Author: carol anne

Pat's Orchid

Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)

This year I’ve discovered community within my own family. Getting sick opened my eyes to how incredible each and every member of my family is and how important it is to just be there. It’s the showing up that’s important. This is something I didn’t understand until now. In fact it is the single biggest lesson I learned in 2010, perhaps the single biggest lesson I learned in my life. 

I’m so ashamed to tell this story now but it illustrates how little I knew about the importance of showing up and just being there. A few years ago my sister-in-law’s brother Pat died after a lengthy illness. Everyone was at my brother’s house and my mother called to ask if I was going to to there after work. I said no. My brother was sick with a bad cold  and Arlene’s brother had just died. Her whole family and my parents were at their house. I thought the last thing she needs is two more people to entertain I know now that when you’re at your lowest you need to be surrounded by friends and family. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there that night. I didn’t understand how important your presence actually is. If you ever find yourself wondering if you are needed or if you’ll just be in the way know that you are needed and your presence is very much appreciated. 

You can read more about my amazing family here. 

Now totally switching gears — the community I’d very much like to be part of in 2011 is the political blogging community. I wold love to add my voice to the multitude of voices already out there. I think I have something to say ‘d like to add to the discourse. I don’t know if that means creating a blog separate from Soapboxville that is solely a political blog or just choosing to write more politically themed blogs right here.

Nanny's Apple Cake

Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)

 
I guess the last thing I made was my mom’s chicken wings on October 10. I’ve been learning to cook and improving my limited cooking skills this year and finally got up the nerve to try mom’s chicken wings. They were pretty good too. I used too much oil so they were a bit greasy but very tasty. I’ll know better for next time. 

I’d love to make my grandmother’s (Nanny) apple cake again. Before I got sick we were planning to make our own Thanksgiving dinner here either right before or right after Thanksgiving. I’d love to carry through with that plan in January and roast my very first turkey.