General Ramblings

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.

Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

 
Thankfully I haven’t had to let go of anyone this year. I did have a very real fear that I would have to let go of my father this past June but thankfully he’s okay. There’s a lot that I wish I could tell you I’ve let go of this year but that’s a therapy session in and of itself.

Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)

 
This one’s easy. The ocean always fills me with a sense of wonder and of awe. I often think to myself I don’t understand how anyone standing on a beach watching and listening to the ocean cannot believe in God. I go to the ocean when I need recharging, when I’m feeling empty inside, when I need to remember the universe is infinite and my problems are not

Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)

 
I’m not sure I have an answer for this one. It’s been a rough year and I’m not sure I ever really felt alive. I spent most of 2010 worried, upset and depressed. Hopefully I’ll have a better answer in 2011.

Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)

 
What do I do each day that does not contribute to my writing and can I eliminate it? Well I suppose I could tell you that I spend too much time reading political discussions in my Twitter feed or that I spend too much time watching mindless TV programs but truthfully the biggest contributor to lack of writing is my fear that it won’t be good enough. Or in the case of my political ramblings I worry that I am not astute enough or smart enough to weigh in. 

I suppose the best thing I could do is just put it out there and not be afraid of criticism. But I think that would require therapy so I guess I’ll go with my brother’s advice … hands to keyboard.