my kitchen is my studio

I have always envied those that have a "studio."  You know the kind I am talking about....the charming small structure in stunning backyards we have all seen in magazines?  They come in many forms, potting shed, green house, photography studio etc.....  I recently discovered that I have always had a studio in my home.  My kitchen!  I love to cook and my passion is baking!  My shelves are filled with more cookbooks than I can count!  I also love reading recipes online, Pinterest, blogs, Food Network.......like many of you I have pinned and saved more than I can bake!  So what good are all these recipes doing sitting on the shelf or locked up in my computer?  It's time to get them out and start baking and sharing!  My goal is to take a couple cookbooks off the shelf each week and choose something from my many files on my computer and "bake!"  I know several people that are always willing to sink their teeth into something fresh out of the oven!

My Kitchen Aid is my favorite tool in my "studio!"

I was really in the mood to whip up something scrumptious.  I flipped through cookbooks, looked online and finally pulled out an oldie but goodie!  My mom was on my heart a lot today so I baked Chocolate Drop Cookies.  Mom made these cookies more times than I can count when I was a kid.  I remember many times helping her and as we would frost the cookies I loved how shiny the frosting was but when the frosting dried it became dull!  I would always tell mom I wish they would stay shiny. There was just something about the shine that made them look more inviting.  

I wrote this recipe on this card when I was in 7th grade!  Thank goodness my handwriting has improved!  

Today I happened to catch an episode of Barefoot Contessa (one of my favorite cooking shows), Ida was making Chocolate Ganache' and talked about how ganache' keeps it's shine once it dries.  I had to give this a try!  

Wa La!!!!  Totally Shinny!  

Making cookies from my childhood warmed my heart, cookies warmed my tummy!  I am forever grateful for all the wonderful times I had with mom in the kitchen.  I am thankful I have many of her recipes that I can create in my "studio!"

Bon Appetit'

memories of my mom, my journey and a new season........

Summer is quickly winding down and fall is just around the corner...my favorite time of the year!  Side note...I am for sure a dot dot dot kind of gal!  Sorry always have been always will be...

On Friday, April 5, 2013 my world changed dramatically.  I was shopping at Sam's with my grandson Eli when at 8:50 in the morning I received a call from my dad.  Mom was being rushed to the hospital in Wichita, KS and it wasn't looking good.  After getting a few things together, delivering Eli, my brother and I were on our way to Wichita.  To make a long story short my two brother's and I made it to the hospital in time to say good bye to mom.  It was by far the hardest thing I have ever had to do.  At 1:15 in the afternoon mom began her journey in heaven and I began my journey without my mom here on earth.  I thank God every day for my mom and the time and wonderful memories we all had together.  I focus on the time we had together and not the times we aren't going to have anymore.  The last four plus months have been full of mixed emotions.  Good moments and bad moments!  One day last week it was pretty hot and sticky outside.  I had some baby powder in a drawer and sprinkled some on to take away the "stickiness!"  At that moment I remembered my mom always using a powder called Shower to Shower.  I didn't know if it was made anymore but I had to find out!  I hopped in the car and drove to Walmart.  There on the shelf it was with the "original"scent!  I opened the lid and gently sprinkled some on my wrist.  I closed my eyes and  inhaled and was immediately taken back to my childhood!  I could smell my mom after she had taken her bath at night!  Oh the wonderful memory!  I stood their in the aisle with tears streaming down my face smiling!  The packaging has changed of course but not the wonderful smell!  I bought a bottle and use it every night after my bath......

Mom always used Mary Kay's night cream.  I have this jar that I found in her bathroom.  That fragrance takes me right back to my childhood as well!  The picture was taken at Mitch's wedding in Nappa two years ago.  These things sit on my shelf in my closet and I smile and say hello to mom every day!

I have decided that the best way to honor my mom's memory is through the quality of how I lead my life!  I was spending time with a friend and she made a statement that has really stuck with me.  It's a new season in my life.  Hence the new title of my blog...."a new season"

I miss my mom everyday but I know that she is with me all the time!  I am so thankful for my faith and knowing that on mom's best day here on earth she wouldn't trade it for what she is experiencing in heaven!  I know I will be with her again and everything will be revealed!  So mom until we meet again I am going to enjoy this new season and journey in my life!

Hugs...