THANKFUL THURSDAYS

My grandmother is such a blessing to our family.  She is 99 years old ~ her 100th birthday will be celebrated in December of this year ~ and still lives completely on her own.  Now, I'll admit, as the last few years have brought her increasing challenges with hearing, sight, mobility, and memory, there are times that our patience is tested as well, but yet we know that it truly is her independent spirit and strength that drives her.  And that one day, we will be doing the same to our daughters ~ at least that is the joke we whisper to each other ~ and how wonderful it will be to follow in her footsteps! 

Nana claims that daily exercise and healthy eating are an important part of her lifestyle.....as well as her daily 5pm highball (just one!) :)   She plays Bingo whenever she can find a game, has a jigsaw puzzle always going in her living room, and never misses church on Sunday (or if she does, you'll hear about it...).  She truly is a special woman, the matriarch of five generations now of incredible women in this family.  We are blessed, indeed.

FRIDAY FAVORITES

"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday we remember the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. and in doing so, might we also remember all that the Reverend King worked to achieve in his too short life ~ equality for all, justice, peace.  May the word "peace" be more than a "word" in your life but a mantra of action, a reminder of release, a way of living.  This week's Friday's favorites are some "peaceful" reminders for your world.

 

From LaPellaPottery on Etsy, this custom "quilt" Blessings Platter.

 

 This beautiful tile from dpkphoto would be a simple reminder on a desk, tabletop, or wall.

Stunning "Peace" print by PhotosbyErika

And be sure to share the "peace" with the little ones in your life! This Mushroom Hat is adorable from angelbellcouture.

FRIDAY FAVORITES

This week's first significant snowfall for our area makes me looking for the following "Friday Favorites" ~ comfort, warmth, and celebrating the beauty of winter...let's see what I find!

This gorgeous merino wool scarf in luscious cranberry plaid is available from scarfguy at Etsy...

What to fix for dinner when the weather is blustery and cold? Soup, of course...here's a recipe that looks great to try even you're not under the weather!

Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup

 

 

Keep your toes warm with these great slipper socks from Etsy's yoyohats ~ available in different sizes! 

 

 

And remember to celebrate the beauty of winter as it surrounds you ~ stay warm and give thanks for the time to slow down.

MONDAY MOSAIC

Something new ~ words, thoughts, quotes, pics ~ all around an idea or theme floating through my mind today ~ let's see how it goes...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time." ~ Andre Gide

kipepeo ~ If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies" - Anonymous

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles." - Willa Cather

Yummy Oatmeal & Friends Across the World

First, let me say that when I logged in today I found the most wonderful comment waiting to be moderated. It was from a former Peace Corps volunteer who had served with Andrew at the neighboring village -- and who had been his best friend and "his sis" for many, many months until she returned stateside this past late spring. She told me that she had been trying unsuccessfully to reach Drew for over a month (he has a new cell phone due to an "incident" in Dar a while back, lol! and she also didn't have his current email addy) and was hoping I would be able to connect them. She found my blog through the spectacular world of internet search and left her email address for me (so, no, Jessica, I won't post your comment, lol!). I'm so very excited to re-connect the old friends, the "brother and sister" back together as I know how much Drew has missed "talking" with her and they have much to catch up on!

Now, on a completely different note....weather has changed here, heading us directly into a chilly fall and the perfect time for this great recipe I just received for "Baked Oatmeal" - a perfect dish to prep the night before and mix together and bake in the morning (and, if you're a "small" crowd, eat off all week long!)

Baked Oatmeal

3/4 c. brown sugar
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
3 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats

2 c. milk
1/2 c. oil (can use all olive oil, all canola, or 1/2 & 1/2)
2 eggs beaten
1/2 c. applesauce
1 t. vanilla

1 fresh apple chopped
1/4 c. chopped dried fruit (cranberries, etc.)
1/2 c. ch. nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc.)

Preheat oven to 375 (350 for glass pan). Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir well. Add fruit and nuts. Pour into greased 9 X 13 inch pan. Bake 25 minutes.

Some more TIPS for this yummy oatmeal:

* Night before prep dry ingredients, wet ingredients (refrigerate), and chopped fruit/nuts except apple (wait til morning to chop apple to prevent turning brown).
* I have tried this with all olive oil and it is good, but a little "heavy" - I'm probably going to do the 1/2 & 1/2 next time.
* An easy way to do the applesauce is if you have snack packs - they are 1/2 c. each :)
* Might be interesting/healthy to try this with egg whites/egg substitutes, too.
* I've been told this can be made with Splenda instead of the brown sugar.
* Makes a great breakfast...as well as a simple supper later in the week, lol!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Birthday Girl

27 years ago this morning, my oldest daughter, Sarah Elizabeth was born...Goodness, where have the years gone? Years of smiles and laughter, tears and traumas, drama and joy, celebrations and challenges, moments and milestones...it goes so quickly.

Sarah is now a first-time mother herself ~ and a wonderful one, of course, to Abigail Elizabeth, enjoying every blessing and at the same time in awe at how quickly the months are passing. Ah, yes, they do slip by days, months, years...and a little girl now has her own little girl :)

Happy birthday, my dear Sarah! Love, Mom

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY..."Last First"

WHOA, A NEW MONTH!

August already? Where has the summer gone? Well....here's an idea of what I've been up to ~

~ Being "Soccer Mom"

~ Preparing for Hannah's senior year of high school...helping her research colleges, making some visits, prospect camps for soccer ~ lots of road-tripping :)

~ Playing with the beads :)

"Turquoise Dreams" Necklace


"Playing with Fire" Bracelet


"Mint Juleps"


~ Enjoying my Mimi time with Abby




~ Falling in Love :) :)






Well, it HAS been quite a summer! Here's to a great August!

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, July 13, 2009

Outside my window...there is a beautiful morning sun already climbing high, a sign that I enjoyed a late morning sleep ;-)

I am thinking...of what a long day yesterday was ~ quite the trek ~ but so much fun watching Hannah "do her stuff" all day and "wow" the coaches :-)...definitely worth the trip!

From the learning room...would love to find time this week to continue working with wire and want to check out the other bead shops I've heard about as well.

From the kitchen...had such fun cooking a great dinner Saturday night after the show.

I am wearing...my pj's and summer robe.

I am creating...with the turquoise necklace and earrings complete, it's time for the bracelet now!

I am going...to make another "soccer Mom" road trip this weekend :-)

I am reading...Conversations with God (II), John Adams, A Year in The World...and lots of magazines :-)

I am hoping...that Sarah is feeling better soon.

I am hearing...MSNBC as I try to catch up a bit since I was on the road the last 24 hours.

Around the house...time to tackle the bedrooms for a bit of midsummer's streamcleaning, I think.

One of my favorite things...was finally reconnecting with Andrew by phone and seeing Mamma Mia on Saturday with Kevin ~ so much fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week:

shop photos, FB shop page (still not done!!), "Miriam" work for Hannah (it is nonstop right now!) :-)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence ...with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness."
~ Erma Bombeck

FRIDAY FRANCE PHOTOS

PURE JOY!

FRIDAY FRANCE PHOTOS

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, June 22, 2009

Outside my window...bright summer morning sunshine is streaming in, promising a glorious day.

I am thinking...of Andrew and hoping that his PCV training film project is going well ~ looking forward to hearing more about it today when we hopefully chat.

From the learning room..."playing" with the new alcohol inks and glass, wire wrapping has resulted in two new pendants.

From the kitchen...we are keeping it "simple" after a weekend of eating out with friends and family :-)

I am wearing...my yoga gear.

I am creating...going to work with the carnelian and turquoise that I brought back from Toronto ~ definitely a couple of necklaces "brewing" and earrings....hopefully a bracelet or two as well.

I am going...to finally meet another dear friend who've I known for several months but it feels like forever :-)

I am reading...Conversations with God (1) and am still amazed with the connections being made...still enjoying John Adams, A Year in This World.

I am hoping...that we enjoy more "pool" time with Abby this week, that Anne and Mike's multiple moves are going smoothly, that our next road trip later this week is fun and safe ~ and brings Hannah what she's looking for in training and her goals.

I am hearing...PS 22 Chorus sing "Don't Stop Believing"

Around the house...you can tell we're home again - LOL!

One of my favorite things...seeing Abby experience her first "big" pool ~ she LOVES the water :-)

A few plans for the rest of the week:
finalize arrangements for Hannah's trip to Vanderbilt; coffee(s) with two wonderful friends; re-doing photos in the shops (a long, ongoing project)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

FRIDAY FRANCE PHOTOS & AWARD TIME

Hannah came back from France with over 500 incredible photographs - relax...I won't be posting them all here - but I have to say, for a 16-year-old amateur photographer (and yes, as her mother), she has an incredible "eye." So, I will be posting just a few favorites every Friday for you to enjoy - her love of architecture, art, nature, and people "at play" have provided a look at Paris and Brittany and I have enjoyed the trip vicariously for the time being :-).

Many, many thanks to my dear friend, Donna of Creative Treasures by Donna for bestowing this award upon me :-). If you have not checked out Donna's beautiful artisan jewelry, you need to stop by her blog and check out her lovely creations.

So, how does the "One Lovely Blog Award" work?
This is how it works:

1. Add the logo to your blog
2. Link to the person whom you received this award.
3. Nominate 7 or more blogs.
4. Leave a message letting them know that they received the “lovely blog award.”

Here we go....I now bestow.... Let the "linking" begin!

1. Cindy's Art and Soul
2. Bead Nest Designs
3. The Jewelry Box
4. Rants and Raves of a New Age Chick
5. Red Bess Bonney
6. Rosevine Design
7. Islandgirl's Insights

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - What a Wonderful Week!

MONDAY REFLECTIONS

FOR TODAY, June 15, 2009

Outside my window...my friend's garden is luscious and full...
I am thinking...of Hannah enjoying her final day "across the pond" and looking forward
to many wonderful stories when I see her.

From the learning room..."remembering WHO I am" and how awesome is that...

From the kitchen...my oldest and dearest friend is in the midst of packing - boxes for here and for a cross-country (literally) move.

I am wearing...NOT my pj's (ha!!) believe it or not, but am dressed for a day of exploring and enjoying the city.

I am creating...finally got the alcohol inks, etc. and the grooved glass squares arrived before I arrived - now need to find time to "play" when I get back home.

I am going...to finally meet a dear friend who've I known for two years but have never seen - yes, indeed! An exciting day!

I am reading...Conversations with God (1) and am amazed...still enjoying John Adams and also enjoying A Year in This World.

I am hoping...that Hannah's flight home tomorrow is safe and uneventful - as is Nancy and Didier's, her dear chaperones; that Mom has some cheery "Abby-fixes" :-) - those smiles and coos are so good for the soul; that I don't get too terribly lost navigating Toronto today ;-).

I am hearing...distant city sounds, but pleasant morning quiet - children playing outside.

Around the house...I am ready for Hannah's homecoming - settled and ready for the busy summer ahead.

One of my favorite things...giving "soccer girl" her first big hug when she comes off the plane tomorrow night - I have missed her much.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
making arrangements for Hannah's trip to Vanderbilt the end of this month; playing with my new alcohol inks; hoping to find Sassy Beads this afternoon on my way home from lunch; having a wonderful conversation about CWG with a great friend.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...