Stones in the river . . .

I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.
~ E E Cummings

On her way to Chimayo, a young woman saw two Spanish farmers moving stones into new positions in a riverbed, to help to direct the flow of the water. Feeling compelled to help, she stopped to lend a hand. as she did so, she had the feeling that this was something that had been done for centuries . . . their mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers . . . each in their own time and way . . . had picked up the same stones, pushed about by storm or drought, and repositioned them back into their reserved places so that the water could continue.

That can be a bit like the relationships in our lives. They are a never-ending work . . . as the storms of life and other things move the stones between us and our loved ones around . . . we often find ourselves having to reposition the heavy things which get in the way, enabling us to continue.



The weather of life can sometimes, quite simply . . . jam things up. We find ourselves having to roll up our pant legs and sleeves, and stepping into the river to unclog and restore the flow. We can't move the stones however . . . without first asking ourselves some important questions . . . such as what are these stones that have been pushed between us, and these heavy things that keep getting in the way?? Without knowing what we carry, or what is blocking our direction, we can never know how to open the dam which is stopping the flow.

Communication is so very important and vital. When we don't allow ourselves to see, or hear, or feel . . . when we keep ourselves adrift from harsh realities and truths, protecting our hearts and putting up barriers . . . we are really disturbing the flow of our lives. It is really only human to do so . . . but it is so very destructive . . . and robs us of blessings that are only ours to reap.



I hate Mother's Day. There, I said it. I hate it because most of the year I can push away the heartache that I feel from having children who want nothing to do with me . . . but on that one day of the year, (two for me living in the UK) it slaps me in the face, and I cannot ignore the pain and the hurt of it all. The reality is, that I don't know what has caused this rift . . . and in not knowing, I am powerless to fix it. I have asked, but I am ignored, rejected . . . there are no answers given . . . and no opportunity for me to redress or repair any damage done. It is like an open gaping wound with no salve to heal it, that continues to fester . . . It is like being in a trial that is one sided . . . where the jury only sees one side of the story and the verdict is rendered without ever having seen the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. You are condemned without ever having been able to defend yourself or explain . . . it is harsh and it is my only sorrow, and no matter how I may try to move the stones . . . it is a part of my river that always remains blocked . . .



*Tortilla Scramble*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

A quick and easy brunch treat that is family friendly and very tasty!

1 TBS butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
1/2 of a small bunch of spring onions, trimmed and chopped
1 (10-ounce) tin of enchilada sauce
5 cups yellow tortilla chips
6 large free range eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk

For the fresh salsa:
1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
1/2 of a small bunch of spring onions, trimmed and chopped
1 cup of baby plum tomatoes, halved
1 green chili, seeded and chopped (with care)
the juice from 1/2 lime

To serve:
sour cream, greated cheese, lime wedges

Make the fresh salsa by combining all the ingredients in a bowl. Give them a good stir and then set aside. (Take care when handling fresh chilies. Wear gloves if possible. If not, then wash hands very well afterwards and do not touch your eyes.)

Heat 1 tsp of the butter in a large saucepan. Add the coriander and spring onions. Cook and stir for one minutes. Add the enchilada sauce and then stir in the tortillas to coat. Reduce the heat to low and keep warm.

Whisk together the eggs, milk, and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the remaining butter to a large skillet. Heat until the butter begins to foam. Pour in the egg mixture. With spatula, lift and fold partially cooked egg mixture from edges to center so that the uncooked egg portion flows underneath. Continue for 4 to 5 minutes or until eggs are cooked through, but still glossy and moist. Remove from heat.

Slide the tortilla mixture onto a platter. Top with the scrambled egg and then finally the fresh salsa. Serve immediately with sour cream, cheese and additional lime wedges.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Sticky Bangers with Buttermilk and Chive Mash.