Bless Her Heart

30 Days with a Grateful Heart - {Day 1}

Day 1 ~ These words by Mary Oliver....

Moments

There are moments that cry out to be fulfilled.
Like, telling someone you love them.
Or giving your money away, all of it.

Your heart is beating, isn’t it?
You’re not in chains, are you?

There is nothing more pathetic than caution
when headlong might save a life,
even, possibly, your own.

----------------------------------------------------------

Fighting the Good Fight, Day 1:

Casa Marinella

From their About Us page:

Casa Marianella  provides shelter, food and full supportive services to homeless immigrants.  Two clusters of shelters in renovated houses in residential neighborhoods in East Austin serve women and children escaping violence and adult immigrants. Our shelters are home-like facilities designed to meet emergency or transitional needs so vulnerable and injured people can resolve their immediate crisis, get stabilized and once again become independent, which then opens up space for new residents. In 29 years, our population has evolved from survivors of the Salvadoran war to asylum seeking refugees and other immigrants from over 40 countries.

 

Casa Marianella from sonia singh on Vimeo.

From their About Us page:

Casa Marianella  provides shelter, food and full supportive services to homeless immigrants.  Two clusters of shelters in renovated houses in residential neighborhoods in East Austin serve women and children escaping violence and adult immigrants. Our shelters are home-like facilities designed to meet emergency or transitional needs so vulnerable and injured people can resolve their immediate crisis, get stabilized and once again become independent, which then opens up space for new residents. In 29 years, our population has evolved from survivors of the Salvadoran war to asylum seeking refugees and other immigrants from over 40 countries.

 

30 Days with a Grateful Heart ~ Day 29

Day 29 ~ The Texas Sky

Tonight was all about the most spectacular sunset. I couldn't capture it's magnificence, but it's pure awesomeness was something to behold. I'm pretty sure I exclaimed "Are you kidding me?" to my empty truck as I was driving home. It just got bigger and brighter and bolder, until it actually made me ache with all of it's beautiful glowey-ness. Even when it had faded to grey it was still breathtaking in it's scope and texture. So, so lovely....

30 Days with a Grateful Heart ~ Day 28

Day 28 ~ Our Urban Green Spaces...

As much time as I spend day dreaming about running away to the mountains or the coast, I can lose sight of how lucky we are to have so many green spaces in Austin to explore and enjoy. Both the Barton Creek Greenbelt and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail are located in Central Austin and together offer over 17 miles of trails. In addition to these trails, we have many smaller loops all over town. Lately I've really enjoyed walking the small trail by our our house with the girlie. It's been a really lovely way to release the stress of the day...just walk right out the front door together, and keep walking until the shoulders relax a bit and the conversation starts to lighten....

30 Days with a Grateful Heart ~ Day 17

Day 17 ~ This Glorious Weather

As I scrolled through my Instagram feed this morning, I couldn't help but notice that so many of my friends that live on the East coast were posting photographs of huge snow drifts, half-shoveled driveways and thermometers showing sub-zero temperatures. While all of the winter wonderland pictures are beautiful, they make me cold just looking at them! I'm such a Texas weenie sometimes and I'll admit I was feeling particularly lucky to be living in Central Texas today. Bright blue skies and 70 degrees with full, beautiful, sunshine, windows open, skirt, flip flops, reading on the porch. Just heavenly. All of it. And dear friends on the East coast, lest you think I'm bragging...I'm fully aware that we pay for our winter nirvana in July and August when the temperatures soar above 100 degrees, sometimes for weeks on end. I also must admit that we've been known to drive out of state to find some snow, just so our children know that it's not just the stuff of fairy tales and the winter olympics. But not today. Today we stayed put and enjoyed all of the loveliness that is central Texas in winter. Now watch...I've jinxed it. :P

New Friday Tradition....

If you live in the ATX and you've not been to Lick yet, you're missing out on something special.  It's a small-batch ice creamery that uses locally sourced ingredients to create fantastic flavor profiles.  That's a whole lot of foodie type, catch phrasy words to let you know that they're putting a lot of thought and effort into what they're serving you.  We stopped by for a quick after school treat a couple of weeks ago, and we've since sworn a family pact to do our best to visit each Friday after school.  Pictured below is my cup of Roasted Beet with Fresh Mint and Caramelized Carrot with Tarragon. The girl ordered up Chocolate Orange (made with local organic oranges), Mint Chocolate Chip and Strawberry Basil. My mama chose the Coconut Avocado (vegan) and Strawberry Basil.  The flavor names could seem like they might be too adventurous for some palates, but the flavors are balanced and subtle, the custard creamy and smooth.  The girl keeps angling for a visit before Friday, but I'm determined to stay strong....

Wordless Wednesday: The writing on the wall....

A little thank you to the folks at the market...

It is rainy and gray in central Texas, and although we need the rain it can make things seem a little bleak when it rains for days on end.  Imagine my delight at the farmers' market this morning, when I found not only artichokes from Two Happy Children Farm but also loads of strawberries at Naegelin Farms!  While it was unfortunate for the farmers who had to brave the icky weather to sell their goods, I feel like I hit the jackpot with all of the incredible produce I brought home today. If I had any available light to take pictures in my house I would show you the beets, brussel sprouts, arugula, oyster mushrooms, cajeta, ricotta with artichokes, and on and on. I almost didn't peel myself out of the warm bed to head down to the market, but I remembered that I had pre-ordered goods from Dai Due that had to be picked up.  I'm so glad that I did.  Each vendor that I purchased from gave me a heartfelt "Thanks for coming out today."  Thank me? Seriously?  I was reminded of how grateful I am that these farmers and purveyors of fine local food, brave whatever market conditions each weekend...not to mention, uncertain crop yields, drought, flooding, freezing temperatures, and a thousand other variables that I can't even imagine.  My family directly benefits each and every week from the hard work and dedication of the many people who bring their goods to the market. I'm only sorry that it took a cold, rainy day to remind me to say thank you. Consider this a big 'ol kiss on the cheek from our family to yours.  Mwah!

Chilly Mornings Around These Parts...

Don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining.  As I sit here, the sun is shining and the wind is barely blowing. That being said, the mornings are still very chilly.  When I went outside to warm up my engine this morning, this is what The Man's rear window looked like...

Pretty, no?  Still, very cold for the weeny Texan part of me.  I know that people that live in colder parts of the country roll their eyes at our inability to deal with the cold down here...but we love our temperate winters, and anyone can tell you that we treasure them as a trade off for out brutal Texas summers. Anyway, this kind of chill calls for a warm, hearty breakfast.  This morning I made a pot of oatmeal and mixed in one tablespoon per oatmeal serving of Whole Cranberry and Tangerine Sauce by Confituras. To my mind, it added the perfect amount of sweetness and warmth to get the morning going.  The Man would prefer more sweetness I think...but then that's what the sugar bowl/honey bear are for, right?

Favorite Things: Antonelli's Cheese Shop

After the Farmers' Market on Saturday, The Girl, Auntie and I took a trip over to Antonelli's Cheese Shop.  I had a gift card that had been burning a hole in my pocket since Christmas, and we were in need of some treats.  I had heard good things from some of my foodie friends, and I knew the second we walked through the door that we wouldn't be disappointed.  We were greeted with a smile and friendly conversation by the cheese mongers behind the counter.  John, partial owner of Antonelli's and our personal cheese monger for the visit asked the girl about her favorite kinds of cheeses and deftly gave us samples of what he thought she might like.  She was sold...and we purchased cuts of both.  John and the rest of the people behind the counter are knowledgable and obviously love to share all they know about cheese.  They share information without being stuffy or overbearing about it, making their space a comfortable place to linger and shop...even with kids.  We enjoyed perusing all of the locally sourced condiments and treats and added handmade marshmallows by Delysia and grapefruit marmalade by Confituras to our basket.  We had just about finished up when John remarked that his favorite grilled cheese sandwich was of the Mascarpone/Nutella variety. Curious, we added those two necessary ingredients and locally baked ciabatta bread to our basket and high-tailed it out of there before we got ourselves in real trouble.  I am not exaggerating when I say this little sandwich is deadly incredible.  Super simple and very decadent. Check out the recipe below.

By Suggestion...Antonelli's Sweet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Mascarpone, Nutella and Banana on Grilled Ciabatta Bread

Crave Brothers Mascarpone

Nutella

Banana, sliced thin

Barrie Cullinan Ciabatta Bread

Slice the ciabatta open so that you have two halves.  Spread the mascarpone on one half and Nutella on the other.  Layer the banana slices on top of the Nutella and then put both sides together.  Grill in a panini press or a cast iron skillet for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and mascarpone is warm and melty.

*30 Days with a Grateful Heart - Day 4

Day 4: Blue Skies Smiling at Me

Days like today make it easy to find gratitudes.  Between the Farmers' Market and The Waldorf School's Winter Fair, we spent the majority of the day outside enjoying the lovely blue skies.  There are a million reasons to love living in central Texas, but the weather in December definitely tops the list.  I've heard tell that there is a cold front heading our way...but for today I can't see past the bluest skies and sunshine to think of much else.