A few cookies...

Originally... yes, originally this was a post I started last year.  I have no clue what I was making, but I'll do my best to find the pictures that match the words I wrote so long ago.  So... these cookies were going to be cupcakes.  However, those delightful treats aren't as weather friendly as a cookie (though, if you think about it, no sweets seem to have a fondness for the outdoors - and they really hate when the temperature changes so suddenly, causing an oh-so-sad sugary meltdown.)

So... here is what I made today the other day.  The white chocolate is a more experimental treat, if you will... and what does "if you will" mean exactly?  I do remember that out of all the cookies made (and it was for an outdoor picnic for foster parents,) the white chocolate was most popular!  Experiments, therefore, are capable of working.  Lovely!  If anyone wants the recipes, I can certainly add them on :)  I enjoy sharing that which has made others smile.

Not such a happy day.

I feel there is much out there many don't know about me.  Totally normal, of course!  Hmmm.  Well, I say that and then think "I am almost too transparent if speaking with someone in person."  I tell how I truly am, and that's just me.  Just Betsy.  And I feel down, which would be the primary reason for typing.  Have you ever wanted to make or eate a million things (for those who find joy in delving into the artsy side of life,) yet can't conjure up one idea or even the motivation to do so?  I go through this in spurts - ups and downs, if you will.  I'm in a down.  I don't like the downs as they are depressing (which is, obviously, how I feel.)  But really, the main thing plaguing me is anxiety.  Do any of you struggle with it?  I have GAD, which is really irritating sometimes, though manageable often.  For me, it has NOT been manageable since Thursday.  And it's Sunday.  I'm exhausted.  Therefore the creative blood isn't flowing - the "I would love to breathe like a normal person" thoughts are really what's taking up most of my thinking.  I have to write this out, as it helps, I suppose, to bring a sense of calm or a glimmer of hope that there are those who might - JUST MIGHT - know what I'm going through.  Random:  does Pinterest seem to take up your time as much as I let it take up mine?  Goodness, it's much more addicting than facebook (and MUCH more fun!)  And so, friends and those who I would love to be friends with, I'm sorry for such a sad message.  But it's ok to be human and to share what's truly going on in our lives at times.

Pinot Noir. Garnacha. Rioja. AND let's throw in champagne.

So, I'm absolutely a fan of red wines.  However, I've found it more difficult to enjoy the heavy Cabernets and Merlots I visit with during cooler months.  Even my favorite, a Malbec, doesn't seem like a great choice to my [I suppose developing] wine palette.

My mission lately, among about four hundred other things: locate fabulous summer reds (and a champagne or two) at lovely, pocket-friendly prices. For (A GREAT) example, Central Market is running a special until... well, maybe it's just this week... on Erath Pinot Noir.  Now, this wine, usually priced at 17.00 is only 10.  A deal!  Well, at least to me.  I'm the person who will get asked twenty times in the wine section, "Umm, are you finding everything ok?"  And I respond "Why yes, I'm just looking for a better deal then the $21.00 Garnacha.  Thank you!"  There is nothing wrong with looking and scouring for a better price on well-rated wine.

I like sharing.  And I will happily share a list soon.  Lists are just fun.  Period.

Eat in Austin. You really should....

So, I have grown to love Mediterranean food.  A LOT.  And here are some pictures of one of my favorite places...

HUMMUS, how I love thee! Oh, and the dolmas.  SO LOVELY!

Happy Eating!  And try Phara's the next time you are here (I am MORE than happy to join you, and I'll even bring the wine!)

Ok, maybe we will both come.  We LOVE it!  And, I think you will, too...

Happy day!

Isn't everyday, in one way or another, a happy day?  There's always something to be most happy about... I will list a few:

Tomorrow... tomorrow I get to make a LOT of cookies for foster families in Austin.  I hope they feel blessed (and I hope they have a great southern flair!) And besides, one never knows what a tomorrow will bring.
Flowers... the other day James and I were walking and... there they were!  A "field" of flowers along the path we take to the grocery store.  So lovely.  So very, very lovely.
Joy... I can't help but feel elated when small moments of joy unexpectedly appear amidst the day.  Jesus loves to fill the day with these moments.  It's found in lending kindness to a stranger or hearing the laugh of a child or finding shapes in fluffy clouds.  I love it.
Sincerity... this, too, comes at random times and can be unnoticed.  But, try and notice it.  Genuine sincerity is something I dearly treasure. 

And so many more things make the day better (if you allow them to)... food discoveries, stars, the breaking of dawn, family, friends, shoes, wine, chocolate chips, peanut butter, gardens, farmers markets, boyfriends, laughter, and above all hope in Him.  Hope is a wellspring of life and an anchor for the soul.  Look in Hebrews... that, too, will bring you a happy day.
 - Love, Betsy

I just want to wriiiiiiiiite.

My friend Britney.  She always has the BEST posts.  And after reading them, I'm inspired to take pictures and write.

Friends, can I share with you that today is just one of those days where I think everything is going to make me cry?  That is no fun, and makes work interesting - one can only say SOOOO many times, "it's just allergies... or my contacts bothering me..." or something else so quick and witty and an on-the-spot excuse.

Hmm.  There is that "hmm" again; I find I use it often.  Perhaps it should now be titled a "filler word."  Honestly, it does work well when other more profound and exciting vocabulary has gone missing.  You are now free to use my "hmmm" at your leisure.  I must share...  I got a NEW MIXER.  It looks a lot like this: 



and this....

And friends, I am excited.  EXCITED.  I want to make a vanilla bean cupcake.  I bought one because it was $2 dollars off, and I will get more before that sale goes.  If you like to bake, you, too, understand the excitement such a find can bring!