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Rú found a childhood storybook that used to be one of the most frequently read books above the baby crib. Although none of the stories were familiar to him, we happily read through them—nostalgic for me, exciting for him because of the magic of something new. It was the perfect way to spend a lazy morning before we set off to explore our little town. (: Dated: Aug 28, 2018

We spent this year’s August 20th in Pest since we definitely wanted to visit my private students. After an above-average training session (my students were incredible yesterday—creative, instinctive, using good basics well, open to new things!), and a relaxed lunch, we decided to spend the afternoon resting in City Park (Városliget). While Rú was napping, I got to read for a few hours without any household chores interrupting me. It was uplifting. (: After he woke up, we rolled around a bit on the grass, fed the fish, and even managed to spend some time with Kriszti before the fireworks! We bumped into a few acquaintances and found ourselves right…

Perhaps you’ve already noticed, dear reader, that I hold history, art, and literature in high regard—and luckily, I’ve been able to share this passion with Ruben as well. I love the 21st century: I’m amazed by progress, the possibilities, the internet, and how anything we want is just a click away. I enjoy the freedom to learn whatever I want; the equality (yes, even the right to vote, which today means something a bit different, but there was a time when women would have fought fiercely for it); the opportunity to travel; the ability to live according to a faith you truly believe in, not one you inherited. That if…

In summer, there’s more time for books—books I always take great care of, partly for my own enjoyment and partly because of Rú’s stories. With a literature-loving mom, it’s no surprise that Ruben has also become captivated by stories, which are sweetest when wrapped in fragrant bindings and resting on a shelf, waiting to warm our hands. It’s a joy to see how Rú’s room transforms into a new world during a good story—how a fascinating character, a foreign landscape, or a tangible mood can stir so much inside him. Books are magic, a reward for both of us at the end of a long day. Dated: Aug 8, 2016

Dated: Aug 4, 2016

When we woke up this morning, Rú and I felt something in the air that urged us to get going. The morning started with some well-deserved lounging, but then we began to think about where to head. Since my work and Rú’s afternoon nap limit our free time, we decided to just go as far as Szécsény. It seemed like a good idea to celebrate August—or just Tuesday—with a lunch that is always both uplifting and heartwarming: a shared meal with my son in a different town, on a restaurant terrace. It’s so… uhhh, it completely moves me. Before that, we visited a Franciscan monastery, which, to my great surprise,…

Friday is my usual day off when I don’t take on any significant work, and I get to spend the whole day with my little one (we’re huge fans of these “bracketed” days!!). This time, we filled it with a movie and ice cream, and just as we were about to head home, we heard a band tuning up on the small stage in the park. So we ended up sitting down for a Bekka and the Circus concert, which turned out to be way better than expected! Ruben was completely captivated by their music, which made me happy because I could relax too while he stayed still, but also…

I’m a lucky mom because I’ve never had trouble feeding vegetables and fruits—neither in baby food purées nor now. Especially when the vegetables are crisp and served with spiced butter, and the fruit is fresh, juicy, and washed (if I cut it into fun shapes, it’s an absolute hit (;). It’s hard to pick a single favorite, but when I think of peaches, I can’t imagine any form of them that we wouldn’t happily eat. Although I swear by raw fruit, whether for breakfast, as a dessert at lunch, or to jazz up dinner, with a little creativity the sky’s the limit in fruit gastronomy! We’re not aiming for a…

Above 30 degrees, there’s only one place for us — by the water. And if it’s the beach, then it has to be God (at least for us), especially if it’s within easy reach and kid-friendly — those are our two main criteria. I’ve decided to start teaching Rú how to swim this year, and surprisingly, he was very receptive to the basics! If his enthusiasm holds, I might even turn him into a little fish this year. (: I can’t wait to enjoy the beach with him without stomach cramps. I’m pretty scared myself, but so far, without floaties, all I see in every pool is danger. Still, we…

A few years ago, when I made my very first jam, I counted it as such a huge success that every time I think back on it, I’m flooded with euphoric nostalgia. Even now, I sometimes marvel at what I considered an achievement while juggling my ridiculously limited 24 hours as a mom, woman, instructor, and student day after day. ;DDD Because, let’s be honest, making jam isn’t rocket science—especially if a housewife sacrifices her good reputation and uses jam sugar mix ((: The biggest (and unfairly HUGE!!!) chunk of time goes into preparing the fruit—washing, hulling, chopping… Then it’s definitely an advantage to double-check before you start canning that…