I'll Be Back Soon...Very Soon!

It has been some time since I have posted. I am beginning to find balance and will be back to start a new on Saturday.

Girl's Week-Emily's Graduation

The next leg of my journeyy through Girl's Week was my daughter Emily's.  We relaxed, had coffee, fabulous conversations, and shopped the local Goodwill store.  I love the time I am able to spend with the girls...cherished moments.  The pictures are actually from Emily's party celebrating her graduation.  Today she is officially a Paralegal and tomorrow maybe Law School!  John and I are so proud of her accomplishments.

Brian and Brandon relaxing and enjoying some conversation.

Baby Karli exploring the steps. She is the newest addition to friend's Jenna and Jeff's family.

Auntie, Uncle, and a very sweet cousin!

The grandma's...these ladies are both in their 80's can you believe that!

They are Beautiful!

Brian's niece and brother-in-law.

My sister Rosie and two of her darlings!

It was a wonderful day of visiting, stories, giggles, fabulous food, friends, and family.

God really is good to us!

Amanda's New Digs-Day Two of "Girl's Week"

    The next leg of my "Girl's Week" journey was to visit daughter Amanda and see her new digs.

She recently accepted a new position with the Marshfield Clinic and has had to make a quick move.

So she has moved into an efficiency apartment in town. It is on the second floor and is adorable.

A picture of the Marshfield clinic; Amanda's new employer.

We had a great time and did a lot in a few days.  We shopped the second hand stores,

had some wonderful meals together, played at the farmers market, and just explored the city she is now calling home.

These sculptures greet you when you enter the city.

These wonderful creatures are all made of recycled metals.

This last picture is of a mural dedicated to all our soldiers and veterans.

Our time together was fabulous and it put my fears to rest. You see when she told us about the apartment she had found I had visions of a dirty, disparaging downtown area and I feared she would not be comfortable or safe, God has been good to her. The new environment is clean, active, and safe. Amanda can walk to shops, restaurants, and coffee houses.  She is only minutes from work and now has time to shop for an apartment that will become a long term commitment. Our little girl has grown up and is doing what she always dreamed of doing.  She is a pediatric social worker being of service to infants in need and their families. We are so proud!

With that I am on my way to my next stop...daughter Emily's and Brian's.

Girl's Week in Wisconsin

     I had the best time traveling the country side of  Wisconsin and over the next few days I'll share my adventures.  My first stop was the "Girl's Only Weekend "with my younger sister Linda.  Her in-laws have this wonderful cottage on a small lake in the Kettle Moraine area.  The weather was beautiful, the wild flowers were in bloom and the lake was just waiting for us! We spent the weekend relaxing, sharing conversation, the water, and some wonderful meals. I am blessed to have a wonderful sister who is also a wonderful friend.

As we got unpacked I couldn't wait to take a walk down to the water.

The whole spot reminded me of lake side vacations we had taken with our parents as children,

The stairs ascend all the way down to the water.

At the bottom of the stairs is a second cabin that is adorable.

And the lake! I loved swimming, the row boats, and just communing with all the nature that surrounded us.

It just says RELAX! or PLAY!

We swam 3 miles on the second morning. There was a small sand bar at the other end of the lake and Linda wondered if we could make it? Just like kids we had to try!

This is the entrance to the property from the lake to the upper cottage. It is almost magical enough to be a the inspiration for a poem or short story. Note to self!

On Monday we visited an Antique Mall, had a fabulous lunch, and said our good-bys.  I miss her already! But she is only a phone call away.

Tomorrow we'll take a walk through the gardens...then onto daughter Amanda's new digs!

Happy Independence Day!

I just wanted to wish you and yours a fabulous 4th of July celebration.

May we continue to cherish freedom for all people.

**************

*******************

***********************

Just for Today

                    The marsh off highway 26 on the way to Tybee Island, Georgia is a beautiful. 
                  I took this picture from the car as we made our way to our most recent vacation.

The beauty of Nature is a reflection of God's artistry that always buts me in a place of peace and calm.  It reminds me to take a moment to reflect on what is really valuable. Life, love, family and friends, and the         freedom to be creative in all I do.

It has been a busy week  filled school, class, domestic duties, and a phone call that brought sad news of the death of my dear friend's father.  It is a sad time. A time to reflect, lend support, and pray for the family as they mourn their loss. He was a loving dad and a great conversationalist.  I will miss our conversations and his subtle sense of humor. 

Just for today I will cherish the gifts that God has given me.  Just for today I will be unafraid. Especially I will not be afraid to enjoy what is beautiful, and to believe that as I give to the world, so the world will give to me.

Savannah in Full Bloom

I am back from vacation and as wonderful as it is to get away I am happy to be home.
I had needed an opportunity to get centered and regain my focus.  I had been feeling out of sorts and disconnected from people, places, and things in my life but I am back!  God always gives me exactly what I need no matter what.  Hubby and I spent spring break in Savannah and at Tybee Island. I had time to slow down, and enjoy the beauty that was around every corner!  The gardens were breathtaking and I relished every moment of our visit.

I had questioned so many things in my life and know that it is okay to question but far better to embrace faith.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to go back to school and study to recieve my masters.  When finished with my program I will have a Reading Specialists degree.  I hope to continue teaching and put more energy in my writing.  I continue to work on a website for students and parents focused on Reading and Language Arts.  I hope to provide a comprehensive site that will assist traditional and homeschool students.

These are big goals but I know that if I take it one day ata time, one step at a time I will be guided to the realization of each of the paths layed out before me.

Inspiration comes in so many forms and the willingness to go forward comes from a strong belief that if a task is worthwhile it can be accomplished.  

So for today I will embrace life and each moment of inspiration as a gift.

Have a day filled with the joy in your own inspirations revealed and realized through your personal journey.

Feeling Insignificant Today

I am sitting here at the keyboard wondering what to write, what to share, and is it even worth the time spent.  Rarely have I had a visitor and it makes me sad to think no one finds the things I talk about worth reading. I have three followers and I love that but each time I check my comments lately I get sad.

There is no one there.  I need to give this more thought and prayer.

Why do I feel so insignificant today?  Could my time be better spent?

Beautiful Life Lesson from the Pantry

A Life lesson from the simple goodness of eggs, carrots, and coffee...

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and

how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to

make it and wanted to give up She was tired of fighting and struggling.

It seemed as soon as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with

water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In

the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the

last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without

saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished

the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and

placed them in a bowl.

Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning

to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what you see."

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots.

She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the

daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she

observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The

daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked,
"What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the

same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently... The carrot

went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the

boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile.

Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after

sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The

ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the

boiling water, they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks

on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee

bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong,

but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my

strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes

with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup,

a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and

stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and

tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot

water, the very circumstance that brings the pain.. When the water gets

hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean,

when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation

around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest,

do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity?

Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?
May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials

to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to

make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of

everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along

their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you

can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and

heartaches.

This was sent to me by a dear friend.  Thank you Dianne.  Hope New York is treating you well.

Cooking with Tasha Tudor

Here it is Tuesday already!  I think I said I was going to do this on Sundays and Mondays.  Oh well, life is what happens when I'm busy making plans.

The opening line of this weeks recipe mentions stuffed eggs as a part of a memorible picnic.  Tasha talked about learning to make these eggs while spending summers in Nahant, Massachusetts with her lifelong friend Jeanie Paine.  I was instantly inspired to have a picnic!  Now it's snowing outside and about 19 degrees but a checkered tablecloth and some traditional fare including Tasha's Tomato Salad with french dressing.

The recipes were easy and each dish was really eye appealing as well.

We had hot dogs, and some kettle cooked chips for a fabulous treat!

This was so fun I don't know why we haven't done it sooner.

If you are interested in these recipes let me know and I will share them.

But for now, Collect up your loved ones and have a picnic!

Infectious Laughter...

Have you ever bee tickled to the point of uncontrolable laughter?

I was at a resturant recently having lunch.  It is a tiny place that has homemade food and a family atmosphere.
Anyway, as I was eating and journaling ideas in my little pocket journal a couple came in with three children.
They were obviously grandparents with treasured little ones.  Well, to make a long story short, one of the boys started to giggle that soon turned into belly rolling laughter!   The younger brother was so captivated by his brother's inability to stop laughing he joined in!  Now, before we knew it the little sister joined in and the grandparents were a bit embarrassed.until I started to laugh with them.  Before we knew it everyone in the place was laughing together! The cook, the waitress everyone was struck with their infectious laughter! The real remarkable thing about this experience was everyone LET GO! The grandparents were no longer upset, and everyone just enjoyed the joyful, wonderful raucous laughter!  It changed the whole complection of my day and was an awesome reminder that life is too short to live it all bunched up in the daily grind that can sometimes get the best of us.

Have you had a good belly rolling laugh lately? 

 Go ahead LET GO!

Cooking with Tasha Tudor

Welcome! I am home and relaxing for a moment. Help yourself to a cup of coffee or tea and join me.

This little treasure is in fact an artful creation done by my friend Judy.  It sits on the counter in our kitchen by our coffee pot.  It tickles me.  I keep encouraging her to create mini versions for dollls and dollhouses and am selfishly hoping she will be inspired to do so soon. :)

I have been thinking alot about my blog and the things I have been sharing.  I'd like to do something unique for me. This may not necessarily appear unique for others but inspired by the fim and book, Julie and Julia",  I have decided to cook my way through Tasha Tudor's Cookbook.  I am going to do one meal per week using her recipes one at a time.  I will do the meal for Sunday's dinner and share the results in a post on Sunday evenings.

This beautiful cookbook was a treasure I uncovered at the bottom of a box lot at an auction I attended this past summer.  The box had books, paper products and a few pieces of pottery.  I bid $4.00 and the box of goodies was mine! You can only imagine how excited I was to uncover her book.

I look forward to your visits and to cooking from Tasha Tudor's Cookbook.

What's cooking in your kitchen?

Like a Teddy Bear

Learn to listen like a teddy bear,

With ears open and mouth closed tight,

Learn to forgive like a teddy bear,

With heart open, not caring who is right,

Learn to love like a teddy bear,

With arms open and imperfect eyesight.

Have you hugged your Teddy Bear today?

Comfy Little Treasures...

This was the first day of my Christmas break from school.  I had a relaxing day that included a little tidy up in the apartment, I wrote some cards to friends and family that I am (We are) late with.  Thank goodness there are twelve days of Christmas and it doesn't have to end on the 25th.  John and I are preparing for our family gathering.  I am so anxious to see the girls.  The presents are wrapped, the decorations are hung, we have delivered gifts and little treasures to friends and family, dinner done, and I am going to settle in to do some reading.  Yes, I said reading.  You see being an English Teacher I rarely have time to read for pleasure.
I read an average of 50 to 60 young adult novels a year in addition to staying on top of the profession and it's changes and developments.  So when I am able to slow down and read for pleasure I savor the moments.

I've made some tea, I'm in comfy clothes, and ready to relax.  The book I've chosen is...

I haven't read this book since I was a little girl and it feels like the perfect story to enjoy now.

"Hans Brinker, or The Silver Skates (full title — Hans Brinker; or, the Silver Skates: A Story of Life in Holland) is a novel by American author Mary Mapes Dodge, first published in 1865. The novel takes place in the Netherlands, and is a very colorful fictional portrait of early nineteenth-century Dutch life, as well as an inspirational tale of youthful honor.

The title of the book refers to the beautiful silver skates to be awarded to winner of the ice-skating race Hans Brinker hopes to enter. The novel introduced the sport of Dutch speed skating to Americans, and in U.S. media Hans Brinker is still considered the prototypical speed skater.
The book is also notable for popularizing the story of the little Dutch boy who plugs a dike with his finger."
(Wikipedia)


I remember the inspiration I felt as a young girl having read this story and how I enjoy nostalgia...
So I'll  read on.

“If you have much, give of your wealth; If you have little, give of your heart”

Have a Wonderful Christmas season.

Christmas Treasures and Quiet Moments

The last few days have been filled with writing finals and helping students review for Semester exams.  It has been a bit exhausting but I feel confident that my students are ready. 

With that being said, I felt the need for a bit of a break.  I did some shopping for some special children of a family John and I are sponsoring this Christmas. It's our way of paying it forward!

********************************************************************

This little display is on the chest just below our Christmas (wall) tree.

Isn't she sweet!

This little charmer was a rummage sale find and was meant to be adopted!

The Gingerbread Man can...!

This is the best display of holiday goodies! No calories and no guilt!

All of this adds to the atmosphere but...

As I relax a bit, savor a cup of coffee, and reflect on the day I am taken to a place of peace and serenity.

I have so much to be grateful for.  My loving husband, our daughters and son-in-laws, my health, my students, family and friends, talents, interests, and goals.  But most of all a loving God who has a plan for my life.  The real reason for the season.

God bless you and yours during this special time.

And don't forget to pay it forward!

It's all about the Gifts of the Season...

These Christmas lights were so beatuiful I couldn't help but try to capture them.  The city of Geneva, Illinois is awash in lights to celebrate the season.  I was attending an Education Seminar in a nearby town and took the opportunity to visit this beautiful city to do a little Christmas shopping and have dinner.

This shop window was so quaint and so inviting!  I wandered in and found a delightful mix of holiday decor and an array of Paris inspired accessories.  In a word, "Beautiful".

The other shop I visited was called Simply Sassys.  It was a little winter wonderland.  There were candles in the scent of pine needles, decorated trees with ornaments made of porclein, blown glass, chyrstals, and an assortment of other characters made of fabric and some unusual items. (I'll share pics tomorrow!)

The shopkeeper was a sweet woman who chatted and shared stories about each of the gift lines she had to offer.  Handmade jewelry, soy candles, and snow people are just a few examples.  It is a crafters paradise!

In the midst of a day I was granted a moment to explore, meet new people, enjoy the holiday light displays, have a delicious meal, and be thankful for the understanding of the real reason for the season!

May your day be lit with the glowing warmth of this blessed season.

A Garbage Free Day

A friend gave this to me recently and it is so good I just have to share it with you:
"The Garbage Truck"

One day I hopped into a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly. So I asked, "Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" This is what the taxi driver taught me...what I now call,

"The Law of the Garbage Truck."

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they will dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it on to other people at work, at home or on the streets. The bottom line is that Christians do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...love the people who treat you right; Pray for the ones who don't. Life is 10% what you make of it and 90% how to take it!!!

Have a garbage-free day!

Confused...What Next?

Confused...

I have so many ideas I can hardly decide where to go next!

School is back in session and I am having an absolutely wonderful re-entry into classes and the day to day routines of school. My students are a daily source of energy for me.

...and the teacher shall always be a student and life long learner.

John and I finished the garage organization project and yes I can finally fit a car in there! I will share pictures real soon.

I have numerous sewing, craft, and art project swirling around in my head.

Weekend travel plans in the near future.

Phone calls I need to make, e-mails to answer, and friends to stay in touch with.

I am working on a daily plan to walk and exercise, eat right, and be over all health conscious.

So...I made some tea, got into some comfy clothes, said a prayer for direction, and began to journal...

I often find the hunger for connection, communication, and companionship is real for all of us.

I participate in life to the fullest on a daily basis yet there are always lingering desires to do more, to be more, and to include more. I believe that I will always crave what is around the next corner but my affirmation is to accept that my needs are fulfilled on a daily basis and that God will address my wants as they are appropriate to my journey...

And so right now my journey requires me to prepare for tomorrow...

Have a wonderful day filled with connections, communication, and companionship.

Ist Grade Wisdom

It's almost Monday and for all of you who feel the need to laugh and giggle read on...
Subject: 1st graders
1st grade school teacher had twenty-six students in her class. She presented each child in her classroom the 1st half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done by first graders.. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are first-graders, 6-year-olds, because the last one is a classic!

1.Don't change horses...until they stop running.
2.Strike while the...bug is close.
3.It's always darkest before...Daylight Saving Time.
4.Never underestimate the power of...termites.
5.You can lead a horse to water but...How?
6.Don't bite the hand that...looks dirty.
7.No news is...impossible
8.A miss is as good as a...Mr.
9.You can't teach an old dog new...Math
10.If you lie down with dogs, you'll...stink in the morning.
11.Love all, trust...Me.
12.The pen is mightier than the...pigs.
13.An idle mind is...the best way to relax.
14.Where there's smoke there's...pollution.
15.Happy the bride who...gets all the presents.
16.A penny saved is...not much.
17.Two's company, three's...the Musketeers.
18.Don't put off till tomorrow what...you put on to go to bed.
19.Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and...You have to blow your nose.
20.There are none so blind as...Stevie Wonder.
21.Children should be seen and not...spanked or grounded.
22.If at first you don't succeed...get new batteries.
23.You get out of something only what you...See in the picture on the box
24.When the blind lead the blind ...get out of the way.
25.A bird in the hand...is going to poop on you.

And the WINNER and last one!
26.Better late than...Pregnant

I can hardly believe these came from 1st graders. I hope it gave you a giggle!

A Trip to the Farmers Market

The weather was perfect here on Saturday so I grabbed my market basket, a wallet full of small bills and off I went. This adventure was certain to hold tidbits and tidings from all corners of the county. You just never know who you'll see or what you'll find...I do not have a garden currently, but this plant will look beautiful in a large ceramic pot.

Around the corner was a booth that was selling a large collection of carnivorous plants.
Beautiful examples of God's artistry.

This is Lorene of Deer Creek Organics. They specialize in all vegetables grown organically.
I purchased beets for John and a new vegetable we've never had before, purple carrots.
They are delicious! We had a snack of carrot sticks after getting home.
Please visit Loreen at, www.deercreekorganics.com. She was a delight to talk with and offered beautiful, health enhancing vegetables.
Peaches will be the primary fruit in our menu this week.

Salad, stuffed peppers, a perfect ingredient for salsa...the possibilities are endless.

This happy vendor is the owner of Munson Produce in Donovan, Il.
He not only provided me with scrumptious tomatoes but gave me some free pens with his farms address on them. Free pens a Teachers delight!

Sunflowers are like an unexpected little kiss on the cheek from the
one you love! Sunshine on a stem!

Potatoes are a staple on everyone's table. And they are certain to be on our table this week.

These melons were so perfect you could just about taste them.

I had a fabulous time and I always look forward to Saturday mornings and my visits to the market.