Vibrant Plant Based Recipes
So.
We found out recently that Basil has cancer.
I know. I cannot even talk about it.
Last week, I told Jason that when the time comes, I do not want Sweet Basil to leave us in the environment of a cold sterile vet office. I do not want Basil’s final moments to be filled with the anxious fear he has every time we go to the vet.
I said I would …
Monday evening, while listening to M*A*S*H, Dad peacefully slipped away.
In this week I have been shown an overwhelming amount of thoughtfulness and support – I will share some of this later. I have experienced laughter through tears and unbearable sadness as I spend time with those who loved him dearly. So many memories to share and treasure.
I miss his one of a kind humor, his bright happy smile. I keep with me his interminable strength and gentle stubbornness. His love for classic cars, loud music and wine.
Until we take him back ‘home’ to Hawaii, this is how I am remembering Dad:
Keep dancing, Dad – your joyful spirit lives on.
Sugared Chai Latte Banana Muffins – light and fluffy and flavored with all your breakfast favorites, these doughnut – like muffins are a perfect brunch finale!
I have been told many times that I am a connector, and that I create community. My open mind allows me to know all kinds of people with a variety of personalities – that certainly keeps life interesting. I introduce people, and a friendship blooms independent of me.
When I was in the spa business, it was very competitive – spas and salons rarely shared or communicated. I began what I called “the breakfast club” – inviting other owners and directors to meet once a month and talk shop.
Yeah.
Many gave me the side eye and said I was crazy – others loved the idea, and our breakfast club grew. We shared and learned from each other, and were inspired.
Just like I have friends with all kinds of varied interests and personalities, I am involved in different communities online. One constant throughout, I gravitate toward those who really are here because they love it, have fun with it, and truly want to support each other.
I am inspired each and every day, and I like to share that with others (I tweet and G+ a lot…). I am incredibly lucky to have supportive and knowledgeable friends on my side as well. Community.
A very wise friend recently said “Community means… support without strings attached, just lifting up your fellow friends, clients, family, etc., because you want to. Period.”
Because you want to. Because you are inspired. Because …
Sparkly Apricot Rosemary Jewels – buttery shortbread topped with a bright punch of flavor – apricot jam with a festive sparkle and a hint of rosemary – holiday perfect!
A high school friend recently wrote about Finding Focus at 100mph, referring to his motorcycle.
I kinda sorta relate to that, as I love to drive fast and have lately thought of racing (cars!) classes. While driving fast laps around a racetrack, I believe I could easily find that flow, that peace, that calm.
Back in high school and college, this was skiing for me – being out alone on the mountain (well, I wasn’t alone, was I – it simply felt this way) with that silence that can only come from the layered padding of snow.
Now I find that peace while running – it takes a little bit to find my breathing pattern and get into my groove, but once I do, there’s nothing like it. I can process, I can think, I can just be.
I also turn to cooking, specifically baking, when I’m stressed, worried, need to focus or simply zone out.
Dad and I have had some long exhausting hospital days lately – some of it has been good news and some news is still up in the air. I am tired, I am distracted, I am hopeful, I am scattered.
Good thing it is the holiday season, I have been baking a lot these past few days.
Yep, up baking midnight.
Making sparkly stuff. Tasty …
I have been meaning to share the view outside my dad’s hospital room.
Someone attached three super heros onto a string, and they fly right by the windows.
Super heros = people you look up to. People you want to emulate and celebrate.
My dad has been my hero these last several months. Going through some pretty tough surgeries, and now having a trach temporarily take his voice, he has been nothing but positive and strong. He always has a big smile for me, and like I shared before, always jokes with me and the nurses.
He is able to cough through his trach, and does it well. He was telling me the other day he scared a nurse, made her jump, because his cough was so loud.
This is how he told me:
I had to take a photo of that, because it makes me smile. I look at it often.
So many of you continue to ask about him and send positive thoughts, and I thank you for all of them. Your words mean more than you know. Dad is doing well, and is now at home. I have this nurse thing down to an imperfect science, and it’s a nice visit each morning when I show up. We had an oncologist appointment today – I really like his whole team of doctors – and he starts chemo treatment this Thursday. I will keep you updated – his plan goes several months.
Now I have sat here at my keyboard for the last several minutes, not knowing how to say what I have to say.
We lost Jason’s dad yesterday. It was completely unexpected and we are numb with shock and sadness. One day I may share more about Jason’s dad, and what an amazing person he was. I am so happy to have known him, he was another who was positive and funny and always put others before himself.
As they say back in Missouri, very Salt of the Earth.
The world lost a good one yesterday. A real life hero.
Bob, you impacted many. You are dearly missed, by many.
