Friday 14 November 2008

My Kind of Magic



Have you ever heard of the woman, Joyce Grenfell? Perhaps if you are not from the UK, you haven't. She was an English film and television actress, comedienne and singer/songwriter. During the 1950's she often appeared along side of Allister Sim in such movies as "The Pickwick Papers," "The Happiest Days of Your Life" and the "St Trinians" series. She even appeared on the Ed Sullivan show in America along side of Elvis Presley. So if you don't actually recognize the name, I am sure you might recognize the face. In any case, I read something she had written the other day entitled, "My Kind of Magic." In it, she presented beautifully that what she meant by her kind of magic was not the abracadabra kind of magic, but . . . "the heightened quality of certain, often quite small experiences lit by unexpected excitement, powerful with innocence."



It made me think about what I might find in my own world of existence that could be called "Magic."

I think that holding a tiny newborn babe in your arms must be one of the most special kinds of magic around. The way their tiny hand knows how to wrap itself so perfectly around your finger . . . this tiny fragment of "new" life, exquisite and beautiful, every breath and movement entangling itself and tugging on your heart strings . . . miraculous.



How about climbing to the top of a hill and catching a beautiful glimpse of all the scenery in view . . . the tiny patchwork fields and farms . . . perhaps a green gilded village off in the distance, the spire of it's church just visible from atop the fluffy green of it's trees . . .

Peeking into a nest of baby birds and seeing lots of tiny mouths gaping open and cheeping for their tired mother's attention, not to mention a few worms . . .

Walking in the countryside in the springtime and hearing that first harbinger of spring off in the distance, the plaintive cry of the cuckoo . . . I can still remember the very first time I heard one and how amazed I was at how much it sounded just like a cuckoo clock.



Wandering through the garden and happening upon a perfect piece of artistry, a spider's web, covered in dewdrops . . .

The tiny buds of flowers just waiting to burst out into bloom . . . so tiny, so perfect, so beautiful to behold.

Answering the telephone and hearing the voice of an old friend you have not heard from in a while, or the voice of a much loved child or other family member that you have not spoken to in days . . .



The way that the sunlight plays across the kitchen table on a late winter's afternoon after weeks and weeks of rain . . .

Driving in the car, lost in thought and hearing a special piece of music that tugs on your heart and brings back special memories, thoughts, pictures . . .

These are all some of my kinds of magic . . . little things that tug on my heart strings . . . what are some of yours? I do hope that you find some magic in your day today.



I had some work to do yesterday afternoon and not a lot of time to cook Todd and myself a complicated supper before we had to go out to the church last night for my Seminary Lesson and then the Young Women's activity. (We did exercises and healthy eating!) I just flung together my old standby, the pick and mix omelet. I call it a pick and mix omelet because you can just fling into it all sorts of bits and bobs, whatever strikes your fancy. It's a great way to clean out the fridge and it can be as simple or as complicated as you choose!



*Marie's Pick and Mix Omelet*
For 2

Omelets made in the French way are really easy to make and so very delicious when they are done. I always like to cook a few oven chips with mine if we are having them for supper. It makes it a bit more substantial. You can put whatever combination of vegetables and meats in the centre, not to mention cheeses that you like. Last night I chose a combination of different sweet peppers, some courgette, red onion, along with some crispy fried bacon, medium cheddar cheese and a dusting of Parmesan. It can be as complicated as all that or as simple as just some cheese and a few fried mushrooms. It's your own pick and mix!

3 large free range organic eggs
(If the egg is the star, I like to use the best I can find)
a knob of butter
1 TBS water
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 TBS freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup of your choice of cheese, shredded
2 cups of a variety of lightly steamed vegetables
(sweet peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, etc.)
crisply fried bacon, chopped ham or some other meat (optional)

Combine the eggs and water in a medium bowl. Beat with a fork until well combined.

Heat a medium sized non stick skillet over medium high heat. Place the butter in and heat it until it just begins to foam. Pour in the eggs. Leave it for a few seconds to allow it to set on the bottom.

As the eggs set, take a spatula and push the edges of the egg mixture in, allowing the uncooked eggs on top to flow underneath and make direct contact with the skillet. Repeat the procedure at various spots around the edge of the setting egg mixture.

When the eggs are set, but still shiny, season to taste all over with some sea salt and cracked black pepper. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese. Add the other cheeses and fillings as desired, placing them on one half of the omelet only. Carefully fold the other half of the cooked egg over top and then gently slide the whole concoction out onto a warmed plate. Divide into two portions and serve hot.

Some nicely buttered crisp toast or a few oven chips go very well with this.

26 comments:

  1. you didn't have to try hard to find magic at all, did you? and I LOVE omeletts!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You mentioned the view from a hill -- some of my favorite spots in England have been those views.

    I also love the magic of leaf patterns etched in ice on a pond, the brightness of a full moon on a clear night, and the sky full of stars.

    And, you just gave a clue about what to make for supper tonight. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lots of magic all around if we would just slow down and look :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. A lot of your magic is the same as mine there is so much magic in the world. I wish I could get Stu to eat an omelet with a filling but it has to be plain but it is one of his favourites. Lover Joan.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a lovley post Marie. I think if we look around us we can see"magic" in all of God's creation. I particulary love to see new lambs skipping about the fields & the new growth of springtime flowers.
    I had my husband look at your recipes last night he wants me to make them all lol!!!!!!! Hope all is well with your family they are still in my thoughts Marie x

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the idea of pick n mix omeletts! Looks lovely and yummy!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. MAGIC...the word alone makes my toes tingle! I'm a firm believer in every day magic and little miracles that happen throughout the day. Magic Moments...Love your magical photos here...especially of the lace cloth and the dreamy, trees in the mist. I made an omelet very like yours earlier this week...easy meals these day are much appreciated! Hope we get to chat Sunday. Happy weekend to you & dear Todd...LOVE YOU BOTH!! ((HUGS))

    ReplyDelete
  8. I believe in magic Marie and I think we have magic things everywhere, yoir are magic too!!! Didi you know??? Lovely recipe and look so yummy, Marie I love your dishes too are beauty!!! xxHuggs!!!!Gloria

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your kind of magic is, well, magical.
    Beautiful photos.
    I think that omelet is magical!
    I love omelets and usually only have them once a year as my mother's day breakfast. mmmm!

    xo
    Di

    ReplyDelete
  10. That picture of all the fog is soo cool! I think there's magic all around us. I know there's magic in you!!!

    I sent you an e-mail! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. That omelet looks amazing! And I love that picture of the spider web. So cool!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Marie - Magic! Oh, now that is the best definition and how it brings back many warm memories...and it will allow me to enjoy future magic moments even more so! Thank you! Isn't it just marvelous when we view the world with magic eyes?

    ReplyDelete
  13. We love the same kind of magic!!! I might add, I love the magic of a soft snuggly cat, purring deep in his chest as you nap together on a snowy winter's day! Omelette looks fabulous - just my style. Much love, Raquel XO

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lovely pics, Marie! The omelet looks yummy! BTW, I love your new kitchen!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Marie! I loved your post today about magical moments. Your pictures were beautiful. I love watching my children sleep and wondering about what they are dreaming about.

    Your omelet looks scrumptious. We love making omelets around here and one of our Sunday rituals is my husband makes everyone omelets after church when we have early church before our big meal later in the day.Yum!

    ReplyDelete
  16. How beautiful this post is. Seeing life through your eyes brings blessings to mine.

    One of my miracles is that my dear friend, Marie, far across the sea, is only a key stroke away from me. Any time I want I can go visit her at Oak Cottage, read her inspirational words and feel uplifted and renewed. That is a blessing and a miracle!

    An even greater miracle is true without the use of computers or internet... any time I want I can turn to the scriptures and read words of inspiration meant just for me at that very moment in my life. I can call on my Heavenly Father any time of day or night. Even with all He has to do, He is always there for me.I never have to worry about His batteries being low or lost connection on His part...and when my batteries get low He sends me a charger of one kind or another to renew me...(sometimes that charger is you my friend.) What a blessing! What a miracle!

    Have a marvelous day full of little miracles.

    and....I JUST LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your new kitchen. If anyone deserves a nice kitchen it is you my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  17. That's some omelet Marie!! My hubby would go nuts fr this!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I just love all the magic you create with words, Marie! :) and your omelets look yummy!! My hubby loves omelets, bet he'd go for this recipe. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Now that's an omelet. Soooo much better than a planned one. Beautiful pics. Makes you really appreciate of nature.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I sat in a room today with my sister and two brothers - all of us 60 and older. I looked at each face and remembered....it was a magical moment. blessings, marlene

    ReplyDelete
  21. oh, i love your descriptions. especially the one about the newborn and the magic that lies in his/her little finger as it wraps around your own. i love that.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I do agree! Our lives are filled with "magic". Thanks for reminding me to open my eyes.

    That is one great looking omelett! You have one lucky man Ü

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love Joyce Grenfell and remember watching her in the St Trinians films when I was little, I loved them.
    Gaz x

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a lovely post, I think it's one of your best.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Beautiful words AND images. The spider web, table cloth and sun flare are my faves. Gorgeous.

    And I am holding your DIL and family in prayer.

    ReplyDelete

Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!