The Phoenix: Epicuriousmothering Rising

You know how all winter you dream about putting on shorts and light skirts and being able to walk outside with just a t-shirt on and feeling warm enough?  And then, in the summer as sweat rolls down you chest and back, you dream about putting on jeans and sweaters and actually feeling cold?   Well, it seems that fall has arrived and it's time to wear sweaters and jeans and jackets . . . but I can't believe it.  I know I'm going to get hot again, so I keep wearing my light weight shirts and pants or skirts.  I am an idiot.  Today, I had to sit in the car for 15 minutes with the heat blasting because . . .  I did not wear warm enough clothes. Note to self . . . GET THE WARM CLOTHES down like yesterday from the attic.   I haven't because I'm not ready!  It was in the 80s . . . and has gone straight to the 50s.  I need those beautiful 70s and 60s back! I have cute between clothes I've been waiting months to wear!  I kn...

Every year my Buddhist brother-in-law goes on this two week (I think) silent retreat.  For two weeks you don't way a word, you spend your days, hours upon hours sitting indian style on a cushion and meditate (meaning clear your head of every thought).  You eat in silence.  You sleep in silence (but what if you're a sleep talker . . . Phoebe would get booted like the first night.  She carries on long conversations in her sleep).  During these two weeks, my brother in law gets lots of mental work done.  He works through things and sees the world better and more clearly. I envy him. Well, I envy a day of silence. But the idea of it . . . oh the idea of having time like that . . . seems lovely.  But then I remember that being on a Silence Retreat means I can't talk  . . . and then I realize, well, that would be hard. I may last a day. Ok, maybe like five hours of silence.  I'm a chatty Cathy.  I would be kicked out by day t...

Sometimes you just have a good day.  It doesn't happen that often, but when it does, you just need to sit back and relish it.  That's what I'm doing right now. The sun is pouring in through the wall of windows in my room warming me all the way through.  Piper and Finn are happily playing downstairs with their cousins, their laughter and chatter floating up the stairs making me smile.  Celia has spent the day at home (her free day) making cake, reading, and actually helping me.  Phoebe is off with laughing friends--I won't see her again today I'm sure.  And John is off picking up pizza so no dinner making for me (joy joy joy) After a beautiful session of flowing yoga and a killer 10 minute ab workout with my choga girls, I walked three miles with Emily in the wind and the sunshine and felt cold and alive.  Then I curled up on the couch with the final book in the Red Rising series (honestly, best. books. ever!) and finally got to read.  I ignore...

10 Awesome (and really random) Ideas/thoughts I Live By 1)  Have Dance Parties.  Invite everyone over all ages and turn on lots of loud music and everyone just dance and dance and laugh.  I have one almost everyday in my house alone and it's honestly THE BEST THING EVER.  So I want everyone I know to come over and dance with me.  And bring their favorite songs. Are you with me?  COME OVER . . .  2)  We should eat cookies all day long.  I wish we could cookies for breakfast lunch and dinner.  Let's change the rules.  LET'S DO IT! 3) I love my children and I'm inordinately proud of them.  And probably, I'm blind to half their failings but I honestly can't worry about it.  Because they are insanely cool.  They.  Just.  Are.  And I can't take any credit.  They came that way.  I just get to watch them.  And sometimes yell at them when they are being a little too cool.  I go...