This morning is probably the first morning in weeks that I have felt... normal. Back to my good ol' self. I have been seriously down and out, facing some issues I apparently had been avoiding for way too long (oops). In addition to avoiding issues, for the past few months I have either been holed up here in my office or on the road (or in the air). The loneliness caught up to me. I think what was in order was some real, good, adult conversation. Non-work related. Face-to-face, at that. And I got it yesterday. And a good glass of wine! Whoooboy was that refreshing!
I am grateful today simply for feeling normal again. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and I have a really good cup of joe right here next to me. Mmm mmm good.
Oh! And... I am also super grateful that I have new plants. I have challenged myself to keep these alive until my husband comes home. :) The plants you see here are (clockwise from top left) your basic flowers (that should bloom all summer long, offering me fresh flowers w/o the $10/week grocery store bill), spinach, basil, nothing (or dead cilantro, whatever you want to call it), and a mix of lettuce greens! I am SO excited to not have to buy all of these at the grocery store weekly! I use all three of these greens in one of my favorite salad recipes, and it really feels good to know that they are grown in my backyard and cut fresh each time I make a salad. :)
And because I keep mentioning that I am going to share my healthy food recipes, I'll throw in my (current) favorite salad recipe to this Gratituesday. A little off-topic, I know. :)
1 handful of baby spinach leaves 1 handful of lettuce greens (romaine, etc.) 1 small handful of argula leaves 1 small handful of basil leaves 1/2 cup of artichoke hearts, drained from a can 2tbsp olive oil, drizzled on top salt/pepper to taste sprinkle freshly shaved parmesan cheese on top (as you can see I went a little overboard. I am trying to convince myself that all the greens make up for all the cheese. hah.)
Delish! Oh and if the artichoke hearts were NOT soaked in a vinegar/zest liquid upon purchase, I'd sprinkle the juice of 1/2 a lemon on top as well. Such a hearty meal!
P.S. I am in the market for a deck painter. Lynchburg friends, do you have any recommendations for me? :)
