New Years Day Tradition

As long as I can remember, this one,
my mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunts
cooked black eyed peas, turnip greens and cornbread
for New Years Day.

Tomorrow it will be no different but a smaller portion
is being cooked in this cottate
at this very moment.

Black eyed peas
and a little different with an
addition of
 chopped green, yellow, red pepper
onions and chopped ham.

Turnip Greens, rice and cornbread....

This meal is said to bring us good luck for the coming year.

So
this mom and grandmother
will continue what she was taught over her 3 score, 10 plus years.

I wonder how many of my children
and grandchildren
will continue this tradition.

Probably not
as diligent as this one.
But maybe some will continue
this family tradition...

I am well aware that if my children
do not share this with their children
then this tradition will be lost.

But then I notice
times are changing

I am having some tonight

On This Day

Yes,
on this day
these words say it best....
Especially as time goes by.

I thank all that made a visit,
phone call, sent cards, emails,
 comments,
sent a gift and even thank
those that remembered me in prayer
or special thoughts
that I may not even be aware of.

A new day begins
and I see words I copied upon my desk
and must remember.

~~There is only one way to happiness and that is
to cease worrying about things
which are beyond the power of your will~~

Epictetus

Fudge Cake

This post was written 2 years ago.
Just made again
 took cake out to cool
and will ice in about 15 minutes.
It is so good
and want to share again.....

This was my mother's (soon to be gone 14 years at age 82) favorite
and my sister's (soon to be gone 4 years at age 70) favorite.
This was brought to family home when my special daughter
had a tractor accident.
Tomorrow it will be shared with a special friend and
my neighbor whose husband passed away yesterday at age 7l.

A lot of memories connected with this cake...

I may have to make another one to have on hand for "me"
during the Winter month's



When my children were growing up I made this cake almost monthly.  Would
take to church dinners and shared with many.  It was always made at Christmas
as they would rather have it then candy.
The recipe was shared with me about 45 years ago.  The card is so stained and
this post will give me the recipe to copy and put in my file.

Just finished cleaning kitchen and what a mess.  I do not remember this cake
taking almost 2 1/2 hours from start to finish.    It did not come out quite to the
consistency that I like but it has been 5 years since I made it and never in this oven.
But it still taste wonderful and very rich and calorie laden.

The card states it makes 24 servings and I cut 30 generous sections and just put in
freezer to add to deserts for Mother's Day gathering.

Fudge Cake

Beat 4 eggs, add 2 cups of sugar, 1 and/1/3 cup vegetable oil, 4 squares melted baking chocolate,
1 tsp vanilla, 2 cups flour with 1 tsp baking powder
 and 1 1/2 tsp salt , 1 cup of chopped walnuts.

Line a large pan (I use large Pyrex dish) that has been lightly greased with two pieces of paper towel and two pieces of wax paper.
Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Turn heat off and leave in oven for 5 minutes.
Cool slightly before removing from pan.

Icing                Melt 1 stick of butter
                        3 squares of chocolate
                        12 large marshmallows

Add                 3 tbsp. milk
                        1 tsp vanilla

1 box of confectionery sugar - blend well - spread a thin layer over cake and sides.  Then add
two cups miniature marshmallows to the remainder of icing and spread.
You may want to add a little more milk to have a good spreading consistency

~~~~~when I turn this cake out I put my grandmother's old cutting board over the pan and
flip.   Not as easy for me as in the past.   Peel the paper off then I let the board  sit on my old chop block and cool until
I put icing on and cut in squares~~~~

The old chop block I have taken from home to home for years.  The young couple that I bought the old farm house from could not move it because of size and weight and I bought it from them.      Solid wood and so very heavy
I imagine it was used by a butcher for years.
I wish this kitchen was set up where I could have it by my sink and use it more instead of  using my small cutting board.

At the moment I cannot visualize my daughter's making this cake.  They do not have time and
wonder about the patience.
Now my granddaughter Sarah stays in the kitchen for hours preparing vegan dishes and I know
she is not going to make grandma's fudge cake .

Special Words

Some special words
just received and will pass them on
to my children, grandchildren
and special friends.

A special wish to you
and this one typing away
On this Winter Solstice morning.

~~May the blessing of wonder be upon you
May your soul awake to the glow of the new born sun

May you find your life is a fresh page waiting to be written upon
May you begin again
Be born again
A new self
A new journey

May you turn the wheel again towards hope ~~

~~some words from "The Blessing Of The Child Of Wonder"
Joanna Howell Colbert

Sad

I was so sad this morning
wanting so
to drive into the big city for my youngest granddaughter's piano recital.
Raining, balance issue severe, her sister has Strep throat
and could not chance it.
With days out of school during the holidays
hopefully I can drive to her home and listen to her play Christmas songs
on the piano my Jamie played at the old farm house.
Memories surface of last summer
when I attended her recital

A gift to me
yesterday.
 Marked down,
I quickly purchased
 and the scent is wonderful

For lunch today
tomato soup with Basil
which is so good along with batch of pimento cheese made.
Spotted the Basil plant and also purchased yesterday.

I planned on freezing many of my herbs
and seems it never happened.
In many ways
felt  like this year went by so quickly
and 2013 will soon come to an end.

Coconut Soup - New to me and life passions change

My Beth shared that when my granddaughter Sarah was visiting during Thanksgiving
she made Coconut Soup.
I had never heard of it
and have  requested her recipe.
I am well aware they their home is stocked with many seasonings that I  do not have
and  not familiar with.

But I do keep tofu, fish oil, sesame oil and ginger on hand.
This is really good for one with Southern roots and my parents
and grand parents would not even know what I am talking about
as I share in this post.

At the market 2 days ago picked up 2 cans of Amy's Coconut Soup.
It made 2 servings and I put an addition of 6 shrimp in each serving.

I really liked it and started looking up recipes.
Will need some Lemon Grass and will use mushrooms from my local store
not the type in this soup and may add some rice noodles.

As I did research on line
you can add chicken, rice noodles, chicken broth
and Thai chili's I do not have - but they may be to hot for me.

I found a basic recipe I can work with and add what I like.

1 can of coconut milk
cilantro (from my herbs)
shallots (I will use green onions)
ginger
fresh lime juice
garlic
fish oil
tofu
an addition of a little water or chicken broth.

So this is an idea of what is in this soup.  Amy's soup had an addition of sliced sweet potatoes
and green beans.

I usually change recipes to suit me - a lifetime of doing this...

Will share that
Sarah is now working
at a Thai restaurant in New York.
A big change from a lifetime passion of wanting to playing her French Horn in a symphony
then going on to a passion of vegan food and writing about it and now Thai.
She is young, so intelligent and this is all good.
Grandma can visualize her with her own restaurant some day.

Morning Thoughts

Bitter cold
like 10 degrees on the deck
but clear and sun beginning to shine.

Do you ever have special words keep playing in my mind?
Through the night these
words kept going through my mind
"teach your children well."

Many special scriptures on these words.

Yes, teach them well and even if they stray
for a season
they will return.

Not the exact words
but words I believe
and tried to practice and I smile
as my children do well and now grandchildren
even if occasionally someone forgets
I know this has been taught to them
and hopefully they are passing on
for when you see this practiced
it is a joy to your heart.

In my growing up years I never received many gifts
and my children received so many in their growing up years.
I always stressed to say thank you or send a note.

Yesterday was a busy day with many errands
One to correct my clipping on hair for 8 weeks.
Was so pleased with the outcome and on a trip to the grocery
had someone stop me and compliment my hair.
This made me smile as I soon received another.

A trip to the hospital for the dreaded MRI - brain scan.
An excellent new doctor and this is to make sure nothing else is
going on but inflammatory problem causing balance issues.  
Needless to say I will be pleased when I hear the results.

A new day
sun is shining,
so much to be thankful for
on this journey of life
and may I never forget
to be thankful for much....

Forwarding To Family

It is easier for me to forward these images
to children and grandchildren
using my journal
then EMail.

Ice has finally melted
but still very cold and a light rain falling.

Today looking out
the window...

Beautiful But Treacherous and Recipe

Early morning and ice sparkles cover everything.
Looks beautiful
and I will not be venturing out today.

I did not wait for pie to cool
before cutting a slice.
It is so good.
3 slices ate yesterday :)

Recipe - French Coconut Pie

1 1/2 cups coconut
1/2 cup milk poured over it to soak 10 minutes
then drain and add enough milk to make 1/2 cup

2 beaten large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 stick of softened butter

whip all together and add 1/2 tsp vinegar

pour in pie shell
and bake 350 degrees
45- 60 minutes

This is so easy
and so good
if you like coconut....

Homebound So Nice and I Came Across The Way It Was

Another good day to stay inside.
Birds flocking to the feeders and must bundle up
and make another trip to refill.

White bean chili is simmering.
French coconut pie in the oven...

Very little holiday decorating except with Poinsettia's, my old berry tree
and my special very old Angel.

Recipe project, address book that scans over 50 years are on the big table
and will send a very few cards this year.

Going through items in storage room I came across this family picture.
It is a beautiful picture and
when compared to my journey over the last almost 40 years this was a short
time.
Now I can smile at this image and the way it was.
 I view my children at a different age, one woman whose lifestyle has changed dramatically
for the best and someone who at this time is almost a total stranger.

On this cold
Saturday morning
with music playing, chili simmering, pie in the oven and many projects to keep me occupied
I have to say
"life is good."

A Memory At Midnight

Up at midnight
checking weather
on computer
and came across
my youngest daughter's
sharing in the past.

It makes me smile
and brings back so many memories.

Now when I pull down my long gravel drive
or look out the front windows of this cottage,
 in the distance
I see the old farm house.

Sharing in case some who visit me
might not have read....

My Jamie,
thank you....


http://blondemomblog.com/20ll/09/15/i-come-from

Changing Quickly

Yesterday it was in the 70's
I sat on the deck, looked up at the sun
and enjoyed my lunch

Callie was barking and I
glanced down to the terrace and there was a young snake sunning.

Early this morning headed to town as it is predicted
temperature will drop all day.
70 degrees as I head to market for Kefir,
a few more items I might need in the next few days,
batteries and cat litter for icy steps....

Wood steps may be ice covered in the morning
 makes me uncomfortable and I usually go through
the garage to refill bird feeders.

Rain all day and at the moment 38 degrees.
Christmas cactus purchased last year
looks cheerful as it is beginning to bloom.

Looking forward to quiet time for a few days
and hopefully all will be well.....

It Took A Number Of Days

It took
3 days preparing for Thanksgiving
and 3 days to put things back in order.
Refrigerator contents now back to normal,
freezer has a 1/2 dozen containers of turkey
to be used for White Bean Chili on a cold day
and maybe make some turkey salad for a sandwich
another time.
Made another Pumpkin pie yesterday and wonder
why I only make it at this time of year.
It is so healthy and tasty
and this one is for me alone.

Seemed I prepared and awaited some of my children,
grandchildren and guest on a nonstop agenda
almost like I was on speed and also had several sleepless nights.
Remember the calls from children saying
"slow down".
I seemed more excited this time for those that arrived
then in the past
it may be that I know there are not many more years of this happening for me.
I might add, Callie was so excited also
and when everyone left it seemed she wanted to sleep forever...

Everything was perfect, (except for those that were missing)  all happy and it was great seeing
dozens of pictures from over the ocean and sharing so much with her grandma.

Even a cooking class was taken in that far away land.

They arrived in summer clothes and quickly were wearing
Winter clothes

I wondered about luggage
and was informed - like my son shared
none was taken.  Just a backpack with minimal items.
Asked about laundry and told they rinsed things in the sink.
Now all of this impressed me
as these young people are use to a whole lot...
Luggage purchased in that land over the ocean
 to bring back a number of gifts.
Was almost envious of the scarves my little granddaughter's received.
Then I was presented with a beautiful blue and while china box
to add next to one similar my son sent me for my birthday.

So life by the woods at this time is
continuing at a slower pace
by one who knows she is loved,
 has a continual smile on her face,
a heart full of peace.

To think I have not written in 5 days :)

Nothing has surfaced to write about
and know  thoughts will return.

At the moment just enjoying
quiet time, reflecting on much
and then it seems
there are minutes
when the mind is just plain empty.

Many have written
"where are you
is all well ?"

~~The ache for home lives in all of us,
the safe place where we can go
as we are
and not be questioned~~

Mayo Angelou

Why is it
when your grown children return  home
they become your young children again
you look at them like they were many years ago
and you do not view them as being all grown up
and the age they are?"

Guess it is like me
I do not relate to my number
because in my heart it is many many years less.
Maybe I have a mental problem :)


May my children and grandchildren always want to return
to the safe place
where this one
lives with Miss Callie.

On This Day

Giving Thanks

Gratitude, the simple and profound feeling of being thankful,
is the foundation of all generosity.
I am generous when I believe that right now,
right here, in this form and place,
I am being given what I need.
Generosity requires that we relinquish something,
and this is impossible if we are not glad for what we have.

~~Sallie Jiko Tisdale~~

Thankful cranberry salad came out of the old mold :)
So pretty that I may do this for Christmas also.
I put grapes in the center...

Herbs in the center of table

A Lot Of Words and A Lot Of Blessings

After baking a pumpkin pie, making a sour cream pound cake that I forgot to
put sour cream in and immediately just dumped it back in bowl and remixed.
Then chopped celery and onion for dressing, breakfast, cleaned kitchen
and
turned computer on this early morning
and on the screen
that I had written
16,9015 pages
1330 posts

That is a lot of words and writing in 5 years.
Especially since this one who is now the matriarch of her family
one on one
does not really say all that much.

A new path opened for me
when I began to write on line.
So many new friends
and my son made the comment recently
that I had quite an international following :)

The computer, camera, Callie, building a cottage in the woods
all became a reality after the age 73.
If someone had predicted this for me
years ago
I would have said "no way".
So many of us do not know what surprises the future holds.

I am so thankful for my life at this time,
family, children, grandchildren and all the
special people who write me,
 to think I have never met any of you in person
and you are a big part of my world at this time.
What would I do without you...

So pleased my granddaughter arrived safely in New York from Thailand.
Wish my daughter in Tampa and grandchildren in Washington, DC and New York
and my son in Thailand
could be with me tomorrow.
But thankful for all who will be sitting at the big table on this 2013 Thanksgiving day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
TO EACH OF YOU.....

Gathered

The frost never spoiled my
Rosemary and Sage.
Just gathered some and will put
Rosemary in a vase on the table.
At this time like this better then flowers.
The scent of them both in the kitchen
at this moment
is wonderful.
I cannot imagine
not having fresh herbs....
Also still have an abundance of Parsley, Chives and some Cilantro.

Fresh sage for dressing
is really strong
and only use a little
Oh
such a difference from the sage you find in a little can at the market.

Snow has almost melted....

It Is Snowing

Finished last minute shopping at 8:00 this morning.
Cranberry salad made 1/2 recipe last night
taste wonderful.  1/2 recipe just filled my mold and
a couple of tablespoons for me to sample.
Been a lot of years since I made this and forgot how
good it is - healthy too.

Tonight cornbread for dressing being made,
3 gallons of my sweet tea and lately have been
warming it and like it. 

Tomorrow will make sour cream pound cake
an old favorite and on Wednesday pumpkin pie
and set the big old table.

Been Snowing for about 30 minutes....

Went back to my post
this is 45 minutes later :)

I have so much to be Thankful for
and my list would be never ending....

Returning From Thailand

One of my granddaughter's
returning from Thailand in hours
and safe travel wishes are being sent out
from my heart.

Almost a month in a new land
and special time with her uncle (my son)
and she and a friend will be sitting at grandma's big table
for Thanksgiving dinner

Over the last month so many beautiful pictures
have been  shared and many
more to come.  She looks so happy in
each image I receive :)

I smile at each one and oh it would be
a dream come true
if her grandma had a traveling companion
and could do this.

Welcome home
Sarah.

Wish rest of my children
and grandchildren
could be with me.
Not possible...

Accomplished And 50 Year Old Memory

A good day
was yesterday...
A day at home
 inside all day
temperature dropping
I like a day like this
and with Winter on the way
there will be many....
Callie would go outside and quickly be back at door to come inside.

My growing to do list I began to tackle
Phone numbers of help and special
needs  upgraded and sent to children
Emergency numbers in purse - redone
A lot of typing went on this morning...
Sorting recipes
always a thought of making recipe book
but never had time
too many recipes, old and new
so putting in plastic sheets in binders
where daughter's and granddaughter's
can browse on visits and copy
if they see something they like.
Also 3 new future posts for my journal
have been typed and saved.

Looking out window I view a pile of brush
that was gathered Thursday.   One burned
and this one in the future on a still day with damp ground.
See what happens constantly when you live surrounded by old woods ?
A lot of outside work done on that day and was even able to use the
lawn tractor for over an hour.   Felt so good to work outside on what may have
been the really nice day left before cold weather continues.

Looking at weather channel
it came on about Kennedy's assassination.
Memories surfaced
as I was in a new home on a beautiful farm.
In my late 20's
my son a toddler at home, his sisters in school
and my Jamie not yet born.
I remember hearing this
as radio was playing.
Tears then and  again today as I listened to a replay at 12:30 noon.

Wise Words

Do not fear failure
What happened in the past is past
Do not worry about it happening again
Before you meet with success
failure is natural and necessary.

If you never failed
you have never tried.

Master Sheng-Yen "Being Natural" 

Doing what I vowed not to do
turning on computer in the middle of the night
but the above words on "Trycycle"
 spoke to me...

Rain that is due
has not begun....

New Recipe - I Smile and Prednisone

Don't you just love it
when you find a new recipe.
Especially one that you like the ingredients, is simple,
looks attractive and One Woman can prepare for herself
and also as an addition on her big table when a lot of family
will arrive for Thanksgiving Dinner....
A plus
 good for all 12 months of the year.
Will be
especially good next summer when I can use items from my little garden...

My Laurie
in Florida told me about this dish
and how pretty it looked when she prepared it.
I am already thinking
what else can I add ?

She sent me the website
and instead of listing
ingredients and seasonings
yellow squash, potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes and onions
you can look up if you like.
http://eatlaughcraft.wordpress.com/

Tomato, Potato.Zucchini, Summer Squash " Casserole"

My daughter substituted Egg Plant for the potatoes
I like this....
Also noticed so many recipes on this site that are new to me
that I like and will try in the future...


I might add
I have just started back on a few weeks of high prednisone
It affects me differently each time.
At the moment
immediate healing,
on a high
and wanted to eat all day yesterday
but luckily
do not gain weight.
At least never in the past :)

Hope this is a short process
that does not have any side affects
I have difficulty dealing with.

Free To Just Be Me

Phone rang at 7:00
just like he informed me he would call.
I am always informed and the phone rings as the clock strikes 7:00 AM.

My sharing goes nonstop to the special son
who always listens, never scolds me or interrupts.
I feel so free when I talk to him.

A moment ago I wrote him an email he will receive tonight, his morning and as his mama goes to bed.   So ashamed as I share some of what I still want (as my doctor told me - make a list and my list  so few) , my fears, questioning of these last years.
No one likes me to say "last years" but they are.  Well aware that very few years are left and time is going by at an accelerated speed.   I apologised  to my son and do not need to do this ever again.
I am happy, at peace but still question much.
Normal or not
I do not know
and at the moment
do not care....

Conversation finished, quick breakfast of fruit, yogurt, green tea, zucchini bread and out the door
for a quick trip to local small town.   This town is 8 miles away, love how I can navigate quickly
as I know all the shortcuts and go when traffic is low.  Hospital stop for blood work.  Began seeing a new doctor Monday and it was difficult to start over, but left her feeling so uplifted as she is an internist and familiar with the inflammatory problem I have.  It was so good to leave her office
feeling I have made a good decision.  This one finally taking new patients as I had tried earlier times
to have her as my primary but could not.

On for a quick grocery stop and I know I am positive there will be a  very small garden next year, even if in pots -  as two very small yellow squash  $1.50.  Along with bokchow, broccoli, carrots, celery and anything else I want to put in the pan it will make stirfy this evening with an addition of shrimp.   Also some holiday Peppermint ice cream and huge chocolate chip cookies (that I devoured 2 with milk on arriving home.)

Post office stop and stopped at a new Dairy Queen that opened this morning.  Bright red umbrellas
over shiny black tables surrounded the store as you made your entrance.  This in no way is my regular
kind of eating but did it anyway (probably to the horrors of some health ones in the family)
A chili dog, onion rings (delicious and probably because it was opening morning - maybe not :)

I sat in the sun as people passed by, some smiling and I wonder if the special attention I receive lately is because of my cane and I realize I usually have a smile on my face - anyway I like it as doors are opened and even  my grocery cart is returned  to store.  Guess it does not take much to make me happy this morning or really most times.  I have grown to expect so little from others but still expect more from my children then I should - ashamed of this as everyone has busy lives and are not near.

Returning home down my wonderful winding country road come upon a road block as I viewed about 50 people, cameras
that were filming a country music video.  Memories surfaced of about 15 years ago when living in the old farm house that was done.   Very emotional about much going on surrounding and inside that much loved home and remember well the words of my 2 youngest
"mama, treat this as an adventure."  Now many years later I can and smile about it.

So home, cool but sun is shining, Callie runs to meet me, groceries unloaded and I think
How very thankful I am for my surroundings of these peaceful nature filled fields and woods.

Hopefully I will never have to leave
and do not know if I ever can leave.....
always had a occasional thought  that there might be one somewhere in my lifetime who would love these surroundings
like I do.    Then I have grown so comfortable being alone and with my own schedule
that I probably would not be good company for anyone.

Enough shared.....

A Day In November

It seems like yesterday
that the fields were lush and green.
The trees filled with green and then colored leaves.
I believe
as we age that time seems to go by so quickly.
Now I see bare fields and trees
but still beautiful sunsets.
I plan on my time left on this earth
 always to see the beauty of my surroundings in every season

The end of a cool day.
I wanted at lunch  to sit on the deck in the sun that
came out for such a short time and have my soup, sandwich and tea.
Stayed a few minutes
and had to come inside as it
seemed the dampness chilled me to the bone.

~~There are things you can't reach.
But you can reach out to them, all day long.
The wind, the bird flying away
the idea of God
and it can keep you as busy as anything else
and happier
I look morning to night
I never stop looking~~~

Mary Oliver

A day has ended
it went by so quickly
and I wonder
"what have I done?"

And does it really matter.....

Peaceful Little Lites

Errand day
post office
market
gas in truck
trash left off
 a visit to our local small store
looking for khaki's for my youngest granddaughter
and was not successful.

But I spotted them these all over the store

A 2 feet bare tree, frosted snow branches with little lights that stay on for 4 hours and then off for 20.
They turn back on automatically.
So - on long dark days and nights
and at this time already dark in this cottage.
These are so welcome in several areas of this cottage
and they were on sale....
Remind me of the battery candles that I use this time of year
and enjoy them so much.

Vying to buy nothing else to sit around,
giving away, minimal Christmas decorating
being done at this time
and here I made a purchase of several of these :)

I like them....

Good Words

Going through stacks of papers, notes and books this early morning.

A cold and sunny bright day
a perfect day for organizing paper work and reflecting on much I have underlined
in this mountain of books and articles that are in this cottage.

Here is a sample....

"All beings receive the fruits of their actions.  Their lives arise and pass away according to
the deeds created by them.  We can deeply care for them, but in the end
we cannot act for them nor let go for them nor love for them"

On this day

I choose to stay when I want to retreat
Choose to forgive when I want to condemn
Choose to love when I want to attack
Choose to hope when I want to doubt
Choose to stand when I want to fall........

and one more

On this day
I offer my gratitude for the blessings of this earth I have been given.
I offer my gratitude for the measure of health I have been given.
I offer my gratitude for the family and friends I have been given.
I offer my gratitude for the life I have been given...

Paraposdokians and Dabur Chyawanprash

On gappa blog yesterday
 read about - "Dabur Chyawanprash"
have never heard of this
and it sounds amazing.
 Amazon sells,
they sell everything and
thinking of  ordering.
Wonder what it would do for me at this time of life?

Received this  early morning
and sharing a few...

Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence
or phrase is surprising or unexpected: frequently humorous,
Winston Churchill loved them.

Where there's a will, I want to be in it

The last thing I want to do is hurt you.  But it's still on my list.

Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak

If I agreed with you, we both would be wrong.

We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public

War does not determine who is right - only who is left.

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit.. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

In filling out an application, where it says, "in case of emergency, Notify, I PUT DOCTOR

Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head
and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy

Going to church does not make you a Christian any more then standing in a garage makes you a car

I used to be indecisive.  Now I'm not sure.

Good Way

A good way to start the day

Try it.....

Weather cold at the moment
but have memories of
day beginning on a
 beautiful sunny Spring morning
and beginning the day doing this on my deck
with the sounds of nature in the air.

At this time it is on a mat
in front of glass door
with beautiful Fall colors viewed.

Be careful
if this is new to you....

Credit goes to a special online friend
who writes "gappa"  http://kaimhanta.blogspot.com/

I Must

Take the time to retreat from your day - to - day routine, and make a genuine effort
to reconnect with yourself and your natural surroundings.
Something I read this early morning.

I thought this was what I was doing
and seems not so.
Here it is November, leaves cover the ground, wind blowing and a chill in the air.

A year that when I look back
I think went faster then any in my lifetime.
A year where so much has happened to me and in this family
and I almost feel like I lost myself somewhere along the line.

Physically feeling good at the moment, a smile on my face,
feeling at peace  and yet
I have much to do
regarding body, mind and spirit.
For some reason in my lifetime I thought this would stop
eventually and I would say to myself "you have arrived."
It is quite evident to me in these last years
I have not arrived
and wonder does anyone ever arrive?

There are continual lessons to learn.

Remember, wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit
~~ Edward Abbey~~

In order to understand this world, one has to turn away from it on occasion
~~Albert Cumus~~

Seeking a quiet day and then some more quiet days
to quiet the mind
and to stop trying to understand so much.

My heart tells me to do the best I can, stop the questioning,  just accept
 and nothing stays the same anyway and is always changing

Remember

Hold the words close and whisper them to yourself
when times are dark, when you are feeling down,
doubting yourself.
Embrace the thought
"I am perfectly enough!"

On this day
to all who visit the woods
a good thought

from Cate at

http://beyondthefieldsweknow.org/

Cranberry Salad

My Laurie
in Tampa
called and talked and remembered
 my old cranberry salad recipe.
Found it handwritten
 in my over 40 year old recipe book.
I think it came from my Aunt Lucille who passed
away 4 years ago in her 90's.

I am going to make it for Thanksgiving....

1 bag of fresh cranberries - chopped in processor
2 oranges - chopped chunky - 1 peeled and 1 unpeeled
1 small cherry jello
1 small orange jello
1 1/2 or 2 cups of sugar
2 cups of boiling water
1/2 cup chopped nuts
optional - small can of drained pineapple

dissolve jello in boiling water
add sugar
mix well
add rest of ingredients

pour in well greased mold - it always looked so festive
at Thanksgiving, Christmas or really - anytime
You could put in a glass Pyrex dish....

Keeps a long time in frig and slices beautifully

~~ I just went upstairs and retrieved my old mold ~~
seems I remember this mold not quite big enough for all of the mixture
and I would put the remainder in a glass bowl :)
I may just half it this time for my old mold.
I will use one jello, one orange, not so many cranberries
just less of everything - I think - not sure yet...
and may fill the center with grapes :)

Early this morning
pumpkin bread cooling
and placed my old mold
where daughter's could see it.

White Fields

Early Morning
dawn surfaces
looking out the window
heavy frost
white fields
last blooms
resemble ice sculptures

I smile at a dozen comments from one who's words
always are special to me - Ellen Hamilton.

Conscious of my warm heart as I continue to read my son's email with names of unfamiliar cities
and words
in his far off land, sharing of some of my granddaughter Sarah's visits to
Chiang Mai, Thai Island, Kon Lanta and the Linh Hotel.
A thought arises as I continue to smile
could I just book a flight and take off
even with cane in hand ?

I read something from Tricycle that explains much

Giving Rise To Forgiveness

~~Our suffering was not caused by our parents or grandparents.
It was merely passed down.  We are social animals.
We grow through modeling.
We teach what we have learned.
We act as we have been acted upon.
A person who is not loving
has not experienced love.
It is not his fault.

Realizing this gives rise to forgiveness,
and in Chin we vow that suffering will stop with us.
We Will Not Pass It Down~~ Guo Jun

I read this and realize that so much was missed in my early years from some.
But I vow not to pass it on and to practice love even to the unloving.
Never a day has gone by that when in contact I have not told my children, grandchildren,
 in the past their father or special ones then and now
" I love you"
So at times when these words did not come to me over the many years
or even now
I realize even more that some were not taught.

Enough sharing from the woods
as my day begins
A good day....

Beautiful Colors

Within a matter of days
the colors surrounding this cottage
are spectacular.

At the moment
it is raining, high winds
and hopefully no bad storms throughout the night.
The tall trees are swaying in the wind
and  at times like this
many thoughts surface.

Every window I glance out of
has a pleasing view.

Shorter days
and longer nights have arrived.
Don't forget to turn your clocks back on Saturday night..,.

Deep Hearing - Sound Meditation, Images and Hope

Early morning is a great time for listening.
Sounds start to slip into stillness.
In rural settings, the sounds are likely
to be birds and animals waking up.
In a city, sounds of outside actions begin,
garbage collection, building construction, traffic.
Even in a high rise hotel room, plumbing sounds,
elevator sounds and just steps in the hall.

Sit in a position in which you can relax and be alert,
close your eyes and just wait and listen.

Words in part from

"Don't Just Do Something, Sit There"
~~Sylvia Boorstein~~

When I read these words this early morning
the thought arises that this is something I need to do.

Maybe it will help clear my mind of thoughts
that I do not want to keep circulating.
Sometimes we say too much, not enough and probably better
most of the time to say nothing.
There is so much I have tried to accomplish in this long life
and I have been successful in many ways and in other ways
still not successful.

If it was Spring in the country
I would sit outside and hear the birds, a breeze making the leaves in the trees rustle
 and maybe a distant tractor.
Since it is cold outside
and I am inside
I will hear my clocks ticking,  refrigerator sounds, maybe heat unit coming on this early morning
and my anxious heart beating.....

I remember something I read
"to hope is to put yourself in the vulnerable space
and every single day I need to figure out something
I no longer agree to do
and remember
 to be human is to fail over and over again."

A smile comes with pictures from over the ocean from a special granddaughter.
She calls this street food - oh my

and special scenes