Musings

Foodie Fieldtrip Friday: Outsider Tart

~ Harper220

Today is Labor Day in the U.S.A.  Though I have lived away from America since 2008 I am still keenly aware of all the holidays and traditions that go with it. I miss my family full stop! Thank goodness for FaceTime and especially trips home. But my visits back don’t always coincide with certain holidays and I actually pine for the many activities associated with them.  Okay let’s face it I mainly miss the food associated with the holidays. And to me Labor Day means the end of summer and eating things such as BBQ, pulled pork sandwiches, salads galore, and some gooey, naughty treat!  While I won’t be able to do that today, I did get to recreate an early Labor Day meal recently at the incredible Outsider Tart here in London. Continue reading →

A Royal Experience

~ Harper220 ~ 1 Comment

Groundbreaking, inclusive, romantic, unique, personal, different, and untraditional were many words I heard while watching the television coverage of the Royal Wedding. But the word I heard most often was modern. May 19, 2018 is a day many will remember for years to come. As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared their love publicly at the Windsor Castle wedding, it is estimated that billions of people watched along with them. And while I wiped away many a tear, I also cheered as indeed it was beautiful, touching and MODERN!

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Meatsuit

~ Harper220 ~ 1 Comment

Before all my vegan and vegetarian friends delete this post, just hear me out. This is not a foodie related blog entry today.  In fact it is more of the spiritual nature. And it isn’t because of Stella’s recent passing or my dad’s anniversary that I am sharing this with you all now.  But it is a concept I have spoken of many times in public and private.  However, today I decided to dedicate this moment entirely to MEATSUIT!

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Dad, Divine Mercy and the Missing Strap

~ Harper220 ~ 2 Comments

Today is the 34th anniversary of my dad’s death. He passed away four days after his 46th birthday. This year his birthday fell on the same day as my Woman Crush Wednesday episode.  I had planned to do a little Firefighter Fieldtrip as I do each year to honor his birthday.  However, my cooking tutorial took a bit longer and the museum I wanted to visit had already closed. So I went out and about in London yesterday and saw a few cool sights that helped me feel that much closer to my dearly missed father.

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Special Delivery From Stella

~ Harper220 ~ 10 Comments

I received a little surprise from Stella. A card left on my pillow last night that contained a letter.  A typed letter from my Spirit Animal.  When I say from, well, I know it was typed by my husband.   I noticed him sitting with her the other day and he told me they were having a little talk.  But I had no idea she was dictating something to him.  I must say this is by far the nicest thing my husband has ever done for me.  I was laughing and crying simultaneously as I read it.  Today is Thursday, and normally I host the #tellthetruththursday episode on my Snapchat. But it is all I can do to get dressed and make myself food today.  I am shattered with grief and I know it is a lonely process.  But coming to the blog and pouring out my heart helps.  And today, I am clinging to this letter from Stella.  So I will leave it here for you in case you want to get her perspective on things….

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Spirit Animal

~ Harper220 ~ 13 Comments

“Pick me! Pick me!” Those were her first words to me. Well she didn’t actually say those words but that is what she meant.  Her body language confirmed that as she jumped in my lap and licked my face.  I never liked doggie kisses before, but somehow I accepted hers. She was doing everything she could to make sure I did pick her. I remember that day, the day I picked her, like it was yesterday.  Only the real yesterday, as in Tuesday March 13th, she said something else.  She said, “Release me, release me”. And at 7:00pm as my husband and I held her tight, we released her soul and felt it scamper to the Rainbow Bridge. Continue reading →