Ebb & Flow
In the dreary days of endless rain, what is it that keeps us going? A soft sweater, a cool friend telling us about their day with a few laughs in between? I say a good book, reading for hours in a cold yucky day is my jam!
Weather watching until the grass finally peeks out from underneath the puddles, and the world is dry again. That feeling of freedom when you can walk unfettered is so much sweeter when you’ve earned it. What holds us in place when we long for something new?
We will spend our lifetime, choosing. Sometimes we wish we could just throw it all away, drive with the windows down and never look back. What kind of legacy would we leave if we actually did it? I ask myself these questions when I am pushed inside, forced to deny my longing for open sky.
I use this time to create more. My hands become my hope; my dreams become more vivid and strong.
The season when the sun makes a golden haze, hypnotizing my soul, those are the times, to slow down and cloud watch. Spring comes sooner in the Deep South; my azaleas have already bloomed, now my roses are here. The peppery smell of pollen itches and excites. A young male cardinal has staked his claim in the yard, preening in his crimson glory.
The gift of having another sunrise finds me wistful and happy. There are so many factors that cannot be controlled. Human existence is precarious, balance almost elusive.
No matter how busy you are today, slow down. Savor the good, embrace what nurtures you. None of us know how much time we might have left. Kiss the ones you love, and do the right thing.
This dish below is what I prepared for dinner last night. I was knee deep in a short story I hope will finally bring the readers I desire. I am writing to the point of oblivion. If I had no family, I am afraid I would not have eaten or stopped until I passed out.
No Muse you say? I beg your pardon. She was with me for hours.
I am thankful for the ebb and flow. A storm was coming, cooling the air and bringing wind and rain. The kitchen became a haven as the oven and the skills my grandmothers left me, brought us sustenance and quality time together.
Below is an I have a million other things to do day, as in a (write, edit & revise kind of day) recipe. I hope you enjoy it.
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Easy Chicken Enchiladas
1/2 pound grilled chicken breast (chopped or shredded)
1 can vegetarian refried beans
1 small can chopped green chilies
1/2 pound shredded Monterey jack
1 can of enchilada sauce
1package med flour tortillas
1 tsp garlic powder
6 dashes of Tabasco
1 bunch of fresh cilantro or flat leaf parsley if you prefer
Lasagna pan
Aluminum foil
Optional garnish*
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Thin sliced avocado sprinkled with fresh lime juice and sea salt
Pre heat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl combine chicken, chilies garlic powder, Tabasco and beans. Fill tortillas with approximately 2 T of mixture. Be sure it reaches the end of the tortilla. Sprinkle a small amount of cheese. Roll tightly; add with the seam side down in dish. Continue until all mixture is gone. Cover the rolls with enchilada sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
Loosely cover with foil, bake until bubbly. Approximately 30 minutes. If you prefer the top a bit browned. Remove foil for last ten minutes of baking.
Let cool for five minutes uncovered. Serve with cilantro/parsley as a garnish. I like to make a side salad for a perfect meal. You will have a lot leftover. It freezes very nicely in small Tupperware for quick lunches.
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The times we live in are so busy. It is incredibly nice have something baking in your oven. I use this time to call a friend, drink a glass of wine. Enjoying life is the ultimate secret to happiness. I have been extraordinarily busy the past few months, finishing one novel and writing another. Even on my busiest days, or the ones I question. I wouldn't change a thing.
Thanks for reading. Until next time- take life in small bites and love like there’s no limit. Bibiana
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