Acceptance

Jasmine Guinness once said, "In my twenties, I was obsessed with what other people thought of me. In my thirties, it's about my children, my husband, my work. In my forties, it's going to be about me, and I shan't care what anyone else thinks. I can't wait!"

Here I am. Sitting just inside the 40 yard line. I suppose at this point in my life, I have created the person I wanted to become... or at least I got part of it right. Regardless of whether I am winning or failing, here I am.

I had a fantastic lunch just yesterday with a good friend of mine. She is in her mid-thirties, accomplished professionally, has her MBA, and shares a lot of the same interests as I do. We were chatting about another friend of ours, a younger woman who is trying so desperately to be acknowledged for her accomplishments. She wants to be seen as a writer, a marketer, a this... a that.. desperate for validation. Her path started a little later than the rest of ours, so there is more of an uphill battle for her. But at the end of the day, all she wants is someone to tell her she did it. She has arrived.

But she hasn't. 
And it is borderline annoying. 

Regardless, you have to be patient and recognize the hustle. I'll give her that, she's got lots of hustle. She's getting there, maybe her push is a little messy and off-putting, but she's on the cusp of "making it." Then again, she has a looooong way to go.

Validation is a funny thing. We all yearn for it on some level. We need it in our core. It gives us a false sense of security. I believe in your 40s, you suddenly have all of the validation you need. I don't need you to tell me I am doing a good job. I know what I have done. I don't need public recognition, I know what I am doing. Yes, it feels good to know you are doing something and yes, it is nice to be recognized for doing it, but it is not the end all be all. 

One thing is for certain: As quickly as we rise, we will fall... only to rise again, and potentially fall... yet again. It's the ebb and flow of life. I think when you can grasp that, the rest sort of just works itself out.

One of my favorite authors, F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, "It is in the thirties that we want friends. In the forties we know they won't save us any more than love did." 
There is a peace in being okay with who you are and where you are in life. 

Speaking of life - A lot has happened over the past few weeks. Good things, stressful things, and in between things! I'd liked to share a few highlights with you!

The move happened. My friends Derek and my love, Mr. S.G. helped me get my heavy stuff in storage. 

Salvatore did what he could to help out!

I probably melted a little. Hot & Humid Georgia Weather + Moving is NOT a winner

I got to play tooth fairy to this 1st degree Black Belt. YES!!!

The freelance writing ops are incredible this year! Three articles in the last Macon Magazine, and I have about 5 more coming up with the 11th Hour publication. Not too shabby for supplemental income!

I finally got to relax at S.G.'s for the weekend. Lots of fun in the sun! (Yes, he has a pool. His house has like 500 outdoor activities! And people wonder why I go down there sooo much?)

His middle child and I in the pool

His youngest and I!

His oldest (with the black hair) and the rest of his family by the pool

THIS

Having fun!

I've added some new items to the gift shop!

Was interviewed for a story - "What does it mean to be Southern?" 

There is a new restaurant in town - Parish on Cherry (New Orleans style flavor)

Candied Bacon (with a little spicy kick) and a marmalade of some kind with peppers

Oyster Po Boy with potato spirals

Plus... I have the best friends a girl could ask for - CHEEEEEEEEESSSSSSEEEEEEE

Get In My Belly

Bananas Foster French Toast at Bona Bella in Savannah, GA

"Food is like love, it should be entered into with abandon or not at all." ~ Harriett Van Horne

It is summer time for at least 1/2 of the world, and with that comes crushing heat, skimpier clothes, and party after party.

That trifecta of summer fun can oftentimes pose a problem for those of us who were not exactly watching our weight the way we should have during the colder months. Each year I kick myself for not trying harder, but just like the year before, I get it - life happens.

I have been perusing the Food "Pinterest" boards trying to pick out new recipes to give a try this summer. I crave fruits and veggies like crazy, especially in the warmer months, but trying to figure out new ways to make it interesting poses a problem. Let's not forget, I'm basically cooking for one (sometimes two, but honestly, my roomie and I have completely different tastes in food. She likes more southern specialties, while I go for the more Mediterranean in nature.)

I wanted to share with you a few of the recipes I am adding to my repertoire this summer. I found some that I really think could end up being staples in my home, and I can't wait to give them a go. If you click through on the picture, it will take you to the original page for the recipe. 

Feta, Blackberry & Melon Salad

I saw this and thought... this... this is exactly something I would love to eat at lunch! It's a feta, blackberry, and melon salad! Seems simple enough, and what a wonderful mix of delicious greens, cheese, and fruit!

Rainbow Ribbon Salad

This is not only beautiful, but sounds incredibly flavorful! It is called a Rainbow Ribbon Salad. The ingredients include rainbow carrots (variety of colors, ribboned) baby arugula, Parmigiano Reggiano ribbons, slivered red onion, fresh parsley, basil, toasted pine nuts, salt & pepper, and nice light vinaigrette. 

Spiraled Greek Cucumber Salad

This one really caught my attention! It's a spiraled Greek Cucumber Salad - and it has lemon & feta and a ton of other super yummy, natural ingredients. Again - another summer winner in my book!

Turmeric & Potato Soup

You guys may remember back in the day, when I worked for the American Heart/American Stroke Association, I used to go on and on about the benefits of turmeric. Well here is a wonderful twist with one of my favorite soups - it's turmeric & potato! Super easy, and apparently you use a Cypress black salt! (Can't WAIT to try this one!)

Garlic Shrimp 

How about a sauteed shrimp in garlic, something very typical in a Spanish tapas joint? Yum!

Grilled Eggplant Roll-ups with Ricotta Pesto

Now how about the piece de resistance? Grilled eggplant roll-ups with ricotta pesto? I just loved a good eggplant - and now you want to add the herb-y goodness of pesto and the creaminess of cheese? Holy Moly - where do I sign up?


These are just a few that really caught my eye this week. I hope to give them a try while I am on vacation next week. Maybe you might like to do the same. 

It is time I stop waiting for a reason to cook, and just enjoy life as it is! :-)