Spreading a lil LOVE 'n' LAVENDER...

"I still believe that each day is far too short for all the thoughts i want to think, all the books i want to read, all the walks i want to take, all the friends i want to see" (John Burroughs)

"TIME is quite the precious commodity, isn't it? There is only so much sand in the hourglass, and it's easy to over commit - Like a tug of war, and you are the rope." (Max Lucado)

well sweet bellas, there is one thing I whole heartedly believe is worth carving the time out for - and that is your precious touch - your hearts and hands wrapping around another's soul - one simple act of kindness - the more unexpected, the sweeter the delivery, and the more delicious the fruits from that labor will taste, because you see, when we bless and encourage someone else, we in turn become blessed and encouraged ourselves...

won't you take a moment today and think of someone you know that could use a splash of color as they push through a season of gray in their lives - perhaps your touch will give them that nourishment that they need to carry on another day and will leave them with that comforting reminder that they are not alone.... a phone call, a loving note, a home-cooked hot meal, take their kids off of their hands for an afternoon...the simplest gesture can make all the difference...

With summer knocking at the door, how would you like to brighten someone's day by delivering one final kiss of spring time that is sure to leave behind a freshness that will fill their soul with the sweet fragrance of new beginnings - well you can. I've created a muffin recipe that combines the gentle sweetness of a juicy pear with the provocative aroma of lavender and allows it to waltz with your taste buds in the most magical way - harmoniously topped off with a delicate vanilla glaze - need I say more?

aren't these just simply A-D-O-R-E able?

Go on.... deliver a lil plate of sunshine to someone today....and that sweet bellas, is how we impact the world....one moment at a time....one person at a time....ONE MUFFIN AT A TIME.....

Pear Muffins

2 - 15 oz. cans of Pears in natural juices, drained, and gently pureed

3 Cups of Flour

1 tsp of baking soda

1 tsp of salt

1/2 tsp of baking powder

2 cups of sugar

1 cup of canola oil

1 tsp of vanilla extract

3 eggs

1) In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt & baking powder, set aside dry ingredients.

2 ) In another mixing bowl, mix 2 cups of sugar with canola oil, vanilla extract and 3 eggs.

3) add dry ingredients mix slowly, little by little, and whisk until fully incorporated

4) add pears and incorporate

5) scoop into lined muffin pan

6) Bake @ 325 degrees for appx 20-22 minutes

Lavendar Vanilla Glaze

1 1/2 cup of powdered sugar

1 tsp of vanilla extract

1 tbsp of softened butter

2 tsp of dried lavender

3 tbsp of milk

mix all ingredients together until glaze is smooth

spoon over each muffin,

allow glaze to set before serving...

mangia!

mangiabella...

"The day came when the risk

to remain tight in a bud

was more painful

than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin

Sweet bellas, that day has come....and so here I am.....head in the clouds, feet on the ground....where the path will lead with all of this I do not know...this blog, the food, the contest entries, the cookbook, all of it....all I know is that I take each of you with me... and it is through this blog that I invite you to taste life with me, through me, beside me...mangiabella!

I want to take a moment to thank you....each of you know who you are....you have played a vital role along this journey, even unto this moment... my arrival into the right here. right now. You see, it is YOU who have been the very hands and feet of God, carrying me along this long and winding road, wiping the weariness from my brow, encouraging me to keep moving, pushing me forward, forcing me to abandon what is "comfortable"....to shine....it is your glory, your radiance, your quiet beauty that has spilled over onto me and has given me illumination when the path was dark. Your friendship has given me a safe place to retreat and rest - it has truly been a breath of fresh air amidst the most suffocating moments - your healing words have strengthened me and refreshed my soul - thank you for lending me your ears, and opening your hearts, you have been the most wonderful "traveling companions"....here's to the next adventure!

I'll close by sharing this: My sweet little Sophia and I were walking back to the house from getting the mail today, hand in glorious little hand. As we passed the rose bush in our front yard and began approaching the door, she did a double take, halted and turned around with fierce determination. She was truly captivated by the beauty of the fresh blooms on the rose bush, and she simply had to get another look up close and personal. She insisted that we stop and smell not just one, but every single rose blossom on the entire bush. *sigh* Didn't she know that I had phone calls to return, laundry to fold, domestic "to-do's" to tend to????

It was obvious she would hear none of that, and so I obliged.

After each sniff, she would beam and say "ooooooo" before going on to the next one. And so she continued, and I followed, mimicking each motion and exultation, until I found myself uninhibitedly taking in every moment of this most pleasant distraction, such a beautiful release...intoxicated by the delightful fragrance, listening as birdsong danced in my ears, each unique bird competing for my attention. I welcomed the gentle breeze that wrapped around my face....I contemplated the peace and serenity of this beautiful day and allowed it to fully overwhelm and enrapture me into absolute complete and utter bliss until every single one of my five senses were completely and totally AWAKE!

Today, I was reminded to stop and smell the roses. I know...cliche, right? Perhaps so, but I believe it's cliche because there is a profound truth there....God wants to slow us down and bring us into His presence....we need to GIVE HIM ACCESS!!! Wherever you are today, won't you take some time today to be still....to escape the deafening noise and abundance of demands around you....take a walk, ride your bike, climb a tree, sit on your porch, and listen. Be Still and Listen. And if you will do that....if you will really listen.....you can hear them......all of them.....all of creation around you......screaming "HE MADE US!"