The Why Of It...

A couple of people have asked that I post the introduction that I wrote in the book. So here it is. This is why I was inspired to do this project in the first place. 

***

This is the view from my back door, from my kitchen window.

The Sugarloaf.

Each day bringing another sky, another wonder to fill my heart. So many days spent here at this window, on this doorstep. In summer, a sunny corner of scented flowers, creeping green. Generous lush rushes lean and sway and whisper. In autumn late blooming roses fill the evening with perfume, which greets us like a friendly melancholy ghost, wrapping around us, seducing us, inviting us to stay awhile. In winter, a sudden gift of light to gladden your heart. A heron against a stark winter sky. And in spring the birds return. Along with the green.

And you love this place. It is filled with such ghosts and echoes of other lives. The garden breathes the faint memory of long-ago children. A lingering sensation of hidden joy.

Come follow us. Share our blessings.

One year.

Ciara Brehony,

Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

A Year At My Back Door- The Book...

Well, I was so delighted to receive my Blurb book yesterday. My Year At My Back Door project which I finished up in January is now available as a book with all my favourite images gathered together in it. At the moment it is available in a small format, with two pictures on each page, as you can see below.
In the next couple of weeks there will also be a big coffee-table size hard-cover one which will have one image on each page. I think it will do more justice to the images, but I did want to have a smaller option available too.







I'm not finished with this project yet, as there are a few more things cooking which I hope to tell you about in a few weeks time. In the meantime, you can also view the entire year of photos over on AYAMBD the blog. And even better, you can buy the books in the Blurb bookstore. 

Or you can just click on the badge at the top right of this page.

My Life As A Cake...

Bear with me...

The Smallest's second birthday creeps upon us. Next month in fact. (I cannot believe it...) And I begin to realise the baby-moon-mist has been receding. I find myself with noticeably more head space to actually pause and think for a minute instead of everything being in the moment (and not in the good way!).

I have a number of food intolerances which I struggle to deal with. Gluten and sugar? They. are. everywhere. Like you have no idea, if you don't scrutinise every label. But I can do it. Just about. But add on to that yeast, dairy and caffein? Well, let's just say that the coffee element is where I fall down. Seriously.
Part of the difficulty is because of the practical side of having to cook for five other people, all with various likes and dislikes. They always come first. That's just the way it is. But I now know that with a bit of organising of my thoughts I can organise my day. And then maybe even organise my life!

So, the first thing I do is make my self drink this here green tea. It's a step towards clarity.



It is actually quite the magic potion. While I was, I admit, persuaded by the earnest guy doing a promotion in my local health food shop one day recently, I have to say it seems to be working! It is supposed to stop your cravings, ahem. I've never been a fan of green tea but taken as a latte, (no really!), it is, dare I say it, delicious in a comforting kind of way. Even though it has a pond-water kind of look about it, as though a frog just may hop out any moment now.... For more info on it have a look here.
I've really only just started to take it properly so I'll let you know how I get on, but so far so good.

Has anyone any experience with it? I'd love to hear if you do.

So about that title. I know it should read 'My Life Without Cake, but it refers to the plan I have come up with that I hope will help me stay on track.
I am a visual person, and therefore I find it easier to do things if I can visualise it. So I figured if I can visualise what I can and cannot eat then it will be easier. If I think of it as being like a cake recipe, there are certain things which need to go into it to make it a success, and other things you absolutely cannot put in or it will flop.

I can try. And as I seem to be able to eke out some more time and space in my head I hope it will become easier. I've done it before so fingers crossed. There are some wonderful, inspiring blogs out there that are full of amazing recipes and tips to live gluten-free. Places like Elana's Pantry and Gluten-Free Girl. If any of this resonates with you then do check them out, they are inspiring.

I do feel a change. No more babies in the house. Time for me. Even just a little...

The Grass Breathing Around My Ears.

In other years there were floods and high tides,

days of cloud bursts and verdant dusks.

There were misty, rain filled days,

the mountains shrouded, silent, grey ghosts.

This year as February begins to wane,

we have blue skies,

grass swaying in the wind,

clouds roaming the sky,

But each year, at this time,

the whole garden is humming with fertility,

heaving up soil,

sighing with moisture.

Green shoots pushing their way up through the grass...

Spring is tapping at the window...

Something To Sustain Us.

So it's back to school tomorrow. 

We enjoyed the break and got to squeeze in most of what we hoped. We ended our weekend with a visit to our friends Danny and Tali in their little house in the valley. We had wholesome food and fine weather. And a lovely time was had.

Here's a peep...

I hope you all had a lovely weekend!