|
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN ISSUE TO PRINT.
The GIRLS Letter
(For Glorious, intelligent, Radiant, Luscious, Sisters)
June 2007, Issue 14I have done something terrifying. Faint on the floor frightening. We’re talking Freddie Krueger-type terror: I signed up for a triathlon.
Now, for some people, the ½ mile swim, 12 mile bike ride and 3.1 mile run make be a mere blip on the radar of athletic achievement, but for me, it causes more angst than lambs for Clarice. My legs are trembling—and it’s not even from the training…at least, not yet.
You see, I am out of shape.
Ten years out of shape.
I may be thin, but my heart has not been racing lately (unless you count walking past the latest issue of People Magazine at the grocery store with Matt McCouna-hottie on the cover)! J
I’ve been telling myself I’m too busy to work out: I have kids to raise, a house to clean and a book to write. But, who am I kidding? My kids are in school, cleaners help me with my house, and my first book is on the shelves at Barnes and Noble….and I still have flabby thighs.
I have had the best of intentions, but something (like a trip to Starbucks) seems to usurp my sit-ups every time.
But, no more! I need to take better care of myself and model a healthy lifestyle for my daughters. I definitely will benefit from the stress relief. But mostly, I need to combat the cellulite trying to pick out a lot in my upper-arm subdivision.
So, I’m in. I signed up with a good friend (so she can hold me accountable to train and, if need be, rescue me from the swimming). Sloth to sixty in eight weeks flat. Anyone interested?
****************
What have you done lately to that terrifies you? Are you taking care of yourself, or like me, finding other priorities and excuses?
****************
This month, do something for you. And (just this one time) I don’t mean a manicure. Take a golf lesson. Learn to play the drums. Sign up for an improve class. Train for a marathon. Getting out of our comfort zones is good for us. It promotes growth, character development…and a greater appreciation for the couch!
OK. Seriously. I was totally kidding about not getting a manicure. For Pete’s sake, of course get the mani—and a pedi—just make sure your fingers and toes are dry before you lace up those running shoes!
Have a fabulous summer, GIRLS!
Much love to all,
Celeste Palermo
celeste@thegirlsletter.com
“A MOTHER LIKE ME”
By
Linda Titcomb
On April 17th, our younger daughter delighted us with our third grandchild. It was her first baby and I was fortunate to be with her the entire month—for two weeks of anxious anticipation, the several days in the hospital for the delivery, followed by the adjustment time when they brought the baby home to begin their life as a family of three.
I was happy and relieved that the baby was safely delivered into this world and that mother, baby...and daddy were all doing well. There is no more poignant reminder of the miracle of birth than to experience the birth of a grandchild... and see your own child become a parent. The sight of your daughter (or son) holding... rocking... bonding with their infant brings the realization of how--despite all our shortcomings--the human race has survived. Love is born anew... with the birth of each new baby. There is no greater satisfaction than to know your children are passing on to their children... the love you've given them.
A Mother like me
Is so very Thankful
For the Love
Expressed by my daughters...
The grateful warmth in their smiles,
Their equally gracious words,
So genuine,
So gratifying,
So all encompassing
That I am all the more Blessed...
These lovely young women
Are glorious in their Competence
and Caring,
Loving their children with
Heart... Mind... and Soul.
And because I clearly see this,
And expressly know this,
I also understand the Wellspring
Of their Love and Gratitude:
For they each have become...
A Mother... like me.
Linda T.
April 2007
Quick Quotes
Children grow up, not in a smooth ascending curve, but jaggedly, their needs inconstant as weather.
--Adrienne Rich, American writer
A good parent remembers what it was like to be a child.
---Anna Quindlen, American writer
You can never really live anyone else's life, not even your child's. The influence you exert is through your own life, and what you've become yourself.
---Eleanor Roosevelt
There are so many disciplines in being a parent besides the obvious ones like getting up in the night and putting up with the noise during the day. And almost the hardest of all is learning to be a well of affection and not a fountain, to show them we love them, not when we feel like it, but when they do.
---Nan Fairbrother
Christmas Shopping In July
Here are a couple great gift ideas. Get your holiday shopping done early this year!
1) Well, if you ask me, a book is a fabulous gift any time! Consider getting your friends, family and co-workers copies of my book, From the Red Tees: Help, Hope and Humor for Women on the Green (Cumberland House 2007).
It is a fun read for aspiring golfers and experienced player alike. Support a friend and a new author on her debut book! From the Red Tees is available on Amazon and in local bookstores. If you have a bookstore near you, please ask for it; it creates market demand for the book! Many Thanks!
PS: If you love it, please recommend it to a friend and post a positive review on Amazon!
- Another idea is a funky, custom-designed tee shirt. Check-out this site: www.emtannerdesigns.com This site is run by a friend of a friend. And they have fabulous stuff! Check it out!!!
“The Green Grass of Motherhood”
by
Natalie Barnes
There's nothing like jury duty to make you appreciate what you thought was a ho-hum life.
My day started at 6:15 a.m. At 6:21, I reluctantly slung my legs over the edge of the bed to get ready for the unknown. I've never served on jury duty so all I had to go on was what I’d seen on television court cases, which, I found out, is quite inaccurate compared to the real world. As I dressed, I tip-toed through the house and tried to be quiet so I didn't wake anyone; then as I finished brushing my teeth, I heard a tap on the bathroom door. My heart jumped because I would have a chance to see at least one of my little people before leaving the house. I kept thinking about what this would be like on a daily basis if I were a working mother and not a stay-at-home mom.
Initially, I was looking forward to spending the day alone, albeit at the courthouse, to read or write with no distractions or requests for "hot juice" (aka hot chocolate) from Nasir or Jayla performing to Beyonce's CD for the millionth time. I'd serve my jury time and get some quiet time in the process; that sounded pretty good to me, at first. Then, as the day grew closer, I realized I’d be spending the day without my kids! No one to ask for hot juice or a chance to sit and read on the couch with Jayla before school. Heartbreaking. Then as I greeted Nasir, I saw Jayla pop up in her bed.
"Good morning, Jay!" I was thrilled to see my daughter. "I'm getting ready to go soon, I'll see you after school okay?" I told her. "I'll miss you mommy," Jay said with tears in her eyes. I wasn't expecting this reaction. It would be one day, two at the most.. How hard could it be for the kids? How hard could it be for me?
After giving Nasir his sippy-cup full of "hot juice" and half-a-cup of yogurt I packed my bag full of magazines and a book. I was anxious to see what this whole civic duty was all about, but also wishing I could watch Blue's Clues and Wonder Pets with my little boy in my lap. I wished I could make Jay's lunch and snack for school and spend time with her after I put Nasir down for his nap. But I had to leave.
I had to leave to race against time (and stoplights) to get to the courthouse on time alongside the other workers and drink my breakfast on the way in. I had to leave my babies on the couch watching Goofy and Mickey dance on The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. That was our show. I knew then, that although I might think going back to work would be easier than being home all day, it wasn’t right for me.
They say "The grass is greener on the other side", but I know that regardless of which side of the white picket you live on, the grass still has to be mowed. And after serving jury duty I know that I'd rather mow my grass with Nasir on my hip and Jayla in the driveway wiggling her hips as the hula-hoop swirls around her. For me, my work is at home with my little ones running, screaming, fighting, eating, and napping. I chase the kids, I quiet the kids, I play referee, I plan and prepare their meals, I put my son down at naptime, and I put my daughter on the bus everyday. On my side of the fence the grass doesn't get greener than that.
RAVISHING RECIPES
AN AWESOME AND SUPER-TASTY SUMMER CHOPPED SALAD
I made this in a pinch one night, when I needed to make a salad super-quick for a small group meeting. It is “so yum” and everyone (including the kids) loved it.
Ingredients:
2 packs of shredded lettuce (Find it with pre-packaged lettuces, usually in small bags.)
1 pack of Genoa salami, sliced in thin strips
1 large red tomato, diced
1 large yellow tomato, diced
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
1 pack low-fat feta cheese, crumbled
Several scallions, washed and chopped
Package of basil, washed and chopped thin
Newman’s Own (Original) Italian Dressing
You can also add:
1 pack of turkey meat, sliced
1 can quartered artichokes (packed in water), drained, chopped
How to prepare: Chop it all up. Add all ingredients into a big bowl. Toss with dressing to taste. Serve with warm, crusty bread. Enjoy!!!!!
LAZY GIRL ENCHILADAS
My sister, Cara, makes this yummy Mexican favorite for Poker night or whenever she has friends over for a special meal.
Ingredients:
2 cans whole fire-roasted chilies
Vegetable oil
12 corn tortillas
1 large jar of salsa verde
2 cups shredded chicken or pork (you can cook this in a slow-cooker and pull apart—or if you are really short on time, pick up a rotisserie chicken at the store and use that!)
¾ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
½ bag of shredded Mexican cheese
Handful of fresh, chopped cilantro
Preheat oven to 375. Heat about 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat and cook tortillas until soft on each side. (Use more oil as needed.) Drain on paper towel. Spread ½ cup salsa verde on bottom of an 8x8 dish, then layer 4 tortillas, on bottom, overlapping. Then layer chicken, chilies, salsa and sour cream. Add another layer of 4 tortillas and repeat. For the top, cover with remaining 4 tortillas, salsa, sour cream, and cheese. Bake until bubbly; about 35 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro. Cut into six squares and serve! *Adapted from the Stacked Chicken Enchilada recipe fron June Issue of Bon Appetit Magazine.
A Few Thoughts on Motherhood…
By
Celeste Palermo
- Why is it fun for kids to play on the piano, BANG! BANG! BANG! but NOT fun…even torture—for them to take lessons?
- Reason #107 of why to pay closer attention to your kids: Last week, my daughters asked me if they could paint in the garage. They had set up the easel, the newspaper on the floor, and had aprons on. What could happen? I thought. I’m all for encouraging creative expression, so I told Morgan not to suck on the paintbrushes and then said, “Sure. Just clean up when you’re done.” About 15 minutes later, Peyton’s visiting friend (who must have drawn the short straw) came in to tell me, “Mrs. Palermo, MoMo is painting your car.”
- Go to Farmer’s Markets or plant herbs with your kids this summer. Pick berries at a local “pick it” farm and then make a fresh pie. Here is a web site with listings of all the “U Pick it” fruits and veggies: http://www.pickyourown.org/ You’re sure to have a fun experience all will remember!
- Stop at every kid-run lemonade stand you see. (And make their day; pay the kids what you would for a latte at the local coffee joint!)
Congratulations to Heather and Bob on their engagement!! Wahoo!!
Stories Wanted
I am currently working on my next book, Coffee Encounters: Mothering in a Caffeinated World. If you have funny stories of how caffeine has affected your mothering; thrills and spills with coffee and kids in tow, or other coffee-related stories, please send them to me at: celeste@thegirlsletter.com Please include your full name, email, and address along with your story. Thanks much!!