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Making pesto. Or attempting anyway. I tried on Saturday and I think the pine nuts I used were old - something just tasted off so I'll be trying again. The basil is growing great in my raised beds and I want to master this one.
Vacationing. I spent last week on Martha's Vineyard with a special group of friends (my first time there and I loved it). We switched up our annual get together and headed to the other coast this time (vs. Oregon) and it was a true vacation. I love these people and the absolute joy they bring to my life - especially through laughter. Man I haven't laughed that much in years.
Cuddling with the kids after being apart last week. They spent the week with Chris vacationing in the San Juan islands.
Planning. A camping adventure. Layouts. Fall schedules. Work-related stuff.
Cultivating relationships. With friends, kids, Chris, family and with someone kinda special.
Savoring the beginning.
Listening. To music really loud. And checking out new-to-me music and making playlists and feeling it through my whole body.
Repeating. Finding myself saying the same things over and over again such as "please go get in your bed" and "that behavior is not okay" and "take your plate to the kitchen" and "are you calm?" and "take a deep breath." I'm in one of those places where I hear what I'm saying and wonder if it's the right thing or should I be phrasing it differently, wondering how to get across what I really want to communicate to my kids.
Pruning and puttering out in the yard. My happy place. Cutting flowers and bringing them inside. Waiting on the bigger tomatoes.
Living the length and width. That's what it's all about.
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107 comments
Ali, you make me cry... I'm wondering exactly the same things regarding communication with my little girl... I love her so much, but these days are a bit difficult for me to make her understand what is wrong and what is good, and I'm clearly loosing patience with her too quiclky. I guess it's my job of being a mother, with all its joys and its difficulties! Have a wonderful day.
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So happy about the "and someone kinda special" comment!
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Happy for you here too :)
Me too :)
there's been a whole change in everything about you ali... some kinda new confidence, and joy has been beaming from you. it's quite beautiful to see.
CHEERS! to you and your someone special :)
...me three!
Me four !!
yes, yes, yes!!!! i can tell you are are so happy in the photos you've been sharing lately- seriously i am amazed at the difference! so excited for you!
I had been wondering . . . so happy for you.
Me too. :) :)
Was soooo hoping you'd mention "someone special" soon. Good for you. He'd be one lucky fella to land you.
Goose bumps! That's awesome.
:))
Add me to the "me toos". I grinned a huge smile (not great English but you get the drift) when I read it. Woo Hoo!
I know!! I was especially happy to read, "Savoring the beginning," after that little hint about someone special. The beginning is so enchanting and exciting.
Much love and respect, Ali!
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Welcome back! Hope to see some of the vacation photos from your trip and the kids' trip too. And . . . . congrats on someone "kinda special" - hope it blossoms into something "truly special".
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Loved reading this post so much. Happy for you!!
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Glad you had a wonderful vacation. Welcome back!
Sandi
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Ditto on the "someone kinda special" comment - hoping for serious happy for you :)
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oooh "someone kinda special" :D
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So very happy for you!!
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Ali, I highly recommend this book: Parent effectiveness training, by Thomas Gordon.
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Thanks! I'll check that out.
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Your posts always make me smile, Ali. Thank you. :) (PS: I keep my pine nuts in the refrigerator or freezer....they last so much longer. You can use walnuts in Pesto, too, and you can freeze it in ice cube trays to use all winter)
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Your posts always brighten my day. I especially enjoy hearing there is a someone special. :-)
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Welcome back!
I've missed ya'. But, i took a few days vacation (or stay-cation).
Martha's Vineyard is soooo WONDERFUL! Glad you had a chance to visit. It seems like a place that you would love. Where did you stay? Did you get to Katama Beach? or their General Store? Chilmark is quite wonderful, too. And, Bunch of Grapes book store. Ahhhh.... so many great spots on that little island.
love the "someone kinda special". You had the look of wonder and excitement of a new relationship in your photos lately. Good for you!!!
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a really great post. here, there seems to be to be treating you pretty well right now.
a pesto recommendation, jacques pepin's pecan pesto. so good. http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2012/01/18/jacques-pepin-gunst#pesto
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OH I can completely relate to the kid thing! My seven year old developed an attitude overnight and my five year old likes to copy so Im having to talk a lot about respsect, patience, how to speak to adults and what is and isn't ok. It's important stuff that you can't over look but so tough! So you are not alone there!
Happy to hear there is someone special in your life these days. Enjoy!
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Oh the copying is big here too!
I have a 16 and 10 year old...oh, the copying...been going on for years! so happy about the "someone kinda special". You deserve much happiness, Ali!
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Happy to hear about your journey through motherhood as I am a new mom and your relationships. You truly inspire me. Thank you!
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Ali I use the Pesto recipe in Giada DeLaurentiis' cookbook Everyday Italian...very easy and delicious!! And yes, pine nuts do get old and very bitter. Try Giada's recipe I think you'll like it!!
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Thanks! I'll check it out.
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Cultivating a relationship "with someone special" brought the biggest smile to my face. You deserve to be so happy and I hope this relationship with someone special brings nothing but happiness in your life.
Dahlias are my favorite, yours are stunning!
Wishing you joy on this journey!
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Love the stuff in your post - pesto, vacation, kid cuddles, the beginning, loud music, and garden puttering! Happy for you Ali!
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I found a great 'lite' recipe for pesto on skinnytaste.com - that's the next pesto recipe on my list to try :)
I'm from NH and Martha's Vineyard is one of my favorite places to vacation - we LOVE it there! We usually stay in Edgartown and we love how historic it is! Can't wait to see your pictures & can't wait to go back there myself!
I also have to say that reading 'someone special' on your blog makes me feel so happy for you!
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Welcome back. I'm in a similar spot with my 8 year old. I'm sure using the same words over & over just makes him put me on 'ignore'! I've experimented with toasted pecans in pesto (allergy to walnuts in the house). Doesn't taste exactly the same but still good.
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