Good morning. The past two weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions; my Aunt's passing and funeral, and seeing my cousins (especially those out of state). Yesterday we got together under good circumstances at my niece's house, I had a wonderful time. My family maybe crazy but I love each and every one of them and wouldn't trade them for the world.

I was asked to make a dish or two for the BBQ so I cooked as though I was cooking for myself; I made a huge garden salad with cranberries, slivered almonds, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes with croutons, salad toppers seasoning and bacon pieces on the side for toppings. I made a fresh fruit salad of honey dew melons, cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries and pineapple with whipped cream on the side. A pasta salad with cilantro lime shrimp, prosciutto, pesto, mrs dash tomato basil seasoning and artichoke heart-bow tie pasta. It's a little funny because my whole family is overweight but yet when I bring food, they all choose the healthier foods over the more calories and fat dense choices. Whenever I'm asked to bring a dish, I cook like I'm cooking for myself because it's probably all I'm going to eat anyway and somehow my "healthy" food always seems to always go first.

It was really nice to see my cousins again under happier circumstances. What I find interesting is how as kids we were a lot alike and yet as adults we are so different. I don't think I'm better than anyone, just different, I think I may be emotionally stronger and No-nonsense because I take after my dad that way. I'm very much my father's daughter. My dad was tough as nails, yet could be as gentle as a summers breeze.

My siblings and I were talking and we all feel the shift, we have two aunts lefts on mom's side and one on dad's side...when they pass "we" become the elders of our family. And I don't mean the old ones but the highly respected and ones who guide the rest, by teaching, leading by example, carrying the family history for the generations to come that's a huge responsibility. My siblings and I all feel it, I know it's part of life getting older but we can't help but feel the shifting that is happening.

I guess that's all a part of growing up, maturing and trying to age gracefully. Yesterday's quote from my friend the blissfollower (theblissfollower.com) ties in pretty well...

"Becoming the type of person you want to become — someone who lives by a stronger standard, someone who believes in themselves, someone who can be counted on by the people that matter to them — is about the daily process you follow and not the ultimate product you achieve" ~~ James Clear


Well, it's time to start the day...have a wonderful Sunday.