I am a Simple Woman

If any of you were asked to describe me with just five adjectives, "simple" would probably not be one of them(but "random" might be after reading this). But as I have been recently pointing out to Chris, I am actually a very simple woman. Take food for instance, that's simple enough. I can appreciate (and even make) a Souffle, Creme Brulee, Flourless Chocolate Torte with Fresh Raspberry Coulis, a great Cheesecake, or even Blueberry Mascarpone Crepes but again my favorite desserts would still be a perfect Chocolate Malt (thanks Grandma and Grandpa for that) or I am perfectly happy winding down at the end of the day with a big bowl of Ice Cream (it doesn't even have to be Baskin-Robbins). And there is no snack better than a tall glass of milk, and a plate of cookies. I love a big breakfast with bacon, eggs, hash browns, and since we are talking about what really makes me happy, let's add a hot scone with honey butter to that. Who doesn't like a fancy dinner, or an expensive meal? But I can be just as happy with a good crunchy taco, pot roast, crunchy fried chicken, or what can be more satisfying than a pot of homemade stew, or even a simple bowl of spaghetti and meatballs? Anyone else getting hungry?

I know that's a lot about food but that's only because the one thing in life that truly makes me happy anytime is a good meal, with good people, and good conversation filled with real laughter! In other words, what makes me happy? Apparently, it's the combination of family, friends, fun, and food! I guess that is part of why I love cooking, and being the hostess! It enables me to share what makes me happy with others, and if I can create the atmosphere, or food that puts a smile on someone else's face, I guess it's even worth doing the dishes that follow. That includes my own little family, dinner time can easily become a chore, but on the days that I can remember the bigger picture of the opportunity to serve my little family and show my love in the kitchen- it's all worth it (not to mention enjoying the benefits of the lost art of family meal time).

I've heard at different times in my life, that I am capable of anything I want to do. By the world's standards, I'm probably not a very successful woman (admittedly by my own, I'm not either, my expectations have always been very high, but that is for a whole other blog) but I don't measure by the world's standards so in my simple world, I am successful in the respect that I'm trying and progressing in becoming a better wife, mother, homemaker, sister, daughter, friend, teacher- woman. As women, we wear lot's of hats and juggle many responsibilities- and feel a sense of necessity in wearing each and every one of these hats perfectly at the same time. I don't always remember this, but have learned and will relearn that the key isn't in wearing every hat perfectly at the same time, but to remember that there is a time and a season, and the key is balance. We have to learn to juggle and prioritize. We have to learn at the end of the day to be happy with the items we crossed off our to-do list, and not regret the few we didn't. We have to learn to be in the moment. Just today I had to remind myself that it was more important to sit and watch "Barbie and the Diamond Castle" with Claire simply because she asked me to- the dishes would still be in the sink when it was done, and they were just going to multiply anyway. Claire is going to be five tomorrow, and I have to remember that probably too soon, she'll be trying to get rid of me during a movie instead of asking me to stay, so I will try to treasure those little moments when I can... But at the end of the day, if my house is not a disaster, and Chris and the kids are fed and happy, and I did a little better than the day before... than I can say that I'm getting closer to being the successful woman that I want to become.

And as long as I can find a minute or two (amongst my other responsibilities) to express my creativity in whatever mode I'm in the mood for, than again, I'm happy. Whether it's quilting, cooking, scrapbooking, decorating my house (my biggest white canvas), or even planning a party- give me a simple creative outlet and I'm good to go!

And some final random, simple thoughts- I'd like to think that my simple views extend beyond myself. I wouldn't say that I'm a very judgmental person, I generally like to see the best in other's, and I like to give people the benefit of the doubt... So I don't expect a lot, mutual respect and kindness maybe. I'm sure the whole world would be a better place if more people would just listen, and "Be Nice!" So they might be random, but there are your confessions and musings for the day... and yes, I am a simple woman, and proud to be one!