Merry CHRISTmas and A Time-Well-Spent New Year!

Well, she's over. Another Christmas has come and gone. Just like that. For me, Christmas isn't about the gifts (and it never should be). I love Christmas because I can do. I can make and do for others. I can have coffee in the early morning by the glow of my tree with my momma. I can eat brunch on Christmas day with my family . . . in my pajamas. 

People ask me every year, "Are you ready for Christmas?" and I'm always like . . . "Yeah." I actually had a conversation with my mom right before Christmas about this because I don't always understand why people are so stressed, even the days leading up to Christmas. We had similar logic, in that so many people still have small children and are trying to meet the typical Christmas demands that seem expected of them as parents. Though I'm an only child, I didn't have huge Christmases growing up. My parents did what they could, but they also constantly reiterated the true meaning of Christmas to me.

I think that's why I harp on the small moments of Christmas and why I soak them up like a sponge - like time together, time spent laboring over cake pops with my momma (haha mom!), or the moment when the Christmas passage from Luke is read aloud during Christmas Eve service, and no matter what, my mom and I always glance at each other mouthing the verses. O - and time spent playing Taboo with my funny hilariously crazy family - I suppose I'll count that too haha!

Despite the awful Sandy Hook losses right before Christmas, I feel it may have triggered a nerve in many families this year. The nerve of - slowing down, savoring moments, remembering what this time of year is all about, and appreciating it as if it won't come around again next year. The nerve of doing, rather than bustling about, breezing in and out of Christmas parties, or forgetting the small moments at each party or get-together.

As the New Year approaches, many resolutions are made and broken. Tonight, as we count down and hurry our way into the coming year, consider making a resolution of time. Not necessarily being on time (because I never am), but making the best of your time. Spend it the best way you know how. Savor every moment, with every person, don't rush it, but reflect on your time and never take it for granted. 

-Sue

Birthday Pie - Proper Pie Co.

Last Sunday was my momma's birthday and I had quite the idea planned.

When I got to town last Friday, my dad told me he would be gone for the weekend hunting with friends. All I heard was, "You and your mom should veg and be lazy." Soooo we did. My mom made it home and we vegged by the glow the Christmas tree. We watched all of our guilty pleasures (reality TV) and ate pizza. 'Twas was so nice. 

Saturday morning, we I slept in, woke up, had coffee, and started helping my mom make cake pops for a Christmas party we had planned to attend that evening (more to come about these). In passing, I mentioned this new pie joint that had opened downtown and kinda explained what kinds of stuff they had. She said she hadn't heard of it, so I didn't really mention anything else about it . . .

Until Sunday afternoon. When I showed up at the house. With eight different kinds of pie for her to feast on for her birthday! 

So what's this place that serves only pie? It's Proper Pie Co. in Church Hill. Their Facebook gives you a daily run-down on their selection, their Yelp reviews sing their praises much like myself, and Richmond BizSense has a thing or two to say about them (the owners) as well. rvanews had a little somethin' somethin' too - can you say food cart?? 

If you're looking for a homey place where you can get hot, meaty (or not) delicious pies, or a slice of {pie} heaven for a mid-sunday-afternoon-just-because, then look no farther. Proper Pie Co. is your place. O - and their company logo is pretty much the peaches to my cream too. Love. It. 

Alright. Enough talking. Here's some pie for ya. {Happy Birthday Momma}

I have to tell on myself a little bit here. Once she realized she had about eight different kinds of pie to feast on, there was no "gently taking everything out of the packages." With that being said, I just took everything out as I grabbed it from the bag, not paying attention to the fact that I had the savory pies laying upside down! Silly me. For that reason, the pictures won't be nearly as pretty as these - that and we had to get a few tastes in before I could take any pictures, thus why they're half eaten. HA!

 

Spinach, Blue Cheese, and Mushroom

 Steak and Cheese

Chicken and Kumara

-Not pictured . . . Sausage Roll. Which. Was. Phenomenal.-


Blueberry and Apple (momma's fave)

Pear Almond (my fave)

Banana Coconut Cream (so light, so much like a fancy banana pudding)

Lemon Meringue

 

So tell me, would you like eight kinds of pie on your birthday?

-Sue

thankFULL

So I just got back from Vegas! More to come - promise. This post is a little random and late, but it is what it is. Back in October, I did my normal gig of going back to Richmond for the weekend. The only difference - Hurricane Sandy (aka Frankenstorm) was headed our way. I had voting, soaking up fall, and catching up on school work on my to-do-list, and I successfully checked each one off.

At that point, the trees in Virginia Beach were no where close to changing colors for the season. And I was bummed. Alot. Fall is my favorite season. The colors. The smells. Well, you know - I've mentioned it before. Everyone was Instagramming their beautiful fall trees, and I had nothing. Nothing I tell you.

Once back in Richmond with gloomy skies out in full force, I headed out to vote (absentee, in person - highly recommend it). I took my camera along, hoping to catch the beautiful trees of Virginia in all their glory. My sanity thanks you Virginia.

Doesn't that yellow tree make you swallow your gum? I had to stop in the middle of the road to take this picture, but everytime I look at it I think, "Yep. So worthwhile."

After I got back from voting, I ventured over to the neighbors' to check in on the horses and alpacas and to do a little walking and thinking (before that storm rolled in).

 

Look at those colors would ya?

While walking I got to thinking. Despite all my stress - school, not being at "home," future trips, personal differences, etc. I felt full. I feel full. Full of love. Full of gratitude. Full of thankfulness. Full of support. No matter what, I really feel as though I've always had those things. A network. People that get me. People that want to see me succeed. People that have always wanted that for me, even if I have doubted myself from time to time. Let me tell ya - it's a good place to be.

This guy right here didn't want much to do with me, but see how he looks a little flustered? A little crazy? A little caught off guard? That's how I've felt since September. It's like I've hit the ground running, someone calls my name, I look up at them, and I look just like this alpaca. Ha!

I'm finally at a point where I feel myself able to begin settling down to enjoy this year's Christmas season. I have a case study, three finals, and one presentation separating me from normalcy. Bring. It. On. These past few months have easily been the most trying of months for me. They have also been rewarding. I have been able to partake in various professional conferences, go places I never thought I would (at least not until after I graduate), and have met people that would test me as well as broaden my horizons.

Thanksgiving was a much needed breather, but it was a tease. My mom had some cold/respiratory bug and handed it off to yours truly. You had better believe I was pumping OJ and Mucinex like no one's business - I had a final exam and a trip to prepare for! 

See how this horse looks complacent - not a care in the world besides, "Why are you taking my picture, lady?" I'm starting to feel this way. This is good. This is needed. 

When's the last time you felt FULL? Complacent? Frazzled?

My mommas birthday is this weekend. What do you get the woman that has everything? Ha! I'm sure she wouldn't completely agree :)

-Sue