Photography

Where are you going, leaves?

/ Jodi / 54 Comments

In autumn the leaves come blowing, yellow and brown.
They rustle in the ditches, they tug and hang on the hedge.
Where are you going, leaves?  Far, far away.
Into the earth we go, with the rain and the berries.
Take me, leaves, O take me on your dark journey.
I will go with you, I will be rabbit-of-the-leaves.
In the deep places of the earth, the earth and the rabbit.

Silverweed, Watership Down

Currently reading “Watership Down” by Richard Adams.

Have you read this classic?

We are reading it in preparation for our upcoming book club.

Would love to hear thoughts from those who have read.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Autumn’s Kaleidoscope of Color

/ Jodi / 41 Comments

Flames of crimson, pomegranate, and persimmon,
ambered gold, chartreuse, and mossy greens

struggle to compete with the saturated sapphire sky
marbled with softly suspended cottony clouds.

The intensity of the beauty surrounding me
almost overwhelms my senses.

My eyes and my mind try to absorb it all
as if snapping photos in a continuous burst mode

trying to find a special place to store them
to remember on a dark, dreary day

when my heart can’t remember the bright warmth
or the splendorous display of Autumn’s kaleidoscope of color.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

 

 

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

/ Jodi / 54 Comments

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry.

Do you love going to those fun hibachi restaurants where they cook delicious stir fry meals right before your eyes?

This honey garlic chicken stir fry recipe reminds me of the fresh deliciousness of those experiences.

This might very likely be my all-time favorite chicken recipe!

It is simple and easy, made from ingredients typically kept on hand, and so adaptable to your tastes.

Make it with mushrooms and snow peas and onions if they are your favorite vegetables or what you have on hand.

Make it with beef or pork or shrimp – whatever you like best.

Whatever you like, please do try this awesome recipe.

I wonder if it will become one of your favorites like it is for me?

Here is how I made it this past week.

Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup sliced carrots
  • 1 cup sweet red peppers, chopped
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 6 Tbsp. honey
  • 3 tsp. cornstarch

Directions:

Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  While oil is heating up, steam carrots in microwave for 3-4 minutes.

Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper to taste.  Allow to rest.

Add broccoli, carrots, red peppers, and zucchini to skillet.  Stir fry until vegetables are tender (approx. 3-4 mins.).

Remove veggies from skillet, and allow to rest.

Add remaining oil to skillet and stir fry seasoned chicken.  Cook 3-4 minutes on each side.

Add the chopped garlic, and cook for approx. 30 seconds.

Add the veggies back to the pan, and cook for a couple more minutes until the veggies are warmed through.

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, and soy sauce.  Pour over chicken and veggies.  Cook for one minute.

Whisk cornstarch with equal amount of cold water.  Add to skillet.  Bring to a boil, and cook for another minutes or so until sauce begins to thicken.

Serve over rice.

Enjoy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

*Recipe slightly adapted from DinnerAtTheZoo.

Things to leave…

/ Jodi / 50 Comments
Autumn Leaf on the Lawn - October, 2017 - Mars, PA

Autumn Leaf on the Lawn – October, 2017 – Mars, PA

Things to leave…

Your mark on the world.
Your worries behind.
The door open.
Well enough alone.
Hurtful, unhealthy relationships.
Your sparkle on the world!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

To Roar or Not to Roar

/ Jodi / 42 Comments
Lion, Pittsburgh Zoo, October 2017

Lion, Pittsburgh Zoo, October 2017

To Roar or Not to Roar.

Even if you have
the ability to ROAR,

It is important
to discern

when it is best
to remain silent.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

At least once…

/ Jodi / 33 Comments

At least once.

As the sun sets,
and this one day ends…

can I look back and say
that at least once…

I was kind to someone,
I let someone be kind to me.

I was strong,
I was gentle.

I smiled and laughed,
I made someone smile and laugh.

I knew when to talk,
I knew when to listen.

I learned something,
I taught something.

I did something for someone,
I did something for me.

I told someone “I love you.”

I remembered to love myself.

As the sun sets,
and this one day ends.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

All in One Day

/ Jodi / 36 Comments

All in One Day.

All in one day
from sunrise to sunset.

Invigoration on a cool, brisk early morning walk
chatting with a friend and accompanied by a faithful, furry companion.

Fulfillment baking a batch of pumpkin spice and chocolate chip cookies
to stash away and pull out to share with guests or to surprise a weary delivery person.

Accomplishment in completing important, but mundane household chores
like sweeping and washing and drying and folding.

Replenishment of soul and spirit by taking a short break to
relax in the unexpected warmth of the Autumn sunshine.

Memories brought back of people and circumstances from long ago
while traveling on roads that always take me back to that place and time.

Celebration of hard work and commitment at an appreciation event
for co-workers and friends and their families at the local zoo.

Giddiness choosing gifts that will teach and will comfort
and will bring joy to a cherished grandchild.

Comfort and love sharing it all with the one who knows me best
and still loves me anyway.

Reflection and a glass of wine to consider
the goodness and the blessings…. all in one day.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Feel

/ Jodi / 31 Comments

Feel.

“Poetry
is what happens
when
your mind
stops working…
and all you do
is
feel.”

-Atticus

Take
some time
today
to
just
feel.

Make
poetry
happen.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

Reach High

/ Jodi / 33 Comments

Reach High.

Reach high,
for stars
lie hidden
in your soul.

Dream deep,
for every dream
precedes
the goal.

-Pamela Vaull Starr

Are you reaching?
Are you stretching?
Are you seeking?

those stars that lie hidden in your soul?
those dreams that make you smile?
those dreams that bring you joy?

Keep reaching.
Keep dreaming.
Create your joy!

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi

The Flowers of Fall

/ Jodi / 44 Comments

The flowers of Fall
are the beautiful leaves

that in the summer
produced the forest’s shade.

The emerald and olive and mossy greens
turn to persimmon and crimson and gold.

The joy of Autumn
is in the cool, crisp breeze.

that carries the memory
of warmth and life and growth.

A breath of air inhaled
full of brisk, invigorating possibilities.

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi