The Bottom of the Rice

I have been trying pretty hard these days to be more positive.  I would like to think that I am on my way to enlightenment because reaching enlightenment really would benefit me!!  In my recent quest, I find that I am longing for the days when I was getting better and better at my "Downward Dog" and feeling cleansed and renewed after being assured by my fabulous yoga instructor that every Tuesday night at 7pm or Sat. morning at 11am for a year (give or take a few months) I was "exactly where I was supposed to be and who I was supposed to be" right then and there.  I nearly cried every time she said that.

So, as part of my effort to truly try and be more positive, I am going to list some pretty wonderful things that have happened in the last few weeks, little as they may be (it really is the little things that keep me going lately) in spite of the tornado of not-so-great things that have also been happening.

1. While I was fuming from an argument w/my lovely husband two weeks ago, I angrily got out the rice I had cooked the day before to make myself a small plate of food for lunch.  He had just made his 20 minute appearance in between jobs for his meal and did what he usually does when we're in the middle of the latest battle of Postpartum World War III, which is to act like everything is rosy and wonderful  (He is much better at the positivity thing than I am.)  As I opened the container of white rice I was, admittedly, doing a little huffing and puffing --- and then saw it - the beautiful crispy golden brown clusters that are the best part of Haitian rice.  Those of you who have never had the yummy bottom of the rice that is called "Graten" (it's a creole word so you'll have to forgive me in that I have absolutely no idea how to spell and really even how to say it) will not understand this.  But it is the best part of the rice - the part, especially of the white rice, that soaks up all the garlic and oil at the bottom of the pan and cooks to a golden brown that crunches like heaven in your mouth.  I LOVE IT.  We both love it.  Everyone who ever has it LOVES it, because it is scrumptious.  My husband had about 3 chances to eat it all - and he used to do this regularly and when I would say, "Honey, why did you eat all the "graten?"  He would say such things as, "Oh I didn't know you wanted any!"  (such a man) So, needless to say, I was very touched that he had left me my fair share of this delectable snack - in spite of the fact that we hadn't spoken to each other int he previous 30 hours.  ;)  I had a lil' moment or cathartic breath, if you will, and actually got a lil' teary eyed and sighed, "He DOES love me."  ;)  (I am certain this reaction had nothing to do w/postpartum hormones... and yes, I am laughing at myself as I type this.)

2.  Recently I was able to visit my friend Dimitri and his family.  Dimitri renews my spirit every time I see him.  He is continuing to fight neuroblastoma and the incredible aftermath of illnesses that it left in his body... yet you would never, ever know it.  He is a bundle of joy and truly has no idea the incredible symbol for resiliency that he has become in so many people's lives!  He absolutely loves my baby Zaiya and I don't know who loves seeing them play together more, me or his mommy!  Here they are together, along with Dimitri's incredibly talented older brother, Maurizo, who is possibly the sweetest teenage hip hop artist you'll ever meet.  ;) Check him out! (AB da Best & Rizio)

                                        (I think he's pretty amazing, too, baby Zaiya!)

3.  I love photography.  I do not get to enjoy this hobby nearly enough - however - when I do it is usually when I am taking pictures of this little guy.  I love my nephew, Landon, so much - it is so hard to believe that he is such a big kid now.  It seems like yesterday when he was born - today I love to pick him up and cradle him like I did when he was a baby and tell him how I used to take such good care of him and kiss him goodnight and tell him, "Don't cry, baby Landon" as he giggles and tells me, "I'm a big boy now, Tatti!"  He calls me "Tatti" which is the Haitian word for "Aunt."  It was easier to say than "Aunt Karen" so it stuck.  ;)  These pictures are my favorites from the day; they were taken at Ashlawn in Charlottesville, where we attended my cousin's wedding a couple weeks ago.  It was a photographer's dream!

                         

                                                

4. After running errands the other day, I came home to find my husband playing his saxophone for Zaiya.  Picture it: the most amazing kid's cd ever, Caribbean Playground by Putumaya Kids, and the sound of your husband playing along while your 6 month old watches in admiration.  It was pretty priceless and truly gave me some serious warm fuzzies.  It is times like this that I am so thankful my husband is who he is.  It really doesn't matter what is going on in our lives, he finds a way to bring himself (and me, when I let him!) joy.  That afternoon was my favorite - I literally forgot everything that was bothering me and let myself get lost in that moment.  (He wouldn't let me take pictures or I'd have one to show you!)

5.  My cousin married the man of her dreams.  My aunt sent around a link for us to view the pics from her wedding.  I feel like it was a whirlwind weekend - and I don't think I paused enough to reflect on what was actually happening.  While I was looking at her pictures I got a lil' misty eyed, thinking about all they've been through and all the odds they've overcome... all leading up to some of the sweetest, most genuine moments I've ever seen at a wedding - and a lot that I didn't see that were captured by one amazing photographer!  Here is a picture I snapped of them listening to my parents and my aunts perform one hilarious song for them!  

I am so happy for you, Rebecca and Eamon.  I love you both!

6.  And finally... my crab plant is flowering.  Every day I come home, usually in a mad rush to get Zaiya down for a nap and/or bedtime and my head is a mess until I get to my door and see this amazing sunshine bright flower staring at me as if to say: STOP AND SMELL THE CRAB PLANTS.  :)  As usual, Minkie knows just what to say and just how to remind me that I am where I am supposed to be and who I am supposed to be... every time I come home.