Saturday, August 15, 2009

Blogging by Candlelight

Well, not exactly... On the night of my birthday, we were all set to go out to dinner, when suddenly a storm broke loose, lightning struck somewhere close by and we lost our electricity. So, instead of going out, we decided to have a romantic evening at home.We lit candles, took a pork tenderloin we had in the fridge, cut it up into squares, and marinated it in a delicious (fast becoming our favorite) red pepper marinade. Later we put it on skewers with some onions and red peppers, grilled it, and ate it by candlelight. Delicious!
Later I thought I'd try to take some photos and these are the only ones where you can see anything. The one above and below are clay figures we brought back from our numerous trips to Oaxaca, Mexico. I'll show you more of them in tomorrow's post - they are so fun!
This next picture surprised me when I looked at it. It's a photo of my mother when she wasn't much older than I am now (on the left is another one of the clay figures). Actually, she passed away not long after this was taken. Strange to think how young she was - it didn't seem that way to me when I was in my early 20's. Our perspective changes as we grow older, doesn't it?
What struck me most about this wonderful, romantic evening, was how very quiet it is in the house when the power is out. Made me realize how much noise there still is even when the TV and radio are off. And without it, it felt very peaceful - for a while, at least, then I was ready for the air conditioning to kick back on...

P.S. Remember to enter my giveaway before Monday morning. Just click here.

19 comments:

  1. Your stay-at-home evening does look very romantic. I especially like the starfish candle holder. Your mom looks happy in that picture. It's good to remember her smiling.

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  2. You sure know how to turn everything into a lovely adventure! I admire that.

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  3. Wonderful celebration Silke! I remember we also lost power here on the same day! Celebrate your birthday for a month!

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  4. Happy Birthday Silke... i arrived at your blog through Subsistence Pattern... wonderful blog you have... hope your year is as romantic as your birthday was!!!

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  5. Lovely post, Silke! Very Poignant.

    I hope you're having a good weekend.
    :0)

    Hugs,
    Angela

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  6. love it...and i am sensing had the electricity not gone out you may not have had this "stay in" romantic, candle lit evening with peace and quiet! i have to know where you got the starfish candleholder?? i L.o.v.e. it!!

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  7. OHHHH AHAAAAA Lovely, you made me hear that the ac is off right now and all I hear is the soft buzz of the computer. Makes me now want to head to bed with just candle light ,but I burned my last candle when making fabric with burned edges and then dipping it in wax.
    oh Mr Cricket just started singing !!!! I love them they live all over my house

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  8. Smooth. Very smooth.
    Sounds like life is good.
    Happy birthday...

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  9. What a lovely way to "enjoy" the power outage. We lost power 3 times this summer and in my house we grumble and complain. I need to try the "Silke approach" next time and enjoy it for what it is.
    Glad you had a nice birthday celebration.

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  10. So pretty. What is the starfish candle holder? I NEED one! I also need that marinade recipe-sounds wonderful. Glad you had such a lovely birthday.

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  11. Happy Birthday...what a special evening :)

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  12. Happy Birthday! The photos turned out lovely. It is a wonder how peaceful our lives can be when we take away the distractions for a time. Your meal sounded yummy!

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  13. Hello Silke,
    It's my first visit to your blog and I have found it really uplifting. Thank you.

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  14. Thank goodness for grilling! Your candlelit photos are beautiful..they evoke such a peaceful atmosphere and you turned the evening into something so special. Thank you for letting me know of your giveaway! I'm off to enter now....

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  15. I must try that marinade. Today I used marmalade.

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  16. Yesterday was my Dad's 70th birthday! I am so grateful for his beautiful role in my life. I send you wishes for your birthday! Thank goodness you were born I believe many would say. Blessings.

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  17. Hi dear,
    Sorry to read your mom said goodby, so young, -yes we certainly changes opinion as we grow older.
    Thanks for your sweet comment, ---but I have to say your paintings make me smile,and feel happy, not at all boring sweetie--and the winner must be soo very exited to recieve the wonderfull piece .
    Hope your day will be full of joy.
    Hugs Dorthe

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  18. Dearest Silke,

    There's so much I want to say, so I will begin by apologizing first for the length of this comment.

    First of all, how I've missed your art. Your women are all so beautiful and mysterious and energized. Even the sweet girl with the dog. I love them all. And congratulations on that commission! I know it will turn out gorgeous, like everything you do.

    Secondly, happy birthday, even though it is quite belated. Sounds like you had the perfect evening in. I'd much rather spend a birthday like that than go out. And your mother was very beautiful, like you. It breaks my heart that she was quite young.

    And you are traveling somewhere out west! It looks like you are enjoying your adventure. The photos are spectacular, and I had such a grand time traveling with you. The scenery is spectacular. And I had to giggle at the photo of you eating another -- what was it, a sandwich? You always manage to make me hungry.

    Last but not least, I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for that warm and thoughtful message you left for me earlier this summer. I value your friendship and appreciate your kindness. It has brought me hope and comfort and strength. Thank you.

    Hope you and your husband are having the best time.

    xoxo
    bella

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