Proud.

My mister has three siblings and the one thing they all undoubtedly have in common is MUSIC.

The man pictured above has a reputation, in my eyes, for seeing talent in someone and going above and beyond to foster it.  An honorable way to be if you ask me.  Just this Christmas the Witt boys went for an overdue visit to the neighborhood music store Monty's.  This was the place where they were  shuffled to and from in their younger years, developing their a love for a musical instrument or two or four or eight.

The sister of the house was a dancer of course, she was her very own instrument.

I am forever envious of those who hold musical talent.  You see, where I lacked the natural ear for musical grace I could have made up with determination and practice.  But my grandmother will tell you, I also lacked the stamina for even 20 minutes at the piano despite her loving encouragement.

So I married a musician and prayed for the gene to be passed to my children.  And wouldn't you know it, they got it.  It is a beautiful thing you see.

So was I surprised to see an acoustic guitar presented to a soon to be 10 year old boy?   By non other than Mr. and Mrs. go for your musical dreams grams and papa?  Not in the slightest. 

I was however...

Grateful.

but the story does not end there...

The other side loves music too by the way, I just happened to get jipped.  And Grandpa Jay was so excited about the guitar that he has chipped in for some lessons!  Hooray!  And we found the perfect place to begin a lifetime journey.  And lessons began today.

But we cancelled.

hoping that the hand heals by next Tuesday at 3:15 and no metal doors jam any more hands...

DId I ever tell ya how I met the Doctor??

So there is this doctor, one who is dedicated to health and wellness, in a well rounded sort of way.  Of course, I receive emails from him quite often... ones with updates and recipes and personal family vacation photos...you know, the ones you sign up for **wink wink - not the kind that come from someone you actually know!
HOWEVER
I did meet him once.
You can see him HERE in case you are teetering on knowing whom it is I speak of.  His name is Dr. Weil and he makes the most fantastic teriyaki dish in all the land.  It is not only the perfect choice on the menu for the taste buds but it also matches the decor!  And the iced green tea is just lovely.  and the edamame dumplings and the temphe burger and the greek hummus...
anyways... here is the meeting a long story short sort of way...
Papa, UK, Gabi goose (age 3.5) and me at a table at Dr. Weil's True foods eating this very dish.  Kiel spots a one Mr. Sam Fox, restaurant icon in the sonoran desert area.  We spot him dining with the one and only Dr. Weil only a few feet away.  I almost faint.  Kiel begs me not to do or say anything.  I agree, biting my lip.  Papa pays for our lunch (because he treated me to lunch weekly for years and they were some of the best afternoons I have ever had).  Kiel and Papa get up normally and exit the restaurant.  I try and follow suit.  I gather Gabrielle's 500 playthings and her blanket and my purse.  She hops down in her cute pigtails.  I turn to exit just as my fellow companions just did.  I knock the outdoor umbrella with my purse and it teeters to the point that it almost falls directly on the doctor and Mr. Fox and their guests.  After an eternity passes and the umbrella doesn't strike my health hero in the head at his own restaurant I see them all staring right at me.
So did I play it cool?
of course.
I proceeded to tell them all how amazing their new eatery was.  How much I enjoyed my lunch.  How much I loved Mister Weil.  How I thought eating out there in the same patio with him was like eating right next to Brad Pitt.  Yes, I said Brad Pitt... 
He smiled big and laughed and was super kind.  I heard one of them say that 'that was awesome' as I walked away.
Then I met Kiel at the car and told him all about it and when we were safe with in the closed doors and windows I screamed and shook my head all around.  Kiel laughed and was thankful he left before me.
and that's how I met the Doctor.

Feeling Blue...

I love a Monday and I love a New Year.  I love starting over/do overs/rewinds/and moving on.  I embrace change and live for new adventures.  

But amidst all the resolutions and exciting new year starts I am left feeling a bit like a lost bird.  I have my sights on many things but my take off gear is sputtering.

Today I am going to sew something.

Tomorrow I am going to go to the gym.

This weekend I am going to organize my closet.

This month I am going to celebrate my oldest child turning ten in a big way.

As for everything else ...

I am also going to be on the look out for these, because my Papa is sending some my way!!  And if you know me, I do not share when it comes to oranges that are shipped in a box. 

Heritage on a dish...

 

 My Grandma Linda's sticky buns.  Probably in the top 3 reasons why Christmas morning ROCKS!

This year, 2012, I am making it my #1 goal to successfully make this here recipe.  I have managed to make the three worst batches EVER in the three years I attempted.  Even with my mom there to assist they were either falling apart and NOT sticky, expanded to the point of no return, or I was scrapping them off the bottom of the oven for weeks to follow.  Might I add that the fire alarm was involved in one or more of those times... Yikes!

But for now, I am so so thankful to be on the list of recipients of these fine buns on Christmas morning!!  My Papa makes four batches a year and I GET ONE!! And not only that, he DELIVERS!  You better believe I had at least 4... maybe 5 ;-)  

Thanks Papa!

Perhaps a sticky bun tutorial on skype is in order?  What do you say?

 What is your favorite holiday treat??