories from brunch. I don’t know at all what went into the delicious stuffed avocado, but I do know that the women at the brunch better get on track this week when it comes to their workouts. Yes…working out is also an act of creation. But can’t we just enjoy one creative endeavor at a time? I challenge us to see the preparation and offering food as an act of creation, which should be appreciated as such. Think about grocery shopping as you would a trip to Guiry’s paint and home décor store. There are so many colors, textures, and flavors in each aisle. What artistic expression do you want to share? Even if it is just for you? I have spent many a night with a frozen meal, lamenting about the task of cooking for one. But at the end of that meal I feel sad, bloated by excess salt and defeated. When I make myself a homemade meal, like my turkey soft tacos or homemade pizza, a candle is lit, a glass of wine is poured, and it is eaten slowly and savored. Let the creation of food be the beginning of the daily creations life has to offer! To support food as an act of creation, I am offering my recipe I brought to brunch today. I don’t have a picture but let me tell you…it is delicious! And when you eat it, don’t tell me you are so full you don’t have to eat the rest of the day because you will eat at some point. And, one slice is only around 160 calories so don’t tell me you need to step up your workout to work it off! XO Mel

Melanie’s Crust Free Quiche, Margarita Style 
In the spirit of the margarita pizza, this quiche embodies the flavors of basil, tomato and cheese perfect for breakfast! 
6 eggs 
1 tbsp flour 
½ cup milk 
bunch of basil leaves, washed 
2 handfuls of mozzarella cheese 
4 tomatoes diced 
½ cup diced onion 
pinch of salt and pepper 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Grease the inside of a glass pie dish with non-stick cooking spray 3. In a blender, combine eggs, flour, milk, salt, pepper and basil until liquid consistency. 4. In the pie dish, layer the bottom of the pan with the cheese, onion and tomatoes. Add a little salt and pepper if you wish (I like to add a little garlic salt to the tomatoes) 5. Pour the egg mixture into the pie dish until it is evenly spread over the filling and throughout the dish 6. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 mins or to your desired consistency 
Serves 6-8, either hot out of the oven or at room temperature!

Random

If this isn't a reason to visit Scotland, well...I don't know what is!

A horse is a horse, of course, unless it is a therapy horse!

Meghan and I have similar interests in going back to basics. Hers comes from, to name a few experiences, a love of anything Laura Ingalls Wilder and having exposure to horses as a young girl. Mine comes from the love of nature, the self care it brings, and a hope that someday I can live the life of the Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond from the Food Network! I got an email the other day about a therapy program that uses animals and they need volunteers to feed and groom the one horse, Cody; the two mini-horses, Misty and Stormy; the two pygmy goats, Duncan and Daisy; and the two therapy cats, Bonnie and Clyde. I went to the orientation-the place is a little residential farm in a more rural part of Lakewood. We learned how to feed the animals, bridle the horses, and walk them around the pen. I especially fell in love with Stormy. As he and I walked he would nuzzle his mini horse head in my leg. They only need volunteers for a few hours, but the experience was just enough for me to know that it would be a great way to care for my inner country girl! http://thepioneerwoman.com/

Monday morning inspiration

If you can get through the advertisement at the beginning, this is a great inspirational story! Dedicated to Dad because he is a mall walker, too...

Nature as the best medicine

With the holidays over and school starting tomorrow, I was feeling a bit restless. Then I realized that I haven't had a good dose of nature since the summer! As always, nature is the best self care medicine. So, the boys and I once again made our way to the cabin in Estes Park to medicate ourselves!

The weather was gorgeous and the roads not too bad. We checked in and the boys romped in the snow on the balcony.

I ran into town and did some shopping. I took US 34 back to the YMCA through RMNP and it was gorgeous! There were a ton of elk and deer along the way. The sun was starting to set and the sky had a nice pink color to it. I got back, and enjoyed the rest of the sunset.

I made dinner and then read the rest of the night. I had promised the boys they could take turns sleeping on the bed. So, here is Chester ready to snuggle in, while Stan is laying comfortably on a bed of pillows and towels.

This morning we woke up, checked out and took US 36 to US 34 through the park again. The sky was blue and the sun really showed off the beauty of the park!

Now I officially feel ready for the quarter to begin!