50 laps around the sun

I have never been the type of person to wish away time. I have always tried my best to cherish each moment and never cared for time to move more swiftly so I could get to the weekend, my driver’s license, legally drink, finish school or even give birth. I have always felt the journey was more exciting and interesting than the destination. Sure, there are no absolutes and the birth of Mathew is one of those gray areas. I had a fabulous pregnancy and knew eventually Mathew would show himself and my life would change forever. I never saw a reason to rush it and it never occurred to me that he was in no rush either. He was 9 days late (that is, if we believe the doctor’s prediction was correct), I had a 36 hour labor, pushed for 6 hours and he crowned for three. Life is never a free ride and if I had to choose 9 months of a hellish pregnancy or 6 hours of intense labor. I’ll take the latter, without a doubt.

Although, I have tried my best to treasure each moment with Mathew, he has become a fixture in our lives for more than a decade. I still cannot believe that everything has happened so quickly. But what is more astounding to me is that I have just taken my 50th lap around the sun. It really is inconceivable and it just does not compute. Moreover, I just don’t feel that old. That is as long as I don’t look into the mirror, I think of myself as 25 years old ~ the time when I had my share of adventures but ready for oh so much more. But in reality, when you think about it, I am more than likely half way done with my life. When I turned 45, I accepted that I was middle aged ~ to live 90 years seems rather respectable. Of course, it is possible to live to 100, but I am not sure I would even want to.

This is what 50 looks like

This is what 50 looks like

So, I am trying to accept that I have less time on this earth than I have already had the privilege to experience. I would love to tell you that I have taken an inventory and worked out a plan but that is simply not me. Nevertheless, I feel a need to be more productive with the “things” that energize my soul, without letting them become “chores” which typically happens. I tend to tire of chores and lose my ambition to complete them after awhile. My house has become a victim of this issue. What I have learned is that when things are passions, they are not chores and leave a positive mark on our lovely world. The next step is to cultivate my passions, find more passions and live life to the fullest. I have always had these goals in the back of my mind but now they will be pulled to the front of the line. I still do not have a list but I think I am going in the right direction. My goal is to continue to be present in the moment and not hurry time. Hey, time marches on regardless. But also, I want to focus my pursuits on what fills my soul, in hopes that they will leave a positive mark when I am gone.

Have you taken an inventory of your life recently? Please share and I will continue to share.

 

 

Edible flowers

I love adding color to my salads. Most of the year, I do this with vegetables – carrots, red, orange, & yellow peppers, beets and tomatoes. When spring flowers start blooming, my salads start to look like a rainbow. I cannot resist, as the blossoms are so beautiful and packed full of nutrients.

redbud tree

Redbud blossoms

Redbud blossoms

The Redbud (Cercis canadensis) tree blossoms are spectacular. Before the leaves appear, the magenta blossoms develop along the branches. The flowers look similar to pea blossoms and actually taste a bit like a pea. Not only are the blossoms beautiful, they are high in Vitamin C and antioxidants as well as linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid.

common blue violets in lawnCommon Blue Violets (Viola spp.) blossoms and leaves are lovely additions to a salad. I prefer the young leaves, as they are more tender. Violets are high in vitamins A and C.

YUM!

YUM!

Always remember, when foraging to make sure the area hasn’t been sprayed with any chemicals or by the family dog.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.