Changes: Again On The Road Barefoot

I am not sure but as I searched today for an image in my iPhoto file that spoke of change, I really hoped for a thoughtful shot of me in a melancholy way. But instead this photo from last Christmas at my folks leaped off the screen.

My baby sister and I have always found a way to have fun even in the worst of times or most tense situations. When matters of family are involved I am sure most agree levity is the best medicine. It is in achieving this air that our spirits can rise above the fray.

In the area of change I have not always been the best poster child. I tend to think too much and in thinking create massive road maps that Mapquest has yet to chart.

Recently, I began to entertain the idea of shaking up my life. Well, to be honest, recent as in last summer, so the road map to this day has been a rather long one.

What one would normally refer to as a new chapter is actually feeling more like a whole new book. Over the past years I spent much of my time building a career with a very specific way of working with my clients. In a nutshell it often played out like this. I listen to a client's needs, open a folder and then began to lead them through a reasoned solution. This problem solving technique has afforded me many fun projects as I stepped up in this leadership role.

This new book feels more like a return to college, as I will be spending much time learning a new area of work. It is my time to listen and learn again. Although I am a huge believer that we always bring the wealth of our past to the table, this new position defiantly tips to an uncharted landscape. For this I am excited about the upcoming journey.

It took some wrangling both within me and with my clients to make all this work. But today I feel excited about what I have crafted. So during the next months look for updates on how my life has changed. Last night was great because I got to let go with a few friends. The sweet release of this tension that has been building over the months was breathtaking. I am so calm today.

I still have at the core of my heart the spirit of a poet and will always strive to put words to life as I seek for answers. But as the poet Rilke once said, sometimes it is best to learn to love the questions.
I may not have the map figured out but at least I have answered one question. In doing so I have opened a book full of even more inquiries. Change is exciting.

And the photo of me with my sister truly does represent how I feel inside today. I may be a bit goofy, silly and even childish but my boyish wonder is still intact and ready to wander barefoot down new roads yet to be discovered.

All my best.
-Tommy


Fashion: Farms Without Harm - Black Hemp Shirt

A Weekend Cooking Idea

Sometimes I buy too much at the market. Everyone has a story about how they know of a place where they go in to buy one item only to exit with one bag but it is filled to the top and totals $75.00. We tend to avoid these stores...at least until payday.

But there is usually a goldmine section in these stores where many unwanted items end up at a much lower price. My cupboard still has trace remainders of these rescued food items that are still waiting for the creative spirit to move me.

One item that does not stick around too long in our home is Cinnamon Bread. This sinful morning treat with a generous pat of butter is a weight watcher's nightmare to have around the house. But on those days when the stale loaf is sitting all alone on the grocer's rack of forgotten and thus discounted items, I have found a nifty way to dress up the old' bag and send her to the table like a phoenix rising up from the ashes of the bakery.

So today I am going to try something new on my blog and post a favorite recipe. Since the weekend is upon us it just seems appropriate to tempt one to wander off one's diet and make a hearty breakfast. (We know we all cut loose a bit on the weekends and 80% of New Year's Resolutions fail within 6 weeks.)

Tommy's Baked French Toast

Stale Loaf of Cinnamon French Bread (remove crusts)

Tear up pieces and place in buttered pan

Drizzle pure Maple Syrup over bread

Add a dozen Eggs, cup and a half of Cream or Milk, pinch of Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Salt to bowl. Whisk together and pour over bread.

Pulse Pecans with a handful of Brown Sugar in a food processor until fine. Sprinkle over egg/bread mixture and then press into the surface.

Take small pieces of Butter and Low Fat Cream Cheese and press into the mixture.

Cover and set overnight to allow the ingredients to soak in.

In the morning pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and bake covered for 35 minutes.
After 35 minutes, uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

Let set for 10 minutes before serving. While cooling, drizzle an icing mixture and additional Maple Syrup over dish.
Serve with sausage if eating meat is your thing.

Enjoy!

No Words

Sometimes our photos really do not deserve any words.

Recently while over at Susan and Tim's house, I was introduced to their new dog.

I think Tim's eyes show how happy they are with their newest edition to their family.

Welcome Benny!