nature calls

I made a French version of cheesecake today. It was, perhaps, my greatest accomplishment in the kitchen here. I am thrilled to report that the kids demanded seconds, and Stéphane, a connosieur of cheesecake was quite impressed. I will certainly add the recipe (in metric measurements, of course) to my repertoire.

The morning coolness was perfect for staying in bed, and I lingered over the memories of breakfasts in bed with my grandmother. We would spend nearly all day in bed, watching cheesy movies on TV or the latest fashions of home improvements while sipping hot tea (she loves coffee, so her cup held a fresh brew) and enjoying the perfect breakfast. I do miss those days. So, Nana, here's to you. My morning today was certainly spent in your honor.

My afternoon, however, was for you who loves cuisine. To you who loves life and loves adventure, my afternoon was for you. I danced to music as I blended the cheeses and carefully set the mixture in the oven, praying for success with every breath. And, what's more, I made seafood risotto for dinner. I had all four burners going simultaneously. At the dinner table, it was only smiles and sighs of satisfaction. My general sense of confidence in myself increases ten-fold when I have created a delightful meal. I wonder if it's the same for all women?

Enduring the afternoon heat, I headed to the Barrage de Bimont this afternoon, wanting to get in a run as well as soak in the view of splendor. I just love it here. I just love the fresh taste of the air. I love the natural wonders that peacefully sit, perfectly poised for all to see. I am nothing but rejeuvenated and revived by the glorious view. There is something truly magical about nature, regardless of whether you enjoy "the outdoors" or not. Enjoying camping, hiking, mountain biking, etc. is not necessary to enjoy nature. We spend so much of our time indoors, in cities, in restaurants, in the office, in our rooms. We forget that all of those "in" places are man-made places. If we are spending most of our time in places that we have created, how can we expect to know Him? It is true that we are a product of our environment, and I wholeheartedly believe that it is necessary to enjoy the simplicity of nature, wherever that is.

So, here it is, the days' challenge: find something in nature to enjoy today. I realize that it's summer and the heat is perhaps a bit overwhelming, but go to a museum of natural history, or head to an aquarium, if you have one near you. Go to the zoo, sit out on the patio tonight, go to a park. Do something where you are surrounded by simple things, natural things. I promise you will be all the better for it.