tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83034767634727021952024-03-18T00:28:06.910-07:00Deborah on the GoMy journey with the Doctor Pat Holistic MakeoverDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.comBlogger248125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-41742368849239769122013-02-26T17:49:00.002-08:002013-02-26T17:49:41.137-08:00Time, Where has it gone?<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">Time</span></strong></div>
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<strong>So.. where does time go? Has it really been since <span style="color: purple;">July 2011</span> that I last posted that wonderful </strong></div>
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<strong>eggplant appetizer? Wow!! </strong></div>
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<strong>I understand how people may start a blog, get burned out, the re evaluate the direction they are taking the blog and if it really meets their needs or the needs of the reader. That being you.... if you are out there anymore!</strong></div>
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<strong>This blog was created to chronicle my journey thru the Holistic Makeover with the Dr. Pat Radio show. It highlighted wonderful coaches, exciting adventures, blogs and a business started along the way. It was a journey in which each experience was a blessing and new friendships were formed. After the makeover was completed I worked a making this blog into something meaningful for me. It took some turns and and then it stalled and died. Was there really anyone out there listening? Did it matter? With mine amongst thousands, where did mine fit and did anyone really care what I was posting?</strong></div>
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<strong>Where have I been? I've had one daughter graduate and go off to college and a son that entered high school. We've had ups and downs. I'm still a single mom trying to raise two beautiful children in a crazy society. I find myself stressing that I only have a couple more years to put my "thumbprint" on a boy who will soon be going off to college... when and how will I teach him everything? It's a daunting task that every mother faces! </strong></div>
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<strong>But I found that I missed my blog. Sharing a recipe, quote, project or inspiration. So... I am returning. Today I signed onto my blog and found the format for posting had completely changed while I was gone! </strong></div>
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<strong>This year in 2013 I picked a word to help me stay focused for the year.</strong></div>
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<strong>That word is </strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">CREATIVITY</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black;">I am spending more time cooking, sewing and finding time within my weekends to get out there and enjoy and create some happiness and beauty within my world. </span></strong></div>
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<strong>I'll pick up where I left off and hope you come along.</strong></div>
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<strong>Maybe I'll spark something that will help you unleash your creative side!</strong></div>
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Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-22558923467981236612011-07-06T05:00:00.000-07:002011-07-06T05:00:12.858-07:00Sicilian Caponata<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUov5le8rddZElnMvPK1ys0jtXXxQ1_cHVe7sPm3FT-8z6E8ONxUsxxSQ07ZA_b2Uxd8qVesm9ws1SExHCLgUZSF-HaOaQNyyFkNweqN1IkXK5-Db1jxoBHnKKO4touKAKy5gqYisc6eGn/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625513225590317202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUov5le8rddZElnMvPK1ys0jtXXxQ1_cHVe7sPm3FT-8z6E8ONxUsxxSQ07ZA_b2Uxd8qVesm9ws1SExHCLgUZSF-HaOaQNyyFkNweqN1IkXK5-Db1jxoBHnKKO4touKAKy5gqYisc6eGn/s400/030.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Looking for a fun appetizer to take on your summer picnic? This would be an excellent choice. Over the fourth of July weekend I had some extra time to try some new recipes. This one was fun and easy! Sicilian <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Caponata</span> consists of diced eggplant, onion, celery, diced tomatoes, basil, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pine nuts</span>, and yellow <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">raisins</span>! YUM!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I found the recipe on <a href="http://www.staceysnacksonline.com/">Stacey Snacks</a>, a great blog. You should visit Stacey and see some of her other treats.. I give her credit for the recipe but the picture above is my finished creation! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It does make a lot so I'm thinking that later in the week I can toss it over pasta for dinner. </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-55908847205183724562011-07-03T10:18:00.001-07:002011-07-03T10:28:25.888-07:00Summer Reading<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg3UhttXyLa08X-oV-0_OXJpD_qsw4AUlpzse8ra4nxHkD7mwY22t1Va4lISFcC5H6IdtJEKhK4_hvUxZd8tLKDoJsXAU-PdWzWI7gBRtF4TZYsCdJmgHqNY8F4ONnQfRQvPHHVXRsmbB/s1600/Violets+of+March.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625177210844803714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFg3UhttXyLa08X-oV-0_OXJpD_qsw4AUlpzse8ra4nxHkD7mwY22t1Va4lISFcC5H6IdtJEKhK4_hvUxZd8tLKDoJsXAU-PdWzWI7gBRtF4TZYsCdJmgHqNY8F4ONnQfRQvPHHVXRsmbB/s400/Violets+of+March.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000066;">The Violets of March </span></strong></div><br /><strong><span style="color:#000066;">By Sarah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jio</span></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br />This last week on my trip to the library I picked up a book by chance and had no idea at the time that I would have picked an all time winner! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">On Friday evening late, I started The Violets of March and had finished it by Saturday afternoon!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">A wonderful story that is set on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Bainbridge</span> Island , a ferry ride west of Seattle. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">The story is a combination of mystery and a love story. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I wasn't familiar with the author Sarah <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jio</span> so I went to <a href="http://www.sarahjio.com/?page_id=5">her site </a></div><br /><div align="center">and found a wonderful surprise. A trailer video of the book. I understand this is a new way to promote a book and this trailer is especially nice. Give it a view. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">I will <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> be looking for more of Sarah's books!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">This is a thumbs up for a summer read at the beach.<br /><br /></div><br /><div align="center"></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-33226499669020421242011-06-27T18:41:00.001-07:002011-06-27T18:46:31.346-07:00Trying something again and again<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CcSqng2AieIVYUDfg97eKN7C00JPCHgNNSw6g6edlrHaTij-Oc64u1YR1uOdlsAngs49gKJeyXHvmuucnt2LJOC9MILJqqRjwFBCJkCxiYiPvXP3SDQU4CW4dGXqV67WXZD36C5UrF_A/s1600/yoga.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623080377435789442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8CcSqng2AieIVYUDfg97eKN7C00JPCHgNNSw6g6edlrHaTij-Oc64u1YR1uOdlsAngs49gKJeyXHvmuucnt2LJOC9MILJqqRjwFBCJkCxiYiPvXP3SDQU4CW4dGXqV67WXZD36C5UrF_A/s400/yoga.jpg" /></a><br />I can't tell you how many Yoga classes I've tried that just didnt' click. Yoga is tough... if you aren't well instructed it can be very frustrating. Finally I've found a studio that offered wonderful instruction and worked your tail off! Not only was a session rewarding but well taught and the instructor was encouraging. This must have been my tenth studio that I've visted and finally I've hit the jackpot! <br /><br />My message to you is not give up. If you really want to master something keep trying to find the right school or mentor to help you. The results will be rewarding!<br /><br />What do you want to master?Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-7586833240282230592011-04-14T05:00:00.000-07:002011-04-14T07:22:36.873-07:00EXCESSLast night I was doing some channel surfing and got stuck on the channel TLC ( the learning channel ) . You've probably been there yourself. At 8 pm I got myself caught up in the show Hoarders... you know the show where they show people who have accumulated so much junk that they can't function in their home? Sometimes it is quite gross and I have to change the channel. Well, last night's episode was not too bad and the individual had a positive outcome and everyone was happy. Its always after the show that I wonder if they've been able to keep their house in a good state and what it looks like today. Fast forward to 9 pm... there is a new show called Extreme Couponing. This show is a "how to" on couponing and getting out of the grocery store with $300 worth of groceries for $15.00. I can see how this would be a popular show today. With the rising cost of gas and income dropping people are looking for opportunities to save money. It does get you motivated to clip those coupons! However, they show these individuals homes after they've gone to the store and they look like mini marts! There is food in every closet, under the beds, in the garage, in the shed. It's incredible how much food they've accumulated! Don't they know that food has a expiration date? Personally I'd like to see them give some of that food away to a food bank. They are hoarding food! Yikes! Soon they'll be on the show Hoarders. Its seems like a vicious cycle of excess. Do we want it or not? A constant tug and pull. Personally I'll stick with a balance. Only take what I need and give the rest.Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-32856996213932208542011-04-11T05:00:00.000-07:002011-04-11T07:47:38.705-07:00Commitment and Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTyXOOMq5D1Wy3QVDXqll0d4xjLioqPT3KDgO1PeyidrpiRmmUwFEM_vYSdqs8vNRMGnu5j5ASKXDRlJo2Ks6wlgYItsgyMuTg8-vTAD4iipGLgVBc56tMGzkbic06huWdiQ60XNYChVQ/s1600/066.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594332765787165698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfTyXOOMq5D1Wy3QVDXqll0d4xjLioqPT3KDgO1PeyidrpiRmmUwFEM_vYSdqs8vNRMGnu5j5ASKXDRlJo2Ks6wlgYItsgyMuTg8-vTAD4iipGLgVBc56tMGzkbic06huWdiQ60XNYChVQ/s400/066.JPG" border="0" /></a> <br /><div>Yes, it's been a long time since I've posted and when thinking of what to come back and write , I went to a quote that coincidentally I posted where I left off! I was surprised that I keep coming back to the same quote:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Commitment </strong>"If you don't wake up with something in your stomach every day that makes you think, "I want to make this movie," it'll never get made." -Sherry Lansing</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A lot has been going on these past few weeks that has taken me away from this blog. Kids, work, spring cleaning, baseball, golf and gardening ( time to pull those spring weeds ).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I also attended a wonderful celebration of life for a friend of mine who was an intricate part of my son's baseball network for years. She passed away after an illness and left her son in jr. high, and daughter in high school. Her children did a beautiful job during the service in writing something beautiful to their mother. I walked away from that celebration thinking, " how are my children going to remember me when I'm gone?" </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>It really made me step back and look at how I was prioritizing my days. What was important to all of us? Do my children really know that I care about them? How do I show that I care?</div><br /><div>What type of movie am I making for all us to look back and enjoy viewing? Lot of questions started to pop up and therefore I've been working on a lot of stuff!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I also made a list at the beginning of the year on some things I wanted to do before the year was over. How time has flown! Some of them I've completed but one of them was to master these cinnamon rolls at the top of the page! Have I even broken out the yeast yet? No! I have a lot to do.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I also do a lot of blog watching and I am amazed how these women are able to post every day! Wow! Such a commitment to their blog! I was putting a lot of pressure on myself and this blog. </div><br /><div>So... I've made a new commitment to leave you something here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I'll be sharing some motivating and inspirational messages and quotes, but also some new material that has been of interest to me which I hope you'll find interesting. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Stay tuned... and take a moment to look at the movie you are creating. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-70672276352966006552011-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:002011-02-07T05:00:31.105-08:00Commitment<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;">Commitment</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;"><div align="center"><br /></span> <strong>"If you don't wake up with something in your stomach every day that makes you think, "I want to make this movie," it'll never get made."</strong></div><div align="center"><br />-Sherry Lansing</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">What type of movie are you making?</span></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-78359997047125876632011-02-06T09:31:00.000-08:002011-02-06T09:37:20.931-08:00Shredding and more shredding!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3q-SChyphenhyphenxiJGriVfYvQ23iC6xoYp1uXbLY3AYL_WeCkm914f6NXfrUMGTProYifUWCtv9Wf0hjiHSL1no413YFKxJrpV_Bq3Z228jvJK5R-9t_OmbX35kDL-8gXJtmTkqYKxtVLKqgTRY/s1600/Recycling.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570630909080427410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB3q-SChyphenhyphenxiJGriVfYvQ23iC6xoYp1uXbLY3AYL_WeCkm914f6NXfrUMGTProYifUWCtv9Wf0hjiHSL1no413YFKxJrpV_Bq3Z228jvJK5R-9t_OmbX35kDL-8gXJtmTkqYKxtVLKqgTRY/s400/Recycling.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As part of my<strong> 52 weeks of Organizing</strong> my job this weekend was to go thru all my old financial records and any file folder hanging the drawer. A lot was able to be recycled without shredding. However, I had two big bags that needed shredding and I had an eager teenager at home waiting to make some extra money. Little did I know that it would take her all day and nine bags later! </div><div> </div><div>I'll sure have to keep up on this task a little better. Mom is going to have to pay up today!</div><div> </div><div>For this next week it's old party supplies from past kiddo's birthdays. Do we really need old clown and train plates??? Oh... but they have such great memories. But that's right, we have pictures! Donate they go to bless someone's child. </div><div> </div><div> </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-6884564562360644822011-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:002011-02-01T05:00:18.997-08:00Valentine's Day Ideas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8cEoFhdkh6GA7Jz2dpQUpn7alAxWu-WH8sw50767bcJhjPMWffP3VjFFi-Y0uPb0u9yd3xUByXP3dhJwpVeGPbt8fHIvhxSZkkhOzxWQFT3mQA8ZaNW5rfaN0h26G_9q_XESEo6rHDr4/s1600/chocolates-pinata-cake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568537049937468642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 145px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8cEoFhdkh6GA7Jz2dpQUpn7alAxWu-WH8sw50767bcJhjPMWffP3VjFFi-Y0uPb0u9yd3xUByXP3dhJwpVeGPbt8fHIvhxSZkkhOzxWQFT3mQA8ZaNW5rfaN0h26G_9q_XESEo6rHDr4/s400/chocolates-pinata-cake.jpg" border="0" /></a> It's that time of year when our minds turn to chocolate and hearts! I saw a wonderful idea on the Internet that I had to share. It's a chocolate pinata! <br /><br />The six or eight inch cake is made and filled with gourmet chocolates. You get the mallet and crack it open. Inside is yours to enjoy!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOLFBbrBPsTEQXoJtLvTDbawXLOD_bB4VpxWLHdWxHoCkjJv7Vw5bo1-jW8wvz4d5u5frAR_TfgiLFg6474OtaQPdYOHkdG-RtNmClsTpLg8fkr4XkkwOkeU0Guyl_trh_vSL9MYC8lB8/s1600/chocolate-pinata-cake.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568536760615893410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 107px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOLFBbrBPsTEQXoJtLvTDbawXLOD_bB4VpxWLHdWxHoCkjJv7Vw5bo1-jW8wvz4d5u5frAR_TfgiLFg6474OtaQPdYOHkdG-RtNmClsTpLg8fkr4XkkwOkeU0Guyl_trh_vSL9MYC8lB8/s400/chocolate-pinata-cake.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />The masterminds at Serenade Chocolatire in Boston MA are the creators of this masterpiece. </div><div>You can order it<a href="http://www.serenadechocolatier.com/pinata-cakes.php"> here! </a></div><div>Ok... so I've dropped the hint! My address is..........................<br /></div><div></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-90057018335048640442011-01-31T06:16:00.000-08:002011-01-31T06:24:32.138-08:0010 Best Bakeries in America<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ANMw9igxqWrdjXmKKwRXIFrj4iCUewOO4u6sePKa8e0Q7XPBqQpAem8_f9taTomionMns7f86KppraiPLacygXrHOjfPoS7k1xwLCSvwjzslbqW3l7o7RLM0_A45705DdNW-5OTqqMT8/s1600/Bakeries.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568354108588234866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 344px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ANMw9igxqWrdjXmKKwRXIFrj4iCUewOO4u6sePKa8e0Q7XPBqQpAem8_f9taTomionMns7f86KppraiPLacygXrHOjfPoS7k1xwLCSvwjzslbqW3l7o7RLM0_A45705DdNW-5OTqqMT8/s400/Bakeries.jpg" border="0" /></a> In January Andrew Knowlton did a piece in Bon Appetit on the <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2011/01/top_10_bread_bakeries_in_america?utm_source=streamsend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=13328437&utm_campaign=Food%20News%20Monday%2C%20January%2031">10 best bakeries in America </a>and a bakery in Seattle is listed!<br /><br />Especially worth your dough here are the Macrina Casera ("of this house" bread made with a natural wild starter created from organic grapes) and the oatmeal buttermilk bread (ideal for sandwich making). 1943 First Avenue South; 206-623-0919; <a href="http://macrinabakery.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" peppycount="426" s_oc="null">macrinabakery.com</a><br /><br />He has obviously not been to <a href="http://hollybsbakery.com/">Holly B's Bakery </a>on Lopez Island in the beautiful San Juan Islands!<br />She has wonderful pastries and her own cookbook <strong>With Love and Butter</strong> which I had to purchase!<br /><br />See if a Bakery in your area made <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/magazine/2011/01/top_10_bread_bakeries_in_america?utm_source=streamsend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=13328437&utm_campaign=Food%20News%20Monday%2C%20January%2031">the top ten list</a>!<br /><br /> Support local and go buy a croissant today!Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-70832140292151101642011-01-30T09:05:00.001-08:002011-01-30T09:19:16.077-08:0052 weeks of organizing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzHuru2s1Munl01PWuKoyXh-SX9GqIdb7ftRbpenQtIjiAucHhl-P-Toe6YCirajD-1OwjvG14NuyQkozOw9rNB1OmFd5mMRJEXAUjBE28St3AjDwMhHYGwt0ox2cJLB30Mces_3IUTvH/s1600/making-list-0808-lg-5041854.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568027959846794594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzHuru2s1Munl01PWuKoyXh-SX9GqIdb7ftRbpenQtIjiAucHhl-P-Toe6YCirajD-1OwjvG14NuyQkozOw9rNB1OmFd5mMRJEXAUjBE28St3AjDwMhHYGwt0ox2cJLB30Mces_3IUTvH/s400/making-list-0808-lg-5041854.jpg" border="0" /></a> Where does the time go? I know I've said that a million times here on this blog but this time I really mean it! This week we are staring at February right before us and there's no turning back. How are you doing on your new years resolutions? Keeping them right in front of you? I know it's difficult to stay focused on them with everything else going on in our daily lives. I believe that's why I've been gone so long. One of mine for the new year was to simplify and get organized. I found a great web site <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/">here </a>which focuses on organizational skills. At the beginning of the year we started the 52 weeks of organizing. So far I have completed a project every week and it feels good. It has consumed my weekends and I know once the weather gets better here in Seattle I won't want to be inside organizing. The list she provides is a great tool from writing the projects down and keeping track of them. I keep it above my desk so its a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">constant</span> reminder of what I've completed and what's down the road.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9ICrQNNQ9-5yWzvwBRqDH9XPv9E6p-1vExAjii6erZPOldGKdBPG6QcmOdJbBJfeGW4_zk692cMlyRHvE8jKfdZVKdLqzuwlX5rfVyBJJSumKd3Bb76AUpuZzfdW2PqyX5nXlSu0UAq8/s1600/Org-Junkie-Large-20113.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568027739044114050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 125px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9ICrQNNQ9-5yWzvwBRqDH9XPv9E6p-1vExAjii6erZPOldGKdBPG6QcmOdJbBJfeGW4_zk692cMlyRHvE8jKfdZVKdLqzuwlX5rfVyBJJSumKd3Bb76AUpuZzfdW2PqyX5nXlSu0UAq8/s400/Org-Junkie-Large-20113.png" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-90456803546775972232011-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:002011-01-13T08:09:39.799-08:00Huckleberry Finn<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFgwaJxXvzIzykYKB0rrIi7dM3b8-SALQTN5X5Kptvs-vh0O1Hos6NHE4cyiDRRxwHznqUM36Xm8GrWUpYHeE6pLkNlVg3jyFLGd28AJ9GY_u6F9Zkflj2eWeFjlHJC1G-L7d73uWa4dy/s1600/Huck+Finn.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561700751703632802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFgwaJxXvzIzykYKB0rrIi7dM3b8-SALQTN5X5Kptvs-vh0O1Hos6NHE4cyiDRRxwHznqUM36Xm8GrWUpYHeE6pLkNlVg3jyFLGd28AJ9GY_u6F9Zkflj2eWeFjlHJC1G-L7d73uWa4dy/s400/Huck+Finn.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">Huckleberry Finn</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">The Controversy</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">You may have been hearing in the news recently about a certain publisher wanting to take the book <strong>Huckleberry Finn</strong> and publish it by replacing the "N" word with the word slave. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This is a timely discussion in our home right now because my daughter who is a junior in high school is now reading this book in her English class and it has sparked some conversations at our dinner table. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My thought is how someone take anothers book and rewrite it to be politically correct? Isn't that censorship? Shouldn't we be entitled to read these books and not be protected from something that may offend us? I personally think that we learn from history and this is a great opportunity to open the doors to some discussion at home and in the classroom. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Apparently, the publisher has a different opinion. The book has been banned in some schools because of the "N" word and they feel that if they replace it with the word slave then perhaps more young people would have the opportunity to read it in class. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My fear is that if we start this nonsense then where does it end? Will we start picking apart all books? What happens when you go to the bookstore? How will you know what version you are picking up and purchasing? Will we start rating books on the front cover like movies? </div><div align="center">"Oh sorry... you can't purchase that book. It has inappropriate language in it"</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">My vote is to keep the books on the shelf as the author had written and learn from the books. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">What are your thoughts? </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-69516409597410715272011-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:002011-01-03T09:37:23.513-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBn5l1Obdpo2ydi2SpdgQlpZypi6RR-gDvK1jk7dZszFNAQvDslX3dA4ZJeqTcHosuRxfhs4IKOEWR_uvXGfJMeB7azaN82jqk7_z1ogN62jidUzOnEbMC1umWMDVf2vCExZLN8nMAkrc/s1600/edward-bear-looking-into-a-mirror-001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558014354867687202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBn5l1Obdpo2ydi2SpdgQlpZypi6RR-gDvK1jk7dZszFNAQvDslX3dA4ZJeqTcHosuRxfhs4IKOEWR_uvXGfJMeB7azaN82jqk7_z1ogN62jidUzOnEbMC1umWMDVf2vCExZLN8nMAkrc/s400/edward-bear-looking-into-a-mirror-001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#660000;">Authenticity</span></div><span style="font-size:180%;color:#660000;"><div align="center"><br /></span></div><strong>"Somehow we learn who we really are and then live with that decision."</strong><div align="center"><br /><strong>-Eleanor Roosevelt</strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Could this be the year that we really take a close look at ourselves and see who we really are</div><div align="center"> and be comfortable? </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Isn't it time to show your true authentic self?</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-58254042754146210092010-12-29T16:39:00.000-08:002010-12-29T16:44:34.861-08:00Happy New Year<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP01Bhch8cG58bMc4rwaZkdKkAmi0quRv8SVl3q-Fcxb8aBvLOL32GavAs8nRuIFpf8oIGktNL7AwBlGA6zy5nNDkvAYmTI0Oc6c5yfjXDZ3MfAM9aHh8IFkdlEIkarJuHTLGLy_szrz6z/s1600/new+years+pic.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556268806813832082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 305px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP01Bhch8cG58bMc4rwaZkdKkAmi0quRv8SVl3q-Fcxb8aBvLOL32GavAs8nRuIFpf8oIGktNL7AwBlGA6zy5nNDkvAYmTI0Oc6c5yfjXDZ3MfAM9aHh8IFkdlEIkarJuHTLGLy_szrz6z/s400/new+years+pic.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong>Can you believe that it is almost here? </strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong> The wrapping paper is put away and the tree is on the street waiting </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>for the Boy Scouts to pick up!</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>Where could the time have gone? </strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong> I look back over the year and asked myself one question</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>What one word describes 2010 for me? </strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong> It took me some thought but I do have that word. </strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>Now.... what word would you want to describe your 2011? </strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>How will you make that happen? </strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>It's funny because my 2010 and 2011 words are completely opposite! </strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong> Funny what a year can do.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>I hope you all have a very safe but happy new year's eve. </strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>See you in 2011~</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-36061561406400783392010-12-24T10:06:00.000-08:002010-12-24T10:10:02.930-08:00Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTyZWsMAzcSiw6RoNC1RJguOV_qfSuHtNPiQApbDhiLETe2e8Z-yFpBNGUd0Dir-WV60AnZ86j5CQ5z6Mj5nhqG2Eo_k72tVe_8uOO7F4lysdxNk3-96aVeuu8lQXr8UeB4v8lY0eBYcA/s1600/jesus_manger_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5554312205876770082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 285px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTyZWsMAzcSiw6RoNC1RJguOV_qfSuHtNPiQApbDhiLETe2e8Z-yFpBNGUd0Dir-WV60AnZ86j5CQ5z6Mj5nhqG2Eo_k72tVe_8uOO7F4lysdxNk3-96aVeuu8lQXr8UeB4v8lY0eBYcA/s400/jesus_manger_1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well... we are almost there. The hustle and bustle should be over by now, gifts wrapped, food prepared and staged, cards in the mail. We are at the finish line. </div><div> </div><div>Take a moment of silence to remember the reason for the season and give thanks for the best gift of all. </div><div> </div><div>Merry Christmas to you all.</div><div> </div><div> </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-75964792801461503662010-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:002010-12-20T09:10:09.198-08:00Sights and Sounds of Christmas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUrLTx4eOUqjOVRr2WPBJCrsgeTPmWjd5v1xXVDqRZJdRRrD9KYiyZaOV1_WXg_p10XS3gMK69YzivM1jhKo8-HhHlJM1o8vhgP6stuOcbjLqXvYLQCaNRfbdtMx7dPlFKVSEnzZVcllN/s1600/1347.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552812453168667954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUrLTx4eOUqjOVRr2WPBJCrsgeTPmWjd5v1xXVDqRZJdRRrD9KYiyZaOV1_WXg_p10XS3gMK69YzivM1jhKo8-HhHlJM1o8vhgP6stuOcbjLqXvYLQCaNRfbdtMx7dPlFKVSEnzZVcllN/s400/1347.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrv4csjfmy2me619hgG_FsVGrNhgper3TOemHidFTAQr7R7J6KbnpWiCHGCuflg_Yk1t1HZEOPGaTu_j7NT-ukbgyOjsdtdt-skYcuDVHh2R6ErfGKDMGHoVuzdcHL4nCo9sccfIVTeZ7/s1600/1348.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552812325051775330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrv4csjfmy2me619hgG_FsVGrNhgper3TOemHidFTAQr7R7J6KbnpWiCHGCuflg_Yk1t1HZEOPGaTu_j7NT-ukbgyOjsdtdt-skYcuDVHh2R6ErfGKDMGHoVuzdcHL4nCo9sccfIVTeZ7/s400/1348.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbNGJj9AcPiQhFlccbsxpaXOTFsQsr2jvFYFNUAkIsPGrH77acO5mr479VDr3Y2epdm_b9v1k-g9MkO06aaKcN_0uo5_2QKfyPxhP8d_F7u0XjyWVavRDQ9H21VZWRwPlUqGi0LpL4fwe/s1600/1349.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552812029955174802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbNGJj9AcPiQhFlccbsxpaXOTFsQsr2jvFYFNUAkIsPGrH77acO5mr479VDr3Y2epdm_b9v1k-g9MkO06aaKcN_0uo5_2QKfyPxhP8d_F7u0XjyWVavRDQ9H21VZWRwPlUqGi0LpL4fwe/s400/1349.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Wow... what a weekend! So much baking and eating! Just some shots above of our weekend! </div><div> </div><div>The countdown in on and the Christmas music is up, the flour is flying and the ribbon is being curled on the packages! </div><div> </div><div>Tonight is the gingerbread house and assembling the cookie trays! </div><div> </div><div>Then we can sit back and relax!<br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-51891761530787167972010-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:002010-12-17T07:09:09.409-08:00What a week!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3inSmHvGxRT8sIJ0lzYTPb88XwgrNaYOnCgzwRkG5zHNjdv630veZUBY2webzSsquQ3tPxBoIGo8t6HiDJ6AboPLZRobhuL8xNJ6GsKfC5iGsUc5CIyrJd33OrnkaQ2TWV2Zgsukn27L/s1600/001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551667277084727938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3inSmHvGxRT8sIJ0lzYTPb88XwgrNaYOnCgzwRkG5zHNjdv630veZUBY2webzSsquQ3tPxBoIGo8t6HiDJ6AboPLZRobhuL8xNJ6GsKfC5iGsUc5CIyrJd33OrnkaQ2TWV2Zgsukn27L/s400/001.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#990000;">Junior High Holiday Concert</span></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEVAtTIfOPUTXSSZ71Jiv965Acu_6FkLb9Hwp3VLI6qn-60pgdeOOq-nPnVjFAtC9xejqpUOV-0IQ6mYtFD64ZBx5arEjWmZE1_VcZgAxBmHMSF7dOdYzzSwQZtKeKjYPgCT0J0lCHYog/s1600/010.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551667168628981762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 369px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEVAtTIfOPUTXSSZ71Jiv965Acu_6FkLb9Hwp3VLI6qn-60pgdeOOq-nPnVjFAtC9xejqpUOV-0IQ6mYtFD64ZBx5arEjWmZE1_VcZgAxBmHMSF7dOdYzzSwQZtKeKjYPgCT0J0lCHYog/s400/010.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span style="color:#990000;">Let's throw in a birthday celebration!<br /><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_vIBpbZ6Ue0zZ91NBLuAEqsnoiXf0SqPSyqmc-u7EU-E-LQ55sqb8jwH-pGcoXmeMrSC1vFeSGPM-BPKow2Pwu9Yr6qc7ezEWPW4n-O4ubNu2PxpEH0rUWf4uCEdkYr_4ssCVemcZ9T6/s1600/012.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551666939706257138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh_vIBpbZ6Ue0zZ91NBLuAEqsnoiXf0SqPSyqmc-u7EU-E-LQ55sqb8jwH-pGcoXmeMrSC1vFeSGPM-BPKow2Pwu9Yr6qc7ezEWPW4n-O4ubNu2PxpEH0rUWf4uCEdkYr_4ssCVemcZ9T6/s400/012.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color:#990000;">Last day of school before break! </span></div><div> </div><div>We didn't even capture the two basketball games, school and work! </div><div> </div><div>It will be a lot more relaxed now the kids are done with school for a couple of weeks.</div><div> </div><div>I'm sure your week was a lot like ours. Hectic!</div><div> </div><div>Tonight is the neighborhood potluck. </div><div> </div><div>Have a baked the cookies? No.....</div><div> </div><div>Do I know what I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bringing</span>? No.....</div><div> </div><div>It'll all get done... it always does!<br /><br /></div><div></div><br /></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-75275639405489071662010-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:002010-12-15T06:27:41.371-08:00Something to Ponder<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAgpqXUU7W4FSfGOOFHvOTXxomyGfl1u2-QpgXRM9nifNW7uRL9xa_lCD5kbOrMhCoxM2mXUpDngeHEhJOCavVU-AZrhRF4u487OmzFwYJYSLESziVxNwp-GRZ6NR-VOIeHqFFTQx1bIJ/s1600/Christmas%252520Scenes%252520Screensaver.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550914667916867842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 278px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAgpqXUU7W4FSfGOOFHvOTXxomyGfl1u2-QpgXRM9nifNW7uRL9xa_lCD5kbOrMhCoxM2mXUpDngeHEhJOCavVU-AZrhRF4u487OmzFwYJYSLESziVxNwp-GRZ6NR-VOIeHqFFTQx1bIJ/s400/Christmas%252520Scenes%252520Screensaver.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">"I grew up in a gentler, slower time. </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#990000;"> When Ike was president, Christmases were years apart, </span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#990000;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">and now it's about five months from one to the next."</span></strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">-Garrison Keillor </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This quote really spoke to me. For myself I was already planning and starting projects for people in July! And when did those Christmas catalogs start arriving in the mailbox? </div><div align="center">How often were we focused on planning for what was coming that actually living in the moment?</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Take time now sit back and relax to enjoy these moments in the next two weeks. Don't start planning yet for Valentine's Day! </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-922248272117985412010-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:002010-12-14T07:54:40.532-08:00Baking, Mr. Melty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXtYdNC-q9dkkhCD5vKlSw3LRP49Khj6msFKiqFbKg3R5t_sW9hDt5FugZ89H2gpqJwkiCXrYG2XTj_oCBSQf1NeiyMIbujaqVP0qG6_ln4VZZF8dNdDvDDkPozRELEeYziGdf6vQ_KhN/s1600/melties3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550565789027099490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXtYdNC-q9dkkhCD5vKlSw3LRP49Khj6msFKiqFbKg3R5t_sW9hDt5FugZ89H2gpqJwkiCXrYG2XTj_oCBSQf1NeiyMIbujaqVP0qG6_ln4VZZF8dNdDvDDkPozRELEeYziGdf6vQ_KhN/s400/melties3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">Baking</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">So far I haven't started my holiday baking. Just haven't scheduled the time. However, I'll need to stop procrastinating because Friday evening I need to bring a plate of cookies to our neighborhood Christmas party! I've been compiling recipes and deciding which ones to bake. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Then I need to bake and construct the gingerbread house for the kids to bake. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Yikes! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> I'd better get going! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I love the above cookies, Mr. Melties which I think are adorable. You can find the inspiration here<a href="http://chiccookiekits.blogspot.com/"> at the decorated cookie</a>!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-39293567950161310302010-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:002010-12-13T08:35:01.806-08:00Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtIjNexjEOzYpsMQs5G8NfwMwreIrNTrPxCj4vvtNcq5aDJ06ovWXGLypVad1MAdKTRF-Sv1RjSF0TcGKXwF6ZFxhBu3KA0V_UjsmyO9XxZ2WqFblN66SDwqoeaWxOG-FNF8AvSQWR8u6/s1600/Clock.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550205507735971058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 118px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtIjNexjEOzYpsMQs5G8NfwMwreIrNTrPxCj4vvtNcq5aDJ06ovWXGLypVad1MAdKTRF-Sv1RjSF0TcGKXwF6ZFxhBu3KA0V_UjsmyO9XxZ2WqFblN66SDwqoeaWxOG-FNF8AvSQWR8u6/s400/Clock.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:180%;color:#6600cc;">Time</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">"If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves."</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">-Maria <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Edgeworth</span> (1801)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I guess that's why I've been gone so long... I've been taking care of the moments. This time of year is very hectic with work, kids and home so not a lot of extra computer time. Also, I haven't had a lot to say the last couple of weeks. I'm a firm believer of not posting if you really don't have something <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">valuable</span> to share.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I love the above quote. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">If you live in the moment when you look back on the year you'll be full.</div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-28782242380894404952010-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:002010-11-22T12:46:31.941-08:00Turkey Pancakes!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYNezrdJqBqNKyM9c9IhyphenhyphenPhBJ0TkGF3wtKyidYcDjaYNMNrOcm-WhQTtp4wEXb3d6vLmMd8HOLljeERQEKVLDK28mDdjXxIiiM-TiW9cQpou92Z5DyqGnsMCq6H6JTujH9QMYZxuPQvlB/s1600/turkey-pancakes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542477053823706978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYNezrdJqBqNKyM9c9IhyphenhyphenPhBJ0TkGF3wtKyidYcDjaYNMNrOcm-WhQTtp4wEXb3d6vLmMd8HOLljeERQEKVLDK28mDdjXxIiiM-TiW9cQpou92Z5DyqGnsMCq6H6JTujH9QMYZxuPQvlB/s400/turkey-pancakes.jpg" border="0" /></a> Jim's Pancakes!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">You'll find Jim and his pancakes <a href="http://www.jimspancakes.com/">here</a>!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">It's that time of year when we all get busy and a little stressed out with everything to do. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I'm no exception and that's why I've been missing here the last week. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Too much to do .... too little time.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Thought it would be fun to start the holiday week with something fun to lighten things up a bit! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">You'll love the site <a href="http://www.jimspancakes.com/">Jim's Pancakes!</a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">This guy is very creative and he's always coming up with something new.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Check it out and enjoy your Monday<br /></div><div align="center"></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-23103096013665877472010-11-15T05:00:00.000-08:002010-11-15T10:03:39.790-08:00Don't take away my Happy Meal Toy!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenJWFNwNeH0xbtnQhlSt9UMb3ZT_gQ6zB7toYHE53CBh0c111gK_KSSQtLdbNDusnI3ZwH0-ItaV1cH_8HIr8CSYJtpOrXd0-YXR4zffW_t9bWBngraxGHg-WBqWaOrZ7atKi4qUl0y1j/s1600/Happy+Meal+Toys.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539834865604061970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 94px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenJWFNwNeH0xbtnQhlSt9UMb3ZT_gQ6zB7toYHE53CBh0c111gK_KSSQtLdbNDusnI3ZwH0-ItaV1cH_8HIr8CSYJtpOrXd0-YXR4zffW_t9bWBngraxGHg-WBqWaOrZ7atKi4qUl0y1j/s400/Happy+Meal+Toys.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I'm a mom. I've been thru the McDonald's drive thru a zillion times while my kids were younger and my children are not obese. I believe that everything should be done in moderation. </div><div> </div><div>So here's a story that really got my blood boiling! Perhaps you've read it yourself. </div><div> </div><div>The mayor of San Fransisco, Gary Newsom vetoed ( for once someone has their head screwed on correctly ! Yeah Gary!! ) on Friday legislation approved by the Board of Supervisors that would prohibit fast-food restaurants from giving away toys in kids meals sold in <a style="TEXT-DECORATION: underline" href="http://topics.sfgate.com/topics/San_Francisco" target="_top">San Francisco</a> unless they meet a strict set of nutritional standards of reduced calories, salt, fat and sugar, and also contain fruits and vegetables.<br />Despite Newsom's opposition, the law may still end up on the books. The board passed it on an 8-3 vote Tuesday, the minimum needed to override a veto. An override vote has not been scheduled.</div><div> </div><div>Why if my kids are teens and we've outgrown the meals do I feel so strongly about this?</div><div>I personally don't need the city or federal government deciding what is ok for me to consume or receive in a Happy Meal. When are people going to wise up and call it quits? You won't be able to control behavior by getting rid of a toy in a meal. </div><div> </div><div>I've thrown out a lot of Happy Meal toys at the bottom of the toy box ... I sure hope they don't become collector's items... or maybe they already have. </div><div> </div><div>I sure hope McDonald's wins this one. Stay tuned!</div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-39791759838782098932010-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:002010-11-03T05:00:02.159-07:00Life<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_p_JDdr0XRWW1S4ROWbMSUMC-YTtQwqRU7gyNVXpu_0ZKxwZNNN24xRWUBkK1kzjImxAk03yaroeS2D6vmBgZixy1kDkusX18oc9yEHUgRFEOWi0XYZ_eipMcdazMlhLtT7vYhDVs5NM/s1600/108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534777250550182050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_p_JDdr0XRWW1S4ROWbMSUMC-YTtQwqRU7gyNVXpu_0ZKxwZNNN24xRWUBkK1kzjImxAk03yaroeS2D6vmBgZixy1kDkusX18oc9yEHUgRFEOWi0XYZ_eipMcdazMlhLtT7vYhDVs5NM/s400/108.JPG" border="0" /></a> ( picture taken this year on a gourmet kayak tour ) </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#660000;">"Life is what happens to you</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#660000;">While you're busy</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#660000;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:georgia;color:#660000;">Making other plans."</span></div><br /><div align="center">-John Lennon (1940-1980) </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">How many times have we heard this quote? </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Yet each time I hear it .... it resonates like the first time. </div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Don't let life pass you by!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"></div></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-73244253365021752132010-11-02T05:00:00.000-07:002010-11-02T05:00:14.367-07:00Starbucks goes Cruising<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Amlb_hvh_P7HvucCn7e9Qy24Y-OsYZRAZanCbN8Vb5rJ_njF5LKiaZzMR_6ARz0HCrir5zy50J39URfAXPozMcvnhRE5sQJFHqcEI78s_ZCyxzokUnqC9c3zgtNDmpPpszV1V6ATg3jp/s1600/allurestarbucksx-inset-community.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534731811883028978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Amlb_hvh_P7HvucCn7e9Qy24Y-OsYZRAZanCbN8Vb5rJ_njF5LKiaZzMR_6ARz0HCrir5zy50J39URfAXPozMcvnhRE5sQJFHqcEI78s_ZCyxzokUnqC9c3zgtNDmpPpszV1V6ATg3jp/s400/allurestarbucksx-inset-community.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Starbucks has now hit the high seas. The Royal Caribbean line, Allure of the Seas now has a Starbucks on board. So for all you Starbucks fans you know which boat to book. I don't know about you but when I go on a cruise, I want to get away from it all. Seeing all those little white and green cups walking around the deck of a ship just doesn't do much for me. In fact it makes me think that we've bought too much into commercialism that some can't get away from their "favorite coffee " for a week or two. And I'm from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Starbuck's</span> capital , Seattle! What has this world come to? You can weigh in with your view point by clicking <a href="http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2010/10/starbucks-royal-caribbean-cruise-ship-allure-of-the-seas-cafe/128801/1?utm_source=streamsend&utm_medium=email&utm_content=12850147&utm_campaign=Food%20News%20Friday%2C%20October%2029">this link </a>and casting your vote! It's a close race!</div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8303476763472702195.post-71252907818157452012010-11-01T06:46:00.001-07:002010-11-01T06:52:23.357-07:00Marie-Helene’s Apple Cake<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NVhjpqYugzrnyboiv9abbwg09kFXM5UBdi2kEu8F__kq0WDRnmJcN818GPp5374LcLyTSRmTqMgTw9XmkvxVBbWiorifNpQxrN_RLyKsGqVdTSez2ypiMWuATRyIpkQ2EXRLXYLR9Qwe/s1600/001.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534577446767775458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NVhjpqYugzrnyboiv9abbwg09kFXM5UBdi2kEu8F__kq0WDRnmJcN818GPp5374LcLyTSRmTqMgTw9XmkvxVBbWiorifNpQxrN_RLyKsGqVdTSez2ypiMWuATRyIpkQ2EXRLXYLR9Qwe/s400/001.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is as close I got to making the recipe Marie-Helene’s Apple Cake in the cookbook, Around my French Table. I had every good intention and the recipe looked so easy and delicious but we just didn't get there to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">completion</span>. You see... I would have been the only one eating the cake in my family and I didn't think I needed to indulge. You have to pace yourself here right before Thanksgiving! </div><div> </div><div>However, the site has posted November <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">recipes</span> <a href="http://www.frenchfridayswithdorie.com/?p=373">here </a>and some great side dishes are planned that can be incorporated into your Thanksgiving feast so I plan on making these! </div><div> </div><div>I just have to admit that I'm not Wonder Woman and can't do everything! Well... I have dark rum for Christmas cookies now! I can just taste those rum balls!!! </div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10768949563741063223noreply@blogger.com1