It’s been a while since I’ve written and I’ve missed this space. In January I started a new job as an adjunct professor which has been challenging due to the learning curve of the new place and the fact that every time I got my footing, another challenge would arrive and I’d feel the need to put all my efforts into staying on top of the job. I like it, but the challenge has been real. Now that it’s summer I’ve had a couple of weeks to decompress although I’ll start back up teaching next week for summer quarter.
Someone commented on one of my youtube videos from six or seven years ago the other day and it made me realize how much I miss the communities and conversations that have arisen over the years here and a few other places centered around herbs, essential oils, natural foods and products, slow foods and slow living, etc. It’s funny how normal all those topics seemed for so long, and now it seems like all I hear about is AI (which disturbs me), work related topics, parenting necessities, and adulting chores such as bills and taxes. There is no balance unless balance is created~ it doesn’t just happen naturally. Putting effort into the important things, priorities, long term goals, being the person you want to be and living the life you want to live have all been on my mind lately. One thing I’ve been talking to my oldest son about is that when I think about my future self, say five to ten years in the future, would I be proud of that person if that future self had spent most of my free time on my phone, on social media, watching shows? Or would I be a more confident, competent, and successful version of myself if I spent more time reading, listening to quality podcasts and audiobooks, limiting what I watch to inspiring and/or motivating things. The answer is obvious but I’m a work in progress when it comes to implementing these notions daily. Sometimes all I can do is veg out to instagram for 20 minutes and that’s OK too. I just don’t want that to grow and it takes effort, mindfulness, and self-discipline.
I haven’t done anything herbal lately, but I did buy some vegan pesto that I have to share b/c oh my goodness, it is the best pesto I’ve ever had. Basil and pesto are such summery foods to me, just like berries and peaches they just hit differently in summer, resonating with the longer light, heat, sun, and fun. Basil is one of my favorite culinary herbs and I love adding the whole, fresh leaves to salads and sandwiches, but there is something about pesto that just brings dishes to whole new level. I’m a pesto purist and not overly impressed with the kale pestos or nettle pestos out there, but I know a lot of people like those. I currently have a vegan kale one from Trader Joe’s and it’s OK but nothing compared to a true basil pesto. I get the vegan ones, which are hard to find because most pestos have parm in them, because my son and I do best without dairy so we only eat it sparingly. This pesto from Seggiano is my son’s and my favorite one ever, other than making it fresh ourselves.
I found it at Whole Foods but not sure if they are going to continue to stock it or not because lately the shelf has been empty where I first found it. It’s on amazon but it’s more expensive there than at Whole Foods so I haven’t bought it there yet, but I will if need be in the future. Hopefully I’ll get back to making my own soon, once my job doesn’t take up so much of my mental space.
Thank you for being here. I’d love to hear your summer (or winter if you are in the southern hemisphere) thoughts and foods in the comments section. 🌻💜🌿☀
So funny that I actually thought about your blog the other day and missed it, and I meant to ask you if you thought about writing anything in your downtime! As always, you read my mind! I love your blog post. It was very thoughtful and mindful.🧡
Thank you! 💜
So good to see you again! I was also wondering how you were and missed seeing your blog. I agree 100% regarding balance. And AI.
Haven’t had pesto in quite a while. I used to make my own with basil I grew myself or bought at the farmers’ market. No farmers’ market where I live now and nowhere to buy organic herb plants. Putting pesto on my shopping list for next week. 🙂
Thank you! I appreciate you and your perspectives on life and AI.
I used to make pesto from basil that I grew too but don’t grow any right now either. I hope you find a good replacement this week! 💚
Hi Kristen,
How are you? I was happy to see you post and catch up a bit. I thought of you a couple months ago when I proposed a blogging challenge on my site. Sadly, there was little interest, but I recall you enjoyed participating. I love pesto but for me it has to be ground up finely or not contain nuts due to some health issues I have. It really adds punch, especially to pasta or proteins.
blessings,
Linda aka litebeing
Hi Linda! Thank you for stopping by :0) and yes, I love your blogging challenges~ they always get me thinking in new ways. Just as I haven’t been writing posts, I haven’t been reading many either, but hopefully now that I’m more acclimated to my job I can find balance again and enjoy the blogosphere once again.
Happy Summer!
I understand and hope you love your new job. What are you teaching? Enjoy your summer too!
Thank you~ I teach English to Speakers of Other Languages. It’s great to meet the fascinating people from all over but teaching itself is hard for me~ as an introvert I get exhausted easily from that dynamic.
Your job sounds really cool but I can understand about introversion. I tend to skew introverted in many situations so I get it.
Congrats on the job, Kristen…I am certain it has been a challenge, but one I know you are up to 🙂 I know what you mean, as I have not been in the blog world as much as I used to be…or as much as I want to be. I’ve made so many beautiful connections, and on a day like today when I get to sit and spend some time here…it just brings back good memories and makes me feel good.
Sending all good thoughts of love and light…and hope that you feel you are exactly where you need to be. <3
Thank you Lorrie! I always love the energy you bring wherever you are~ you are a blessing to the blogosphere and I can only imagine your positive impact outside the digital world :). I hope you are having a beautiful summer 💛.
Awww…Kristen…I am blushing! Thank you, kind heart. Your words touch me so deeply this morning and I am grateful for our connection. I know you must be so busy preparing for the next term and I send all good energy to you as YOU prepare to be a leader and role model for our youth! A giant hug!! 💜🙏😁
Super late to this (I just realised that notifications are going to my spam folder), but congratulations on the job! X
Thank you! The job has continued to be a delightful challenge 🙂