Harmony with Horses

As most of you know, I am a horse lover like none other. I had to stop riding a while back due to lack on money in the budget (it is an expensive sport, hobby, love).

Anyway, back in the spring I found this great workshop online called "Harmony with Horses" in West Sonoma County. I had planned on buying the workshop for myself for my birthday but Miss Wendy beat me to the punch and purchased it for me. Well, after a couple of cancellations due to rain, I went to the 3 hour workshop this past Saturday and it was incredible. I can't even explain what happened there but it was magical. It is all about personal intention and working on the same vibrational plane with the horses. There were 5 of us in the class and we all had the option to do a couple exercises testing our intention and personal space with the horses. Horses are so amazing, they never judge and can tune into what is going on in your head and I have never experienced that as much as I did on Saturday. I mean, I was tight with Apache, my relationship with him was intense and full of love and lessons - I felt him and he felt me - we needed each other at that time in both of our lives. The exercises on Saturday were in a nut shell, us as single humans, moving horses with nothing but our minds and intention. If you are intrigued or interested in hearing more, call me and I can lay down some examples. I know that I am going back to do more - I learned so much about myself and learned that I have a lot of work to do in order to become more confident in all aspects of my life. It was very revealing to say the least.

This entire experience made me miss Apache - I had a good cry afterwards. I just cropped this photo below and noticed that I named it "true love" when I originally loaded it on my flickr (4/20/07), that makes me sad. One day we may meet again, you never know. I know that each horse I meet will teach me something new about myself, Apache was the first and will always have a special place in my heart. Sniff. Lump in my throat.

Jess, if you are reading this - we have to talk about this, I want to share what I have learned. I think it would be cool to add to the potential equine program.

Date Night

Tim and I don't have a regularly scheduled date night like we used to. We should though, after 10 years of marriage it would be sort of fun, but has not been in the budget as of late. Friday night I went to pick Tim up and decided to make a turn on a street in my neighborhood where there is a small Italian restaurant on a corner advertising Pizza and Pasta in the window. As luck would have it I found a parking spot right out front and we went inside. It was a very small family run place with family photos all over the walls (which I love). The menu was simple, full of various pasta dishes which came with your choice of soup or salad. They also sold pizza, but that was "to go" only. We ordered a carafe of the house red wine, which was served in an old pitcher (so cool) - the carafe provided us each with 4 glasses of wine (great deal at $14 and so yummy).We each ordered a pasta dish, I decided to go for it, even though I have cut the majority flour/wheat of it out of my diet (well, until I go to Malta again!). I had a salad with mine and Tim had the minestrone, both were delicious and we were both very satisfied with our meals. We ended with cappuccino's and dessert - cheesecake for him and a cannoli for me.

It was a nice night out. I just read the reviews of the restaurant on yelp and they are not good - what do you expect in a city full of food snobs though? There are foodies (which I am one) and then there are the snobs (which I am not, I will eat whatever, where ever and when ever to try it out). This place is not for the snobs, but was fit for this girl and her mister who both love Italian food.

Here's to You!

YES WE CAN!!!!!

Congratulations Obama!

Thank God!

You've come a long way baby!

Nothing is impossible!

I BELIEVE.

VOTE

If you don't do anything else today, go out and VOTE if you have not already!

PS - Voting is sexy!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to all you ghouls and goblins!

My your night be filled with more treats than tricks.

Halloween has changed so much since I was a kid and from what I am finding it has changed even more over the last 100 years. Looks like there was more mysticism attached to it and seeing into the future than there is now. Where did all of that fun go? I hate when cool traditions are lost through time. Here are some Halloween postcards from the past that are so different than the Halloween that we know today.

Casablanca Pumpkins

I SUPER love these pumpkins from Martha.

They remind me of these lanterns I have been wanting FOREVER from here.

Happy Birthday Andy!

Today is my Big Brother Andy's Birthday!
I was super lucky to have him come into town for work 2 times last year!
I know he probably doesn't read this, but Andy, I miss you very much. I look up to you more than you know, you are honest and hardworking and a great Dad. You never seize to amaze me.

Maltese Women's Halloween Dinner

This post is overdue since we had the Women's Committee Halloween Party/Dinner at the Maltese American Social Club back in the beginning of October.

Most of us arrived in costume and we had a lovely dinner of Italian Sausage Sandwiches, Potato Salad, Green Salad, Wine, Coffee and various desserts.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the night.

Getting Chilly

There is a nip in the air these past few nights and it is getting darker earlier. I have to admit I love the fall and changes of season. We don't get too many changes out here, but summer to fall is always welcome in my world. We get some leaves turning but the thing I like the most is feeling like I need to get into bed earlier and pull up an extra blanket and a good book.
I took this photo Monday night from the top of the staircase across the street from my flat.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!
May I one day have the zest for life that you have.
You have taught me how to be positive and optimistic and for that I am so grateful.

Nifrahlek ghal gheluq sninek!
(Happy Birthday in Maltese for those wondering)

Sweet and Salty Treat

Every fall Tim and I make this simple sweet and salty treat to have around the house.
We love it!

In a large container with lid, mix dry roasted salted peanuts and candy corn - sometimes we add m&m's too! If you like sweet and salty, you will love this.

F.A.B. Veggie Curry

Last night on my way home I was talking to Angela about what to make for dinner, she was making Veggie Curry which ironically enough, I had just posted a comment on her blog asking for the recipe because she is a wonderful cook. So, I joined her and made it last night for dinner too, per her instructions. Both of us have a habit of cooking on the fly and not measuring so here is what I came up with. All props go to Angela, this is just my rendition of her recipe.
Ang, I hope you approve.

Saute onions, garlic and dried red chili pepper flakes in toasted sesame oil over medium heat until translucent.

Add veggies of any kind - this dish was great because I had just picked up my CSA box Thursday night.

Saute veggies until about half cooked, add one can of light coconut milk, curry powder (as much or as little as you like - I used about a palm full), salt and pepper to taste. I also added a little more dried chili flakes since we like the heat in our house. I put a lid over it and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to finish cooking to veggies, not too much though, I like a little crunch. At the very end after tasting it, I decided to add some dry roasted unsalted peanuts I had in the cupboard to make it a little more Thai and it was F.A.B.ulous!

We ate it over some brown basmati rice, nutty and delicious. To cool our pallets, we had a nice Spanish Sparkling Wine we got from Miss Carla.

Thanks Angela for the quick dinner recipe - maybe one day you will measure and I can make it just like yours.

Happy Birthday B-Boy

Happy 3rd Birthday my Blue Boy BayLee.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

Just made this up on Sunday morning and it was fabulous!
Welcome Autumn.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

4 servings

Water
1 Cup Steel Cut Oats
pinch or two of salt
3 Apples of your choice, cubed (dice size)
2 Tbls Sugar
1 Tbls Ghee (clarified butter)
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg

Boil 4 Cups of water in 4 Quart heavy bottom pot. Sprinkle in 1 Cup Steel Cut Oats, turn down heat slightly and stir while simmering until mixture becomes slightly thick. Let simmer low for 30 minutes stirring occasionally (try not to scrape the bottom of the pan if some stuck to it).

In a nonstick fry pan, melt 1 Tbls Ghee, add apples and toss to coat. Leave on medium heat without moving too much to ensure browning, but not burning. After cooking 5 minutes, sprinkle mixture with cinnamon and sugar, toss to coat and continue cooking until caramelized and golden in color.

In four bowls, evenly distribute oatmeal and top with apple mixture.

If you want to sweeten it more you can add a bit of maple syrup.

Old Book, New Book

I have mentioned this in a couple other posts, but wanted to share some photos and a little info.

I have been carrying around this leather notebook that belonged to a fountain pen salesmen from 1910-1912 (those are the dates in the notebook), I don't know why I think it is so interesting. I love opening it and reading his funny little sayings and reading his sales pitch ideas. He has also listed potential names for dogs, favorite songs and other random stuff. I keep him with me and have what he looks like in my mind, how is life was, etc. I keep him pretty private since I don't want anyone to change my ideas about him. Here are some photos of his notebook:

I too keep a little notebook that I carry around with my funny sayings, lists of things to do and ideas for projects, etc. I wonder if in 100 years someone like me will end up purchasing it at an antique store for $3.00 like I did the one above.

Here is mine, I had to skew it to protect my privacy but you can tell by the photos I am just as crazy about writing all my stuff down as the man above was.

Killing Me!

I saw this on TV on Saturday and almost fell of the couch laughing!
Hope you like it as well!

Check it out here.

I had the video embeded for about a week, but had to remove because it was driving me nuts, it would automatically play when the blog was opened.

The Many Faces of the Maltese Kat

These photos were taken over the last year or so, I thought it was time to post them since it is the Halloween season!

30+ Things You May Not Know About Me

30+ Random Things You May Not Know About Me

1. I was went undercover with the police when I was in 3rd Grade
2. I have a knack for mimicry
3. My 2nd toes are longer than all of the others
4. I collect old dance cards from the 20's-60's (full or empty, I don't discriminate)
5. I LOVE written correspondence - old and new (one time Wendy and I got sucked in to some old WW II V-Mail at an antique store for about an hour!)
6. I remember the licence plate number from the station wagon we had when I was a child.
7. I have an incredible memory
8. I used to record myself singing TV theme songs instead of practicing them on the piano after school.
9. I believe it is bad luck to put a hat on the bed
10. I really love hats!
11. I write short stories all the time, but usually keep them to myself
12. With #11 said, I would love to be a writer and be able to live in the middle of nowhere
13. I make lists for just about everything
14. I would love to learn how to play the mandolin or banjo
15. I can play the piano and read music (took lessons for all of my childhood)
16. I was on a bus that was held up in Vietnam - scariest moment ever!
17. I have actually performed a couple of minor miracles
18. I wanted to be Amish for a while - still would like to maybe, sometimes simple is better
19. I have a non-cancerous tumor in my left eye, but still have 20/20 vision
20. I used to have a speech impediment and had to go to speech therapy
21. I wanted to go to private High School and a different Middle School than most people in my town.
22. I love teeny tiny things, miniatures, etc.
23. I love being in a country where you know no one and cannot speak the language
24. I carry an old man's notebook from 1910 around with me - I think we are linked in some way (I got it at an antique store)
25. I have had a plantar wart on my left heel that I have had for more than 10 years (gross, I know but Dr. can't get rid of it).
26. I thought High School was going to be like the movie Grease (so sad)
27. I have a crush on Billy Bob Thornton
28. I love the 70's sitcom "Good Times" more than words can say
29. I always wanted to play the violin part of "The Devil Went Down to Georgia"
30. I am not a big chocolate fan
31. I have a knack for learning other languages
32. I hate wearing socks
33. I am a country girl married to a city boy
34. I eat certain things in even numbers only
35. I only wake up at 8, 16, 24, 32 or 48 after the hour - I am cuckoo about numbers
36. When I think of something I have not seen in a while, I get obsessed with finding it
37. When I was a child I used to suck my middle finger and ring finger and carry a blanket

Fabulous Find

Silver or Gold?

These Fabulous Shoes are $29.99 at Target!

Missing in Action 2

Hey folks!
I know, I have taken a little unscheduled hiatus from my blog as of late. Truth be told, I have been doing a lot of soul searching, trying to get myself back in order. I had an epiphany a couple weeks ago that during my long and drawn out adoption process I lost part of myself. It has been so stressful and consuming in every way that I was letting it take over my life as a whole. So, with the expiration of the US and Vietnam agreement, I have decided to get back to basics and start doing the things that make me happy since I seemed to have neglected myself along this journey, which we are still on, there was just a fork in the road.

I am back at yoga with a somewhat consistant practice. I am taking a workshop right now for 3 hours on Sunday's for the next couple weeks and it is HARD. I think maybe harder for me since I used to have a pretty consistent practice and was pretty comfortable with my abilities and now, being out of practice, things are a little different. It is good though, and I have to admit I love a good challenge, it makes me feel sturdy. The bonus is that I get free yoga during the weeks between the workshop on Sunday's. Tonight I am going to mellow out with a Gentle Restorative Class which will be nice on a Friday after work.

That is really about it - just taking more time for myself lately and if that means I can't post for a couple days so be it. I have a feeling though with all of my favorite holidays and foods of the season coming up, I will be posting more.

A Gift for Moi!

I love getting packages from Amazon.com especially on an uneventful Monday afternoon.

Sometimes you just have to give in and buy something for yourself.

I looked at this book over and over at my aunts house and had to have it for myself because it is chalk full of great recipes vegetarian and non (that can be altered). I love Ina Garten's simplicity and mellow home made style. If you get a chance, check out barefoot contessa at home, you may even end up buying it for yourself.

I can't wait to make this...first of all, it's pink and second, its beets and I love beets!

Into the Woods

Still inspired by the wonders of nature on our vacation to the mountains, Tim and I decided to go on a hike yesterday and enjoy the great outdoors. I mean, we have the best areas in Northern California and they are no more than a car ride away! We are truly blessed to live here.

We went to the Tomales Bay area of Point Reyes National Seashore and took a hike that lead to three little beaches. I had been out there before to Hearts Desire Beach, but was alone and freaked myself out on my hike so it was nice to relax with Tim walking behind me with a large walking stick. The hike was supposed to be 4.6 miles but we made a short cut on another trail so it ended up being about 3.2 instead. We had a great time except for the 1.6 mile short cut was all uphill on the way back to the car. Kind of funny, we kept laughing though and our spirits were high as usual and we pressed on. I think laughter can get you through anything. At the end we both felt really good and plan on going back out soon to check out another hike in the area. We have a book that we are going to make our way though and keep notes, etc.

Some highlights of the hike were:

Large hive of bees in a dead tree

Using brute strength to lift an entire tree out of the way of the trail (ha ha)

Little beach full of jelly fish that we launched with a stick back into the water (we had to try and save some of them)

To wrap it up we took the long way home along the coast (I know a lot of short cuts through West Marin) and got salads from Whole Foods Market for dinner that we enjoyed with some wine we had at home from our recent trip to Napa.

Cute Halloween Stuff

I went to Michael's yesterday and got some super cute Halloween stuff by Martha Stewart for my office. Go now and get some before they run out - I learned my lesson last year.

I love the little mice. I think I might have to take some home and put them by BayLee's food!

Fabulous Find

I love everything that has to do with Autumn especially Halloween.

This mat is super cute - if I had a porch, I would get it myself.

Check it out!

One of my photos from my road trip with Angela got picked up for the Salt Lake City schmap!
Click on the link and then scroll over Red Rock Brewing Company - there is a photo of my meal!
Salt Lake City - Cafés

Back to Reality

It has taken some time for me to get back to reality from my wonderful vacation!

It was so nice to hang with my family and get to the mountains, I LOVE the mountains.

I don't want to give too much away, so here are some highlights:

• Fabulous weather the entire time (no fog at all!)
• Dinner at Half Moon Bay Brewing Co. outside
• Lunch at Sam's outside on the water
• Strolling through Sausalito and looking at jelly fish in the Bay
• Riding the carousel with Mom in Golden Gate Park
• Mom, Dad and I, cheering when Tim walked out of his office to kick off his long weekend vacation!
• Wine Tasting in Napa
• Picnic in Napa with home made lunch and Dean and Deluca desserts
• Getting "pulled over" in Napa, or so we thought, ha ha!
• "You know the routine" - inside joke
• Tasting (drinking) WAY too much wine
• Listening to James Taylor through Yosemite on the way to Mammoth Lakes
• Aunt Linda, George, Kelley, Matias and Edwardo in Mammoth
• Hiking around at 11,000 feet on Mammoth Mtn.
• Seeing a Momma and Baby Bear near Twin Lakes
• The Tiger Bar in June Lake
• Linda and Kelley's dinner on Saturday night
• Yosemite Valley on the way home with Tim
• Kissing BayLee when we got home
• Sleeping in my own bed after our trip
• Having one last day open before returning to work

For those of you reading, I have to tell you, that a vacation with the Lemke Family is a LOT of fun. We laughed so much, got some sun, drank some wine and had a blast!

I am not glad to be back, I have to be honest. Being in the mountains reminded me of my climbing days and weekends of packing the car and letting the adventure unfold in front of us. I didn't know Tim during those times but am hoping to incorporate a little more of my past experiences in the outdoors back into my life.

Here are some photos from our trip.

The above photo was taken from the car as to not disturb Momma, hence the reflection.

Lucky!

Mom and Dad are here and the weather is incredible here in the Bay Area. This is the time of year we get our summer.

We ate dinner outside last night in Half Moon Bay and it never got windy or cold, lucky!

Vacation

I am taking a half day tomorrow (I hope) because my parents are flying in to spend a couple days in San Francisco. I may not post during this time, not sure what the plans are - they are still kind of up in the air as to what we will do each day. I know Thursday we are going to Napa and Friday we are on our way out to Mammoth and Yosemite (where Tim has never been). It should be a nice little road trip. I am looking forward to seeing family for a few days. We will back in the Bay Area (Tim and I) on Sunday night.
If I have time, I will post, but if I don't...I'll be back soon!

Fabulous Find

OK, so I am a little biased, but these cookies ROCK! They are not like your Momma's Nabisco
'Nilla Wafers, they are 100 times better. Crispy and light, with great vanilla flavor. Please go to Whole Foods Market and try them at once. They also come in Lemon flavor, yummmm. I have yet to try those. I am scared to get them because once they are open at our house, they will soon disappear.

Tim and I made dessert with these last night, we put cookies in the bottom of a bowl, topped with Espresso Ciao Bella Gelato and topped with chocolate sauce, sweet!