Looking Ahead...On The Eve of the Eve..

This will probably be my last entry for the year 2008. Saturday morning I'll be leaving for an anxiously awaited trip, and there's much to do between now and then.

This post is sort of a re-run of a previous New Year's post which was derived from a questionaire I received in 2005. As those who know me would expect, my answers have not changed much. And though I've never been one to make, or perhaps I should say 'keep' New Year resolutions, I still resolve to do things a little differently in the coming year.

While on this remarkable journey called life, I've learned that sometimes there are no seemingly right or wrong answers in life, and that each decision leads to the here and now, where there are always more questions and more answers which seem to hold everything needed for the moment. I learned long ago to cling to the passage in Proverbs wherein we are told to lean not on our understanding, but to trust God. It's tried and proven and it works. I'm living evidence of that.

I wish you a blessed New Year, a safe New Year...and a New Year filled with Love and Peace and Joy.


1. In one word describe your expectation for the year 2009.

Favor---the God kind. I have faith that God will continue to bless all areas of my life and will fulfill the desire of my heart.

2. If you won the lottery tomorrow, who would you give the first dollar to?

I would give God the first ten percent. He can do more with the remaining ninety percent than I can do with the whole.

3. If you had to choose fame or fortune, which would you choose and why?

Fortune. Fame comes with too many pitfalls. Fortune would allow me to bless others who come my way.

4. What three words would you want associated with your name in memorial?

Faithful, loyal, loving

5. What does the word “time” mean to you?

Time is an illusion we use for our benefit when it suits us least.

6. What three guests (anyone) would you invite to a dinner party?

Assuming my significant other is already present, of course....my mother (if she were still living), my friend Mike Hayes, and author Mark Hanson, a most interesting and phenomenal man whom I had the pleasure of meeting in 1983 while in Napa Valley.

7. Name one work of art or literature you would hate to live without.

Proverbs. My absolute, all time favorite of the favorites. The wisdom of King Solomon is phenomenal.

8. What is your one weakest point of character? Your strongest?

My weakest is probably the fact that I am generous to a fault; my strongest is definitely loyalty, hands down, no doubt.

9. What one quality would you most like to give to your significant other?

His qualities are overwhelming and abundant so anything I could offer would be but an extra portion.

10. If a life affects all others, who would you say yours least affects? Most affects?

Least affects: I believe that would be impossible to say, not knowing which of our actions has the most rippling effect. I believe a simple smile to someone can and does change the world.

Most affects: My beautiful grandaughter, Savannah and, of course, my patients.

11. BONUS: Are you where you thought you would be when, ten years ago, you thought of your future?

Yes and no. I have changed, the world has changed and like John Lennon said, "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I am happy even though I feel I have much to discover, create, and more to experience in love. I am healthy, gainfully employed and have a roof over my head... all is well; all is getting better. I'm favored of God and, yes, all is truly getting better--one sweet day at a time....

Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you, you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.

Luke 2:11-14

Outside My Window...
It's cloudy and gray, very windy, and there's quite a chill in the air. It's a great change from the mid 70's of yesterday which required the a/c to be on much of the day.

I Am Thinking...
About what I should wear for a special up-coming event ;-)

I Am Thankful For...
the wonderous soul cleansing, body and spirit healing, powerful blood of Jesus.

From The Kitchen...
It was 'semi-home made' around here today. Grilled boudain, baked sweet potatoes, field peas, cornbread and iced tea. Good old country comfort food.

I Am Wearing...
A gray sweatshirt with navy pants and my gray and red New Balance runners.

I Am Creating...
a more organized system for filing what seems like thousands of recipes! Part of the organization includes getting rid of all the ones I've hung on to for years but have never yet tried.

I Am Going...
to Macy's later on tonight! I think they are open until midnight and I don't expect the crowd to be too terribly bad. Maybe. This will be my absolute last retail experience until after Christmas!

I Am Reading...
How To Achieve Total Prosperity, a book given to me by the author, Mark Victor Hanson, when he and his wife, Patty, stayed in the condo next door to ours at the Silverado Country Club in Napa Valley, California. That was many moons and many memories ago!

I Am Hoping...
with the help of God, the dream deferred will be made manifest.

I Am Hearing...
A Hallmark Christmas movie is playing in the background. Don't have a clue what this one is, but I usually really enjoy these.

Around The House...
It's warm and cozy and 'Christmassy' around here! The fireplace is burning, candles are glowing and permeating the air with lucious fragrance, and I'm about to get busy in the kitchn making some fudge for my across the street neighbors. Too bad Mr. Wonderful isn't here...

One of My Favorite Things...
is having a few friends over for dinner. I love preparing a special menu and getting my home all spiffed up for my guests. The lights are dimmed and each room is filled with cozy throws, piles of fluffy pillows and wonderful triple scented candles. Lavender soap is at all the sinks and great music plays softly in the background. We have such a great time and get so comfortable that before we know it, hours and hours have passed by!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
I'm off work most of the week so winding up holiday preparations shouldn't be stressful at all. I'll be spending most of the day at my Dads house on Christmas Day and I'm still undecided about what I should take. I'll be preparing a side dish and a dessert, so hopefully I can come up with something pretty special that isn't too labor intense!

A Good Holiday Recipe...



Pumpkin Roll

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup powdered sugar (to sprinkle on towel)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)


DIRECTIONS:
1. PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 15 x 10-inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Grease and flour paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.

2. COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and slat in small bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts.

3. BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.

4. BEAT cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Reroll cake. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired

The Ten Commandments of Intimacy

1. Love God first....Matthew 22:37

2. Always speak the truth to each other...Ephesians 4:25

3. Communicate clearly and honestly...Matthew 5:37

4. Resolve unhealed wounds from the the past and leave them
behind...Phillipians 3:13

5. Forgive your mate everyday...Luke 17:3-4

6. Resolve any anger everyday...Ephesians 4:26

7. When you are wrong, admit it...Proverbs 12:15

8. Don't blame or criticize your mate...Romans 14:13

9. Focus on the positive in each other...Phillipians 4:8

10. Serve your mate everyday...Galatians 5:13

Outside My Window...
all is peaceful and still. The ground is still a little wet from the melted snow which we received on Thursday. I'm thankful to see that my beautiful knock-out roses are thriving and blooming like crazy, even though their gentle stems were dragging the ground a mere 2 days ago.

I am Thinking...
there's much left to do and little time remains! I need to finish a little shopping, a little baking and a little wrapping. I am also reflecting on the wonderful day I spent yesterday with my friend Elizabeth...talking, eating, laughing, shopping and confiding while we perused the wonderful shops of the Galleria.

I am Thankful for...
that cold night in Bethlehem, long, long ago when a child was born. What a difference that event has made in the lives of all mankind.

From the Kitchen...
today would be a good day for chicken spaghetti. Savannah is here and that is one of her favorites. I'll serve a simple salad, garlic bread and iced tea with it. Desserts are rare around here, but today we'll have Almond Butter Pound cake, made from scratch yesterday morning.

I am Wearing...
what I slept in. Enough said.

I am Creating...
Im just beginning a beautiful little pink crocheted baby dress for the expected baby girl of my co-worker who is due just before Easter. Pictures will be posted as the project progresses. I've made many of these over the years and they are beautiful heirlooms, indeed.

I am Going...
nowhere until 7:00 p.m., then it's off to Labor and Delivery. Hope no creatures are stirring tonight.

I am Reading...
my favorite book of all, Proverbs. My, what a blessing it would be to be a true Proverbs woman. That is what I strive for everyday of my life.

I am Hoping..
that time flies at lightening speed for the next few weeks. Got some special plans happening which begin when I depart from George Bush Airport exactly three weeks from this very minute!

I am Hearing...
a commercial about how Nutri-System can change your life. Personally, I can think of much more interesting life change events.

Around the House...
all is calm, all is quiet, except for an occasional "Merry Kissmus!" or "Praise the Lord!" or "What's your name?" or "Where's Andi?" coming from the parrot. Much like a small child, she always wakes up joyful and ready to take on the day. She is so happy to see Andi each morning she can hardly contain herself.

One of My Favorite Things...
is spending Christmas day at my Daddy's house. I'm crossing my fingers that it will be a little on the cold side that day. The sights and sounds and fragrances from the woods are absolutely wonderful!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
finishing the Christmas shopping ranks top, and that includes the wrapping! Savannah has volunteered for that job and I'm glad to pass it on.

A Recipe to Share...



Peppermint Bark

1 lb dark chocolate, chopped
1 lb white chocolate, chopped
12 peppermint candy canes, crushed (about 1 cup)

Melt the dark chocolate and pour onto a jelly roll pan lined with aluminum foil or a silpat. Spread evenly to desired thickness. Place in refrigerator to harden. Sift peppermint candy to separate the large chunks from the peppermint sand. Melt the white chocolate. When cooled, fold the peppermint sand into the white chocolate taking care not to overmix (and getting pink chocolate instead). Remove dark chocolate from the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate on top. Sprinkle the peppermint chunks evenly over the white chocolate and gently press the pieces into the layer. Refrigerate until hardened. Break the bark into pieces.

A Picture To Share...



Did you ever have one of these? I was probably three years old when I had a sock monkey, and I still remember it. What memories flooded my mind when I saw this little guy dangling precariously from the branch of the Christmas tree in Cracker Barrel! I could hardly wait to give him a new home!

Outside my Window...
...it's a little windy and the temp is somewhere in the 40's. Nice little gettin' close to Christmas nip in the air!

I am thinking...
...visions of...well, I'll just say nice visions are dancing in my head!

I am thankful...
...for Jesus.

From the Kitchen...
...13 Bean Soup made with a leftover ham bone was on the menu today, served with cornbread and iced tea.

I am wearing...
...I'll plead the fifth on that one.

I am Creating...
...lists! So much to do, so little time.

I am going...
...somwhere very special in 32 days...

I am reading...
...a guidance book, or perhaps I should say a 'book of suggestions' by none other than Dr. Laura. I love her strong commitment to marriage, family, and doing 'the right thing.'

I am Hoping...
...for the favor of God in a giant mountain my dear friend, Jeffrey, is facing.

I am Hearing...
'All Because of Jesus' by Andre Crouche and Marvin Winans.

Around the House...
...it's beginning to look...and smell...a lot like Christmas. Lucious, holiday scented candles are burning this evening, permeating every little nook and cranny with scents of gingerbread, bayberry and cinnamon.

One of My Favorite Things...
...'I love you' texts from Savannah


A Picture...
...of two little boys who were born one year and five days apart. They call me 'Mom' and I love them more than life. This was taken when Jarad (L) had an emergency appendectomy at the age of 9. His brother, Justin, never left his side...or his bed.


A Favorite Passage...
Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19

'The Baby' Is No Longer A Baby...

...Savannah, my only grandbaby, turned 12 years old yesterday. And though she really isn't a baby anymore, she'll always be this Granmommy's baby...



























Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6

Thanksgiving Food and Thoughts

I have several fancy-schmancy bundt pans, and today I chose to use 'The Rose.' Somehow, the food just seems to little taste better when the table is pretty, the candles are glowing and a few special touches are added here and there.

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Buttermilk Icing

1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups canned solid-pack pumpkin (15 oz can)
3/4 cup buttermilk, well-shaken
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs

For icing:
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons buttermilk (well shaken)
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter bundt pan generously, then dust with flour and knock out the excess.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and salt in a bowl. Whisk together pumpkin, 3/4 cup buttermilk, and vanilla in another bowl.

Beat 1 1/2 sticks butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Then add eggs and beat 1 minute. Reduce speed to low and add flour and pumpkin mixtures alternately in batches, beginning and ending with flour mixture and mixing until batter is just smooth.

Spoon batter into pan and smooth top. Then bake about 45 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick or skewer inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a rack 15 minutes. Then place rack over cake and flip the cake onto rack. Cool 10 minutes more.

For icing:
While cake is cooling, whisk together buttermilk and confectioners sugar until smooth. Drizzle icing over slightly warm cake, then cool cake completely.

Thanksgiving was rather simple around here this year. Jarad couldn't come home, and because I must work tonight I was not be able to go to my Daddy's house, the place we usually all gather for the holidays. So it was just me, Justin, Savannah, 2 of my clients and Andi, of course, who scampered around the table in search of whatever may have landed on the floor. A friend stopped by and brought a pumpkin pie, and another friend came bearing the biggest, prettiest poinsetta I've ever seen. I'm wonderfully blessed to know a handful of folk I can truly call 'friend.'

Regardless of how many or how few gathered around my table today, I know have much to be grateful for. I'm thankful to know and serve the one and only living God---the God who allowed me to be born in this wonderful country of freedom and plenty. May I never forget that my plight could have been much, much different. I have a wonderful family, a precious grand daughter, a sweet place to call home, and the ability to make a good living. I walk in good health and I'm free to gather with believers and worship God any time I so desire. God is good. All the time. And I am thankful.

Outside My Window...
...the sky is gray and it is cool this morning. It has been raining lightly, on and off, for the last couple hours. Not enough to flourish the garden, but just a little kiss for the flowers, with the promise of more to come.

I am Thinking...
...that in the blink of an eye Christmas will be here and I have done virtually nothing to prepare. Zero. Zip. Nada. I usually try to get a head start on my shopping, especially if I have taken a nice trip during the year, because that's often a good way to find unique gifts. Last April I was in Yellowstone and the midwest, but I was so mesmerized by the magnificent mountains that shopping was the last thought on my mind.

I am Thankful for...
...this morning I am thankful for my ability to generate a good income. With the economic state such as it is and nationwide financial uncertainy looming ahead, I am
grateful that I can feel secure in my career. Chances are slim that births will slow down and seasoned L & D nurses are few and far between.

From the Kitchen...
...it's soup day around here and I think today's selection will be corn chowder. My recipe includes potatoes, carrots and smoked ham and it's so wonderful it will knock your socks off!

I am Wearing...
...flannel p.j. bottoms, an oversized tee shirt and some warm, fuzzy socks. Oh, and my hair is pulled up and secured with a yellow pencil because I wasn't motivated enough to get up and get a clip. Lookin' good, I tell ya! Glad the one that matters isn't stopping by this morning...

I am creating...
...still making Santa caps. My goal is to have one for every delivery I have from now until Christmas. They're precious! I'll post a pic later.

I am going...
...nowhere but the routine this week...work, church, Central Market, Sams, Target, and I just may try to pick up a gift or two Friday if there is something unique that I feel is worth fighting the crowd for. Chances are slim I'll be that taken with any given item so I just may try to do a little shopping beforehand.

I am reading...
...I'm still enjoying reading 'The Message.' God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Psalm 23

I am hoping...
...at this point my hope is tucked in a little secret place in my heart, therefore, it is secret!

I am hearing...
...'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' from the Eva Cassidy 'Songbird' CD

Around the House...
...are indications every where that Savannah is here! A tennis shoe here and there, a Twilight CD in the stereo, empty Dorito bags and Dr Pepper cans in the bedroom waste basket and it seems that someone has been in my jewelry box...

One of My Favorite Things...
...is getting into my car when it is squeaky clean with 'armor-alled' tires and shiny wheels and sparkling glass and the hint of vanilla in the interior.

A Picture to Share...
...14 going on 20, with my friend Gayle...her twin Dayle took the pic. Guess which one is me?


fast-forward, uh, a few years...

Dayle and Gayle (on the right). Aren't they cute?

A Great Fall~Holiday Recipe...


Gooey Butter Cake

1 Golden Butter cake mix

1 egg

1 stick butter

Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a greased 13x9 pan.

Topping:

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened

1 stick butter

2 eggs

1 teaspoons of vanilla

1 16 oz. box of powder sugar

Beat cream cheese until smooth, add eggs, vanilla and butter and beat together. Add powdered sugar and mix well.

Spread topping over cake batter and bake for 40-50 minutes until top is a golden brown.

Cool and cut into bars.

The most wonderful of all things in life, I believe,
is the discovery of another human being with
whom ones relationship has a glowing depth,
beauty, and joy...

The innner progressiveness of love between two
human beings is a most marvelous thing; it cannot
be found by looking for it or by passionately
wishing for it. It is sort of a Divine accident.

Sir Hugh Walpole

Feeling A Little Romantic This Morning....

Sonnet XVII
Pablo Neruda

I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz
or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as certain dark things are loved,
secretly, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom and carries
hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body
lives the dense fragrance that rises from the earth.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving

but this, in which there is no I or you,
so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,
so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close.

When Patch read this sonnet to Corrine in the movie 'Patch Adams,' I thought it was just about the sweetest thing I had ever heard. I wanted to know more about it, but finding it was difficult because all I could remember was the last line. Thanks to Google and Amazon, I located the work and within just a few days had my own copy of 100 Love Sonnets, a book of sweet, heartfelt sentiments inspired by the love Pablo Neruda felt for his wife, Matilde.

For Monday, November 17, 2008

Outside My Window...
...it's cold outside...at least by Texas standards! Though it's only 40 degrees, the 92% humidity puts quite a little nip in the air. It should be warm and sunny before long, great weather for some yard work!

I Am Thinking...
...how wonderful my day after New Year's celebration will be! Countin' the days 'til I can get out of Beaumont town and spend some wonderful, quality time with a wonderful, quality friend!


I Am Thankful for...
...Savannah, my sweet little grand-daughter. She spent most of the weekend with me and we had a great time Saturday evening perusing Barnes and Noble, choosing selections to add to her beloved book collection.

From The Kitchen...
...homemade split pea with ham soup is on the menu today. Monday is usually always soup day around here. Most weeks, anyway.

I Am Wearing...
...loose fitting gray Danskin exercise pants, a red long sleeve tee shirt with a Portland Oregon logo on the front and New Balance runners. Did I mention I just did 2 miles at the track? Clarification: I walked, didn't run!

I Am Creating...
...I'm crocheting sweet little Santa hats for all 'my babies' born in the month of December. Considering the exceptionally large number of births we've had in the last couple months, I better get to clicking some needles quickly!

I Am Going...
....to Joann's as soon as the store opens. My good friend recently found a beautiful antique dining room set and I am going to add some plush padding to the chair seats and recover them in a beautiful tapestry.

I Am Reading...
...'The Message'...the New Testament (with Psalms and Proverbs) in contemporary language...'You did it: you changed my wild lament into whirling dance: You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wild flowers.' Psalm 30:11

I am Hoping...
...that the God of second chances will shower His marvelous grace and mercy on the economic situation of this nation. I heard on the morning news today that Citicorp is laying of 53,000 employees. My heart goes out to these families who desperately need our prayers.

I Am Hearing...
...a gift from someone near and dear to my heart...'Bathtub Music'...a soul stirring, heart touching cd full of phenomenal selections. I absolutely love it.

Around The Cottage...
...much of today will be spent working in the front flower beds. I have 70 tulip and 50 daffodil bulbs I must plant soon so I can have a beautiful yard full of spring blossoms on Easter.


One Of My Favorite Things...
...the sights, sounds and fragrances of all things 'holiday'


A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
...nothing firm on the agenda as of yet. I know for sure there's much to be done on the homefront in between catching babies.


A Recipe To Share...



Breakfast Hashbrown Casserole

5 large eggs
1/2 c milk
1 1/4 c frozen hashbrowns(small cubed)
1 c grated tex mex cheese
1 roll of pan sausage, browned & drained
1/3 red pepper, chopped
1/3 green pepper, chopped
1/4 c green onion. chopped
salt, pepper & seasonings to taste

Preheat oven to 350
Add milk to eggs and blend well.
Add all other ingredients.
Pour into well greased 8x8 pan
Bake for 30 min or until knife inserted comes out clean.

A picture to share...


An attempt at oil painting in the beginning days

Home

Wonderful music is playing, scrumptious candles are burning, fresh flowers are on the table and dinner is gently simmering. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed. My heart is full and my soul is content. The latest holiday magazines are on the old trunk/coffee table and a cozy throw is draped over the arm of the chair. I dearly love all things ‘home’...the place which should gather you up like a cashmere blanket, soothe your hurt feelings, and prepare you to go back in to the world and fight dragons.

Because I’m a nester, after spending an entire day making decisions and dealing with sometimes cranky people, I can hardly wait to get home. And when I come home I want my house to feel secure and beautiful, sort of like the way you feel when you get into a bed piled high with fluffy pillows—you just feel safe.

Like with most people, the heartbeat of my home is in the kitchen—-the place where my guests and I always end up. It has lots of natural light and just outside the breakfast room window is a lovely birdbath and a bird feeder where the cardinals and blue jays routinely gather for daily meals. Many are the secrets and hopes and tears and fears that have been shared at my kitchen table over a cup of tea. Mercy.

What few realize is that what makes a home feel warm and cozy and casual doesn’t just happen, but is actually quite deliberate. The key is finding what works for you and what appeals to all the senses of those who enter your world. But more than being captivated by delicious aromas and beautiful flowers and rugs, when entering my humble abode I want those whom I love to feel my warm embrace, which I hope will make them feel right at home. I want my guests to feel as comfortable as if they are family, a feeling that will always make them want to come back for more.

I Am More...

I'm more...Open than Closed.

I'm more...Up than Down.

I'm more...Work it out than Give it up.

I'm more...Staying up late on Friday night than sleeping in late on Saturday morning.

I'm more...Dr. Phil than Oprah

I'm more...Marble Slab than Maggie Moo's.

I'm more...Cheddar’s than Applebee’s.

I'm more...Smooth Jazz and Oldies than the new stuff.

I'm more...Tea than soda.

I'm more...Hot tub than Pool.

I'm more...Pedicure than Manicure.

I'm more...Seafood than Steak.

I'm more..."Where will we go eat?" than "Where will we go hike?"

I'm more...UT than Texas Tech.

I'm more...'au naturale' than 'made up'.

I'm more...Snow than Sand.

I'm more...Beth, Micki and Dee than Lindsey, Brittany and Paris.

I'm more...Makeup off than Makeup on.

I'm more...Thrifty than Impulsive.

I'm more...Foot massage than Back massage.

I'm more...Crochet than Knit.

I'm more...Giver than Taker.

I'm more...Selfless than selfish.

I'm more...Southern Living than Cosmopolitan.

I'm more...Granmommy than Saturday night with friends.

I'm more...Tender than tough.

I'm more...Brave than bitter.

I'm more...Courageous than Cowardly.

I'm more...Laughter than Tears.

I'm more...Fun than Boring.

I'm more...Loyal than Intrigued.

I'm more...Dog than cat.

I'm more...Mountains than desert.

I'm more...Trusting than Paranoid.

I'm more...Make you happy than Make me happy.

I'm more...Mom than I ever thought possible.

I'm more...Thankful than Thoughtless.

I'm more...Loved than lonely.

FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2008...

Outside My Window...
It seems that it's going to be another absolutely beautiful fall day, just like the weekend was. It's cool and crisp, perfect for a nice morning bike ride, and I will probably have to wear a light jacket if I stay outside very long. I love this time of year!

I Am Thinking...
About some wonderful plans I have for the first of the year. I can hardly wait to spend some special time with a friend who is near and dear to me. I'm counting the days!

I Am Thankful For...
My unmovable and unimaginably strong faith! I will go to God for anything and everything, regarless of how large of small, because I believe what's important to me is important to Him too. He's proven that to me time and time again.

From The Kitchen...
On the menu today is my wonderful, homemade chicken soup. It's a winner!

I Am Wearing...
Still in hospital scrubs right now. We had an extra busy shift last night which included 2 unscheduled c-sections, and those take a lot of time. I'm really tired. I'm about to hit the tub and change into something cozy and take a nap.

I Am Creating...
Right now I'm crocheting 100% organic cotton dish cloths. Once you try them you'll never use anything else...these things are just that wonderful! I've given away dozens of them and people are always happy to receive them.

I Am Going...
To the eye doctor as soon as I can get in. Hopefully, it will be this week. I lost my good glasses during the hurricane clean-up and I need to replace them as well as have a contact exam.

I Am Hoping...
That my banged up retirement account heals quickly and thrives for the happily ever after.

I Am Hearing...
The Early Show. They're showing some old footage and playing Little Anthony and the Imperials singing 'Going Out Of My Head.' Sweet song.

Around The House...
I see countless things that make a house a home. Lots of fluffy pillows, nicely framed art, books for 'arm-chair' travel, wonderful aromatic candles and lots of other treats to make my guests feel special.

One Of My Favorite Things...
Is surprising those I love with wonderful little things I find which make me think of them. These little gifts don't have to be costly or fancy, just special tokens, often with a little sentiment attached.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
Nothing big or exciting is on the horizon at the moment. I'm working on cleaning out and reorganizing some closets and storage areas and, I almost forgot, I have 70 tulip bulbs and 50 daffodil bulbs I need to plant now in order to have a pretty showing this spring.

A Picture To Share...


I love vintage linens. I can't help but wonder about their history and the stories they could tell.


A Neat Recipe...




Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 eggs

1/2 cup canned pumpkin

2 tablespoons peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Combine the flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add water as needed to help make the dough workable, but the dough should be dry and stiff. Roll out the dough until it's half an inch thick. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes. Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.

Andi loves me twice as much as usual when these come out of the oven!

The masses have spoken and now we await the upcoming crowning of this country’s next king. And though I have never hidden my feelings about not wanting Barack Obama as this nation's next President, I know that I am called to honor and respect the office regardless of who dwells within. Like countless others, I'm having a difficult time forcing myself to follow through with that challenge right now.

How, I ask, are we to stand firm in our own convictions and not abandon everything we believe, yet still respect the views of Obama? This comes as a deep struggle for me, as it should for all who claim to be blood bought christians. Acclimating to Obama’s views would mean abandoning everything we stand for and every conviction God has placed within our hearts. How do we rectify this problem? With so many questions and so few answers, my head is spinning.

In Romans 13:1, Paul proclaims that "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." (NIV). Armed with this knowledge, we know there is no option but to respect the office of the president-elect. Did God specifically place Barack Obama in this office? I don’t know. But I do know that He allowed it to happen. And I also know that the word tells us this: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV). This passage alone assures me that though every event which will occur and every decision which will be made on behalf of this nation may not be good, the end result is they will all blend together for a good outcome for God's people.

So, today I pray that God will use Obama for His glory and that He will guide his heart and actions. I pray that God will convict Obama on his stance regarding abortion and marriage. I pray that God will use His servants to uphold a high moral standard for our nation and that He will guide Obama’s heart in making critical decisions and choosing necessary actions.

I pray that God will build a wall of protection around Obama that cannot be torn down. I pray that some less than stable person, disillusioned by the election results, will not take matters in to his own hands. An assassination attempt is the last thing our country needs right now. We may not believe in his proposed change, but our soon to be president is someone’s father and someone’s husband and I care about his safety.

No, the man I wanted did not win. Am I mad? No. Am I sad? No doubt. But no matter what feelings may come and go, we will have a new President. And I will respect the office and position that he holds. I will pray for the office and speak life over the office. It is the system that God intended for our nation and I will pray over that system no differently than I would pray had McCain won, Palin won or Elmo won. The office is to be respected. Period.

The only thing that matters now are my prayers. And he most certainly has them. I am honored to give them. As good and lengthy as they are. And sometimes as short and shallow as they are. But what I have, give I thee. I can't say I'm going to hang Joe Biden's picture in my house or send a Christmas card to the White House, but I am going to obey God's word. My life is good and my future is bright. My home is cozy and warm and I have a few dear friends who love me unconditionally. I have precious neighbors who watch over me and my home as if it were their own. I am thankful for my life here. In this country. In this land. And I am thankful to God for it. May He find me faithful in it, as well.

So, today I have hope. And my hope is that through it all, Obama will be a positive change for our country. We need change, no doubt, I’m just not yet convinced that he is the change we need. But through God, all is possible, and one thing I am sure of is that He is still on the throne, and He is our source. Through Him, we will make it through the next 4 years.

FOR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2008

Outside My Window...
it's a gorgeous autumn day! The windows are open and the wonderful scent of fall is permeating my little domain.

I Am Thinking...
it's my time for favor. Actually, within my being I know it's my time for favor. God's favor. He knows the desire of my heart and He's creating something phenomenal and unimaginably wonderful from that. More later.

I Am Thankful for...
...every mountain and valley and heartache and disappointment I've ever endured. They have served to make me extremely grateful for the good times.

From The Kitchen...
...tomato basil soup is on the menu today and if time permits, I'll make a nice loaf of sour dough bread to go along with it. While in Montana last spring I visited Chadz, a quirkly little coffee house/cafe that served the best rendition of this soup I've ever had. I dropped them a note in the mail a few weeks ago and, lucky for me, Chad wrote back immediately, sending his recipe. Can't wait to try it!

I Am Wearing...
...hospital scrubs, which indicate there's gonna be a lot of work going on 'round here today. Upstairs, downstairs, in the yard and in the garage! The cleaning demon has latched on to me in a big way today!

I Am Creating...
...caps for pre-term infants in underpriviledged countries. As an L & D nurse, I am keenly aware of the necessity of maintaining the body temperature of these tiny people and little warm caps are essential.

I Am Going...
...nowhere special today, but Thursday I am going shopping in Houston with a group of girls from the hospital. It's a November ritual that we look forward to and we really love this little get-away! Nothing like a little 'girl time!'

I Am Reading...
...I'm about to start something new and at the moment I'm not real sure what it will be, though I have a pretty good idea. It has to do with the heart :-)

I Am Hoping...
...that my future will be so bright I'll have to wear sun glasses even in the house!

I Am Hearing...
...CNN talk about, guess what/whom? Obama and McCain. For a real eye opener, watch this...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odsDYodanxQ

Around The Cottage...
...it looks and feels and smells like fall! My absolute favorite time of year.

One Of My Favorite Things...
...is spending quality time with one who is near and dear to my heart.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
...Because I work the best schedule in the world, I have several days off every week so I think I may go spend some time with my Daddy. And I want to go to the cemetary too. My mom was buried 14 years ago today and I want to take some fall flowers to her grave.

A Recipe To Share...

Spiced Tea Mix

1½ cups of orange breakfast drink (like Tang)
¾ cup instant iced tea mix
1½ cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground ginger

Add 3 teaspoons of mix to a cup of boiling water. Garnish with a lemon or orange slice and add a cinnamon stick to stir. Makes about 4 cups~

Sunday Morning Walk Thoughts...

Fredericksburg, Texas

As I took a pre-dawn walk through the neighborhood this morning, basking in the wonderous feel, sound and smell of glorious autumn, my mind was quickened to the thought that I am truly on a journey. A journey of continually searching for God and what that means in my daily life. I'm a 'God Chaser' as my my old friend from the teenage years, Tommy Tenney, would say. And through this journey I've come to realize it's not about rules or constraints, nor is it about unreasonable limitations but, rather, it's about freedom. It's about seeing my 'wants' become reality. It's about coming to realize that when the writer said 'I shall not want,' not only was he was speaking prophetic words, but he was speaking about me. Daily, God is supplying not only my needs, but my wants, also. I want to love with abandon. I want intense passion. I want to know that in all my relationships something exists beyond the visible. God knows my wants even better than I do and, in His perfect timing, they will be granted.
I love pondering the possibilities before my life, what could or will be, and what the necessary steps are before I see things begin to happen. I love the simple pleasures He has placed as mile markers on my journey. Pleasures such as long and straight-from-the-heart talks with my good friend Elizabeth, evening prayer walks in the summer, gathering the harvest from my awesome little garden, Saturday morning bike rides to Carlito's for a Mexican breakfast, the joy of finding the perfect gift for someone I love, spending hours in the bookstore (the new and improved libraries!), cool mornings and crunchy leaves in the fall, learning about love and life from those who seem to have found their way, the awe I feel when viewing His magnificent mountains, long aromatic & candlelit baths, being home alone with no tv or phone, just good music or a good book, and connecting with another heart. I am learning how to love, how to live, when to speak and when not to, when it's time to gather the stones, when it's time to let go. I'm learning surrender, forgiveness, discipline and, greatest of all, patience. I'm neither brilliant nor eloquent, but God has been exceedingly gracious in allowing me to cross paths with a few wise people along the way and I try to draw magnificence from all I've learned from them. And for that, I am grateful.

Old Love

Here are some things we know to be true about love---the most transforming, ennobling, life-affirming and self-transcending emotion any of us will ever feel.

Love shows itself in the long run. What we feel at first for someone we might want to marry could be love, or merely a transient passion. Only over time do we come to know that love is real. Loves requires sacrifice, patience, listening, compromise and most of all, courage--the courage to reveal yourself utterly to another human being. It takes only a moment to breathe heavily, but a long time to know if heavy breathing is born of love.

Love is not in you, but between you and the one you love. Love is not an idea, but a relationship, the force that bonds you together. In that space between you and your beloved, a brighter light shines than the one that emanates from your own soul. Because love is between people, it cannot be merely contemplated, but must be acted out and sustained so the bond never breaks.

Love is the only emotion that inoculates you against the cancer of selfishness. Love brings you out of yourself and your own obsessions into a world where you find yourself by losing yourself. The sacrifices people willingly make for those they love would never be offered for any other reason.

Love is the glue of families. Families don't exist to help us learn to love others, but because we love others. The love we learn in families is the greatest gift and most important asset we bring to our work in the world. In the best families, parents give more love than they need to receive. Children from such families grow up overflowing with with love, then slowly discover the reason they were loved so much: so they can love their own children the same way.

There's a special beauty to old love. People blessed with long marriages, and those lucky enough to see the children of their children's children, know secrets about love the rest of us can't comprehend. Old love is not just deep; it is wise, patient and knowing. The beauty of old love is the beauty a smooth face can never know. Old love is the closest thing to the way God loves us all.

Free Dirt

Besides being a gardener and a thrifter and a recycler, I am a composter. It seems, at least to me, that all of these activities just naturally go hand in hand. Whenever I'm preparing a meal you will find nearby a big red 2 pound former coffee container filled with goodies for the compost bin. Tea bags, egg shells, banana peels, onion skins, potato peels and apple cores never, ever go down the garbage disposal at my house but, rather, are tossed into the red bucket, along with any other organic, non-protein matter that will keep the compost cookin'. When the meal prep is complete, the contents of my red bucket are simply tossed into the composter. Besides kitchen scraps, leaves, spent blooms, a little newspaper (B & W only) and grass clippings make wonderful additions. A great freebie I take advantage of is the coffee grounds that Starbuck's will happily give you, if you only ask. Be careful with this one though, because the first time I requested some I was rewarded with a huge black plastic trash bag that was so heavy I could hardly lift it!

On the whole, composting is virtually effortless, as Mother Nature takes over and does the real work. It helps to gently turn it from time to time but, if you are unable (i.e. lazy) it will be just fine, though it will take a little longer to finish. So, if you want quicker compost, turn it. The key is to get the outside parts into the middle. With patience comes the reward, and within a matter of months you will have the most dense, rich, organic soil you could imagine. Your garden will thank your for it and produce prolifically in it's season.

A Simple Woman's Day Book

For Wednesday, October 14, 2008

Outside my window...
It's a little overcast, yet, pleasant and crisp. Two cardinals are feasting on sunflower seeds from my feeder...when the blue jay doesn't shoo them away. We're awaiting a cool front which is expected to come through later today. I can't wait!

I am thinking...
I'm thinking of how nice it is to be off work for the next 9 days! I'm thankful to work a very flexible schedule which generally allows me to have long stretches of off days.

I am thankful for...
Grace. Mercy. My family. My job. My home. My garden. My pets. Life is good.

From the kitchen... No big culinary plans for the day. Maybe some potato soup from a new and simple recipe I found which creates this wonderful standby from a box of augratin potatoes. Maybe some cornbread from, what else but...'scratch.'

I am wearing...
One of my favorite 'outfits'...flannel drawstring p.j. bottoms from Victoria's Secret, an oversized UT tee shirt and socks.

I am creating...
Today I will be creating a fresh, fall look on my front porch and flower beds by adding mums, fresh bark and, you guessed it, pumpkins!

I am going...
Gonna go to Home Depot. They have a great garden department!

I am reading...
The Shack by William Young. A fictional book where God invites Mack, the main character, for a weekend with Him at the 'shack', where previously a very bad thing happened to one of his children. I haven't gotten far in the book, but I understand it's quite a good one. I think I'll go to Barnes and Noble this afternoon and see what else grabs me, maybe I won't get too comfy in one of their big, overstuffed chairs and spend the afternoon perusing magazines!

I am hoping...
Short terms thoughts are that God will smile down upon us and deliver us from the potential horror of Barack Obama leading our wonderful nation. On a more pleasant note, I'm hoping that we have a real winter this year, rather than a 'Texas style winter.' I want to have a nice, cozy fire every night and a flurry or two would be especially nice, considering we only see that every 5-6 years!

I am hearing...
The background music from my blog page...Natalie Cole singing Everlasting Love.

Around the house...
Things look mighty cozy. There's a selection of nice magazines on my old postal service shipping trunk which serves as a sofa table and the pillows and throw on the sofa certainly look inviting. I need to stay focused rather than giving in to too much chillin' today!

One of my favorite things...
There are too many to count! Weekends with Savannah come to mind first. 'Just because' phone calls from my boys. Good gospel music. Laid back road trips.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Much of the week will be spent feathering the next. Cleaning, creating, cooking and rearranging, to name a few of the planned events!

Thought for the morning
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27: 13-14 "...and Lord in the midst of this election, we wait for You. We rely on our source: You, only You. Amen"

Here is a picture I thought I would share. This is my bestest buddy, Elizabeth, as created by our awesome and phenomenal art instructor, Gary Hernandez.


And a fun fall recipe...



Frito Pie...not the ball park variety...

3 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon oregano (fresh)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound lean ground beef
1 1/2 pounds beef brisket, cubed
3 cups onion, diced
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons oil
1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes
1 10.75-ounce can tomato purée
12 oz. beer - Mexican or Texas lager if you can
1 cup water
1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Fritos
6 oz. Velveeta (diced)
green onions (for garnish)
Place a skillet over medium heat and add yellow cornmeal, chili powder, black pepper, salt, cumin, oregano leaf, and red pepper flakes. Toast for seven minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

In separate skillet, brown lean ground beef. Drain and set aside.

In large Dutch Oven or Stock put (around 6 qt in size), sauté chopped onion in 2 tablespoons of oil until pieces start to turn transparent. Add chopped garlic, ground beef and beef cubes. Add toasted spices and canned chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, the beer and the water. Simmer over low heat for at least 1 hour, stirring frequently.

Serve chili over Fritos corn chips. Top each serving with 1 oz. of Velveeta and green onions

Serves 6 to 8

Fall...Nesting Time

Short on time, because I'm nesting full force, I'm posting a re-run today of the nesting post I wrote in September 2006. It seems that when fall rolls around, with it comes a bout of the intense, incurable 'nesting urge.' Nothing cures this urge, you must simply go with the flow, which generally means feathering the nest 'til you just about drop. You have to be a true nester to fully understand what it means to be hit with a surge of this nesting urge. Our 'to do' lists become infinite. We scurry around to buy pansies and yellow mums and fresh bark for the fall gardens, which we finish off with big, fat orange pumpkins and cute little scare crow families. We pull out recipes for Baked Potato Soup and Broccoli Cheese Soup and any other steamy, creamy concoction that brings on that warm, comforting feeling. Our homes are filled with the delicious fragrance of candles called Sugar Cookie, Cinnamon-Vanilla, Harvest and Apple Spice and our crystal candy dishes hold, what else but...candy corn. We shop for yarn in warm shades of red and brown and gold and on those chilly autumn nights when we are not knitting we plan our holiday menus. We clean and fluff and feather our beloved nests and sprinkle our domain with little tokens of comfort and pleasure, anticipating heart-warming visits from those we hold dear. It may not be the latest trend or the cool thing to be these days, but, I am a nester...and I love every minute of it.


I am a nester. Nesters are those among us who feel a deep-down joy whenever we arrange flowers, or fluff a pillow, or stir the soup. We find something wonderfully fulfilling about tending our own space, something therapeutic about discussing life's challenges around our own kitchen table, something restorative about the quiet comforts of our own home. Whether we've been away from home for a month or a week or from 9:00 to 5:00, our hearts sing when we open our own front door. To identify the home of a nester, you seldom need to look farther than the entryway. As soon as spring arrives, a pot of pansies will suddenly appear on the front step, a rocking chair or wicker chair will find a place on the porch. In summer, look for window boxes overflowing with petunias or bright geraniums and Old Glory wafting in the breeze. Come fall, swags of Indian corn and crocks of chrysanthemums signal a nester-in-residence. And as winter holidays draw near, nesters will deck every window with wreaths, ribbons and candlelight. Whenever a nester doesn't know what to do with something she puts it in a basket. Our baskets hold mail, produce, toys, towels, magazines---even other baskets. Rearranging furniture comes as natural to us as changing clothes. Don't be surprised to find chairs and sofa in different positions---perhaps even different rooms---each time you visit a nester's home. This may be confusing for visitors, but it's normal for nester's. Pillows---lots of them---feather the nest. Whether faded, beaded, hand-made or tag sale finds, they serve as inviting antidotes to life's rough spots---physical or mental. Nesters believe in the power of books; their bookcases overflow with volumes they have read and reread, cherished and loved. Shelves hold childhood favorites, classics, volumes of poetry, and of course, tons of cookbooks. Coffee tables hold tomes devoted to art, home decorating, antiques and travels to Rio and Paris and Tuscany. Favorite magazines are stacked and kept for further reference because, well, you just never know when a nester may need further reference! In every room are candles. Tall, short, chunky, tapered, and usually triple scented delights are waiting to cast a warm glow. In the kitchen, a tea kettle and a coffee pot always stand ready on the stovetop. A nester takes every opportunity to invite others to relax with a cup of coffee or tea---or enjoy one in solitude. Some nesters collect things: blue and white china, copper molds, cookie jars, art or vintage linens. Finding and living with the objects they love is an indescribable joy to nesters. For the nester, decorative objects tell stories and hold memories. Children's plaster handprints from kindergarten may hang on a wall. A card from a special someone may be in a frame. Grandma's handmade quilt may adorn the guest-room bed. Each piece is significant and special. You might not recognize a nester when she's out of her preferred domain, camouflaged in a business suit or a uniform or dress attire. But it's a strange fact that on weekends, nesters often dress alike. Well worn denims and khakis are favorite pieces; they dress them down with t-shirts and dress them up with a string of pearls. There's reason to believe that nesters are born, not created. It will not be surprising if, in the amazing new mappings of our genetic codes, scientists someday note one peculiar little gene to designate the nester. It will probably be shaped like a house...

Ain't nothing like the real thang.....

I'm a nationally certified labor and delivery nurse, as well as lactation consultant, and I still get a laugh every time I run across this picture....