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.