Cynthia: World-Renowned Author

Miss Cynthia's Recipe for Potato Soup with Green Chilies

2012-02-11T22:12:00.000-06:00

A warm dish of comfort ~~ mmmm. The recipe is at my tearoom blog. ;^)
Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA.

February ~~ Teacup of the Month

2012-02-06T13:18:00.000-06:00

A lovely rose tea in a pretty, pink teacup awaits you with a bit of Valentine's tongue-in-cheekiness at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA. Please join me there for a chat. ;^)

January ~~ Teacup of the Month

2012-01-04T14:27:00.000-06:00

The Teacup of the Month is a new feature at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA. Let's chat and I'll share a few thoughts on one of my favorite subjects: tea and teacups! ;^) (See you there!)

Just Around the Bend

2012-01-02T09:37:00.000-06:00

A warm cup is brewing at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA. I hope you'll have a moment to join me for our first cup of the new year.

What Are You Hoping For?

2011-12-10T20:17:00.000-06:00

Just a little word called "Hope" from my corner of the soapbox... Over at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA....

The Power of Words

2011-11-16T20:47:00.000-06:00

Thinking about the power of words, since I'm in the business of words. They are my cup of tea. Just had a little bit of fun playing in the leaves and arranging them for a creative photograph. Just a thought ... over at Miss Cynthia's.

CreativiTEA (aka: What a Little Paint Can Do)

2011-11-13T14:09:00.000-06:00

NEW Post at my Home/Decor and CreativiTEA blog: CynDeeLyn's.

Check it out! Fun! ;^D

Seize the Day!

2011-11-13T12:45:00.000-06:00

I enjoyed a fun, autumn day in the leaves yesterday. ;^) Just posted a brief clip at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA. ;^)

Change Is In the Air ...

2011-11-12T09:08:00.000-06:00

... and Autumn has arrived ~~ with a new post over at "Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA.
If you would be so gracious as to take a little clicking trip over there, I would be grateful. ;^)
Thank you!

The Ultimate Scone Accessory: Lemon Curd

2011-09-25T22:41:00.002-05:00

We've baked our way through FIVE Scone Reviews and added the Creme Fraiche Review. I can hardly believe that I'm just now adding the Lemon Curd Recipe. We don't have to do a Lemon Curd Review. This recipe is the ultimate. It's perfection. I've made a lot of Lemon Curd in my baking life. The search is over. ;^)

Only a few ingredients are required, so gather them up and let's go!

This recipe makes about a cup of Lemon Curd. It has a good shelf life (refrigerated, of course,) but since it has eggs in it, I keep it just about a week. So, you can decide here if you would like to make it as I'm listing it or double it (if you're having company, or making it for a group.) (I usually eat about 1-2 Tablespoons with each scone.)

2 large eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 lemon, zested (You can use the ones you just squeezed.)
2 tablespoons butter

Bring 1-2 inches of water to a simmer in a large saucepan or skillet.

In a heavy, heat-proof mixing bowl (or smaller saucepan) whisk eggs and sugar together until mixed very well. Set the mixing bowl into the simmering water in the skillet on the stove. (Pour out some of the water if you need to because of the weight of the bowl.) Cook, on medium to medium-low heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and has a custard-like consistency. (This will take about 10-15 minutes.) Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the butter. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate until cold. (You can also serve it immediately with warm scones.) Store the remainder in the refrigerator. (Remainder, what remainder???) :^D

This is the dreamy result. ;^)
You may serve this with your scones, warm or cold, AND with the other ultimate scone necessity, Creme Fraiche (Devonshire Cream.)
Welcome to heaven. ;^)

The precious Lemon Curd here is pictured with a wonderful, Raspberry Oat Scone (recipe to follow soon in another review) and Devonshire Cream.
Lemon Curd would also make a nice gift, as long as it is kept refrigerated. You could package it in those cute, tiny, canning jars and tie a piece of fabric or a bow around it. What fun!

Please check out the sidebar to the upper right (above my Cynthia L. H. photo,) where I have listed all of the Scone Reviews (so far,) as well as the Devonshire Cream recipe.

Happy Baking!
;^)
Miss C

Tea and Tough Cookies ~~ Fourth Edition

2011-09-24T23:07:00.000-05:00

When you've got a minute, mosey on over to Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA and check out a true story about the Wild Wild Plains and you'll see how proud I am of my brother. I am! I really am. ;^)

Pardon Me, but Your Slip Is Showing ~~ Fourth Edition

2011-08-15T09:23:00.001-05:00

I posted another story over at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA. . . If you don't 'Read Her Lips', at least stop in to read the story, would you please? ;^)

Tea and Tough Cookies ~~ Third Edition

2011-08-10T12:34:00.000-05:00

Lions and Tigers and Chiggers, Oh My! Bug haters unite! Don your bug spray and mosey on over to Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA with a glass of iced-tea and a tough attitude! ;^)

Pardon Me, but Your Slip Is Showing ~~ Third Edition

2011-08-07T18:19:00.001-05:00

A slightly irreverent and comical peek at self-righteousness ... or the lack thereof ... is awaiting you over at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA. ;^)

Pardon Me, but Your Slip Is Showing ~~ Second Edition

2011-07-20T10:44:00.000-05:00

Howdy! Ya'll might want to mosey on over to Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA if you're in need of a laugh. ;^) This one's a DOOZIE! ;^)

New Scone Review

2011-07-16T17:38:00.001-05:00

I've posted the most amazing scone recipe/review over at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TraquiliTEA.
Check it out and let me know what you think! ;^)

My Daughter's New Adventure and New Blog

2011-06-13T13:54:00.000-05:00

I have some adjustments to make. My baby daughter (who actually isn't a baby, but nevertheless...she always will be mine....) is moving. She will no longer be an hour away. She will be about 6 or 7 hours away. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude and be supportive of what is best for her. (I would prefer to whine and kick and scream.) What good would that do? Not much. OK--so, I've always wanted her to follow her dreams. I will stay positive. (I'm positive that I will miss her being so close.) ;^) Life has transitions and this is one that I hope goes smoothly for Aubrey and her husband. I wish ALL the best for them. I am glad that Evan has a BIG family, all over the area, including his mom, dad and sisters. He knows the town inside out (with his eyes closed.) ;^) They are all very excited. That is something I am VERY glad for. They have been 6-7 hours away from their son for several years now. It's their turn to have the close family bonding.

Aubrey has started a new blog to chronicle her new Texan attitude. ;^)

I think it's a great idea and I will be following her there. (To her blog...not to Texas.) :^)

Grandma and the Night Visitor

2011-05-30T16:52:00.001-05:00

New post over at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA! ;^)

Thank you for stopping in and checking it out!

Tea and Tough Cookies ~~ First Edition

2011-05-06T18:53:00.003-05:00

New blog post over at Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA!
A new series called: "Tea and Tough Cookies."

When you have a moment, check it out for some fun and inspiration! ;^)

(A BIG THANK YOU to my friend, Dan Felstead, of Wood & Pixels blog for the amazing photo!) ;^)

Pardon Me, but Your Slip Is Showing....

2011-04-27T23:06:00.000-05:00

A new post at my new blog, Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA, will become a regular feature.
;^)
I have enough "slip" stories of my own to fuel it for some time, but I thought that it would be fun to share stories. ;^)
Stop in for a giggle and some tea....
;^)

A NEW Spot of Tea

2011-04-05T11:06:00.000-05:00

Yet another professor has required yet another blog to be constructed for writing purposes. ;^)

Yes, I do realize, it is called a "Professional Writing" degree.
;^)
If I could literally just press a button and "poof" there it would be, I don't suppose you would be detecting the slight bit of "whine" with my cup of tea. ;^-
It's OK. I'm really not whining...I'm venting...because it doesn't just take a push of the button...it takes reading and studying and learning and TIME. All precious commodities that are scarce, but especially now, in the last five weeks of this semester.

ANYHOO....
;^)
May I announce for you that might care:
I HAVE A NEW BLOG!
;^)
This one was required to be at WordPress. (Thus, the need for a new education...my goodness, there is a great deal of information to assimilate!!!) This particular professor's wife is a professional, paid blogger, and they were insistent.
So, if you care to check it out, here is:

Miss Cynthia's Spot of TranquiliTEA

I would love for you to join me there. I will continue this blog, here at Cynthia: World-Renowned Author, of course. I think that it will stay mostly the same format that it is, which has evolved into more of a personal journal and a way to keep in touch with those of you who have become my special blog-world friends. Nevertheless, at the new blog, it will be a new adventure!

So, please, stop by and join me in a new cup of tea!
;^)

Hot and Cold Water Therapy Rejuvenation Day

2011-03-26T12:51:00.009-05:00

I found myself in need of some recuperative techniques. I have had a few sick days. It seldom happens, but when it does...it hits fairly hard. This time, it's been some kind of upper respiratory stuff...the aches, the cough...not good at all.

Before I cave in and go to the doctor, I usually try to fight my way out, if the symptoms are not so severe as to warrant a medical visit right away. My daughter, Lyndsey, had an appointment with her physician on Wednesday and he sent her home saying that it was allergies or upper respiratory, but that he did not recommend antibiotic. That's fine...I know too much of that is not good. Her doctor said to take over the counter allergy meds. So, that's what we set out to do.

However, we've wrestled with this for several days now, and I don't have time to be sick. It just irritates me. I don't go with the flow on this sort of thing very well.

I've been drinking a great deal of water. Today, I remembered hydrotherapy. When I worked at a holistic-type health facility a few years back, they recommended this for a variety of maladies. I participated in water therapy when I worked there and it seemed to be invigorating and helpful.

If I would remember to do this regularly, it is supposed to help build your immune system, too. I don't know why I forget these things....I guess it's just getting into another routine and letting good ideas slip to the back burner. I think I will renew a promise to myself to have a hydrotherapy session at least once a month. Here is how I do a hydrotherapy at my own home, with my own bathtub and shower, with no special equipment:

I use my bathtub in one bathroom and the shower in a second bathroom. I leave the hot bath and go to the shower for the cold water and then, go back again. (I refreshed the hot water by adding more, a couple of times.) Today, I took a very hot bath, then alternated four times between that and a cold shower. The temperature for the bath is supposed to be very warm and I make the cold in the shower go as far as the faucet will. It's a shock to the system. I have to do deep breathing exercises while I'm in the cold water and repeat sentences to myself, such as: "This is helping me. I can do this." :^)

The directions from the therapy team at the health center were to stay immersed (head above the water, please...you don't want that much therapy... ;^- ;^0 ) in the hot water for 4-5 minutes, then leave the hot for a cold tub rinse and stay in it for 45 seconds. That is interminable when you're in the cold water. When you get back into the hot water, sometimes, it feels like pins and needles moving through your feet and hands. It's not painful...it's just a strong sensation. It's a good sign, though. I take it as a sign that a sluggish system is now moving and circulating with vigor!

It is definitely helpful to repeat the process at least once. I have repeated it up to five times in previous sessions.

Today, it relieved the body aches. It unclogged my sinuses and relieved some of the head pressure.

Afterward, I treated myself to a sea-salt rub, as was the process after hydrotherapy at the spa at the health center.

I made my own. I took about 1/4 cup of sea salt and poured a tablespoon or two or vitamin E oil into it. (Just enough to soak the salt all the way.) You can use any kind of carrier oil. I have even used canola oil in a pinch. (What? ;^- It has no fragrance, and it's from a plant.) ;^) Then, I added about 3 drops of a pure essential lemon oil. You can also use your favorite essential oil or blend several. The fragrance does lift and rejuvenate. Lemon oil is known to have antioxidant properties, and therefore boosts the body's natural defenses. The scent is also uplifting for body and mind. It also improves circulation and helps eliminate waste from cells.

I rubbed myself down with the salt mixture and then rinsed it off in a warm shower.

My recommendations for this process are to have a couple of bath towels laid out for use, have a thick bathmat at the tub and the shower (mine are in separate bathrooms...if you have both in one room, but separate from each other...lucky you....) I also have spa slippers...and they do get soaking wet, but they keep my floor from being soaked on the trips between.

I am feeling rejuvenated! I am not leaping tall buildings in a single bound, but I am renewed. I feel much better and I do believe that it helped! Here are a couple of links for more information, as you do your own research:
Hydrotherapy
AND
Salt Rub
AND
Essential Oils
Enjoy! Let me know if you try this and what you think.
;^)

The Scone Reviews---Fourth Edition/St. Patrick's Day Special!

2011-03-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping that you had a wonderfully lucky St. Patrick's Day!
;^)
I wanted to have this posted before the 17th, but I was a wee bit overwhelmed!
;^)
I've been a busy bee, even on my Spring Break...no break for me! I still have homework AND I've been sewing a new line of re-purposed, up-cycled children's boutique clothing. I finished several adorable outfits, complete with hair accessories and sent them up to Flying Whimsy with Lyndsey today. Crossing my fingers for some o' that Irish luck and hoping the clothing goes flying off the racks!
;^)
My oven has stayed busy baking scones, too!
;^)

This version is similar to the Third Edition (click here.)
This time, I added 1/4 cup of raisins AND 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, as well as the 1/3 cup of pecans.
I really liked this combination!

The major change came in another form.
I wanted to see what would happen if I did not use my recipe for Devonshire Cream (click here for recipe.)
I thought I would see what happened if I used the speedy version and just added 1 cup of straight cream. I used the full cup of liquid whipping cream.

These turned out beautiful, like the others. They rose high and were flaky and tender. They were not quite as moist. I really do like the original combination of moist AND flaky. I think that I will attempt to use the whipping cream in another try, but instead of baking them for 20 minutes, I will only leave them in the oven for 16 or 17 minutes and see if they do not dry out as much.

I used the same technique of brushing the tops with egg white and sprinkling with brown sugar. This time I added more brown sugar.
;^)
I really like the crunchy sweetness of the topping against the buttery layers of the scone.

These scones were a delightful combination of tastes that mixed together perfectly.
I've been sending scones out to various family members, because I do not need to be eating all of these! (But they sure are good!)
;^)
All in all, I would say that, if you are in a hurry and cannot wait the 8-12 hours for the Devonshire Cream to set, then go ahead and use the liquid whipping cream. However, in my opinion, it is better to be patient and make up a batch of the Devonshire Cream, prior to baking. It does make a difference.

Stay tuned for the Scone Reviews---Fifth Edition---for some delightful and yummy taste experiments!
;^)
May the Luck o' the Irish be with you in all your scone baking!
;^)
(Let me know if you try these...I would be delighted to see how your baking turns out!)
;^) ;^) ;^)

The Scone Reviews---Third Edition

2011-03-08T13:05:00.003-06:00

There has been more scone baking going on in my kitchen again, this morning! I keep finding the most amazing recipes.
;^)
This effort today was actually the FIFTH Edition, but it is so good, we're skipping ahead and will return to the other two (which were also quite good) soon!

These beauties are flaky, tender, moist, and my favorite adjective concerning scones of late: heavenly.
;^)

In fact, they are so good, that homework is waiting, along with an extended list of other 'have-to-dos' and I am posting this NOW, while there are still warm scones languishing on my counter-top.
;^)

MMMmmm...do you see? They have pecans in them. (You can click on all of the photos to enlarge.) I was very hesitant to add nuts to the batter. I love pecans, but I usually enjoy my scones without them. Well, this recipe may have converted me. Of course, I used home-grown pecans, these were natives that were in my deep-freeze, I think from the farm on the maternal side of my family.

I found the recipe from a magazine clip in my compiled recipe book. Unfortunately, I have no idea what magazine. I changed a couple of ingredients anyway. Here it is:

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/4 cup well-packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon sea-salt
4 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup coarsely chopped pecans
1/4 cup dried cranberries, soaked in hot water for a few minutes, drained well
1 cup of Devonshire Cream (click here for the recipe)
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten and stirred into the cream
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons additional brown sugar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl and stir to blend thoroughly.
Cut in butter with a pastry blender (or fork) until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
Stir in pecans and dried cranberries.
Combine cream and egg yolks.
Add to flour mixture and stir with a fork just until combined.
Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and gather to form a soft dough. Knead, briefly, then pat dough to 1 1/2 inches thick. Form into a rectangle, which will be about 5 inches wide x 9 inches long.
Cut into small rectangles with a knife and place on ungreased baking sheet.
Brush tops of scones with egg white and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes and serve warm.
This made ten, thick scones about 2 inches wide, 3 inches long, and 2 inches high.

I was interested in this recipe because of the use of brown sugar. I like them so much, that I think this is the sugar I will use from now on.
As I said before, I really was hesitant to add pecans, but I am very glad that I did.
Also, in the Scone Review-Second Edition (click to see the post), the recipe called for one egg yolk. This one has two. I like this better; it may have added to the extra moisture.
I also think that going ahead and making them thick and then just baking for 18-20 minutes is the key. I checked on them twice during the end of baking to see how they were doing in the middle. I took them out of the oven just before the 20 minute timer went off, so probably at about 19 minutes. They were done perfectly...crumbly, on the outside, yet very moist inside.

Also, brushing them with the egg white and sprinkling with additional brown sugar makes a crunchy, lightly sweet top that is delightful.
I enjoyed the taste of these scones so much that the extra Devonshire Cream and Lemon Curd on the side was completely unnecessary. I just wanted to taste the scone...it was that good!
;^)
Put on the tea-kettle and pull out your baking dishes! These are the best scones so far!
;^)
Please, let me know if you bake these and what you think about them!
;^)
;^)

TWO YEAR Blog Anniversary! ;^)

2011-03-05T11:13:00.000-06:00

On February 28th, it was the second of anniversary of writing my first blog!
;^)
I would like to thank my wonderful friends who have made the blogging world one of the bright spots in my life.
;^)
Thank you for "following" and for reading what I write.
;^)
Since I have enrolled at the university in professional writing courses, my blogging time has decreased. In my first year of blogging, I had 159 posts! The next year I had 61, and this year so far, I've had 9. I hope to change that soon. I would like to post more....
Currently, the course work and making good grades is of paramount importance. But I am closer than ever to making my Blog Title "Cynthia: World Renowned Author" come true. ;^) ;^) ;^)
Well, at least I know that I can write and have a better chance now of becoming published (and paid!)
;^)
Thanks again to all of the readers of my blogs. I really do appreciate you.
;^)

The Absolute Scone Accessory~~~Creme Fraiche or Devonshire Cream

2011-02-24T14:17:00.000-06:00

With the posts of the Scone Reviews, it is a must to post the recipe for my favorite scone accompaniment, creme fraiche, or Devonshire Cream, whichever you wish to call it.

For many years I was on a search for this perfect cream, as we did not really have an equivalent in the U.S. to what was often referred to in recipes from England that I read.

I tried many, with disappointing results. There was one that used sour cream and powdered sugar. (Bleh.) Too sour! There was even one mix that came in a little packet of dried powder, which you added to sour cream. I was not impressed. (Bleh.) Too powdery. I knew that there had to be something that was luscious and heavenly, otherwise why would I have snippets of information leading me to believe that Devonshire Cream was truly impressive?

Finally, I happened upon a recipe that once I tried it, signaled no turning back! This was it!

It is so easy, you won't believe it!

The only ingredients are heavy cream and lemon juice!

I like to cook with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
This recipe requires 2 Tablespoons.
You simply add this to 2 cups of heavy cream and stir.
The trick is this:
Leave it out on the counter in a covered jar for 8-12 hours!
Do not refrigerate until after this point.
It becomes very thick. After the 8-12 hours, you will want to refrigerate it to keep.

Now you will have the cream to use in the recipe for the scones of perfection in the previous post!
You will also have the perfect accompaniment to any scone, by serving the cream on the side or the top. It is just heavenly! But, oh, wait! There is more! When Devonshire Cream and Scones are served with Lemon Curd, it escalates your experience to pure bliss!!!
;^)
Lemon Curd: Recipe to follow in a post by Cynthia L. H....
VERY SOON!
Until then, Happy Baking!
;^)

The Scone Reviews---Second Edition

2011-02-24T12:42:00.003-06:00

The highly anticipated Scone Review Part TWO is here!
;^)
I have had far too much homework...the university professors are trying to make up for all of the snow days we experienced! Today I decided that if the story was ever going to be written, it had best be now!
Actually, I'm very excited, because there has been much scone baking going on around here and I have enough material for Scone Reviews---Part FOUR and for the much needed scone accessories (which I will write about in separate posts!) (I can hardly wait to share them with you, as each one just keeps getting better and better!!!)
;^)
Here we go!

These are quite possibly the BEST scones I have ever made!!!
;^)
I can hardly believe that I found this recipe of perfection so quickly in my search! But, there it was, languishing for over ten years in my recipe book!
;^)
I have been searching for a scone recipe that is flaky and buttery, yet moist. Well, these are the ones! They are so flaky and tender that they almost crumble upon being touched; rather like the best shortbread cookies. Yet, they are not dry at all. They are so decadent that I was in scone heaven when I tasted them!

Here is my secret:
I used creme fraiche (Devonshire cream) AND butter in the recipe!
;^)
Oh, yes...decadent!
Now, I know that you will need the recipe for creme fraiche as well, so I will write a post about that.
In the meantime, the original recipe is one that I have had in my collection since 2000. It is from a Bed & Breakfast Inn called Angel Arbor in Houston, TX. (Which I will have a BIG reason to visit in the not-so-distant future~~~more about that later....) The recipe is from Innkeeper, Marguerite Swanson, and I found it on the travelguides.com site.

I followed the recipe as Marguerite wrote, except that in my oven, I had to bake it a few minutes longer, because they were not done inside. (I think that I cut out the heart shapes a little too deeply.) Now, looking at the photos, I think that I would have baked them just a minute or two less, because they turned out darker than I would have liked for perfection in the photos. However, they were perfection on the palate!

I did make one other small adjustment. For the currants, I used 1/4 cup of dried cranberries (mmmm...) and 1/4 cup of raisins. Be sure to soak them as she suggests.

Now, here is how I made this recipe my own:
I changed out the sour cream for one cup of my homemade Devonshire Cream. It is sweeter than sour cream and far richer, if you can imagine that! (That was my goal~~~a rich scone beyond the pinnacle of success!)
;^)
I will post the instructions on making the cream separately for you.

My recommendation is that you go immediately to the kitchen and whip up a batch of these beauties NOW!
;^)
Do not pass 'Go', do not collect your $200, just pull out the mixing bowl and stir!!! (Please?!) (You'll thank me later.) ;^)
;^)
If you do not have your own recipe for creme fraiche or Devonshire Cream, go ahead and use the sour cream, as I am sure that they will be wonderful (although I have not tested this, yet...I will...not to worry.)
I will post my recipe for the cream, next.
In the meantime,
Get cooking!

Make yourself a perfect cup of tea (this one is Earl Grey, which compliments a scone-tasting session impeccably) and ENJOY!
;^)

Winter Storms and Sneak Previews

2011-02-02T11:50:00.001-06:00

Are you tucked in safe and warm as these winter storms move across the U.S.? Are you longing for a warm cup of tea and an excellent scone? Well, if these photos leave you shivering and in need of a warm fire...don't despair. Help is on the way.
;^)

As you can see, I've been finding ways to amuse myself on these snow days. I love to stay in by the wood stove and curl up with my cup of tea and a good book....however, I think it is just because we need to stay in that I have cabin fever and want to get out! The temperatures are brutal. There is not only snow, but ice underneath. Classes at the university have been canceled. So, I will stay in, until it melts.

I had a great time creating some artful photographs in the snow yesterday. Today, I've become creative in the kitchen again.
Stay tuned! The Scone Reviews--Second Edition will arrive later today (after Spanish homework is completed, of course.)
;^)
I'm very excited to share it with you! The recipe turned out...well...I can't give away what happens....
Just promise...promise...that you'll come back and see!
(Update on 2/7~~~I apologize for the delay! I've been playing a game of "catch-up" on the homework...there is too much of it! I will post SOON!)
;^)
Chau! (Isn't that fun? Well, at least I've learned that Español has this spelling of the Italian "Ciao!")
;^)

The Scone Reviews---First Edition

2011-01-29T14:00:00.009-06:00

For a very long time now, I have loved all things English. It began before I visited the country contributing to part of my heritage. But in 1975 when I flew to England with a group from my church in Reno, Nevada, I was never the same. I will tell that story another time, but one of my favorite memories is of the High Teas that were served in church after church that we visited. I became acquainted with the delight of "real" English tea. I also fell in love with delicate tea sandwiches. I am not sure, but perhaps this is where I first encountered the scone.

In Oklahoma I managed and cooked for a tearoom for around six years. It was one of the great delights of my life. It was also some of the hardest work ever, but it was most rewarding. We served a wonderful scone there, made from a mix concocted by some dear friends in Texas.

When asked by our tearoom patrons, "What is a scone?" I would tell them that it was a cross between a muffin and a biscuit. (I am speaking of breakfast biscuits, as we know them in the U.S. and not the sweet "cookie" biscuit, as it is referred to in England.) Maybe my European friends could interject some enlightenment about your views on what a scone actually is.

Thus began my pursuit of the perfect scone. I have shared before, that I love the shortbread at Panera Bread. I also love their scones. Also, the cranberry orange scone at Starbucks is one of the best. But I want to make my own. Nothing can compare with a scone, warm out of the oven at home, enjoyed with a hot cup of tea.

I have a favorite that I have made many times on special occasions. I will share that in a future posting. However, today, I would like to share about a version that has sat in my scone recipe collection for years, untried in my kitchen. Yesterday was the first time that I baked it. I have dozens of these recipes and I am going to go through them, one at a time, until I find the perfect combination of ingredients.

I originally found this recipe on a Web site for a Bed and Breakfast, years ago. They are called Tea Scones and were from Tall Cedars B and B in Vancouver. I have searched the internet with the url that I previously had, but have not been able to find the recipe. It may still be there, but elusive to my searching.

The page that I printed in 2000 said that this was the Queen Mother's recipe as given by her personal chef. Well! I had to try that!

I will say that they were good when straight out of the oven and very hot. They were more dense than I prefer. I usually like them crumbly, like my shortbread. Maybe they were dense because of my method of mixing. I loved them with my recipe for lemon curd, but what wouldn't be amazing slathered with lemon curd? ;^)

I usually like to re-warm my scones for tea and snacking later. These were a bit too coarse to really enjoy completely, except for the redeeming graces of the lemon curd.

However, I want to share the recipe here, because it did make a nice scone and it was a fun adventure for the First Edition. Here is the recipe as I first printed it from the original site, with my amendments in parentheses:

2 cups all-purpose flour (I always use unbleached.)
3 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
1 cup currants (I left these out on purpose, as I wanted the scone to stand on its own merits, not those of the sweet currant...maybe that is where I failed its perfection.)
1/4 cup butter (cut into small cubes)
3 eggs
1/3 cup cream or whole milk (I used soy milk, as that is all I keep in the house...maybe that was part of the downfall...) ;^) (But I have substituted soy milk before with no adverse results.)
2 Tbsp. milk

Sift together dry ingredients including currants (How does one sift currants? I don't know...I think I would change this part, if adding them myself.) Blend in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Whisk together 2 eggs (saving one for later) and cream in a separate bowl. Now, combine with flour mixture. Gently form a soft dough. Now cover dough with plastic wrap and let rest in the refrigerator for 1/2 hour or so. Dust dough lightly with flour and roll to one inch thickness. Cut 2 inch rounds and place on baking sheet. Mix remaining egg with 2 Tbsp. milk and brush scones with milk and egg mixture.

Bake in pre-heated 350 degree oven for approximately 20-25 minutes or until golden brown in color.

Makes 24 scones (2") size. (Mine made 18.)

***Addendum (two hours or so later...after the original post....) One of my very intelligent friends, Cheri, commented on my Face book page:

"The reason they were a bit coarse was- as you stated...the soy milk. In all chemistry, substitutions need to be EQUAL and the fat content of soy is nil...so the flour will not be protected from the heat as it would with more fat...making them dryer and tougher. Try adding more butter if you do not want to use heavy cream- but to my way of thinking, minimizing the cream is a sin not to be endured!
( Alton Brown is my mentor....I think he is on hulu.com)"***

Thank you, Cheri!!!! You're SUCH a brain! ;^) ;^) ;^)

Next time, it's FULL fat all the way!

;^)

It was a fun undertaking and I am motivated to continue.
If you try this recipe, please let me know how yours turned out!
Enjoy! More Scone Reviews coming soon!
;^)
UPDATE!!!
PLEASE! Follow this link:
THE BEST SCONES EVER
for the recipe for the Third Edition Scones that are hands down, the best I've ever baked! ;^) There are links on that post to other Scone edition posts that I have made....
OR do a search (at the bottom of my blog page) for all of the Scone Editions that I have written! There are some great scones waiting to be baked! ;^)

Chocolate Shortbread

2011-01-27T18:08:00.003-06:00

Chocolate and shortbread!? All together? In the same recipe?
;^)
Yes...just in time for Valentine's Day, I have combined my two favorites.
;^)

These turned out to be sooooo good! Mmmm!!! You will want to make them for the ones you love. (Or for yourself...you love yourself don't you?) ;^)
That's what I did...because this recipe makes small batches; about a dozen or so. They are already gone, because Lyndsey (my daughter) and I devoured them...plus my dad stopped by for a minute and of course, I had to make a cup of tea for him to sit down and try the cookies. ;^) Then, of course, I had to send a few home for Mom.
;^)

These are very crumbly, but they will melt in your mouth! Just the perfect shortbread.
Follow the recipe on this LINK.
Change two things:
Add one tablespoon of cocoa powder to the recipe, AND use salted butter (it ends up making the cookies taste better than the unsalted.)
The dough is SO crumbly, you will wonder if it will stick together. Yes, it will when you roll it into the walnut sized balls.
Yum!
Enjoy!

The Dawn of Writing---A Brief History

2011-01-22T19:03:00.002-06:00

One of my classes this semester is The History of Journalism. Some of the reading is from a textbook that contains some great material, The Media in America/A History/Editor W.D. Sloan.

In the first chapter is a history of writing. There is a quote among ancient Indians: "Blessed be he who invented writing."

(Photo of Ojibwe (also known as Chippewa) from the Minnesota Historical Web site: http://events.mnhs.org/calendar/index.cfm?bhcp=1 ) Painting url: http://events.mnhs.org/media/news/images/highres/013109_OjibweWomen.htm (Not associated with the above textbook or quote, but I am fascinated by this work of art!)

Lots of Dreaming Going On....

2011-01-11T14:04:00.000-06:00

That's what happens when it's 23 degrees outside with a wind chill below zero...
I'm still hibernating...but I'm dreaming.
;^)
I've always wanted to design a Dream Board...something to spur me on towards making the reality of my dreams come about. I've read that a large percentage of dreams posted on a Dream Board, posted where you can read it and see it regularly, helps to truly bring the dreams to reality.
So, I've made a Dream Board. But I've placed it on a blog. It will be something that I can add to regularly. I like that idea. (It seems like it would work much better for me than a poster on my wall or a paper notebook...)
;^)
I was going to keep it private, but I also remember hearing it said that sharing your dreams will help them to become a reality. That makes sense. I've already shared the dream of becoming a successful, published author...that is what this Cynthia: World Renowned Author blog is about. Many wonderful things have already come of that, including returning to college and making great friends with people around the globe.
So, if you want to, you can see what else is swimming around in my dreamisphere...HERE.
;^)

Winter-y Thoughts

2011-01-10T18:58:00.001-06:00

Winter has officially arrived and made its presence known in Oklahoma. We have had a couple of snowy days. I tend to lean toward hibernation with just enough cabin fever threatening to force me out and about.

I drove through the park today after running some errands. The cardinals were beautiful against the snow and there were dozens of them!

I have not yet decided what to blog about in my recent writing world. I wanted to go forward with some of the quotes from the book that I had posted from before. Then I thought about copyright laws. I looked into it and I think that blogging fits into "commenting" or "teaching." What do you think? What have you read about copyright laws and bloggers using material to comment on what belongs to others?

I want to make sure that I know what I'm doing before I forge ahead. In the meantime, I'll just stay with my thoughts...which lately have not been that blog-worthy...just busy making sure that I'm ready for the spring semester at the university, which begins next Wednesday for me!
;^)

My Son-In-Law, Evan, has Begun a Blog!

2011-01-07T20:51:00.000-06:00

For those of you who are sports enthusiasts...
Check this out!
;^)
Evan has a blog!

I think that he sounds ready to go straight to ESPN!

Reviewing 2010

2010-12-31T11:45:00.002-06:00

I looked back through photos of 2010 for a couple of hours. There were hundreds of pictures. I was trying to decide, "How do you capture an entire year in a few photos and a few words?" There were some momentous occasions...

Vivienne Iris joined Annabelle and Jude, to make three treasured grand-children for this grandma.

There were some beautiful moments...

...some wistful moments...(our local national park closed my favorite lake in September, for nine months of repairs...) You know how many times I walked there and spoke of the peace it helped me gather....
I've missed that and look forward with great anticipation to its reopening in 2011....

There were additions...Desi (my little black schnauzer) and I added Lucy to our family.

Aubrey and Evan added Percy to their household. (Aubrey also graduated with her Master's Degree in Professional Writing in December--and I do not have those photos, yet...Congratulations, Aubrey! I'm running as fast as I can to follow in your footsteps!)

There were losses...we lost Lainey, my brother's family dog to cancer...(This is my daughter, Lyndsey, with her on Easter when she had pink Easter egg colors on her...she was such a good-natured pet.) I miss you, Lainey.
Lyndsey also celebrated a landmark birthday AND made a big move...

There were happy mother's days...

...and happy father's days....

There were moments of accomplishment...as I graduated from one college...

...and overwhelming, daunting, but exciting moments as I took the next step and moved on to the next university.

There were sweet moments...

There were funny moments...

There were moments to seize and tease as when I stopped by to snap this photo of my son-in-law...(Thank you, Evan, for helping Papa and Richard on a day they really needed the extra muscles on the job.)

There were more additions...Sara selected CayAnne, the little red doberman as her birthday present. (Another thank-you goes to my son-in-law, Daniel--holding Vivi in this photo...Daniel bought a weed-eater to help me and ended up spending a long, hot day sprucing up my yard.)

There were more losses...Chaya, we all miss you very much.

There were warm moments of sitting around a campfire, laughing, thinking, talking, roasting marshmallows, watching the sunset...

There were pensive, cold times, too.

As we move into the future, I am thankful for the ability to look back upon the influences of the past with a grateful heart.

Anticipation rides on the wings of hope.
Happy New Year to you and yours in 2011!

Writer's Tip for Today

2010-12-29T16:01:00.001-06:00

"To get stories of a sort set down on paper; to become known as a leading...writer, demands little more than self-discipline."

"In writing, more than in almost any other field, initiative is the key."
(Dwight V. Swain)

Can We Talk? (A Private Little Conversation...)

2010-12-28T22:41:00.000-06:00

I have been thinking that I would like to take this blog in a different direction for the New Year.

Since my time during school is so intense, I have been thinking of a way to fit in some blogging time. I miss being in contact with my friends, while not having much time to blog. I think I have hit upon a solution: I will post a few writing tips as I learn them. I am absorbing mountains of great information and I love to share. It will be just a sentence or two for each post, but it will be the best of what I have learned on my way to becoming Cynthia: World Renowned Author. ;^)

What do you think? Does this sound interesting to you?
Let's try it. Tonight's post is from a textbook that was assigned for the Category Fiction class. It was suggested reading, not required, and I am just now finishing it. It is Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight V. Swain. The first quote for you is from the first page of Chapter 1.
"A story is experience translated into literary process."
(The above photos I took of a sculpture on campus entitled, "The Gossips." (I think in the last photo that it looks as if they may be intending to 'cook' someone's goose.)

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T02:08:00.000-06:00

Wishing all of the season's best to you and yours!

All I Want for Christmas is...The Perfect Shortbread Recipe!!!

2010-12-05T22:22:00.000-06:00

I found it!!! I had a great time on my breaks from studying today...trying out two shortbread recipes that I found. It's been an obsession of mine for a while...I really love traditional Scottish Shortbread. I've found a brand, Walker's that is excellent...and my very favorite is from the restaurant, Panera Bread...crisp on the outside, crumbly and soft on the inside...not too sweet...buttery...and on the ingredients list, it says, "butter, sugar, flour, corn starch..." I've been wanting to make my own.

So, I went on a search for recipes with corn starch in them. Years ago a friend made some from her family's original Scottish recipe. She said that it contained one secret ingredient and that it was a very common one. I've wondered for years if it was cornstarch.

This is how it turned out. It was very crisp and very sweet... The recipe had corn starch, butter, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla, and salt.
Very good, but not perfect...not what I was looking for.

These cookies turned out sooooo good! (The top photo is of the winning cookies!)
I made some adjustments from the original recipe...
Here's what I did:
1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup confectioner's (powdered) sugar
2 Tablespoons corn starch
3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
Beat butter until it stands in peaks. Add powdered sugar, cornstarch, flour, vanilla, and salt, one at a time, mixing well after each. (Be careful to not overwork batter...) Roll into 1 inch balls. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Press the tines of a damp fork across ball and flatten until about 1/4 of an inch thick. (Just one press one way and one the other will do the trick...)
Bake in preheated oven at 300 degrees for 14-15 minutes. (Be careful to watch that last minute or two...you don't want it to get brown...)
I am VERY happy with the results! (I think that my Scottish great-great grandfather would be proud!) ;^)
So, the key is to use powdered sugar and corn starch!!!
;^)

Wish you were here! I'd put on a pot of tea and we'd have a chat and eat shortbread!

Do any of you make shortbread?

I Am Thankful for Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T23:14:00.000-06:00

It's been a wonderful holiday...I've been able to just completely "slow the world down" and enjoy my family. (Nevermind that I have piles of homework waiting...it can just wait...)

I have cherished seeing all three of my daughters together and enjoying each other immensely.
;^)

There have been some zany moments...
;^)

...and some truly side-splitting laughter moments...

...some magical moments...

...many sweet moments...

...some beautiful ones, too...

...Hope this finds you with some peaceful moments.
Smiles across the miles...
...and hugs, too.
;^)
C

Yes, They Do...(Anyway, I Do...)

2010-11-12T11:02:00.001-06:00

Here's a bit of University wisdom for you...

This poster resides in a window case outside of the library where I "live."

;^)

Another bit from one of my favorite instructors, Professor C:

"Writers write."

;^) ;^) ;^-

Here Comes the Sun - Sheryl Crow

2010-11-12T10:20:00.000-06:00

Fall Fun

2010-10-31T21:09:00.000-05:00

Happy Fall Ya'll!!!
;^)
Just wanted to let you know that I'm still alive and kickin'!
;^)

I attended a Halloween party last night and went as a parody of myself.
;^)
"The Granny Student."
;^)
(I think that I should wear the costume to class this week, don't you?) The 18-year-olds all look at me as if I'm a crazy old lady, anyway, so it wouldn't make that big of a difference.
;^)
(My costume had the pearl-snap house dress, knee-high nylons slipping down towards the pink Nike tennis shoes and I pulled along my rolling backpack [which I really do use~~to the horror of my children]...only for the party, I added twinkle lights to the handle!!!
;^)

My daughters were definitely frightened by my applied wrinkles.
;^)

TOO much SUGAR!!
;^)
That was fun!
;^)
Well, I need to go back to the homework...the books are always waiting...
;^-
I did want to share with you something that I have learned this week...I thought maybe I could do that every so often, just for fun...
;^)
This week's invaluable piece of information comes from the AP Stylebook...(and I quote...)

"peacock: It applies only to the male. The female is a peahen. Both are peafowl."
So, there ya' go...thousands of dollars and all my time...blood...sweat...and tears...
Priceless!!!
;^) ;^) ;^)
Don't hold your breath...but I'll be back soon, with another mind-boggling tidbit of education for you....
;^)

Sara Smile~~~Happy Birthday to my First-Born

2010-10-18T21:42:00.000-05:00

I love you, Sara!
October 19, 1978 was a beautiful day!

Beautiful Inside and Out!

With her new birthday puppy (CayAnne~~~the Doberman) just this last Saturday...

Sara Smile, Won't you smile a while for me...Sara?
;^)

Words Words Words (and More Words....)

2010-10-14T14:16:00.001-05:00

Hello All...
I'm in the library at the university. (I know...) If asked that question, you could probably have provided the answer. However, I have a flair for the obvious.
;^)
Just thought I'd let you know that I have been writing blogs...well, no, not on this site. On the site that I had to set up for one of my classes at the beginning of the new semester.
Anyway...if you are looking for some really fascinating material...
;^)
;^-
(That's supposed to be "tongue-in-cheek"~~~in case you missed the tired sarcasm...)
;^0

You can check out my amazing journalistic work at:

Cynthia's Media Writing LABlog

I'm looking forward to the day when, camera in hand, I set out to capture some beauty or fun once again and share a REAL blog with you.
;^)
(I did manage to put my camera in the car, but it did not make it to the backpack...) Oh well...next time.
;^) ;^) ;^)

Dreaming On

2010-09-25T19:17:00.000-05:00

To say that life has been overwhelming of late would be an understatement. It seems that when I chose to shake my life up and start over with a fresh slate about four years ago, that I didn't know when to stop the shaking up. Well, maybe it's just that there was so much that needed to be re-built, that it is taking some time. I do want this next half of my life to be built on a more solid foundation. Is that possible? That's what I've been asking myself. I've taken on some rather grand projects in this life-re-building stuff. It's not for the faint of heart.
I do have my moments. Of that. Being faint of heart stuff.
After completing five weeks of this semester at the university on Thursday evening, I left class and simply could not get to my car fast enough.
I wanted to get out of there! I've been questioning everything. Why am I there? What am I doing? Is it really going to make a difference? Should I be placing my energy into something else that might give a better, more satisfying return? A quicker return? Should I just scratch it off as a lesson learned and go back to square one?
No, not square one.
Maybe square one thousand and one.
I keep telling myself, "you're tough. You can do this. Hang on. It will get better. It's going to be okay. It's going to be better than okay."
Well, Thursday night, I just could not help it. I tried. Really I did. But as soon as I got into the car, the tears started spilling.
I was feeling weak. Not brave at all. Rather wimpy. And definitely out of place.
(Does anybody remember the Island of Misfit Toys on the much-loved television version of Rudolph?)
Well, injecting some humor now...that's how I was feeling at the moment.
It had been a rough week.
(Hold on...I'm going somewhere with this.) As my instructor had said, just before I left class, "Would you like some whine with that cheese?" I seldom whine. Even less do I whine in public. But I had "had it" that day. So, I spoke out about some topics that I considered full of injustice. My timing was off. I realize that now. Nevertheless, it just spilled out.
Kind of like the tears. There comes a time when the pressure is built to such a level...
Exploding was not an option. (Well, I considered it...but decided that would definitely be in poor taste.)
;^-
So...driving home...down the interstate...thinking about throwing in the towel and going back to that square. Whatever square that is.
I decided to distract myself with the radio so I could drive and not have to pull over.
I switched on my favorite classic rock station (sometimes anger really is better than sadness...)
Only this time, it wasn't anger or sadness.
It was the following song, "Dream On" by Aerosmith. One of my favorites.
;^)
That's not all. I looked up and there was a billboard looming above me to the side of the highway...it said:
"Dream on...."
Nevermind that it was a hotel chain advertising its comfy rooms...
It said "Dream on" at the exact moment that I switched the radio on to "Dream on..."

Sometimes, the universe really does have ways of getting your attention.
It got mine.
I'm pressing on.
I'm not giving up.
I'm dreaming on.

Laboring on Labor Day

2010-09-06T10:05:00.000-05:00

I'm always surprised when Labor Day rolls around...I get an overwhelming feeling that I missed something. An entire summer just flew by? Well, one thing that I know for sure is that I will not miss the extraordinarily hot days. There were too many of them that passed the 105 mark. They seemed endless. But there were many days of simple pleasures...swimming with my grand-kids or, enjoying the cold, cold water in the park with Lyndsey (above). ;^)

My dad always says that one should "labor" (work) on Labor Day. Well, for part of today, I will be laboring over two papers that are due tomorrow. I need to quit procrastinating and get them finished! They are both the first larger assignments in two complicated classes...and I'm not really sure what I'm doing. It's always a "hold my breath and hope that this is what a professor wants" on the first paper. One is an Observational/Analysis for the Category Fiction class. It really should be fun. This is the first book of 12 that I am reading for this class and it fell in the genre of children's fantasy. The book was fun to read. "How to Train Your Dragon". I'm having to train my mind how to read a book and analyze it for the techniques. (So that I can learn what makes an author successful).

The other paper is for Writing for the Mass Media and is an interview that I did on Multicultural Diversity. I interviewed a young lady of black and Cherokee descent to see how diversity has affected her being published in the field of professional writing. That was fun too...collecting all of the info...actually doing the interview...I've written the paper, but have many loose ends to tie up.

I am also wrestling with the thoughts of all that I have to do before returning to classes tomorrow. It has been the strangest upheaval. I have been surviving the past two weeks on adrenaline. This weekend when I came home, I just crashed. Now I have to get the energy flowing again. There are such massive changes. I want to write about them here, but I'm not sure yet, what to write. The thoughts and feelings are still swirling around out there. (Plus my computer has completely crashed.) I'm using Lyndsey's laptop. So, it feels odd, not being able to take my own photos to coordinate with my blogging thoughts. I'm not sure what to do about the computer issue, yet. I have other things to concentrate on. (There are amazing libraries with computers available for use at school).

For now, I wish you all a happy and productive week.
;^)
We'll talk again soon....
C

Another New Journey Begins

2010-08-27T14:59:00.000-05:00

It's been a very busy time for me, with many changes in my life! I have missed chatting with my friends in Blog World. I have a great deal of reading and homework to do this weekend, but I wanted you to know where I've been:

Thank you for checking in on me! I hope that all is well in your world and I will look forward to finding out what you've been doing, too! ;^)

From One Side of the Spectrum to the Other....

2010-08-06T11:31:00.002-05:00

It's been a crazy summer...full of ups and downs...

You know how I've been frustrated that I did not get accepted into the college that I was hoping to attend?

Well...

That's all changed...

Again...

This week, I received an e-mail saying that my financial aid package was available to review.

;^-

I thought, "Why do I have financial aid if I have not been accepted?"

I made a few phone calls.

Long story short...

THEY ACCEPTED ME

on July 29th!

So, finally, the day before yesterday, I received a very "fancy schmancy" acceptance packet in the mail.

It's official!

It's back to the books for me!

This week has been a whirlwind of activity...

I've been up to the university twice (an hour from where I live...)...

taking tests, being "advised"...etc...etc...etc...

I'm enrolled in three classes, and am waiting on special permission to enroll in two more, in order to have full-time status.

Then, classes begin on August 23!!!

Whew!

Sometimes the Universe sure does like to treat us as if we are yo-yo's.

;^-

;^)

I am relieved.

I am excited.

I am overwhelmed.

They accepted me at the junior level, into the College of Journalism, as a Professional Writing major!!!

Sooooo....

before we know it...

"Cynthia: World-Renowned Author"

will be even more of a reality!!!

Thank you for hanging in there with me through a rough summer...

I really do appreciate you, My Friends.

Your warm wishes, thoughts and encouragement have been an inspiration and have kept me floating through some choppy waters...

Here we go on the next ride!!! Looks as if we'll be flying down the rapids for a while!

;^) ;^) ;^)

Buzzing Around Like a Busy Bee

2010-08-01T12:25:00.000-05:00

Temperatures are soaring in this part of the world...most days are in the 100's...
There are too too many developments in my family...just far too busy for my preference. I look forward to the opportunity to slow down a little...(When will that be???)
Hope this finds all of you well in Blog World. I'm REALLY missing being a part of it.

Lyndsey's Big 3 OH!!!

2010-07-18T09:18:00.000-05:00

Thirty years ago, baby Sara was holding her baby sister, Lyndsey. (They are 21 months apart!)

Lyndsey was the sweetest baby...very peaceful and content....

;^)

Lyndsey at age 2...

Adorable just started being part of the picture....

;^)

A few years later...there were three, inseparable sisters....

;^)

There was singing with Peter Pan as Lost Boys (Lyndsey is just to the right of Peter Pan and Sara is to her right....)

;^)

...and later...Lyndsey was Dorothy in the stage production of The Wizard of Oz (in a nearby Oklahoma town!)

;^)

(That's Aubrey in front, as a Munchkin!)

;^)

The singing began early on...and never stopped....

in church, at weddings, art festivals, town festivals, school, college...

;^)

She even sang in operas!

;^)

Lyndsey, you are music to my heart.

I love you,

Happy Birthday!

Marm.

;^) ;^) ;^)

A Refreshing Day in Mineral Waters....

2010-07-12T22:46:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my daughter, Lyndsey, came home to spend some time. We decided to enjoy a peaceful day at the creek in a nearby park where the mineral waters chill and cool tired spirits on a hot summer day.

There is a large, flat, area of table rock in the water where we put our float-y mats and let the water run over us for some much needed r & r....

The beautiful view of the cool creek from our mats....

Sunlight sparkling on the water..."Sun In" in our hair to lighten up (I haven't done that in a while!!!) ;^)

My enviable water shoes....

;^)

Lyndsey teased me about my "fashion" sense...but these have grips on the soles and I would rather not go sprawling on the slippery rocks unintentionally....(that's not very fashionable, is it?!)

;^-

My lovely daughter...the beautiful fashionista...

so fun...we shared great conversation and lounged for several hours....

Isabella...a sweet little dachshund, whom we had not met before...

She came to wade in the creek with her owners, who had five little children...

Isabella promptly decided upon entering the water that Lyndsey's mat looked very much more inviting...and she crawled up on it and did not want to leave!

;^)

She followed Lyndsey when she went to get her camera...

it was so cute...(Lyndsey is such a dog-whisperer....)

Isabella whined and whimpered when we had to leave. It was sad, but thankfully, there were three other girls coming in with three dogs...hopefully that was a pleasant distraction to Isabella.

;^)

Fun memories!

Making My Favorite Iced-Tea (Always Sets Things Right....)

2010-07-06T11:03:00.000-05:00

Check out my other blog just for fun...

;^)

Cheers!

Frozen in Time---I Will Value Your Advice....

2010-07-05T11:19:00.002-05:00

Why am I posting a photo of snow in July?

Well...it could be because we need a cool down from the heat...but the recent rains have actually kept the days somewhat cooler and in the high 80's, if not rather humid...

But that's not it.

This photo is a perfect depiction of how I have been feeling.

I have not really wanted to talk about it...as I don't like to complain here...I prefer to stay as upbeat as possible, while being "real" with my friends/readers.

Today, however, it occurred to me that in the past when I've reached out and asked you to share your thoughts on some of life's puzzles, you have offered some great input.

I value the friendships that have developed here, and I think I'd just like to chat.

Well, I feel as if I've been asleep since I graduated with my associate's degree in May. (Not asleep, as in "pleasant dreams", but asleep as in "I'm uncomfortable and should wake up and roll over, but I seem stuck or something and I think there's a monster under the bed and I don't know what to do"....) I knew that I was not finished with my higher education, but that this was a huge mile-marker on my way to there...

So great was my exhaling, that I almost forgot to inhale again.

Well, maybe it's more like this...I'm afraid to inhale.

There.

I said it.

It's fear of taking the next giant step that is paralyzing me.

I know what to do about fear.

I've read all the books.

I've attended the seminars.

I've experienced my fair share.

I've overcome it before.

F--false

E--evidence

A--appearing

R--real.

It was a huge step for me to go back to college at this stage in my life.

I know---lots of people do it.

But I'm not lots of people. I'm me.

I have my set of circumstances that led me up to this point and my very own reasons for wanting to accomplish the goal.

Well...mission accomplished.

Now what?

The answer should be fairly simple.

It's not.

Go back for the bachelor's degree.

Where?

How?

It's not the why or the when that's stumping me.

It's the where and how.

I live in a small town.

I live close to my aging parents.

I have thought that I would remain close to them.

I love the small-town-ness...

yet, sometimes, I feel as if I'm drowning in it.

There are wonderful things about it, though...(not the drowning. ;^-
The small town....)

And, I do not want to live in a city...at least not permanently.

I have an acre of land and a house. My house payment is less than most people pay for rent.

But going back to school, I don't have enough to stay ahead of the upkeep of my property. It's not falling apart. It's just not getting taken care of.

Jobs are scarce in this small town. At least jobs that make it possible for a single-head-of-household to stay up with the game. Minimum wage is 7.25 per hour. People feel as if they're being generous if they pay $8 per hour for the "nicer" jobs for women.

With a degree!!!

That just won't cut it.

(This is where my rant about inequality starts...)
I need man-sized pay.

Thus, one of the reasons that I've gone back to college.

In the meantime...

how do I get there?

Do I go to the bigger college in the city, an hour away, where they offer the degree that I would like to pursue?

Do I drive every day?

Do I move?

Do I rent?

Do I sell?

Do I buy?

Do I go to the college only 30 minutes away where I can take a good "sensible" degree...(not the one I want) but one that should be a little more "realistic"?

(The degree I want: professional writing.)

The degree I "should" get: English teacher.

I do not want to teach.

Well, I would consider it at the college level.

But that will take at least four more years.

And do colleges hire instructors who are nearing retirement age when they are just beginning?

I don't know.

(There looks to be no retirement in store for me.)

I'm not allergic to hard work...I just don't want to have to dig ditches when I'm 85, if you know what I mean.

I am so paralyzed that I have not even enrolled in either of the said two colleges.

There.

I said that.

I'm embarassed.

I'm frustrated. (Oh. Did you catch that already?)

;^-

Classes begin in August.

I receive some financial aid through the college, but not enough to pay all of my bills.

I took out an additional large loan last year.

I do not have that money available this year.

I am baffled.

I am stuck.

There's more, but I think that this is overwhelming enough.

Input?

Thank you.

Wild Summer Daze

2010-06-29T21:08:00.000-05:00

This summer is flying by in a whirl of busy "ness"...
I think of all of you often and hope that things are going well in your parts of the world...I'm looking forward to life becoming somewhat calmer (is that possible?) ... maybe in a few weeks... for now...
Hugs and best wishes,
C

A Father's Day Tribute to My Dad

2010-06-20T10:04:00.000-05:00

Please check out the post on my other blog, Cyndee Lyn's... It was supposed to go on this blog, but as I was on my first cup of tea (no caffeine) ;^- this morning...it ended up on the other one...

Some Things Never Change (Thankfully!) ;^)

2010-06-12T09:09:00.002-05:00

Little Aubrey (age 3) LOVES kittens!!!

;^)

Grown-up Aubrey LOVES kittens, too.

;^)

(This is my newest grand-pet, Aubrey and Evan's new baby. ;^) Percy...who started out to be Persephone, by necessity had to be changed to Perseus.

;^-

Apricots and Grapes in the Same Tree? Does that make it a Grapricot Tree???

2010-06-05T09:46:00.003-05:00

This is the first harvest of apricots on a tree in my mom and dad's garden! The tree is quite a few years old, but the fruit has never made it through the late spring frosts. This year, the conditions were just right to produce a decadently sweet fruit!

Apricots are my favorite fruit~~~and there is nothing like a fresh one straight off the tree!

(I felt as if I was experiencing a bit of heaven!)

The Perfect Apricot

And what's this? Grapes in the apricot tree?

I was compelled to pull the ladder under the tree and venture to climb up and take a close up look ...

Yep! Both! Grapes and apricots!

How very economizing of them...

;^)

This is only a portion of the bounty...at the time of this photo, there were at least as many still on the tree as on the table...

Mmmm!!!

Pure gold!

(And almost as valuable in my eyes!)

I wish that the apricot season was perpetual...

I don't think I'd grow tired of them.

My mother whipped up a glorious, "quick" cobbler, which I was so excited about, I failed to take a photo! MMMmmm...a little bit of vanilla ice-cream, partially melted over the warm-out-of-the-oven-cobbler! Over the moon!

(Although I would still just rather eat fresh apricots by the hand fulls!!!)

;^) ;^) ;^)

Simple pleasures...

definitely the BEST!

;^)

WooHOO! (And other party lingo!) ;^)

2010-05-16T19:55:00.002-05:00

SO happy to be wearing Blue and Gold!!!

My family threw a party after arriving home from the ceremony, and even had a Yard Sign that greeted me!

They went all out with great food, including a Cookie "Cake" that said, "The Tassel is Worth the Hassle!"

(YES! It is!!!)

When I walked down off the stage with my diploma, this lovely Bouquet was a gift from my family, too!

My house was completely decorated with Banners and signs!

Yes, I am ONE HAPPY graduate in my Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society Tassel and Stole! (Who knew? I sure didn't...when I set out to do this two years ago, I knew that I would try very hard to do my best, but I was not even sure what that was!!!)

Yellow Rose in the bouquet...

My daughters thought it would be funny to dress me up as a Dr. Seuss character.

;^)

"Graduation Cap" with feathers that says, "Congrats Grad" as well as the Giant Button saying the same thing!

(It reminds me of the Dr. Seuss story, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!!!")

(My favorite!)

"Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off an away!...

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know...

And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go!"

WooHOO!!!
(And I LOVE my parents and daughters! [AND my son-in-laws and grand-babies!!!)
;^) ;^) ;^)
Thank you!

GRADUATION DAY!!!

2010-05-14T12:23:00.000-05:00

The Power of Pink, Perseverance, Tea Bags, and Peonies

2010-05-11T15:39:00.001-05:00

Perseverance is the Key!

I just wrote my last word of my last sentence for my last final exam to receive my Associate's Degree in English/Language Arts!

When I began this new journey in August of 2008, going back to college, I was labeled as a "non-traditional" student. I didn't even know what that was! All I knew was that I had helped my daughters make it through college and I wanted to have the privilege of following that same path.

Pink Peonies

(They are my favorite and they are blooming in my garden right NOW!)

;^)

It seems like the biggest step on my new journey was the first one! Enrolling seemed daunting and almost impossible. I pushed myself. I took one step at a time, sending out for transcripts, making phone calls, visiting a nearby campus...and finally enrolling! From there on,

I threw myself into my studies with vigor and had an insatiable desire to learn. I honestly did not mind that my entire life consisted of studying and working. I had found a niche that I was thriving in.

Has it been easy? No. It has been hard, hard, hard. There have been times that I questioned myself. I even said things like, "I feel like I'm missing out! Life is passing me by and I'm in here studying!" I knew the answer to that one. It would not be long until I turned the page, and there would be an entirely new chapter of life that I had created!

Pink Coffee Filters

What are pink coffee filters and what do they have to do with this story? Well, they remind me of something else... On

Mother's Day, Lyndsey gave me this gift. Lyndsey created it with her own hands, out of coffee filters that she hand-dyed PINK! I have associated the color pink with femininity for as long as I can remember. I know...it's a stereo-type...and it's not fair. Pink was one of my favorite colors as a little girl and it was a favorite of my daughters. I think of Sara, Lyndsey, and Aubrey, when I think of pink. They are strong, determined women and I am proud of each one of them for what they have done with their lives.

But I have another new shade on this Pink Color-Wheel of Life that I am on! It is a Pink Power that I did not know I had.

Oh, yes...I've walked some rough roads, and I thought I knew what I was capable of. But I really didn't.

I know that you have heard the saying attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt,

"A woman is like a teabag--you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water."

I've heard it so much it began to seem trite.

However, it took on a complete new meaning when I decided to put myself in the the hot water and turn up the heat!

I just know that this is going to turn out to be a very good "cuppa!"

;^)

The Power of Pink

I challenge you. I challenge you to stretch yourself. I have already told you that I have seen some dark days. Some of you out there have faced or are facing much more difficult times than I ever dreamed of. But I want you to know...if I can do this, you can do this.

What is it for you? Each one of us must define our own limits. Maybe your new power is much smaller in comparison to tackling a college degree. Or maybe it's MUCH much bigger....

Each one of us has different goals. Each one of us has a different purpose. But each one of us is an important part of this universe.

Give yourself a little time. Sit in the quiet. Take a walk. Think. Listen to that still, small voice inside. You know what it is that you need to stretch for.

You can do it!

I believe in you!

Thank you for caring enough to believe in me!

I am turning the page of this Pink Book and reveling in my newly found Pink Power!

Busy But Beautiful Days

2010-05-04T22:41:00.003-05:00

My peonies are in bloom. All is well.

It is a busy time. Finals are this week and next. I will graduate on May 14 with my Associate's Degree in English/Language Arts!

American Beauty Rose...These roses bud in pink and bloom in white! There are dozens of them and they are just gorgeous!

I call this one the Aunt Gladys Rose, because it is from a cutting given to me years ago by my Great Aunt, who still lives in New Mexico at the age of 97! These roses are also very full and beautiful this year.

Gramma holds Baby Vivi. I have been helping Sara and Daniel get into a routine with three children! Currently, about half of the week, I'm nanny and whatever else needs done with the house or whatever....

In honor of Mother's Day...Sara posted a picture similar to this with just the three sisters...I found the others, scanned them, and posted them on FB. It's one of the only times that all five of us had our photos professionally done together (2002). My mother, my daughters, and me.

;^)

It's full of warm memories.

I hope that this week holds all that you need it to be.

Peace, love, and hugs.

;^)

A Gift in Haiku

2010-04-28T00:36:00.000-05:00

Velvet Petal Soft

Touching your cheek this spring day

Simple elation

Eternity holds

One more hopeful gift and sets

A fire in your eyes

Abundant joy spills

Laughter mingling tears and sighs

Tiny hand grasps mine

by CLH

To mark the birth of Vivienne Iris

Gramma's First Video of Baby Vivi

2010-04-25T22:22:00.000-05:00

I'm home! ;^) I've downloaded 110 photos of my new grand-daughter. ;^) (I won't make you look at them all...) ;^) I know I'm a proud grandma and rather biased...but I thought you might enjoy seeing her cute little baby wiggles and coos...
;^) ;^) ;^)
I'll post more as I get photos edited.
;^)

My New Grand daughter is here!

2010-04-21T22:18:00.000-05:00

Vivienne Iris was born on April 20, 2010 at 5:31 p.m.!!! She is 6 pounds 1 ounce and 18 inches long! She is beautiful and perfect and tiny!!! (Gramma forgot to bring the cord to transfer pics to the computer...oops...) I will post pics asap!!!
I got to cuddle with her almost all afternoon in the hospital as her mommy tried to sleep!
More as soon as I can!
Hugs to all!
C

The Blessed Event Is Almost Here!

2010-04-19T20:52:00.000-05:00

I get to meet my grand-daughter, Vivienne Iris, at her debut into the world tomorrow!

You know what I'll be posting in a few days!

;^)

Hugs to all...

See you then!

;^)

YEE-HAW!!! BACK at the Dog Swap!!! ;^)

2010-04-16T09:16:00.001-05:00

I went to the local "Dog Swap" again on Sunday morning.

It is a fascinating experience. Kind of like a "Flea Market," only with LOTS of animals...

and the most amazing assortment of interesting people...

The pups above are Welsh Corgis...(the Queen's dogs in Oklahoma???!!!---how'd that happen?) ;^)

This turkey was huge...and was really struttin' his stuff in his cage...

There were guineas...

Canaries...

Chicks...

More chicks...

Orange Chicks...

A woman spinning yarn from wool...

...and turning it into these...

Swords!

(In case you want to duel in Oklahoma???)

I don't know...

Don't ask me...

I just live here...

A llama!!!

...and some redneck humor, in case you forgot where you were for a moment...(missing ANY of the above clues!)

;^)

...and OH so much more...which will have to wait for another post...

(In case you missed my first blog postings of the Dog Swap last year...

They are right HERE and HERE and HERE.)

Hope this made you smile!

More next time...

Stuff and Dogwood Blooms and Stuff and Irises and More Stuff...

2010-04-14T23:46:00.001-05:00

I could really use some peace right about now.

I'm tryin' to create it...really, I am.

It's been a crazy day:

World Civ Double Essay Test -- Check

Math Quiz 1 -- Check

Math Quiz 2 -- Check

Biology Lab -- Check

Got stopped in the middle of a back-country-road by Oklahoma Highway Patrol on a "routine" (reeeallly) driver's license and insurance verification check -- Check

Found out in the middle of biology lab by a casual remark from two other students about Cap-Stone test that is required for graduating...last chance on Monday to take a 5 HOUR TEST if I want to graduate!!!!!! -- Check

Locked self out of house -- Check

Walked over to Mom's and Dad's to get spare key -- Check

Walked back, let self in, vowed to get another spare key -- Check

Well...you get my drift. There was more.

I'll spare you.

Some of it involved talking Sara through several phone conversations dealing with doctor/ pregnancy issues.

THE GOOD NEWS:

!!!!!

Little Vivienne Iris will make her debut on this coming Tuesday, the 20th at 5 p.m.

At around 6 p.m., I anticipate that Gramma will be cuddling with the new grand-daughter!

;^)

Okay, that is VERY good news!

;^)

I'm holding on.

That will sure help to get me through about 467,219 other events between now and then.

;^0

Hugs,

(I'm gonna make it.)

(Other good news):

Only ONE MONTH UNTIL GRADUATION!!!!!!

Whew!

Hummingbird Moth at the Lilacs

2010-04-10T11:59:00.001-05:00

I have always wanted to capture one of these on film.

This shot is perfect! (Be sure to enlarge these by clicking.) You can see the long, bent bill that reaches into the flowers for nectar.

They are such unusual creatures.

The first time I saw one at my moon-flowers years ago, I just could not figure out what these little alien creatures were! They look like a hummingbird, but are a moth.

They usually fly so fast that I have never been able to photograph one. But last evening, this one was very obliging. It almost posed...I was able to get the camera right up next to it!

When the flash would go off on my camera, the hummingbird moth would move to another spot on the lilacs.

This shot is more like what I have gotten before...movement in flight, but still very close up!

This one is just as it dive-bombed my head and flew away...tired of the camera flash.

;^-

(I got the sunset against the lilacs, though!)

;^)

Seeing Purple

2010-04-09T09:47:00.001-05:00

Purple...well, okay then...

Lilacs!

Lovely!

Gorgeous!

Decadence!

The fragrance hovers in the entire front yard!

They are intoxicating!

I love spring!

Remembering my Grand-Dog Chaya

2010-04-08T09:04:00.001-05:00

Sometimes, life is just too rough. My family has been trying to find ways to cope with the loss of Sara's doberman, Chaya.

Chaya was nine years old and had been with Sara through thick and thin.

Sara has been going through some extreme difficulties anyway. In fact, her obstetrician just put her back in the hospital yesterday (this is the third or fourth time) with more pregnancy issues. This loss has just left her reeling.

Lily is their other family puppy and she is lost without Chaya.

Belle loves her dogs.

It is so difficult to lose one of these precious fur-persons.

There have been buckets of tears for Chaya.

I'm envisioning him bounding around doggie heaven with Belle's Finnigan, our Pierre, Smokey, Samson, and Shaun.

Rest in Peace, Chaya.

We love you.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-03T09:11:00.000-05:00

Have a lovely Easter weekend!

I hope that you have wonderful moments...

...that are filled with sweet little surprises...

...some superb intervals of awe and wonder...

...and some serenity.

Signs of Spring Inspire Signs of Cheer ;^)

2010-03-28T13:43:00.001-05:00

This lacy Peach-colored Daffodil shines its beauty in the Oklahoma sun.

Three Peach Daffodils wave in the wind.

Apricot Blossom on my parent's tree...couldn't get much more gorgeous than this!

Apricot Blossom Beauty

The Hyacinths survived the snow and bounced back stronger than ever.

;^)

Beauties in Blue

More Daffodils

Daffodils Three

I leave you with the Oklahoma sunset peeking through my pear-tree blossoms...

...to inspire you with some peace and cheer of your own.

;^)

Spring Morning Surprise!

2010-03-25T08:49:00.000-05:00

Beauty is found in the most amazing places!

;^)

For the entire story,

HERE...

and

ENJOY!!!

;^)

Spring Went Back Into Hiding

2010-03-21T11:59:00.001-05:00

March 19

March 21

;^-

Hyacinths and Brighter Days

2010-03-19T13:34:00.000-05:00

Spring is bursting out all over!

;^)

I know that things are going to be brighter when the purple of my hyacinths pushes through the ground!

AND the pink of the Redbud Tree begins to bud.

;^)

The grand kids and I have been playing in the Park.

Having lots of fun.

;^)

Giving their parents a break while waiting for baby sister to be born. (Which will be SOON!)

There are monkeys in the Monkey Tree!

Gramma has got her chin up and is enjoying the brighter days...

;^)

Hugs to all.

;^)

Life is Weird

2010-03-11T22:43:00.000-06:00

All in all, it's been a very weird week. Mid-terms have been intense. That's not so weird. I'm just tired. But our college had a tragedy. A professor was murdered. In "Small-town" Oklahoma. It's just too weird. Then, they set fire to her house. The last I heard, two suspects were in custody. I should hope so. I had this professor for a class at the beginning of the semester, but when I had to change everything around, I transferred into another course. But I had half a dozen or so classes with her and she was an amazing person...aged sixty, or so, single...very proud of her grown son. I saw a photo with her holding a grandchild. Very sad.

Life is just weird.

I'm trying to push on and keep my chin up. We are surrounded by beauty. My lilac bush is beginning to bud. I can hardly wait for the blossoms.

More rough news...my daughter, Sara, has gone into premature labor...about eight weeks too soon for the baby. Sara has had a terrible time for seven months. She has been hospitalized for about 36 hours now and they can't seem to get the contractions stopped. She was dehydrated, as well, so they've been pumping fluids in for all this time. She still has a severe migraine and did not keep her food down today. She is so discouraged.

I'm heading out in the morning to see what I can do to help. Daniel had to stay home from work today with the other two kiddos.

My pear tree is beginning to bud, as well. It has beautiful white blossoms when they come out. I'm looking forward to that. I think I handled March 10 very well. It used to be my anniversary. It would have been 26 years. I only had a brief moment of sadness...it kind of swept over me for a second when I had thoughts of when times were good (that was rare) and we would go out to dinner or something to celebrate. Actually, the feeling left swiftly. I am so much more grateful to be who I am now. I realize how much of the burden has lifted and I like who I am and the direction I am headed. I'm looking forward to when some things smooth out...like the finances. That's going to be nice. It's taken such a long time to recuperate in that area...I took a pretty hard hit for freedom. It is priceless, however. I can vouch for that.

On the smiley side...(I can't stay "frow-ny" for too long.) ;^)
Lucy got a new "do." She is just too, too adorable! ;^) She looks like a fancy little schnauzer girl, now. (All except that her tail is longer.) She is soft and silky and knows how cute she is. She prances and holds her head up high. It's just sweet. Last night I could not find her. I looked every where. I checked my bed for the second time, and there she was, buried in my pillows. Now I've indulged her in many ways, but not that way. :^-
I'm thinking of you all and sending hugs your way. I could use about 50 hugs right now.
;^)
I'll talk to you in a few days when I'm back from Texas.

Encouragement from the Daffodils

2010-03-06T19:34:00.002-06:00

Look what is heralding spring! I am SO relieved!

;^)

My mother plants these along the bank of the creek between their house and mine.

When I saw them today, I was instantly happy!

They make me want to celebrate.

I thought of Wordsworth:

"I Wandered Lonely As a Cloud"

by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the milky way,

They stretched in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,

Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A Poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed--and gazed--but little thought

What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Lucy and Desi. And Jesse James

2010-03-06T08:09:00.000-06:00

This is Lucy. ;^) We are taking a little "trial run" to see how she does here with Desi. She was a stray that found my friends, who rescue Mastiffs. She is quite the little lady. Very independent and sweet. She likes my ivory Victorian couch. I've never let the dogs on it. She was spayed a week ago and has been recuperating, so I just put towels on the couch and let her lounge. She also likes Desi's bed. She also likes Desi's spot on the green couch. This morning, I found her in my chair.
Yes, she's a princess.

Desi has been very patient about the whole thing. He's very polite and does not intrude. He's such a good dog. They played their first game of chase yesterday. He liked that. Last night, Jesse James, (Aubrey and Evan's dog) came for the weekend. He's a little wilder with her. He thinks that Lucy is his new toy. But he listens to me when I tell him to calm down. They have played chase all morning. Finally, they've come in and are resting.
Lucy gets to go get her hair done next week. I'll keep you posted.
;^)

Thank YOUs, Anniversaries, Baby Showers, and LOTS of CAKE!!!

2010-02-24T23:22:00.002-06:00

First of all, on the 28th, I will have been blogging for ONE YEAR!!!
;^) ;^) ;^)
I can hardly begin to tell you how much joy this has brought me, because I have found all of YOU! ;^) As well as the joy, you have brought me much insight. My heart and mind have grown because of you. I have laughed with you, dried tears as I've thought of you, mused with you, fumed with you, and occasionally ranted with you.
I love blogging, because to me, it means connecting. When I first began, I did not know what blogging really was. I just know that Aubrey told me, "Mom, if you want to be serious as a writer in the twenty-first century, you have to blog." So I did. And it has changed my life. I wish we could all be "really" together and have a BIG party!!!! I would pass out hundred dollar bills and we would clink champagne glasses and have a wondrous time. (Hey, it's MY fantasy!) ;^) However, here we are...parted by time and space and air...but I am thinking of you...and the biggest part of this post goes out to say, "THANK YOU!!!!!!"

It should go without saying that I am snowed under with homework. (But I'm saying it, aren't I???!!!) Along with that, this is probably going to be one of the busiest weekends of my year...

On Saturday, it is my parent's 55th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!!!

Yes, they are miracles. We threw a big "To-Do" on their 50th, so Mom did want to keep this one simpler. As simple as a big "shin-dig" like this can be... We will have a Mexican-Food-Themed Dinner at their house with my brothers and their families and my daughters and their families.

Woo-Hoo! Congratulations, Mom and Dad!

;^)

THEN~~~

On Saturday afternoon, we are also having a Baby Shower for Sara, to welcome Little Vivienne Iris, (whose debut we have been trying to postpone until April...but the little one is wanting out really badly!) (Her Mommy wants her out, too, but you know...Grandma says that the lungs must form well first!!!) Sara has had a very rough time this entire seven months. I've never seen anything like it. It's been difficult. And to top it all off, I have not seen her or my grand babies since Christmas. Since we are getting Sara to drive up here for the Anniversary celebration, we are also having the Baby Shower! Soooo, we've rented a lovely Mansion (also a B & B) where we shall dress up and have a BIG PARTY! ;^) ;^) ;^) (Cake and presents almost always make it all better, right?)
;^)

WHEW!

After surviving all of the festivities, I will be back to report on all of the "goings-on."

;^)

(It's a good thing I've been exercising and taking lots of walks this week, as there will be LOTS and LOTS of CAKE!)

(You know I will be happy.)

Hope you are, too.

;^)

Chocolate Miracles

2010-02-18T21:33:00.000-06:00

Sometimes, creating a little bit of heaven really is in our own hands.
;^)

Random Thoughts and Bright Colors...

2010-02-17T22:54:00.001-06:00

Just thinking of all of my blog friends and wanted to check in. Lots of the same stuff going on...which would be, homework.
;^) I didn't work too hard at it tonight, though. I needed a break. So, I did some other things.
Hope all is well with you.
Speaking of the bright colors...if you missed my post on the 12th, check it out...and then, go see what Lyndsey did with some of the items she painted. You will just hardly believe what the little pink shelf transformed into...AMAZING!
;^)
That's all.
Night-y.
;^)

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T17:43:00.000-06:00

Whatever Valentine's Day means to you, I hope that you are having a relaxing, peaceful day.

My mother made a wonderful meal and asked me to join her and Dad. It is their 55th Valentine's Day together! ;^)

I got some great photos. We enjoyed the visit.

Then, I came home to start in on the homework, but so far, I've been playing. ;^)

Sipping hot tea...eating the Godiva Chocolates that I bought for myself yesterday. Life is good.

;^)

Lyndsey and Aubrey and Evan took me out to dinner last night and then to a Roberta Flack concert!!!! ;^)

Her voice is still like velvet...and she played the piano so beautifully. She inspired me. It was a wonderful time.

I'm still floating around, up in the clouds somewhere. I don't want to come down.

;^)

Happy happy day to you and here is a hug!

;^)

I've been humming this song all day. ;^)

I posted it on my Facebook page, along with photos of my Mom and Dad, my daughters, my son-in-laws, my grand-babies, and my brothers and their families. ;^)

So, this is love.

;^)