Monthly Archives: May 2010

May 18, 2010 · 3:24 pm

At Home in Branson

I just realized how much Branson has become our home, temporary as it is.

  • David has a hiking buddy who shows him trails and sights he’d never find on his own.
  • We have a loving church community. (Being asked to help coordinate next month’s potluck is indisputable evidence that we’re now part of the fold!)
  • We have our favorite restaurant.
  • I have an awesome chiropractor.
  • I have a superb hair stylist.
  • The butcher always chats with us.
  • The policeman waves to me when I’m out on a walk.
  • And we’ve gone to two parties hosted by locals.

All this in just over two months! We feel beautifully connected here.

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May 9, 2010 · 9:23 pm

Laughter-induced Lessons

Yakov Smirnoff

Comedian Yakov Smirnoff. Photo courtesy of Branson/Lakes Area CVB

Yakov Smirnoff. What a comedian. And what an uplifting show! The Russian-immigrant-turned-naturalized-U.S.-citizen had an audience of natural-born Americans in fits of laughter about our country and our silly selves – “you know who you are…”   His humorous and poignant accounts of experiencing America as a new immigrant jostled us into seeing what we take for granted. And it stirred a keen appreciation for our freedom, abundance and well-being.

While he had hundreds of people laughing and receptive, he shared his philosophy of life. This is what I heard:

  • “You see what you seek.”  See the good and positive in a situation no matter what it may be. (He used a heart-wrenching example from 9/11 to emphasize his point.)
  • Love.
  • Laugh.
  • Literally tickle and let yourself be tickled by another. (I won’t try to explain it – you’ll have to see his show.)

His message, relayed through rib-tickling laughter, is so simple. And it’s so powerful! So why do we find it difficult to live this way?

If you come to Branson, give yourself the treat of spending a couple of hours with Yakov!

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May 6, 2010 · 9:16 am

Fresher Than Fresh

Fresh eggs

Eggs fresh from the hens' nests. Photo credit: David Muenker

The other day, David went hiking in the Ozarks with a new local friend, Dave, and his mother, Mary. When they stopped to eat their packed lunches, Mary offered David one of her farm fresh hard-boiled eggs. David remarked about the richness of flavor compared to store-bought eggs. She asked, “Would you like some more?”

After their hike, they stopped at her other son’s farm, and David left with a plastic Folger coffee container full of eggs grabbed moments before from underneath the hens.  Now that is fresh!

This morning I made poached eggs from these fresh and tasty specimens. What a treat! Of course, we’re spoiled now. Store-bought eggs will never taste as good.

Farm fresh poached eggs

Farm fresh poached eggs. The red stuff is hot sauce that David loves. --Photo credit: David Muenker

P.S. I have a warm spot in my heart for the movie “Julie & Julia.” The scene where Julie follows Julia’s recipe for poached eggs convinced me that I, too – despite years of failure — can make eggs poached to perfection. Now, nine times out of 10, I do!

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