Fall in Bloom | Gardening, Growth & Gratitude by Lulu Lee
Gardening · Gardening

Fall in Bloom | Gardening, Growth & Gratitude by Lulu Lee

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

🍂 Fall in Bloom: The Progress and Peace I’ve Found in My Autumn Garden

🌱 Nurturing Growth in the Fall

This season, my garden is teaching me about patience, purpose, and quiet hope.
After a long summer, stepping outside to see new life pushing through the soil feels like a gentle reward — a reminder that growth doesn’t stop just because the seasons change.

My fall garden is thriving with collard greens, steak tomatoes, carrots, russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, basil, cucumbers, beets, cabbage, and bell peppers. Each plant, in its own way, reflects where I am in life right now — steady, persistent, and learning to flourish through transition.

If you’re curious about what I’m using, you can find the same ones here:

🍅 Seeing Progress, Feeling Peace

Some beds are overflowing, while others are still finding their rhythm. My tomatoes have begun to climb again, pushing through the last warm days of fall, while the sweet potato vines spread like soft green blankets over the soil.

I’m grateful for every small sign of progress — every new leaf, every bit of green pushing through the dirt. These moments remind me that growth isn’t always loud or immediate. Sometimes, it’s simply about showing up, watering consistently, and letting time do its work.

🌸 The Beauty Beyond the Harvest

Beyond the vegetables, my flowers have been putting on their own quiet show — bursts of color that make me stop and smile, even on busy days.

These blooms remind me to look beyond productivity and yield — to appreciate the peace that comes from simply being outside, hands in the soil, surrounded by the hum of life.

🌿 Gratitude for the Process

Out here, I feel still. I can hear my thoughts soften. The garden gives me space to reflect on my days — the challenges, the growth, and the gratitude that anchors me.

Even when I’m pulling weeds or pruning back overgrown vines, I feel thankful — thankful for the quiet moments, the lessons in patience, and the sense of peace that only nature can offer.

Every bed, every leaf, every bit of soil carries a small prayer of hope — that what I nurture now will one day feed me and my family, not just in body but in spirit.

💭 Reflection Prompt for Readers

Take a moment this week to step outside — even if it’s just your porch, a park, or your own small garden.
What’s one thing in nature that reminds you to slow down, feel grateful, or keep growing?

Share your reflections in the comments — I’d love to hear what brings you peace this season. 🌸

October Book Club | Reflections on The Untethered Soul by Lulu Lee
Book Club

October Book Club | Reflections on The Untethered Soul by Lulu Lee

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

📚 October Book Club: Reflections on The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

🌸 Discovering The Untethered Soul

Every so often, a book finds you exactly when you need it most. For me, that book was The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. I picked it up during a season when I was craving peace — not the kind that comes from everything being perfect, but the kind that comes from acceptance, presence, and release.

This book isn’t about fixing yourself; it’s about learning to let go — to release old pain, quiet the constant noise of the mind, and step into a state of inner freedom. Singer invites us to see our thoughts and emotions as passing experiences, not permanent truths. The more we allow them to flow without resistance, the more peace we uncover within ourselves.

📖 A Brief Summary

In The Untethered Soul, Michael A. Singer explores what it means to truly be free — not just externally, but internally. Through gentle wisdom and practical insight, he guides readers to recognize the voice inside their head, observe it without judgment, and stop identifying with it as their “self.”

He teaches that true peace doesn’t come from controlling life, but from surrendering to it. By loosening our grip on pain, fear, and expectation, we can begin to live with open hearts and unshakable calm — no matter what’s happening around us.

You can find the book here:
👉 The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer on Amazon
🎧 Also available as an audiobook on Audible for those who prefer to listen.

🌿 My Reflection: Learning to Let Go

Reading this book has been a turning point in my healing journey. It’s helped me see that holding onto old pain only keeps me stuck in the same patterns — replaying stories that no longer serve me. Singer’s words reminded me that peace isn’t something to chase; it’s something we uncover once we stop resisting life as it unfolds.

I’ve started noticing my thoughts more — catching myself before getting swept away by worry or judgment. When I feel tension rising, I pause, breathe, and remind myself to soften, to let it pass through.

This practice has changed how I move through each day. Whether I’m journaling before bed, running in the early morning light, or tending to my garden, I carry this quiet awareness:
I am not my thoughts. I am the one who observes them.

That realization alone has brought me so much freedom.

🌼 How It’s Helping Me Grow

Healing is not about erasing the past; it’s about learning to hold it gently, without letting it define who you are now. The Untethered Soul has helped me make peace with what once felt heavy.

I’m learning that growth isn’t always about doing more — it’s often about releasing what no longer belongs. Just like in my garden, I’ve learned to prune back what’s overgrown, to make room for new life.

The more I release, the lighter I feel — and the more space I have for joy, creativity, and stillness.

💭 Reflection Prompt for Readers

Have you ever read a book that arrived in your life at just the right time?
What lesson or truth from it helped you let go, grow, or find peace within yourself?

Share your reflections in the comments — I’d love to hear what stories are helping you heal and bloom. 🌿

Reclaiming My Health: A Journey Back to Myself
Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

Reclaiming My Health: A Journey Back to Myself

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

🕊️ Reclaiming My Health: A Journey Back to Myself

For as long as I can remember, being active has been part of who I am. I loved the rhythm of movement — the way running clears my head, the way a good stretch makes me feel strong and centered. But somewhere along the way, life shifted.

Motherhood, work, and injury quietly rearranged my priorities. My days filled up with responsibilities and fatigue, and what used to be a daily ritual of self-care slowly became something I did “when I had time.” For years, that time never came.

Then, I lost my mother to complications related to diabetes.
Her passing shook me to my core. It forced me to look closely at my own health — not from a place of guilt or vanity, but from love. I wanted to live fully and care for myself the way she always wanted to.

🏃‍♀️ Finding My Way Back

In the months that followed, I made a promise to myself: to honor my body the way I once did, and to build a sustainable routine — not a punishment, but a lifestyle.

Now, I try to run at least three days a week. Those runs have become my moving meditations — a space to breathe, think, and heal. On alternating days, I lift weights, focusing on strength and endurance. Sundays are my rest days, a gentle reminder that recovery is just as sacred as effort.

Movement has become my anchor again — not a chore, but a celebration of what my body can do.

🍎 Nourishing from the Inside Out

For years, I had a complicated relationship with food. I often ate for comfort, for escape, or out of habit — rarely out of intention. But as I began to move more mindfully, I also started to eat that way.

I gave up meat and dairy and began to focus on foods that truly energize me — fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant-based proteins. I don’t chase perfection; I simply choose what makes me feel vibrant and alive.

Eating this way has taught me to listen — to my body, to my cravings, to my emotions. Food no longer feels like an enemy or a reward. It feels like care.

🌸 Rest as Resistance

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that rest is not laziness — it’s necessary. Between work and motherhood, I’ve learned to carve out small pockets of peace. A long, relaxing bath three times a week has become my favorite ritual. It’s where I reflect, release tension, and reconnect with myself.

I also take time to journal before bed, even if it’s just a few lines. Writing helps me empty my thoughts and end the day with gratitude instead of worry. Some nights I write about what challenged me; other nights, I jot down what made me smile. Either way, it’s a gentle exhale before sleep — a way to honor my growth, my grief, and my progress.

If you’d like the same journal I use, you can check it out here: Spiral Notebook – 3 Pack A5 Ruled Journal

Those quiet moments — the bath, the pages, the silence — remind me that I’m more than the roles I play. I’m a whole person, deserving of rest, joy, and softness.

🌿 Moving Forward

This journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, grace, and gratitude. Each run, each meal, each journal entry, and each quiet bath is a reminder that I’m still here — choosing life, choosing strength, choosing myself.

If you’re reading this and trying to find your way back, start small. Take a walk. Drink more water. Eat something green. Write down what you’re grateful for. Rest when you need to. You don’t have to do it all — just begin.

💭 Reflection Prompt for Readers

What’s one small way you can honor your body or your peace this week?

(Leave a comment — I’d love to hear your journey.)

Recipes

🍩 African Cake Donuts

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

There’s something magical about donuts—the smell of warm oil, the golden crust, and that first sweet bite. But these African cake donuts are more than just a treat. They offer a little taste of tradition with a modern twist.

These donuts are made with creamy coconut milk. They have a touch of ginger and a hint of cardamom. They are light, flavorful, and irresistibly good. They’re easy to make, don’t require yeast, and will fill your kitchen with the most comforting aroma.

🥥 Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup coconut milk (canned, well-shaken)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter (or neutral oil)
  • Oil for frying

👩🏾‍🍳 Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, coconut milk, and melted butter until smooth.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix gently until a thick batter/dough forms. (Do not overmix.)
  4. Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
  5. Drop small scoops of dough into the hot oil, frying in batches.
  6. Cook until golden brown on all sides, turning as needed.
  7. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

📝 Recipe Card (Printable)

African Cake Donuts with Coconut Milk, Ginger & Cardamom
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Mix dry ingredients.
2. Mix wet ingredients.
3. Combine to form dough.
4. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
5. Drain and serve warm.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

✨ Coconut milk makes the donuts soft and slightly rich.
✨ Ginger adds warmth and a gentle spice.
✨ Cardamom gives a subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Keep oil temperature steady (around 350°F / 175°C).
  • Fry in small batches for even cooking.
  • Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for extra flavor.

✨ Final Thoughts

These African cake donuts are easy enough for a weekday snack. They are special enough to share at family gatherings. They’re warm, sweet, and full of comforting flavors.

Book Club

Spotlight on a Poem: Together

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

The power of words

When I write, I am not alone. My words are carried by voices that came before me—the ancestors, the marchers, the mothers, the dreamers. Every poem I create is born out of this truth: we do not endure in isolation, but together.

One of the poems in my upcoming collection is titled “Together.” It’s a piece that reminds me how survival has never been the story of one, but of many. It weaves memory, history, and the shared strength that has allowed us to move forward as a people.

An Excerpt from “Together”

From the villages of our ancestors,
from the ships that tried to swallow us,
from the fields and the cities,
the marches and the prayers—
we have endured.

The Story Behind the Poem

I wrote “Together” while reflecting on the continuity of struggle and resilience. I thought about how the past lives in us. The journey from the shores of Africa to the present day has been marked by unimaginable trials. It has also been marked by courage and faith.

This poem came to me as a chorus of voices, echoing across time. It’s about remembering that our strength is collective, that we’ve always leaned on one another, even in the darkest moments.

Why This Poem Matters

“Proud” marked the beginning of my journey into poetry. “Together” represents what I’ve come to understand more deeply over time. Survival is not just individual. It is communal. We are bound by shared memory, and it is in that binding that we find resilience.

In my collection of 40 poems, each piece speaks to a different facet of that legacy—pain, defiance, beauty, survival. But “Together” is one of the poems that most clearly says: we are still here.

A Journey Shared

This poem, like the others, is part of a larger journey toward wholeness. It reminds me that writing is not only a personal act. It is also a communal offering. It serves as an invitation to remember, to heal, and to celebrate resilience.

I hope “Together” resonates with you as much as it does with me. I invite you to stay with me. I will continue sharing these poems. One story, one heartbeat, at a time.

Gardening · Gardening

🌱 Starting My Fall Garden: Carrots, Greens & More

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

There’s something special about the shift from summer to fall. The air cools, the days get shorter, and the garden takes on a new rhythm. Today, I kicked off my fall planting season. I couldn’t be more excited to see how it all turns out.

My Fall Crops

I used three garden beds to start my fall crops this year. Here’s what went into the soil today:

  • 🥕 Carrots – A classic root crop that loves cooler weather.
  • 🍅 Steak Tomatoes – Big, juicy, and full of flavor—hoping for a late harvest.
  • 🥬 Beets – Earthy and nutrient-packed.
  • 🌿 Collard Greens – A Southern staple that thrives in the fall.
  • 🥬 Cabbage – Perfect for soups, slaws, and fermenting.
  • 🥔 Potatoes – Always satisfying to dig up at harvest time.
  • 🌶️ Bell Peppers – A pop of color and flavor for meals.
  • 🌱 Spinach – Quick-growing and versatile in the kitchen.

✨ Why Fall Gardening Excites Me

Fall is one of my favorite times to garden. The pests slow down, the heat isn’t so intense, and the harvests are hearty and grounding. Starting fresh beds always feels like a clean slate, full of potential.

This year, I’m especially excited about the greens—collards and spinach—and the challenge of getting good potatoes before the ground freezes.

💡 Tips I’m Following

  • Rotate crops so the soil stays healthy.
  • Keep mulch handy to protect against early frosts.
  • Water consistently—fall rains help, but don’t always come on time.
  • Be patient: cooler weather crops can take a little longer.

My raised beds

🌟 Final Thoughts

Every season brings new challenges and rewards. I can’t wait to see how these beds grow over the coming weeks. Gardening keeps me grounded, connected, and always learning.

👉 Have you started your fall garden yet? What are you planting this season?

Health & Fitness

🏃‍♀️ What I Learned Training for My First Half Marathon

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

When a former classmate convinced me to sign up for my first half marathon, I didn’t exactly think it through. I only had about a month to prepare. I was cocky back then. I figured, “I’ll be fine.” Spoiler alert: I wasn’t. At least, not in the way I thought.

🏅 Race Day: The Wake-Up Call

Race day came, and I barely slept the night before. Still, I laced up my shoes and got my family out the door so they could cheer me on. My first half marathon was the Marine Corps Historic Half, and the energy at the start line was electric.

The first few miles felt amazing—I actually believed I could finish in around 2 hours and 30 minutes. But then came the hills. Big ones. Hills I hadn’t prepared for.

“Hospital Hill felt like Mount Everest after mile 10. I almost cried, but I kept moving.”

For those who have run the Historic Half, you already know that Hospital Hill is a monster. Trying to tackle it after 10 miles nearly broke me. I walked several times during that race—something I never planned on doing. By the end, I had lost a toenail. I could barely walk for days. I realized just how much I had underestimated what I signed up for.

And yet—I finished. And that finish line changed me.

💡 Lesson 1: Consistency Beats Confidence

My biggest mistake? Thinking confidence could replace training. I skipped workouts, ignored mileage, and assumed “being young and fit enough” would carry me through. Hospital Hill proved otherwise. Consistency, not bravado, is what builds endurance.

💤 Lesson 2: Rest Is Part of the Process

In my rush to train, I thought running hard every day would make me stronger. Instead, my legs were screaming by race week. Hospital Hill showed me that recovery is fuel. Rest isn’t laziness—it’s training.

🥗 Lesson 3: Nutrition Matters

By mile 9, I had nothing left in the tank. I hadn’t fueled properly, and it showed. That race taught me that food isn’t just fuel—it’s survival. Oatmeal, bananas, and water became my essentials for future runs.

🧠 Lesson 4: The Mental Game Is Everything

When my body wanted to quit, my mind had to take over.

“At mile 10, my legs were done. My mind had to run the race for me.”

Repeating mantras like “one step at a time” helped me push up Hospital Hill. Running is as much mental as it is physical. Another mantra that kept me going was, “pain is weakness leaving the body”. Something I picked up from my Drill Sergeants back in the day. The body can do almost anything your mind wills it to.

👟 Lesson 5: Gear Can Save You

Blisters, sore feet, and losing a toenail taught me the hard way that the right shoes and socks matter. Gear can’t do the running for you, but it can make the journey bearable. Back then I wasn’t wise enough to know that your shoe size for running matters. I was naive about running shoes. I didn’t know that long-distance runners need to get their shoes 1/2 size larger than their regular everyday shoes. I learned that lesson the hard way and I had to learn it again…apparently I didn’t learn it well enough the first time.

🎉 Lesson 6: Celebrate the Finish—Even If It’s Messy

By the time I crossed the finish line, I wasn’t running—I was surviving. But I finished. That medal means more to me than any “perfect” run ever could. One of my favorite memories from that race is the picture I took with my family at the finish line. I also remember thinking that I wanted to run that race again immediately after I crossed the finish line. I can’t explain it but most long distance runners will tell you that.

✨ Final Thoughts

My first half marathon humbled me, but it also transformed me. I went in overconfident. I was under-prepared. I came out with a new respect for the distance, for training, and for myself.

If you’re thinking about running your first half marathon, here’s my advice:

  • Train smart.
  • Give yourself time.
  • Respect the distance.

And if your race doesn’t go perfectly? Celebrate anyway. Every finish line is a victory.

💬 Your Turn: Have you ever jumped into a challenge unprepared? Drop your story in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on!

Book Club

The Stories That Shaped Me: Books That Continue to Inspire My Writing

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

Affiliate Disclosure:
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my writing and this blog.

When reading a book, it is important to remember that one is not just looking at words. They are looking at a time capsule in print. The author creates an image of a specific place in time. The reader is able to travel either to the future or the past through the writer’s lens.

The same can be said of cooking and gardening. When you make a meal from a recipe, you reach back into memory. You shape something from the past. This creation can be experienced by others in the future. When you plant seeds you’ve saved, you carry forward stories of survival and lineage. Books, recipes, and gardens—all are living vessels of heritage.

Books That Shape My Cooking and Creativity

Jessica Seinfeld’s Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food is a cookbook that deeply resonates with me. It offers inventive ways to nourish through hidden veggies. The approach is gentle, creative, and playful. What I love about it is how it invents ways to nourish through hidden veggies—gentle, creative, and playful. I’ve returned to its pages many times. It’s not just for guidance. It serves as a reminder that adaptation is at the heart of tradition.

I often take her recipes and transform them with African ingredients—adding, subtracting, or substituting to make them sing in ways that feel like home. Deceptively Delicious reminds me that creativity in the kitchen isn’t about following every rule. It’s about making something your own. At the same time, it’s about honoring what came before.

Books That Preserve Love and History

Another book that left a deep impression on me was My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams. Their words to one another are tender, passionate, and grounded in both love and duty. Reading those letters felt like holding a time capsule in my hands. They offered a glimpse into their daily lives. I could see the strength of their bond during a turbulent period in history.

Just like recipes passed down in families, these letters carried their love into the future. Like seeds planted in soil, they carried their faith and story as well. They reminded me that writing is not just about recording events, but about preserving connection.

My Bookshelf Essentials

Here are two books I continue to carry with me:

Closing Reflections

Books shape us in ways big and small. They remind us where we’ve come from. They inspire who we are becoming. They carry stories forward for those who come after us.

👉 What books have shaped your life or inspired your creativity? Share your favorites in the comments—I’d love to build a community reading list together.

Summer Running Goals: How It’s Going So Far
Health & Fitness · Health & Fitness

Summer Running Goals: How It’s Going So Far

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

Affiliate Disclosure:
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my writing and this blog.

We all know that summer running is not easy. Personally, I prefer running when the weather is cooler. This summer has been especially hot and humid, but that hasn’t stopped me from lacing up and getting out there.

For the month of June, I ran 41.9 miles — a major change from previous years and something I’m proud of. Encouraged by that progress, I challenged myself to run 125 miles in July. But as the heat and humidity set in, I quickly realized that was too lofty of a goal. I changed my plan. My new goal was 100 miles in July. It was a more realistic target that still pushed me forward.

For August, my focus has been on balance. I dedicate three days a week to strength training at the gym. I also allocate three days to running. My weekly mileage goal is 20 miles, and for the most part, that plan has been going well. Along the way, I’ve dealt with some hip pain, which meant taking a few days to rest and recharge. Even with setbacks, I’m still chugging along with my summer running plans.

What this season has taught me is that goals don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Adjusting doesn’t mean failing. It means listening to your body. It means honoring your limits. It also means celebrating your wins along the way.

My Running Essentials

Over the summer, a few items have become non-negotiables in my running routine. They aren’t just gear. They’re the little things that help me stay consistent, comfortable, and motivated. This is true even when the air is thick with humidity.

  • Fly Buds Wireless Earbuds – Light, reliable, and sweat-ready. These earbuds turn every run into its own personal playlist or podcast escape.
  • Brooks Ghost 16 Running Shoes – My daily trainers this season. They are cushioned and breathable. These shoes are supportive enough to carry me 40+ miles in a month. They handle humid runs with ease.
  • Fitness Tracker / Smartwatch – Tracking my pace, mileage, and milestones keeps me accountable—even on days when motivation feels low.
  • Hydration Gear – Staying hydrated is essential. This gear is a lifesaver during summer runs when the heat kicks up.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Running in the summer heat hasn’t been easy, but it’s been full of lessons and small victories. Now I’d love to hear from you:

👉 Have you set any summer fitness goals? How’s it going so far? Share your wins, struggles, or tips in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on.

And if you’re thinking about starting or growing your own running journey, check out the gear I’ve linked above. These essentials have made a real difference for me. They include my Fly Buds earbuds and Brooks Ghost 16 shoes. They might help you too.

Looking Ahead

I am not where I want to be yet, but every mile this summer has taught me something. My plan is to keep building consistency, stay strong through cross-training, and listen closely to what my body needs.

I am also working on adding energy gels into my running routine. On longer runs, my energy tends to dip around miles six and seven. I tried an energy gel I bought locally and it worked well. My next step is to order more from Amazon so I can keep them on hand for future runs.

Thank you for stopping by—I hope you found something helpful in this week’s post. Don’t forget to like and share 🙂

10 mile run day!

📚 Book Club Chat: When the Sea Remembers 🌊❤️
Book Club

📚 Book Club Chat: When the Sea Remembers 🌊❤️

Lulu LeeLeave a comment

Hi friends,

I’m so excited to share a little about Book Two in my three-part series — When the Sea Remembers. This story follows the intertwined destinies of Ezra, a Land walker, and Neri, a Sea walker. Their love was written in the stars, but the path ahead is anything but simple.

In Book One, fate brought them together. In Book Two, we see just how many forces will rise to pull them apart. Powerful beings — some ancient, some cunning — have their own reasons for keeping the land and sea divided. Ezra and Neri must decide how much they’re willing to risk. They also need to consider what they’re willing to lose to stay together.

This installment dives deeper into the spirit realm, the old ways, and the fragile balance between two worlds. It’s a story about love under pressure, and the cost of defying destiny.

I can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you meet these new challenges alongside Ezra and Neri. If you’ve read Book One, what do you hope happens for them in this next chapter? And what do you fear happen?

Your turn — let’s chat. 📖💬