Stranger than Fiction

Harold Crick: (runs to Ana the baker with a box of 10 paper bags in it) I'm glad I caught you.  I wanted to give you these.

Ana Pascal: What are they?

Harold Crick: Flours.

Ana Pascal:  (see the sweetness of the gesture, then realizing he's carried 10 bags of flours) Wait, you carried them all the way here?

Have you seen this movie?  If not, I beg you to.  It's an intelligently and delightfully narrated story.  (I just had to note it here today as I had it playing in the kitchen while I prepared food to take to Dad Danny and Mom Mila.) I don't know why, but there are many parts in this movie like the scene above that makes me pause, smile, and tear all at the same time.  In case you're wondering why I enjoy this so much, it's in the lesson of this story--- Find yourself and live.  Although this film may have been been influenced by some writings, I can't help but wish it to be a novel.  It would be a part my library.

Kay Eiffel: As Harold took a bite of Bavarian sugar cookie, he finally felt as if everything was going to be ok.  Sometimes, when we lose ourselves in fear and despair, in routine and constancy, in hopelessness and tragedy, we can thank God for Bavarian sugar cookies.  And, fortunately, when there aren't any cookies, we can still find reassurance in a familiar hand on our skin, or a kind and loving gesture, or a subtle encouragement, or a loving embrace, or an offer of comfort, not to mention hospital gurneys and nose plugs, an uneaten Danish, soft-spoken secrets, an Fender Stratocasters, and maybe the occassional piece of fiction.  And we must remember that all these things, the nuances, the anomalies, the subtleties, which we assume only accessorize our days, are effective for a much larger and noble cause.  They are here to save our lives.  I know the idea seems strange, but I also know that it just happens to be true...  

Anthropologie Inspired

Still enjoying the snow here.  I'm off to an evening run at the market, prep time in the kitchen, and hope to end my night cozy in bed--- finishing my book.  Happy weekend.

Thanks are pouring in...

Nothing is so quiet as a windless fall of snow.

Gladys Tabor

Your thanks have been pouring in since I mailed this special DVD to the de la Cruz family and friends.  (just read your text John and Lally : )  You're all very welcome!  It was a fun project for me and I'm happy to know you are all enjoying the collage of pictures of our time together this past holiday season. 

Back to Blogging

January is almost coming to a close.  Looking back in what is still the new year, I've shared a few lovely moments here. However, there's been many important events that have surrounded our daily lives here which I don't doubt has made an impact in yours too.  The historical presidential inauguration, continued massive job loss across the nation, state of our State, state of the health system I work for, the health and well-being of our loved ones, our future...  These are sobering thoughts.

I wanted to note them here as an encouragement and reminder for me and perhaps for you too, that God is in control.  So as I move forward to welcome February and the rest of this year, I take refuge in this-- "Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10 I am humbled and comforted by this.

It's good to be back to blogging.

P.S. from Utah

Tita Vangie and I got to catching-up tonight on my way home from work.  We reminisced about our family time together this past Christmas.  She reminded me to post more pictures.  Here's a couple of cute ones, easily titled, "Just the Two of Us". : )  Don't they look precious?

Me & You

Positioning my arm out to take the picture is a favorite shot of mine.

Taking Tea With Sophie

For my adorable niece Sophie, with love from Auntie Shell.

Notes from Sophie on her birthday tea party...

A Little Princess... it's always tea-time...

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Sophie's tea time etiquette rule number one: Have fun!

Rule number two: Don't take yourself so seriously.

Rule number three: Always remember to lighten up!

Sophie's tea setting.

My first official tea-time.

Auntie Jessica's pretty tea cup and saucer.

When holding a cup never put your finger through the handle. 

Auntie Shelley Marie and her happy tea pot.

Momma checking out Jonas Brothers...

concert pictures. : ) Yeah, she's cool like that!

Lovely ladies.

What a fabulous and delicious way to celebrate my 7th Birthday!

A Dedication

Dear Ate Delsa, Larry, & Dillon:

     Sending you our deepest sympathy today.  Know that we are thinking of you and lifting prayers of comfort and love as you said goodbye to Bobbie.

   I knew three things that were certain about Bobbie.  She was the ultimate knitter, it brought her so much joy.  (I remember her fondly when she gave Mama Delia a knitted poncho to keep her warm during her chemotherapy.  I remember her fondly now as I look at my knitting supplies.)  She loved spending time with her family and grandson especially, Dillon always put a smile on her face.  She was a woman of few words.  I hope that her silence was a reflection of her profound soul searching.  I hope she found peace in God.  

     I'm saddened that I never got the chance to send this to Bobbie.  Patrick and I picked this card for her in hopes to encourage her during her battle with cancer.  I regret being too late.  

   But it's not too late for us to send this encouragement to you--- her loved ones.  "Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3   Take care.

    

                                                                                                With love,

                                                                                        Michelle & Patrick

To Kill A Mockingbird

I was craving to spend time at the bookstore tonight. I miss it, the ambiance of books and coffee. I can spend countless hours with those two for company. I of course browsed through many potential books to take home. For whatever reason, I decided to pick this one up. I've been meaning to read or re-read some of the classics. Believe or not, I have no recollection reading To Kill A Mockingbird. (When it came to American literature, Steinbeck and Hemingway novels seem to be the popular choices of the English department back in my middle school and high school years.) Although I know the premise of the story, I'm looking forward to finally getting to know the story lines behind some very famous names: Scout, Atticus, and Boo Radley.

Back to my book... Goodnight.

Giada's Kitchen

Kuya Dohn:

I received your delightful surprise in the mail today!  You are always a step ahead of me.  I'm still working on my "Thank you" for you.  I love my new cookbook!  Giada is one of my favorite chefs.  I enjoy the simplicity in her cooking and baking, so much so I visited her old stomping ground in Paris.  Thought you may enjoy seeing where I placed your gift. I had a lot of fun cooking with you in your Food Network kitchen and can't wait to return.  Also, please extend our thanks to Jon for the incredible breads.  We will share them with the family.  Although as you can see, I'm notorious at diving into them. (LOL!)  I'll make sure to stop by at the beloved bakery next time I'm in town.  Lastly, I truly enjoyed the card and bookmark you enclosed. (I keep all of them.)  You always put so much love and thoughtfulness in everything you do.  I truly appreciate you and know that I take my lead from you! (smile)  

Big Hugs,

Amne

P.S. to Ate Delsa: How are we going to top this one again? I can already hear you say, "wala akong ma say..." (LOL!)  We can try but I think Kuya will always win. : )

Neige, Beignet, et Cafe

It's a beautiful morning.  Snow is falling.  A candid picture of the Mr. in his pjs dropping off a letter in our mailbox. (I think it's cute.) Doughnuts with strawberry jam and coffee for breakfast.  Wishing you a cozy Saturday morning.

Neige

Beignet

Cafe

Bonne week-end.

P.S. from Paris

Still day dreaming...  I took a little time to compile this post to help de-stress from yet another long day.  

a story book photo...

...from a lovely boat ride, this was my most memorable view

cafe living- my favorite pastime

two cafes where famous philosophers, writers, and artists... 

...used to commune, i always stop here 

american hamburger that cost 24 euros, too hungry to complain

what a pretty name for a bakery

tree above jim morrison's grave

  the majestic notre dame cathedral proudly stands on ile de la cite

i want this car

i always stop to smell the roses

Sigh.  It was nice to reminisce.