Winters’ Day In
Conversations on life, faith, stories, and creativity from author Talena Winters.
Pour a cuppa and stay awhile.
A Year is Just a Trip Around the Sun
I've been quietly avoiding interacting with all the social media posts bashing 2016, as though a year can be to blame for all the things that are wrong with the world or a person's life. It seemed so ludicrous, and I figured if someone was going to be that negative and blame it on a calendar, my energy would be better spent elsewhere than trying to help them see how ridiculous that is.
Making Baking Healthier
I don't know anyone who would argue that cookies and cakes are necessary food groups for a balanced diet. (Chocolate, on the other hand...) But even with all the conflicting information, I believe that baked goods can still be a nutritious alternative to store-bought processed foods. Here is the outline of the philosophy I have embraced to judiciously incorporate delicious baked goodness into our family's diet over the years while still keeping as much nutrition in our calories as possible.
Photo Friday: The Wonder of Everything
When one travels, it is easy to look in wonder at the big buildings, the different customs, the strange food, and wonder, "What is that for? Who made that? Why do they do it that way?"
The truth is, wonderful things are all around us, no matter where we live.
Photo Friday: Memories of Sunshine
Nothing like a few garden herbs growing inside in winter to bring back memories of summer. Oh, sunshine, how do I miss thee? Let me count the ways...
Photo Friday: Memories of India
Tiptoeing through time and space back to India, where we made friends for life--and where our love story began.
Misadventures in Mumbai
This might look like greasy, fried Western food, but tonight, it was what relief tasted like. It was the flavour of a small victory after a long and frustrating day. It was safety after about as much adventure as we could handle at once.
Introducing the "Just Plain Mittens" Pattern!
At last, this pattern is finally ready! When you see all that it has to offer, you'll know why it took nine months to make! (Okay, so I didn't knit a lot during the summer... but this pattern did get super-tested!)
Dear Lady Behind Me at Starbucks
I see you there, with your screwed-up face and your well-coiffed hair and your impatient gesture each time someone in the line in front of you dares to order one more thing. I was much like you for many years, and once in a while, I see your eyes looking back at mine from the mirror. May I remember that Kindness is Never Wasted. I hope you learn this, too, my Lady.
Francoise of Aroha Knits Creates Her Own Niche
Francoise of Aroha Knits had more than a few obstacles in her way when she decided to launch her knitwear business--but she did it anyway. Read the inspiring story of this expat American designer living in Japan whose business has grown to encompass the globe.
Photo Friday: Grateful for New Beginnings
I hit a milestone this week. Have you had any milestones towards your goal lately?
Photo Friday: Grateful for Simple Pleasures
Tea, books, knitting, eating, cuddling, chocolate... This is a small celebration of some of my favourite simple pleasures. What makes your list?
Perfect Pumpkin Pie
Making pumpkin pie from scratch is the most delicious way, and not as difficult as you might think. This is our family recipe. Perfect fall comfort food!
Reworking Working from Home
My Left and Right Brain are having a showdown and I need to figure out how to make them play nice together! Do you have some pointers?
Photo Friday: Grateful for the Harvest
Some years, the garden just sucks. But this year, my flourishing herbs and giant carrots and surprise petunias all worked together to heal my hurting heart. And I am so grateful for it.