My Minutia

Design, Art, Photography

Apr 25 2013

Bread & Wine

I picked up a couple books for our long drive last week. One of them has been so great, I had to share it with you; Bread & Wine, by Shauna Niequist. Oh my gosh…I love this book. I finished it up earlier in the week and I keep toting it all over the house and in the car with me. The Author, Shauna, connects with you easily (she did me anyway) and she shares many heartfelt stories. She keeps it real but she also inspires and moves you.

Shauna shares some amazing recipes. She will have your drooling and bookmarking recipes and adding to your grocery list. I sure did. Towards the beginning of the book somewhere she refers to noodles as ribbons. That’s when she had me.

To accommodate her husband, most of the recipes are gluten free. She isn’t all about organics or nutrition…so don’t think it’s that kind of book. She and her meals are about coming together, slowing down, and reaching for one more bite. Mostly though, they are interesting dishes and she makes you want to head into the kitchen and get to it.

I love Shauna’s quote written on the back of the book:

“My prayer is that you’ll read these pages first curled up on your couch or in bed or in the bathtub, and then after that you’ll bring it to the kitchen with you, turning corners of pages, breaking the spine, spilling red wine on it and splashing vinegar across the pages…and more than anything, I hope that when you put this book down, you’ll gather the people you love around your table and eat and drink, to tell stories, to be heard and fed and nourished on every level.”

There are questions and menus and stuff in the back of the book-making it a great choice for cooking clubs and book clubs.

I’m looking forward to trying some of the recipes. Tonight I’m making her Green Well Salad (p. 81). Can’t wait!

1 comment

JulieApril 25, 2013 - 10:36 am

Sounds like a fun read. I tried locating it from our library but the only book listed under the author’s name is called “Cold Tangerines”. I decided to request that one, instead. Thanks for the recommendation.

Apr 22 2013

We Sure Will Miss Him

Well we just spent some time with family in Oklahoma City for my Step Dad’s funeral. Of course it was a long drive, and of course it was even longer because we picked up Allie in the midst of the KU Relays her team was running in. And the kids were crammed in the backseat of our car for 5 hours and then again for 7 hours on the way home. But the trip was one I will never forget. And of course, I wish I was still there.

As soon as we got to the exit off the expressway, I started crying. I had a big reality check about how my Step Dad’s sweet smile and wrap around hugs won’t be waiting at the door to greet us. And how my Mom must be lost in that house now….and is she ready for the funeral, and is she … at the stop light I had to dry my eyes and tell myself to suck it up. I certainly didn’t want greet her all teary eyed and blubbering. I can’t even count the number of times I cried this past weekend. It doesn’t matter, it was all part of the deal. Part of the grief and the healing. I sure wasn’t the only one.

Dale’s funeral service was beautiful.The most beautiful funeral I’ve ever been to. My sister and I have been helping her get it just the way she wanted it. It was sad…incredibly…but it was also a special tribute to a wonderful man! There were meaningful hand picked songs sprinkled through out the service. Songs she has had picked out and waiting just for this day.

The whole family walked in to the chapel and placed a long stem rose in a vase to honor him, while Conway Twitty’s The Rose played. I have always loved that song…and now I love it even more.

She had a young singer come and sing Why Me Lord. It was so touching and inspirational. I’ve loved that song since I first heard it in the 70′s. If you know it…well you know what I’m talking about.

I’ve always thought Dale looked like Clint Black. He did. Something about those sweet and genuine cowboy eyes. I’m sure you can imagine what the whole room did when they played A Bad Goodbye.

There were so many stories about him during the service and the whole weekend really. Stories I’m glad I got to hear, and our kids too. They just don’t make men like him anymore.

I like to think that during the rough parts of the weekend, my family carried each other. I know there were times they did for me anyway. Maybe it was a silly gesture or joke from my son that lightened the mood. Or a friend of my mom saying just the right thing at just the right time.

The weather in Oklahoma City was perfect. Highs in the 70s. It was nice to see Spring somewhere! My Mom had perky pansies in her front yard…and there was green everything everywhere. I can’t wait for it to feel like Spring here! We might get snow tomorrow?! Maybe she will bring some of that good weather up here next weekend when she comes up for Allie’s graduation!?

1 comment

Monica FullertonApril 22, 2013 - 6:16 pm

It is so true that the small moments of friendship and laughter through the pain of loss mean so much. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Your post was such a touching tribute.

Apr 11 2013

Free Shipping on my Artwork!

So, I’ve been keeping busy this week. I think that’s how I process things. Thank you so much for your emails and comments about the recent loss of my Step Dad, Dale. It was a long road for him, and I feel like I’ve written about his trials and successes a lot over the years. Many of you shared those with us. I know your prayers have helped him and our family for a long time.

I can’t wait to go be with my Mom and Sis…I miss them so much. I’ve decided to offer a sweet deal to help us with our traveling expenses. Sounds like a win-win, right? I love win-win situations.

One of the things I absolutely decided to do was something special on my Etsy site. I am please to offer a Spring treat…FREE shipping on all of my original art now thru Saturday!

Have you seen some of the newest pieces? A couple more in my Imagined Portraits Series...the two on the right are on text book pages and are $25.

Sad News

Well friends, I’ve got some sad news to share. My Step Dad, Dale, lost his ten + year battle with lymphoma and leukemia. He passed away earlier this week.

As I have shared his struggles now and then on my blog so as you know it’s been a long road for him. The past few months especially. So even though he isn’t with our family here anymore, his troubles, struggles and pains are now a memory. He is in the arms of our Savior. He is whole once again. And that, my friends, is a very good thing.

My Mom loves this photo of them from a few years ago. I do, too. He is looking down on her and smiling. I like that.

8 comments

JulieApril 10, 2013 - 11:49 am

Oh, Teresa I’m so sorry for the loss you and your family are experiencing. I know you really loved your step dad.

This weekend we are traveling for my mom’s memorial. I understand the gladness knowing they are safe with Jesus. I also know it leaves a painful void. Will be praying for you guys, and especially for your dear mom as she adjusts to a new way of life.

Love to you, with prayers.

adminApril 10, 2013 - 1:48 pm

Thank you Julie. And sorry to hear about your Mom. Prayers to you, as well. xoxo

JerryAnneApril 10, 2013 - 2:29 pm

Teresa…So Sorry To Hear Of Your Family’s
Loss. It Is Always Hard To Lose A Loved One. Please Know That He Is Finally At Peace. You Are In My Prayers.

Kathleen MehusApril 10, 2013 - 2:54 pm

I have never commented before…but just had to respond to the picture of your sweet Mom and your step-Dad….such a beautiful look being exchanged … it makes me tear up..big hugs to you and your Mom.

KarlaApril 10, 2013 - 3:03 pm

Oh Dear Teresa,

I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your Sept Dad as I do remember how he went through some tough times as well as your Mother, doing all that she could to make him feel comfortable. I hope she can feel peace and comfort now that he is resting with the Lord but I’m sure she too will have days in which she misses him. I’m sending prayers up so blessings will come down on your family and loved ones.

Warm regards,
Karla

adminApril 10, 2013 - 3:38 pm

Thank you for your comment and prayers, Karla!
xoxo

adminApril 10, 2013 - 3:39 pm

Thanks for your comment Kathleen, and yes isn’t that a great photo of my parents? I love how he is looking down on her. He always will be! xoxo

ElaineApril 10, 2013 - 9:24 pm

Dear Teresa,
So sorry to hear this. I see such Love and caring in the picture above. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom.
Gods Blessings, Elaine

Apr 08 2013

ALT Magazine Reveal

Friday we road tripped to Des Moines for The Alt Magazine reveal. A couple years ago her voice danced over the phone line as she told me about this magazine. I asked her if she wanted to be a part of it her senior year, and she replied “Yes… if I get asked!!”

(Grandview University)

(Rasmussen Center, Art and Design, Grandview University)

Senior honor students are selective chosen by professors to participate in this year long venue of making a magazine together. Journalism majors, communication majors, photography majors and of course graphic design majors (of course!) come collaborate to put this magazine together.

So she DID get asked to be on the staff, and has worked with her team these past two semesters to put this together. Fast forward to now…

We thoroughly enjoyed seeing downtown Des Moines, before the reveal began. Isn’t the State Capitol Bldg. pretty? The East Village is such a happening hot spot. Loved the energy there. She will actually be working there in a few months, after graduation. Did I tell you that? So exciting!

We had a quick sip and munch before the reveal. I highly recommend Gramercy Tap . Spot on trend menu, staff and environment.

We met several of Allie’s professors. I’ve heard lots about them for 3 years now, so I was so glad to meet some of them. I’m a big fan of Mary’s work…

(Mary Jones and Allie)

We got to catch up with some of her roomies and besties at The Reveal. Such cute girls!

They unveiled the magazine cover at 8:00 p.m. sharp!

(Morgan, Allie and Austin)

Check out the models from the magazine, and cover. Pretty cool!

Such a wonderful night, and I’m so glad we got to be a part of it! She graduates in a couple weeks! This is such a busy month!

You can see their magazine online: here!

no comments