Food for Thought--Stovetop Pizza

While I'd like to eat 100% organically, I'm not there yet. But I'm always delighted when I find a new recipe that is quick and easy as well as all natural and nutritious. This quick stove top version of pizza filled the bill and provided a very satisfying quick meal after a day of shopping with my bestest buddy.

I had a jump start on the prep work as I had whole wheat pizza dough snuggled in the freezer. Early in the day, I took out a ball to defrost in the fridge and then let it rest at room temperature for a half hour before I started cooking.

A batch of pizza dough makes four 8 -10" pizzas. I use a very basic recipe and have had great success using Gold Medal Organic White Whole Wheat flour.

Dough: 1 pkg yeast (2 1/4 tsp); 1 cup warm water (105° - 115°); 3 1/2 - 4 cups whole wheat flour; 4 TBS olive oil; 1 tsp salt. Mix dough ingredients, knead until smooth, let rise in oiled bowl. Once fully risen, punch down and form into four balls. Proceed with recipe or wrap well and freeze.

I used a very simple topping of one sliced vine-ripened tomato, pitted and chopped Calamata olives, a handful of grated mozzarella cheese and a little dried herb mix of basil, oregano, dried red chili and sea salt. Fresh basil would be a wonderful choice too. This pizza is also well complimented by any leftovers in the frig--chicken breast, etc.

Process: Prepare topping ingredients of your choice. Roll out dough to a 10" round. Heat 10" or 12" skillet over medium heat, add a thin layer of olive oil and when it shimmers, arrange dough in pan and continue cooking until bottom browns. Turn dough over in pan, arrange toppings on browned crust and continue cooking until bottom side is browned, toppings are warm, and cheese is melted. Add a lid to help warm toppings or alternatively, place under broiler to finish. With light toppings, as pictured above, adding a lid for a few minutes melted the cheese quickly and the whole process from start to finish didn't take but 5 - 6 minutes

Dreaming and Creating

So, if you can't be where you really want to be, with whom you really want to be with, doing what you'd really love to be doing on a cold and rainy afternoon, being creative is the next best thing. I guess. So, with a $4.00 pair of Goodwill jeans and a fabric remnant from the craft closet, I created a funky little full length skirt that will be the admired by many. I saw some that were similar, but not quite as cute, at the Levi's store in Chicago a little while back and even the plainest ones started at over $100.00. I love thrifting and creating and keeping my hands busy, busy, busy. Guess it's part of that nesting gene.

101 Things About Me....

....just me

1. My name is Rhonda but the two men I really, really loved called me Ronni.
2. I believe there are only two ways out of this life. One way is to go out knowing the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the other way is to not.
3. I believe that I do know His love and sacrifice, even if I don’t act like it sometimes.
4. I was born in Alexandria, Virginia at 6:33 a.m. October 5, 19--. I’ve been a “morning person” ever since.
5. I’m a vegetarian at heart. I do eat meat sometimes but I can basically do without it.
6. Last week I was nominated by my co-workers for 'nurse of the month.' The facility where I work employs a staff of about 2000, so this is quite an honor.
7. I have 1 brother who is 3 years younger than me. I am the oldest child and first to make it. My mom had 3 miscarrriages prior to my birth.
8. I am a labor and delivery nurse and I love my job and all aspects of childbirth, especially when done naturally.
9. I cherish the relationship I have with my best friend, Elizabeth.
10. I usually don't publish the comments to my blog. I consider them my personal messages.
11. Most of my friends know God.
12. I still love my former boyfriend's family. They always welcomed me with wide open arms. When death was at Mama Bella's door she chose to depart this life in my home. I'll treasure that experience forever.
13. I have two children, Justin and Jarad, and would love to have been blessed with a few more.
14. I was married in July and both my children have July birthdays.
15. I love autumn. I wonder if it's because I was born then?
16. I love gardening and having a yard full of beautiful blooms.
17. As a kid, my ambition was to be a wife and have babies. I can't say that ever changed much.
18. I say that I'm 5 feet tall but I'm actually 4'11 3/4".
19. I like to grow my own vegetables organically.
20. I’m very good at remembering the date of events which are/were special to me.
21. I usually can't remember the name of a famous actor or actress - or name a movie I watched last night for that matter - to save my own life.
22. When I'm really, really in the mood, which is rare, I enjoy doing a little oil painting. I get lost in my thoughts while painting, then I usually give the work to someone I care about.
23. I want to learn to lay tile so I can install my own travertine floors.
24. I hate cigarette smoke and could never kiss a smoker.
25. I love to hang clothes on the line. Especially sheets.
26. I am a born nester. The nest is feathered and refeathered continuously.
27. I really love to cook...
28. ...and to decorate my home.
29. I am an aroma-therapy addict. You will always find luscious candles burning in my home. Always.
30. I first married 3 months before my 20th birthday. Too young.
31. I believe God will supply all my needs as well as my wants...
32. ...as long as my wants bring glory to Him and are not a reproach to the kingdom
33. I love fresh flowers in my home. I don't purchase them very often because they can be expensive.
34. I love rich earth tones--red, browns, golds, greens in my home.
35. Once I drove to New Mexico and was so moved by the beauty of the mountains that I stopped my car and cried
36. and thanked God for sharing His magnificent creation with me.
37. I don't feel fully dressed without some type of delicious perfume. The original Oscar de la Renta is my signature fragrance.
38. I try to walk 8 laps a day at the track. With each lap I pray for a different person/situation.
39. I just had my hair cut by 5 inches. It had not been cut in 3 years. Now it comes just to my bra band.
40. I am a true blonde in every sense of the word. I rarely color my hair and even then it's just to brighten it a little.
41. I don’t like cats, in general, and never really did.
42. I have two parrots who love to talk. Their names are Rita-baby and Romeo.
43. Andi is my yorkinese and she is the cutest dog I've ever seen. She is also the only pet I've ever had as an adult. I love her to pieces.
44. I depend on the grace and mercy of God to get me through each day.
45. When Jarad as 10 months old he had spinal meningitis and was in a coma for many days. He was air lifted to Houston where the specialists said he was already deaf and blind and would never get off of life support. I chose to believe the word of God wherein we are told 'by His stripes we WERE healed.'
46. Jarad is a completely normal 29 year old man. He lives in Austin and is a self employed electrical contractor and does quite well for himself. I am very proud of him.
47. I loved being pregnant (for the most part), and loved breastfeeding even more.
48. My former fiance delivered my grandbaby. It was a very sweet, touching event.
49. I usually wear hospital scrubs when I'm doing heavy duty housework or cleaning the yard.
50. My oldest son lost his left lower leg in a motorcycle accident when he was 26 years old. Thank God it was just a leg. He is doing wonderfully now and unless he's wearing shorts you would never know. Again, I thank God for grace and mercy.
51. I love a natural look and wear minimal make-up.
52. I am more comfortable with myself now than I've ever been in my life.
53. I have only one grandchild--Savannah.
54. I love Savannah like no other and we're very, very close.
55. My ex husband and I are friends, not close friends, but friends.
56. I wish I lived in a place where I could simply step outside to take a nice walk through the mountains.
57. I have advanced certification in obstetrical nursing.
58. I was 39 and my mother was 59 when she died. We were very close and talked every day--without fail. I miss her every single day of my life.
60. My desire is to be just like my mom. She was absolutely awesome.
61. I love the magnificent wonders of nature
62. and to hike and walk and enjoy good conversation.
63. I love to sit around a camp fire, kissing and being held close by the one I love
64. and chatting with good friends.
65. I love the mystery of the ocean, and lakes and rivers.
66. I love a good road trip with the one I love.
67. If I had to choose a career again I would be a defense attorney.
68. I love to crochet and want to learn knitting...one day when I have time.
69. I also know how to quilt.
70. …and to make my own clothes.
71. When I was 15 I got my first job. I worked as a seamstress altering bridal gowns in a fancy salon.
72. I've made beautiful wedding gowns for many happy brides.
73. If push came to shove I could probably live without electricity. I did it for 3 weeks following Hurricane Rita.
74. I know in my heart that one day I'm going to live in the mountains with the man I love. God is going to send him and we'll live happily ever after, making every day better than the day before.
75. ...and our love will be SUPER-SIZED.
76. I'm easily moved to tears and often cry after hanging up from a conversation with a special friend.
77. Once I turned my ankle and almost fell while crossing a busy San Francisco street...wearing high heels. Close call, but didn't stop me from wearing high heels.
78. I love hugging, kissing, hand-holding and lots of it. I would not survive in a relationship without it.
79. I am faithful to a fault, meaning I usually remain faithful long after the relationship is over.
80. My first real boyfriend is now a judge in the beautiful Colorado Rockies
81. I've never counted how many babies I've delivered before the doctor arrived.
82. I prefer non-fiction over fiction. And biographies, the history channel and documentaries.
83. I love cold weather. And snow. And making out in the private hot tub on the deck in the ski resort.
84. I love hanging sheets out on the line. They smell and feel wonderful.
85. At my house, a bath makes almost everything better. Dim lights, candles, lavender essential oil followed by my special perfume....
86. I love to snuggle on the couch with a blanket straight from the dryer. Heaven.
87. I absolutely love housework and would probably do it for a living if the money was good.
88. Savannah reminds me frequently that I'm her best friend
89. and so does Elizabeth, who is 13 years younger than me.
90. My friends know my door is open to those I love anytime of the night or day. I'm no more than a phone call away.
91. When my kids were teenagers sometimes their friends who were going through tough times lived with us for brief periods. Ron, Matt, Jennifer, Megan and Adrian were like family in those days.
92. I believe in 'soul mates'. I believe you only have one but when life throws you a curve, God sends another.
93. I believe that nothing mends a broken heart like new love.
94. I collect Franciscan pottery, the apple pattern, and I found one of my favorite pieces in a Goodwill store in Las Vegas. It was really strange. I had just said, "I would love to walk in there and find my teapot sitting on the shelf." Well, that's exactly what happened. And it was marked $2.00. Amazing.
95. I believe God will give you whatever you ask for as long as it's not immoral or unGodly.
96. I would love to speak another language and I hope to learn someday, when I have time.
97. I've lived in southeast Texas most of my life but I know without doubt that I will relocate in the future. And I'm ready, as well as excited about that prospect.
98. I'm teaching Savannah to do all things domestic, but greater than that, I'm teaching her to love the Lord.
99. And that we must never, ever let go of our faith, even when the foundation of our world is shaking.
100. She just walked over and gave me a kiss - I can think of few things better.
101. When Jarad was a little tiny guy he used to tell me "I love you millions, mom!" We're very close. He still confides in me and, yes, he still tells me he loves me millions.

Thanksgiving

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~Albert Schweitzer

I'm truly thankful for the ones I love and those who love me. The ones who pushed me to keep going when I had no strength to finish the race. True friends can be counted on one hand---with fingers left over. I'm forever grateful for my true friends, those who know me inside and love me regardless.

Living and Learning

25 things I've learned from 52 years of living...

1. The first four words of the Bible hold all the instructions we'll ever need to reach success in all we do: IN THE BEGINNING GOD
2. That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
3. That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
4. That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
5. That it's taking me an awful long time to become the person I want to be.
6. That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
7. That you can keep going, long after you think you can't.
8. That we are responsible for what we do no matter how we feel.
9. That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
10. That heroes are the people who do what needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
11. That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
12. That my soul mate and I can do anything or absolutely nothing and still have the best day of our lives.
13. That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
14. That sometimes when I am angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
15. That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
16. That it isn't enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
17. That no matter how badly your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.
18. That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't truly love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
19. That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
20. That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.
21. That your life can be changed in a matter of minutes by people who don't even know you.
22. That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out you will find the strength to help.
23. That the people you care about most in life are taken from you much too soon.
24. That life is more precious than money ever will be.
25. When God is first, it always turns out wonderfully.

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength...

My Bestest Buddy

Elizabeth, the most wonderful friend I've ever known, as illustrated by our second to none art instructor, Gary Hernandez


Time passes.
Life happens.
Distance separates.
Children grow up.
Jobs come and go.
Love waxes and wanes.
Men don't keep their solemn promise.
Hearts break.
Parents die.
Colleagues forget favors.
Careers end.

BUT... Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you... or come in and carry you out.

The world wouldn't be the same without these wonderful women, and neither would I.

When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

A year and a half ago Elizabeth and I realized just how strong our bond really is, and just what a blessing it is to know that a true friend is always available...even if it's a 2:00 a.m. knock on the door.

I love you Beth, and I'll always be there, regardless of the miles that may one day come between us.

A Page From the Journal---Hurricane Rita

October 2, 2005

I woke early today, while it was still dark outside. The street lights have been snuffed out by the wrath of Ms. Rita and even the sight of headlights is rare. The silence is almost eery. The city--for the moment--is declared "closed," and actually, I think it may even be illegal for me to be here. But I've chosen to maintain a low profile and stay put. The few officials who are aware of my presence come by to check on me at odd hours and that's been wonderful. And they always come bearing gifts--bags of ice, cases of juice and water, non-perishables. I've got lots to do to restore my property to a state of orderliness and evacuating will only prolong the progress. There's a gazillion leaves to rake and bag and dozens of branches to drag to the curb but as the sun comes up it becomes hotter than hell in this humid aftermath so I must utilize the early morning and late evening hours to complete my tasks.
As I walked across the cold concrete driveway, I noticed the sky was still full of stars. Walking further, an owl greeted me with a full and resonant hooting sound coming from the woods behind the house. This quiet nightscape was actually full of sound, of fresh and damp morning air, of an endless starry sky that seemed to wrap me into itself. I was at once enfolded in the presence of God, unable to feel any boundaries. What an awesome feeling of divine love. What a comfort to know that this enfolding happens not because of who we are, but because of who He is. Not because of our personalities, our deeds, or our intentions, but rather, it's all about Him. In this moment of pure holding, in a moment that seems all too brief, I recognize the person in me that came into this world full of possibility and destined for joyful unveiling and manifestation. This person within is sheltered and usually hidden beneath the thick layers of indoctrination of who I usually see myself to be, beneath convention and programming, beneath all the shoulds and oughts, and all the plans that were made for me by my family and culture. In this moment I feel the pure lightness of this self, the unbounded freedom inherent in my entity. This – my original self – how do I describe her? Well, she is open, naked, uninhibited. She is inquisitive, receptive, and responsive. Though at times unaware of self, she views her intimate world to be emanating from her very self. She is not separate from others; indeed everything she sees seems to be an inexplicable extension of herself. She hungrily searches for eyes, for glimmers of knowing recognition in others. And when she feels this recognition her whole body responds with joyful exuberance. She reacts with amazement at the simplest of miracles. She knows God in a personal and real way, therefore, she knows what real love is, and each day she prays for multifaceted prosperity in her life and in the life of the yet unknown man who will one day be her covenant mate.
In the immediacy of this moment, this fresh moment standing enveloped in darkness, I am alert and conscious, engaged in the immensity of God's magnificent creations. The reality of my smallness is unveiled just as the early light illuminates the low fog rising in the nearby woods. Little me - I am so small, just a speck on the planet, yet not insignificant. I remember who I am. But greater than that, I'm reminded that He knows me better that I know myself. What an awesome God he is. What an awesome plan I believe He has for me.

Life with Andi

I need help. Big help. My ten month old puppy has taken over my domain. She does not understand that when I say "MOVE" it means to go somewhere else, not just change positions and still be in the way. How do I teach her that the dishes with the paw prints are hers and contain her food and the other dishes are mine and contain my food? I need help conveying to her that placing a paw print in the middle of my plate does not stake a claim for it becoming her food dish, nor is it aesthetically pleasing in the slightest. She doesn't understand that the stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Beating me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me does not help, because it's already been proven that I can fall down the stairs, or up, for that matter, a heck of a lot faster than she can run.
I refuse to buy a bed any bigger than what I currently have for the comfort of Andi. I also refuse to get up at night and sleep elsewhere to ensure her comfort. When looking at pictures of other young dogs it seems that they usually curl up in a ball to sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to me, stretched out to the fullest extent possible, but that's her position of choice. (I also know that sticking her tail straight out and having her tongue hanging out the other end to maximize space used is nothing but sarcasm.) Will she ever learn that there is no secret exit from the bathroom, and if by some miracle I beat her there and manage to close the door it is not necessary to claw and whine and stick her nose and paws under the bottom to try to get the door open? I will exit through the same door I entered. In addition, I have been using the bathroom for years...canine attendance is not mandatory.
The proper order is to kiss me, then go sniff the other dogs and cats---not the other way around. I cannot stress this enough. And it would be such a simple change. I really do need advise and wisdom, my friends. Lots of it. But in spite of all these short-comings and more, Andi is a beautiful little honey colored ball of fur and I love her dearly. I'm a new "pet-parent" but I'm keenly aware of the complaints voiced by non-pet owners. For many years I was one of them. But for those who visit and like to complain about my baby, I have the following to say...1. She lives here, you don't. 2. If you're afraid there may be hair on the furniture, don't sit down. 3. I like Andi better than I like most people. 4. To you she's just an animal. To me she is a little short and hairy friend who walks on all fours and is speech challenged. But if you look at the big picture, she can be a heck of a better deal than kids. She's not a finicky eater, doesn't ask for money all the time, she's easier to potty train than the kids were, she usually comes when called---usually, she never asks for my keys, doesn't hang out with drug using friends, never calls me collect from jail, I don't need a million dollars to further her education, and when she becomes a mother, well, I can sell part of the results. So maybe she really isn't so bad after all......

Thankful today

Dear God,

Today, I am thankful for Your healing gifts. And for Your forgiveness, compassion, grace, mercy and love. All there for the taking. All there for the asking.

My cup runneth over: I am alive. I am whole. I am healthy. I am aware of the needs and the pain of those whom I love. I'm comforted in knowing that healing is as close as the mention of Your name. In Your world, cancer is just a name. I'm so thankful that I know a name much bigger than that, the name of Jesus. Our healer. The One who has already paid the price for us to walk in divine health. I claim that promise for myself, and for the one my heart cries for.

For this magnificent blessing, I am grateful.

Friday Morning Thoughts...

“So sinks the day-star in the ocean bed…”
-John Milton, Lycidas

Life at the Cottage....

Rita-baby


Romeo

Sometimes, when I'm really tired or downhearted, I feel overwhelmed by my duties and it seems they outnumber the hours of the day. So, a few days ago I began to think about what I could do to decrease my responsibilities and increase my leisure time. While working on this grandiose plan the thought occured to me that perhaps I could sell my 2 African Grey parrots. Romeo, the 12 year old, was given to me about 5 years ago-- a rather nice gift from quite a nice gentleman. I became attached to 'Rome' and a few years later I thought he deserved a pal--thus enters Rita-baby.

Rita-baby arrived days before Hurricane Rita slammed my city, hence her namesake. She's faired well as I struggled to maintain life for 3 weeks without such luxuries as electricity and well stocked grocery stores. She proved to be quite the survivor.

These two are quite a pair. They're rather picky eaters, but they love to eat organically---Granny Smith apples, granola, cheese, peanuts in the shell and salad. No bagged food for these two. They'll toss it out the bars piece by piece. They love to chew up their toys and they've mastered the art of escaping the cage---though they're not brave enough to go any farther than a stroll up the sides and across the top.Honestly, these little feathered guys don't take up a huge amount of time but, they do take a little time---especially if you want them to be articulate. And articulate they are. In the quiet hours of this predawn morning I opened the back door to be greeted by non-stop chatter. Simple bird talk. "Good morning Andi." "Watcha doin girl?" "Praise the Lord!" "Hey Uncle Jarad!" "Hush Andi!" "Let me see!" "Where's Savannah?" Each comment accented with relentless giggling bird and renditions of a ringing phone.

They make me smile in spite of any confusion and despair that's going through my mind right now. How could I let these little guys go? Would they wonder where they are and why I'm not around? Would they still be fed the things they love? Would they cease to speak? These creatures really are little miracles. And they're a nice part of the family unit of this cozy cottage. And they never fail to make me laugh. Somethimes they whistle as though they're calling a dog and Andi, who hasn't figured it out yet, goes jetting to the cage to be greeted by hysterical laughter. She looks puzzled and walks away, only to be tricked again within mere seconds. Ahh, for lifes simple pleasures.

Maybe, just maybe I'll re-think that plan and try to cut a corner or two in another area.

From the Archives.....

While purging old files from the computer today I stumbled across a whopping 530 letters from a previous male relationship. Letters I thought had long ago been deleted, but, somehow, were still hibernating right there in the archives. While perusing a few I came across a letter I had written to my friend Elias, a wonderful Jewish man living in Philadelphia. 'Soul Mates' was the topic and, today, I feel like posting a portion of it right here, mainly because I need to remind myself that yes, I still believe.

You asked what is a soul mate. To me, it is the one person whose love is powerful enough to motivate you to meet your soul, and to do the emotional work of self discovery or awakening. It is that person for whom you will do everything possible to be worthy of the gift of their love. It is the person who drives you to think in more spiritual terms and causes you to realize that aesthetic thinking is not enough---it just doesn't connect the dots---and it's no longer satisfying. When you find your soul mate you will be glad that you didn't hold on to whatever you once had because you thought that was as good as it was ever gonna get. You will realize that love is truly spiritually based. You will know without doubt that it REALLY exists, and it is indeed coming to you. Through your soul mate, you will learn the precious and priceless value of trust. While faith may be extended blindly, trust is something that will develop at its own pace in this experience. I don't know why it's this way, but my guess is that it's probably because sub-consciusly our minds are focused on the evidential. But love and trust will make allowance for all actions of the past, and you will know without doubt that this is something new, therefore, none of the mistakes you or your mate made in the past matter anymore. You will know, without doubt, too, that your heart is in sweet and tender hands...................

Sometimes, God Uses Cyber-Space.....

Just as every hair on our head is numbered by God, He also has a plan for bringing a man and a woman together. He brought Eve to Adam, Rebekah to Isaac and Ruth to Boaz. He will do the same today for those who will trust Him and are willing to wait for His best. And His best by far supercedes anything we could possibly enter into based on our own thinking or the ideas of well meaning friends. In my vivid imagination, I envision God carefully sorting through His magnificent heavenly treasure chest and strategically selecting one of His most highly prized jewels to be my special one of a kind friend. There may be a great distance between His select and me but, for God, the method of delivery is never a problem. He employs all kinds of techniques to make these special deliveries and, sometimes, He even uses cyber-space.

Fall and Breadsticks

Homemade bread is without doubt one of my favorite fall and winter comfort foods and this recipe, given to me by the mother of a dear friend, is definitely a keeper. So in celebration of the wonderful, crisp weather we enjoyed today and the promise of that which is to come, my sweet friend and I spent the entire afternoon together and made these wonderful breadsticks to go along with my second to none baked potato soup and a superb salad made of baby field greens. Breaking bread with a friend, especially this bread, is indeed one of life's blessings.


Soft Breadsticks

3 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, Italian seasoning, coarse salt and/or shredded Parmesan cheese, optional
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in the oil, salt, whole wheat flour and enough all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Let rest for 10 minutes. Divide into 14 portions. Roll each portion into a 9-in. x 1-in. rope. Place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes or until doubled.
Whisk egg and water; brush over dough. Sprinkle with toppings if desired. Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm. Yield: 14 breadsticks.

What We Pass On

Fourteen years ago today, at the funeral of my wonderful mother, I truly realized what “you can’t take it with you” means. I realized this as I said goodbye to her for the very last time. As I held her cold, still hands---the soft, gentle hands that changed my diapers and dried my tears for many, many years. Somewhere, I thought, there’s a handbag with a MasterCard and probably a Visa in it, each bearing her name, but when you’re lying in a whitewashed oak box with every drop of life sustaining blood drained from your body, no one accepts MasterCard.

We all know that life is ephemeral, but on that particular day and in the months that followed, my shattered spirit got a painful but extremely valuable look at life’s simple backstage truths. A soul shaking reminder of what’s important and what’s not. Things like, we come in naked and broke. We may be dressed when we go out, but we’re just as broke. Bill Gates? Going to go out broke. Warren Buffet? Going to go out broke. Oprah Winfrey? Going out broke. Steven King? Broke. Not a crying dime.

All the money you earn, all the stocks you buy, all the mutual funds you trade—all of that is mostly smoke and mirrors. It is still going to be a quarter-past getting late whether you tell the time on a Timex or a Rolex. No matter how large your bank account, no matter how many credit cards you have, sooner or later things will begin to go wrong with the only three things you have that you can really call your own: your body, your spirit and your mind.

With that thought in mind, perhaps one should consider making their life one long gift to others. And why not? All we have is on loan anyway, and all that really lasts is what we pass on.

Charity indeed begins at home. If we are blessed to be able to pay for the college educations of our children then we have done a wonderful thing. If we can give them a further start in life—a place in business, help with a home, so much the better. Because charity begins at home. And up to a certain point, at least–-we are all responsible for the lives we add to the world.

Giving isn’t about the receiver or the gift but, rather, it’s about the giver. It’s for the giver. One doesn’t open one’s wallet or heart to improve the world, although it’s nice when that happens; one does it to improve one’s self. I give because it is the only concrete way of saying that I’m glad to be alive and that I can earn my daily bread doing something that I really enjoy. I love because, as the old addage say’s, ‘it’s not really love until it’s given away.’ Giving has way of taking the focus off ourselves and our own needs and putting it back where it belongs—on the lives we lead, the special people we love, the communities that nurture us.

A life of giving—not just time and money, but love—repays. It helps us remember that although we are going out broke, for right now, well, we’re doing okay. Right now we have the power to do great good for others and for ourselves and to love like we’ve never loved before. And why should we hold back? Because we’re saving it to take with us? Please...