Awards and a Gift

Gloria Chadwick sent me her book, “Zen Coffee: A Guide to Mindful Meditation”. I read it over the course of a couple of nights. Then I went back and read it again. Sometimes it takes a friend to point out that what you’re doing isn’t always wrong or misguided: simply unfocused.

This simple, yet insightful book describes the process of equating a mindful-meditative moment with your private time, like savoring a delicious cup of java. Of course if you prefer tea or hot chocolate this works as well. It was not a problem for me since I enjoy a cup(s) of each everyday.

What I hadn’t realized was that I was already enjoying my meditative moments, my bits of reflection while delighting in my favorite beverage of the moment. I love to take time to meditate in the evening, right before going to bed. I look forward to this quite time, letting go of all the days’ ordeals both good and bad. It helps me put things in perspective without the emotional burden that often disallows me to think clearly. I love listening to music as I meditate. What I listen to is Sean Washburn’s “Wave Mantra”.

Reading Gloria’s book helped me realize that I was fretting for no viable reason, waiting anxiously for my quite time with Mr. Washburn’s music. I could use my bits of time throughout the day as I enjoyed my perfectly brewed and delicious cup of coffee or tea to quite my mind and allow the harsher emotions of the day to pass through me and out of me. So instead of a build up of confusion and frustration, I could easily be mindful of my inner peace and ability to cope with the experiences of the day.

Bob and I have been going through a rough patch lately. NO, not with each other. The economic problems that so many people have been suffering touched upon us. At Christmas no less. But with the New Year, our situation has much improved and we’re back on track. I am abundantly grateful to God and the universe as well as friends and family for allowing me to wallow in my mind as the darkness passed. I am also grateful to Gloria for sending me this book. She had the acumen to understand that I was still here, but hidden away. I love you my friend.

I’ve also accumulated three awards during this time. Foodies have an uncanny sense about bequeathing these loving awards just at the right time. I ask that you all forgive me for not acknowledging these loving acts of kindness while I wallowed inside my head.


Megan at Megan’s Munchies gave me the “Uber Amazing Blog Award”. Thank you sweetie. It’s a very pretty award and I cherish it.







Ivy at Kopiaste gave me the Kreative Blogger Award. Ivy, my friend. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. You have a heart of gold with all the beautiful work you do. Thank you.









Chef T at chefbliss.com presented me with “I made your recipe and loved it! Award”. Thank you so much. You really made my day.









Why do I blog? I blog to share my passion with like-minded people who have a similar interest. I’m not here to compete, judge, or sing my own praises. Cooking and baking have always put a smile on my face. In blogging, I have found other foodies who feel the same way. These foodies have easily become friends. Caring, passionate, talented and creative women and men who love who they are and what they do and want to share it with others.

In opening our hearts to others with our passions, we also open up our lives for others to witness. Sometimes this is difficult, especially if you tend to be a private person. But there is always the consolation of knowing that a true foodie friend will always understand you; always accept you; and always be there for you when you need a friend.

For all the friends I have made through the blogosphere, I wish you the best that life can offer. I wish you love, health, joy and prosperity.

FOODIES ROCK!!