Autumn Glow September Sunset, Mars, PA 9/26/16
Thick, heavy clouds part briefly
revealing glimpses of glimmering gold
and twinkling sapphire skies
above the emerald carpeted lawn
sprinkled with the first fallen leaves
that will soon crunch beneath our feet
as we walk the familiar lane…
on a sweet September sunset.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
First Fall Leaves – The Old Dogwood Tree – Mars, PA – September, 2016
Leaves
Leave time for the people you love and the things you love to do.
Leave your mind free of doubt to welcome new ideas and the opportunity to grow.
Leave disagreements to maintain peace and harmony.
Leave people better than you found them – hug the hurt, kiss the broken, love the lonely.
Leave your past in the past and live for what today has to offer.
Leave a mark – not a scar.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Your feathery fronds
flutter so fluidly,
delicately dancing,
preciously protecting.
You are the graceful
guardians of the garden.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
If it weren’t for
the rocks in its bed,
the stream
would have no song.
Listen for the sweet songs
amidst the rocky stream
that is this journey of life,
and keep singing.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Chrysanthemums in shades of orange and yellow.
Snuggly flannel shirts and cozy hooded sweatshirts.
Snapping and crackling of well-dried wood in the fireplace.
Sipping warm cinnamon apple cider spiked with bourbon.
Spongey pumpkin bread slathered with honey butter.
Crisp, tart apples with slivers of sharp cheddar cheese.
Brightly colored leaves swirling in the breeze.
Gingerbread and gingersnaps and ginger beer in Moscow mules.
High school and College and National and Fantasy football.
Soft socks, comfy crocs, and fuzzy slippers.
Roasted steaming cubes of butternut and acorn squash.
Popcorn munching during binge watching movie marathons.
Fleece blankets, tight hugs, and doggie snuggles.
Foreseeable Fall Frolicking.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
September Morning Clouds, Mars, PA
puffy,
cottony,
drifting clouds
truly clamour for my attention.
Without them,
the sky it quite plain,
flat,
usual,
and really rather ordinary.
But when the clouds decorate the sky,
the world is fancy,
it’s round and full and fluffy,
it’s different and unique and unusual
it’s EXTRAordinary.
So go ahead,
get your head up in the clouds.
It’s not a bad place to be
after all.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Alley at Marietta Square, Marietta, Georgia
Marietta Square
was so lovely.
Quaint little shoppes
with names like Lizards and Lollipops
where hubby and I giggled over stuffed pink owls
and old-fashioned toys,
and shared our excitement
for the upcoming birth of our first grandchild
while sipping peach tea
and frozen lemonade.
And I strolled through the most beautiful art museum
where local artisans displayed their heart and passion and craft
with the only criterion for this annual Metro Montage juried exhibition
being American citizenship,
but where I saw art that touched my heart even deeper
than the beautiful Monets
I had the privilege of viewing
at the Atlanta High Museum of Art only the day before.
The antique shoppes drew me in
with their charm and smell and nostalgia.
And we traversed the railroad track
envisioning the hustle and bustle
of the train station
that once was
where kisses and hugs
and waves goodbye
were followed by tears of joy and sorrow,
and dreams were created and shattered.
But the things that drew me in most
were the alley ways
where real life
happens.
Where shoppe owners
and restaurant chefs
and museum directors
do what they need to do
so we can enjoy
the things they have to share.
It’s that “in-between stuff”
that always draws me in.
The lives, the stories,
the struggles, the triumphs.
The day-to-day moments
that make it all real,
that make it all charming,
that make it all worth cherishing.
The in between alleys
that create our lives.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
Two possibilities exist:
either we are alone in the Universe
or we are not.
Both are equally terrifying.
-Arthur C. Clark
Deep thought to ponder isn’t it?
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
My sweet friend Janet found a recipe for this amazing summer vegetable tart, and I told her she had to come over so we could make it together and enjoy.
And that we did one evening this week.
Besides being so great to see her and spend time in the kitchen slicing and chopping and chatting….
O. M. G. – this turned out so delish!
With summer coming to an end and the abundance of zucchini and red-ripe tomatoes and eggplant and squash, this recipe is a must-do for a hot August evening dinner or Sunday lunch or brunch – or anytime really!
Anything smothered with Parmegiano Regianno is a winner in my book, but this savory summer vegetable tart is seriously a new favorite. Dare I admit I had 4 pieces?!
I think you are going to want to try this, so here is the recipe.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Roll out puff pastry or pie crust or crescent rolls on a baking stone or cookie sheet to rectangle or circle to form “pizza” tart crust.
Thinly slice vegetables with mandolin or sharp knife. Lay out on parchment paper or paper towel. Sprinkle with salt, and let set for 15 minutes. Pat dry with paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Spread tomato sauce on pastry. Layer with vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil. Top with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until crust is golden brown, vegetables are tender, and cheese is melted and browned. Let set for 5-10 minutes, cut, serve, and enjoy!
Happy Eating!
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
I smiled at you,
and I said “hello.”
You smiled back,
and we both continued on our way.
When we crossed paths again
in the next aisle of our local supermarket
you stopped me,
and you looked directly into my eyes,
and you told me
I was the most beautiful person you have ever seen.
I looked back at you
more than dumbfounded.
I am clearly not the most beautiful person
even in the supermarket that day
let alone being bestowed such an honor
as the most beautiful ever.
I told you
I am sure you are mistaken.
You said, “Oh no,”
I’ve seen many.
I’ve lived a lot of years,
and I have seen my fair share of people.
These days, I rarely encounter
anyone who even notices me passing by their way
let alone one who looks me in the eyes and smiles
and genuinely greets me.
You are the most beautiful person
I have ever seen.
I will never forget you
though many years have passed.
My skin is becoming more like I remember
thinking yours was.
You made my day.
You made my week.
Heck – let’s face it –
You made my year – maybe two.
I am still far from the most beautiful,
but you made me realize
beauty is so much more
than the physical appearance.
You – sweet, gentle man
may be the most beautiful person I have ever seen.
You impacted me so deeply
and so profoundly.
You taught me a lesson
I have carried with me through my life.
A lesson that has carried me through times
of darkness and doubt.
Beauty can take on many forms
and be seen through different lenses.
Sometimes beauty is a simple, sincere
“hello.”
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
the creative life in between 