Sunday Brunch

There are few things more wonderful on the weekend than having brunch.  Brunch is more than just a meal – no one needs brunch to survive, yet in so many ways, brunch is essential to a life well-enjoyed.  It can be as simple or eventful as you wish to make it, but at its core, brunch is about time spent in the company of dear friends and loved ones, delectable breakfast foods that normally don’t make it into your daily hustle and bustle, and a reason to look forward to the next weekend!

Today I had brunch at a local diner.  It was simple and straight-forward, no frills brunch.  As an avid foodie, I will be the first to admit that I love a place with a good bloody mary bar and gourmet crepe made from scratch.  However, sometimes a stack of buttermilk pancakes and mug of coffee is all it takes to hit the spot.  What are some of your favorite brunch plates and places?

Eggs Benedict at Bloomsburg Diner, Bloomsburg, PA

Bloody Mary bar at brunch, Meat & Potatoes, Pittsburgh

Bloody Mary bar at brunch, Meat & Potatoes, Pittsburgh

Brunch at Meat & Potatoes, Pittsburgh

Brunch at Meat & Potatoes, Pittsburgh

Brunch at Station, Williamsburg, NYC

Reminscings

It’s the end of the day, and my mind finally has time to wander.  Today I found myself thinking about the past, to a time where my life revolved around blissful summers filled with popsicles, bike rides, and playing House, rather than work and rush hour.  Mid-August was a time of getting nervous and excited about the start of a new school year (did I remember how to do fractions?!), purchasing bouquets of new crayons, and maybe even a Lisa Frank folder.

I also looked back on my life 20 years ago compared to today.  My penny loafers have turned into stilettos, side ponytails controlled by a crushed velvet scrunchie have been transformed into long beach waves, and bouquets of crayons have become bouquets of lipstick.  I no longer worry about fractions; instead, I worry about financial goals at work.  Every year I question what makes more sense- going home for Thanksgiving or for Christmas?  Am I doing what I really want to do with my life?

If my mother were to read this and realize that I’m (still) worried about things, she would remind me of the timeless adage “Will this matter in five years?  One year?  Two months?” And she’s right.  Some things will be rendered trivial, but many things – family, loyalty, good humor, and kindness – will remain cornerstones of our lives.  So go ahead.  Be kind and give away your prized purple crayon.  Surprise your sister with weekend getaway.  Laugh until you are gasping for air.  And above all else, show those who are nearest and dearest to your heart, that you love them.  I promise that you will find joy in all of these things.

August may no longer mark a beginning for you, but it is as good a time as any to take a moment to sit quietly and reflect on things.  If you let your mind wander, you might be surprised what it comes up with.

 

~ C

Reflections of an Auntie

This past 4th of July weekend was one I won’t soon forget.  My second niece was born on July 4th, just in time for the fireworks (I will obviously tell her that her gift from me is fireworks, and that the massive crowds are there to celebrate her birthday).  She is delightful, adorable, and sweet, with a head of black hair.  She is also the fifth girl in the family; I have two sisters, and now two nieces.

As I reflected on her dramatic entrance into the world, I reminded myself that babies are a new beginning.  They don’t know good from bad, blue from green, or left from right.  They must be taught all of those things, by both family and friends.  As a good friend of mine once said, “Just remember that it takes a village to raise a child.  They need a variety of people, each of whom has different experiences, knowledge, and personalities.  Everyone has something to teach, and will impart their wisdom in a different manner.”

There is no doubt that I will rock her to sleep many a night, will help her learn to read and ride a bike, and will bravely offer to sit in the passenger seat when she gets her permit.  I hope that my experiences will be beneficial to her either in that moment or in the future.  Some things will be deep and important, others will be trivial, but no less important.

Thoughts for the latest addition to the family:

Always wear oversized sunglasses to prevent premature wrinkles due to squinting.

Be kind.  You don’t know always know what other people are going through.

Studying abroad in college is one of the best decisions you can make.

Learning a second (or third) language is invaluable.

When you love someone, make sure you tell them.  

Offer to run errands for you mom.

Listen when people are talking.

Brush your teeth often. 

Read lots of books.

Wear mascara.

Travel.

Here’s to a new beginning, to a girl who, if her date of her birth has any influence, will be independent, will be a firecracker, and will always light up the lives of those around her.

 

~ C.