I should have posted a picture of lemon pie instead of an abstract water color, but the painting has a point.
I’ve always loved art, for as long as I can remember. With the vision thing, doing detailed art is not easy and seemingly impossible (I haven’t given up yet), but I still enjoy the process. A young woman on YouTube has some fun watercolor projects, and I decided to try her technique. Is it a beautiful art piece? Absolutely no. Was it fun to do? You betcha.
Doing this activity today was especially meaningful. You see, I have a long-standing dislike of Sunday afternoons. Not Sundays. Sunday afternoons. The whole tone of a Sunday afternoon, to me, is BORING. I don’t want to rest. I don’t want to nap. I don’t want to watch TV or read a book. I want to DO something.
When I was working, I longed to do something fun on Sunday afternoons like hike, boat, play tennis, etc. Yes, you’re right, something active. But there was no one to do those things with, so I compromised by going on long walks, going to see my parents, and things like that. And it was fine, except for the Sunday afternoons I had to grade papers instead. Man, if I had it to over, maybe I wouldn’t have been so dedicated. Well, maybe. I’m too much of that kind of teacher.
In retirement, however, I walk all the time, so I don’t feel that urge on Sunday afternoons. I want to do something different. Being unable to drive and with no female friends who have my Sunday afternoon energy level, I have to get creative. Sometimes I do what I call intervals–I tell Alexa to play songs by The Beach Boys or whomever, and I do four different activities. First, I use a weighted hula hoop for the duration of a song. Then I use my stepper for one song. Then I do some Jazzercise moves (remember that?) during a song. Then I use my five-pound or ten-pound dumbbells for one song. Then start over and do the routine for thirty minutes. Stretch afterwards. Collapse for a few minutes until batteries are recharged.
Sometimes I do boredom baking. I make homemade bread or cookies or whatever, depending on what I have on hand. This is usually a cold-weather go-to.
Today, however, I wanted to do artwork. So I took my supplies outside and worked under the umbrella of our patio table. I did two abstract watercolors and sketched one picture with a marker like a Sharpie and colored it in with markers and colored pencils. My guy ended up looking like a terrorist. Oops!
I listened to music while I worked, and I have to say it left me in a good mood. The experience was a reminder, and I hope I will remember this lesson.
The reminder? I should always strive to overcome my circumstances and my obstacles to do the things I love. I shouldn’t quit before I try, and I shouldn’t allow my spirits to drop just because I can’t do them as well as I once did. I may have to adjust my expectations, but that’s okey. The point is to find joy in doing things I love to do, to being with my loved ones, to cherish my friendships, and to count my blessings because there are so many.
A while back, I taught our ladies’ class at church and a part of the lesson was reflecting on the Serenity Prayer and the lessons we learn from it. Since that time, my daily prayer, along with praying about other things, is the Serenity Prayer. I pray it daily, and I pray it with meaning.
Here is my version of it: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Only pray it if you mean it. It won’t work unless you truly do.
You may be wondering why I changed the old saying from “lemonade” to “lemon pie.” Because lemon pie is richer, more of a treat, and more valuable. I think most people would rather have it. So in closing, I’ll share my recipe that is a favorite in our family.
Lemon Icebox Pie
Ingredients:
one packet of graham crackers, crushed
3/4 stick melted butter (note: you can buy a prepared graham cracker crust, but we like the homemade better. And if you’re not concerned about cholesterol or calories, you can use an entire stick of butter.)
one can sweetened condensed milk
3 eggs, divided
the juice of 3 lemons OR 1/3 cup of RealLemon juice
Instructions:
Crush graham crackers using a food processor or placing between waxed paper and crushing with a rolling pin or large drinking glass. Place in bowl and store in melted butter. Spread contents in a pie plate. Set aside.
Cut lemons in half and squeeze juice into a measuring cup. You can use a juicer or just squeeze with your hands. Be sure you get 1/3 cup of juice, and be sure to remove seeds.
In a mixing bowl, pour condensed milk. Add three egg YOLKS and stir well with a rubber spatula or a spoon. Add lemon juice and stir until mixture thickens. Pour into prepared crust and smooth evenly.
In a separate bowl, add egg whites and a dash of salt or pinch of cream of tartar. Beat with a hand mixer until soft peaks form. Add two tablespoons of granulated sugar and mix well. Top pie with meringue. Place in a 350 degree oven until the meringue is lightly browned. I usually start checking after ten minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before covering and placing in refrigerator to chill several hours before serving.
Enjoy!
Life As I know it 