Songbird Cafe - 1st Annual Chili Bowl took place Saturday November 8th, 2008.
10 Contestants. 1 Winner. Over 50 Full Bellies.
To my shock and surprise I won the 1st Annual Songbird Cafe Chili Bowl with a White Bean Chili, called 'Weezie's White Bean Award-Winning Chili.' This recipe has no measurements, simply a list of ingredients. Taste, taste taste. Lots of extra cheese ;) I think that was the key.
This is a month that marks a new era of eloquence, inspiration, connection, thoughtfulness, grace, and I'll say it, LOVE.
Some of my favorite LOVE reminders are:
-The United States not only voting in, but embracing Barack Obama as our next President.
-Samuel and I offering each other expressions of romance, friendship, certainty and joy. I just opened an email he wrote to me, while I was sitting next to him last night unaware. He makes me feel smushy.
-Cassie, his daughter, so excited to give away the "Cookies for Gifts" we made together. A kid happy about giving cookies away is special! But the idea of making someone else happy was the ringer for her. I love her AND I like her so much.
-The turn of season. The leaves are so beautiful that I find myself carrying home bouquets of them on my dog-walks with Sennie Pennie. Now they are in books, where I will re-discover them at a date unknown. :)
-Speaking of her - I am loving on my loyal, sweet, faithful dog, Seneca aka "Sennie Pennie." I named her after the city in NY where the first convention for the Rights of Women's Suffrage took place. In line with her name, she has a personality that is independent, strong, resilient... She's 16 years old and I see her slowing down. I want to make the end of her life comfortable, full of petts, snacks, and kisses on her kissing spot. See that widows peak on her forehead?- Family. I am so grateful. Chosen family and blood relations. My Momma, Jeanne. What a journey we've had. It is fun to have her witness my life. She really likes Sam and Cassie. Sam and my mom have taken to telling each other tall tales over the phone. I try not to get involved, but I overheard something about penguins driving sedans down the street recently. Hmmm. Just glad they have something to giggle about. Laughing together is so good. -Friends! Woohoo. Courtney and Phillip. What a great pair of people I am fortunate to call best friends. I know for certain they have my back - and as quick to defend as they are to lift up.
Sara Grace - the hardest working woman in show business, er um, Physical Therapy. Seriously though, I am so proud of her. She just won a MAJOR AWARD at work! It even comes with a fancy parking space. Sara is engaged in life - from book clubs to hiking, from Spanish, Esperanto and English to home remodeling. Go girl.
Jilly-bean my oldest friend, my rock. She has 2 beautiful kiddos - William and Greta Grace. I am so proud to be her friend. And Samuel K. Scupham. He is growing to be my best friend. This is a serious and slow process and we are doing beautifully. I hope I am as good a friend to him as he is to me. I will always strive for that and choose him as a partner everysingleday.
-I am feeling grateful. I look forward to this thanksgiving time. (even though it is all the time!)