Truffle Oil Popcorn

Popcorn with butter is delicious.

Popcorn with truffle oil is divine.

I highly recommend you try it sometime.

Hugs,

Melissa

Life is Like A Ferris Wheel

I snapped this night shot of the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier in Chicago over the weekend. I think that Ferris Wheels are very beautiful especially at night, but I would not dare to ride one. I am terrified of heights.

It may sound weird but life is kind of like a ride on a Ferris Wheel. Before the ride starts, we find ourselves at the bottom of the wheel not able to see much but the ground and the carts ahead of and behind us.

As as the ride begins, slowly we begin to rise up, we start to be able to see past the ground level. The carts ahead of us no longer impede our view. We don't even notice the carts behind us anymore. And why would we? There is so much to see as we look out. As we climb, ever-so- slowly, we see things we would never be able to see at the ground level. We are rising above it all, getting a bird's eye view of the scenery. As we reach the top of the wheel we can see for miles in all directions. Then, slowly we descend again to the ground. Our all encompassing view becomes impeded with each moment. Finally, we reach the ground exhilarated by the view. Wanting for more.

Riding a Ferris Wheel is like those times in our life when we can't see anything but the here and now, the tasks ahead of us, reminders of our past mistakes. We long to move forward, onward and upward, to see past the hardships, the hurts, the never ending responsibilities. We wait with hopeful anticipation of better days. It may take days, months or even years, yet we wait.

Then the ascent begins. We find that we can see past the obstacles blocking our view of what lies ahead in our life journey. We find ourselves looking at the here and now, but seeing the horizon rise up before us. We realize that there is a much bigger picture. We find clarity in the 360 degree view, even if it is momentary. Just that glimpse gives us hope for the future, peace with our past, and joy for the present. The descent is now full of understanding, full of anticipation, alive with possibilities. Even when we reach the ground again, we know that the only way to go again is up.

In Jeremiah 29:11 God says, "For I know the plans that I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future."

Hugs,

Melissa

Migration

Our youngest monkey girl has been studying about birds lately.  Recently, we read about bird migration.  It was really fascinating and I was kind of geeking out over some of the information.  For instance, did you know that some birds will fly 3,000 miles non-stop over the ocean during migration? 3,000 miles!!!

For the past couple of mornings, I have been thinking a lot about migration.  There are several hundred geese in the field behind the hotel and they have become my alarm clock.  There is no sound quite like a collective chorus of honking geese. Wow!  

As I watch them from afar (geese are not known to be very congenial creatures), I notice that they are on a mission of sorts.  They spend hours in the field doing two things.  First, they seem to be positioning themselves in the most sunlit areas of the field.  They stay on the grass that is drenched by the sun.  At the beginning of the day, when the sun is only shining on a small portion of the field, they cram into that area.  As the sun rises and more of the field is illuminated, they spread out.  Second, they are constantly eating.  The field must be full of worms or bugs of some sort that the geese are gorging on. 

The days are growing shorter and colder. Instinctively, the geese are preparing for migration.  They will need the extra fat from the bug feast and the warmth and vitamins that they get from the sunshine to make their long hard journey South.  It's almost time. 

As they take fight in a few weeks, they will take a course that is familiar.  In fact, birds have been known to stop at the same bird feeder around the same time each year as they migrate. They will face wind resistance and have to self correct.  Even a slight deviation in one direction can throw them miles off their mark.

I feel like I have learned some valuable lessons by observing the geese for the past couple of days.  It dawned on me this morning that I am preparing for a migration of sorts.  I am migrating out of one season of my life and into another.  It takes a lot of preparation to migrate.  I have to make sure that I stay in the light of the Lord, so that I do not loose my footing.  He guides me with his light.  I need to make sure that I am filling myself with spiritual truths.  Feasting on them.  Fattening up, preparing for the long and often times, difficult journey that lies ahead.  There will be resistance and that could result in me deviating from the course if I am not able to recalibrate.  Ultimately, I want to stay the course and migrate well.  At the end of the migration route, there are greener fields. 

Hugs, 

Melissa

Chilling In Chicago

I had to pinch myself just now as I typed that title. Not just because I am in Chicago which is pretty awesome in and of itself. And not just because I am chilling out listening to some great worship music. And not just because I get to spend time with a dear friend. And not just because I am wearing the softest, fuzziest socks ever. But mostly because I have an amazing husband and sweet children who encouraged me to go take some time to recharge and reconnect with my Creator.

Hugs,

Melissa

Just How Hungry are You?

Do you have a hankering for some gourmet junk food?  Check this out...

How would you like to sink your teeth into a slice of this pizza?

Photo credit: Reuters

It looks pretty inviting, right?  And it should, because it is loaded with creme fraiche, Maine lobster tail and caviar.  And you have a small slice for $125 or the whole pie for $1000! 

And after you have cleaned out the pizza box and your savings account, you can dip into your retirement account and have this gourmet ice cream sundae for dessert.

Photo credit: You Tube/Destination Luxury

With rich Tahitian vanilla ice cream, melted chocolate from Venezuela, and gold covered almonds, it's just a mere $1000.

Let's see, $2000 for dinner and dessert? Hmmm...that is just a little over our monthly grocery budget.  Maybe if we don't eat or feed the kids for a month,  Pete and I can take the monkeys out for a sliver of pizza and a spoonful of sundae.  Oh wait!  There's probably a sharing fee. 

Maybe we will just have to settle for the $1500 hotdog...

Photo credit: worldrecordacademy.com

Hugs, 

Melissa

Seasons of the Heart

We are at our daughter's middle school writing class this morning. Her teacher lives out in the country on a beautiful piece of property. There are cats and dogs, butterflies and chickens, cows and our favorite...these gorgeous horses.

I love how they look this morning relaxing in cool shade of an autumn colored maple tree. So peaceful and gentle...

The warm glow of the morning sun on cypress trees in the background and the hints of coolness in the air announce that fall is settling in here in Florida.

Just as the seasons change here on Earth, I feel that we have seasons of change in our hearts. Hearts are like our internal barometers, sensing the rising and falling emotions that come with life's transitions. Seasons of the heart can include times of strength, contentment, fragility, joy, desperation, confusion, and countless other expressions. What happens around us or to us directly affects the deepest reaches of our inner being - our hearts.

What season are you in now, my friends? Is this springtime for you, full of the promise of newness or renewal. Is it summer? A time of growth and digging your roots down deep. Maybe it is fall and you are preparing for a harvest of this season of your life. Or could it be winter, a time of rest, reflection, even sadness?

I think that we can and will fluctuate between seasons of the heart our whole lives. Life is complicated and beautiful. As it says in Ecclesiastes, there is a time (or season) for everything under the sun.

I would really enjoy hearing your thoughts, my friends.

Hugs,

Melissa

Do You Date Your Kids?

Years ago, we heard the best parenting advice ever.  It's simple.  Take your kiddos on a date.  We started this tradition with each of our kids and it has been a great way to connect with them. The date does not have to be anything elaborate or expensive.  We are talking quality time.  

Sometimes, the little monkey and I like to go have cinnamon rolls in the morning.  It starts the day off just right.  He gets a sugar high and some mommy time and I get some monkey time and fatter thighs.  Yes!

Hugs, 

Melissa