brand new

Tiny, brand new, fresh baby smelling. Ewan Thomas Litchfield. Born this morning - very early. 6 lb 15 oz of perfection. My eighth grandchild - fifth grandson - a handsome boy. He has a thick shock of blonde hair. A double crown like his mama. And skin that seems a bit too big for him yet. He is calm and alert, gently swimming through the air in that dreamy newborn way. Precious, so precious.  Although he shares my heart with seven others, he has it all. I am excited to watch his life unfold. To see and know the person he will be. My heart is full this evening. Life is very good. Well done Hannah and Thomas. I love you all.


He is even cuter (if possible) after a bath. And yes, I am in love again.

For some strange reason I keep thinking - off and on all day - about the study I posted about yesterday. I have my own 'research' and conclusion to add. My research is not scientifically undertaken but my conclusion - after years and years of research - is that this effect goes both ways. I am absolutely certain that when I hear the voice of any one of my children my cortisol levels drop immediately and my oxytocin levels jump. I wonder if anyone will study this?

This morning I read about a new study that suggests something wonderful - that a mother's voice has a unique ability to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost oxytocin (the 'love' hormone) when heard by her children. Tailored just for them - not anyone else. As a mother and as a daughter, I think that is so absolutely cool. That kind of connection - that it can even be.

laugh

This is my first born - Jonathon. The list of his amazing qualities is very long. I am not prioritizing but one of the things that really stands out is ... Jonathon really knows how to laugh. He has (quite possibly) the best laugh in the world. No really - he does. It is impossible to feel anything less than happy when you hear him laugh. He laughs readily. Honestly. Openly. Joyfully and often. Never at - sometimes with. It is so perfectly perfect. Everyone joins, tears roll, abs hurt. When you catch your breath, life just feels better. It is one of the (many) things that I love about him.

I was reading about laughter and health. Jonathon should live to be a very healthy old man. I am guessing anyone who has the blessing of living around him will live to a happy old age as well. Did you know that when you laugh your heart rate increases, blood vessels expand, and of course you gulp in tons more oxygen. Then blood flow increases, muscles relax, and blood pressure is better. One study found that people with heart disease are 40% less likely to laugh at things than others!!!  Laughter can help relieve pain and reduce tension. It enhances relationships - putting others at ease, increasing tolerance and reducing irritability. Life is just easier to deal with in ever so many ways. I am left marvelling that all too often there are any of us unwilling to let go and laugh.

I love to hear the people I love laugh and to laugh with them. I wish I could laugh 

with Jonathon more often. But even thinking about that wish I feel my kinks unwind and my spirits lift. What a wonderful quality -  to cultivate, to appreciate.


Let's laugh more. 


photo by Dennis Gocer  - The Collective You

'speculoos spread' - homemade

Have you had this stuff?!! It tastes like Christmas in a jar and although I have heard that it is meant to be a spread for toast and such, the only way that I really have experience with eating it is straight off the spoon. That is likely the way my experience will stay and I know that I am not alone. It is addictively good and sadly not available for purchase (as far as I can tell) anywhere in North America. Those two realities motivated me to try a knock-off version. This is pretty good....no, actually it is amazing. What I am not sure of is how closely it follows the inspiration since I tasted the 'real' Speculoos Spread in October and it is now December but even if it isn't a dead-ringer for the real deal it is still delicious. And you don't have to go to France to get it. (But I would if I could....)

My original intent was just to give it a whirl on my own but then I thought about re-inventing the wheel and all that, and went to google to see what might be there. Sure enough I am not the only one with a yen for this spread and no plans for a trip to France. I took what was offered, messed around with it a bit, and this is the result.

I used extra-virgin coconut oil as the base for my spread. I know that many do not view it  as a healthful oil because it is a saturated fat. Please reconsider if that is your view.  Coconut oil contains large amounts of the medium-chain triglyceride lauric acid. Lauric acid has been shown to be antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral! Additionally it has the great virtue of killing the 'bad' bacteria while leaving unharmed the friendly bacteria that is needed for healthy digestion. The absorption of calcium, magnesium, and amino acids has been shown to increase when infants are fed a diet using coconut oil. And populations that consume coconuts as a major part of their diets rarely develop osteoporosis. These and many more healthy advantages have convinced me that the saturated fat component of coconut oil is something that is misunderstood - not to be confused with trans fats which are to be avoided for sure!  (the fats found in fast foods and much processed food) - and is actually a source of much that is healthful. With the information I have have at hand right now I have decided to enjoy those benefits. If you are not convinced but want to try this spread you could use another type of oil.

Initially I was a trifle disappointed that the spread separates a tiny bit when it sits for several hours, but hey! so does my almond butter - and to a much greater degree.  However it does emulsify nicely with very little stirring - which my almond butter does not. The texture is lovely and smooth, and everyone needs something to have a spoonful of when the mood strikes. It would be a great little food gift .... if you need something like that.

'speculoos spread' knocked-0ff

(inspired by this recipe)

160 gm anna's almond cinnamon thins*

1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 Tbsp water

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 Tbsp dark brown sugar

In a food processor, process the cookies to a fine powder. Add the vanilla, coconut oil, cinnamon, sea salt, and brown sugar and process until well mixed and smooth. With the motor running add the lemon juice and water in a thin stream. Keep processing for a minute or two - until the spread is a very smooth, silky paste.

Store in a clean jar in the fridge. Because the oil is coconut oil it will be pretty firm immediately after coming out of the fridge so allow about 30 minutes before you want to eat it for it to warm up and soften a little. Give it a quick stir and dive in!

(In order to compare my spread is the top pic, the original is the one immediately above)

*Anna's Almond Cinnamon Thins taste almost exactly like Speculoos biscuits and are readily available at IKEA all over the place and in Canada at many supermarkets including Safeway. The original spread lists Speculoos biscuits as the main ingredient.

This post is dedicated to Graeme and Allie - who love Speculoos and  (like me) -sadly have no plans for a trip to France in the foreseeable future.

Treasures

I have the DEAREST, best, friends in the world! I really think I do. I am not at all sure how I rate them but I have decided to not look a gift horse in the mouth and just be grateful for each one. Yesterday was a very tender day for me - much more difficult than I had anticipated. The birth days of my children are special ...sacred really... for me. To be honest I can be a bit emotional on any of their birthdays as I remember their births and the funny/sweet/clever things they have done and what they mean to me. Celebrating their birthdays is more important to me than my own. Anyway, it was emotionally intense to think about Merin yesterday - to remember so much about her and to miss her. We had planned a busy day of work at Mike and Merin's house (her 'birthday present' was to put the countertop on the new kitchen) and when we finally arrived home at 9:30PM tired and a bit sad we found treasures on our doorstep. A whole pile of them! I feel so humble as I realize how profoundly we are loved by so many. It is wonderful and amazing. Years ago my dad taught me that when there is a need the important thing is to do something, anything. It doesn't matter what but DO something. Now I am seeing - again and again - how very wise and right he was. The flowers are beautiful, the gifts thoughtful but it is so much more than the object that comforts. It is the love that is expressed, the concern that is shown by the act of doing something. I feel embraced, protected and cared for by my friends and family. It is truly wonderful and I wonder at it.

When I am tempted to have a pity party I remember the many, many people who have suffered, and who still so suffer, so much. Often with little or no support. And I know that I am blessed. I can do this. And I hope I can do it with grace. I hope I remember and learn. I hope you all know how much I love and appreciate you. Thank you for all the treasures you offer.

...and when she shall pass away,

take her and form her into little stars,

and she will make the face of heaven so fine,

that all the world will be in love with night,

and pay no worship to the garish sun

-Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

(one of the treasures we found yesterday)