Maybe it’s just me. Or other people who are leaving a period of intense loss. But I am often scared of what lies ahead. The unknown.
I was reminded of this character trait (maybe flaw?) as I flew from Denver to Austin last night. With each bump of the plane, my jaw clinched and I silently prayed for the rush of adrenaline that flooded my veins to subside.
And it’s not just flying. It’s bruises on my legs. It’s phone calls late at night. It’s being away from the people I love. Almost as if I am just waiting for the next tragedy. For another heartbreaking loss.
Whenever I fly, I look for children. Because in my world children never die in plane crashes (failed logic, I know).
But children offer me more than superstitious reassurance. They remind me how to cope.
Because most children, especially young children, are so caught up in the present moment that there is no space for fear. They are drowning in the sights and sounds around them. Their bodies are being touched by those that love them. Their are expanding with each new sensation.
As I held my new nephew this weekend, I was struck by his trust and acceptance. Here he was, just days from a dark womb, and he let us hold him, care for him. He had such little control. And it was a beautiful thing to watch–to see him sleep and know that he rested not in the statistical promise of tomorrow, but in the warmth of his family’s arms.
What if we all lived like this more? What if we realized that no matter what happens, we are never not part of this much larger whole?
I was sad to leave my family in Colorado. And I had more than one panic attack over the weekend. But I am here now. And I am resting in the knowledge that even though sadness and loss continues to happen, I am blanketed in a deep and unknowable love.
How this reflection relates to blueberry puff pastry croissants, I don’t exactly know. But I do love the way Halley looks as she holds them. And I do remember the delight these blueberry croissants brought my family. And Isn’t this what life is about? Loving and living and remembering all the good moments, along with the sad.
Blueberry Puff Pastry Croissants
7 ounces frozen all-butter puff pastry* from one 14-ounce package, thawed in refrigerator
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
Powdered sugar
*Defour is the brand of choice
1.Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unfold the puff pastry on the baking sheet and cut it into two 5-by-6 inch rectangles. Refrigerate until pastry is chilled, about 10 minutes.
2. Place 1/4 cup of fresh blueberries in the center of each pastry rectangle. Fold puff pastry over blueberries to form a triangle. Seal with moist fingers. Separate the triangles so they are evenly spaced. Bake the puff pastry for 25 minutes, or until nicely browned and crisp.
3. Allow blueberry puff pastry croissants to cool for ten minutes before dusting with powdered sugar.
Such a beautiful post, darling. He is so adorable and I’m sure you’re just loving having him around. And I too enjoy watching my nieces as they play and take everything in. It’s inspiring, really.
YUM! These look so delicious!
I love your writing so much, Monet. I can hardly wait for your first book. I’m glad you were able to spend so much time with your family. Your nephew is beautiful!
Talk about easy! Thanks for sharing this fun summertime treat, Monet.
Monet…glad you made it back safe and sound! Your new nephew is just beautiful! What a great picture! And these blueberry puffed pastry croissants would comfort me through anything! They look luscious! : )
How true between loving, living and remembering, happy and sad, moments. We were not there for our nephew’s second birthday yesterday and I could do with some time with the young and family. The comfort being the knowledge that somewhere my family was joining and enjoying one another’s company, safe and sound. I have every bit of these ingredients on hand and think this is my plan for the afternoon. Have a great week! Beautiful nephew!
What a gorgeous looking pastry, and I’m sure they taste just as good!
The picture of Halley holding the pastries is so beautiful! Maybe one day she will hang that picture in her kitchen to inspire her.
I think we gain so much if we start to understand death more so that we become less fearful of it for ourselves and our loved ones. I just saw a book recommendation today Anita Moorjani, Dying to Be Me. Dr. Wayne Dyer recommended it to a woman who lost her son in an automobile accident. Although I’ve never read the book, and I know almost nothing about it, for some reason when I read your post it popped into my mind, so maybe it is a synchronicity. Sending hugs your way. You are safe <3
very interesting subject , appreciate it for putting up.
You made some first-rate points there. I did a
search on the topic and found most people will agree with your blog.
It’s funny that you say you love the way Halley looks holding the pastries, something about that picture reminds me very much of you. It’s the look on her face, or posture or something. Completely reminds me of you. 🙂
Another profound and lovely post to accopany mouthwatering croissant – my hero 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Monet, you are not alone in these fears! I panic also thinking about all that could possibly happen, that we have no control over…but I just try not to think about it. Your nephew is beautiful!
Life can be so scary, and sometimes it’s so difficult to live in the moment. You remind me that I should spend some more time around children! I don’t have any nieces or nephews yet, but I will have 2 nephews-in-law very soon. 🙂 These blueberry treats are so easy to make and sound so tasty!
Beautiful writing, Monet.
I can totally relate to this post — my nephew paid a visit recently and I wish I could bottle up the wonderful moments we spent together 🙂
ps: Thanks for visiting my blog 🙂
I am so happy you visited me and left a comment because otherwise, I wouldn’t have found your site. Scrolling through your posts I have found a few things I would like make. You take lovely photos….I adore that garden house, by the way.
Very nice site you have and good luck on your writing and baking.
Perhaps that is why I love working with young children so much. The absence of fear, their completely astonished look when I hesitate while they ask me, “Why NOT??” Sweet girl I hope that you can find relaxation and peace as you do. Life is so very hard to cope with. Sickness, loss, pain and fear are very strong emotions and experiences that really make us reluctant to press on in some ways. Thank you for reminding us of the beautiful things that make life worth living. Thank you for your strength and your beauty.
Beautiful post, Monet. I know how trapped it makes me feel to wait daily for the next loss. It’s nice to be able to look into the faces of the innocent to be reminded of how we are supposed to live life. Thank you.
A beautiful and touching post Monet, with a delicious treat to remind us of the joyful moments. Can’t wait to make and share these.
Congratulations upon the birth of your nephew, Monet! There’s nothing more exciting than the birth of a new baby! The photo of Halley is classic…she’s so cute!
Your croissants look so scrumptious! I love how simple they are to make also!
Beautiful and poignant post!
Well hellooooo croissants! Those look amazing!
Hi Monet! I like the way Halley looks holding the blueberry puff pastry croissants too!
I’m happy you enjoyed your visit with family but welcome home to your wonderful baking;-)
Have a great week!
What beautiful pictures Monet – you can easily tell you are a doting aunt 🙂
I love the tartness of blueberries and I imagine they would work well in these croissants. What a beautiful breakfast treat!
Beautiful post, Mo. I’m so glad we had some time to wander around Denver together. Move back soon. ASAP. Right now? 🙂
Love you dearly.
the only thing more gorgeous than those croissants is that adorable nephew of yours! I panic over things as well, I just try to concentrate on my happy place until I calm down
Beautiful baby! I would be all over these blueberry puffs for breakfast!
Your new nephew is beautiful and you should live in the moment. Far too young and full of life to be so afraid. Enjoy all you have. And anything in puff pastry certainly makes me happy. 🙂
Pingback: gsdfghsdkflhgksdfl
Most ѕuitаble boyfriеnd sρeechеs, οr
elѕe toаѕts. are just about always transported eventuаlly
thгough thаt the entire wedding ρаrtу and are
still requіred to be very intereѕting, amusing and еvеn
enlightening togethеr. best man’s sрeech
I for instance this internet site because so much utile stuff
on here : D.
An attentiοn-grabbing diаlogue is value comment.
I’m sure that it can be better to writе on thіs topic, towarԁs the оftеn
be а taboo toρiс however normally persons
hаve bееn not suffіcient to speak on such
topics. To a different locatіon. Cheeгs
Carbon Dioxide Cylinders – Best Tricks All Consumers Must Be acquainted with
Pingback: back pain remedies
Pingback: Rifftype
Pingback: breast actives scam
Pingback: louis vuitton bags
Pingback: hone
Pingback: komi8u8buvtcrcrx
Pingback: kljihugytdnuiyft
Pingback: moijmninugbygftjhkhuygyf
Pingback: gaiss
Pingback: gaiss
Pingback: Native People
Pingback: google
Pingback: Google
Pingback: 行動電源
Pingback: Homepage