Friday, June 24, 2011
Journal Entry...Reflections...
Yesterday was a rough day. The funeral mass was beautiful. I don't know how, but with rain in the forecast  all week, it somehow decided not to rain and the weather was amazing. Even with all the sadness, at the end of the day, it was great being with family remembering the good times all of the family members had with Tony's Uncle Don. He really was an incredible man that touch so many lives. We should all be so lucky to have people like that in our lives at some point.

This week has been very reflective for me. I've been thinking a lot about family. What it means to be close to family and how this can impact my life now. It was so strange and so comforting not having to say goodbye to Tony's parents or sister yesterday. It felt so nice just saying we'll see you a little later. The past few weeks have been really out of control for us in so many ways, but the illustrator and I really are changing our focus and working on enjoying things more. Life is really too short and getting all worked up over things that are out of your control doesn't help anything. We are starting a new journey in our lives and from now on making a point to find the good throughout the day is the goal!

I've also realized there are family members that I haven't seen enough of lately. I will make a change with that and I will make a point to see those people. Life really does get busy and it's so hard to travel with little kids, but our boys are older now and we need to take the time to make traveling an adventure to see those we miss!

Do you have a person in your life that has inspired you and been behind you all along the way? My Little Granny is that person to me. She has always encouraged me to be me and she loves me unconditionally. I talk to her at least once a week just to check in and see how things are going. She is the person that I got my cooking skills from. I have such fond memories of her making biscuits and cooking up feasts of chicken and dumplings (from scratch). We are frighteningly alike down to food allergies and intolerances! She lives far away, but I'm going to make a point to see her this year.



I love this shot where my boys are listening so intently to what Granny is saying! She is such an amazing woman, I love that my kids think so too!

I will be back with food on Monday. I'm hoping to get in the kitchen at some point this weekend. I hope you all have an incredible weekend!

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posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 10:12 AM  
16 Comments:
  • At June 24, 2011 at 10:48 AM, Anonymous Estela @ Weekly Bite said…

    My thoughts are with your family right now... I know how tough this can be.

    My dad was my true inspiration... I miss him dearly.

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 11:39 AM, Blogger Julie D said…

    Wonderful reflections... yes, life is too short to get worked up over everything. It's a tough lesson that many of us need reminders of.

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 12:22 PM, Blogger Emily said…

    Despite this sadness, I love your post. I think it is so important to keep your family close and make them a priority. It truly is all about the people in our lives.

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 12:47 PM, Blogger Heather Iacobacci-Miller said…

    I'm so glad to hear the weather was at least nice and it was a beautiful service. I'm also so glad you are now near family. They really are so very important.

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 1:04 PM, Anonymous Kristina @ spabettie said…

    I've been thinking about you - happy to hear it was a nice service.

    I love the photo of your grandmother - I was very lucky to be close to my grandparents (gone now), and I remember from a VERY early age I loved to just sit and talk with them.

    Hope your weekend is a good one - XXO

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 1:27 PM, Blogger laura said…

    Such a lovely post. Now that we are far away from loved ones, we need to make more of an effort to see them - thanks for the reminder. I hope you get to see your Granny soon. She sounds like a great lady!

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 1:34 PM, Blogger Unknown said…

    sometimes these times of mourning really bring love and a sense of peace within a family. Seems like you are very blessed to have that Sarena.

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 1:54 PM, Anonymous Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg said…

    Beautiful post. Both of my grandfathers passed away last year, and their services were similar-- such a strange mix of sadness with incredible warmth, appreciation for family, and even laughter. After my maternal grandfather's funeral, the entire family stayed together until about midnight at my grandmother's house, just remembering stories and laughing together.

    My thoughts are with you!

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 3:44 PM, Anonymous Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga said…

    Beautiful post...and your family is in my thoughts and prayers, Sarena.

    xoxo

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 9:00 PM, Anonymous Pure2raw twins said…

    what a beautiful post about the importance of family, I miss my parents, my older sisters, and especially my niece. Your family is our prayers during this time,wonderful see the bright side of life and family too!

    xoxo

     
  • At June 24, 2011 at 9:02 PM, Anonymous Jess@HealthyExposures said…

    This is such a perfect post...everything you say is so true. What happens, happens...it's our job to make the best of it!
    I am keeping your family in my thoughts - so sorry to hear about Tony's uncle. Thinking of you!

     
  • At June 25, 2011 at 7:38 AM, Anonymous melissanibbles said…

    Beautiful post. Have a great weekend :)

     
  • At June 25, 2011 at 10:12 AM, Anonymous Cait's Plate said…

    Loved these reflections - it's true, life is too short to dwell on the small things. Taking in even the littlest of things and being grateful for them helps change your perspective incredibly.

    Hang in there! Hope you're able to enjoy this weekend a bit :)

     
  • At June 26, 2011 at 2:02 PM, Anonymous Susan said…

    Sending positivity your way my dear!

    I definitely have a person like that in my life, and I can't imagine losing them. I'm sure this must be incredibly hard for you. Just take it one day at a time. I'm glad you have your boys to help you through!

     
  • At June 26, 2011 at 7:02 PM, Blogger Heather said…

    Sometimes it takes something sad/devastating to make us realize what we're missing right now. My grandma is an amazing woman - she raised 16 kids and both her and my grandpa are blind. It's hard enough for me to raise one kid - she's truly an inspiration.

     
  • At June 27, 2011 at 7:10 AM, Anonymous Madeline- Greens and Jeans said…

    It's always tough to say goodbye and remember a loved one, but I am SO happy and excited for you guys to be moving closer to family! The one thing I miss the most in my life is living close to my parents and brother. We are all thousands of miles apart, which is rough.

     
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Name:
Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen
Home: Atlanta, GA, United States
About Me: Lactose Challenged
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