Back in my Element

I've been at work, full-time, for almost 3 weeks now. The transition has gone rather smoothly, actually, much to my surprise. Willa naps well, and behaves well at the shop. Most importantly, she and I are both enjoying our retail surroundings and each other. The shop is fully equipped with baby gear, including a crib, diapering area, play area laden with toys, endless fresh faces passing through, (even some of the baby variety), and of course Billie Jean, who does double-duty as nanny-slash-shopgirl with perfection and ease. If I'm busy with a customer or a project that requires my full attention, Billie Jean quietly takes over with Willa, playing, teaching, snacking, changing, visiting the neighbors, taking in the sun and watching the cars go by from the front porch.

Another thing that has been good for me is having Willa's crib in my office. She sleeps for a large part of the work day, which keeps me out of there and on the sales floor - where I am most valuable. My motivation is at a high and I am feeling inspired about the upcoming market and spring selling season. My head is full of ideas for updating our shamefully outdated website, and I've even created a Root blog to post new arrivals and shop news. For the first time in a long while, I feel like I'm on top of it, from the big things (properly budgeting my inventory) to the small things (promptly returning phone calls or better yet - taking them.) I am thoroughly enjoying being back in the game and realize just how much I've missed it...the merchandising and display, the everyday flow of inventory and cash that comes in and goes right back out, and especially the interaction with customers. I had almost forgotten how crazy I am about my job. Whether I am relishing in an accomplishment, or strategizing in an economic downturn, I am always happily in my element. My physical presence at the shop has nudged me into a routine that is more balanced. I've annoyed us all with my whining about my quest for balance between work and motherhood. And I actually found the answer where I never thought to look. Working more, and smarter (not harder) has alleviated the burden of guilt, stress, and worry that I have been carrying around with me. I am sleeping better, thinking more clearly, and feeling more like myself. When it comes to Willa, I am more focused and relaxed. Those feelings of maternal inadequacy have finally begun to subside. Willa must have noticed, because she seems more comfortable too. So things are very good, with the exception of the number of posts I've been turning out lately. A wise woman told me earlier, "you're always going to slack at something." Best it be blogging, I suppose.

Did I Mention the Sangria?

My Uncle Phillip visited us last week from NYC. And my other uncle, Jimmy, had a birthday. So we celebrated with a big Penick family lunch, al fresca, at Altdorf, complete with a couple of refreshing pitchers of sangria. I took a whole bunch of pictures, but somehow didn't get a single one the birthday boy or our out-of-town visitor. I did, however, end up with plenty of Willa and Cash and their doting grandmothers. And the sangria was de-li-cious! (Willa is sporting another adorable frock by my friend Sondra of Ruffled Clothing.)

My Kind of Music Video

I'm sure many of you have already seen this video, but those of you that haven't are in for a treat! It's so clever and just beautiful. And I'm off to iTunes right now to buy this song!

My Little Greeter...

Girl Can Dance

Last night, I went to see a movie with some friends while Sean took on the bedtime routine with Willa. She was determined to stay up until I came home, and fought and cried until he caved in and let her roam the house. She was clearly overtired (and maybe a little delirious) but content and playing with her toys. When a song came on the TV, like a compulsion, she broke into dance. Luckily Sean had his phone handy. It's a grainy video, but it's still awesome! So this is what I've been talking about...

For the Sake of Tradition

This morning I woke up to a beautiful sunny Sunday feeling abnormally domestic. I decided to introduce Willa to one of my favorite family recipes, Zola's French Toast. My grandma (Zola) always made this one especially for me when I slept over, which must have been at least once a week as a child. I vividly remember the sweet smell, the sizzling sound, the way my grandma moved gracefully about her kitchen in her nightgown, as she tirelessly indulged my queenly requests. I would watch patiently as she turned the toast with a fork until each side was perfectly golden. She would then place it on a pretty plate and dust it with powdered sugar. I routinely asked for an additional sprinkling. And she routinely obliged. There was no doubt then, nor is there now, that I was her girl. And last, but not least, she carefully cut it up into little bite-sized squares. And I was in heaven.

This type of pan-fried, sugary meal is not a common occurrence on our table. But somehow this regular Sunday morning felt special to me. And in the name of tradition, we indulged.

Zola's French Toast
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons sugar
dash of cinnamon
2 slices of plain white bread
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup powdered sugar

In a shallow dish (a Pyrex pie plate works well), lightly beat an egg. Then add milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir just enough to mix. Place bread in mixture. Using a fork, flip the bread a few times, to evenly coat both sides. Melt butter in a skillet over low heat. Fry the toast to a golden brown on both sides. Place it on a pretty plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into bite-sized squares. Serve.

Just Watch It!

Watch this video, please. It's guaranteed to make you smile today. Love those British accents!