Do you ever want to pinch yourself because you just feel so blessed? Lucky. Alive. I’m known for being a glass half-full sort, and lately that glass has been overflowing. {Maybe I’m channeling Dharma.} Joy is arriving in waves — not lapping, but of the tsunami variety. Giant, rolling surges of happiness that catch me off guard and make me a bit dizzy.
And even better? I love to swim. So, when I’m not blowing bubbles at schools of brightly colored fish as they swish and swirl through their nautical kingdom, I’m backstroking, watching the color of the sky change as the sun moves slowly overhead. A great place to be to watch for falling stars and consider how lucky you already are.
In childhood, I was the kid who dreamed of seeing the seven seas, carrying a passport thick with stamps and shopping in open-air markets for the catch of the day. I’ve gotten to see so much of the world already, with the possibility of adding several more countries to my list this year. I’m the world traveler who still lives 10 miles from my childhood home.
I was also the girl who dreamed of living like Nancy Drew, with a closet full of clothes just right for the task at hand, the girlfriends who were always there in a pinch, the little speedy car with the air blowing through my hair. Not to mention outwitting the bad guys. I’m so thankful for minimal villains.
I couldn’t have ever imagined the joy I’d find in a daily routine. I never thought I’d be an athlete. I never thought my brother would be one of my best friends. I never thought I’d find happiness living two states away from my parents. I never thought I’d consider taking a day off of work to spend the time at home, knee deep in cookbooks. Or jump for joy at the redesigned Martha site. Again with the aprons and pearls. Who’d have thought?
Ultimately, I’m learning joy is all around us. It is just a matter of inviting her in with a welcoming, deserving, grateful smile. {And perhaps a cup of tea and a cookie.}
Chocolate Banana Oat Cookies:
2 Cups all-purpose flour
1/2 Teaspoon salt
1/2 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 Teaspoon baking powder
1 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 Cup packed light-brown sugar
1/2 Cup granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
3 Tablespoons milk
2 large eggs
3 Cups old-fashioned oats
(Or one pre-mixed bag of oatmeal cookies from Betty Crocker.)
To this, add:
2 more cups of old-fashioned oats
2 bananas (the riper, the better)
1 bag of chocolate chips
Directions:
Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two baking sheets. Mix all ingredients in a deep, large bowl. Watch the consistency. If the cookies are too runny, add more oats. Too dry? Add a bit of soy milk. Scoop out your cookies and cook for 12-15 minutes. This should make 2-3 dozen. These are like those chocolate covered bananas at Disneyland, but oaty.
~K
P.S Wish of the week: to attend this class. I’d make this bag in chocolate brown and pink, with a tiny passport pocket inside. In New York City. With a stop afterward at the Magnolia Bakery. What are you wishing for?