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" 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.
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.
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.
Use up your Mediterranean grilled chicken leftovers in this vibrant Greek-inspired power salad with farro, spinach, Italian greens, and a lemon-oregano vinaigrette.
How I’m approaching the fall baseball season — and what I’ll tell my players on Day 1. Teaching effort, mindset, accountability, emotional discipline, and how to handle failure with resilience.
A Mediterranean-style bowl with grilled chicken, King City Pink Beans, creamy yogurt sauce, crispy pita, and Caprese Remix. Fresh, herby, and perfect al fresco.
A bold, one-pot take on Hoppin’ John with King City Pink Beans, Polska kielbasa, garlic paste, and hot sauce. Served over rice, full of Southern swagger.
A cozy, one-pot stew featuring Rancho Gordo King City Pink Beans, smoky bacon, roasted garlic, and a surprise slaw topping. Cornbread required.
This tomato butter pasta is the ultimate post-hike comfort food—simple, rich, and satisfying. Make it with homemade sauce or Rao’s in a pinch. Kid-approved and pantry-friendly.
This Post-Hike Italian Salad is crisp, cool, and loaded with fresh flavor—perfect after a long day of travel. Quick to make, kid-approved, and ideal for balancing out a hearty pasta dinner.
These butter-glazed French green beans with toasted pine nuts come together in 10 minutes using Better Than Bouillon for rich flavor. An easy, elegant side dish for any meal.
This weeknight broccoli spaghetti is tossed with roasted garlic oil, lemon, Pecorino Romano, and crispy golden breadcrumbs. A pantry-friendly pasta full of flavor and texture.
This roasted garlic black bean soup is rich, smoky, and finished with a bright squeeze of lime. A cozy vegetarian recipe that’s perfect for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and even better with toppings like crema, avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.
These crispy quesadillas are filled with melty cheese, tangy purple cabbage slaw, and diced pickled jalapeños for the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and creaminess. A bold vegetarian side or main that pairs perfectly with black bean soup.
A reflection on Leah’s journey in The Poisonwood Bible and how open-mindedness, cross-cultural connection, and being willing to be changed can reshape our lives. Featuring wisdom from Anatole, a personal story from Korea, and a Beatles lyric that ties it all together.