keeping the focus positive…

or at least trying! it came very naturally for the first few days of january, but between this unbelievable nasty winter and other uncontrollable (at least for me) circumstances, it takes a little effort. but here’s the thing that strikes me today, if we have good health, we have everything. seriously, it’s true. it’s something that is so valuable, that if you don’t have it or your loved ones don’t have it, nothing else matters. on Christmas eve, when tom was ready to pray, i asked him to please add baby liam to his prayer. i received an email on Christmas eve day from my blog friend, shelly, asking for prayers for liam because he was back in the hospital. i’ve been praying for this little guy for months and my heart absolutely breaks for him and his family. today, i’m also praying for another little one with seemingly insurmountable health issues…it makes me think about our little ones and how fragile life is. i just want to hug every one of our grandchildren and not let go. it makes me realize that i need to be more grateful for good health and not blow little things/circumstances out of perspective.

it also causes me to think about how our words and actions can steal other’s joy. i don’t want to steal anyone’s joy. AND i don’t want to allow other’s to steal mine. people make choices and we have no control over those choices. so making a conscious effort to be content as much as possible with what we can control and let the rest go. people have to live with their consequences. even if it’s painful for us to see them go through the consequences. and hopefully they will grow through them and overcome victorious.

i think one of the things that has influenced my thoughts lately too, are all the hollywood tragedies and deaths. people with a crazy amount of money and power, dying or losing everyone who matters to them senselessly. it makes me positively sick. such a waste. maybe i need to stop watching the news. i really don’t mean to sound like debbie downer! life is good, there are just some weird things happening.

here are some “good things” as martha would say.

• the young victoria. even though i haven’t seen it yet, i’m looking forward to it! i just need to find a friend or two to go with, because tom isn’t interested : )
• carmelized onions. i know that sounds silly, but i have been making them and serving them a lot lately. i had giada on one day a week or two ago and she made them for a little appetizer on a flatbread cracker with goat cheese and prosciutto. so that night i made thin crust pizza and topped my quarter of the pizza with carmalized onions, mushrooms, and cheese. so good! a couple of nights ago, instead of putting onions in my herb roasted potatoes, i topped the roasted potatoes with carmalized onions…that was also really tasty! it also reminded me of the carmelized carrots that i was making on a regular basis a few months ago and had forgotten about recently.
• chitas chicken quesadillas. chitas is a local authentic mexican restaurant that is conveniently less than a block from the loft. last night, since i couldn’t cook, we ordered carryout and it was yummy. the chicken quesadillas have a ton of fresh avocado and are just the best! if you live locally, i highly recommend.
• emma. a new masterpiece classic miniseries which begins on pbs sunday night january 24 at 8 central. can’t wait!
• spiritual spinach. my friend tammy wrote this book and just got her website up and running. check it out here and buy her book. tammy is not only a great friend, but an awesome writer. i’m so happy for her and this new endeavor!

another VERY good thing is photographing newborns. i recently photographed baby joshua at my home. i haven’t done a shoot at my home in forever, but the lighting really is good in my living room this time of year.

he’s only 3 weeks old, but look at him look at the camera!

as always, part of the deal with me photographing newborns, is that i get to hold them and cuddle them. love it.

have a great day, look for the positive.

God bless!