Pie Party and Some Other Musings

Every year for the past almost 10 years, (minus the 4 years we were in Washington in an 800 sq ft cabin) my family and I have been hosting what we like to call a pie party.  I can't take credit for this AMAZING idea because that would be just wrong to my East Coast relatives who started it way back when, but I will say the minute I heard about a Pie Party I was all over it like Meringue on Lemon Pie.
I usually have it the second Saturday in November because to me it's a way to have Thanksgiving (minus the Turkey) with ALL my friends and family.  It's also a way for me to get my favorite dessert!!

When I was preparing the prizes this year I got SO excited for this party I almost did a happy Pie Party dance. I'm pretty sure it would have looked a bit like Elaine on Seinfeld so I reigned in my excitement and got to putting together those prizes you see up there. We give out prizes to 3 categories; Best in Savory Best in Show and  UGLY but it Tastes Damn Good  aka  UBITDG!!

While putting together prize baskets, I thought about all the families that would come with their delectable pies and my heart overflowed with gratitude for many reasons. The first reason that my heart was exploding with joy, was that I am so grateful to be back here in Nevada. That sentence up there... well it's one that even as I type it I still can't believe I'm saying it. It's taken me quite a long journey to get HERE, and I don't me here as in Nevada here, I mean HERE as in this place of contentment that has come over my heart regarding where ever HERE happens to be. 

I have to say that there have been countless tears shed and plenty of tantrums had, over not having that kind of an attitude. I'm happy to report though, that Jesus has done a work in this bratty girls heart, and it's a good work. A work I know I couldn't have done on my own. 

He has made me realize that it's not about the place, it's about the people. 

I now know that even if he called me to live in Texas(please don't dear Lord baby Jesus) I think I could manage to keep this grateful, contentment going. 

As long as there was Pie in Texas! Psh... of course there would be PIE in Texas!! Those Texans have got the right idea when it comes to pie. I have heard they make a pie for just about every occasion... so yea I think I could manage, but for now I'm staying put with a happy heart right here in good ole Nev a duh!!
I do so apologize to leave you with  mouths watering ...let me  make it up to you with this quote that I feel fits just perfect with this here Pie Party blog and truly is a recipe for happiness. 
 "Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with  LOVE, GRACE, and GRATITUDE." Denis Waitley

Turning the Corner

It was the first day of summer today.
It didn't feel like the first day of summer.

I worked from 8-5p today and sat there thinking of all the fun things I could be doing with my family and friends.

I am thankful for my job.
I am taking deep, deep breaths regarding this said job.

It was hard to go to work this morning.
It is hard to be a grown-up sometimes.

I am ready for a new tattoo and I am pretty sure that it will have something to do with this past year, a symbol of HOPE.

I am singing, "Oh Mr Sun, SUN PLEASE SHINE DOWN ON ME" an awful lot these days.
I am also singing, a quiet song in my soul that helps me feel better.

It isn't always easy moving 700+ miles away, especially on days like Father's Day.
It is still beautiful, green, and where I want to be though.

I really miss my niece.
I like watching Reno 911, it reminds me of why I moved.

It is funny how I say, "That is NOT okay" so much when I am teaching that only 2 months later my new students are now saying this phrase. Makes me smile.
It is strange how the text, Ephesians 4, keeps popping up and reminding me of so many things I need to remember.

I am amazed at how Coconut Creme Pie can transport one to the heavenly realms. Thank you Gramma Shelle.
I am thankful for words.

It is the first day of summer for me in a new state, with a new job, and a new season of life has once again turned the corner.