Life is good but not very quiet for me right now. I’m up at 4:30 a.m. working on my book for a few hours until breakfast, then I’m outside to wrangle goats, take care of a sick mama, check on all the babies, water gardens to keep them alive during this drought, and the innumerable little tasks that farm life entails. Then it’s back to my book and writing assignments until dinner. It’s a good sort of busy, satisfying and fulfilling, but it doesn’t leave room for much quietness unless I choose it.
Yep, life is busy, and I’m still battling a flu that just won’t go away (begone foul thing!), so I’m learning to make quiet moments so I don’t get lost in the shuffle of must’s and should’s and it’ll-collapse-if-you-don’t’s.
Moments to sit in the breezeway and breathe in the scent of sweet peas brought by a kind friend, or peruse a stack of dreamy books for a few minutes of escapist inspiration.
Moments in town to sit my weary self down on a shady bench and look at my rings that remind me I have the strength and courage I need for every situation (foxy-ring), and that peace is always within my grasp if I just take the time to foster it (green ring).
Moments to savor, truly savor, good food and company. My gardens and the markets are overflowing with lusciousness at this time of year, so Bear and I are in veggie heaven.
At this time of my life I refuse to eat on the run or at my computer. Meals are my time to disconnect and rest and luxuriate in deliciousness and the companionship of Bear or friends who have dropped by.
Sometimes we’re too knackered to even chat, so we just sit on the back veranda and watch ducks waddling past and grass parrots toddle about. Others we’re nattering a mile a minute, swapping stories of projects started, finished, and only dreamt of. Either way, it’s bliss simply to reconnect and recharge.
Today we had boiled eggs (thanks, chickens!) and a chunky salad of capsicum, tomato, and Lebanese cucumber with Feta dressing. It hit the spot on this hot afternoon.
Now it’s time to get back to sorting through rather marvelous old photos for my book.
What quiet moments keep you going on busy days? xo
Chunky Salad with Feta Dressing
Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 red capsicum (bell pepper) seeded and chopped
2-3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 Lebanese cucumber, quartered and sliced
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1-2 Tbsp grated Feta cheese
1 tsp grainy mustard
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. In medium bowl combine capsicum, tomato, and cucumber. Set aside.
2. In small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients until emulsified.
3. Pour dressing over chopped vegetables and toss gently until coated.
4. Serve immediately.
Oh yum! My favorite salad!! We’ve been slowly moving towards falls heavier menu items, but this looks so good that I might just have to sneak in one more and pretend ‘the season’ isn’t over!
I think that’s a splendid idea, @disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus 🙂 I hope it gives you a little burst of Summer. 🙂
Ah, you are indeed busy, Krista, just think of how exciting it will be when your book is done! Love the way you make quiet time. I have to force myself to do that too. Have a lovely Sunday xo
It WILL be exciting, @liz_posmyk:disqus 🙂 I almost feel like I’m holding my breath. 🙂
That is one of my very favourite salads. Rubbing my girls feet with lavender oil at bedtime is one of my favourite rituals, it quiets us all down despite what kind of day it has been. =)
What a lovely tradition with your girls, @breannemosher:disqus That would be very calming indeed. 🙂
On the news and now you saying how hot it was and it wasn’t hot here. Maybe it’s the proximity to the ocean, I don’t know. I watched the motor racing with John yesterday with a blanket over me! That salad is a winner!
It is wicked hot at our house, @OrgasmicChef:disqus Absolutely sweltering. It barely cooled off last night and we were roasting. Thankfully there’s a bit of a breeze today, so at least the air is moving. Every bit helps. 🙂 I’m glad it’s so nice and cool at your place. 🙂
yum! i could murder that salad! sounds like you are mostly busy in all the best ways, and taking five to admire your rings…i like that idea. that green ring is gorgeous!
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Soooo looking forward to creating quiet moments in my life again. Only a few more weeks of the busy ‘should’s’, ‘must’s’ and ‘it’ll-collapse-if-you-don’t’, and then it is time for me to seriously (<— underscore, highlight, bold, capitalise) overhaul this chaos that life has been. I love the innate knowing that we possess when we are off course and the gentle nudge to get ourselves back to living authentically again. I must admit, I have been guilty of preparing meals on the run and eating with my mind focused on the next 'must do', losing the mindfulness of enjoying the delicious healthy meal I have lovingly prepared. Thankgoodness for our inner compass, gently reminding us of our way home, back to ourselves again. x
Oh Krista that looks so good, salads are one of my favourite things.
we eat breakfast and lunch during the week at work, in front of the computer but never dinner or weekend meals! Quite moments for me are when I can relax looking at the mountains or the sea 🙂
Your ‘homemade’ eggs look beautiful. What a great salad. You certainly do rise early and cram a lot into your day. I do try to be an early riser but it’s a struggle! xx
I love salad season and we too are now eating freshly picked salads. Love the warmer weather. Hope you had some rain
Lovely salad. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate. I hope you feel better soon!
Aww…Isn’t it nice to wear things that remind us of optimism and virtues…That’s one healthy and tasty salad fix!
Gourmet Getaways
I love your rings! So pretty. And THIS SALAD. Whoa. That’s all kinds of delicious!
That is a good looking salad…it reminds of the the summer just passed. I’m sorry to hear that you are battling the flu…you definitely need some quiet time to regain your health.
What a wonderful salad and such gorgeous images too! Karen (Friend of GG and followed you over from her site!)
Ooooo…. I do so love your style and this salad is my fave. Glad you force yourself to have some quiet time, I have to add it to my list for that to happen. Hope ya had a wonderful weekend sweet lady.
Oh I am in love with that green ring!! Also in love with the salad. Nick grew Lebanese cucumbers this year and they are a-ma-zing!