And So We Go Owling

We go to the woods, and we observe emerging trees.  A new forest grows up under our feet. 

Something about this brave little tree makes me so happy.  Hello!  I'm here! 

So far, Spring Break includes walking in the woods and across the meadows.  We hunt for antlers. 

Later, we go owling with the neighbors. I learn about owling from Jane Yolen's book Owl Moon.  You go into the woods as the sun sets and the moon rises.

You bring your flashlights.  You stay very quiet, and you listen for the soft hooting of owls.

Owling Under the Moon © Live with Flair

When you hear them, you shine your light and try to find them in the night.

For a city girl who once wanted bustle and glitz, I can't believe the truth of it:  I'm owling right now.   Walking in silence, holding a little hand in the cold, dark woods, I find a peace settling down in my heart.  It comes up from the forest floor and descends from the tallest trees.  It swoops down, calling out to us if we listen. 

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Have you ever in your life gone owling?

Steamed Chinese Dumplings

Yesterday, we return home from a voyage because the little one has a fever and stomach pains.  With nothing planned for dinner and an empty refrigerator, the oldest one devises a plan for interesting and fun.

And we sure need some interesting fun to make up for a disappointing Spring Break.  

As the sick one sleeps, my oldest and I remember how much we all love Steamed Chinese Dumplings.  I haven't made them in two years.

For my dumplings, I just mix some ground chicken and whatever flavors I want:  cilantro, green onions, ginger, chopped peanuts, hot sauce, and salt.  I add one egg to the mix. 

Then, I drop one teaspoon or so into the middle of a wonton wrapper:

I seal the edges with my wet fingers:

I put them in the steaming basket over boiling water (lid on!) for seven minutes: 

And there you go:  interesting, fun, and delicious.  We serve the dumplings with plum sauce. 

Sometimes, you just have to make Steamed Chinese Dumplings when your plans change.  

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What do you put in your steamed dumplings? 

One Hundred Joys

In the midst of my worst postpartum depression, I remember all the advice from doctors, therapists, pastors, and friends.  They often mentioned finding reasons to get out of bed each day.  They suggested local outings, meeting with friends, and learning new skills.

They knew I needed to wake up and remember what I love.  It took years to remember.

But slowly, I did.

Today, I woke up thanking the Lord for all the things I can't wait to experience this very day:  the giggle of little girls racing around the kitchen, the first sip of freshly brewed coffee, a conversation with my husband, the purr of a cat, a walk in the woods, the sound of my friends' voices, the perfect shot to capture from my camera that's always in my pocket, or a drive through the Pennsylvania countryside.

I could list a hundred more joys.

And yes, the joy of finding vivid verbs when I'm writing does indeed get me out of bed in the morning.

When I think about it, the Master of the Universe has special things for me to see and activities for me to accomplish this very day.  I better get out of this bed! 

I love asking folks what they get out of bed for. 

Living with flair means we look forward to an amazing day.  

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What makes you excited for the day?