A Tiny Little Ripple

One Key to Unlock the Door of Hospitality

2011-05-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

My house is too small. They won't have a place to park. The carpets are always dirty. Sit on the floor? Are you kidding me? I can't cook. What if I run out of things to say......

Why be hospitable? Do people even need your caring words or actions?

Are people hurting today? Yes. Are they thriving or are they in survival mode? Do they have peace or are they in need of peace? Can you offer them a glass of water?

I'm not known for my hospitality. My mother is a gracious person. I don't have any excuse.....except one. Perfection. I want things to be perfect. And they aren't......ever. My desire for perfection doesn't even come from wanting to please others as much as it comes from my own pride. Ugg. The ugly cards are out on the table now.

Martha, just call me Martha.

But when I consider those I think about hosting I know that they need ME. They need the love of Christ that I can share that day. They need a loving touch or a listening ear. They need to relax and have a moment away from the demands overwhelming their lives. They need a meal.....any meal. A friend recently got excited when I invited her to come over "one day soon." I told her I wasn't sure what I'd cook. She quickly responded, "Grilled cheese would be fine! I just want to come visit!" It really isn't my food she longs for, it's His food she knows she'll get!

Another friend wants to come over. She has never been here but she likes some of the things that consume my time. She just wants to sit and be encouraged, she wants to take a deep breath and slow her pace.

As I prepared for our wonderful fellowship yesterday with my Polish friend, Maria Rybarczyk, I knew that I wanted the focus to be on her, not the food. I bought some fruits, cubed some cheese and set out crackers. We made a delicious punch and had hot coffee and tea available. The table looked bare so I thought about buying a few pretty flowers but I didn't have a lot of time to run out and get them. As I walked into my kitchen I saw some (old....I'm being honest now) "silk" flowers in a vase. (I really feel like I'm using the term "silk" loosely.) At that moment I felt God say to me, "Jan, this isn't about perfection and you have only Me to please. Wash the old flowers, put them in a vase and set them on the table. This day isn't about your idea of beauty. It is about showing them My Love. Just love."

The day was full of dark skies, strong winds, hard rain, impressive lightening and powerful thunder. The phone began ringing as two o'clock approached and I braced myself for regrets. Instead I had requests for: driving instructions, permission to bring a friend, and "Is there anything you'd like me to bring?" Everyone showed up and they were all on time! They brought smiles, umbrellas, diaper bags, excitment and anticipation. We all sat in my livingroom and compared our circle to what the early church must have been like huddled in the catacombs. What a wonderfully glorious day it was.

They sat on the sofa, diningroom table chairs (that don't match the table and were bought from an old army kitchen), the floor....even the inexpensive folding chairs I bought to use outside! There was laughter, some tears, many hugs and prayers. We sang aloud a few songs that have guided and strenghtened Maria....and we sang them a capella. Talk about missing perfection. But I'm certain the angels were singing along too.

My friends (from all walks of life and many not knowing anyone else before coming over), left refreshed. They looked more filled and complete than when they first walked in the door. They were built up and ready to "go forth."

The kitchen was not as clean as I would have liked. A few prep things I had planned to do never got done. My little projects even sat in their places unashamed, waiting on me. It was obvious. She didn't get her whole "look" finished.

But now I know. We weren't really going for "my look." We were going for His look. And since He is Perfection, what was I worried about after all?

IF He is my Boss (and He is!), then I need only concern myself with the assignments He puts before me and they are never too much or too hard.

My friends relax when I relax. And before I know it the meal is finished and they're drying dishes and putting them in my cupboards. (Never my intention or desire by the way!) But they smile and say, "Wow, we're a lot alike. I'd put my such-and-such here too if I were you." Then we're laughing and I'm understanding that they just want to be my family for the day.

They got a lot more than nourishment at my table. They got loved. They felt cherished and listened to and the ride home is an easier one because they know I care about them and they have another sister looking out for them. The harsh world is a little less harsh because they felt loved and not with a love that is superficial....but with God's love, the Perfect love.

"But when perfection comes, the imperfection disappears." 1 Corinthians 13:10

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13: 13

Be the balm that is needed, the oasis that is desired, the friend that is loving and available.

I am tossing the pride of my own need for perfection. My Boss expects obedience, not my simple plan of excellence.

The world is in too much need to wait for us to finally get over ourselves. Set aside personal agendas and Love One Another! The time is nigh.

Can I count on you?

Can He count on you?

Obediently,

Jan aka The New Mary

Mom's Love Rub

2011-01-12T19:27:00.000-08:00

Mom's Love Rub, the healing and moisturizing lotion that treats so many things has a home. Read The Story of Mom's Love Rub at:

http://www.momsloverub.com/

Corn Cake aka Cornbread

2010-04-25T14:03:00.000-07:00

Some time back I was asked to talk about cornbread. The yummy deliciousness of my southern life. The crumbly, golden yellow bread that makes me smile throughout the whole meal. The butter soaking bread that sits at the edge of your plate, waiting to be noticed and appreciated.

When I was a little girl my mother said that I called cornbread cake. What a smart girl I was.... This stuff can be so delightful that you'll want to call it cake and eat it for dessert but don't do it. Put it on the plate, let it sop up the gravy, break it up and put it on top of your beans and rice and save room for dessert. (Dessert is an event in itself!)

But how to make it? And NOT use a boxed kit? Well lets see......Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and let the fun begin!

Those of you who already know me know we'll be starting with the basics. Get out the corn.

What? I see a look of concern on your face. You did know that cornbread was made with corn, right? Oh, not that corn? Bless your little heart, I bet you think chicken comes from the grocery store too, right? Well get out your cornmeal and jump in when you're ready. But I only thought it fair to show you the truest form of good ole' fashioned cornbread, Darlin'.

Put it in the mill (if you have one) and make your cornmeal. If you don't have a mill but would really like some fresh-as-a-newborn-babe-cornmeal, then next time you come over for coffee, I'll send you home with a few cups. See how pretty that looks?

You'll also need some regular flour and I like to use whole wheat flour. Only the best, you know. And yes, it gets milled too.

You'll want some farm-fresh eggs from a sweet little hen...

Can't you tell just by looking at those eggs that the hen was a happy girl walking her way around the farm, visiting with the girls, finding crunchy bugs to chew on and casting sweet glances in the direction of that no-good rooster?

Moving right along....this wasn't really meant to be a romantic recipe after all.

Measure out one-half cup of sugar

one teaspoon of salt

I use Real Salt. It is our favorite. Can you see the minerals in it? I buy it in a large bag and just keep refilling my small shaker.

And you'll need your trusty baking power (aluminum-free, please)

While you're busy getting your supplies together, measure out two cups of water and one-third cup of powdered milk.

Put all of the ingredients in your mixer (that's my Bosch in the background...thanks, Mom! a million times over!) and mix for two minutes.

Grab your large cast iron skillet.....the one your grandmother left you in her will or the one you wisely purchased at that amazing garage sale and put two tablespoons of bacon grease in it. This is the moment I'll hear plenty of you shouting....I don't keep bacon grease! We try to stay away from those kinds of fats! Only hillbillies eat bacon grease! You have just entered Hillbilly World, Friend.

Put your skillet into the oven and let the skillet get hot. The grease can't help but melt. It will be your job to see that the bottom gets covered with the grease once it is completely melted.

Carefully take out the very heavy, very hot skillet. Pour in your cornbread batter and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. You'll know it is finished when the top is golden and your mouth is watering.

Now that looks mighty tasty, doesn't it? Can you see why it makes good cake too? Put a little butter on it and then drizzle some honey over that. Oh, Babe, sit back and savor the moment....Corn Cake has just arrived.

Thank you again, Jonny. You take amazing pictures of your Moma cookin!

The easy-to-read version, dull but easy-to-read:

2 cups cornmeal
2 cups flour
1/2 sugar
1/3 cup powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup oil
2 tablespoons baking powder
2 cups water
2 eggs
2 tablespoons bacon grease

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all ingredients except for bacon grease in mixer. Add bacon grease to skillet and place in oven to heat. Evenly spread out grease and pour in batter. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Love Sauce

2010-02-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, in a very big city, there was a fast-food place that a young girl liked to eat at. There were only two in this very big city and they were quite a distance from one another but both were very tasty and enjoyed by the girl.

Like a creature of habit, the girl always bought the same thing. A grilled burger on a lightly toasted bun with grated cheddar cheese and Sauce. Oh, the Sauce. Happiness joined these two: the juicy burger and the yummy Sauce. And when the girl ate there, she joined in the happy union....and savored the moment.

Then one day the girl moved away.

Far, far away. Like when you discover it's hard to visit as often as you'd like and your heart starts hurting.

The body can always move. The heart often remains.

The girl decided that life was going to be only as good as she could make it so she set out to make it tasty.

Tasty is important. Never forget that.

Burgers, even juicy ones, can be made. Lightly toasted buns, grated sharp cheddar cheese....all these things can be had. But the Sauce!

So....on a dark and foggy night the girl set out to reunite herself with the moment of Happiness between Juicy Burger and Sauce.....as they had come to be known.

Call it fate. Call it destiny. Call it desperation on a mission. Yummy Sauce was achieved and forevermore became known far and wide as LOVE SAUCE! (Can you hear the angels singing???)

Love Sauce....a hush falls over the room.

Love Sauce...the mouth begins to water.

Love Sauce....a smile escapes the lips.

Love Sauce....Reunited with the Juicy Burger!

And now, many years later after a long bout of soul-searching, the girl, almost as young as she was in the former days.....only younger now because of the joy in her heart, decided to share this piece of Happiness with you.

You will accomplish this great feat with unexpected ease. You will pass it on to future generations. You will slather it on your burgers and pile high the mountain of grated cheddar cheese. You will become known far and wide for your great culinary skills. You will sing my praises...if you don't happen to already. And you will shout with exclamations of joy when the Great Burger Day comes and you can once again make Love Sauce.

Let us get down to business now. Are you prepared to begin impacting the world with more love?

Assemble you supplies and start your engines.

You'll need only a few things to make your great mark in the Book of Tantalizing Tastes:

1 cup of ketchup, a very good brand, if you please
3 tablespoons of Liquid Smoke
Bowl and spoon

Mix the two together until they are one. Lick spoon. You're done.

You are now a Graduate of my Tantalizing Taste School for Masters.

What? Did you forget to send in the application for acceptance to this great school no-one-anywhere-has-ever-heard-about? Did you not enclose your check or money order? Are you suggesting you just got all this for free???

I guess I'll let you slide this one time....if you make this one deal with me. Use my Great and Wonderful recipe frequently and herein and forevermore refer to it as the great Love Sauce that it is and spread your fair share of love in this world. The Good Lord knows we sure need it!

A message from the Dean of Culinary Education (that's me after all):
You may at any time adjust the measurements given. I just wanted to get you on a roll. More, less, whatever you want. You're the Boss, I only pretend to be the Boss. I found out I don't really like being the Boss. It's too demanding and bossy. It really doesn't pay that well either~

Even in Illinois People are Celebrating!

2010-02-08T19:55:00.001-08:00

Even in Illinois
Originally uploaded by jannza

Just in case you're wondering.....I'll set your mind at ease.

My team won!

Mocha-Walnut Bars with Dark Chocolate Ganache

2010-02-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

What a lovely, deliciously, chocolaty time of year. With Valentine's Day approaching, I decided to look up some yummy treats that my family might like. We all enjoy homemade goodies so this was a fun project. Come in the kitchen with me and we'll whip up something tasty.

This recipe-posting is dedicated to one of my very sweet daughters, Miss All-Grown-Up, who happens to live a long way away. I miss you, Sweetheart, and wish I could make this for you today. We'd share a sweet cookie-bar and a hot coffee over a loooong conversation.

Today I'm making a Pillsbury recipe: Mocha-Walnut Bars with Dark Chocolate Ganache. The bars have three distinct layers which are prepared and cooked separately, one on top of another. It is very easy to do and your children can jump in and help you. (Trust me, if they don't help you in the beginning while you're putting this together.....they WILL help you in the end by eating it! Maybe now's a great time to tell them the story of The Little Red Hen...) The recipe is designed to be quick and easy and does so by using refrigerated sugar cookie dough. Feel free to use your own sugar cookie dough recipe instead if you'd prefer.

2 1/2 cups of very finely chopped walnuts
6 T. sugar
6 T. melted butter
1 roll sugar cookie dough (or make a batch of sugar cookie dough from your personal favorite recipe!)
2 T. instant espresso coffee granules (the recipe called for 1T. but 2T. gives it more of the coffee flavor)
1 t. home-brewed vanilla (my own personal addition)
1 1/2 cups dark chocolate baking chips
1/4 cup plus 2T. whipping cream

It's a great idea to get your supplies together. It makes the work go smoothly and you can live out your cooking show fantasies. (That'll be our little secret.)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Stir your walnuts, sugar and butter together in a bowl until completely mixed.

This is where I decided to add my homemade vanilla. (Now you need to know how to make your own delicious vanilla! We'll get to that soon. It's easy, only a bit time-consuming and you know it is homemade goodness.)

Press the mixture evenly on the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9 pan.

(Here's where I'd like to tell you that I followed the directions exactly and wasn't as pleased at how they came out of the pan. I'd suggest spraying the pan before layering. It's what I plan to do next time.)

Bake for 8-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Cool for 30 minutes.

While that is cooling, begin to prepare the cookie layer. In a large bowl, knead the cookie dough and espresso granules until blended.

Drop spoonfuls of dough evenly over the walnut crust. Gently press the dough together over the crust. Bake for 20 minutes. (The recipe said to cook for 20-25 minutes but I think 25 is a little long and makes the cookie too crunchy.) Let cool for 30 minutes.

Finally the ganache.....What a wonderful word. It rolls around your mouth much like the chocolate itself! And it isn't hard to make but very impressive.

I prefer to make my ganache in a double-broiler, which I also have to make. If you don't have one, make one like mine. I put a glass bowl over a small pot of water and let the water heat up and melt my chocolate chips. The other option is the microwave but I don't like microwaves so we don't happen to have one.

Add the chocolate chips and the whipping cream to your bowl and heat it slowly.

Your chips will begin to mix and the whipping cream will blend right in. I stir constantly because the transformation tends to happen quickly. Stir until the chips and cream are one happy family.

Spread the chocolate ganache over the bars.

Refrigerate for one hour. Cut the bars into 24 servings (6 rows by 4 rows) or smaller if you'd like dainty servings that don't seem to add as much cushion to your thighs. I'm just saying.....

They're delightful and delicious with a hot cup of coffee or an ice cold glass of milk. Divine.

ps. Licking fingers is allowed.

***Thank you to Jonathan Anderson for taking the pictures. Your work is always the best!

2009-12-19T10:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
from the Nellis family

Wishing you many blessings this holiday season!

Welcome Home Quilt

2009-11-04T19:18:00.001-08:00

My favorite quilts are scrap quilts. They tell so many stories and I'm a lover of great stories.

I made this quilt for my husband from the scraps I had in my collection. This quilt tells tales from the quilt shop my mother and I owned in the 1980s, it tells me about dresses I made for my daughter who is now 21 years-old, and it comforts me in the middle of the night.

The colors make it sparkle and I just love that.

Thanks for letting me share more of my collection and the Show Off Your Stuff Party.

Turn the Page......Tuesday

2009-11-03T13:00:00.000-08:00

Henry and the Great Society
by H. L. Roush, Sr.

I purchased this book through Amazon because it isn't easily available elsewhere. The premise of the book might even be frowned upon today. I'm jumping ahead of myself!

The author wastes no time in explaining that he feels compelled to write this story and then goes on to admit that it is the sad story of his own life. I was intrigued with the description when I first read about the book and knew myself well enough to know that I wouldn't be offended by his sentiments......I'd probably agree wholeheartedly!

The story of our dear Henry begins in the midst of sweet contentment with his wife. They treasure their lives together. Bliss. Happiness. Their children are a part of this existence and life is good.

As time will often do, "progress" begins to make its way into the community where they live. Henry and his wife are able to stand back and evaluate the offerings that the changes might......could........WILL......bring about. They decide how much they want to participate in those changes.....aka, opportunities.

This very short book ( 188 pages in all ) is a revealing look at the way many conveniences and progressive changes affect our lives. I am not in favor of giving up all of the things we have come to depend upon. And this isn't a book about how to live "like the Amish," as some people I know would say. (You know who you are!) In fact, you need not change your way of life at all. I just felt a desire to read this book and evaluate my life, my time and how some convenient things hinder me from real living.

I can't fail to mention that the book was written in 1969! As I type this, I must smile to myself. How many things have been developed since then to "aid" us and make our lives better?! I appreciate the thought that Mr. Roush put into his story and I especially appreciate the effort and willingness to be so revealing since it represents some portion of his own life.

I did happen to find a copy of the book online which you can read if you are interested. If you do happen to read it, let me know what you think.

And before I sign off I must say the following so read it carefully:

I DO mill my own wheat for flour....but do so with an electric mill.
I DO own a cell phone....but don't use it much.
I DO quilt...sometimes by hand and sometimes by machine...gasp! (Confession: I'd love to buy a treadle machine)
I DO make the butter we eat....yes, in a food processor! More electronics!
NO washboard for me, laundry is done same as yours!

We garden, can some of our food, eat and drink "the good stuff", do as much home-cookin' as we can and love one another along the way. It was good to look at my life and priorities since I think they need to be evaluated on a constant basis.

Thank you to Adrienne for hosting Turn the Page.......Tuesday!

My Stacked Coins and Vine Quilt

2009-10-29T17:17:00.001-07:00

Stacked Coins and Vine Quilt
Originally uploaded by jannza

My quilts are full of countless stitches and heaps of love since it takes that for me to make a quilt. I'm not fast like many quilters these days. I can easily get pulled away with cooking, baking, and schooling projects. I'm one to take my time on most of the sewing I do. I try to savor every moment......

I have several quilts that haven't been photographed. Since Mr. Drummer Boy is aka Mr. Master Photographer, I decided to have him take some pictures of it (and several of the antique quilts that I own) over time.

I made this quilt several years ago and am rather careful with it. We tend to use everything I make and most things start to look a bit worn and "tuckered-out." I felt like this one looked more like a wall piece to me but it hasn't made its way to the wall just yet.

It is machine-pieced and quilted and the applique was completed by hand. The coins are all woven plaids which I dearly love. I have since made several scrap quilts (my ultimate favorite quilts) and have managed to squeeze several of the plaids into them. Not one little piece goes to waste!

I can't say enough about quality fabrics. I don't purchase fabric too often because the good-stuff comes dearly but when I do get my supplies, I try to get the best I can afford. It has been my personal experience that the better the fabric, the better it wears over time.....and I've already mentioned how we use everything. Sometimes until it's threadbare.

Quilting is such a therapy for me, whether by hand or machine...and I do love both! I remember back in 1980, when my mother and I owned a quilt shop just outside of New Orleans. We had a few customers who would come in and make their purchases and enter the name of a grocery store in the check register! While I'm NOT condoning the art of lying, but I do understand their obsession. And their were a few other customers who received gift certificates for classes (sometimes from sweet and understanding husbands) so that they could have their own dose of quilting therapy.

The 1980s offered us a few hard times...sort of like these days all over again. I'm all for sewing the stresses away.

One last note, I had an aunt come for a visit this summer and while she was here, she spent some time admiring my finished quilts. After a little while, she looked at me and told me I'd been real smart to put my time into something that could be handed down to loved ones one day. I couldn't help by agree.

All the stitches....all the love.

**Proud to be part of the Show Off Your Stuff party at Fireflies and Jellybeans.

A Lovely Giveaway and Sweet Blog

2009-10-29T14:33:00.001-07:00

I don't generally promote the giveaways from someone else's blog, however this lady is very kind and generous. I wanted to take a moment to encourage you to look at her blog and enjoy her work and words. I find her inspirational and refreshing. Her most recent post describes an endearing picnic she set up for her family. You're bound to appreciate the thought she puts into her everyday life. With regards to her giveaway: she is celebrating her birthday and the items she is giving away has a link in the picnic post or you can see it in the following post.

I may need to plan a picnic of my own soon......

2009-10-27T16:08:00.001-07:00

How to Practice Piano in Six Easy-to-Follow Steps

Step One

Sit with good posture and play the pieces your teacher gave you for the week.

Step Two

Smile when your brother sits beside you and invite him to a duet.

Step Three

As he begins to take over the piece, gently slide (no pushing, please) him over and place your arm over the notes he shouldn't be playing.

Step Four

If this technique fails, sweetly place your arm on him and explain to him that you are a budding pianist and would like to continue your devotion to music. He'll begin to understand that you are under time constraints and that you must take your music seriously.

Step Five

Don't be surprised if your brother is overcome with joy and decides to hug you. He isn't trying to slow you down in your endeavors, he is simply expressing his deep-felt emotion.

Step Six

If you've truly impressed him, your brother will even give you pats on the back(side).

You'll never know what music does to people until you begin to play an instrument.

It really does soothe the savage beast.....as illustrated above.

Harvey and Marcelle, the Love Affair

2009-10-27T15:29:00.001-07:00

6:47- Day 26- Harvey and Marcelle
Originally uploaded by jannza

This is Harvey and his bride, Marcelle.

He met her in France during the war back in the forties. They fell in love and married in the states just after she met his parents and brother, Elwood. (Many have said that Elwood was Harvey's best friend as opposed to brother....and that was true. However, Harvey's parents passed in a tragic auto accident. It was at that time that Elwood's family decided to legally adopt Harvey thus making him a brother and a friend. Perfect combination, don't you think?)

Meanwhile, Harvey and Marcelle have shared many wonderful years together and now that the children are grown they are enjoying their twilight years in sweet bliss.

Marcelle is the quiet type and that's been good for Harvey. She hasn't complained as he's told his war stories (a bit more than once). He is a decorated war-hero and though she loves him for it, she could recite the stories herself. It's just easier to be quiet and listen and it makes him feel so special.

You see them here enjoying the fresh evening breeze.

I've heard him frequently say that she was more than he'd ever dared to hope for.

One more happy couple.

Post-script: Harvey and Marcelle were running from a very bad city and she looked back and turned into a pillar of ceramic. Harvey still loves her.

Charlie

2009-10-27T15:26:00.001-07:00

Charlie
Originally uploaded by jannza

Charlie worked on the shrimp boats in the Gulf of Mexico. He doesn't talk much about those days of shrimp, hurricanes, crabs and catfish but I'll tell you a bit of his story.

You can understand why Charlie would pick the seafood industry. He's partial to a good meal. (So am I.....we have that in common.)

He'd always looked into the night sky with wanderlust. Charlie wanted the thrill of the water and waves. He wanted to feel the rocking of the boat and to hear the gulf waters lapping against the seaworthy vessel. He dreamed of catching the wayward mouse as it scurred across the deck. Charlie wanted the "big catch."

He spent his days watching the tide coming in and going out. His eyes followed the seagulls flying overhead. Were they taunting him?

Charlie's day came. He boarded the ship and his adventures began.

I've given away too much already. I'll resist the temptation to go on. The only other thing I'll tell you is this:

Charlie got the "big catch," only differently than he'd expected.

Be watching for: Charlie's Big Catch.

Homeschooling in Autumn

2009-09-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

Homeschooling in Autumn
Originally uploaded by jannza

Peaceful, serene, autumn.....

A word of comfort

Flowers to remember

A candle for peace

Colored pencils to inspire

A table-runner from a delightfully creative day

and

A rock from the new homestead to remind me of the south

Turn the Page....Tuesday (September)

2009-09-06T12:57:00.000-07:00

My middle son and I tend to recommend books to one another. We enjoy some of the same authors and I'm always eager to read more of what he finds interesting. There's something to be said about sharing the love of reading with your children and the joy that comes from being able to discuss a book and the way it makes you feel. (This book is not a childrens book. This particular child is on the high end of the teen years.) Books....stories....are so full of impact and power.

Jerry B. Jenkins has written many books and I have read several, all of which I enjoyed. This particular book was a special one to him. The author hopes that you're left pondering the story and it's characters. I'm finding that to be so for me.

I'll tell you straight up that it has a spiritual base. It that offends you, you may not enjoy this book. If, however, you are intrigued by the workings of mankind and our relationship to God, this may be just the ticket.

Riven follows the life of a wayward teen who makes repeated mistakes in his life. I found myself almost cringing at his choices. They were understandably the choices of a person not in control of their temper. Page by page I could see the consequences adding up and painfully so.

I wouldn't be honest if I lead you to believe that bad choices were out of my realm either. I've certainly made my share. Thankfully they weren't as far-reaching as his but before I get lost in patting myself on the back.....let's be clear, they were bad choices in and of themselves and the sting of Wrong still burns.....like it or not.

Brady, the struggling teen, did face difficult obstacles. We all face those, right? Brady even wanted to set things aright in his life and made some efforts to do so but was easily led astray by situations he believed would fill voids that had existed in his life for as long as he could remember. Has that happened to you before too? Something comes along and you know that there is a better solution but this one seems handy and quickly available and viola, you've readjusted your plan. It's only later when you realize your folly.

I can't (or won't) give away the remainder of Brady's story. Anger acted upon is not pretty and this story only convinces me further. He does make a decision to change the trajectory of his life. Will it be too late?

Several other characters are noteworthy. I found myself following them closely as they interacted or "rippled on one another" as I choose to say. We do ripple on one another, knowingly or not. That is, after all, where the very name of my blog comes from. I consider my life to be one little ripple on the lives of those around me. It's sometimes strange to watch the affects of one life touching another and in a compelling story such as this, it is profound.

My son and I will continue to share the stories we enjoy and we will continue to ripple on others, hopefully in a positive manner. Consider reading this book for a glimmer of true hope even in light of seemingly dismal circumstances. Consider rippling on someone. Be a blessing....an encouragement. Life is hard and we all have a story!

Thank you again to Adrienne for a thought-provoking month of reading! My next month's selection is made and is completely different from any I've done so far. Best to keep you guessing....

Turn the Page....Tuesday (August 2009)

2009-08-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

When Adrienne suggested we read a classic this month, many choices came to mind. I decided on: I, Juan de Pareja simply because I've read it at least three times and I will do so at least once again.

Since we are homeschoolers, there are several books which I choose to read to the children aloud. This is one of them. Since the kids are at different levels, I have read it to them separately and there is still one daughter waiting her turn. (Many of you are thinking I'm crazy at this point but I actually enjoy reading it to them on an individual basis. We always have great discussions.)

I love history and this book focuses on the time period of slavery in Spain during the seventeenth century. Juan de Pareja is a slave working for a famous painter, Velazquez. He is loyal and faithful to the family for many years and begins to learn a love of painting. He believes he has talent and wants to be a painter himself but slaves are forbidden to paint.

The chapters follow this great family through many turbulent (and a few exciting) years and we are able to watch the friendship between master and slave develop. I am always taken by the closeness and confiding relationship of the two main characters. This story offers talent, romance, bravery, loyalty, sadness and loss, and years of devotion.

I, Juan de Pareja is a very touching story. It continues to stay with me over the years and already I am looking forward to reading it again. Although the story is just a story, it is based on the few known facts of these two real men. I hope you will read it and not shy away since I've mentioned it as somewhat of a children's book. It was written in 1965 and received a Newberry Medal award. If you do happen to get around to reading it, let me know what you think. It's one of my all-time favorites.

**On a side note: I missed posting my Turn the Page Tuesday last month as I was out gallivanting in the south trying to warm up my cold body from last winter in northern Illinois. I hate to promise something and then not fulfill it so the post intended for last month is directly below. I hope you'll take the time to read it as I enjoyed the book and thought myself very clever for combining the book subject with the object taking all of my free time that month. I often get a bit proud of myself and then quickly fall flat on my face. Last month was no exception. God likes to keep me humble.

Turn the Page Tuesday (July 2009)

2009-08-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

During the month of July, I began a wonderful sewing project. (IF you enjoy sewing, I strongly recommend that you NOT go to that link. You'll get sucked in and I can't be held responsible. The sew-along is complete, however, you could follow along on your own and still create a masterpiece. That wasn't me encouraging you...or anything.)

Sewing is like therapy for me (and many others, I'm told) and though I'm not in any particular need at the moment for some good "therapy", I always relish the time of creativity. I am an avid quilter and have quilted for many years.....enough so that I should probably have more in my personal quilt collection to account for so many years......

At any rate, I decided to read a quilt mystery as I was working on my first-ever quilt-a-long with a wonderful group of people lead by an amazing woman fully-equipped with great sewing skills. So, throughout the month, I read and sewed. Read this fun book: The Winding Ways Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini and sewed on this lovely quilt top.

I was able to meet Jennifer Chiaverini many years ago at the Sinnissippi Quilt Guild in Rockford, Illinois where I attended meetings once a month. It was great to see a woman who appreciated quilts begin to make it in the world of writing. At that point, I believe she had written only one book. She now has quite a few.

This book was interesting as the chapters broke down by character. Each chapter focused on the life on one of the individuals and revealed their background and current dilemma. Since the women were such varying ages and in some cases related to one another, their stories were quite interesting. And as naturally occurs in life, they were at many different stages of living.

I believe I rather found it to be a comfortable book to read. It was good to see the human nature of people and how they struggle through the processes of life. It was enjoyable to imagine a quilt retreat somewhere run by women who love their roles in the art and want to encourage others to try their hand at being so very creative. The description of the mansion and grounds left me wishing for a chance to visit or work there.

Speaking of working there.....I have worked in quilt shops. (Now I'm off on a tangent but seeing how this is MY blog : ) My mother and I first opened a quilt shop in Gretna, Louisiana, just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans. That shop was opened in 1980, when people were just thinking about quilting as a hobby and avenue for art. Everything was still quite traditional and machine work was strictly piecing. I later moved to Colorado where I had a chance to work with Harriet Hargrave for several years. She was taking quilt-making to a new level with machine-quilting. Those were all fun years. Now I'm on my own, sewing on the same sewing table I bought in the late 70s and sewing on the same (amazing!) machine (Bernina 830) that I bought back then too. I can't count the number of hours of sheer bliss I have had on this machine and now I am teaching my youngest daughter to sew. We'll have our snowball quilt finished as soon as the binding is on.

It was easy for me to get carried away in my quilting happiness since the summer offers me more opportunity for sewing than the school year.

Look through Jennifer's current collection of books if you're interested in mysteries and quilting. The book and the sewing were great therapy and much cheaper than the pill/office-visit version with a great pay-off at the end.....something wonderful to stay warm and cuddle under especially if you have a good read in hand!

A Day of Quilts

2009-08-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Our little town recently had a festival complete with quilts. Several of the quilts were auctioned and some were used in a bed-turning. The theme for the bed-turning was: Red and White.

How to Decorate for a High School Graduation Party..........on a Major Budget

2009-08-01T06:11:00.000-07:00

I decided to get creative this year for my son's high school graduation party. No pre-designed, pre-made stuff for us! We were going to forge new trails and come up with our own party decorations.

It seemed to me that decorating with typical kid quotes would be the most fun. Disclaimer: my son did not say ALL of these things.....though he probably thought most of them, if not all. (Sorry, Big Boy) Come to think of it, I have five kids. Put together, they've probably said them all.Correct me if I'm wrong.....but did I see you wince as you remembered saying some of these yourself?

Oh, good, I didn't think so. YOU would never say that!

Strawberry Pyramid

2009-06-08T16:17:00.001-07:00

Strawberry Pyramid
Originally uploaded by jannza

My strawberries are growing nicely. This picture was taken last year when we first set up the bed. Runners can be encouraged to grow on lower levels. (The variety I planted was the ever-bearing strawberry.)

My husband built the pyramid and eventually made a pvc frame which fit over it so the birds wouldn't eat all of our juicy treats!

This year it is doing even better and has many yummy strawberries quickly approaching the ripening stage. I have more plans for these berries than I'll end up having berries, I'm sure. At least I'm guaranteed none will go to waste.

Yikes! Waste strawberries? They send you to jail for that, don't they??

Cut and Ready to Go

2009-06-08T14:56:00.001-07:00

Cut and Ready to Go
Originally uploaded by jannza

I have more than enough strips here to work on the Old Red Barn Co. sew along. I'm intending to make this larger than suggested.

I have made more quilts lately that are on the medium side and I'm looking for MORE COVERAGE! These desperately difficult Illinois winters get the best of me and I need help!

It's exciting to cut the strips and know that the actual sewing is just around the corner. Am I the only one amazed at seeing little pieces of fabric come together to create something beautiful and comforting?

Meet Mrs. Responsible

2009-06-08T14:45:00.001-07:00

Meet Mrs. Responsible
Originally uploaded by jannz

I joined a wonderful quilt-along group and am using fabrics I already have as opposed to purchasing new ones. (Old Red Barn Co. Quilt Along)

It isn't that I wouldn't want to go to a quilt shop and find something delicious. I'm just trying to be "Mrs. Responsible" and do my part to use what I already have. It is so fun to buy more but it will feel good to see it all used up too.

My mother gave me some of her favorite fabric pieces a long time ago. She'd been collecting yellows and grays for a project that never came to fruition. I thought these would be nice to use and they'd find themselves in a quilt where they belong. That makes fabrics so darn happy. : )

Cutting is next!

Short and Sweet......Bittersweet

2009-06-08T13:35:00.001-07:00

52 Weeks of Living - Week 22: Porch Music
Originally uploaded by jannza

I always know when the boys aren't home. I have a cupboard full of glasses. I have so many clean glasses that they won't all fit on the shelves!

I love having the choice of what to drink out of.
I love knowing the glasses are clean and not sitting dirty hither and yonder.
I love seeing things put away where they belong.

I don't love missing my boys.
I don't love their time away from home.
I don't love the lack of porch music.
I don't love days that go by without seeing their smiling faces.

Spoken like a true mom,
Me

Turn the Page.....Tuesday

2009-06-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

It's the first Tuesday of the month again. I get so excited thinking I have a little homework to be working on through the month and I picture the others diligently working away on their homework assignment too. Pages flipping, plots thickening....ooo, the juiciness of it all. More books waiting patiently for us to discover, and sadly, some worth leaving alone.

In my normal routine excitement (can excitement be routine?), I rushed home with my monthly book from our very sweet but very accommodating library. Like a wise student I began reading early in the month. After only a few chapters I quickly realized this book WASN'T going to do it for me. And you're probably wondering which book I'm talking about. (We could have a Don't Turn That Page.....Tuesday sometime but not today! And I'm not the "boss" of this class anyway.....though she is a lovely person. : )

Pressing on......I quickly drove myself back. This time I walked the isles trying to find something that would be newish and interesting to those of you out there who love to spend your time reading and would be willing to try a new book based on someone's (my!) recommendation.

I picked up several and decided on: I'm still working on history, just a very different time period. Go back with me to the Gold Rush days of 1880. It's difficult to imagine just what life would have been like though we have many books and movies to help us.

Mattie O'Keefe decides to run when her present life is too threatening and a male relationship is too dangerous. Her best option is to meet up with her brother in Deadwood, South Dakota. Bravely travelling alone, Mattie finds that even her anticipated life with Dillon, her brother, is not turning out as expected. Quickly left on her own due to an unexpected death, Mattie must now find a way to survive in this rough society or leave again into another unknown.

Pulled in by the lure of gold, Mattie decides that working her brother's claim might be a way to survive and thrive! Dillon's claim is prosperous and she begins to believe that enough gold might see her through to better days.

Swede, a female teamster who is hauling frieght to the Deadwood region, is moved to compassion as she understands the need to exist on will alone. She begins to help Mattie and comes to count on Mattie's help with her own family as she must continue her trips to bring in more supplies in the hopes of becoming one of Deadwood's new stores.

One by one Mattie is taken in by a few of the town's members and made to feel a part of a community. Tom English is a kind-hearted man who respects Mattie and wants to see her succeed. Aunt Lou, a godly woman, can always be found in the one town restaurant cooking up delicious dinners as well as thought-provoking advice. And Aron Gallagher is determined to preach God's word in spite of the ridicule he receives from the town's people. As much as Mattie wants to trust people, she finds it quite difficult in light of her troubled past. In all of this, the deadly relationship of the past hovers over Mattie and threatens her again. Deadwood isn't safe from "him" and it isn't safe from disease. Both plague the town and bring havoc from which to flee.

Stephanie Grace Whitson is a delightful author. My interest in her peaked when I found that she started to become interested in writing as she taught her home-schooled children how to write. This lady has a life filled with kids, grandkids, quilts (I LOVE quilting), books, a devoted husband (sorry to put him so near the end of the list as I'm sure he really doesn't rank there) and a love for the Lord. I can't leave out the fact that she is a public speaker....love that too! We could be sisters! Well, not exactly, she doesn't even know I exist......

Hope you'll consider reading some of her collection. She has several series to choose from and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

I was tempted to write a non-fiction book myself this month about a very cold and wet spring that doesn't seem to want to warm up. But it would sound like I was complaining too much and truth is, I've been inspired to be a part of my first-ever quilt-a-long with the Old Red Barn Co. I'll be blogging about that delightful fun-filled adventure soon, so soon. And I can brag a bit as I'm using fabrics from my "already-here" collection instead of supporting the economy and buying something completely delicious. (sense my responsible side speaking?) Pictures of the fabrics (and sewing progress to come) are already showing up on my flickr account.

For more reviews, check out Some of a Kind and have a wonderful time this month turning your own page. Remember to keep your brain (and body) active. The best is yet to come!

2009-05-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mom

City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana
Mother and Daughter Feeding the Ducks

You've always been a great mother and I can't thank you enough for your constant loving kindness and support these many years.

Love you,
Jan

Turn the Page.....Tuesday

2009-05-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

Summer of My German Soldier
Bette Greene

I'd bought this book years ago planning to use it for a reading selection at a time when we were going through WWII in history. I wasn't rushing to read it since the cover had it portrayed as a "youthful romance." Still it was a "National Book Award Finalist" and "An ALA Notable Book" so I held out hope for something worthwhile. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased that the characters held my attention well after I'd finished reading the book. I found myself pondering the arrangement of the friendship and recalling another friendship of great value to me.

I am friends with two dear people who love beyond the pain and 1940s wartime memories....one of German decent and one of Jewish decent.

The main character, twelve-year-old Patty, tells the story of living during this difficult period in history. Her family is Jewish, lives in Arkansas and owns a store.

Small town life in Arkansas was the setting for the strong emotions of a war that waged in Germany and in the hearts of the faithful southern Americans who'd sent their sons to fight. Loyalty was prized and the idea of a Jewish girl aiding a German was unthinkable. But Patty was anxious for acceptance and though her parents offered none, she tried diligently to gain their respect.

Patty's tale became captivating as I followed her desire to impress and please her parents. She longed for their attention and love. I felt myself cringing as she was mistreated by her father and as her mother looked the other way and was interested only in her own personal affairs.

Anton, one of the German prisoners, recognized Patty's strengths and through their friendship he boosted her confidence and reminded her of her own personal value. Anton, though supposedly "bad" since he was German, taught Patty that she had a worth that even she had begun to question. Their friendship enabled Patty to transition into a deeper and more meaningful life.

The family housekeeper, Ruth, was one of my favorite characters. She genuinely loved Patty and faithfully cared for her much as her own mother should have been doing. I could easily picture her and her gentle ways.

Summer of my German Soldier was not the "happily-ever-after youthful romance" I feared it might be. There were twists and turns that kept my attention. I look forward to using it later in our schooling as we discuss WWII. But more than the political discussion it might arouse, I look forward to the discussion surrounding how we value others and the situations that cause us to risk all for someone else.

I have already chosen next month's selection. It won't be a children's book, however it will still be historical in nature. Thank you to Some of a Kind for planning this project. Look forward to seeing you then.....

Easter Joy

2009-04-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

The tomb is empty but my heart is not.Eternally thankful for His love.

2009-04-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

Turn the Page....Tuesday

This is my second go-round with Hattie Big Sky. I read it the first time for fun on my own. I tend to read a lot of possible books for future use. This one was so enjoyable that I decided to do a "read-aloud" with my daughter since we happened to be studying homesteading.

The story takes place during WWI and opens your eyes to the difficulties of "proving up" your land. I always feel proud of the men and women who worked so hard to make lives for themselves and their families. The work never ended...but neither did their dreams.

Americans weren't just struggling with the war but also their feelings toward Germans.

This story follows the life of a girl as she tries out her life on a homestead. She longs for a place to call her own and plans to work hard to accomplish the mandatory requirements within the deadline given her. Hattie is confronted with the emotions of her neighbors as they work on their own homesteads and as the hatred for Germans grows.

The story has provided many opportunities for discussion. It has also offered us a few laughs as the various characters reveal their natures. You'll find yourself hoping things work out for Hattie as she does her best with the rules she must follow, looming deadlines, weather conditions, kindly neighbors, threatening neighbors and the learning of many skills she's had no experience with in her past....all at the ripe age of sixteen.

To aid in your understanding of the war-times, Hattie corresponds with her school-friend, Charlie. As he writes to her from Europe, she begins to understand the changes taking place in both of their lives. Growing up quickly is no easy business, now or then.

I can honestly say that I really enjoy this book and would highly recommend it to anyone. Written by Kirby Larson in 2006, it won the Newbery Honor.

The REAL way to make Fresh Homemade Tomato Sauce

2009-03-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

(First written to help out my homeschool mom-friends)

Ya'll had me laughing today when I was so kindly reminded of breaking the rules! Mentioning a delicious recipe without giving it is and SHOULD BE against the rules. I just hate to hear about something wonderful and not be able to try it out myself so I completely understand.

So......

step-by-step

1. pick a lovely spot in your yard for your tomato plants.....you didn't think I'd start you off with the tomatoes already grown now, did you? We're homeschool moms here. Shouldn't we first talk about whether or not a tomato is a veggie or fruit? Did you know it was part of the "nightshade" family? Why, I've always wondered.....it loves the sun! Can I bring up heirloom tomato varieties? Does anyone here want to write the plural of tomato on the board for us? Any songs about tomatoes? "You say potato and I say patato, you say tomato and I say tamato...." And in this group we'll not forget to discuss the history of the tomato.....thought to be poisonous....or how it was often referred to as the "love apple." Please, would you in the back there mind writing up a short article on tomato planting and harvesting..complete with an "ly" word, a who/which clause, and an interesting adjective and adverb, double-spaced of course....

2. OK, now that you've got your location picked out and your history, spelling, sing-a-long, botanical, grammatical and writing assignments in order, let's move on to a few general helpful hints. Give your plants loads of sunlight. If you decide to try out SFG, you'll want 1 plant/sq. ft. (I love that abbreviation stuff....looks like I'm such a technical writer!) You'll be so tired from setting up the garden and planting that you'll need to go out to KFC using your GPS and if your husband is your main-man helper, he'll be needing some TLC. He'll be so happy you got the IRS and a possible audit out of his mind this time of year, the CIA and the FBI off his back, he'll want to get fancy with the garden but KISS. Trust me. And in case the kids are running through the garden too much, send them in the house to make some PB&J or BLT sandwiches.

3. After the tomato plants are growing and you're ready to harvest, pick your juicy fruits (or veggies...whatever you decided to call them). Bring them into the house and take a picture of them before they meet their maker, that's you and God. Get a pot of water boiling, stab the tomato with a fork and put it into the water for about 30 seconds. When you lift it out, the skin will peel off easily. In another big pot, simmer some onions, bell peppers, garlic, basil and oregano (fresh if you put that in your garden - I do!), a wee bit of salt and a tad of sugar in a splash of virgin olive oil.

4. After you've peeled your toms, quarter them and put them in the pot of spices and veggies. Now just let them cook and soak up all that flavor you just created. Stir and watch them melt away into goodness that will eventually go into your delectable dishes. You can strain them to remove the seeds if you didn't do so before cooking them or just let them be themselves and stay in the sauce. I say, let's just all get-along. Stay in the sauce and be happy.

5. Now you can put them in freezer bags and store them flat (saves space) or you can can them according to directions you'll find on www.freshpreserving.com.

I use these in all types of cooking: chili, spaghetti, soups, etc. Don't be surprised when you see that they aren't as dark as the sauces you buy in the grocery. You may also be impressed when you consider how many tomato plants the pioneer and homesteading families must have had to grow to feed their family year-round. Math! How many tomatoes does it take to make one large pot of spaghetti sauce? How many tomatoes do you need if one train leaves Houston at 4pm going 50 mph and another train leaves Memphis at 2:30pm going 45mph and everyone on the train wants tomatoes on their salad? No, the trains never meet. Why? Because I always trembled in fear when I knew those trains were going to meet and possibly crash! All those innocent people!....just for the sake of one math problem??? Not in my story!

Well, this has been fun. Hope you're more interested now in SFG, eating tomatoes, making homemade sauce, lining your pantry with pretty canning jars, writing essays about tomatoes and eating salads on trains.

Any questions? Oh, the measurements.....You know your family and their preferences. Just make it up as you go along, sing while you cook, stir and laugh, offer your husband a taste from a gigantic spoon, speak Italian with a twinkle in your eye.

Want to know how much a splash is? Well, Darlin', it all depends on how big you are when you hit the water.

Time to run.

SWAK,
Jan

2009-03-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

I know everyone's seen this a kazillion times. I can't help myself...I just love it so much.

Do ya love me????

Let's do the twist.......

The Birthday Boy

2009-03-12T11:15:00.000-07:00

Some time ago...

How do these children grow up so fast!? Time moves along like it's in a big rush to get somewhere fast. What's the hurry? Can't we slow down a little and smell the roses?....or coffee?....or in this guy's case, the vanilla cupcakes? (Make that chocolate cupcakes as the E-girl pulled a switch on Birthday Boy without his knowing until it was too darn late. )

Mr. Middle-child just celebrated 17 years yesterday. I tried to tell him to enjoy these days as birthdays start coming very quickly after this.

Everyone's so excited to be 18, then 21. Then zip.........you're 26 and then 30 and whee.....you're off again. It's fun but fast.

Here's to you, Mr. Middle! Be smart, safe and wise all your days and remember the value of family. We all love you. And drive safe!

The 17-year-old version

Mardi Gras Madness

2009-02-26T18:30:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to make my own King Cake and did so with a fairly good measure of success. We all enjoyed it and I'd say it turned out quite pretty. I used a recipe very similar to this. I had so much fun making it that I'm sure my next try will have a special filling....I just can't decide which one yet.

If you decide to make one yourself, don't forget the baby.

Good Things Come in Small Packages

2009-02-22T19:15:00.001-08:00

Good things do come in small packages....small packages with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese oozing out, small packages with tiny red pepper things slipped into the seams and small packages with bowls of homemade marinara sauce ready for the dipping.

Here they are beginning to get loaded with goodies. They aren't finished yet. I just wanted you to see the process. I'm dreaming up all of the other combinations I can squeeze into these little bundles. Italian sausage, black olives, pepper rings....

They wrap up just as pretty as you please. Once you bake them be prepared to run or hoard. Running means you won't get any and hoarding means you'll have a lot of explaining to do about that delicious aroma in the house.

I opted for running. I made 33 of them and invited teenage boys over (for a band practice) and between them and Beeb and her daddy, they were gone. Woosh, gone...and then there they were..... just scrounging around looking for more...darn boys!

I was inspired to make these from Chickens in the Road. I added a yummy dipping sauce. I think the sauce just takes it over the top.

I'm thinking maybe next time I'll hoard them. What they don't know won't hurt them, right? I'll just open the windows and let a breeze (albeit a 20 degree breeze) rush through the house clearing out all signs of fresh baked bread and pepperoni goodness.

Don't worry, I can't really do that. I'm southern and we're allergic to 20-degree breezes.

Care for a wee bite?

Warming Up Mongolia

2009-02-21T14:41:00.000-08:00

Being warm is one of my favorite things this time of year. While my southern family may not be hurting too much with the climate, I am. Today is a perfect example of gusty winds, plenty of snow and dressing in layers, preferably woolen layers.

I recently read that the capital of Mongolia, Ulanbaatar, is the coldest capital city in the world with their nighttime temperatures falling to -40 degrees. Ouch.

The Dulaan Project was organized to help the less fortunate people of that city stay warm with donated hats, mittens, scarves and afghans from knitters and crocheters.

Seeing as how my first-born went to Mongolia last year, I thought it would be fitting to donate to a group who care about individuals on the other side of the world.

The people of Mongolia and I have something in common: we like to be warm when it's bitter outside. I can't imagine struggling to stay comfortable under such conditions.

I felt called to action and this red piece was the outcome. It's a lovely basketweave stitch and works up to be quite a dense scarf. I'm full of hope that it will change someone's night into a slightly warmer and more comfortable evening with fewer shivers and more sweet dreams.

Thank You

2009-02-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Pete-Bakes! for a great cookbook. Since I already enjoy making great artisan breads, this will be fun to use. I've never won a cookbook before!

I'll be sure to share my endeavors in the future.

Who Says Math Isn't Fun?

2009-02-18T15:54:00.000-08:00

"I hate math!"

Oh, such dreaded words. How to get a child to do their math, understand it and stop complaining! Ever try racing through the problems with them?

Really,
On your mark
Get set
Go!

I'm guessing this technique works best with a slightly competitive child but it's worth a try....

And then there's always snack time afterward....

Weekend of Love

2009-02-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

Embrace
Kiss
Hug
Touch
Swoon
Smile
Remember
Dream
Admire
Treasure
Love

This is Scary

2009-02-12T11:09:00.000-08:00

What does a teenage boy make himself for lunch? He rummages around the kitchen for a while, heats up the oven and comes out bearing.....what's that??!!

I didn't make this I just grabbed it out of his hands 'cause I wanted a picture for all posterity. And proof of how much this boy eats! Yikes!

Romantic Brunch

2009-02-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you, little one, for the delicious romantic brunch you made for me and Daddy.

I'm Just Here for the Food

2009-02-01T18:48:00.001-08:00

Superbowl Sunday....is it the team or the food that drives you?

For me it's all about the food although I don't mind hearing people go on about their favorite team. Backed into a corner, I almost always cheer for the underdog. Second thought, I ALWAYS cheer for the underdog. I can't help myself. It just seems like they need me! Can you tell that my gifts are compassion and mercy?

While those boys are out there passing that football across the grass, I'm curious, what are you passing around the livingroom today?

I decided to spend the day in the kitchen for the most part working on something delicious.

Winter and I have had a parting of ways. We aren't on the best terms anymore (were we ever?!) so I'm rebelling and focusing all of my cooking energies on the southern delicacies I've always known and loved. How about some home cookin'? Are you thinking BBQ shrimp? This isn't the traditional BBQ sauce (although that can be mighty tasty too). This version is full of.......something too fattening to discuss in public... in quantities too obscene to mention. (butter, shhh) Let's just say Paula Dean would be proud of me today. We'll leave it at that. It is loaded with fresh garlic too and other yummy spices. All of this adds up to a New Orleans delicacy too good to pass....quarterback or not.

And to sop up the gravy?

What else:
A sweet little artesian bread...not sweet as in Hawaiian but sweet as in, "I can make you feel better about the other team winning."

Turns out that's just what I needed. The underdog is still the underdog. And they still need me, even though I'm no great sports fan.

At least the food was a winner.

Superbowl Sunday: Food!

2009-02-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

I'm only here for the food. I like hearing everyone else talk about their favorite team but I want to work in the kitchen making something wonderfully delicious.

Today was a southern event for me. Winter and I aren't on the best terms anymore (were we ever?!) so it was time I pulled out my secret weapon: food that makes me feel like I'm somewhere warmer. I can play mind games when I need to......
Are you thinking BBQ Shrimp? This isn't even related to traditional BBQ sauce (which can also be amazingly delicious). The concoction you're looking at here (and salivating over) is a delightful mix of something too fattening to talk about in public in quantities which fall off the rhict

January Snowballs

2009-01-24T12:41:00.000-08:00

About the only kind of snowballs I can stand for very long are one of two pleasing varieties. There's the delicious offered-in-many-amazing-flavors: New Orleans snowballs...a sweet ice-cold treat in a cup.

The other variety is easier for me to get at the moment and I'm pleased as punch to be teaching the technique to my younger daughter: the snowball quilt pattern. We have started working on a quilt-pattern-a-month plan so she can learn more about this new disease she is suffering from: sewing!
This morning our girl time was spent setting up for the January pattern. Cutting, playing with colors, ironing, pinning and finally sewing...with a short break in there for a hot bowl of homemade potato soup with cheese and one quick Andy Griffith show.
The outcome was a lot of oos and aahs at her beautiful first attempt at making snowballs that won't leave you freezing...in fact, they may even warm you up. Not as tasty as a New Orleans snowball but much better than the seemingly endless white variety we have sitting out in the front yard.

Saturday Sillies

2009-01-24T12:35:00.001-08:00

Home-cookin' always does this to me. Is it knowing that I'm about to be eat something amazing or is it the savory aroma playing with my mind???

Teach a Girl to Cook.....

2009-01-23T08:43:00.001-08:00

and she'll feed her teenage brothers for a while.

Yesterday, Jenna and I made an apple bread using a Pete-Bakes recipe. I found it to be too dry when using his exact measurements so I added a bit more milk. We also added a vanilla glaze (his recipe doesn't use one). These breads go so quickly at our house, especially when stuffed into lunches for work or when a stealthy maneuver occurs at midnight...which happens frequently around here!

Boy can those guys eat! We clock a lot of time in the kitchen working on old and new recipes, mostly created from scratch cooking, to feed this family.

Today I'm working on a delicious beef stew made with no-hormone beef and homemade beef stock. The stew meat is browned in oil for a crispy piece of meat and a built-in roux. I've also got a herb bread rising that is full of oregano, basil and garlic. Comfort is on it's way.

52 Weeks of Living

2009-01-19T14:58:00.000-08:00

2009 has me reflecting on 2008 and what I accomplished. My flickr account reminds me of how much we did and takes me back to fond memories. I decided to help myself out next year when this urging comes again by taking one picture a week this year.