The really great moments...

One thing that I have certainly learned over the past year is that life tends to be really hard for a lot of people (especially during these tough economic times.)  People can certainly be inundated with daily worries and anxiety about whether they are going to get a job, raise good kids, be able to pay the bills, etc...

Ten months ago, I would respond to my customers with a "stay positive and keep on trucking" kind of attitude.  I've learned though that this response is not the best one.  In fact, I've found that people just want me to listen and to lend any guidance that I can.  Too much positivity can be downright condescending sometimes.  Barbara Ehrenreich's new book talks a lot about this... I highly recommend reading it.

On the other hand, sometimes in life something really great and fun happens.  A sweet girl is proposed to on Wake Forest's campus by her one great love or a girl who has been single for quite awhile falls for a fisherman during a women's fly fishing weekend.  These are the moments that make everything else seem so trivial.

The past few days, I've been in the mountains yet again.  Jumping off more waterfalls, hiking to beautiful places, and fishing a lot (with that fisherman)... AND I caught an awesome rainbow trout.  These are the fun times that I look forward to amongst all of life's hassles!

Basil Pesto

2 c. packed fresh basil leaves, minced

2 large cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 c. pine nuts or walnuts
2/3 c. olive oil
3/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Transfer to jar and cover with film of olive oil (air is basil pesto's enemy). Seal with tight fitting lid. Use right away, refrigerate up to 3 months, or freeze. Stir oil into pesto before using.