Deborah on the Go

Sicilian Caponata

2011-07-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

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 Caponata consists of diced eggplant, onion, celery, diced tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, and yellow raisins! YUM!!!

I found the recipe on Stacey Snacks, 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!

It does make a lot so I'm thinking that later in the week I can toss it over pasta for dinner.

Summer Reading

2011-07-03T10:18:00.001-07:00

The Violets of March

By Sarah Jio

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!

On Friday evening late, I started The Violets of March and had finished it by Saturday afternoon!

A wonderful story that is set on Bainbridge Island , a ferry ride west of Seattle.

The story is a combination of mystery and a love story.

I wasn't familiar with the author Sarah Jio so I went to her site

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.

I will definitely be looking for more of Sarah's books!

This is a thumbs up for a summer read at the beach.

Trying something again and again

2011-06-27T18:41:00.001-07:00

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!

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!

What do you want to master?

EXCESS

2011-04-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Last 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.

Commitment and Time

2011-04-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

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:

Commitment "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

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 ).

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?"

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

Stay tuned... and take a moment to look at the movie you are creating.

Commitment

2011-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

Commitment

"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

What type of movie are you making?

Shredding and more shredding!

2011-02-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

As part of my 52 weeks of Organizing 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!

I'll sure have to keep up on this task a little better. Mom is going to have to pay up today!

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.

Valentine's Day Ideas

2011-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

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!

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!

The masterminds at Serenade Chocolatire in Boston MA are the creators of this masterpiece.

You can order it here!

Ok... so I've dropped the hint! My address is..........................

10 Best Bakeries in America

2011-01-31T06:16:00.000-08:00

In January Andrew Knowlton did a piece in Bon Appetit on the 10 best bakeries in America and a bakery in Seattle is listed!

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; macrinabakery.com

He has obviously not been to Holly B's Bakery on Lopez Island in the beautiful San Juan Islands!
She has wonderful pastries and her own cookbook With Love and Butter which I had to purchase!

See if a Bakery in your area made the top ten list!

Support local and go buy a croissant today!

52 weeks of organizing

2011-01-30T09:05:00.001-08:00

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 here 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 constant reminder of what I've completed and what's down the road.

Huckleberry Finn

2011-01-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Huckleberry Finn

The Controversy

You may have been hearing in the news recently about a certain publisher wanting to take the book Huckleberry Finn and publish it by replacing the "N" word with the word slave.

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.

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.

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.

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?

"Oh sorry... you can't purchase that book. It has inappropriate language in it"

My vote is to keep the books on the shelf as the author had written and learn from the books.

What are your thoughts?

2011-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Authenticity

"Somehow we learn who we really are and then live with that decision."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Could this be the year that we really take a close look at ourselves and see who we really are

and be comfortable?

Isn't it time to show your true authentic self?

Happy New Year

2010-12-29T16:39:00.000-08:00

Can you believe that it is almost here?

The wrapping paper is put away and the tree is on the street waiting

for the Boy Scouts to pick up!

Where could the time have gone?

I look back over the year and asked myself one question

What one word describes 2010 for me?

It took me some thought but I do have that word.

Now.... what word would you want to describe your 2011?

How will you make that happen?

It's funny because my 2010 and 2011 words are completely opposite!

Funny what a year can do.

I hope you all have a very safe but happy new year's eve.

See you in 2011~

Christmas

2010-12-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

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.

Take a moment of silence to remember the reason for the season and give thanks for the best gift of all.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Sights and Sounds of Christmas

2010-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wow... what a weekend! So much baking and eating! Just some shots above of our weekend!

The countdown in on and the Christmas music is up, the flour is flying and the ribbon is being curled on the packages!

Tonight is the gingerbread house and assembling the cookie trays!

Then we can sit back and relax!

What a week!

2010-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Junior High Holiday Concert

Let's throw in a birthday celebration!

Last day of school before break!

We didn't even capture the two basketball games, school and work!

It will be a lot more relaxed now the kids are done with school for a couple of weeks.

I'm sure your week was a lot like ours. Hectic!

Tonight is the neighborhood potluck.

Have a baked the cookies? No.....

Do I know what I'm bringing? No.....

It'll all get done... it always does!

Something to Ponder

2010-12-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

"I grew up in a gentler, slower time.

When Ike was president, Christmases were years apart,

and now it's about five months from one to the next."

-Garrison Keillor

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?

How often were we focused on planning for what was coming that actually living in the moment?

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!

Baking, Mr. Melty

2010-12-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

Baking

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.

Then I need to bake and construct the gingerbread house for the kids to bake.

Yikes!

I'd better get going!

I love the above cookies, Mr. Melties which I think are adorable. You can find the inspiration here at the decorated cookie!

Time

2010-12-13T05:00:00.000-08:00

Time

"If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves."

-Maria Edgeworth (1801)

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 valuable to share.

I love the above quote.

If you live in the moment when you look back on the year you'll be full.

Turkey Pancakes!

2010-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Jim's Pancakes!

You'll find Jim and his pancakes here!

It's that time of year when we all get busy and a little stressed out with everything to do.

I'm no exception and that's why I've been missing here the last week.

Too much to do .... too little time.

Thought it would be fun to start the holiday week with something fun to lighten things up a bit!

You'll love the site Jim's Pancakes!

This guy is very creative and he's always coming up with something new.

Check it out and enjoy your Monday

Don't take away my Happy Meal Toy!

2010-11-15T05:00:00.000-08:00

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.

So here's a story that really got my blood boiling! Perhaps you've read it yourself.

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 San Francisco unless they meet a strict set of nutritional standards of reduced calories, salt, fat and sugar, and also contain fruits and vegetables.
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.

Why if my kids are teens and we've outgrown the meals do I feel so strongly about this?

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.

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.

I sure hope McDonald's wins this one. Stay tuned!

Life

2010-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

( picture taken this year on a gourmet kayak tour )

"Life is what happens to you

While you're busy

Making other plans."

-John Lennon (1940-1980)

How many times have we heard this quote?

Yet each time I hear it .... it resonates like the first time.

Don't let life pass you by!

Starbucks goes Cruising

2010-11-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

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 Starbuck's capital , Seattle! What has this world come to? You can weigh in with your view point by clicking this link and casting your vote! It's a close race!

Marie-Helene’s Apple Cake

2010-11-01T06:46:00.001-07:00

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 completion. 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!

However, the site has posted November recipes here and some great side dishes are planned that can be incorporated into your Thanksgiving feast so I plan on making these!

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!!!

Life

2010-10-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Life is like playing a violin solo in public and learning the instrument as one goes on."

-Samuel Butler (1835-1902)

How very true.... we do sort of figure things out as we go along. Don't we?

Monday- Pumpkin

2010-10-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good

- Dorie Greenspan

Around my French Table

I had just picked up my new cookbook Around my French Table, and found a recipe that I had to try on Sunday evening. Pumpkin Stuffed with Everything Good! What better thing to cook when you have a couple of hours on a cold rainy, windy afternoon in Seattle?

This receipe is sooooo gooood!!! This pumpkin is stuffed with all sorts of goodness, bread, gruyere cheese, cream and lots more!

We may need to fix it again before Thanksgiving.

Unraveling Week #4 Memories

2010-10-24T08:41:00.001-07:00

This week in our Unraveling group we are looking at memories.

"Photographs are like signposts that show us the way back into the past; they give our memories colour and help us remember the faces of the people we love, the places we’ve been and the stages of our life as it unfolds. This next layer of unravelling is about seeing ourselves as we were, whether in happy moments or sad times, as recorded by the camera." - Susannah Conway

As the week progressed we were to be looking at photographs from all stages of our lives and journaling what type of feelings are evoked from looking at that photo. I love photos and have too many so the job was overwhelming. As always I left the writing assignments to Sunday so today I need to catch up.

The photo above was taken on a cruise that my son and I took while my daughter was traveling elsewhere. When I look at it I remember the special time we had together and how proud I was of him all dressed up for the formal evening. I think he looks proud too. Don't you think?

French Friday's with Dorie

2010-10-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it's fall and time to try something new! I've signed up for the French Friday's with Dorie Greenspan. You may have heard of Dorie as she's authored several cookbooks, has a web site and blog. Here is more information regarding Dorie

She has a new cookbook, Around my french table and each week those that have signed up to follow along with be cooking one recipe out of the book. There is a website and after you've joined the group a special spot to discuss the recipes, triumphs and challenges!

The first recipe I will try is for October 29, 2010 - Marie-Helene’s Apple Cake

I figure this will be a good step in doing more french cooking and the recipes sound delicious!

You are welcome to join! Please check it out here

Prayer

2010-10-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

"You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might also pray in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance."

-Kahlil Gibran

Run for Congo Women

2010-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

We had a picture perfect fall weekend here in Seattle. It was sunny and warm in the afternoon and cold in the morning! My daughter and I had the opportunity to do the Run for Congo Women around Greenlake on Saturday morning. There were 600 people registered and we got around the lake in under an hour. ( official times not posted yet! ) This is a global organization who hosts walks and runs all over the country. You can check here to see if there is an event coming to your community. The link provides a nice video regarding the organization and what is happening in the Congo today.

Unraveling Week # 3 Favorite Things

2010-10-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week in my Unraveling group has been difficult. We are having to take photos and post to the group Flicker account pictures of our favorite things. This took me a couple of days to think about and then act upon.

In the last couple of years I've done a lot of weeding out of things and getting rid of stuff! My motto is ... "if I got the chance to move to Italy tomorrow would I take it with me?" If the answer was no it went to the Goodwill. Lots of stuff.

So when I got this assignment it was really hard to think of things that were my favorite. However I did come up with a couple:

1. Shells , Rocks and Sea Glass that I collect on various trips. I display them in various small containers. My daughter when to Costa Rica and couldn't think what to bring me back. She brought me back some shells from beach. That was a special gift.

2. Photo albums that I make of our special family vacations. We love looking back over them. They are filled with all sorts of mementos from the trips.

What are some of your favorite things?

Nature

2010-10-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Nature is ever at work building and pulling down, creating and destroying, keeping everything whirling and flowing, allowing no rest but in rhythmical motion, chasing everything in endless song out of one beautiful form into another."

-John Muir (1838-1914)

I love the above photo of the wildflowers. Received from www.nationalgeographic.com

Missing in Action

2010-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have been missing in action because I've been looking for a crock pot recipe that I've been wanting to share with you .... one of my favorites and I can't find it! As organized as my recipes are in a binder... they can't be that organized if its missing in action!

It's that time of year. In the evenings it's hurry to get get dinner on the table during the week and at least two evenings a week I make sure we have a crock pot meal. It's so easy and ready for the kids when I walk thru the door.

Since I can't find the favorite, I decided to share my next best favorite!

Slow Cooker Mexican Pork

1 lb Boneless Pork Lion

2 1/4 C. Old El Paso Thick and Chunky Salsa. ( 24 oz jar )

1 can 4.5 oz green chilies chopped drained.

1 can 15 oz. black beans drained.

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Put the pork, chilies and salsa in crock pot and cock for 6-8 hours. Then stir in beans, cover and cook on low for five minutes or until beans are hot. Sprinkle with cheese.

This is very good and the pork very tender!

Besides looking for the recipe I've managed to clean the pantry, linen closet, kids games and finish our scrapbook from our spring break 2009 trip!

Trying to get some things done before the holidays set in and then we are really busy!

If you have a favorite crock pot recipe I'd love to hear. Please share!

Unraveling Week # 2 Reflections

2010-10-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week in our Unraveling group we are focusing on reflections and where we see ourselves in the world. It's interesting because up until this week I never really focused or noticed my reflection except in the mirror.

It's been fun to go around with my camera and snap pictures everywhere you see your reflection. It's also nice when you take a moment and smile at yourself!

Take some time today and notice your reflection everywhere you go... and don't forget to smile!

It's that time of year

2010-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year! The salmon are swimming up Bear Creek and we went to catch a glimpse.

Right around the corner from our home is Bear Creek and we have an amazing show of salmon swimming up stream each year. This year we took our camera hoping for some good photos. Hard to take pictures of salmon in the water. But it is a fun show! They work so hard, rest and then jet further up stream then drift back down. It really is fun that we don't need to go but five minutes down the road to see something so amazing!

Weekend work

2010-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I snuck in some moments where I could go out do some yard clean up. Not alot but some. My yard is so big that it takes me a month to get everything put to bed for winter. I had two big bags of hydrangea flowers that I cut to toss. I don't keep these to make wreaths anymore. They were so pretty that I thought I'd take a photo but the picture doesn't do them justice!

Uraveling Week #1

2010-10-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

I have finished up.. well almost my first week of Unraveling, Ways of seeing myself. It was a bit of getting used to where to go to find my assignments, find the group and where to post my pictures but I think I have it now! Today I just need to finish up my writing assignments! Of course I leave that until the last day! I'll do that while my son does his homework.

This week we focused on our feet which keeps us grounded. How many different surfaces do you stand on each week? What about those shoes? Lots of pairs? Or a minimalist?

I found that I basically have four pairs of shoes... I know sad but my job prevents me from dressing up too much. My work boots, tennis shoes, slippers and sandals. Not very exciting.

Above is a picture of my feet in the garden planting a new hydrangea.

We were challenged to take pictures of our feet this week. What was really fun was seeing all the different pictures from members posted on flicker. On to my writing assignments!

You can find out more about Susannah Conway and her classes here

Body Talk Access Class with Pat Sullivan

2010-10-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Pat Sullivan will be holding her final (for general public) BodyTalk Access class of the year on October 23rd. Get yourself ready to for the holidays with an integrated brain. Give yourself the gift of your own healthcare package. You'll be able to address your, or your family members' colds, flu's, stress levels, sports injuries, bites, bee stings, food poisoning and much more. This is a wonderful self care package to have out camping or in the widerness or traveling anywhere.

Please register if you are intending to join us. The early bird price is good until Friday, October 15th.

The class offers nursing, acupuncture, social work and massage CEU’s (6.5) through the AHNA, NCCAOM, NASW and NCBTMB. I am also a Washington State STARS trainer. Any daycare staff that attends this class will receive 6 STARS credits toward their yearly requirement.

Health Empowerment in 10 Minutes!
5 Techniques + 10 minutes = Total Body Balancing

Discover the most exciting new approach to health care!
Is for laypersons and healthcare professionals.
Parents: Can use Access to help their children improve their learning disorders and everyday challenges.

The next BodyTalk Access Workshop:

Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
Everest College
2111 N. Northgate Way Seattle, WA 98133
9:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Cost - $150 ($135 by October 15th)
Link to register: http://www.bodytalksystem.com/seminars/details.cfm?id=14162

Fall Football

2010-10-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday !

Friday's mean football in our home now!

( yes, that's my son carrying the football! )

Have a great weekend!

Solitary Confinement

2010-09-30T06:22:00.000-07:00

We're all of us sentenced to solitary confinement inside our own skins, for life!"-

Tennessee Williams, Orpheus Descending

Wow, a good reminder that we we have to live with ourselves!

How do you treat yourself? Kind, Forgiving, Critical or Demanding?

Take a moment and think about it.

Eden

2010-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Eden is that old-fashioned house

we dwell in every day

Without suspecting our abode

until we drive away"

- Emily Dickinson

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

CSA

2010-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend at my CSA pick up I noticed that the produce is shifting. No more zucchini! I love zucchini but was getting tired of finding new recipes! We finally got corn.... eight ears! It made my son very happy! Fall is definitely here.

10 K Walk

2010-09-26T10:52:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I participated in a Volksmarch in the city of New Castle which is 30 minutes from my home. What is a Volksmarch? It is an organized walk sponsored by a local chapter for the public. You can either walk for free of for credit. Saturday's walk you could choose a 5K or 10K. As you can see by the pictures if was a perfect fall day and I went for the 10K since I had the time. These are very fun, great exercise, and I saw trails that I never knew existed.

To find a chapter in your area click this link for more information!

Awareness

2010-09-23T06:24:00.001-07:00

"Every dog has its day, but it's not every dog that knows when he's having it."-

Winifred Gordon, A Book of Days (1910)

Is today your day? Sure! Why not? Would you know it was your day when you were having it?

Be present and aware!

Genetically Modified Salmon?

2010-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you've heard of this story yet in the news but it is darn right scary! How would you like to eat a "Frankenfish"? A genetically modified salmon? Well... the FDA is meeting to discuss this possibility

If OK'd the salmon will be the first genetically modified animal permitted by the FDA
Injected growth hormones make the fish reach maturity in half the growth time.

A company, AquAdvantage Salmon, has injected growth hormones into Atlantic salmon that enable the fish to reach maturity in half the normal growth time, 16 to 18 months, rather than 30 months.

I don't know about you but haven't we been injecting a growth hormone into cattle now for some time? Look what it's done to our milk supply and meat?

Living in the Pacific Northwest this entire Salmon issue seems unreal. There have been a lot written about genetically modified animals and crops and it is not helping the health issues of Americans.

If they are going to offer "Frankenfish" in the store it should be labeled so that you are informed and have a choice.

Personally I think that more people are going to elect to shop at PCC and Whole Foods for their meat and seafood.

Please stay on this issue so you can make informed choices for yourself and family

Here is the link to the CNN story

FALL

2010-09-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

With the beginning of fall comes bulb planting! This weekend I ran into my garden store to see all that was being offered so that I could make my list for a purchase this weekend! I don't plan out where things are going but every year I plant more bulbs of different varieties. It's not a very fun job but when spring comes I'm always glad I took the time.

This year I'm thinking of hosting a neighborhood bulb planting party one morning. Of course we need to jockey kids sport schedules and rain.... but I think we can make it work!

What is your favorite bulb to plant?

Advancement

2010-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Our weekend was incredibly busy and we finished it off with my son's Boy Scout Court of Honor. This is a ceremony where we honor and celebrate the accomplishments and rank advancements of the boys in the troop. It really is nice as they get older to see them all growing and accepting new challenges. So many times we recognize everyone in the group and they get a trophy. This is nice because the boys who are recognized really deserve the recognition.

Last of summer

2010-09-17T19:00:00.000-07:00

You could tell at the farm this evening that summer has ended. The rain has started to beat up the flowers and there are less of them blooming. The basil is just about toast but the Swiss chard is still going strong! If you want a crop that lives the entire summer, plant Swiss chard! It was sad to think that this may be my last week to go out in the fields to cut flowers so I took it upon myself to gather as many as I could without looking like the hoarder of flowers! Came home and filled up most of my vases. There are still four weeks left for heading out to the farm for my weekly basket of veggies. I'll sure miss it when it's over.

Have a great weekend!

2011 Calendars!

2010-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am a sucker for anything letterpress!

This time of year the 2011 calendars are being rolled out and this one I had to have for next year. It will look great in my home office.

You can find this calendar and all sorts of wonderful letterpress cards, calendars and coasters at

1canoe2.

Reality

2010-09-06T08:51:00.001-07:00

There is no reality except the one contained within us. That is why so many people live such an unreal life. They take the images outside them for reality and never allow the world within to assert itself."

-Hermann Hesse

I saw this quote and loved it! How many times do we mistake what is real? Do we trust what lies within ourselves to be reality? What type of reality are creating for yourself?

September

2010-09-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

We've all been asking ourselves: "where has the time gone? " September has rolled into Seattle and our hot days have turned into rainy mornings which brings me back to the computer and all those indoor chores.

I look at my blog and think... you haven't posted since August 22nd? What have you been doing with yourself? Well.... I've been enjoying summer and getting teens ready for back to school and starting all their athletics.

Here are just some snapshots of what has been happening! We've been having a good time.

More good books checked out from the library and I'll be sharing those with you soon.

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!

Unravelling #1: Ways of Seeing Myself

2010-08-22T00:32:00.000-07:00

With the chaos of the kids getting ready to go back to school, yes... football practice, sax lessons... it goes on and on..... I had to think about what I was going to do that was new for the fall. How was I going to challenge myself to learn something new?

So... today I signed up with a friend for the Susannah Conway Unravelling Online Course... "ways of seeing myself ". We had met some women at the Farm Chicks show in June that highly recommended this course but said "beware... it's very popular". So this morning at 10 am sharp we were on our computers signing up for a course offered in the UK. It sold out in a couple of hours!

What is the unravelling process?

"The Unravelling process is a new way to view your world, taking time to appreciate the beauty around you. And we do this in the simplest way: we stop and look. Beginning with your feet, you’re going to go on a photo safari into your own life to reconnect with who you are, where you’ve been and where you want to go next"

I just hope I can keep up with the weekly weekly photo and writing assignments!

Here is the link for her web site in case you may be interested in catching the next on line course!

Goals

2010-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a good weekend! Our was very busy with my son being gone we had a girls weekend! Lots of outings with friends and projects at home. Now that summer is starting to wind down and it's almost back to school ( got two emails from the school yesterday... ugh!! ) It's time to make some fall goals.

I thought this chalkboard was cute! You can find it here. I'm all about lists and writing things down. This would be a fun tool.

Look what I found!

2010-08-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I saw this camera strap with lens cap holder on Esty at August Blossoms and knew I needed to order immediately! I am always misplacing my lens cap! She has some really pretty designs and it's going to look great on my camera!

Cleaning and scrubbing

2010-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

I realized last night that I had been away from the blog for most of the week! I have been so busy with my daughter coming home from Rawanda and my son heading off to Hawaii that I've lost track of the time. I've also been busy the last two weeks with cleaning, decluttering, painting their bedrooms while they are gone. By Friday evening I'll be done! Wanted to get everything done before school started in September.

As for Zucchini! I did end up grilling a bunch of it on the BBQ and then using it in salads and sandwiches. However, I did find some great suggestions over on one of my favorite blogs

Tea and Cookies! She gives some great links for recipes.

A Bounty

2010-07-24T08:45:00.001-07:00

Friday evening's pick up at the CSA was big! We have just started getting some real nice weather here in the PNW right after July 5th so things are starting to pop in the gardens!

However, I came home with all this zucchini? What to do with it all? It looked so beautiful this morning on the counter with the morning sun. I think I need to go for a long bike ride this morning before I tackle this job!

Have a good weekend!

FEAR

2010-07-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presenceautomatically liberates others."

by Marianne Williamson.

It comes from her book, "A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles."

Prosperity Law # 62

2010-07-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Prosperity Law #62

" I mentally release what I no longer want"

You must let go of what you do not want in order to make room for what you do want. Removing your mental grip on circumstances releases the energy necessary for change. Declare silently or out loud that you now willingly release old beliefs, situations and relationships that no longer serve you.

- HarMoney Cards,

Simplicity TWO

2010-07-17T08:11:00.001-07:00

" It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”
- Laura Ingalls Wilder

Both of my kids are gone next week to camps and trips so I've been planning how I'm going to go thru our home each evening getting rid of things that don't make our lives simpler. Just one project each evening and we'll be done.

One way of making your life simpler is to get rid of all the clutter. Slowly but surely it's working.

Rawanda

2010-07-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday evening 7/14 Makaela left for her mission trip to Rawanda! She was very excited and the group has now arrived! I'm sure they were exhausted after such a long flight. If you are interested in following their mission work at the Center for Champions, please visit the following blog site.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Simplicity

2010-07-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Simplicity

"Our life is frittered away by detail... Simplify, simplify, simplify."

-Henry David Thoreau, Walden

I think I'll leave it at that. Have a good day!

Kayaking Weekend

2010-07-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

All I can say about this last weekend was WOW! What an amazing experience. The kayak trip in the Canadian gulf islands was awesome! Our guides were fantastic and the food incredible. I took 133 pictures and these were just a sampling. The salad above was just lunch on a pit stop at Pirates Cove before hitting our final destination! Smoked Tuna on a bed of greens with grilled asparagus and lots of other goodies.

Gourmet Kayak Trip

2010-07-08T07:18:00.001-07:00

Today I am heading up to Vancouver Island to join up with my group Friday for the Gourmet Kayak Tour! I have perfect weather today for the ferry ride 90 degrees here in Seattle and I have my dry packs all ready to go and the camera battery charged. Really looking forward to a new experience. If you are interested in these gourmet kayak trips you can find more information at Edible British Columbia. Will have pictures for you next week!

The New Good Life by John Robbins

2010-07-05T10:59:00.001-07:00

The New Good Life

by

John Robbins

Over the holiday weekend I read the book, The New Good Life by John Robbins. The book was a very quick read and was interesting in that I had not read his previous books and was not familiar with his history.

John Robbins is a man who decided to live his life by his own drummer. He is the son of founder Baskin Robbins and yet decided to walk away from his "good life" in order to create his own by his standards.

The book is very timely and a lot of the references he gives in the book are very recent events in our nations economy. What we've known in the past as "normal" in our economy is gone and we need to create our own sense of normalcy.

From John's book:

" The year 2010 began with nearly one in three U.S. homeowners owing more on their mortgages than their homes were worth, and that figure was soon expected to soon reach one in two. Today, foreclosures are filed in the United States every seven and a half seconds"

" The level of affluence may Americans had come to take for granted is becoming out of reach for rapidly growing numbers of people"

So... given this... how do we create our own sense of independence from money and see it not as a necessary evil but a way to help provide and enhance our lives and the lives of those less fortunate?

Through out the book the author wants to convey:

" However much money you have or don't have, your relationship to the money in your life can be transformational. It can be a doorway into greater consciousness, into greater integrity and into greater freedom. "

The book then goes into the following:

1. Getting to know your money type

2. Four steps to financial freedom

Living the Good Life

a. Your life is your temple - if you treat it like one

b. Life is too short for traffic

c. Eating better, spending less

d. Kids, the biggest financial decision of your life

e. Safe, Clean and Natural

f. The economics of happiness

I felt that the author did a very good job awakening us to the above aspects to consider when you are living your good life every day. He gives you some things to consider and ponder when deciding to change your lifestyle.

His story is inspiring and I'd strongly recommend this book if you are looking ways to cope within this new economy.

John Robbins also has a web site where he is posting articles and more information on his book. You can get to the site by clicking here.

4th of July

2010-07-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July weekend!

A weekend to rest and relax!

Maybe a book ... or two, parade, BBQ, and trying some new recipes.

Here's hoping you have a safe and restful weekend.

Thoughts

2010-06-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

All that we are is the result of what we have thought.

The mind is everything.

What we think, we become."

-Buddha (563 - 483 B.C.)

How often do we take time to be silent and listen to inner most thoughts?

To say that what we think we become is very powerful and true. Our thoughts are our beliefs... think good ones.

That is your challenge today!

Esty Poster Shop!

2010-06-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

I just love this poster shop of ESTY!

This designer has some wonderful designs and captions.

Growing up I had a lot of fun posters on my walls, Charlie Brown, Snoopy posters... dates me doesn't it?! But they were fun. Haven't really found any that were quite the same until I found this site.

I may just need to purchase this bicycle poster and put it in my office!

Self Portraits and Scrapbooks

2010-06-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Recently while doing a scrapbook of our spring break trip I got to thinking... why am I not in these photos? That's because I was always the one taking them! Sometimes when we were out I'd ask a stranger to take our photos together so I could remember when I'm old and gray that I did actually go on that trip too! I also want my kids to know that I am comfortable with who I am and not afraid of having my picture taken. So many people resist having their photo taken by themselves or in a group. Why is that? What are they trying to hide? We see them already. This summer remember that you went on that trip or were represented at the outing. Don't leave yourself out!

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg

2010-06-25T19:00:00.001-07:00

A Homemade Life

by Molly Wizenberg

I am probably the last person to read this wonderful book. I had been following
the blog Orangette for sometime and Molly would refer to her book so I finally put it on hold at the library. It came in and I read it in three days.

This was a really wonderful read. I'm not very detailed on book reviews so I'll give my quick perspective. I think Molly has done her family proud. This book is destined to be a Wizenberg family heirloom. I just wish I had one in my family.

Molly takes you in and out of her relationships with her family, her mother, father, her Parisian boyfriend and eventually the future husband. The stories revolve around their relationships and food. Each chapter doesn't let you down...
at the end there is a recipe that you will have to try.

I found the chapters surrounding her father very touching... and I won't give the contents away but they are wonderful stories.

Molly has a knack with language and she draws you into her world and your reading just flows from one chapter to the next.

I'm just sorry I didn't purchase the book because there are too many recipes that I want to make and it would be easier if I was able to pull it down off the shelf when needed for a quick glance.

My kids are gone this weekend but when they get home,
Molly's "Winning Hearts and Minds Cake" will be waiting for them after dinner!

Rosemary Kissed Orange Thumbprint Cookies

2010-06-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

Rosemary Kissed Orange Thumbprint Cookies Tuscano

I found this recipe in the April 2010 Better Homes and Garden Magazine and it was a $2500 winner in the Holiday Category and it was submitted by Mary Louise Lever from Rome Georgia.

I tried to find a link to the recipe on their site but nothing came up so I'll type below. With the Rosemary I got from the CSA last week I knew I had to try this cookie. They were very good!

Prep 30 min, bake 14 min. chill 1 hour. Oven 325 F

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 tsp snipped fresh rosemary

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup powdered sugar

a few drops of almond extract

1/4 cup orange marmalade

powdered sugar

1. In a small bowl stir together flour, cornstarch, rosemary and salt. set aside. In medium mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed 30 seconds. Add 1/3 c powdered sugar and almond extract and beat until combined. Add flour mixture and beat until combined. Wrap and chill dough 1 hour or until easy to handle.

2. Preheat oven to 325 F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Shape dough in twenty-four 1 1/4 - inch balls. Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Use thumb to make indentations in each cookie. Spoon about 1/2 tsp. marmalade into center of each.

3. Bake 14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Coll 1 minute on cookie sheets. Remove and cool completely on wire racks. Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar to serve.

Makes 24 cookies!

First Day of Summer!

2010-06-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Summer!

Longest day of the year, Summer Solstice, you name it!

Here at our home summer means two teenagers running in different directions, never home at the same time.

For me it's leaving notes on the kitchen counter before I leave for work instead of packing lunches.

We are still looking forward to some sunshine here in Seattle!

What will you do on the longest day of the year?

Think about it and go for it!

Swiss Chard, Yum!

2010-06-18T21:13:00.001-07:00

On my way home from work this evening I picked up my CSA basket of wonderful vegetables.

In the basket was Rainbow Chard... yum! One of my favorites! Along was a recipe for a Swiss Chard Frittata. Since I could pick the herbs as well at the farm I had everything for a Friday evening dinner. Nice and light since we didn't eat until 8:30 pm! After baseball practice! I thought the recipe was so good that I wanted to share it with you.

Swiss Chard Frittata

1 onion

1 garlic clove, minced.

2 T olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp oregano

1/2 tsp thyme

1/4 tsp rosemary

freshly ground pepper to taste

1 zucchini chopped

1 bunch of Swiss Chard chopped

1 green bell peper, chopped

mushrooms sliced

5 eggs

1 c. shredded cheddar or grated parmesan cheese

In a 9 or 10: cast iron skillet, saute onion and garlic in olive oil with salt, basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and freshly ground pepper for 5 min. Add zucchini and Swiss chard leaves. If desired add green bell pepper and sliced mushrooms. Beat 5 eggs and shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese. Turn heat up in frying pan. Pour egg-cheese mixture over veggies. Place pan in the oven at 400 degrees and cook for 12- 15 minutes, or unit it sets.

I have to tell you this was really very good.

I have to give credit where credit is due. They copied it out of a cookbook, and don't know the title but at the end of the recipe it says:

Anne Morgan

Lakes and Valley CSA/ Midhaven Farms

Park Rapids, MN

Thank you Anne!

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

2010-06-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

In Defense of Food

An Eater's Manifesto

by Michael Pollan

I have to say this is some book and would be very difficult to recap in a paragraph. If you are interested in how our western diet has evolved and the progression from whole foods to processed foods than this is a very comprehensive book.

In some respects I was very disturbed by what I read and it really made me think about what I now purchase at the grocery store. The book is due today at the library and as I run thru the pages to recapture some information for the blog I wish that I had time to read it again as I read some portions that are great to read again.

Michael goes to say

" A hallmark of the Western diet is food that is fast, cheap, and easy. Americans spend less than 10 percent of their income on food; they also spend less than a half hour a day preparing meals and little more than an hour enjoying them"

" Foods have long been processed in order to preserve them, as when we pickle or ferment or smoke, but industrial processing aims to do much more than extend shelf life. Today foods are processed in ways specifically designed to sell us more food by pushing our evolutionary buttons- our inborn preferences for sweetness and fat and salt. Tastes great,less filling! could be the the motto for most processed food , which are far more energy dense than whole foods: They contain much less water, fiber and micro nutrients, and generally much more sugar and fat, making them at the same time, to coin a marketing slogan, " More fattening, less nutritious! "

Michael's number on rule: If you grandmother wouldn't recognize the food... don't eat it!

Another wonderful quote from the book:

" Is it a coincidence that as the portion of our income spent on food has declined, spending on health care has soared? In 1960 Americans spend 17.5 percent of their income on food and 5.2 percent of national income on health care. Since then, those numbers have flipped: Spending on food has fallen to 9.9 percent, while spending on health care has climbed to 16 percent of national income. "

Don't you think that spending a little more on healthier food would reduce the amount we spend on health care?

In his last chapter of his book he gives us tips on how to make healthier choices in the types of foods we eat and how we consume our food!

One last mention that stuck with me in the book. He mentions that gas stations are for fueling up your car... not you! How much garbage is sold in those stores attached to the gas station? And yet we see people there every day picking up lunch, snacks, or heaven forbid... energy drinks!

This is a must book to get your hands on.... You can read it cover to cover but then it's perfect to also go back and reference certain sections.

Thursday- Color

2010-06-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday, a dreary morning here in the Pacific Northwest and we all anxiously are awaiting summer. We wonder if it will ever come? Usually after the fourth of July. So... I felt like I needed a little bit of color to get me going this morning! These pictures were taken on a recent trip to Central Oregon.

The candy photo was taken at Powell's Candy Shop in Bend Oregon and the fabric and yarn was taken at The Stitchin Post in Sister's Oregon. Both great vacation destinations.

A Weekend of Baseball In Wenatchee

2010-06-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Customize a slideshow design

It's that time of year! End of school and lots of baseball. This weekend a tournament in Wenatchee. Lots of sun and baseball. Hopefully cooking and reading soon!

Farm Chicks Weekend!

2010-06-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was all about the Farm Chicks Show in Spokane Washington! If you love antiques, shopping, and being around very creative women this is the show for you! We shopped until we dropped on Saturday and then again Sunday morning before heading back to Seattle. Took too many pictures to post them all. Spokane is a very happening city with lots of shops and great restaurants! We are definitely looking forward to our trip next year with additional spots to see on our list! Might just need to make it a longer weekend.

Now or Never

2010-06-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

Now or never!

You must live in the present,

launch yourself on every wave,

find your eternity in each moment."

-Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Lately I've felt that instead of launching myself in a wave it's been a hurricane instead!

Too much going on at the end of the school year!

Hope your June got off to a good start.

Kim Ricketts Book Event

2010-05-26T05:00:00.000-07:00

Great Appetizers

Wonderful Authors

Fantastic Books

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a Kim Ricketts Book Event here in Seattle! What a treat! It is a wonderful setting with some wonderful authors , great appetizers and wine. Some of the reading I was doing lately was in support of going to hear these authors talking about their books. Here are some of the authors that attended and I strongly recommend their books! Some wonderful reads... just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

Amy Pennington, The Urban Pantry

Tara Austin Weaver, The Butcher and the Vegetarian

Langdon Cook, The Fat of the Land

Kathleen Flinn , The Sharper your knife the less you Cry

The Kind Diet By Alicia Silverstone

2010-05-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Kind Diet

Alicia Silverstone

Several months ago I had heard Alicia on the radio talking about her book so the weekend I read The Kind Diet

She breaks the book out into three sections:

- Kind vs. Nasty Foods ( coffee, sugar etc )

- Living the Kind Life

-The Recipes

What I liked about Alicia's approach is that she breaks out living "the kind life" into several approaches.

- Flirting with the diet

- Going Vegan

- Becoming a Superhero

As a reader I really appreciated the fact that everyone can not go vegan and/or they want to approach things slowly.

The recipes in the book are terrific and can't wait to experiment.

Alicia also has her own web site which promotes the kind life diet and healthy lifestyles. You can visit it by clicking this link. The site is very well done and I was interested in the forum section which is a great area to visit and there are several different topic discussions.

Rosemary

2010-05-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since I took this picture I've been thinking a lot about Rosemary! It's medicinal properties and cooking something yummy!

Rosemary is an extremely useful herb, with many culinary, medicinal and aromatherapy attributes. Rosemary stimulates the central nervous system and circulation making it beneficial for low blood pressure and sluggishness.

However, since it's the weekend and I have more time to bake... I was thinking of making these Strawberry and Rosemary Scones by Giada De Laurentiis.

Now that sounds yummy!

Have a good weekend~

You can teach an old dog new tricks!

2010-05-19T20:06:00.001-07:00

LEARNING NEW TRICKS

It took a very windy, rainy evening here in Seattle for me to take time to sit down and read the manual on my camera and download some photos. Then I got real ambitious and thought I'd learn some new photo software. Then.... I went and thought oh... I can make a collage! Ok... it was a good first try... I see some defects but I won't point them out.

Took some photos from my recent trip and played around with them in the above collage. It was fun but frustrating because I couldn't really access the photos I wanted to show.

Oh well... you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Don't let anyone ( even yourself ) tell you that you can't try something new.

What have you been putting off learning to do?

Connection

2010-05-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Connection

"I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence,but it comes from within. It is there all the time."-Anna Freud

This is such a wonderful quote. How often do we look outside of ourselves for answers? They lie right within us.

Have a good day!

Monday

2010-05-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND!

The weather was picture perfect and I got in plenty of biking. This picture was taken with my camera phone so not the best quality. However, you can see a bit of Mt Baker in the background. Great to get away and have some rest and relaxation.

Have a great week!

It's Friday!

2010-05-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Looking Forward to the weekend!

I am going away for some cycling , rest and relaxation! Do you see my new friend in the bottom left hand corner? Besides doing a lot of cycling I'll be reading the manual and playing around with my new camera! Hope to be able to share some pictures with you Monday from the

San Juan Islands! Have a good weekend!

HarMoney Card - Prosperity Law #16

2010-05-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Prospertiy Law # 16

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

Love is the greatest force in the universe. Applying love to everything you do causes your path to unfold smoothly and draws your dreams in the perfect way. Expand your ability to love and you will create magic and harmony in all your affairs.

For more information on HarMoneyCards.

Stamp out Hunger, May 8th

2010-05-07T19:20:00.001-07:00

Saturday May 8th is Stamp out Hunger!

On Saturday May 8th your United States Postal Service employee will be delivering your mail and picking up any bag or box of food you'd like to donate to your local food bank.

Please take a moment to put together a bag and leave it by your mailbox on Saturday. I'm sure there are a lot of people who would appreciate you taking the time to contribute.

Thank you!

Listening Below the Noise

2010-05-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

Listening Below the Noise

Anne D. Le Claire

I recently had the privilege to hear an interview with Anne LeClaire talking about her book, Listening Below the Noise.

It was a fascinating interview and I would recommend you visit Anne's web site.

Anne is an accomplished writer but for sixteen years on the first and third Monday of every month she would practice the art of silence. For myself I think... WOW! Can you imagine not saying something for an entire day?

The interview was interesting in that she discussed what the silence taught both her and her husband and her journey. The mediation on the practice of silence.

Think about it. Sometimes we are so caught up in our day to day that we don't first take the time to listen let alone be silent and listen to what is going on within ourselves.

With two teens in the house and being a sales rep I doubt that I'll be able to practice a day of anytime soon. However, I love Anne's story and I feel she has a wonderful lesson to teach.

Happy Monday

2010-05-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a good weekend. I took the time this weekend to get a little creative since the weather was rainy here in Washington. Picked up the crochet hook and made some cotton dish rags for the house and did some scrapbooking ( way behind on projects ).

I just love these flowers I picked up at Trader Joes !

Have a good week!

This week I joined a CSA!

2010-04-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

This week I joined my local CSA here in Redmond, Washington for the first time. I'd heard a lot about CSA's but had never gone to check it out. This was my opportunity to purchase shares of a harvest which will provide local organic produce from June - October. Wow! How wonderful is that... all I need to do is go pick it up. The best part about picking up the produce is that they have fresh herbs and fresh flowers to cut. Now that sold me! The herbs and the flowers. They say that their varieties of basil really is popular during the summer. I can just taste that pesto right now.

If you are unsure about CSA's, how they operate, or how to locate one in your community you can visit this site.

The first part of June I'll be able to pick up my first box.

Urban Picinic Roll up

2010-04-28T05:00:00.001-07:00

With spring here and summer picnic season approaching I saw on Esty a great product and had to post! It's called the Urban Picnic Roll up. Since I'm optimistic on our Pacific North West summer ahead I had to purchase one. I'm so tired of packing a basket and the utensils falling to the bottom. With this roll up you can have these re use able bamboo utensils ready to go at a moments notice. Now all I need to do is purchase the concert tickets.

What a great idea! Reusing and convenient!

The Butcher and the Vegetarian

2010-04-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Butcher and the Vegetarian

Tara Austen Weaver

Over the weekend I squeezed in reading The Butcher and the Vegetarian. At the end of May Tara will be one of a couple of authors I see during a discussion in Seattle. So... I'm scrambling to read all the books being discussed!

Tara's book was very fascinating about her life being raised as a vegetarian and how a medical aliment had her seeking the consumption of meat. The book takes us through her journey of discovering meat. The act of purchasing, preparing, and consumption. As a meat eater my entire life this wouldn't seem like such a big deal but Tara's viewpoint really does open your eyes to someone who is experiencing this process for the first time and learning about the meat industry in general.

I did learn a lot about the meat industry in her book and it opened my eyes to several ranches that are practicing more humane ways of raising cattle and the discussion of grass fed vs. corn fed beef.

I won't tell you how the book ends or if consuming meat cured Tara of her ailment. I will tell you that I was pleasantly surprised at the ending.

Tara sites at the back of her book all those that she had involved in her journey so that you can look them up on your own which is very helpful

I highly recommend this book and would be a great pick for a monthly book group

Lilacs

2010-04-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens

This last weekend on my way home from Portland I stopped in Woodland Washington to visit the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens. I have passed this exit off the freeway for over sixteen years and finally without kids in the car decided to take the exit and make the detour. Am I glad I did this time! What a jewel in a small town. The below picture is just one I took on my camera phone so the quality is very poor. However, I wanted to document my visit. By visiting the web site you will see the pictures of Hulda's home and her surrounding gardens which are open all year long. This is a great time of year because the lilac's are in bloom.

Here is a story about a woman who began in 1905 working tirelessly to cultivate fourteen new varieties of lilacs in her yard. Only to have them all wiped out in a flood in 1948. Her farm was under water from the flood for six weeks. Virtually all of her work was destroyed. However, at the age of 83 she was not discouraged. No... she and her son restored the gardens and replaced everything she lost.

Hulda loved her garden and it shows as you walk the grounds and enjoy the beauty of the lilacs and her home. For two dollars ( yes two dollars ) you get to enter the gardens and tour her home. Everything is in place as the day she left it when she passed away at 93 years old. Working up to the day in her garden.

I was very impressed by the dedication of the volunteers to the grounds and their love and knowledge of Hulda. I even purchased a Lilac bush from her garden and brought it home that afternoon. Picked a nice sunny spot!

Let us eat cake by Sharon Boorstin

2010-04-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

Wow, I looked at my last post and it has been over a month since I've last made an entry. So much going on including a week away with the kids for spring break. Time has flown.

During our plane rides and time by the pool I read the above book,

Let us Eat Cake by Sharon Boorstin.

What a great book... sure gives you a lot to think about. This book tended to be a bit autobiographical to her life growing up. Who she cooked with in the kitchen and her relationship to the people she cooked for in her childhood and adult life.

Made me think about if I had ever cooked with my grandparents ( no ) , but I did cook with my mother growing up and we tended to have a varied menu and tried lots of new recipes and still do. However I never took the chance to cook with grandparents and learn any cultural dishes.

In my adult years I don't really cook with girlfriends. Do people still get together to cook together? I do remember in college my roommate and I would make home made bran muffins on Friday evening and eat them up ( not all of them of course ) ! I don't know if the bran was cheap, healthy, but we always had a good time!

The book also made me wonder if I was teaching my daughter enough about cooking, family recipes and sharing time in the kitchen. Probably not... our lives are so hectic that I'm usually preparing meals while my kids are at practice then once their home we sit and eat!

At least they know how to do the dishes!!!!

We'll need to work on that.

The book is loaded with with lots of recipes that Sharon shares. She really leads an interesting life and has some amazing friendships where not only lives are shared but cooking is part of the fun in the relationship!

Do you have a friend or family member that you cook with on a regular basis and what do you fix?

Something to ponder

2010-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

"A year from now you'll wish you had started today"

- Karen Lamb

I saw this quote this morning and it really made me think. What DO I want to start that I have been putting off? Wouldn't it feel good to know that it's completed a year from now?

What is it you would like to start today and have done in a year?

Start jotting your list!

Kiss your dentist Goodbye , by Ellie Phillips

2010-03-12T06:30:00.001-08:00

Kiss your Dentist Goodbye

Ellie Phillips, DDS

I heard Ellie Phillips on a radio show Thursday talking about her book and the endorsement of a product called Xylitol. During her interview she was endorsing this product as the key to better oral health , stronger teeth and a healthier lifestyle.

Ellie believe that you can not only maintain good oral health but you can reverse the signs of decay and gum disease by using this product on a daily basis five times per day. There is also scientific facts that state that Xylitol can help with ear infections and asthma.

I did go to her site after the interview and it was packed full of very good information and illustrations on the health your teeth and gums and how Xylitol plays a part in overall oral health.

I currently chew a gum called Spry gum which does contain Xylitol and it is wonderful. You can get this product in toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, and granular form.

Check out Ellie's site you will get an education and will most likely be out looking for this product.

Deborah on the GO!

2010-03-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Life has been hectic!

I can't believe that it's been almost a month since I've last posted. Sorry for the absence but my life has been getting in the way!

What have I been working on and keeping me busy?

1. Taxi the kids ( to sports and more sports! )

2. Work

3. Cooking ( lots of wonderful recipes from the Barefoot Contessa! Here is one you have to try: Lemon Yogurt Cake )

4. Walking

5. Cycling

6. Fiction novels! ( lots and lots! Unplugged the TV... even for the Olympics)

7. Working on being kind to myself .

8. Enjoying the beautiful spring like weather we've had here in the PNW!

What has been keeping you busy this last month? I just can't believe that we are moving the clocks forward soon and our days will be brighter and lighter out. Yeah!

Here is a quote for you to ponder:

" Women are like tea bags. We don't know our strength until we are in hot water"

- Eleanor Roosevelt

Here is my favorite tea! Good Earth Teas.

Thanks for Your Time- Author Unkown

2010-02-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks for Your Time

Author Unknown

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, girls, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday."Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days."Jack, did you hear me?""Oh sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said."Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him."I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said."You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said."He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important... Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time.

The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture... Jack stopped suddenly."What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said."What box?" Mom asked."There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it."

Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died.

Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox. "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read.Early the next day Jack retrieved the package.

The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention."Mr. Harold Belser" it read.

Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside."Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life."

A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved:

"Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most...was...my time."Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked."I need some time to spend with my son," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet... thanks for your time!"

Communication

2010-02-15T17:29:00.001-08:00

Communication

Well... being a communications major in college, I didn't do very well this weekend in this department. In fact I botched up what could have been a really nice day with someone I care about. But when I went to college they didn't teach us about the fine art of texting and I really did think that this person could read my mind! ( haha )

Lesson learned.

You may think you're saying something in a text or email and but the other person can't read your mind! You have to very explicit on what you want and/or looking for in your email or text!

How many times has a text or email gotten you into trouble?

I've hear hoar stories about this all the time. I found out this weekend that the fine art of picking up the phone and calling the individual works much better and can solve a bunch of problems down the road.

I'm going to rely less on text and more on phone calling in the future.

( Even though I hate to talk on the phone! )

Nothing can replace the instant feedback that you get over the phone versus a clumsy ol' text.

Lesson learned.

Valentine's Day

2010-02-11T17:49:00.001-08:00

Well... the countdown is on. We are only a couple of days shy of the big "V" day! I don't know about you... but I think this is a Hallmark holiday! I commute 2 hours a day and have a lot of time behind the wheel to listen to ALOT of talk radio. All week its been nothing but LOVE and SEX being discussed. Talk about putting the pressure on people! Shouldn't we be thinking of this 365 days a year? Do we really need a reminder to tell those that we care about that we love them?

Ok... so I caved in a bit. I did buy some cards for a my family and one special person. But that's it! There won't be massage oils or gifts on Sunday! I'll bring those out the following weekend!

Remember

The secret to LOVE is to LOVE yourself.

You can't love another person until you've fully accepted yourself and love all that about you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Weight a minute!

2010-02-05T06:18:00.001-08:00

Weight a Minute!

by Deborah Enos, CN

How are you doing with those resolutions to lose weight or eat healthier in 2010? Recently I heard Deborah Enos on the radio talking about her book Weight a Minute and how she brands herself as the one minute wellness coach.

I read her book this week and it was a great reminder on the pitfalls of getting older and learning how to incorporate healthier eating habits into your lifestyle. I enjoyed the book because it was such an easy read and reminded me of some things I already knew but maybe some additional information.

What I really do like is Deborah's web site and signed up for her on line newsletter. Already I had a one minute wellness tip in my inbox this week.

Overall a good reminder!