The art of crafting Cinnamon Sugar Palmiers

A New Chapter Unfolds: Embracing Change and Rediscovering My Culinary Passion

Oh, how profoundly I’ve missed connecting with all of you! It feels like an eternity since I genuinely “was here,” present and engaged. While I’ve been around, my presence has felt more like a ghost in the machine. The rhythm of regular posts has been disrupted, and my kitchen, once a vibrant hub of creativity, has seen far less action than usual.

But, dear friends, that era of quietude and absence has drawn to a close. The winds of change are blowing, and with them, a renewed spirit for baking, sharing, and connecting.

The Grand Arizona Farewell: An Eleven-Year Journey Concludes

Today marks a significant milestone: my final day of work. In precisely one week, our U-Haul will be packed, the driveway will be behind us, and we will embark on an incredible journey, leaving the cherished home we’ve cultivated over the past eleven years. Our path will trace through the majestic “amber waves of grain,” ascend “over the purple mountain majesties,” and stretch “across the fruited plain.” The anticipation for that shimmering Atlantic sea, a beacon of our new beginning, is almost unbearable!

As with most life-altering moves, this transition is a poignant blend of joy and sorrow, a truly bittersweet experience. The thought of leaving behind some truly extraordinary friends, who have become family over the years, weighs heavily on my heart. We’ve forged countless wonderful memories, shared heartfelt conversations that spanned hours, and shed tears of both uproarious laughter and profound joy.

And, of course, there are the unforgettable memories of “starfish.” It’s an inside joke, a secret language shared among us, but perhaps if you ask Tina, she might just be persuaded to share the tale with you. Maybe. 😉

Arizona Reflections: A Decade of Unforgettable Experiences

Arizona has been more than just a place to live; it’s been a transformative experience, and I am immensely grateful for every moment. The Grand Canyon State has presented us with an abundance of opportunities, pushing us beyond our comfort zones to accomplish feats we once deemed impossible.

Adventures Under the Desert Sky

One of the most breathtaking experiences was hiking the Grand Canyon at night. Under a canvas of countless, shimmering stars, witnessing one of the Seven Wonders of the World at dusk was simply ethereal. The vastness and quietude of the canyon at night offered a perspective unlike any other, a truly humbling and awe-inspiring moment that etched itself into our souls. If the opportunity ever arises for you, I wholeheartedly encourage you to seize it – it’s an adventure of a lifetime.

Our adventures weren’t confined to the state’s borders. We enjoyed sun-drenched vacations in Mexico, celebrated our milestone 20th wedding anniversary in the charming city of San Francisco, and embarked on a memorable whale watch to honor my beloved grandmother’s life, a precious moment shared with my aunt, cousin, and step-cousin.

Embracing the Desert’s Extremes

Living in Arizona also meant experiencing temperatures that ranged from hot, to hotter, to the absolutely HOTTEST I have ever encountered in my entire life! It was an education in extreme climates, a testament to resilience, and a constant reminder to stay hydrated.

It was here that I first learned about a “haboob” – a massive desert dust storm. I now possess an impressive vocabulary addition and fully intend to “educate” my East Coast friends about this phenomenon. Though, I admit, the likely reaction will be a bewildered stare and a question like, “What did you say about your boobs?!” *sigh* The cultural translation might prove more challenging than I anticipate.

A Family Grows: Our Furry Companions

Arizona also brought us the immense joy of welcoming our very first family dog, a charming companion we named Brady. He soon gained a “puppybrother” named Keiser, adding immeasurable warmth and chaos to our household. Speaking of “puppybrother” – I truly detest that commercial. The way she says it is like fingernails on a chalkboard for me. Seriously. I hate it. But our two boys, Brady and Keiser, are pure joy, irrespective of the jingle.

Encounters with Desert Wildlife

Our eleven years in the desert also offered a unique opportunity to encounter a diverse array of local wildlife. We marvelled at the iconic Saguaro cacti, learned to respect the presence of rattlesnakes, and delighted in observing countless cute little lizards darting across sun-baked rocks. Scary scorpions, however, were a different story – it’s truly amazing how something so small can instill such terror, making one hesitant to walk barefoot even in their own home! Then there were the truly unique, and undeniably smelly, creatures known as Javelina!

Jorge the Javelina, an unforgettable desert inhabitant.

A Rarity: Snow in the Desert

One particularly surreal memory was witnessing snow in the desert. No, really, I did! It was sometime in January, February, or March, during a truly freak storm when snow fell in areas it hadn’t touched before. It was an incredibly bizarre yet utterly captivating sight, transforming the familiar desert landscape into something truly magical and cool.

Cherished Colleagues and Community Connections

My professional life in Arizona was equally rewarding. I had the privilege of working alongside truly wonderful individuals at Desert Hills – talented and knowledgeable doctors, incredibly caring and compassionate staff, and all-around fun colleagues. I am going to miss each and every one of them tremendously, but I am comforted by the knowledge that I’ve forged friendships for life and will undoubtedly keep in touch. If you ever find yourself taking your furry friend there, please tell them Lynne sends her warmest regards and misses them dearly.

Beyond work, Arizona’s vibrant community led me to meet some seriously awesome fellow food bloggers. There was Rachel from I Love My Disorganized Life, who later became my wonderful co-host for Wicked Good Wednesdays. I also connected with Julie from White Lights on Wednesday, Valerie from Occasionally Crafty, and the dynamic duo Aubrey and Stacey from Real Housemoms. We shared such a fantastic night, brimming with laughter and culinary camaraderie. I highly encourage you to explore their blogs – they are all incredibly talented individuals creating truly great content!

Finding My True North: The Path to Food Blogging

Perhaps the most significant discovery during my time in Arizona was finding my true passion. At the age of 43, I finally understood what I wanted to be when I “grew up”: a food blogger! I seriously doubt that had we remained in Rhode Island, I would have stumbled upon this profound realization that it’s truly in the kitchen where I feel most “at home,” most authentic, and most alive. Arizona provided the space, the inspiration, and the push I needed to embark on this fulfilling culinary journey.

Embracing Life’s Grand Adventure: Growth, Change, and New Beginnings

I could continue endlessly about the blessings and privileges we’ve experienced living in Arizona. The scenery has been consistently breathtaking, offering daily visual feasts. The experiences have been indelibly etched into our memories, forming the rich tapestry of our lives. And the people – the wonderful, kind, and inspiring individuals we met – will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I am overwhelmingly happy to have seized this opportunity and profoundly glad that we decided to take the plunge, to simply “go for it.” And now, we find ourselves at another such precipice, ready to take that leap once more.

After all, you only live once, right? Life, in its essence, is a continuous journey of new experiences, relentless growth, and inevitable change. Some changes we greet with reluctance, others we resist with every fiber of our being until we’re blue in the face. Yet others, we welcome with open arms, eager for the fresh perspectives they bring. And then there are those changes that we only truly comprehend years down the road, looking back with immense gratitude for the lessons they taught and the paths they forged.

Life. It’s a precious gift, a complex tapestry of moments. Embrace every thread, savor every color, and truly enjoy it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections. I promise to keep you updated on our exciting move and the adventures that await us on the East Coast. Until then, sending you all much love and warmest wishes.

<3 <3 <3 XOXOXOXOXOXOX