Cream Cheese Smiles Through Trials

   Everywhere I turn this month is a tired person on the edge of oblivion. We walk by each other and smile, ask about the other with a reply of "fine" while inside it feels like our hair is on fire. Here in Fresno, California we have had a Summer of extreme heat, extreme drought, extreme fire and a shortage of patience for anything else coming our way. Last Friday we literally ran away because of ash and bad air to pretend we were locals at the beach. It isn't just here, it seems that stress and anxiety are running amuck everywhere these days. Finally, yesterday a dear friend said to me she could not put on one more fake smile and nice outfit to cover up the crazy. Amen Honey!
   As Fall comes, it brings with it a sense of hope for a calm Winter in our house. A hope for lots of snow and rain, hot coffee with friends, baking for people we love and lots of cuddling up in the cold. This year I feel the need to invite in friends and family to come on over leaving the cream cheese smiles and fancy outfits at home. Just some time to talk and laugh about the things going on along with some encouraging words for each other to get through whatever trials we are facing. Seeing my friend just at the end of her rope made me realize how much we all need that. We need to make each other laugh, to roll our eyes together and say we'll get through. Today's technology seems to be separating us so that we just type everything in online and then out on the dog when we go out. Every part of that type of life costs us real relationships, money, stress and I bet some years off our lives too.
   This year the cool months will be very different in our house. I will only be working from March to October from here on in for at least the next year. I have several friends that I have not been able to give the time and love they deserve to. My passion for all things cooking has been put on the back burner and replaced with a lot of take out. My kids needs more time with me. Most importantly, the man I love needs some pampering. I encourage all of you to have some coffee mornings with friends, have a shrimp boil, movie nights, just time with friends. You will save money, time, sanity and heartache for yourself and those you love on. We were never created to live on a rat wheel with a nice purse and a cream cheese smile. Let friends in on the trials, be who you are and just enjoy life!