Let’s Play

When do you play? Most of us played blissfully as children. Play is bliss. We become lost in time, in joy. What brings that back to you today?

For me, play is spending an afternoon with my cousin doing whatever strikes us, playing the piano, cooking with DH, reading and writing, walking, kayaking and swimming. But many other things too, like an evening with friends.

Anything can be a source of play – even Post-it Notes – as you can see in this creative film, Deadline.

Play a little today.

You may also like Doll Houses From My Childhood, Paper Dolls, Roller Skates & Gum Chains, and Walking in Spring.

Prairie Walk

Here’s what I encountered this week on the prairie –

Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar

Lots of color! The prairie absorbs heat – meaning the air actually feels noticeably cooler as we walk through it. Natural air conditioning.

Global warming means that weather becomes more extreme (record heat, as in July in 50 states) with more severe storms and droughts. Prairies help to resist global warming by moderating the temperature, taking CO2 out of the atmosphere and moving surface water/moisture down deep into the ground.

If you like, consider planting a prairie of your own. A small group of neighbors can easily create a larger one using open space in your neighborhood.

There are many kinds of prairies to choose from; rainwater, woodland, wetlands, savanna, shoreline and more.

Click Prairie Restoration for information, check out their plant catalog or visit a Prairie Store near you!

You may also like Prairie Walk (July) and White Prairie.

 

 

Power of Reframing

In previous posts I wrote about the importance of how we speak about things as well as the importance of how we frame things.

It’s important because our survival depends on our ability to see reality clearly. The way we frame things helps us to see clearly (or not) so we can make necessary changes.

Here’s an inspiring short film – Story of a Sign – that demonstrates this.

You may also like Power of Framing, Truth or Consequences, and Myth of Objective Reporting.

Chocolate Eclair Dessert

Ever taste a real chocolate éclair from a Parisian patisserie? If you have and would like to repeat that experience, or if you haven’t but would like to, keep reading.

These hot, steamy days of August, try this chilled, no-bake Chocolate Éclair Dessert. It tastes exactly like a chocolate éclair – or about as close as you will get without purchasing it from Fauchon Patisserie in Paris. Warning: super-high calorie alert.

While it takes almost no time to make – it does take time to chill – but it’s worth it. You can try many variations (sliced strawberries on top, chocolate instead of vanilla pudding, etc.) Best of all, no oven means it doesn’t heat up the house.

This recipe was given to me by a very close friend, no longer here. I remember her every time I make it.

Ingredients:

1 box graham crackers, 8 oz Cool Whip, 2 small boxes of vanilla pudding, 2 cups milk, 1 can milk chocolate frosting.

1. In a mixing bowl slowly stir 2 cups milk into the pudding mix until smooth. Fold in Cool Whip.

2. In a 9X13 pan place one layer of whole graham crackers. Spread 1/2 pudding mixture. Place another layer of graham crackers. Spread remaining pudding mixture. Place a layer of graham crackers on top. Spread frosting on top layer of crackers. Be sure to cover all the way to the edges to seal the dessert.

3. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator 6 hours or overnight. Slice and serve.

Moisture from the pudding mix expands the crackers creating a pastry or cake-like texture. The vanilla pudding and chocolate frosting add the flavors and creaminess of an éclair.

Invite some friends for evening dessert. Slice and serve with french press coffee. Parlez français.

Bon appétit.

You may also like Fruit Soup, No Cook Marinera & Pasta and Citron Pressé.

Colorful Container Garden

Photo R. Meshar

A friend of mine enjoys gardening. Here’s a lesson in small space living; even though she has a balcony, not a yard, she hasn’t let that stop her from having an extravagant garden. Using a few terracotta pots and selecting rich, contrasting colors she created a balcony oasis. Take a look for yourself.

Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar
Photo R. Meshar

You may also like Patio Zen Garden and if you have a little time to spend relaxing on a balcony, deck or patio check out Citron Pressé.