My symbol for the infinite.

My 4 year old daughter’s name, Soledad,  means solitude. 

Some people look quizzical when they ask for the meaning.  I think it’s because they think solitude inherently means lonely, but it doesn’t.  It means ‘alone’.  Which is very different.

Lonely is a feeling you get, because you’re by yourself and you want others to be with you.

Solitude is a state of being, not requiring or yearning for more than what is.

When I think of  ‘solitude’, I think of God, and the state of being that encompasses this Utopia. It’s the place where, if you’re searching, you find holiness.  The place where there is nothing but love.  A place that bears only truth.

Sometimes, I have a hard time finding it.

My daughter does not.

When her great grandfather died, she was only 2, but she walked right up to the casket pulled on her Great Gran’s skirt, reaching up, so that she could hike herself onto her hip. Then, she leaned over to her ear and sang a prayer to a grieving wife. 

She knew that God was there.  She wanted her grandmother to know that too.

And today. . .

When we were riding home in the car from preschool, and I was very tired and a little sad, Soledad was bouncing off the walls with excitement and joy.  As we reached our garage, and I began to pull the car inside, she stopped all her boisterousness and said , “Mommy, God wants you to know that he loves you.” 

I smiled at the thought. I was happier, but still absorbed in the day to day, still moving a little slower than normal.

And then with her 4 year old wisdom she belted, “Hey Mommy! DID YOU HEAR ME?????  He said to tell – YOU – NICOLE – the one he made – he love’s YOU, okay? Remember that!!!!”

“Okay, I will,” a grin and a chuckle overtaking my face, her positive light sucking the negative out of me.

“Yeah, well, you should.” She spat.

Of course he loves me, I thought, to have trusted me with such a precious gift like you.

Point taken, kid.

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Did you know that today is International Gratitude Day?

I didn’t either. But, upon hearing this news on The Gayle King Show, I thought I should make you aware.

And because of this ever pressing update, up on the menu is. . . . . . Baked Onion Rings.

Huh.  You say.  What in the hoobly who does Soledad, God, Onion Rings, and International Gratitude Day have in common?

Well, a lot. I say. Read on.

First, onion rings are round, which is symbol for eternity,the infinite. . . . .   God.

Second, these particular onion rings might taste like the most holy thing that have EVER crossed my lips. THEY. ARE. THAT. GOOD.

Third, as if I had to say it, I am soooooo grateful for these gosh durn rings from heaven. . . .  you just don’t know.  As well as being grateful for my kids, my husband, God, and a  plethora of other lovely things.

I could go on forever giving you ways all of these topics coincide, but I think I’ll stop at three, so you can go bake you up a batch.

Oh, and one more thing.  In honor of International Gratitude Day go to http://www.thegratitudelist.org/ to list what you’re grateful for. I think these Onion Rings will be on that list.

Sorry. I fibbed.  Two more things. I am very grateful for these onion rings because they are low fat, not fried and very good for me. And you.  And, they are a vegetable. God and your Mama would be proud. Two more things to be grateful for. Or is that three. Actually, that might be four.  Sorry.  I’ll stop now.  Go cook.

Baked Onion Rings

Ingredients:

2 cups Plain Bread Crumbs
3 yellow onions, peeled, sliced 1/4 inch thick, and separated
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup plus 2 TB flour
1/2 tsp salt
Cooking Spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place onions in a large bath of ice water (this will take the “bite” out of the onion).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or a Silpat baking sheet. If using oil, spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
3. In a medium sized bowl, pour bread crumbs.
4. In another medium sized bowl, pour buttermilk. Add 2 TB of flour. Whisk together until combined thoroughly. Set aside.
5. Place sliced onions into a large Ziploc bag and toss with remaining flour. Dredge into buttermilk, followed by bread crumbs.
6. Place on lined baking sheet, and spray each ring with cooking spray.
7. Bake 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Serve warm. They even taste great a room temperature. Enjoy!!!!

My light of God.