750 words

A friend of mine posted this website on Facebook - 750words.com. From the first look it looks like yet another blogging/journaling site. But with another look I realized it isn't.

"....The Artist's Way called it morning pages. Morning pages are three pages of writing done every day, typically encouraged to be in "long hand", typically done in the morning, that can be about anything and everything that comes into your head. It's about getting it all out of your head, and is not supposed to be edited or censored in any way. The idea is that if you can get in the habit of writing three pages a day, that it will help clear your mind and get the ideas flowing for the rest of the day."

If you are thinking of doing this, don't think you need to be an artist. Basically it is just writing to write. Writing to empty out what is going on inside.

A very cool feature of the site is that it tracks things for the entry....

This was how my Monday writing stats looked....
Words today: 796
Time to 750: 00:15
Total time: 00:16
Words per minute:51
# distractions: 0 Good job!

Rating:PG Sexual content (nothing to do with sex in my entry but I will get into how it tracks below)

Feeling mostly…Affectionate but also Upset, Sad, Self-Expressive, Anxious

Concerned mostly about…Family but also Religion (again it is wrong on this but I understand why it put this), Death, Eating/drinking, Success, Leisure, Home, Relationships, Work

Mindset while writing… Extrovert (it was almost 50/50 on extrovert/introvert), Negative, Certain, Thinking

Time orientation: The Future
Primary sense: Hearing
Us and them: Them

And then it also does a word cloud of frequently used words.

It tracks words so such if I say kiss in the entry they would put that as sexual content. Said I was concerned about religion but I wasn't but was mentioning Christianity in my entry just as description though not as an issue. So it tracks words and then puts them into stats. Even if not totally accurate - I really like the stats.

I just like the concept of emptying out my brain too. It has felt good.

Gamer Girl

Once in a land far far away (meaning the 90's), I played Tetris and another Tetris like game on Nintendo. I then moved to Sim City on the computer. But since then I haven't really played games like that.

Last summer while visiting my sisters they kept asking me join some games on Facebook so at least they had more friends/neighbors there. I did join a few but never played. And then around the end of September, I received yet another request to be neighbors with someone else. But knew my sisters were playing that game too. So I joined thinking I would only set it up and then be neighbors with those who needed neighbors. But...I started playing. And playing more. It didn't help that Michael was out of town when that request came in so playing a game is a great way to pass insomnia time since I don't sleep much while he is gone.

By the time he came home, I was really into Farmville. I didn't tell him at first about it. And I thought he would notice but he didn't until coming and seeing me play. He then joined because he said to me that just seeing me interested in a computer game made him happy. He loves games and plays many Facebook games and has just other computer games too.

I am really laid back about the game. I don't play it to compete with others. I play it because I like just the game overall. Until recently Farmville only went to level 70. And I reached it and wasn't sure what to be doing with it even though I still liked it. But they increased levels and added features again to make it more interesting for those of us in the higher levels.

At about the time I reached level 70, I saw an article about FrontierVille. It is a game put out by the same people that do Farmville. I really didn't think anything much about the game UNTIL I read that they were comparing it to Little House on the Prairie and I loved the books and TV series so I signed up immediately. I still don't like it as much as I like Farmville but playing these games has gave Michael and I yet another common interests. And he likes that I am now his Gamer Girl.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. ice water on such hot summer days
2. the opportunity to design my sister's wedding invitations as well as reception
3. some cute stickers to mail to a friend
4. a friend finding a very cool journaling site (750words.com)
5. an email about getting another book to review - always feels good

Elegance

Paulo Coelho had some quotes by Coco Chanel on his blog a couple days ago here is one that I liked....

Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress. Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future. Elegance is refusal.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...a wonderful evening with Michael. We had some quality time together and it was good for us both. And connecting with another old friend that is very caring, thoughtful and wise. She offered me some very good advice for helping with my grieving process.

Summer of {Mail} Love

My friend Kathie over at Two Frog Home is hosting the Summer of {Mail} Love. I think it is a great idea especially for someone like me who just enjoys sending mail love!

SARK

Tonight night there is a free first class of Dream Boogie by SARK. And I didn't think I could commit to it. Anyway - SARK did offer a free recording that will be sent after the first class but in looking around on the Dream Boogie page of her website she had this recording. It wasn't anything new when starting your dreams really but still things I needed to hear. She has other videos and print outs on that site too. I think SARK is always inspiring so I look forward to the recording I get.

Living in this World

From Creativity Bootcamp which I just found the other day and am really thinking I want to take a better look at it and start working with the prompts:

When you live in this world; when you see life as this amazing collection of artistic creations, you cannot help but yearn to be a part of it. You almost cannot resist the urge to create yourself. The wanting becomes desire, the impossibilities become attainable, and the obstacles begin to melt away. Your world becomes different and the meaning of your life now includes the need to create. And once you have gotten to this place, the little things that you have thought were standing in the way of you being more creative just melt away one by one.

Operation Nice - What I Love to Do

Over at Operation Nice she did a doodle of all the things she loves to do so I decided to list them for now but would like to do this in my art journal as well...

Things I love to do....

Read
Create art
send out mail love
create graphics
dream
listen to music
go to concerts
talk with friends
write/blog
people watch
watch movies
sing
organize
listen to the rain
collect quotes
be of service and help others
bake
go to museums
travel
drink tea
take day trips with Michael
laugh
be NICE
take photos
learn new things
meditate
collect images that inspire me

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. talking with my sister
2. being able to check out old movies from the library
3. little sticky flags to mark important places in my books - Although Michael would argue that I didn't need them for Eat Pray Love as almost all the pages are marked. Of course he is mistaken on that - not ALL the pages but I will say the majority of them.
4. getting to see Oprah's show with Julia Roberts about Eat Pray Love movie that will be coming out in August
5. the actual letter in my hands that says I show no signs of cancer. They told me it right after the appointment, but having the letter saying it just made it even better.

NOVICA

I sometimes enter some giveaways around the web. I haven't won yet, but I will one day! Anyway, Leslie Love Veggies does awesome giveaways and the one I entered tonight is great. It is a $75 gift certificate for NOVICA --- You can enter the giveaway HERE.

Side note: A couple years ago just a month or so before I read EAT PRAY LOVE, I stumbled upon NOVICA. And really loved so many things there from the home goods to the jewelry - everything is just so pretty and unique. I then read EAT PRAY LOVE and if you have read it you will know it is mentioned in the 3rd section of the book on her Indonesia trip. I was reading the book in bed and squealed because I recognized it.

Transformation

I am rereading Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and this quote is from the section on Italy - Chapter 25 (Bead 25) page 75. Liz is talking about all the changes the Augusteum has went through. But I like what the message of the quote....

"It is merely this world that is chaotic, bringing changes to us all that nobody could have anticipated. The Augusteum warns me not get attached to any obsolete ideas about who I am, what I represent, whom I belong to, or what function I may once have intended to serve. Yesterday I might have been a glorious monument to somebody, true enough -- but tomorrow I could be a fireworks depository. Even in the Eternal City, says the silent Augusteum, one must always prepared for riotous and endless waves of transformation."

American Idol?

When I was at my parents back in April, they watch a lot of reality tv and one of those shows is American Idol. I had maybe seen one episode the first season and none since.

Anyway...lately people are posting links that I follow that have American Idols from this season. And they are videos I like so posting them.

This first one is Lee DeWyze Hallelujah which is one of my favorite songs and he did a good job.




This next one is from the other top contender from this season Crystal Bowersox and this is from before she was on the show. It is to promote a website for street musicians. I guess the "video, produced, directed and edited by Mark Schimmel was shot in one day and features eight street musician groups singing in eight different Chicago locations. The project, which contained over 48 audio tracks and multiple visual elements, took over 9 months to complete."

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. a fabulous appointment today. The scan I had today gave me the all clear. Only have to go back once a year! So that was GREAT news!
2. a celebration late lunch at a newish place in GJ - McAlisters Deli. Michael had went to one on his trip to Austin. And raved about the ice tea (something I don't like) and I said we had one here. He had forgot. So today we went for a celebration lunch there and it was really good.
3. a kind and understanding doctor - I had a reg doctor appointment this week as well and we discussed how things are going emotionally with all the hard times I have gone through lately. And he really listened and helped.
4. reconnecting with a friend. With the death of my friend, I contacted another friend that I knew would want to know. We hadn't talked in a long time and had a really good heart to heart. And we both expressed thanks for meeting each other through our friend.
5. Chocolate

"Window" Shopping

Tweak Boutique - Love the Asymmetrical Necklace and the Duet. I really think the "hoot" owl earrings are so cute but I just can't wear earring anymore



Meme Craftworks - I am sure I don't sew well enough to make it but it is really cute


Tape Swell - I love some of their tapes. But what I don't get is why you save buying 2 individual tapes instead of buying the combo packs. You can get 2 individual tapes for $14.00 or a combo pack for $20

Forget and Find

"I wanted, in a messy, maddening way, to go on forgetting myself and yet, to find myself too." ~ from Lighthousekeeping by Jeanette Winterson

Bacon and Cheddar Deviled Eggs

Okay I know I am in the minority but I have never been fond of Deviled Eggs. I thought they were kind of blah even though I really like hard boiled eggs and egg salad. A friend on Facebook liked the Incredible Egg website a while back and I saw this recipe for Bacon & Cheddar Deviled Eggs and that made me decided to try them again.

I halved the recipe as it is only just the two of us. And we loved them. They are definitely a keeper. They would be great for a summer grill out or picnic!

Bacon & Cheddar Deviled Eggs
Adapted from Incredible Egg

I halved recipe full recipe on the website

7 Hard Cooked/Hard Boiled Eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream (used low-fat sour cream)
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice (didn't use it as I didn't have any around)
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
1/8 cup finely shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (1 oz.)
1 tbsp. chopped fresh chives OR green onion tops

Directions:
* Cut eggs lengthwise in half. Remove yolks to medium bowl. Reserve 2 white halves. * Finely chop remaining 2 white halves.
* Mash yolks with fork. Add mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice and pepper; mix well.
* Add chopped egg whites, bacon, cheese and chives/green onions; mix well.
* Spoon 1 heaping Tbsp. yolk mixture into each reserved egg white half.
* Refrigerate, covered, to blend flavors.

Print Friendly

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. a fabulous Mom whose birthday was yesterday!
2. calls, emails, cards, notes and comments from friends and family during this hard time. I appreciate everyone kindness.
3. a holiday weekend - we are going to go up to the Mesa on Sunday
4. the kitty cats - who are just adorable and make me smile
5. Michael's toe finally starting to heal. He had a fight with the refrigerator door and he lost. His toenail didn't survive. But he is finally healing from it.

Happy Birthday!

Gratitude Friday

I need to really do this as I found out the beginning of the week a friend of mine from Ohio died. So I have 2 people I am close to die within 10 days of each other. I am having a hard time dealing with the overwhelming feelings of grief.

So I am forcing myself to do this...and see...

I am thankful for...
1. Lemonade
2. Old movies and popcorn
3. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
4. Mickey Mouse mug to have a nice cup of tea in
5. Love from family and friends

Weekend

Michael made sure I was distracted all weekend. We watched A LOT of movies (one being Avatar as we hadn't seen it) and then went shopping. I had some left over money left on a Kohl's gift card and then had another one from a promo they sent. I wish there was SMELLO-Vision as the candle we bought today are so amazing. One is Eucalyptus Mint and the other is Jasmine Basil.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for....

1. a note I found. A year ago my friend sent me this tiny tiny tin that I just assumed was empty because it was so light. So I didn't open it. And I opened it last night and found a note from my friend to me. It was very sweet - and just great to find.

2. organizing as it helps quiet my mind

3. finding an old birthday card that my Uncle wrote in. It was just a little note about what was going on in my Aunt and Uncle's lives but I still enjoyed reading it again. Also it is a funny card - that was very much my Uncle's sense of humor. So I am happy to have found it.

4. a key that I will be writing about again.

5. an audio tape that Michael says he can convert to a cd for me

Greyson Chance

So I posted this link on Facebook this week...it is AMAZING.




And then producers of the Ellen show contacted him to be on Ellen...



(mouse over the image to see the play button)

Thinking of My Family

I am thinking of my family today - especially my Aunt and cousin. I wish I could be there but I will be sending love to them.

My Uncle John

It is said that the Eskimos have 32 different ways to say the word love....the feelings of love I have for my Uncle go well beyond those 32 different words. He was such a vibrant, loving man who meant the world to my family and I. I am very sad he is gone and miss him greatly.

Am I Here?

I left the 29th of March to go to Minnesota and then returned on the 5th of April. Michael says he had a trip to Denver then. And I honestly don't remember it but really with so much on my plate I am not surprised. Then after that I left for North Carolina. Five days after coming home from North Caroline, Michael left for Austin. He arrives home tomorrow.

I write all that out because that is where I have been...when I have been at home I have been working to get a clients website up. And start work on the next one.

And now I will probably be heading to Minnesota again soon.

Some good things in my life that I am very thankful for...Michael - he is my rock so supportive of me during this difficult time, I had a fabulous time in North Carolina with Jessica and my baby sister is getting married!

North Carolina (Part 1?)

I have been meaning to write about my trip to North Carolina but have been working hard to finish up a work project before starting other stuff.

Before I arrived at Jessica's house - she wrote me asking me many questions about my likes and dislikes so that I would utterly comfortable at her house.

Going to break this into some topics....

Nervousness - I was talking with Michael on the phone as I came down into the baggage area. I saw her right away and started squeeing on the phone. He thought it was cute. I wanted to run and do like a movie type hug in the airport but I also didn't want her to think I was a dork. But we did hug and squee. And we were a little nervous. So after we got to her house, I did show and tell right away - hoping that talking about a topic - would help us both calm down. I took out a photo album I have from my time in Cleveland, Ohio. And then some loose photos of J and I as teenagers, Michael and I, family and so on. I wanted her to be able to see the faces of people I talk about.

House - After show and tell, we both got comfy and then she showed me around her house. Her house - so amazing. Living room walls are 2 shades of green, her dining room walls are a burgundy color and then her kitchen is sunflower yellow. That is what I think of at least when I walked in - sunflowers. And you see those colors no matter which of those 3 rooms you are in so it is just very bright and cheery! Then she has art everywhere. Amazing art - but all of it says Jessica..

She told me to help myself to anything in the kitchen but not just that she showed me where things are at in the kitchen. People say that often "help yourself" but often don't show you or tell you where things are at so I really appreciated that she said "here are tomatoes, deli meat...." and so on just telling me where everything was so that I could really help myself.

The kitchen has what is called the "snack drawer" and it is amazing! It was filled with banana chips, different kinds of nuts, protein bars, chocolate and several others things. (I am not sure if she always has chocolate but that was something I put on my likes list.)

Talking, Talking and more Talking - After show and tell we sat in her living room in our pjs, eating peanuts - and talking. Until 3am. And that started the non-stop talking from the time I got there until I left. Thursday when we got up, started our next day of non-stop talking. We sat and talked in our pjs until 4pm - an hour before her husband got home from work. Everyday we talked all day and at night we laid on the guest room bed - talking until late.

I feel like the trip was for me to get a lot out. I have so much going on right now that I just felt/feel like everything is so tightly kept inside that I was/am going crazy. And Jessica, let me get it out. She is the type of person that honestly listens. She is thoughtful and kind. She is poses questions and doesn't judge. She doesn't always get why I do the things I do but she accepts me for -me-. Also her house is the kind of house that lets a person be comfortable and safe. And I am so grateful for her to let me really often "dump" things on her.

Food - Something Jessica likes is to expand peoples food experiences - so likes them to try new things.

I had posted a recipe link on Facebook for ceviche. Now I just looked initially at the picture, the ingredient list and saw all the beautiful seafood and flavors - and said yums! I didn't read the recipe. If I had, I probably would have never posted it. I am glad I did post it though as Jessica - from that moment - had it in her mind I should try ceviche and I am glad I did. Ceviche is basically raw fish that is marinated in citrus juice. That citrus juice "cooks" the fish. Jessica said that the ceviche we had, wasn't that good - not as good as it usually is at least. But I thought it tasted good. It was hard not to look at it and see raw fish and go - "no! no! no! I am not sticking that in my mouth." But I did want to try something I have never had before while there. And I know how much Jessica was looking forward to me having ceviche. And really I enjoyed the flavors. I think that if/when I try it again - it can only be a better experience.

Every place we went - had good food. I was in food heaven. Thai food - oh yes how I love thee! And the last night I was there we went to a place that had a salsa bar and I had a steak torta that I am still dreaming about. Yums!


More to come in later....some things I want to talk about...sketch books/art journals, documentarian, her husband, cats, trees, tattoos and I am sure other things I am not remembering just at this moment.

Dream

I found this really cool GREEN shop with very eclectic items and it is hard to find something I don't like. The photo is from website when I looked at it before I left for North Carolina but now of course this item is gone and it was on clearance.

The shop is Viva Terra.

King Arthur Chewy Oatmeal Cookies

Oh this recipe looks so good....Chewy Oatmeal Sugar Cookies. It has whole grains and oatmeal in a cookie that actually looks delicious. When I make them, I am sure I will post how they turn out.

Deeds

"Fashion your life as a garland of beautiful deeds."
-- Buddha

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful...

1. that my sister April is getting married!
2. that next week this time I will be at Jessica's
3. for finding the art journal I wanted to bring with me to Jessica's for her to do something in.
4. for having people in my life that get it. That know how to express their feelings and thoughts to me without being cruel or mean.
5. for Michael - there will never be the right words to express what he means to me and what he has done for me during this difficult time. I know I would not get through it as I have been - without him. I love you Michael!

It is hard...

to live so far away from my family. I think the older I get the harder it gets too. I wonder what it is about living so far away at this time in my life that makes it harder?

We even have some family drama going on and I still miss being around them. Plus I just got back from Minnesota and seeing them so I shouldn't be missing them so much. But I do understand that -this- time is different too. I keep wishing I had got to see my Uncle more while there but I completely understand why there just wasn't time. He needs his strength to help fight.

So now I am working hard to a website done before I go to North Carolina. As much as I am missing Michael, I am really glad to get away to see Jessica as I think I just need some down time away from things that deal with my family.

Trouble

I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
~Dr. Seuss

Persist in Love

I am home. I arrived in Colorado on Monday but there was a snow storm that didn't allow me to get back to Grand Junction until Wednesday.

I went with the main purpose to see my Uncle. And it went okay. It was really hard.

My Uncle is 53 years old and was diagnosed with a rare aggressive cancer. And so it is most likely he won't be around much longer so I -had- to go see him. I needed to see him and give him a hug and tell him I love - which I did both those things a couple time. I wasn't able to see him as much as I wanted but I am SO GRATEFUL for the time I had with him. And I hope to get to see him in May when I go back for my Mom's 60th birthday.

I was able to see him a couple of times and each have these moments I want to remember.

My Uncle holding my hand and squeezing it. It was hard for me not to cry. When we were getting ready to leave, he hugged me and he said he hates saying good bye. And I said that he would see me again before I went back to Colorado. I just kept my arm around him and told him I loved him.

The next time I was able to see him was Easter. He had his first chemo treatment on Friday. And then Saturday he wasn't suppose to have any visitors and just rest. Then Sunday all my family - extended family went to their house for Easter. We all brought stuff so my Aunt wouldn't have to do anything.

My Uncle was nauseous almost constantly. So there wasn't much visiting with him. Just being with him. And I was fine with that. Then came the time he said he had to lay down and needed to say good bye. So I gave him a hug and told him I loved him. And he told me I give good hugs.

Easter was Sunday of course and then Monday morning I flew out. He isn't doing good at all. So I am hoping that things improve. I know he won't be better. And won't be cancer free. He is most likely not someone that will go into remission. All of this is to help him not suffer so much and give him more time.

I want to go back in May. I am selfish and want to see him again.

Book Review: Wine, Food and Friends

Wine Food & Friends by Karen MacNeil


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I picked up this book, I didn't realize that this author was a host of a PBS show of the same name as the book. I did do a search for the show to see if they carried it on our PBS but it looks like it is a canceled show. I now wish I had read the book earlier as I really enjoyed the book and feel I would have enjoyed the show.

I would give Wine, Food and Friends 4 out of 5 stars. I was looking for a book that gave specific wine suggestions with recipes. And MacNeil did exactly like that.

The layout of the book is great. It is divided into seasons and then has 6 to 8 themed menus for each season. For Autumn it has these menus: Autumn Light, Homestyle Supper, Asian-style supper, Casual Harvest Dinner, Flavors of Fall, Moroccan Nights and Classic Thanksgiving. At the beginning of each menu she tells you which wine(s) to pair with all or some of the courses and why. The food for the recipes she picks are perfect for the season. And all the recipes are from Cooking Light.

MacNeil picks very specific wines and even includes images of the label. She has little side bars of tips and little tidbits about the wines. And at the beginning of the book there are general charts about pairing wine with certain foods plus a quick guide where you can look at the chart to see a wine goes with which recipe in the book. Such if you were wanting to pair something with a bottle of Pinot Noir then you could look at that wine in the chart and it would list the name of the recipe and page number.

My main problem with the book is that some of the wines are very pricy and she doesn't offer alternatives. I wish MacNeil would have done a wider price range. She does do menus with low-cost wines but one of her menus has wines that are $75 and up. And no alternative for other wines in other price ranges. I know I could probably pick a wine that is similar - such as if she recommends a chardonnay out of my price range I could pick another chardonnay but often she has specific reasons why she chose that chardonnay so that might not always work well with the meal just pairing it with another chardonnay. Plus I am not sure I could always find a substitute at all as they are just one of a kind type of wines. But overall the recipes and the pairings are great. And it is a book I would enjoy having on my bookshelf.

View all my reviews >>

Family

I am leaving this weekend to go to Minnesota for a week. My visit isn't under the best circumstances but I need to go. My Uncle has cancer and it is aggressive. I want to go and give him a hug and tell him I love him.

My parents, sisters and then my Mom's sister and brother and their families live in the same area. And I have always lived far away. It has been my own choice. But of course at times I really have been envious and felt left out.

And now this is one time I am really wishing I was closer but for different reasons. I wish I was closer so that I could be there for my Uncle, Aunt and cousin - to help them. But I am sending love, thoughts and prayers to them.

Health Reform

"This legislation will not fix everything that ails our health care system, but it moves us decisively in the right direction," Obama said shortly after the historic vote.

I agree with him that it won't fix everything but I guess only time will tell if it moves us in the right direction. I am not very happy with how things turned out.

I think the democrats - as always - have problems executing what their voters want. They were put in with the majority - you would think that they would get the clue. But of course not. So the health reform bill - I think really won't help Michael and I very much. And again as things are right now it is better for Michael and I not to get married and the same will most likely go with the healthy reform bill that was passed. But as I said above only time will tell.


Edit to add: I think this link does a pretty good job of describing the bill - Health care reform bill 101: what the bill means to you

Gratitude Friday

I'm thankful for...
1. my love for being so supportive when there is so much going
2. that I am going to see my family soon
3. excited for the release of New Moon tomorrow - Michael is taking me to Target in the morning. They have a 3-disc special. I have the 3-disc special of Twilight so wanted the 3-disc special of New Moon too. With so much going on - little things give me some fun.
4. beautiful images that give me so much inspiration
5. the weekend being here

Everyone Needs an Alice

Our Alice.com order arrived on Friday. It came UPS and it was in a good box but some things I enjoyed about the packaging....

They had the Earth Aware packing pillows so more friendly for the environment. There was no wasted space. You know how you will get a huge box from Amazon with one little thing in it. Well that is not the case with Alice.com they packed it very well.



The liquids were packed in a ziplock together. And then the powdered items were in another ziplock. And they even taped down the cap on the one bottle. But nothing was spilled. The powdered stuff was sprinkled in the bag but not that bad. And that happens even when you pick them up in the grocery store so not a big problem to me. I just really liked that it was packed with such care.



They included a little sack of free samples. It had granola bars and 2 other things I am not remembering at the moment. .



The cost on all the items we bought in this order were lower than what we would have got at the store. Alice.com applies coupons so 3 of the items had coupons taken off the original price. I also was able to order something I can't get locally - washing soda. Our box weighed 14lbs and that would have cost a pretty penny to get it shipped but with Alice.com you get FREE SHIPPING so there was nothing about my experience with Alice.com that I didn't like.

The other side of the box says Everyone needs an Alice and I think they are right. I know we will be ordering from them again.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. our order from Alice.com - it arrived today and is great. I will do a review about it in another post.
2. vegetable juice
3. Buffy the Vampire - I hadn't watched the series in a long time and it has given me many hours of entertainment while I work on a website
4. grilled cheese and soup when we are sick with colds
5. making plans to go visit my friend in April - I am very excited

Zamboni

When we were in Keystone, the zamboni would go out and clean the ice. And there was one spot that from our window I could tell was thinner. It just looked different.

Well I guess I was right...


story here

Do you think they put that caution thin ice sign up before or after the zamboni went in?

Rockslide

On our way home in our bad snow storm Michael commented that he didn't like driving in these conditions because it causes rockslides. And sure enough they had one - luckily after we went through - and luckily no one got hurt as it is a major disaster for I-70.

Photos here and here.

Hope they get the highway up and working again soon otherwise it is a 200 mile detour.

Bad Bad

One the way home at night - we hit a VERY bad snow storm. Now living in every other state this storm would have bad to drive in and upset me but not to the degree it does in Colorado with all the curves through mountain passes. And in normal weather during day light hours - the curves upset me. I get very anxious. I know my blood pressure rises and I just feel panic. Okay so now add in a bad snow storm during the night - I was freaked. I was extremely freaked.

When we got out of it the snow storm, I lost it. The weather was fine. But I lost it big time. It was like I had been holding in all that panic and we came out of it and I could let it out so I started crying very hard.

So on top of that horrible night last night - I found out bad news about a family member having cancer. I am extremely shocked and upset about it too. My thoughts and prayers are with my Uncle, Aunt and my cousin.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. Michael being able to see the doctors before we left for Keystone. He is doing much better. We do think we have a Keystone curse though.
2. the amazing pizza we had Wednesday night. It was very expensive but it was very good.
3. having kitchen here so that we can make our own breakfast and have lots of oj
4. being able to go home today and out of this high altitude as it tires me out
5. no migraines this week

Keystone

We are in Keystone for work. This is the view from our room....



It is so pretty at night. There are a lot of sparkly lights and people are skating. Oddly enough this was the best thing about our room. It has some strange things to it. It was good but not like last years.

*photo is from mobile phone as that is all we had with us (besides many video cameras)

Alice.com

Last week I had been trying to find the price for washing soda as I was going to try to do a price break down of making homemade cleaning products with it. And I knew it was way overpriced on Amazon. But I knew someplace must have a more reasonable price that I could work from and that is when I found Alice.com.

Alice's best feature - FREE SHIPPING. I am not even sure I can explain it enough to do it justice. It has a lot products we use daily. Alice has coupons that it automatically clips and uses on the products. But normally many products we use were lower or the same price. And best of all I can have them delivered to our door.

Michael and I are making our first order when we get back from Keystone and I will do a post about it when we get our first order. But I can't wait to make our first order to Alice.com.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. finding Alice.com - I know it will come in handy
2. it being Jelly Bean season - I can't wait to have them
3. Michael's other website being done - the one that will cater to attorneys (we want to change out the picture but we need to get permission from the artist for the image)
4. my fun purple and black stripped socks that my friend gave me keeping my feet warm
5. my family - I know I said that before but there is reasons now I am really thinking of them. I am sending my Uncle positive thoughts and love.

Going Green

Last year I checked out several books on natural cleaning and just getting back to basics that eliminate toxins in our home. A couple of the books scared me at times and made me realize all the things in our home that have toxins.

You know how all the organic and fresh foods in the grocery store is more expensive than the processed and pre-packaged foods? Well the same goes with the house. Anything that is less toxic costs more. Which both of those just sound amazingly stupid as you would think there would be less cost to the fresh foods then all the making and packaging of the processed. And less-chemicals in paints and floorings - should be less expensive to me. But it isn't. It is hard when we are thinking of (future) remodeling - and we look at the costs of the less-toxic flooring, paints and so on.

But one way that I can help not have as many toxins in our life is by using more natural cleaners. I know that some have toxins but not like the harsh chemicals used in store-bought pre-packaged cleaners. So for over a year I have been going green in my cleaning products. I just have gradually eliminated one after another. I have mostly cleaned with combinations of - vinegar, baking soda, dish soap and tea tree oil.

I have 2 spray bottles in the kitchen one with just vinegar and water and then another with vinegar and tea tree oil. I have a spray bottle in each bathroom with the the tea tree oil mixture. And then one spray bottle with just straight vinegar and shaker bottle with baking soda that I have around to use in the kitchen and bathroom.

I want to make my own dishwasher detergent and also laundry detergent but in our smallish town they don't carry washing soda. I have called everywhere here and was going to start calling places in Denver to possibly pick up next trip over the mountains. In the past when I have search for it online - I knew that the shipping costs would be horrible so put that out of my mind but recently I did another search for it and I discovered Alice.com*. They have washing soda for less then I have seen anywhere and they have FREE SHIPPING.

So when we get back from Keystone I will make an order. And I can't wait to start making some new cleaners. I know it will save money using natural and homemade cleaners plus it will be less-toxic to us.


(*I will have a new post on Alice.com)

45 life lessons and 5 to grow on

by Regina Bretts

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. my family - to many things to list but I am just thankful that I am in my family. I miss them very much.
2. Michael being the best! He gave me the Time Traveler's Wife movie as it is one of my favorite books so I was anxious to see the movie. I have watched it about a million times this week.
3. really getting a good start on my art jar. I am going to create jar that I can pull out prompts to help me create art. I have went through books and inspiration so that it can say use the technique on page so and so from such and such book. And then I also just listed words and phrases and such too. I will post pictures when I finally get it done.
4. getting started on plans to see a friend in April
5. a cup of tea with cream and sugar
6. bread bowls - I made steak soup tonight and we had it in bread bowls and it was heaven

Seek

“Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, ‘This is the real me,’ and when you have found that attitude, follow it.” -William James

Moosewood

Moosewood Restaurant Daily Special: More Than 275 Recipes for Soups, Stews, Salads and Extras by Moosewood Collective


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am not vegetarian like most readers of this book seem to be so the seafood sections didn't bother me at all but I haven't actually even been interested in those sections as much as the others. (Those seafood sections aren't very long out of the 400 page book.) This book is soups, salads and then some extras to go with them such as dressings, croutons, breads and such.

I have only made a couple recipes from this book so far each were amazing. I see so many recipes I would love to try when looking through it. I think even with the seafood sections if you vegetarian or just like a diet with a lot of veggies this cookbook will add new elements to your meals. These soups and salads are meant to be starters to a meal but I really feel these are so good they are meals in themselves. Also these are great to make and have for lunches during the week.

The fall backs of this book are that the recipes are time intensive as they have a very long list of ingredients and not all the ingredients are just things I have on hand normally. But I would still urge people to check the book out and at least cook one or 2 of the recipes so that you can see how amazing they put flavors together.

Also one of my other favorite things about this book is that at the bottom of each recipe it lists other recipes that would go good with the recipe - including the page number which is very helpful.

Overall this book seems to be a good one as it has many recipes that look so good and I can't wait to try. And the few I did try were so good.

View all my reviews >>

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. chinese take out - it is my favorite
2. a night off from cooking
3. the medicine I am on finally working
4. springpadit.com keeping me organized
5. finding a gift certificate to Amazon that I forgot I had

Six

* We took 6 large trash bags, one large box and one small box to Good Will yesterday. Most of it was clothing. When I moved from Ohio to Colorado I remember getting rid of something like 9 large trash bags of clothing so please tell me how I can still be getting rid of more things? I haven't bought a lot of clothing since being here. Going through the clothing though I did have a flood of memories come up. All good but it made me miss my friends in Ohio and the wonderful times I had with them.

* I had a dentist appointment yesterday. It looks like I will have 2 follow up. No cavities but some tarter issues and a chip in a cavity that needs repair.

* I woke up with a bad cold this morning. Sore throat, stuffy, body aches...just the works. Drinking OJ and taking airborne.

* I think the newest med I am on for sciatica and neuralgia is working. We have been working the dose and finally found the one that seems to be doing the job.

* It looks like I might be going to visit a friend in April. I get so excited thinking about the possibility. Thinking of the things I should bring and things I want to do while there. I know it will be amazing.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...
1. 7 incredible years with Michael
2. being able to see the magic he creates. To see him working in his zone...where the magic happening.
3. his sexy lips and beautiful eyes
4. his kindness and generosity
5. the days to come with Michael as I love him very much

Cake or Death

Michael and I love Eddie Izzard. He is a comedian that does a whole bit on being offered cake or death. So when Michael and I have cake we always say Cake or Death. Michael would club people down I think to have this cake. It is his favorite and I made it for his birthday in December.

It is kind of my creation because Michael enjoys maple flavoring so I modified a basic cake recipe to make into a Maple Butterscotch Cake. The frosting on this probably makes the cake. Sorry the picture is so bad - all of them that I took of it were fuzzy. But trust me the cake is amazingly wonderful!



Maple Butterscotch Cake

Cake:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon maple extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (or cake flour*)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk

Frosting:
1/3 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon maple extract


Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch pan.

For the cake cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl at least once. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well between additions. Add the extracts and mix to combine.

Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together. And then add to the butter mixture alternately with the milk.

Pour the batter into the pan, spread it out evenly and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is springy to the touch and a pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for 10 minutes.

For the frosting put the butterscotch chips and half of the butter in a heatproof bowl, and melt together over low heat or at low power in the microwave. Stir until smooth; if it looks a little broken, that's okay.

Put the other half of the butter in a mixing bowl with half of the confectioners' sugar. Mix until smooth and then add the melted chip mixture. Add the rest of the sugar and beat again until you have a smooth frosting. Mix in the extract. Add the milk if necessary to make the frosting a spreadable consistency - I find I always need to add it. Spread the frosting evenly over cake. Serve.

* Cake Flour gives it just a little bit different texture to me - probably better but I usually don't have cake flour around. Though you can google on how to "make" your own cake flour with cornstarch and all-purpose flour.

President Obama and the GOP Q&A

From Friday...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for...

1. for having a smart President. He knows how to debate. He knows his stuff. He is just an intelligent man. Smart men in the white house make me feel good. Why the republican's let him do this on air is amazing in itself but I am so glad it was caught on camera for all to see.
2. a great phone call with a dear friend.
3 creating plans with that friend to see her this year
4. only being a few pages into The Mermaid Chair and remembering why it got to me so much. Looking forward to reading the rest
5. time at the library and checking out a huge stack of books
6. smiling every time I get a chance to use a wonderful bag made by a friend. It is lovely and a lovely reminder of her and how talented she is with her craft.

Stranded

I can't stop thinking about the Hope for Haiti Now Telethon...but the song performed by U2 (Bono and The Edge), Jay-Z and Rihanna has been stuck in my head ever since it played.

Ham and Bean Soup

We have ham at Christmas time and then I freeze the ham bone to make Ham and Bean Soup. Mine turns out really thick though more stew consistency than soup. I am not sure I have ever had ham and bean soup that was really soupy so not sure if I am doing it right or not but it tastes good.

Since we weren't here on Christmas though we had ham on New Years so that I can still make Ham and Bean soup. That ham bone is in the freezer and I am know it is about time to be making it. It hits me usually the end of January or the beginning of February where it is just so cold that comfort food is calling my name.

I use the following brand of beans and they used to have 15 bean mix with the ham flavoring packet it in it. But they have a Cajun packet in it now. So I switched to the Great Northern Beans. And have done it with the great northern before I just prefer the 15 bean mix. I get this brand of beans at Wal-Mart but have seen them at other grocery stores too.



1 lb bag of dried white beans (great northern) or 15 bean mix
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can chopped tomatoes with liquid (small or large can)(optional)
4 carrots - peeled and chopped (optional)
2 celery stalks - chopped (optional)
1 bay leaf
2 cups chopped ham or a 1 lb ham hock
pepper to taste
5 cups chicken stock or water

Soak beans over night in water. Rinse and remove debris before using. Add all ingredients to slow cooker. And cook for 8 hours until beans have reached the desired tenderness. Take out bone and if any meat still attached shred into pot. Remove bay leaf. Serve.



NOTES:
* If you use HamBeen's, you can add the packet with the rest of the ingredients. I would then use water instead of chicken stock as the packet with the stock adds a lot of salt. And the stock is used for flavor but the packet adds your flavor for you.

* Tomatoes, Carrots and celery are optional ingredients because often I just use what I have on hand. And sometimes I don't have them and the ham and bean soup taste just as good.

* If it is too watery for you, take out 1/4 of a cup to 1/2 cup of beans and smash them. Add a little flour to the beans and then mix in some water or milk before adding back into the crockpot. It usually takes 15 to 30 mins for it to thicken up some.

* If it is too thick, add more water.

* Leftovers freeze well

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for....

1. a good day of work at a new place and things went well.
2. finding new things that touch me and make me think in Eat Pray Love
3. sandwiches - I really like them. I know it is kind of odd but I do. I mentioned it Michael's parents a while back so this time when we came over they had a gourmet spread of sandwich makings for dinner. It was absolutely delicious. (Even had them on croissants. Oh my the buttery goodness!)
4. friends understanding me when I don't feel like anyone in the world does
5. being able to give someone a nice surprise
6. watching the Hope for Haiti Now Telethon on TV - really amazing songs that I can't get out of my head for a very good cause.

6 Changes

I found this website by Zen Habits author called 6Changes.com. It is about taking 6 habits a person wants to change and then following the 6 Changes method. And I like everything it has said so far. I just want for myself....to be able to do it instead of think about it. Just as Kathie's Challenges - doing instead of just thinking about it. I don't believe in New Year's Resolutions but I do believe in setting goals and working towards something better always. I feel like for a very long time though I haven't been working on my goals. And a lot of that is my fault. And some of it is because of my focus on Michael's business - and I am THRILLED I can work with him and do what I can for the business. I just need to be better at prioritizing my other time. I do a lot of things that are time wasters. And I know that and some of them are okay time wasters as they are to help me unwind. Mindless things to just help slow down the wheels in my brain going out of control. But others I know I could cut out and make better use of my time.

So it is my hope that in 2010 that I find ways to create positive changes for myself.

Crescent Rolls

Another giveaway over on Picky Palate that feature Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and serving ware reminded me of a childhood favorite using Crescent Rolls. I know it probably sounds disgusting but I am now at this moment craving it.

Taco Pie

1 package refrigerated crescent rolls
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
2 cups crushed Frito chips
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions

In a large fry pan, brown the ground beef and drain off the oil. Stir in taco seasoning and follow directions on package.

Separate crescent dough into 8 triangles. Place triangles in an ungreased 10-inch pie pan, pressing to form a crust. Sprinkle 1 cup corn chips over the bottom of crust.

Spoon meat mixture over crust and corn chips. Sprinkle black olives over the meat mixture. Spread sour cream over meat mixture and cover with cheese.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown.

Gratitude Friday

I am thankful for having a roof over my head, food and water and my loved one here with me as my heart goes out to those in Haiti and all the suffering they are going through.

Giveaways Sponsored by V-8

So check out these giveaways...a $100 Visa gift-card giveaway at

Picky Palate
Simplicity in the Suburbs
Naptime Chef
Stop, Drop and Blog
Scrutiny by the Masses


I enjoyed all their reviews of the V-8 Fusion. I really want to try them. I printed off a $1.00 off coupon so hope to pick some up the next shopping trip.

From 2009 to 2010

Happy New Year! It is hard to believe it is in 2010. Usually I am one to really self-examine the outgoing year but I am not feeling like it at the moment. I have been so busy since Thanksgiving that I didn't get to do most of the things I do for the holidays so I am feeling kind of off entering the new year. 2009 of course had many good things but it was a hard year because of health and economy. I know 2010 will be better. And glad it is here.

I started rereading Eat Pray Love just before Christmas and am taking my time with it....savoring it. It is what I need right now - it has been my solace during this busy time. And also for ringing in the New Year.

Wishing everyone a Happy 2010!

133 Books for 2009

So I read 133 books this year and I was trying figure out which were my favorites....doing the top 10 but not in any order....

1. Her Fearful Symmerty by Audrey Niffenegger
2. The Flavor Bible
3. What to Drink with What you Eat
4. Stephanie Plum books (all of them!) by Janet Evanovich
5. Sookie Stackhouse books (all of them!) by Charlaine Harris
6. The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook by Ree Drummond
7. The Weekend Baker by Abigail Johnson Dodge
8. Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook
9. The Domino Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Making You Happy by Deborah Needleman
10. The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life by Piero Ferrucci