Starting Classical Guitar at 48 — Why I’m Learning Something New (and Hard)
At 48 years old, I decided to learn classical guitar — not because I needed another hobby, but because I missed the feeling of being a beginner again.
Embracing Enough: Welcome to Lou LaMedica’s Personal Blog
"Embracing Enough" is my exploration of a life well-lived—where gratitude meets growth. From mindset and parenting to small business insights, easy family recipes, and personal finance, this blog shares practical wisdom on appreciating what we have and finding fulfillment in the everyday.
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Living Well Within Our Means
We’ve learned that living well isn’t about having the biggest house or the flashiest things. It’s about shaping what you have into enough, planning with purpose, and choosing experiences that last longer than stuff ever could.
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Apple Spice Behind the Scenes
Asian-Inspired
Beans
Books
Breakfast
Business
Grilling
Chautauquas
Coaching
Comfort Food
Communication
Cooking
Emotional Health
Fall Recipes
Family
Gratitude
Grief
Habits
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Holiday Traditions
Italian Inspired
Kid Friendly
Kool Collectibles
Leadership
Leftovers Remix
Light Vibes
Meal Prep
Mindset
Music
My Story
Nature
nature
Nostalgia
Parenting
Patience
Personal Finance
Process
Purpose
Quick Meals
Reflections
Sales & Strategy
Sandwiches
Seafood
Seeing People
Slammin’ Sides
Slow Living
Soups
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Sunday Funday
Sweets
Vegetarian
Winter Recipes
Witness to 9/11: From Maiden Lane to a New Purpose
On the morning of September 11th, I stepped off my bus into the sunshine, thinking it was a good day to be alive. Hours later, I was fleeing Manhattan as the world seemed to collapse around me. This is my story from 59 Maiden Lane — what I saw, what I felt, and how that day ultimately led me to enlist in the U.S. Air Force.
Why I Began Collecting Vinyl
From mix tapes and college soundtracks to Sunday morning pancakes, music has always marked the chapters of my life. Rediscovering vinyl brought me back to that magic — slowing down, savoring albums front to back, and hearing them in a way that feels alive.
The Boredom of Building: Slow and Steady Growth
Most days in business aren’t thrilling — they’re about patience, discipline, and small wins. Kool Collectibles reminds me that slow progress may feel boring, but it’s what builds something real to last.
Rising Sun: A True Name for My Son
Parenting a pre-teen sometimes feels like watching an eclipse—the light dims, conversation shrinks, and frustration flares. I’ve found myself losing my temper, but also found a way back: giving my son a true name—Rising Sun—to remind me who he is and who he’s becoming. This post is about discipline, anger, and learning not to dim his light.
Rediscovering the Power of the To-Do List
Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference. For me, writing down a simple to-do list snapped me out of a rut and boosted my productivity overnight.
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes – One-Pan Family Favorite
This Greek lemon chicken and potatoes recipe is a weekly family favorite. Juicy chicken, golden potatoes, and bright lemon-herb flavor roasted in one pan for easy cleanup.
Creamy Hatch Green Chile Chicken & Rice Soup
This Creamy Hatch Green Chile Chicken & Rice Soup is smoky, hearty, and brightened with lime and cilantro. A family favorite that freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day. Perfect for snowy afternoons or crisp fall evenings.
Among the Mushrooms: Foraging Reflections in Northern Virginia
A walk through the woods in Sterling, Virginia, where mushrooms emerge, deer graze, and the season shifts. Lessons on noticing, patience, and beginning the foraging journey.
Aliens, Guitars, and Maxell Tapes: The Epic Fifth Grade Mixtape That Had It All
Van Halen. KISS. The Carpenters. A wild mix of noise and wonder—and a drum solo that rewired my brain. Music has a way of opening portals.
When a Spill Is Just a Spill
Two cups of water hit the floor at the gym. Some people called it a disaster. I called it practice. The small stuff trains us for the big storms.
My Version of Red’s Bean and Cheese Burrito
A homemade take on Red’s burritos: Rancho Gordo pinto beans, melty Costco Mexican blend cheese, red onion, and Hatch green chile cream, rolled tight and crisped golden. Air fryer and freezer-friendly.
Living in the Bubble of Boyhood
Parenting a pre-teen means protecting the bubble of boyhood while teaching responsibility. Here’s how I’m using scaffolding to guide my son through chaos, bad decisions, and growth.
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