A bad knee, too much time and food.

I have been completely off work since September 15th. My "knee tragedy" happened in the kitchen at my work place. I slipped on a wet floor and tore up my knee badly. You don't have to hear my sob story but I am now a " full blown hermit" with a few trips to the Dr.'s. physical therapy and other tests. With this time on my hands I have been able to revisit my passions, cooking and being mom. I have missed them both terribly. Homemade dinners have been pretty consistent and I am able to do the "mom stuff" that I was unable to do when I was working. I try to find the Silver Linings in everything because I really believe they are there. Sometimes you have to look hard but eventually you will find them. Below is a prime example:

Oops, wrong picture. That is a photo of Silver Linings Playbook (my favorite movie). I meant this photo to projext how I feel:

Different ideas for meals have been coming at a rapid speed. I almost don't have time to make everything I want to. I have been inspired by many on Facebook. Learning to make due with what you have at the time without going out to get ingredients. I have a Facebook Page which shares things to make with or without a recipe. Search for Foodies From All Over. Many members and many inspiring people. It is amazing how many things you can make with a bag of dried kidney beans. Looking for the simple things, a delicious loaf of bread from the Farmers Market, a bushel of fresh Kale, a bag of dried kidney beans. It is amazing what you can do when you are broke.

How about some delicious homemade bread from the Farmers Market or how about you make your own? What do you have in your cupboards and what can you do with it? Next episode: 3 DIY ideas for holiday gifts. Stay tuned.

A new form of meditation

With all the chaos happening in my "Life in a Private School" world, I have found a new form of mediation. I also like to call it "zoning out" and "revisiting my youth".

As a child I played the piano for several years and decided to stop because I no longer wanted to be forced to practice. I wish I would have thought ahead of the game. Now, after years of not playing and truly enjoying songs with piano in them, collecting sheet music off the internet and from friends, I have reclaimed my musical love.

Lets go back to approximately September or October in that general time frame of 2012. I was at work chit-chatting with a co-worker/friend/soul mate from a previous life, who talked about playing the piano and we got on the subject for some time. Ever since then I have been aching to play again. With no piano on hand and no money to buy one, I was surprised by my landlord (of all people) with a decent, full sized electric keyboard that he had never used more then once. The gift thrilled me. Klines Music was called and piano lessons were started. It was very easy to get my elementary skills back and now I am just zooming through the book my teacher gave me. The keys feel so good when my fingers are on them and my family doesn't hate me when I play as opposed to my singing.

As to my Private School Drama, I am hoping that nothing but good will come out of this major obstacle in our 8 years together. We have had many bumps but this one will either make or break our class. Send your good thoughts this way. Valerie AKA The new and upcoming piano player for Sarah Mclachlan