31. Where were you on January 31, 2011?
Same place I'll be on January 31, 2012....cuddled up on the couch watching movies. Tonight is an Angelina Jolie double feature: Wanted and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. We'll sip fake wine to toast the New Year and have a supper of corned beef and cabbage with carrots, potatoes, and onions; a 'good luck' meal for health, happiness, and prosperity.
Happy New Year, one and all!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
The 30th question and New Year prompt short list
30. What aspects of your life need attention in 2012?
Nurturing relationships, continuing to monitor and improve my health, getting more organized. A big one involves work...being realistic, we've all reached the conclusion that working outside the home isn't going to be possible. How many employers are going to hire someone who may or may not be able to drive on any given day, or who may spend as much time running to the bathroom to be sick as they spend actually doing the job they're getting paid for? Yeah, not so many. So that leaves the question of what I can do to remain productive and bring money into the household....there are a number of options we're considering but I don't want to fall into the trap of thinking so long I don't actually do anything.
My good thing for today: Realizing that we eat so little fast or processed food that our bodies don't really tolerate it well anymore. That may not seem like a good thing to others but I get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing I'm producing the healthiest meals I can.
2012 Prompt short list
1. What are three goals you want to reach in 2012?
2. What do you do; what do you want to be able to do?
3. Who are you? (As opposed to the prior question, 'what do you do?')
4. Who do others think you are?
5. What are your gifts, what are you doing with them, are there any you wish to develop further this year?
6. How do you reach out to others?
7. What is your dream?
Nurturing relationships, continuing to monitor and improve my health, getting more organized. A big one involves work...being realistic, we've all reached the conclusion that working outside the home isn't going to be possible. How many employers are going to hire someone who may or may not be able to drive on any given day, or who may spend as much time running to the bathroom to be sick as they spend actually doing the job they're getting paid for? Yeah, not so many. So that leaves the question of what I can do to remain productive and bring money into the household....there are a number of options we're considering but I don't want to fall into the trap of thinking so long I don't actually do anything.
My good thing for today: Realizing that we eat so little fast or processed food that our bodies don't really tolerate it well anymore. That may not seem like a good thing to others but I get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing I'm producing the healthiest meals I can.
2012 Prompt short list
1. What are three goals you want to reach in 2012?
2. What do you do; what do you want to be able to do?
3. Who are you? (As opposed to the prior question, 'what do you do?')
4. Who do others think you are?
5. What are your gifts, what are you doing with them, are there any you wish to develop further this year?
6. How do you reach out to others?
7. What is your dream?
Thursday, December 29, 2011
29, Jessinakilt, and a recipe
The question of the day is: If 2011 had a hashtag what would it be?
I don't Twitter so I'm taking a guess at what a hashtag is...I'm thinking my hashtag for the year would be #Transformation.
Have been kicking around the idea of doing a short list of prompts/questions for the beginning of January since it's been quite interesting, for me at least, to work on Dana's list this past month. Nothing quite so ambitious as her month-long 'Examen', perhaps 7-10 prompts since it behooves me to enter the new year as thoughtfully as I left it. Wonder if anyone else will do it? Doesn't really matter honestly but it would be interesting. I will, however, challenge the other 2 Musketeers............
Have some more pictures, mostly of food we created over the last few days but one of Jess in her kilt and me in, well, kinda more festive wear. First the food though.........if Blogger cooperates.
At the top is the clootie dumpling Jess made for 3M at Xmas....thought 3M was going to cry; it's only the second time it was made for the stoatir Scot rather than bought pre-made at the butcher shop. And on the bottom we have the Pear, pecan, and maple galette I made (recipe to follow)....yes, it is supposed to have that very rustic look. It's the first time we made either recipe and they both turned out beautifully!
Here we have a cheese ravioli 'stew' I invented a few days ago and was rather pleased with; the other Musketeers must have been pleased as well since they pronounced it a do-over! I'll post the recipe for this one in a few days since I promised it to the kidling! (Btw, for those who don't know, the kidling=my lovely 21 year old daughter, aka Jen, who goes to school waaaaaay too far south.)
Last but not least, the promised pictures of Jess and I....doesn't she look smashing in her kilt? If I'm looking a bit tired in my picture it's because I'd been really sick the day before and was recuperating as well as cooking up a storm with Jess and 3M. I've noticed I'm beginning to get that hunched up, bent forward Parkinson's posture *le sigh*.
Good thing(s) for the day: Getting out for a couple of hours today; the weather was extraordinary for this time of year, sunny and 52!
Jacqueline's Pear, Pecan, and Maple Galette
A galette is a tart.....or a super-simple, rustic, pie that isn't overly sweet. You can also make savoury galettes with meats, cheese, vegetables or whatever combination catches your fancy. I can honestly say that galettes are going to be VERY popular around here!
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and unfolded
3 medium pears (I used Red Anjou) quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
1/3 c. maple syrup (please, use the real stuff!)
1/4 c. pecan pieces
2 Tbsp. Each: all purpose flour and granulated sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. real butter, softened
1/2 tsp. Each: baking soda, ground ginger, and salt
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray cookie sheet, place parchment paper on top and spray again, set aside.
Carefully roll puff pastry (I use Pepperidge Farm since it's easier...a LOT easier....than making my own and they have a good quality product.) until it's 1/3 again as large. Place sliced pears in layered circles on pastry, leaving at least 2" clear on all sides; fold pastry over the edges of pears. By folding or pinching you can create attractive pleats or ridges around the outer edge.
Mix all other ingredients except maple syrup and pecans with a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs and dot over the surface of the pears; sprinkle pecan pieces on top. Drizzle with maple syrup and bake for 35-40 minutes or until pears are tender and pastry is lightly browned. Let cool at least 20 minutes before serving. Excellent with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Helpful hint: To keep pears from turning brown use Sprite or 7Up; either will work without giving the sharp taste of lemons.
I don't Twitter so I'm taking a guess at what a hashtag is...I'm thinking my hashtag for the year would be #Transformation.
Have been kicking around the idea of doing a short list of prompts/questions for the beginning of January since it's been quite interesting, for me at least, to work on Dana's list this past month. Nothing quite so ambitious as her month-long 'Examen', perhaps 7-10 prompts since it behooves me to enter the new year as thoughtfully as I left it. Wonder if anyone else will do it? Doesn't really matter honestly but it would be interesting. I will, however, challenge the other 2 Musketeers............
Have some more pictures, mostly of food we created over the last few days but one of Jess in her kilt and me in, well, kinda more festive wear. First the food though.........if Blogger cooperates.
Good thing(s) for the day: Getting out for a couple of hours today; the weather was extraordinary for this time of year, sunny and 52!
Jacqueline's Pear, Pecan, and Maple Galette
A galette is a tart.....or a super-simple, rustic, pie that isn't overly sweet. You can also make savoury galettes with meats, cheese, vegetables or whatever combination catches your fancy. I can honestly say that galettes are going to be VERY popular around here!
1 sheet puff pastry, thawed and unfolded
3 medium pears (I used Red Anjou) quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
1/3 c. maple syrup (please, use the real stuff!)
1/4 c. pecan pieces
2 Tbsp. Each: all purpose flour and granulated sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp. real butter, softened
1/2 tsp. Each: baking soda, ground ginger, and salt
Preheat oven to 350F. Spray cookie sheet, place parchment paper on top and spray again, set aside.
Carefully roll puff pastry (I use Pepperidge Farm since it's easier...a LOT easier....than making my own and they have a good quality product.) until it's 1/3 again as large. Place sliced pears in layered circles on pastry, leaving at least 2" clear on all sides; fold pastry over the edges of pears. By folding or pinching you can create attractive pleats or ridges around the outer edge.
Mix all other ingredients except maple syrup and pecans with a fork until it resembles coarse crumbs and dot over the surface of the pears; sprinkle pecan pieces on top. Drizzle with maple syrup and bake for 35-40 minutes or until pears are tender and pastry is lightly browned. Let cool at least 20 minutes before serving. Excellent with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Helpful hint: To keep pears from turning brown use Sprite or 7Up; either will work without giving the sharp taste of lemons.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
A shortie
Question number 28 is: Who was important to you?
My family, both those who are my biological family and those who are my created family. The child down the street who is going to bed hungry most nights. Those who teach us to be credulous and then take advantage of our inability to apply logic. The young man on another continent who is filled with hate, fear, and rage because war and/or treachery is all he's ever known and the young woman who elects to take her own life along with others because she, too, has only known war, fanaticsm, and zealotry. The individual who says cruel things just because they think they can get away with it and the person who smiles, holds a door, or gets a package for another because they are decent and caring and it's the right thing to do.
Each of them has an impact on my life, none are more or less important than another, but some are important for the right reasons and in the right ways. Those I treasure.
Good thing for today: I have my first vic...I mean volunteer...to try out Noveltease, the Kidling! Thanks Jen, the instructions are on the way!
My family, both those who are my biological family and those who are my created family. The child down the street who is going to bed hungry most nights. Those who teach us to be credulous and then take advantage of our inability to apply logic. The young man on another continent who is filled with hate, fear, and rage because war and/or treachery is all he's ever known and the young woman who elects to take her own life along with others because she, too, has only known war, fanaticsm, and zealotry. The individual who says cruel things just because they think they can get away with it and the person who smiles, holds a door, or gets a package for another because they are decent and caring and it's the right thing to do.
Each of them has an impact on my life, none are more or less important than another, but some are important for the right reasons and in the right ways. Those I treasure.
Good thing for today: I have my first vic...I mean volunteer...to try out Noveltease, the Kidling! Thanks Jen, the instructions are on the way!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
26 and 27
Since I managed to get sick on Boxing Day (yesterday) I have two questions to do today. Number 26 is: Who surprised you? That's a tough one with way too many obvious answers and the obvious isn't a surprise now is it? I'd have to say it's down to two....first my Doc: Doc is a wonderful man with an incredibly passionate and compassionate personality. His practice is indicative of this, he works with populations that most doctors don't want to touch: HIV+ and AIDS patients, most of whom have Medicare and Medicaid, gender dysphorics, the intersexed (what used to be called hermaphrodites), and those like me who are just darned difficult to diagnose. A few years ago we had actually discussed Parkinson's but because of the neurologist's various 'diagnoses' had let it fall by the wayside. All it took to get him to take a fresh look at it was a letter from Jess describing the symptoms she saw (she has experience with a family member with Parkinson's so she recognized what she was seeing) as well as information I'd printed out for him about serotonin syndrome to get him to re-consider. Oh, and a short video Jess had made of my movements which he watched several times. As soon as he read Jess's letter he said 'Parkinson's' and we decided how we were going to try treating it.....no arguments, no 'why didn't you tell me'....just working together to come up with a solution; one which has been, as far as I'm concerned, lifesaving. As in: I'm able to actually have a life again. Why is this a surprise? Because with every other doctor I've ever been to it has been a fight every step of the way. The other surprise has been my Northern friends, Carolyn and Betty. Even though we don't get to communicate as much as we have in prior years they still stick close by with love and without recriminations.
27. What did you give up? A lot of the foods I loved.....and found healthier foods I love more. Toxic relationships. Thinking I had to be anyone other than just myself to be loved and accepted. Oh, and trying to pretend I like gummi anything. (Sorry Carolyn, but you can have mine?)
Good things for the last two days: 1. Getting sick yesterday and not feeling I had to carry on anyway, or that anyone would get angry with me.
2. Everyone working together, and having fun while doing it, creating a super supper tonight!
27. What did you give up? A lot of the foods I loved.....and found healthier foods I love more. Toxic relationships. Thinking I had to be anyone other than just myself to be loved and accepted. Oh, and trying to pretend I like gummi anything. (Sorry Carolyn, but you can have mine?)
Good things for the last two days: 1. Getting sick yesterday and not feeling I had to carry on anyway, or that anyone would get angry with me.
2. Everyone working together, and having fun while doing it, creating a super supper tonight!
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The 25th on the 25th
Since cooking, etc... will be taking up a large part of my time over the next couple of days I thought I would post this, along with Holiday wishes, a bit earlier than usual. May you all have the loveliest of holidays filled with food, fun, laughter, and love! Kidling, I miss you and hope you have a fantastic holiday.......I'm sending you huge, squishy, hugs.
The question for today is: Where did you spend the most time? My time was spent here at home, quite often snuggled up in bed with my frequent companion: Jethro Bodean. Don't raise your eyebrows at me folks! Jethro Bodean is a big, floppy, caramel-colored bear with a striped cap and scarf in Xmas colors who is soft, squeezable, and perfect to hold on those REALLY ouchie days.
My good thing: We've decided to do a different charity Xmas tree every year.....next year's Xmas tree will have a breast cancer theme. We'll purchase as many of the ornaments as we can from breast cancer organizations and make the rest, then at the end of the season we'll donate them to either Goodwill or the Lighthouse Mission thrift stores thereby doing double the good at once. We decided on breast cancer for next year in honor of my mother and Jess's....my mother is a survivor, twice over, and her mother passed a few years ago. Her breast cancer metastasized, sadly. Because 3M knows that Jess and I both have a greater than usual chance of developing breast cancer ourselves this is a cause which is very personal to us.
The question for today is: Where did you spend the most time? My time was spent here at home, quite often snuggled up in bed with my frequent companion: Jethro Bodean. Don't raise your eyebrows at me folks! Jethro Bodean is a big, floppy, caramel-colored bear with a striped cap and scarf in Xmas colors who is soft, squeezable, and perfect to hold on those REALLY ouchie days.
My good thing: We've decided to do a different charity Xmas tree every year.....next year's Xmas tree will have a breast cancer theme. We'll purchase as many of the ornaments as we can from breast cancer organizations and make the rest, then at the end of the season we'll donate them to either Goodwill or the Lighthouse Mission thrift stores thereby doing double the good at once. We decided on breast cancer for next year in honor of my mother and Jess's....my mother is a survivor, twice over, and her mother passed a few years ago. Her breast cancer metastasized, sadly. Because 3M knows that Jess and I both have a greater than usual chance of developing breast cancer ourselves this is a cause which is very personal to us.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
24 on the 24th and some Xmas music
And the 24th question is.....................What did you make? Well lets see, I made a lot of messes. No, seriously, I know that's such a huge surprise, lol. Actually I made a lot of stuff this year; bread, muffins, cookies, cakes, aprons, curtains, hanging organizers, pillows, and lots of discoveries and decisions. I also made a little sense and a Lot of nonsense. I made room for laughter, joy, and health; I made, and re-made, my life on a daily basis. Oh, and I made this blog so I could continue reaching out and communicating even on the days when I just want to curl up all by myself; I didn't realize how much I would enjoy it or what a great tool it would become.
My good thing for today: Playing Xmas music DJ tonight! Here are a few of our favorites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGVNzgUxE-g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuTWA6SBupY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiXjbI3kRus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN4Uu0OlmTg (Warning, some of the images on this John Lennon video are very raw and difficult to watch.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5cX_ncZLls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87q5dmW6zDg (This version is probably my favorite of all time.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ-8jYpa1-o (And this by Celtic Woman is extraordinary.)
Last but definitely not least, a Xmas song I remember my mother loving and singing when I was wee; it's even the Jim Reeves version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stEjTFMb940
My good thing for today: Playing Xmas music DJ tonight! Here are a few of our favorites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGVNzgUxE-g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuTWA6SBupY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiXjbI3kRus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN4Uu0OlmTg (Warning, some of the images on this John Lennon video are very raw and difficult to watch.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5cX_ncZLls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87q5dmW6zDg (This version is probably my favorite of all time.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ-8jYpa1-o (And this by Celtic Woman is extraordinary.)
Last but definitely not least, a Xmas song I remember my mother loving and singing when I was wee; it's even the Jim Reeves version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stEjTFMb940
The 23rd and yummy stuff
23. What sunrise/sunset was the most vivid? Tonight's sunset, really it was. The fact that it's the one I remember most easily has nothing to do with it; nope, nada. In all honesty, however, it was spectacular. The other 2 Musketeers had gone off to run an errand and I was going back to bed for a winter's nap when I decided to peek out the west-facing patio doors briefly. I wish I'd gone for the camera because the sky was a perfect iron-grey with a line of white light near the western horizon; wispy clouds of iron grey hung down into the white like tatty cobwebs waiting to be blown away while little bits of light caught and glittered on the wet, black trees swaying in the wind. It struck me once again that the beauty one finds in winter is stark, but it is beauty nonetheless.
So my good thing for the day is: Before going off to bed for the day I'll be pulling the roast out and starting it marinading and getting the process going on creating the clootie dumpling. Good eats are in the offin'!
So my good thing for the day is: Before going off to bed for the day I'll be pulling the roast out and starting it marinading and getting the process going on creating the clootie dumpling. Good eats are in the offin'!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The 22nd and The Game is here!
So it's the 22nd question and I'm actually doing it on the right day! The question for the day is: What gifts did you give? What gifts did you receive?
Am I the only one who finds it much easier to respond to the latter part of the question? It's far more difficult to see what I've given than to be thankful for what I've received, and I have received a lot. The two most important gifts I've received this year have been love and time....things so many people lack, sadly. To know that there are people who are willing to share their time with me and who love me even with all my faults, what greater gifts could there be? I hope that I, in turn, have both done the same for them as well as letting them know how very much I appreciate them and their gifts.
As far as physical gifts go....hmmm, gifting food to the food pantry was deeply satisfying as was creating gifts for others with my own two hands, i.e.: sewing and cooking. The best physical gifts I received were gentle hugs and massages when my muscles were so tight and screaming with pain that I could barely stand to be touched.
I couldn't let this day pass by without also mentioning my father. Today would have been his 85th birthday and he truly was a gift, tonight we're having one of his favorite meals...beef and noodles...in celebration of his life.
So I have officially finished inventering my new game and we will be playing it for the first time this weekend; we've named it Noveltease. No, it's not that kind of game, it's a literary game and it promises to be a great deal of fun; if anyone else would like to try it out just let me know and I'll tell you how it's done!
The good thing for today is: Everyone being home, relaxing and enjoying one another's company.
Am I the only one who finds it much easier to respond to the latter part of the question? It's far more difficult to see what I've given than to be thankful for what I've received, and I have received a lot. The two most important gifts I've received this year have been love and time....things so many people lack, sadly. To know that there are people who are willing to share their time with me and who love me even with all my faults, what greater gifts could there be? I hope that I, in turn, have both done the same for them as well as letting them know how very much I appreciate them and their gifts.
As far as physical gifts go....hmmm, gifting food to the food pantry was deeply satisfying as was creating gifts for others with my own two hands, i.e.: sewing and cooking. The best physical gifts I received were gentle hugs and massages when my muscles were so tight and screaming with pain that I could barely stand to be touched.
I couldn't let this day pass by without also mentioning my father. Today would have been his 85th birthday and he truly was a gift, tonight we're having one of his favorite meals...beef and noodles...in celebration of his life.
So I have officially finished inventering my new game and we will be playing it for the first time this weekend; we've named it Noveltease. No, it's not that kind of game, it's a literary game and it promises to be a great deal of fun; if anyone else would like to try it out just let me know and I'll tell you how it's done!
The good thing for today is: Everyone being home, relaxing and enjoying one another's company.
Incredible Edible Thursday and it's 21!
First it's the question of the day: What did you learn?
I learned that I can both do more than I thought, and less. I've learned even more ways to stretch our budget and I've learned that my stamina is even less than I thought...I've learned to ask for help when I need it but that there are times when the healthiest thing is to be 'stubborn' and insist on doing it myself because depending too much on others is a trap for both you and them. Mostly, though, I've learned that I still have so very much to learn.
Good thing for today: This is 3M's last night of work before the Xmas holiday begins, no more work until January 3rd! After all the overtime this past year 3M sure can use a nice, long rest and it will be great to have all three of we Musketeers together for a few days.
Menu beginning December 23, 2011
Friday 12/23
Lunch/Snack: Grilled cheese on homemade bread
Supper: Sauteed cabbage and smoked sausage with potatoes and onions
Saturday 12/24
Lunch/Snack: Rigatoni soup
Supper: Chili and cheese casserole
Sunday 12/25
Lunch/Snack: Take Your Choice
Supper: Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, gravy, sauteed green beans and mushrooms, clootie dumpling, and pear, maple, and pecan galette
Monday 12/26
Lunch/Snack: Leftovers
Supper: Fish and Chips
Tuesday 12/27
Lunch/Snack: Cheese and bacon grits
Supper: Regular or Smoked turkey breast, baked sweet potatoes, broccoli
Wednesday 12/28
Lunch/Snack: Quick Nachos
Supper: Italian potato soup
Thursday 12/29
Lunch/Snack: Italian potato soup
Supper: Dijon pork chops, macaroni and cheese, brussels sprouts
I learned that I can both do more than I thought, and less. I've learned even more ways to stretch our budget and I've learned that my stamina is even less than I thought...I've learned to ask for help when I need it but that there are times when the healthiest thing is to be 'stubborn' and insist on doing it myself because depending too much on others is a trap for both you and them. Mostly, though, I've learned that I still have so very much to learn.
Good thing for today: This is 3M's last night of work before the Xmas holiday begins, no more work until January 3rd! After all the overtime this past year 3M sure can use a nice, long rest and it will be great to have all three of we Musketeers together for a few days.
Menu beginning December 23, 2011
Friday 12/23
Lunch/Snack: Grilled cheese on homemade bread
Supper: Sauteed cabbage and smoked sausage with potatoes and onions
Saturday 12/24
Lunch/Snack: Rigatoni soup
Supper: Chili and cheese casserole
Sunday 12/25
Lunch/Snack: Take Your Choice
Supper: Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, gravy, sauteed green beans and mushrooms, clootie dumpling, and pear, maple, and pecan galette
Monday 12/26
Lunch/Snack: Leftovers
Supper: Fish and Chips
Tuesday 12/27
Lunch/Snack: Cheese and bacon grits
Supper: Regular or Smoked turkey breast, baked sweet potatoes, broccoli
Wednesday 12/28
Lunch/Snack: Quick Nachos
Supper: Italian potato soup
Thursday 12/29
Lunch/Snack: Italian potato soup
Supper: Dijon pork chops, macaroni and cheese, brussels sprouts
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Truly 20?
And question 20 is...........Who came into your life in 2011?
Hmmmm, that's a toughie. Jess moved here in April but we had already known her for quite a while...long before 2011. Other than that I can't think of anyone who is new to our lives this year; 2011 has seemed to be more about endings than beginnings. A number of people have left our lives, some because they died and others for various reasons.
We have seasons in our lives.....the spring of anticipation or beginnings; sometimes of relationships, or finances, faith/spirituality, or simply health and wellness. Summer comes into our lives and we bask in the glow of our first fruits: relationships blossom, we feel we're on the right track in many avenues and it almost seems that good things just drop into our hands. Autumn comes around with the harvest...sometimes our 'harvest' comes in the form of grandchildren, or a comfortable retirement, even a sense of having done the best you could with what you were given; and sometimes the harvesting is of people you love. I cannot truly say that you lose these people, you can never completely lose someone you love although it can feel like it...no, they are harvested like grain, going on to become something more. Then comes the winter, the fallow time; the time when you are most likely to feel cold and as though you are stuck in place. Sometimes we even feel as though Spirit has abandoned us but, for me at least, the greatest growth and deepening of my own spirit comes during the winter of my soul, and when spring comes around again I can burst into blossom because the fallow season has once again prepared and strengthened the soil which is my self.
My good thing for today: Baking 2 scrumptious loaves of Parmesan, garlic, and herb bread. Omnomnomnom!
Hmmmm, that's a toughie. Jess moved here in April but we had already known her for quite a while...long before 2011. Other than that I can't think of anyone who is new to our lives this year; 2011 has seemed to be more about endings than beginnings. A number of people have left our lives, some because they died and others for various reasons.
We have seasons in our lives.....the spring of anticipation or beginnings; sometimes of relationships, or finances, faith/spirituality, or simply health and wellness. Summer comes into our lives and we bask in the glow of our first fruits: relationships blossom, we feel we're on the right track in many avenues and it almost seems that good things just drop into our hands. Autumn comes around with the harvest...sometimes our 'harvest' comes in the form of grandchildren, or a comfortable retirement, even a sense of having done the best you could with what you were given; and sometimes the harvesting is of people you love. I cannot truly say that you lose these people, you can never completely lose someone you love although it can feel like it...no, they are harvested like grain, going on to become something more. Then comes the winter, the fallow time; the time when you are most likely to feel cold and as though you are stuck in place. Sometimes we even feel as though Spirit has abandoned us but, for me at least, the greatest growth and deepening of my own spirit comes during the winter of my soul, and when spring comes around again I can burst into blossom because the fallow season has once again prepared and strengthened the soil which is my self.
My good thing for today: Baking 2 scrumptious loaves of Parmesan, garlic, and herb bread. Omnomnomnom!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
19, cookie recipe, more pictures, and a couple of good things
Yes, I know it's officially the 20th but it's still the 19th to me...probably because I'm generally up at night.
So for question 19: What is the best decision you made this year?
There are three decisions I'm really happy to have made; although I confess to still working hard on the third.
A. Saying yes when 3M first thought of offering Jess a place to stay was an extremely good decision and not only for the obvious reasons. Jess has a very relaxed, cheerful, compassionate and giving personality which makes her a real joy to be around and balances 3M and I out nicely. Neither of us are especially relaxed but Jess has definitely helped in that department and she has become a part of our family.
B. Deciding to pursue an accurate diagnosis despite having (temporarily) given up. It wasn't an easy decision to make after all the problems I'd had when trying to do so but who said life was going to be either easy or fair?
C. Deciding to give up some control. Okay, this one I'm still working on and need to keep working on it because otherwise I'm going to drive myself and those around me totally buggerlugs. Over the last few years there has been so little I've had control over that I've become anal about the control I have left so I'm working on taking deep breaths and letting go....at least a little.
And now for the good things........no, I didn't miss one out this time I just had to share.
1. The foodstuff I'd been setting aside each week has gone to the food pantry! It actually went a few days ago but I kept forgetting to post about it. Things are tight here just like they are everywhere but we got a great deal of satisfaction from being able to do at least a little to help.
2. Jess and I have spent the evening tidying up and baking. (Potato and three cheese muffins and chocolate cherry Xmas cookies.) The house looks and smells lovely....well, the house looks as good as a place being remodeled can....which is timely since we have company coming tomorrow evening. This also makes a good segue to the next bit: the original recipe for the cookies, I didn't include the almonds this time because 3M is off almonds at the moment.
Jacqueline's Chocolate, Cherry, and Almond cookies
1 3/4 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 c. white chocolate baking chips or chunks (12 oz.)
1 c. butter (softened) (2 sticks)
1 c. (total) red and green glace' cherries, coarsely chopped
3/4 c. Each: brown sugar and granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 c. slivered almonds
1 1/2 tsp. Each: vanilla extract and almond extract
1 tsp. Each: salt and baking soda
In large bowl cream, with a mixer,softened butter, brown and granulated sugars, and vanilla and almond extracts. When thoroughly mixed add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly.
Add all other ingredients and mix by hand until ingredients are completely incorporated, cover loosely with plastic wrap and set in refrigerator to chill. Preheat oven to 350 F.
When oven reaches the requisite temperature spray cookie sheet(s) and line with parchment paper, spraying top of parchment paper as well.
Remove cookie dough from refrigerator and drop by rounded spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Bake 8-10 minutes or until cookies are set and edges are golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5-10 minutes on the pan then remove to wire rack and allow to finish cooling. Makes approximately 4 dozen.
I enjoyed posting the pictures of Mom so much I thought I might post a few more pictures...these are pictures of my Granny Alice and Pa Everett who were two of my favorite people in the world, enjoy!
So for question 19: What is the best decision you made this year?
There are three decisions I'm really happy to have made; although I confess to still working hard on the third.
A. Saying yes when 3M first thought of offering Jess a place to stay was an extremely good decision and not only for the obvious reasons. Jess has a very relaxed, cheerful, compassionate and giving personality which makes her a real joy to be around and balances 3M and I out nicely. Neither of us are especially relaxed but Jess has definitely helped in that department and she has become a part of our family.
B. Deciding to pursue an accurate diagnosis despite having (temporarily) given up. It wasn't an easy decision to make after all the problems I'd had when trying to do so but who said life was going to be either easy or fair?
C. Deciding to give up some control. Okay, this one I'm still working on and need to keep working on it because otherwise I'm going to drive myself and those around me totally buggerlugs. Over the last few years there has been so little I've had control over that I've become anal about the control I have left so I'm working on taking deep breaths and letting go....at least a little.
And now for the good things........no, I didn't miss one out this time I just had to share.
1. The foodstuff I'd been setting aside each week has gone to the food pantry! It actually went a few days ago but I kept forgetting to post about it. Things are tight here just like they are everywhere but we got a great deal of satisfaction from being able to do at least a little to help.
2. Jess and I have spent the evening tidying up and baking. (Potato and three cheese muffins and chocolate cherry Xmas cookies.) The house looks and smells lovely....well, the house looks as good as a place being remodeled can....which is timely since we have company coming tomorrow evening. This also makes a good segue to the next bit: the original recipe for the cookies, I didn't include the almonds this time because 3M is off almonds at the moment.
Jacqueline's Chocolate, Cherry, and Almond cookies
1 3/4 c. all purpose flour
1 1/2 c. white chocolate baking chips or chunks (12 oz.)
1 c. butter (softened) (2 sticks)
1 c. (total) red and green glace' cherries, coarsely chopped
3/4 c. Each: brown sugar and granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 c. slivered almonds
1 1/2 tsp. Each: vanilla extract and almond extract
1 tsp. Each: salt and baking soda
In large bowl cream, with a mixer,softened butter, brown and granulated sugars, and vanilla and almond extracts. When thoroughly mixed add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly.
Add all other ingredients and mix by hand until ingredients are completely incorporated, cover loosely with plastic wrap and set in refrigerator to chill. Preheat oven to 350 F.
When oven reaches the requisite temperature spray cookie sheet(s) and line with parchment paper, spraying top of parchment paper as well.
Remove cookie dough from refrigerator and drop by rounded spoonfuls onto parchment paper. Bake 8-10 minutes or until cookies are set and edges are golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5-10 minutes on the pan then remove to wire rack and allow to finish cooling. Makes approximately 4 dozen.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Number 18 and it's a good thing....
The question of the day is: When were you angriest?
What? Me angry? I am angriest when a person or persons (especially, but not limited to, children) are abused by those they should be able to trust. 'Nuff said.
My good thing for the day: We put the Xmas tree up and it is purtiful!
What? Me angry? I am angriest when a person or persons (especially, but not limited to, children) are abused by those they should be able to trust. 'Nuff said.
My good thing for the day: We put the Xmas tree up and it is purtiful!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Number 17, a couple of old pictures, and oooops I did it again!
I forgot to post my good thing again yesterday, bad me! But first....the 17th question: When did you see God at work?
This may.....okay, it is ...... an odd viewpoint, but it's something I've quietly thought about for years. Quietly? I say quietly because, while it's not difficult for me to speak pretty openly on most subjects, I generally keep my belief cards close to my chest; not from fear or shame but because it's something I see as extremely personal so it's something I share with a very few who I trust implicitly. Having said that....
I think too many treat the words God or Spirit as nouns; symbolic of something but as a description. To me Spirit is also, and mostly, a verb. Huh?? You say that ain't grammatically correct. No, it isn't but I'm not particularly concerned about grammar here (or gramper either but that's another, very bad, pun) what I'm concerned about is expressing the inexpressible, how I see Spirit. A verb is an active word like running, or reading, or ranting and it is in action that I see God so for me seeing Spirit is seeing God at work.
Huh? Have you ever looked into the face of a child.......or an older person.........or, heck, a wolf and seen something that touched you, moved you, and led you to think larger and deeper thoughts than you would have otherwise? Is that not Spirit in action, inviting and leading you through them? What of the unexpected kindnesses of strangers, or an unasked touch of a gentle hand just when you need it the most? How about those who encourage you, not because it's a duty or because they want something, but just because Spirit whispered in their hearts and they answered?
God IS active, Spirit IS 'at work' in every single positive interaction, word, and impulse.......how can one not see themselves surrounded by Spirit at work in every single moment?
With beauty, may I walk.
With beauty before me, may I walk.
With beauty behind me, may I walk.
With beauty above me, may I walk.
With beauty all around me, may I walk.
Okay, so my twofer good things:
1. I was able to go out By Myself yesterday to get my hair cut! W00t! for being out on my own for 3 whole hours!
2. Not having to cook supper tonight, yay!
And for the old pictures we have...................my mother! These were taken when she was a young girl, isn't she lovely? (Btw, thanks for the email Mom, glad you like the haircut!)
This may.....okay, it is ...... an odd viewpoint, but it's something I've quietly thought about for years. Quietly? I say quietly because, while it's not difficult for me to speak pretty openly on most subjects, I generally keep my belief cards close to my chest; not from fear or shame but because it's something I see as extremely personal so it's something I share with a very few who I trust implicitly. Having said that....
I think too many treat the words God or Spirit as nouns; symbolic of something but as a description. To me Spirit is also, and mostly, a verb. Huh?? You say that ain't grammatically correct. No, it isn't but I'm not particularly concerned about grammar here (or gramper either but that's another, very bad, pun) what I'm concerned about is expressing the inexpressible, how I see Spirit. A verb is an active word like running, or reading, or ranting and it is in action that I see God so for me seeing Spirit is seeing God at work.
Huh? Have you ever looked into the face of a child.......or an older person.........or, heck, a wolf and seen something that touched you, moved you, and led you to think larger and deeper thoughts than you would have otherwise? Is that not Spirit in action, inviting and leading you through them? What of the unexpected kindnesses of strangers, or an unasked touch of a gentle hand just when you need it the most? How about those who encourage you, not because it's a duty or because they want something, but just because Spirit whispered in their hearts and they answered?
God IS active, Spirit IS 'at work' in every single positive interaction, word, and impulse.......how can one not see themselves surrounded by Spirit at work in every single moment?
With beauty, may I walk.
With beauty before me, may I walk.
With beauty behind me, may I walk.
With beauty above me, may I walk.
With beauty all around me, may I walk.
Okay, so my twofer good things:
1. I was able to go out By Myself yesterday to get my hair cut! W00t! for being out on my own for 3 whole hours!
2. Not having to cook supper tonight, yay!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Number 16, haircut, and Alice
Since my schedule and system are completely out of whack I'm doing this earlier than usual........eating a tasty supper and then getting some SLEEP. Yay sleep!
16. What's the most whimsical/spontaneous/ridiculous thing you did? Dyeing the Doodle of Joy! Yes, we did, more than once......but we did it with koolaid so it didn't show up very well. We will be doing it again soon, with a jello paste; I'm hoping it works better and we can get good pics! Oh, and I'm currently inventering a game.
Now I have a couple of pictures to share......one is of my very radical haircut today; my hair has gone from below my shoulders to, well, you'll see.... I also have a fuzzy picture of a detail from the Alice in Wonderland that 3M and Jess were working on, Jess finished it up on Wednesday. I'll try to get a better picture of the puzzle this weekend......oh, and the background of my haircut pic? We're remodeling, remember? LOL
16. What's the most whimsical/spontaneous/ridiculous thing you did? Dyeing the Doodle of Joy! Yes, we did, more than once......but we did it with koolaid so it didn't show up very well. We will be doing it again soon, with a jello paste; I'm hoping it works better and we can get good pics! Oh, and I'm currently inventering a game.
Now I have a couple of pictures to share......one is of my very radical haircut today; my hair has gone from below my shoulders to, well, you'll see.... I also have a fuzzy picture of a detail from the Alice in Wonderland that 3M and Jess were working on, Jess finished it up on Wednesday. I'll try to get a better picture of the puzzle this weekend......oh, and the background of my haircut pic? We're remodeling, remember? LOL
Number 15 and some recipes
And 15 is: When did you struggle?
The honest answer is: I struggle almost every day. Not trying to be dramatic here, it's just the truth.
Why do I struggle? Well lets see: even with Jess, 3M, and Lily the WonderDoodle in the house I spend a significant portion of the weekdays alone....on the one hand this is a good thing, I crave time alone to think and to let my soul expand....on the other hand, alone can just be alone sometimes and I've had way more than enough time alone in my life. I struggle with ways to fill my time in ways that are productive rather than just mindlessly entertaining; although mindless entertainment has it's place as well. Just not at the head of the table!
I struggle with pain and exhaustion, with never being able to do as much as I want because it hurts or exhausts me. Because of this I struggle with feeling inadequate, lazy, and as though I never do enough for my family and loved ones.
I still struggle with my anger. It took me years, no decades, to admit to the anger I carry with me and now I struggle almost daily to keep anger a tool rather than my master. Once anger, even justifiable anger, becomes the master anything resembling justice or control goes right out the window and I will not become a person who allows anger to have the driver's seat.
On the other hand, I welcome my struggles....struggling is the forge on which we are shaped, the means by which our character is both revealed and created. Our own struggles can make us more compassionate toward others who struggle, make sweet the moments in which we can relax and just be and instruct us in the fine art of being humble and human in ways nothing else can.
Now for the recipes I've been promising!
Italian Meatloaf (one of the kidling's faves)
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. sausage
2 large eggs
1 c. uncooked oats
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. Each: dried basil, oregano, and marjoram
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c. shaved Parmesan (optional)
Lightly mix all ingredients, except Parmesan, but do not overmix or meatloaf will be tough. Shape into a loaf.
Preheat oven to 375F. and spray inside of loaf pan, place meatloaf in pan and cover with an aluminum foil 'tent' (raised slightly above the loaf so it doesn't touch). Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until meatloaf is no longer pink inside.
At the one hour mark remove foil tent and scatter Parmesan, if using, over the top of the loaf....bake 15 minutes longer then serve. Serves 4-6 people.
Goat Cheese and Chive Mashed Potatoes
6 medium potatoes (Yukon Golds are good for this)
water to cover
4 oz. goat cheese
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. sour cream
1 Tbsp. dried chives
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1/2 tsp. onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
Rinse potatoes, peel if preferred, (I don't peel them) cut into large chunks and place in large saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a boil, remove goat cheese from refrigerator to soften, and cook potatoes for 20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain potatoes and return to pan for 5 minutes to 'dry'.
Add all other ingredients to potatoes and mash with a potato masher....if you absolutely cannot stand any lumps in your potatoes you can use a handheld mixer. If needed you can add an additional 1/4c. of milk to make potatoes creamier.
Serves 4-6
Sauteed Balsamic Green Beans
3 slices of bacon, chopped
16 oz. green beans, tipped and stringed
4 oz. mushrooms, sliced (I prefer shiitake or criminis/baby bellas)
1/3 c. sliced onion
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
In large frying pan saute' bacon on medium-high until partly cooked; add all ingredients but vinegar and garlic to pan and continue cooking until green beans are crisp-tender.
Add garlic and balsamic vinegar, reduce heat to low, and saute' 2 minutes longer so flavors will blend. Yes, it will pick up a slight brown color from the balsamic vinegar, it's supposed to.
Serves 4
If some of you lovely people try any of these recipes please let me know how you like them; the other 2 Musketeers gave this meal two thumbs up and voted it a 'do-over'! This weekend I'm going to be experimenting with a new muffin: Potato and 3 Cheese Muffins to be exact.
The honest answer is: I struggle almost every day. Not trying to be dramatic here, it's just the truth.
Why do I struggle? Well lets see: even with Jess, 3M, and Lily the WonderDoodle in the house I spend a significant portion of the weekdays alone....on the one hand this is a good thing, I crave time alone to think and to let my soul expand....on the other hand, alone can just be alone sometimes and I've had way more than enough time alone in my life. I struggle with ways to fill my time in ways that are productive rather than just mindlessly entertaining; although mindless entertainment has it's place as well. Just not at the head of the table!
I struggle with pain and exhaustion, with never being able to do as much as I want because it hurts or exhausts me. Because of this I struggle with feeling inadequate, lazy, and as though I never do enough for my family and loved ones.
I still struggle with my anger. It took me years, no decades, to admit to the anger I carry with me and now I struggle almost daily to keep anger a tool rather than my master. Once anger, even justifiable anger, becomes the master anything resembling justice or control goes right out the window and I will not become a person who allows anger to have the driver's seat.
On the other hand, I welcome my struggles....struggling is the forge on which we are shaped, the means by which our character is both revealed and created. Our own struggles can make us more compassionate toward others who struggle, make sweet the moments in which we can relax and just be and instruct us in the fine art of being humble and human in ways nothing else can.
Now for the recipes I've been promising!
Italian Meatloaf (one of the kidling's faves)
1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. sausage
2 large eggs
1 c. uncooked oats
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. Each: dried basil, oregano, and marjoram
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c. shaved Parmesan (optional)
Lightly mix all ingredients, except Parmesan, but do not overmix or meatloaf will be tough. Shape into a loaf.
Preheat oven to 375F. and spray inside of loaf pan, place meatloaf in pan and cover with an aluminum foil 'tent' (raised slightly above the loaf so it doesn't touch). Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until meatloaf is no longer pink inside.
At the one hour mark remove foil tent and scatter Parmesan, if using, over the top of the loaf....bake 15 minutes longer then serve. Serves 4-6 people.
Goat Cheese and Chive Mashed Potatoes
6 medium potatoes (Yukon Golds are good for this)
water to cover
4 oz. goat cheese
2 Tbsp. butter
1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. sour cream
1 Tbsp. dried chives
1 tsp. parsley flakes
1/2 tsp. onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
Rinse potatoes, peel if preferred, (I don't peel them) cut into large chunks and place in large saucepan with water to cover. Bring to a boil, remove goat cheese from refrigerator to soften, and cook potatoes for 20 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain potatoes and return to pan for 5 minutes to 'dry'.
Add all other ingredients to potatoes and mash with a potato masher....if you absolutely cannot stand any lumps in your potatoes you can use a handheld mixer. If needed you can add an additional 1/4c. of milk to make potatoes creamier.
Serves 4-6
Sauteed Balsamic Green Beans
3 slices of bacon, chopped
16 oz. green beans, tipped and stringed
4 oz. mushrooms, sliced (I prefer shiitake or criminis/baby bellas)
1/3 c. sliced onion
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. minced garlic
salt and pepper to taste
In large frying pan saute' bacon on medium-high until partly cooked; add all ingredients but vinegar and garlic to pan and continue cooking until green beans are crisp-tender.
Add garlic and balsamic vinegar, reduce heat to low, and saute' 2 minutes longer so flavors will blend. Yes, it will pick up a slight brown color from the balsamic vinegar, it's supposed to.
Serves 4
If some of you lovely people try any of these recipes please let me know how you like them; the other 2 Musketeers gave this meal two thumbs up and voted it a 'do-over'! This weekend I'm going to be experimenting with a new muffin: Potato and 3 Cheese Muffins to be exact.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
It's the Frabjous 14th
14. Where'd you find the best cup of coffee (or tea, or wine, or beverage of your choice)?
I found a scrumptious black tea with papaya and passionfruit sold by the Kroger grocery chain; it's their Private Selection label and simply delightful. Coffee is a very occasional thing with me, taken with lots of cream and wine is bleagh except for cooking. Such a peasant here, really.
Today's good thing: Deciding to indulge my deep need for a bit of funny mischief: Lily the WonderDoodle is going to get a colorful (jello) dyed mohawk and 'booties' sometime soon.......in Xmas colors. Yes, there will be pictures.
Right now I am, as the old saying goes, 'hopping mad'. It isn't anything that happened to me so don't feel free to share here; all I will say is that it was both vicious and unjustified.
Menu beginning December 16, 2011
Friday 12/16
Supper: Ham and baked sweet potatoes
Saturday 12/17 (Happy Birthday Carolyn!)
Lunch/Snack: Turkey Melts
Supper: Shrimp, chicken, and beef fried rice
Sunday 12/18
Lunch/Snack: Leftover fried rice
Supper: Smoked sausage and kale pasta
Monday 12/19
Supper: Chicken and dumplings
Tuesday 12/20
Supper: Ham, scalloped potatoes, and broccoli
Wednesday 12/21
Supper: Breakfast for supper
Thursday 12/22
Lunch/Snack: Sausage rollups
Supper: Beef and noodles
Check back tomorrow for recipes and other stuffs....
I found a scrumptious black tea with papaya and passionfruit sold by the Kroger grocery chain; it's their Private Selection label and simply delightful. Coffee is a very occasional thing with me, taken with lots of cream and wine is bleagh except for cooking. Such a peasant here, really.
Today's good thing: Deciding to indulge my deep need for a bit of funny mischief: Lily the WonderDoodle is going to get a colorful (jello) dyed mohawk and 'booties' sometime soon.......in Xmas colors. Yes, there will be pictures.
Right now I am, as the old saying goes, 'hopping mad'. It isn't anything that happened to me so don't feel free to share here; all I will say is that it was both vicious and unjustified.
Menu beginning December 16, 2011
Friday 12/16
Supper: Ham and baked sweet potatoes
Saturday 12/17 (Happy Birthday Carolyn!)
Lunch/Snack: Turkey Melts
Supper: Shrimp, chicken, and beef fried rice
Sunday 12/18
Lunch/Snack: Leftover fried rice
Supper: Smoked sausage and kale pasta
Monday 12/19
Supper: Chicken and dumplings
Tuesday 12/20
Supper: Ham, scalloped potatoes, and broccoli
Wednesday 12/21
Supper: Breakfast for supper
Thursday 12/22
Lunch/Snack: Sausage rollups
Supper: Beef and noodles
Check back tomorrow for recipes and other stuffs....
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
13 and a good thing
I forgot to include my good thing yesterday...naughty me. Guess I'll have to make it up with two good things tonight but for now it's question number 13: What cracked you up?
Oh good golly gosh, I could write a novel on this one. Really. We laugh a lot in this house and all without watching a television! 3M is Scottish and that means funny things tumble out of that gub (mouth) all the time; Scots are funny people, something I believe to be a national survival trait. I mean c'mon, they have to do something to pass time in the winter when they only have daylight for about half an hour each day. Okay, that's overstating the case slightly but not by much. For a couple of funny Scots (in a somewhat more family-friendly format than is usual for Billy) look here ----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzj61TTat8M&feature=related
Another big crack up involved Denver the guilty dog and Lily, our Doodle of Wonder... Here's Denver if you haven't seen him ----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8ISzf2pryI Not only did this crack me up, it was absolutely hysterical watching Jess and 3M's response to the video. 3M's response was the BEST, bar none, of any I've ever seen..........having to sit on the sofa with arms wrapped around sides, tears streaming down cheeks, barely able to breathe around the laughter. Oh yeah, it was great, and it was followed up on the next time Lily the WonderDoodle decided it was time to pull 3M's socks out of the workboots again; something she does on a semi-regular basis. Having been inspired by the Denver video I put my hands on my hips and in my very best 'shocked Mom with naughty pup' voice said: "Lily! What did you DO?" The first couple of times she 'ducked' her head and wouldn't look at me....the third time she laid down across the room with her head tucked between her paws. That was funny-cute enough that Jess had to try it, and it worked, Lily wouldn't look at her either. THEN, oh then 3M had to try it and not only did it not work (Lily knows that she has 3M wrapped around that little dew claw y'know) Lily trotted over to 3M, tail wagging, and did the whole 'shove the nose under the arm with a big doggy grin' thing and Jess and I just lost it. I ended up crying I was laughing so hard! 3M, of course, was quite indignant, which just made it even funnier. Is that bad of me? Hehe.
So my good things:
1. Ouchy stuff isn't ouchy anymore, for now anyway. Since being too ouchy makes it a bit more difficult to be happy, happy, joy, joy that is a good thing.
2. I had a very good 'me' time evening; I feel refreshed and recharged so I can be happier, more relaxed, and able to give my best. I try to do this once a week because it allows me time to think, take care of myself, and gives me space for objective self-examination. Is it selfish to take this time? No, I don't think so since it allows me to give much more the rest of the time than I would otherwise be able to. The very considerate note of encouragement from Jess that was waiting for me on the table when I came out really made me smile as well!
Oh good golly gosh, I could write a novel on this one. Really. We laugh a lot in this house and all without watching a television! 3M is Scottish and that means funny things tumble out of that gub (mouth) all the time; Scots are funny people, something I believe to be a national survival trait. I mean c'mon, they have to do something to pass time in the winter when they only have daylight for about half an hour each day. Okay, that's overstating the case slightly but not by much. For a couple of funny Scots (in a somewhat more family-friendly format than is usual for Billy) look here ----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzj61TTat8M&feature=related
Another big crack up involved Denver the guilty dog and Lily, our Doodle of Wonder... Here's Denver if you haven't seen him ----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8ISzf2pryI Not only did this crack me up, it was absolutely hysterical watching Jess and 3M's response to the video. 3M's response was the BEST, bar none, of any I've ever seen..........having to sit on the sofa with arms wrapped around sides, tears streaming down cheeks, barely able to breathe around the laughter. Oh yeah, it was great, and it was followed up on the next time Lily the WonderDoodle decided it was time to pull 3M's socks out of the workboots again; something she does on a semi-regular basis. Having been inspired by the Denver video I put my hands on my hips and in my very best 'shocked Mom with naughty pup' voice said: "Lily! What did you DO?" The first couple of times she 'ducked' her head and wouldn't look at me....the third time she laid down across the room with her head tucked between her paws. That was funny-cute enough that Jess had to try it, and it worked, Lily wouldn't look at her either. THEN, oh then 3M had to try it and not only did it not work (Lily knows that she has 3M wrapped around that little dew claw y'know) Lily trotted over to 3M, tail wagging, and did the whole 'shove the nose under the arm with a big doggy grin' thing and Jess and I just lost it. I ended up crying I was laughing so hard! 3M, of course, was quite indignant, which just made it even funnier. Is that bad of me? Hehe.
So my good things:
1. Ouchy stuff isn't ouchy anymore, for now anyway. Since being too ouchy makes it a bit more difficult to be happy, happy, joy, joy that is a good thing.
2. I had a very good 'me' time evening; I feel refreshed and recharged so I can be happier, more relaxed, and able to give my best. I try to do this once a week because it allows me time to think, take care of myself, and gives me space for objective self-examination. Is it selfish to take this time? No, I don't think so since it allows me to give much more the rest of the time than I would otherwise be able to. The very considerate note of encouragement from Jess that was waiting for me on the table when I came out really made me smile as well!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Twelve already?
And number 12 is...........When were you most relaxed?
Now that is a happily swoony memory; my birthday! Not only did I get lots of tasty grub I didn't have to fix myself, I got a bit of time to relax and nap...and 3M actually stayed off work to celebrate it with me! (That doesn't happen often, the staying off work I mean.) There were lots of lovely presents but the very best one of all was a big thuddy thing with heat. This is the model, but mine is a different color ----> http://www.homedics.com/massage/handheld/handheld-percussion-massager.html
Seriously, this thing is like a little bit of heaven for sore or spasming muscles and I LOVE it! The evening of my birthday, after a long hot soak in the tub, I received a wonderful foot massage and was thoroughly thuddied; if I'd been any more relaxed I would have been a comatose puddle. Now we use it on one another when/as needed.....or wanted. Buy one, buy one now!
In other news: I'm working on inventering a game...not for sale, merely because I'm bored and want amusement. After I'm done inventering it I may share it with some of you and see what you think; it will be something with a slightly 'off' literary bent, in a funny way of course. Any brave volunteers???
Now that is a happily swoony memory; my birthday! Not only did I get lots of tasty grub I didn't have to fix myself, I got a bit of time to relax and nap...and 3M actually stayed off work to celebrate it with me! (That doesn't happen often, the staying off work I mean.) There were lots of lovely presents but the very best one of all was a big thuddy thing with heat. This is the model, but mine is a different color ----> http://www.homedics.com/massage/handheld/handheld-percussion-massager.html
Seriously, this thing is like a little bit of heaven for sore or spasming muscles and I LOVE it! The evening of my birthday, after a long hot soak in the tub, I received a wonderful foot massage and was thoroughly thuddied; if I'd been any more relaxed I would have been a comatose puddle. Now we use it on one another when/as needed.....or wanted. Buy one, buy one now!
In other news: I'm working on inventering a game...not for sale, merely because I'm bored and want amusement. After I'm done inventering it I may share it with some of you and see what you think; it will be something with a slightly 'off' literary bent, in a funny way of course. Any brave volunteers???
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Playing Catch Up
I've gotten a bit behind on my question-answering so today's post is an attempt to correct that situation.
10. When did you take the easy way?
Me take the easy way? I'm infamous for finding the hardest path to walk and making a beeline right for it......most of the time. In one particular instance, however, I made a conscious decision to take the 'easy' way out of a difficult time and simply avoid a person who was contributing to a tense emotional situation. It wasn't an altogether comfortable decision to make but other people would have paid the price if I had chosen otherwise, and I prefer to make my own 'payments' if payment must be made.
11. What rocked your world, changed your life, shifted the ground beneath your feet?
There were a couple of things, which tie in together in an odd sort of way. The first was having someone who has known me all my life, someone I thought had some understanding of who I am, accuse me of being condescending, having a superior attitude, and trying to be emotionally manipulative when I let them know how much spending time with them would mean to me. Hmm, wha??? I was deeply shocked by this...I've never felt anything like superior or condescending; anything but in fact. My whole life, until quite recently, I'd spent feeling second-best, (at best) inept...socially and in many other ways...even 'dirty'. The person who told me these things has always been golden, a success at nearly everything they do, and has always been looked up to by nearly everyone who knew them. I absolutely adored this person, looking up to them and seeking their acceptance if not their praise, and thought they knew that. It shook me to my core that, even with trying to hide the parts of myself I didn't think they could or would accept, my feelings and intent could be so badly misread.
On the other hand, recently I have found people who not only know everything about me they accept, cherish, and love all of who I am. I can trust them to be there for me whenever I need them to be and in whatever ways I need them.
Now I need to figure out just how and why different people can read me in such wildly different ways, and how I may be contributing to it.
10. When did you take the easy way?
Me take the easy way? I'm infamous for finding the hardest path to walk and making a beeline right for it......most of the time. In one particular instance, however, I made a conscious decision to take the 'easy' way out of a difficult time and simply avoid a person who was contributing to a tense emotional situation. It wasn't an altogether comfortable decision to make but other people would have paid the price if I had chosen otherwise, and I prefer to make my own 'payments' if payment must be made.
11. What rocked your world, changed your life, shifted the ground beneath your feet?
There were a couple of things, which tie in together in an odd sort of way. The first was having someone who has known me all my life, someone I thought had some understanding of who I am, accuse me of being condescending, having a superior attitude, and trying to be emotionally manipulative when I let them know how much spending time with them would mean to me. Hmm, wha??? I was deeply shocked by this...I've never felt anything like superior or condescending; anything but in fact. My whole life, until quite recently, I'd spent feeling second-best, (at best) inept...socially and in many other ways...even 'dirty'. The person who told me these things has always been golden, a success at nearly everything they do, and has always been looked up to by nearly everyone who knew them. I absolutely adored this person, looking up to them and seeking their acceptance if not their praise, and thought they knew that. It shook me to my core that, even with trying to hide the parts of myself I didn't think they could or would accept, my feelings and intent could be so badly misread.
On the other hand, recently I have found people who not only know everything about me they accept, cherish, and love all of who I am. I can trust them to be there for me whenever I need them to be and in whatever ways I need them.
Now I need to figure out just how and why different people can read me in such wildly different ways, and how I may be contributing to it.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
A question, a menu, and a good thing
So the question is: What is your favorite blog post that you read or wrote?
Ooooh, an easy one! A dear friend is a writer, and a very good one, who will occasionally share snippets of what she is currently working on. I enjoy all her posts...she is articulate, intelligent, and passionate about what she believes....but when she shares a bit of her writing it's like finding the prize in a Crackerjacks box! (Okay, I know I'm showing my age there but too bad.) Here is a bit she shared from a book she's working on; I can't wait to see her next book in print. ---> http://taleweaversramblings.blogspot.com/2011/10/anari-effect-chapter-2.html
And now for the menu, a wee bit late:
Menu Beginning December 9, 2011
Friday 12/9
Supper: KFC
Saturday 12/10
Lunch/Snack: Leftover KFC
Supper: Roast beef with potatoes, carrots, and gravy
Sunday 12/11
Lunch/Snack: Leftover roast
Supper: Spaghetti with homemade sauce
Monday 12/12
Supper: Chicken and dumplings
Tuesday 12/13
Supper: Meat loaf, mashed goat cheese and chive potatoes, green beans
Wednesday 12/14
Supper: Easy chicken piccata and pasta
Thursday 12/15
Supper: Stuffed baked tilapia with broccoli
This week's menu is mostly about comfort foods, some of them with a bit of a twist. I'm slowly figuring out which foods I can and can't eat and my, erm, 'digestive' problems are fading away. One of the biggies is NO PROCESSED FOODS, most especially anything containing soy lecithins, MSG, or high fructose corn syrup, so this means moving even more quickly toward making more foods at home. No more spaghetti sauce in a jar, I have to make my own; and being very very careful about things like ice cream, and peanut butter, etc... (I did find peanut butter sans the corn syrup, and Haagen Dazs '5' ingredient ice cream is okay in small amounts; I can even eat many cheeses although the plastic shaker containers of Parmesan/Romano have gone byebye. Not a terribly huge loss!) Whole wheat pastas seem to be okay which is a good thing; there isn't room in our tiny kitchen for pasta and noodle making. I'm still working on what kinds of bread I can bake and eat. Potatoes seem to be okay as long as it's not something like pre-made crisps, etc... We got a mandoline slicer last week and I'll probably be experimenting with making them at home occasionally. Shrimp and crab 'crackers' (the kind you pick up in the Asian market and make at home) don't bother me, they are based on tapioca flour and don't include things like MSG, soy lecithins, and corn syrup which are big nonos. I also found some crackers called Nut Thins that are made from nut and rice flours. So far I haven't tried drinking straight milk, and there are other wheat-based products I haven't tried yet but I have a much clearer idea of what I can't eat without repercussions, as well as what I can. This has definitely made me much more aware of what I'm putting in my mouth as well as making me feel better, and I'm dropping weight!
Last, but certainly not least, is my good thing for today: I had a mostly pain-free day, even with getting out of the house to look around some stores!
Oh and btw, when you read this 3M, and I know you will: Thanks so much for the fleecy blankets you got me to snuggle up in and stay warm, you are a sweetheart.
Ooooh, an easy one! A dear friend is a writer, and a very good one, who will occasionally share snippets of what she is currently working on. I enjoy all her posts...she is articulate, intelligent, and passionate about what she believes....but when she shares a bit of her writing it's like finding the prize in a Crackerjacks box! (Okay, I know I'm showing my age there but too bad.) Here is a bit she shared from a book she's working on; I can't wait to see her next book in print. ---> http://taleweaversramblings.blogspot.com/2011/10/anari-effect-chapter-2.html
And now for the menu, a wee bit late:
Menu Beginning December 9, 2011
Friday 12/9
Supper: KFC
Saturday 12/10
Lunch/Snack: Leftover KFC
Supper: Roast beef with potatoes, carrots, and gravy
Sunday 12/11
Lunch/Snack: Leftover roast
Supper: Spaghetti with homemade sauce
Monday 12/12
Supper: Chicken and dumplings
Tuesday 12/13
Supper: Meat loaf, mashed goat cheese and chive potatoes, green beans
Wednesday 12/14
Supper: Easy chicken piccata and pasta
Thursday 12/15
Supper: Stuffed baked tilapia with broccoli
This week's menu is mostly about comfort foods, some of them with a bit of a twist. I'm slowly figuring out which foods I can and can't eat and my, erm, 'digestive' problems are fading away. One of the biggies is NO PROCESSED FOODS, most especially anything containing soy lecithins, MSG, or high fructose corn syrup, so this means moving even more quickly toward making more foods at home. No more spaghetti sauce in a jar, I have to make my own; and being very very careful about things like ice cream, and peanut butter, etc... (I did find peanut butter sans the corn syrup, and Haagen Dazs '5' ingredient ice cream is okay in small amounts; I can even eat many cheeses although the plastic shaker containers of Parmesan/Romano have gone byebye. Not a terribly huge loss!) Whole wheat pastas seem to be okay which is a good thing; there isn't room in our tiny kitchen for pasta and noodle making. I'm still working on what kinds of bread I can bake and eat. Potatoes seem to be okay as long as it's not something like pre-made crisps, etc... We got a mandoline slicer last week and I'll probably be experimenting with making them at home occasionally. Shrimp and crab 'crackers' (the kind you pick up in the Asian market and make at home) don't bother me, they are based on tapioca flour and don't include things like MSG, soy lecithins, and corn syrup which are big nonos. I also found some crackers called Nut Thins that are made from nut and rice flours. So far I haven't tried drinking straight milk, and there are other wheat-based products I haven't tried yet but I have a much clearer idea of what I can't eat without repercussions, as well as what I can. This has definitely made me much more aware of what I'm putting in my mouth as well as making me feel better, and I'm dropping weight!
Last, but certainly not least, is my good thing for today: I had a mostly pain-free day, even with getting out of the house to look around some stores!
Oh and btw, when you read this 3M, and I know you will: Thanks so much for the fleecy blankets you got me to snuggle up in and stay warm, you are a sweetheart.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Number 8, starting something new, and yet another Farewell
This one is something of an ouch...Where did you spend your money? 2011 has been about paying off bills, mostly unexpected ones. With no rent or mortgage payments to make and with these bills no longer hanging over our heads 2012 should be a more relaxed year. A lot of our money has also gone toward food...we're all very much interested in good food and trying new things. We've also committed to purchasing food items (mostly meats and fresh fruits) to donate to a local food bank. There are improvements to our spending habits we can still make, and we'll be working on that in the coming year.
So for the something new I've decided to write down at least one good thing that has happened every day; sometimes it can be difficult to keep one's attention on the positive so I'm hoping this will help me continue to do so. Today's one good thing: I woke up today with a nasty migraine and retreated back to bed before the halos and vomiting kicked in; when I got back up Jess had not only made 3M's lunch, etc... for me but had washed all the dishes as well, and this after having worked! Thank you Jess, you are always appreciated but this was truly going above and beyond. Thankfully the migraine started to disperse around 3 ish this morning.
I know a menu is due today but the migraine and some bad news kinda threw all that off schedule so I'll be working on it and posting it later in the day.
Sadly, I found out today that another of my uncles has passed away, my uncle Bedford. He was my father's last surviving sibling; now all of that generation are gone and I'm just not ready to discuss it yet.
So for the something new I've decided to write down at least one good thing that has happened every day; sometimes it can be difficult to keep one's attention on the positive so I'm hoping this will help me continue to do so. Today's one good thing: I woke up today with a nasty migraine and retreated back to bed before the halos and vomiting kicked in; when I got back up Jess had not only made 3M's lunch, etc... for me but had washed all the dishes as well, and this after having worked! Thank you Jess, you are always appreciated but this was truly going above and beyond. Thankfully the migraine started to disperse around 3 ish this morning.
I know a menu is due today but the migraine and some bad news kinda threw all that off schedule so I'll be working on it and posting it later in the day.
Sadly, I found out today that another of my uncles has passed away, my uncle Bedford. He was my father's last surviving sibling; now all of that generation are gone and I'm just not ready to discuss it yet.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
7 of........31
So question number 7 is........What astonished you?
Lots of things astonish me because I really am not 'cool' enough or jaded enough not to be astonished. Funny thing that, when I was younger I was just dying to be cool, wonder and astonishment seemed so childish back then, not sophisticated enough... Now, however, I find myself searching out opportunities to be astonished, amazed, and absolutely wonder-filled; what is being cool compared to grabbing all life can offer and squeezing all the oooohness and aaahness out that you can?
Don't get me wrong, I experience astonishment at negative things as well but focusing on the negative is easy and unhealthy....it takes discipline and a little thought to lift one's eyes and thoughts a bit higher and aim for that positive astonishment we often name wonder. On the other hand, even negative astonishment can provide moments of humor, as well as bemusement. For example: I was perusing the help wanted ads of the local paper (in hopes I will be able to begin working again this spring, at least part time) and spotted an ad looking for people to do paid surveys of local churches. "Hmmm", thinks I, "this looks odd, methinks I shall investigate further" which I did, and it led me to this website----> https://www.faithperceptions.com/MysteryGuestProgram.aspx
So, a Mystery Guest program, i.e.: A Mystery Shopper program for churches. They are looking for 'unchurched' individuals (those who either don't go to church or aren't affiliated with a specific church) in hopes that their opinions will be more objective...not a bad idea I guess....and after they go and fill out a survey they get paid $35.00 usd. It seems odd to me, but okay....but then I read further, about their aims which include helping churches 'broaden their market'. Excuse me? Wasn't there something in the bible about Jesus and the moneychangers?
Now I can understand a church wanting to reach out, but to 'broaden their market'??? That astonishes me!
Lots of things astonish me because I really am not 'cool' enough or jaded enough not to be astonished. Funny thing that, when I was younger I was just dying to be cool, wonder and astonishment seemed so childish back then, not sophisticated enough... Now, however, I find myself searching out opportunities to be astonished, amazed, and absolutely wonder-filled; what is being cool compared to grabbing all life can offer and squeezing all the oooohness and aaahness out that you can?
Don't get me wrong, I experience astonishment at negative things as well but focusing on the negative is easy and unhealthy....it takes discipline and a little thought to lift one's eyes and thoughts a bit higher and aim for that positive astonishment we often name wonder. On the other hand, even negative astonishment can provide moments of humor, as well as bemusement. For example: I was perusing the help wanted ads of the local paper (in hopes I will be able to begin working again this spring, at least part time) and spotted an ad looking for people to do paid surveys of local churches. "Hmmm", thinks I, "this looks odd, methinks I shall investigate further" which I did, and it led me to this website----> https://www.faithperceptions.com/MysteryGuestProgram.aspx
So, a Mystery Guest program, i.e.: A Mystery Shopper program for churches. They are looking for 'unchurched' individuals (those who either don't go to church or aren't affiliated with a specific church) in hopes that their opinions will be more objective...not a bad idea I guess....and after they go and fill out a survey they get paid $35.00 usd. It seems odd to me, but okay....but then I read further, about their aims which include helping churches 'broaden their market'. Excuse me? Wasn't there something in the bible about Jesus and the moneychangers?
Now I can understand a church wanting to reach out, but to 'broaden their market'??? That astonishes me!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
And now for number 6.........and hats I adore, so fun!
And question 6 on the December survey is: When did you celebrate?
Hmmmm.........let me try taking a whack at this one *grinning*.... The year started out in a celebratory mood when Jess came out to visit at Christmas and stayed through the beginning of the new year...When she moved here from California in April......when the kidling came up from Florida on a break from uni and we were able to celebrate her birthday together with, among other things, a homemade chocolate and black cherry cheesecake and getting a bit, erm, 'tipsy' (hey, it was her 21st birthday and what safer place to do it then at home with her Momma?). We celebrated Jess getting her first job here...and when we paid off some difficult bills...getting a diagnosis....not to mention all the holidays full of good food and good fun that 3M, Jess, and I enjoyed....oh, and winning at 'punster' (where winning means the other contestants hold their noses and flee, groaning, from the field of contention, hehe). Yes, we are punny people and we like it!
Now for the hats I adore: a few of you who read my blog probably remember how, back in the day, I had lots of fun hats I collected and wore....vintage hats I found in odd little thrift stores, floppy straw hats, even wee cloches with veils. (I particularly remember a wee dark brown velvet one with an attached veil I was especially fond of.) In the past few months I've found myself being drawn back to my love of hats and while doing my late night webzcrawling found a few that made me smile, so for your viewing pleasure I am including these links to some fun hats, enjoy!
http://www.ladiesemporium.com/store/002002.php?__utma=1.69741017.1322691393.1322691393.1323244451.2&__utmb=1.1.10.1323244451&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1322691393.1.1.utmgclid=CK3E6LOx36wCFcLAKgodLy1eoQ|utmccn=(not%20set)|utmcmd=(not%20set)|utmctr=steampunk%20clothing&__utmv=-&__utmk=239740163
http://www.ladiesemporium.com/store/002518.php?__utma=1.69741017.1322691393.1322691393.1323244451.2&__utmb=1.3.10.1323244451&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1322691393.1.1.utmgclid=CK3E6LOx36wCFcLAKgodLy1eoQ|utmccn=(not%20set)|utmcmd=(not%20set)|utmctr=steampunk%20clothing&__utmv=-&__utmk=235954433
http://www.ladiesemporium.com/store/001701.php?__utma=1.69741017.1322691393.1322691393.1323244451.2&__utmb=1.5.10.1323244451&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1322691393.1.1.utmgclid=CK3E6LOx36wCFcLAKgodLy1eoQ|utmccn=(not%20set)|utmcmd=(not%20set)|utmctr=steampunk%20clothing&__utmv=-&__utmk=4849715
http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/product/belfry-kaja.html
http://www.hats.com/p/268145/Betmar-Infinity-Cap.aspx?c=1903
Hmmmm.........let me try taking a whack at this one *grinning*.... The year started out in a celebratory mood when Jess came out to visit at Christmas and stayed through the beginning of the new year...When she moved here from California in April......when the kidling came up from Florida on a break from uni and we were able to celebrate her birthday together with, among other things, a homemade chocolate and black cherry cheesecake and getting a bit, erm, 'tipsy' (hey, it was her 21st birthday and what safer place to do it then at home with her Momma?). We celebrated Jess getting her first job here...and when we paid off some difficult bills...getting a diagnosis....not to mention all the holidays full of good food and good fun that 3M, Jess, and I enjoyed....oh, and winning at 'punster' (where winning means the other contestants hold their noses and flee, groaning, from the field of contention, hehe). Yes, we are punny people and we like it!
Now for the hats I adore: a few of you who read my blog probably remember how, back in the day, I had lots of fun hats I collected and wore....vintage hats I found in odd little thrift stores, floppy straw hats, even wee cloches with veils. (I particularly remember a wee dark brown velvet one with an attached veil I was especially fond of.) In the past few months I've found myself being drawn back to my love of hats and while doing my late night webzcrawling found a few that made me smile, so for your viewing pleasure I am including these links to some fun hats, enjoy!
http://www.ladiesemporium.com/store/002002.php?__utma=1.69741017.1322691393.1322691393.1323244451.2&__utmb=1.1.10.1323244451&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1322691393.1.1.utmgclid=CK3E6LOx36wCFcLAKgodLy1eoQ|utmccn=(not%20set)|utmcmd=(not%20set)|utmctr=steampunk%20clothing&__utmv=-&__utmk=239740163
http://www.ladiesemporium.com/store/002518.php?__utma=1.69741017.1322691393.1322691393.1323244451.2&__utmb=1.3.10.1323244451&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1322691393.1.1.utmgclid=CK3E6LOx36wCFcLAKgodLy1eoQ|utmccn=(not%20set)|utmcmd=(not%20set)|utmctr=steampunk%20clothing&__utmv=-&__utmk=235954433
http://www.ladiesemporium.com/store/001701.php?__utma=1.69741017.1322691393.1322691393.1323244451.2&__utmb=1.5.10.1323244451&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1322691393.1.1.utmgclid=CK3E6LOx36wCFcLAKgodLy1eoQ|utmccn=(not%20set)|utmcmd=(not%20set)|utmctr=steampunk%20clothing&__utmv=-&__utmk=4849715
http://www.hatsinthebelfry.com/product/belfry-kaja.html
http://www.hats.com/p/268145/Betmar-Infinity-Cap.aspx?c=1903
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Questions 4 and 5....
4. What was the best book you read?
5. What were your favorite songs?
The best book? It's difficult to single out one book as the best, even in a single year. I am a voracious reader of everything but romances; when I was younger it wasn't unusual to find me reading the dictionary or encyclopedia. Still, there are books I find myself turning to repeatedly, always discovering something new in them, or in myself...a book I find myself returning to definitely makes my 'best' list. Are there particular books I return to again and again? Oh yes, a book like The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, which is one I read at least once a year or so; it is a painful read but it's exploration of the dangers of fanaticsm and thinking that women are most important for breeding cannot be ignored. Placing all, or most, power into the hands of one gender or another inevitably leads to a lack of balance and perspective, not to mention the potential for abuse. We, as a species, cannot afford to forget it takes all of us to create this world, no one gender or color more or less than another. A new favorite, just this year, is a wee children's book by Neil Gaiman called the Graveyard Book...it is an unexpectedly sophisticated children's tale about love, loss, and growing wiser and more compassionate along with getting older.
A perennially favorite author is Ursula K. LeGuin (this is her website if you care to explore: http://www.ursulakleguin.com/UKL_info.html ) If you've never read her work I highly recommend it. I've yet to read anything of hers I wouldn't re-read numerous times, but one book I go back to on a regular basis is a collection of four short stories in the Hainish Cycle called Four Ways To Forgiveness. While I haven't yet read all she's written, this collection exemplifies the best of her 'themes': learning to accept ourselves and others with an objective recognition of our strengths and weaknesses, to recognize when something is beyond our ability to accept, (and when it shouldn't be acceptable) taking responsibility for one's actions, making changes in ways which are healthier...and go beyond....violence, and learning to differentiate between that which is wrong and when something feels wrong because of our own (often unrecognized or rationalized) prejudices. In most of her fiction, at least that which I've read, what it ultimately comes down to is...if one is able to look past the religious connotations which have been attached to the word, or even if you can't....redemption. Redemption of the self, of others, or the culture, by gently immoveable 'right' action even when the personal price paid is uncomfortable or even painful. By setting her fiction in the future, or in faraway lands of fantasy, she does a superb job of telling us who we are in the here and now; examining things like gender, prejudice, and the price paid for political sanction of oppressing others for often spurious reasons, and does so with a highly spiritual focus and in such a way that it slips past those walls which we set to guarding our deepest unconscious assumptions.
Oh my, aren't I the sanctimonious little prattler? Just let me hop off my soapbox and introduce the lighter question 5....
What were your favorite songs? Like with the previous question, I have perennial favorites but a new favorite, for me, is one from Adele. Hmmm, methinks I'll make this easy on myself and just type up my current top 5 favorites.....
1. Adele: One and Only http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoEplQ5eNn0
2. Victoria Williams: Crazy Mary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtHsJWlnX3g
3. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9b3_1CcXtY
4. Travis: Turn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to8_8z9uu5A
5. The Beautiful South: Dream A Little Dream http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS-UDyXouVQ
5. What were your favorite songs?
The best book? It's difficult to single out one book as the best, even in a single year. I am a voracious reader of everything but romances; when I was younger it wasn't unusual to find me reading the dictionary or encyclopedia. Still, there are books I find myself turning to repeatedly, always discovering something new in them, or in myself...a book I find myself returning to definitely makes my 'best' list. Are there particular books I return to again and again? Oh yes, a book like The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, which is one I read at least once a year or so; it is a painful read but it's exploration of the dangers of fanaticsm and thinking that women are most important for breeding cannot be ignored. Placing all, or most, power into the hands of one gender or another inevitably leads to a lack of balance and perspective, not to mention the potential for abuse. We, as a species, cannot afford to forget it takes all of us to create this world, no one gender or color more or less than another. A new favorite, just this year, is a wee children's book by Neil Gaiman called the Graveyard Book...it is an unexpectedly sophisticated children's tale about love, loss, and growing wiser and more compassionate along with getting older.
A perennially favorite author is Ursula K. LeGuin (this is her website if you care to explore: http://www.ursulakleguin.com/UKL_info.html ) If you've never read her work I highly recommend it. I've yet to read anything of hers I wouldn't re-read numerous times, but one book I go back to on a regular basis is a collection of four short stories in the Hainish Cycle called Four Ways To Forgiveness. While I haven't yet read all she's written, this collection exemplifies the best of her 'themes': learning to accept ourselves and others with an objective recognition of our strengths and weaknesses, to recognize when something is beyond our ability to accept, (and when it shouldn't be acceptable) taking responsibility for one's actions, making changes in ways which are healthier...and go beyond....violence, and learning to differentiate between that which is wrong and when something feels wrong because of our own (often unrecognized or rationalized) prejudices. In most of her fiction, at least that which I've read, what it ultimately comes down to is...if one is able to look past the religious connotations which have been attached to the word, or even if you can't....redemption. Redemption of the self, of others, or the culture, by gently immoveable 'right' action even when the personal price paid is uncomfortable or even painful. By setting her fiction in the future, or in faraway lands of fantasy, she does a superb job of telling us who we are in the here and now; examining things like gender, prejudice, and the price paid for political sanction of oppressing others for often spurious reasons, and does so with a highly spiritual focus and in such a way that it slips past those walls which we set to guarding our deepest unconscious assumptions.
Oh my, aren't I the sanctimonious little prattler? Just let me hop off my soapbox and introduce the lighter question 5....
What were your favorite songs? Like with the previous question, I have perennial favorites but a new favorite, for me, is one from Adele. Hmmm, methinks I'll make this easy on myself and just type up my current top 5 favorites.....
1. Adele: One and Only http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoEplQ5eNn0
2. Victoria Williams: Crazy Mary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtHsJWlnX3g
3. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole: Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9b3_1CcXtY
4. Travis: Turn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to8_8z9uu5A
5. The Beautiful South: Dream A Little Dream http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS-UDyXouVQ
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Question #3, a dream realized, and another Farewell
So the third question in the series is: Where did you visit this year?
The answer is pretty easy...not much of anywhere unless you count going to the doctor. Health issues kept me pretty close to home except for a visit to one of my favorite places in the world, Cataract Falls. http://www.cataractfalls.com/pictures.html
It has long been a place where my soul could rest, but I love it even more since 3M and I were married there by candlelight on a hot July night with heat lightning playing tag along the edges of the sky.
In other news, I've had one of the dreams on my wish list ( http://jblethers.blogspot.com/2011/10/slow-but-steady-and-wish-list.html ) realized this week! Number 3 in fact, to have a recipe of mine, etc... etc... The executive chef where Jess works wants my recipe for blueberry muffins, which is YAY! Not only that, Jess and I are working on a superdupersecret recipe for a competition as well, the first 'try out' will be tonight. Sorry, can't share the recipe just yet since it can't have been published anywhere before; hopefully it will be accepted, and win, and then you can read it in the magazine sponsoring the competition! Even if it doesn't win, the pleasure of taking part in such a creative endeavour will be well worth it and I look forward to attempting more competitions in the future.
Now to get to the sad part of this entry.......another Farewell in the family. Yesterday my uncle Jerry was found sitting on the couch with the television going, in his apartment, and he was gone. Apparently it was peaceful, and I'm grateful for that, but it was a surprise to everyone; most especially his children.
I once had an OOM friend describe God and souls who have passed as a giant 'firefly ball', he didn't believe in a hell that 'bad' people went to but he did believe that each soul became a light. He said, if I am remembering correctly, that he believed each soul's light was brighter or dimmer, nearer to or further from, that central Light which is God, based on their deeds, beliefs, etc.... in life. This is an image I find both comforting and satisfying on a number of levels. It has always been difficult for me to accept the concept of hell, we humans do more than well enough at creating our own personal hells here on earth, it isn't necessary for that Spirit which names Itself Love to make a place full of horrors to which some are consigned, away from the presence of God. No, love is inclusive rather than exclusive and I feel (while knowing no better than anyone who is still among the living could) that death, being the great equalizer, means becoming a part of Spirit in ways which are not possible while still in our physical bodies. It is for this reason that, while I am sad that uncle Jerry is not physically here with us any longer, I do not grieve; I say to him now 'Shine for us Jerry, become part of that Light which leads us on our way'.
Love..............Jacqueline
The answer is pretty easy...not much of anywhere unless you count going to the doctor. Health issues kept me pretty close to home except for a visit to one of my favorite places in the world, Cataract Falls. http://www.cataractfalls.com/pictures.html
It has long been a place where my soul could rest, but I love it even more since 3M and I were married there by candlelight on a hot July night with heat lightning playing tag along the edges of the sky.
In other news, I've had one of the dreams on my wish list ( http://jblethers.blogspot.com/2011/10/slow-but-steady-and-wish-list.html ) realized this week! Number 3 in fact, to have a recipe of mine, etc... etc... The executive chef where Jess works wants my recipe for blueberry muffins, which is YAY! Not only that, Jess and I are working on a superdupersecret recipe for a competition as well, the first 'try out' will be tonight. Sorry, can't share the recipe just yet since it can't have been published anywhere before; hopefully it will be accepted, and win, and then you can read it in the magazine sponsoring the competition! Even if it doesn't win, the pleasure of taking part in such a creative endeavour will be well worth it and I look forward to attempting more competitions in the future.
Now to get to the sad part of this entry.......another Farewell in the family. Yesterday my uncle Jerry was found sitting on the couch with the television going, in his apartment, and he was gone. Apparently it was peaceful, and I'm grateful for that, but it was a surprise to everyone; most especially his children.
I once had an OOM friend describe God and souls who have passed as a giant 'firefly ball', he didn't believe in a hell that 'bad' people went to but he did believe that each soul became a light. He said, if I am remembering correctly, that he believed each soul's light was brighter or dimmer, nearer to or further from, that central Light which is God, based on their deeds, beliefs, etc.... in life. This is an image I find both comforting and satisfying on a number of levels. It has always been difficult for me to accept the concept of hell, we humans do more than well enough at creating our own personal hells here on earth, it isn't necessary for that Spirit which names Itself Love to make a place full of horrors to which some are consigned, away from the presence of God. No, love is inclusive rather than exclusive and I feel (while knowing no better than anyone who is still among the living could) that death, being the great equalizer, means becoming a part of Spirit in ways which are not possible while still in our physical bodies. It is for this reason that, while I am sad that uncle Jerry is not physically here with us any longer, I do not grieve; I say to him now 'Shine for us Jerry, become part of that Light which leads us on our way'.
Love..............Jacqueline
Friday, December 2, 2011
Second question, menu, and DOODLE pics!
I'll start off with the second question for December: (btw, hi Jake, from whom I 'borrowed' this)
2. What was the most delicious meal you ate? Okay, this is a tough one. Jess is a food professional, and 3M and I are both enthusiastic amatuers. We are all adventurous eaters and we've had a lot of good food of late, still, if I had to single out only one meal I'd have to say our Thanksgiving dinner was the best for a number of reasons. Outwith the fact that it was definitely delicious; we all planned and cooked the meal together, then spent our time talking and laughing whilst eating it. It was a Mary Poppins kind of meal: practically perfect in every way. To see what we had take a look here: http://jblethers.blogspot.com/2011/11/ohhhhh-mymymy.html And for recipes, look here: http://jblethers.blogspot.com/2011/11/lamb-jesss-asparagus-and-3ms-roasted.html Just the memory makes me drool!
To continue with the food theme, here is the menu for the coming week:
Menu beginning December 2, 2011
Friday 12/2
Supper: 'Spanish' rice
Saturday 12/3
Lunch/Snack: Spanish rice
Supper: Grilled pork and baby bok choy with strawberry balsamic reduction sauce (we're trying this out for a competition)
Sunday 12/4
Lunch/Snack: Grilled cheese
Supper: Lemony chicken and rice soup
Monday 12/5
Supper: Savoury meatballs on a zucchini 'ribbon' nest, with homemade spaghetti sauce
Tuesday 12/6
Supper: Chicken and veggie wraps with spicy peanut sauce
Wednesday 12/7
Supper: Meatloaf and macaroni and cheese with turnip greens....after all, we all need comfort food sometimes
Thursday 12/8
Supper: 'Dirty' potato casserole with (yummmmm!) BACON
And now for the part perlandria, at least, is impatient for........DOODLE pics! I, no we, are owned by a lovely 3 year old Goldendoodle named Lily the WonderDoodle. She is a clown in a dog suit who is waaay too smart for our good; hey, she's figured out how to open one of those pedal-operated trash bins, if that's not doggie genius I don't know what is! She is also a huge bundle of love who has retained her puppy cuteness as she's gotten older, but with good manners. A couple of weeks ago 3M discovered a park area where the Doodle of Joy can be let off the leash to run free, which makes our stuffed animal lookalike a very happy puppy indeed! Here are a few pics for you to enjoy:
A very tired, but happy, puppy....
2. What was the most delicious meal you ate? Okay, this is a tough one. Jess is a food professional, and 3M and I are both enthusiastic amatuers. We are all adventurous eaters and we've had a lot of good food of late, still, if I had to single out only one meal I'd have to say our Thanksgiving dinner was the best for a number of reasons. Outwith the fact that it was definitely delicious; we all planned and cooked the meal together, then spent our time talking and laughing whilst eating it. It was a Mary Poppins kind of meal: practically perfect in every way. To see what we had take a look here: http://jblethers.blogspot.com/2011/11/ohhhhh-mymymy.html And for recipes, look here: http://jblethers.blogspot.com/2011/11/lamb-jesss-asparagus-and-3ms-roasted.html Just the memory makes me drool!
To continue with the food theme, here is the menu for the coming week:
Menu beginning December 2, 2011
Friday 12/2
Supper: 'Spanish' rice
Saturday 12/3
Lunch/Snack: Spanish rice
Supper: Grilled pork and baby bok choy with strawberry balsamic reduction sauce (we're trying this out for a competition)
Sunday 12/4
Lunch/Snack: Grilled cheese
Supper: Lemony chicken and rice soup
Monday 12/5
Supper: Savoury meatballs on a zucchini 'ribbon' nest, with homemade spaghetti sauce
Tuesday 12/6
Supper: Chicken and veggie wraps with spicy peanut sauce
Wednesday 12/7
Supper: Meatloaf and macaroni and cheese with turnip greens....after all, we all need comfort food sometimes
Thursday 12/8
Supper: 'Dirty' potato casserole with (yummmmm!) BACON
And now for the part perlandria, at least, is impatient for........DOODLE pics! I, no we, are owned by a lovely 3 year old Goldendoodle named Lily the WonderDoodle. She is a clown in a dog suit who is waaay too smart for our good; hey, she's figured out how to open one of those pedal-operated trash bins, if that's not doggie genius I don't know what is! She is also a huge bundle of love who has retained her puppy cuteness as she's gotten older, but with good manners. A couple of weeks ago 3M discovered a park area where the Doodle of Joy can be let off the leash to run free, which makes our stuffed animal lookalike a very happy puppy indeed! Here are a few pics for you to enjoy:
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Borrowing this
I found this on a couple of blogs I follow and thought it looked like an interesting end of year project...I'll answer the first question now and the second later tonight when I also post pictures of Lily the WonderDoodle.
1. When were you most grateful? It's the hokey answer but hokeyness doesn't always mean untrue....I am grateful every day. Grateful for the love and support I receive, for the joy of discovery, for the wonder all around us. Still, if I had to select a 'most grateful' there would be four.....the day Jess arrived from California; the help, caring, and support she gives me has made a huge difference in the quality of my life and I can only hope she knows how grateful I am. Then there is the visit from the kidling, despite a crowded house, etc... it was wonderful to see her, celebrate her birthday together, and have kidling hugs again! The third 'most grateful' (I'm doing these in chronological order rather than order of importance btw.) was the 21st of July, the 10th wedding anniversary of 3M and I....ptooie on the woman who gave us the hand-crocheted rose afghan with a note stating that it was for 'when your love grows cold' as a wedding gift !?! Finally, the day I got a real diagnosis for the chronic movement problems I'd had for 5+ years and could finally begin putting my life back together again....not only for what it means for myself but for the relief it brought to those who love and care for me.
- When were you most grateful?
- What was the most delicious meal you ate?
- Where did you visit this year?
- What was the best book you read?
- What were your favorite songs?
- When did you celebrate?
- What astonished you?
- Where did you spend your money?
- What was your favorite blog post...that you read or wrote?
- When did you take the easy way?
- What rocked your world, changed your life, shifted the ground beneath your feet?
- When did you feel the most relaxed?
- What cracked you up?
- Where'd you find the best cup of coffee (or tea, or wine, or beverage of your choice?)
- When did you struggle?
- What’s the most whimsical/spontaneous/ridiculous thing you did?
- When did you see God at work?
- When were you the angriest?
- What’s been the best decision you made this year?
- Who came into your life in 2011?
- What did you learn?
- What gifts did you give? What gifts did you receive?
- What sunrise/sunset was most vivid?
- What did you make?
- Where did you spend the most time?
- Who surprised you?
- What did you give up?
- Who was important to you?
- If the year 2011 had a hashtag, what would it be?
- What aspects of your life need attention in 2012?
- Where were you on January 1, 2011?
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