For the Love of Cooking...

I've found my secret mojo in the kitchen. Not like Julia Childs cooking, but honest to goodness real recipes, that people are eating. I've found that not only do I enjoy the actual process of bringing together healthy, everyday ingredients to form a delicious meal, but I find that it gives me some sense of purpose again. I know that probably sounds weird, but we as Americans are so defined in what we do for a living, that when you aren't working, it is hard to define who you are. Besides, my very core definition of who I am is in a state of flux at the moment.

I'm a mom, most definitely - and a good one at that. My daughter, despite our upheavals lately, is happy, healthy and feels secure. She has a few good toddler friends and loves to read, or be read to that is. She is potty trained and eats relatively well for a toddler. She likes her vegetables and while she knows what french fries are, doesn't request them as a rule. She does have quite the sweet tooth though. She gets that one from her Mommy...

I'm a photographer. While I'm not making money at it at the moment, I still love the very thought of catching a person's emotion through a camera lens, then creating an essence in a portrait. I haven't been out shooting as much as I would like too, other than with my small point and click. My moronic husband sold my camera gear back with all the other stuff in Oct. Lot of things I could say about that... but I digress.

I'm part of a family. A vital part, I'd like to think. I have sisters and nieces and nephews and a mom and step-dad and a grandmother, along with a couple aunts and an uncle that I am part of. We do things together and laugh, and share stories and sometimes we don't get along; okay most of the time at least two people are getting along, but isn't that family? None of us are perfect. I try to help out my family when I can, even when it comes back to haunt me. My grandmother reminded me recently that "no good deed goes unpunished..." Isn't that the truth?!

I am a Christian. God sent His son Jesus to die for me, that I may have eternal life. I'm grateful for His grace, because I need it so often! I'm thankful for his presence, because even in the midst of constant turmoil, I have peace.

I am a friend. While I don't have a great deal of friends, the friendships I do have are precious to me and I am fiercely loyal to them. They know they can count on me for anything and I know the same in return. I'm blessed to have the right people around me exactly when I need them & can assist with their load when they need it.

And know I can say I am a cook. This is what started this post, right? It might not be apparent to most, but it really is a big deal, because I used to burn water. No joke. I've ruined spaghettio's before... But in trying to create a different, more savory flavor with the ordinary ingredients that my budget affords, I have discovered that I've also discovered a more savory layer of myself. And I really need that right now.