The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey December 2012

TRAILOR

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903624/

 Here's the trailor! Oh man, I cant wait!
I ditched the marlboro man, Sean Connery, and even Sam Elliot to adventure with Gandolf!
I am a Hobbit, take me! Take me!

Heres hoping that yu peoples are Lord Of The Rings Fans?
Its coming woo hoo!

see!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5shUacpm0E&feature=youtube_gdata_player

MM I Quilt Therfore I Am!

"Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it is.

 The way you cope with it is what makes the difference."
– Virginia Satir

Ah, the Marvelous Monday posts... You wonder how I can keep it up dont you? Yeh, me too.

I watched Fellowship of the Rings last evening. I took with me one thought.

How is my time left best served?

 It not only haunts me, but reminds me of a dearly loved song. Con Los Anos Que Me Quedon. ( Gloria Estefan)

 What will I do with the years I have left?

How is my time best served?

 What do I care if the Grapevine is closed or if Rick Santorum takes the lead? ( oh, sorry, brain flip )

I digress. I dont freaking KNOW and I WANT to! How can I keep revisiting the "Whats it all about Alphie" theory? DAMN IT!

Ok, back to entry question... I can keep this blog because it is and for a very long time ....no longer part of JUST me. For some strange reason, I can help others. Whether a smile or more important info. Be it a train of thought, a change of state, or a new methodology to try. Your emails say that I help a little. For that I keep going. For those of you grieving, please know that you are in my prayers daily and I appreciate you too. For you novice quilters or Mommys... I love ya! Im here for you! For those suffering the same crapola I am... you give ME strength too!

Love isnt love til you share it. I'm nobody special, I just have a love to share. What I leave behind as Eleanor says. When I am old I want to have a "knowing" that I gave what was given to me. Well, except for the SHIT SANDWICHES... ROFL.. I dont wish to share those.

Anyway, Todays M M is for my readers, my emailers, my peoples in the box. Together we will get through this.  Love yer guts as always!

G-OUT

MM's include:

MY Peeps in and out of the box

My childrens love, help, and respect

Avi calling after school to tell me a new tale

Pinterest to dream with

Lord Of The Rings! W.O.W.

Good ole fashioned Kindness!

Happiness Is A Choice!

I am having a Sunday to beat all Sundays. The sun has just got to shine soon! Damn!

I covered my sparkles, Im making Bloody Mary Chicken, with wine of course...

( Thank God for Jake & Karen) 

 Quilting on a King, and pulling up my big girl panties and dealing with shit!

 I did my walk in the hood. I am down quite a bit in weight now, however I am considering other means of dealing with the neoropothy. I really detest the whole pill/drug thing. Theres got to be a better way. Imma find it.

I choose life, albeit, happiness, and I sincerely hope that I always do.

I am also getting choosier about whom I let into this life! Wow! Amazing the crap that can happen eh?

Happy Sunday everyone! Busy week ahead, I'll be in touch:)

G-Out

Proud of my Heart

MM GOOD TRIP TO THE FAMILY

Late gratitudes for this marvelous monday! I could have made a tell alll tuesday?
Did you have a nice holiday week end?  I was sent to see the kids:) and I liked it! Does wonders to restore breath eh? I sure needed it too. Thanks kids. we had a great BBQ one night, we sang,danced, cooked, and Art sharpened all of my knives! bonus! Coffee with my heather, a valentine from sarah! and one from bec too! and then an amazing asian seafood fest the next... heres a picture of my first batch of oysters! I ate so many that I nearly popped! I really should have been a mermaid. The girls kept up with me too!Little mermaids! lol Now its back to the real world. Well...........You just read my gratitudes for this week!

Heres to my Women:)

Eggs

Good morning....Wanna discuss eggs today? Come on....why not right? You peoples KNOW how I think best while cooking or quilting yes? Well, first, a disclaimer. This new Ms Wizard has me thinking till I'm blinking! Twitching even. It feels as tho I am working on a thesis for Petes sake.. Its all good.

I could say that I boil eggs for the whole protein snack idea.

 I could say that its just a carried over normalcy from child rearing days. When every mothers son comes running over for a happy egg. ( Koolaid Mom Syndrome)

I COULD say that I love to have my baby grands poke their lil heads in the fridge and snatch a  tickle without getting scolded.

I could say that I dont want any confusion over fresh eggs or cooked eh? I have mopped up a few splats in my life.

I could just not analyze at all and say thats HERES SOME DANG EGGS.

I think that I have figured it out though. Its just me? Always plugged in, or unplugged, however anyone would see it. Its different, its functional, its normal, and it makes everyone who opens that door have a tickle. Thats special. It makes loved ones feel just THAT much more special on any given day of the week, for no apparent reason. So when I bang pots and pans, boil eggs, make huge Terranova Tornado messes, its just who I am. She fed her family, and she feels full. Why question it at all?

 

Next Generation of Tickle Searchers

The Vow

Very touching film! Believeable for me totally:) I didnt think I would like a sappy movie, but I did indeed. And frankly, I havent like one since the Notebook! ( which in some ways this reminded me of....) This was based on a true story, and God bless that patient Man!
Rachel was far better an actor in this than she was in Wedding Crashers. I think she is just adorable. But.. sure made me feel old. Actually, I have been having far too many de ja vu's at the theatre. I should stop going. On the other hand, not much isnt recalling memories, so be it... Roll with it right?
Heres a tip: One really shouldnt go to see a smoochie love film on Valentines day without a Valentine in tow! I had June. We had fun. But...Jis sayin`......

We had a great time for dinner at Cal Terra. They may have thought we were a COUPLE? Our names were even printed on our menu! Hysterical fun for sure! Couple A Quilters we are!!!

Safe House-Movie View

Alert the media! Twice in one month??? Theres hope for my dumbass!I enjoyed the film, and  I'll tell you why.
I very much likened it to a new and exciting episode of 24!!!

Dirty CIA operatives, and of course rouge denzel, convincing the newbie reynolds he is near the same fate. I was on the edge of my seat and had I had any popcorn I am sure it would have been in the air several times. I so like a movie that doesnt allow me to predict the very next scene. Twists and turns all over keeping me like i said, on the edge not only phsyically but mentally as well! One of my favorite Denzel traits is his ability to show me "thinking" while quiet.I can see his wheels turning, and in this film, try as I may, I couldnt predict that thought process at all. I didnt hold much hope for reynolds, but damed if he didnt pull of a good supportive roll. Unlike many reviews, I say Kudos for entertaing me!

A Valentine Excercise. Two of Two.

UPDATE: I got a B -? Come on!

Dear G,
You make me mental on so many levels. Your goofy antics, the crazy messes that you get yourself into perplex me. I sometimes find it difficult to keep up with you! I fall in love with your every giggle, and nutty idea. Your every sigh is a magnet for many. Your serious, heart felt conversation,  nothing short of a rock and roll symphony. The very depth of your mind travels, takes me with you. You make me laugh when you act like a seven year old. Hand on hip, stuck out to there. Foot and head cocked to one side, wondering why everyone else is not on the same page as you are. I think I love you. You make me feel as though I can rule the world with one hand tied behind my back. Try as I may, I cannot imagine life without you. However, I still say that life with you, gives me a nervous twitch.
You calm the storm within me, and yet I shiver both with delight and fear.Thunder has new meaning, and I fear that I may not satisfy the desires in you.
 I find security by your side. I know that the circle of trust will never be broken. To me, there is no greater comfort. You make me want to be a better man. THEE best man. Can I stay? Will you stay? I wish to tend to your heart, to your head, to your desires. Yes, I'm certain that I love you. I'm going to tell the world that I have found forever. My patience paid off. It was worth the journey.The good and kind man whom is still a a bad boy in many ways, has come home to find forever. Somewhere, at sometime, I must have done something right to be able to spend forever with you.
Your Valentine

A Valentine Excercise One Of Two

UPDATED: I got an A on this one!

Dear G,
Could you even be a hotter mess at times? I skip daily just to meet you. To greet you. Give the two of us time to heal.An impatient little Minx, you are a special love, with much to offer. Don't give up. You are worth the journey that must be travelled. Forever will find you. I'm happy that you haven't locked the door. You are so good at this, your rewards will surely come. With every laugh and story to tell, you are a love to be cherished. Many feel that you are their home away from home. Enjoy this. The sheltered girl in a Woman's body will find the old soul for the continued protection of the two.Thank you for protecting the two of us. I love your circle, it keeps us safe. I appreciate your deep seeded beliefs, and your ability to "know". I do love you so. You satisfy the need in me by keeping this fire going. For that, my everlasting devotion is only to you. Please remember that even though it may burn out of control at times, and you think I may be dowsed, fear not. I am only catching a Gina breath. I burn for you forever, as you are the universe at its finest moment.
 Love your Guts, Your own Heart

Ms. Wizard Says........

Morning. I have been doing homework all week and I gotta tell ya, I am quite perplexed about the New Ms. Wizard.Do you peoples remember when the "click" theory of mine was born? A way to change the channel in my brain and NOT WRITE about dancing with the demons in my mind. Therefore not to go down the road from hell all the time? Brilliant right????   Ok... So listen up.
Four years later I am told that this could be construed as avoidance rather than healing!!!! WTH? Wait! That bares repeating. WTH!!!???!!!
I explained how the theory works. I told her how it helps. I re iterated how I DO NOT like bummer blogs in any way. Or bummer thoughts, talks, writes.. I dont like it!
She remains steadfast in that I wasn't completely walking through the fire. Alone or otherwise. She has me working on the book. Without the clicks. Frankly, I'm having a good deal of trouble doing it. You should see my nightstand! I feel like a writer! LMAO!
Wish me luck Dear Blog Readers! HOED ON!
PS: I do not agree with said observation. I contend that changing ones "state" as quickly as possibly allows them a quick recovery, therfore thwarting off Mountainous Meltdowns!
But I will comply, for awhile.

I nearly forgot my gratitudes for this week! SEE!!!!!

MM's include:

Anonomous gifts
This new lil juicy pen for my jotting
those boots! DAMN WHAT A RUSH!
Aviana calls from the bathroom
Pen Pals
NOT dead treadmills
dreams of Hobbit holes to nap in

Fourth Year To Forever

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity.

 The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."– Winston Churchill

Time can and does certainly change us.Too bad that we cannot change time.

 Around every corner a new journey, adventure, some well received, some not.

All of them unknown. Unchangeable changing times. On that we can rely.

 Today is the fourth year of forever for me, and mine.

 Incredibly hard to believe. A very hard truth for the Mama.

This is James` Chicken Strip Recipe. Whenever the kids played in the kitchen with me, they were instructed to write down the end result. The last and best one.  This was a great teaching time, and so much fun too! Math, science, penmanship,home EC, language, SPELLING!!...lol

Hey, maybe I should have taught! Wait, I think I did.

My James LOVED chicken strips with ranch dressing. I'm making these today for me. For us. I'll be working with your clothes, munching chicken strips, and rocking out with George Throughgood....Its a good plan right? I may even watch one of your Jack ass videos even though I think they are NOT funny and all too dangerous.

 There is nothing I wouldn't do, wouldn't give, to have you doing it all with me.

 I miss you more than I could ever EVER convey my Dear Son.

 I'll see you when I see you!

Ginger Snap Pamper Day!



Ok,  Ginger Snap, and me too.... Thank you so much Secret Admirer:) Made my Week! My Month!

My Lil Princess,
HEY! Aviana? She needs you! Scuse my mess on the side?

Such Bitchin Boots..... ::sigh:::

What to do with Jeans!

"I have often regretted my speech, never my silence."— Publilius Syrus

I bet James is having a whole hefer up there on heavens landing when he sees what Imma doing with some of his jeans! LOLOL Poor Baby.

Well, hey, in my defense, I find that Jeans quilts feel too much like a dentist X ray blankie! And he hated the dentist!

There ya go, I justified it.

Nuff said.

I think a few pocket pillows are in order as well. I can snuggle up to him this way.

<---sicko I know

<---wounded Mama perhaps.

Happy Thursday ! I am outa here for a few hours today!

Love yer guts!

G



Wednesday Whine Day! LOL

I love this find! But what thrilled me over coffee this morning was THIS ONE!!!

I WANT ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Please? And the step stool too?
<---whining



Missing Ma

"You don't kind of let go, you don't kind of ride waves. 

You either ride them or you don't." 

 Laird Hamilton

Mornin` coffee through a straw today. Be gentle with me. I am busy all day, and still have trouble getting, and staying asleep. I tried Melotonin. It didnt work. No coffee, no tea... maybe just some hot lemon water sometimes, but its bugging me for sure. Send tips:)

Do you remember what today is? How could you forget! Ma left us today. She is taking care of Jamie for me. I bet she taught him how to play Hollywood Rummy. I miss her, but you know, we talk often. Which is more than I can say for me and Munz eh... I might bust out one of her recipes today, we shall see. I'm sewing and watching the rain. Last night before the rain came, there was a fabulous warm breeze blowing the chimes round. I turned everything off just to give a listen. Small but meaningful happy moments. Hey... that Pinterest site is addicting! I have found many items for my vision board and also pinned some of my own! Its fun! ( ya gotta love healthy distractions eh?)

I'm off to create! Love yer guts!

G

MM I'm on it!

You desire to know the art of living, my friend? It is contained in one phrase: make use of suffering."– Henri Frédéric Amiel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFAiqxm1FDA

Ha! okay?

I'm on it... you betcha. Only the strong survive.

Never let `em see ya sweat anyway. Done deal.

How are you peoples? Did you enjoy the superbowl? I had my sewing machine humming while playing on Facebook and phones with my kids and grands. Serious fun I tell ya. I needed it too! I spoke to everyone but Justin I think! Isnt technology great? I just wish my damn speakers worked. SOMEONE jacked em up.

clic

I had three quilts going and I loved it. All that was missing were other stitchers!!! You will be happy to hear that I didnt have a cookfest at all. I just grilled artichokes! Easy peasy.My favorite commercial hands down was Clint. I think I was comforted by his voice alone!What was yours? This marvelous Monday i am back at hard working trying to drum up business! God's speed eh?

Have a Marvelous Monday and so will I! I'm off:)

MM's include:

Superbowl with family and friends via the B.O.X.

Handy Men who fix things that escape me...

ONE sunny day on the beach!

Congo Squares

Disclaimer: I am NOT from the south! I hear tell these are. My kids loved them, as did their Dad, so I made them. Its one of those Bars that everyone but me enjoys. Drools over... I suppose its because chocolate has never really tickled me. Anyway, I thought I should give this to ya since ya know..... MOST quilters dig chocolate and cats? GRUNT.
Hey Kids? Go make some for your Dad. He will be thrilled.

Congo Squares

2 3/4  Cup flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup butter
2 1/4 cups brown sugar, ( or one small PKG)
3 eggs
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 pkg chocolate chips

Melt butter  being mindful not to scorch. Add sugar and stir until well mixed.
Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition.
Add dry ingredients, then nuts, then chips.
Pour into a greased 9x12 pan.
Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes

NET: 2 Dozen

James Tee Shirt Quilt # Two

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled."– Plutarch

KareBears turn... Nearly four years later. My bad. It is what it is... I'm still on it. After it. I cant beat myself up over the time or motivation eh? I miss him, and with the Tee's, I smell him. Bittersweet, good and bad. Healing and hurting. I haven't sent Jake's off to him because I am STILL hugging it!

Its comfy.

 CLIC



Turkey Croquettes

"Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."

– Truman Capote

Wonder what to do with left over turkey meat besides soup? Besides Enchiladas? Oh wait... I got a bazillion ideas. Heres one of my Ma's go to recipes for said meat. It takes some planning during the day, but well worth it. The recipe can be doubled, but then you'll just eat them and cuss me out. I made these last night, while making other dishes! It was fun! I spoke with Mom quite a bit. I got a "Buttercup" from her, I think. Enjoy.........

Turkey Croquettes

1 Cup Bechamel ( thick white sauce) ( method below)

2 Cups cooked and diced turkey meat

1 TBLSP minced onion

1 Tblsp Minced Italian parsley

1 Teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 cup oil for frying

----------------------------------------------

1 Egg

2 TBLSP Water

1 cup Italian Bread crumbs

-----------------------------------------------

Thick White Sauce

1/4 cup four

1/4 cup butter

1 cup milk

salt and pepper to taste.

Over Medium heat , melt butter in a skillet.

Add flour slowly while whisking and adding milk, being careful not to scortch. add seasoning.

---------------------------------------------------------

Croquettes

Stir turkey into prepared bechamel sauce. Add onion and parsley and seasonings.

Spread Mixture into an ungreased  8x8x2 dish, cover and chill for at least one hour.

--------------------------------------

Assembling:

divide chilled mixture into 12 equal parts and shape into balls.

Blend the egg and water and dip each ball in it, then roll balls gently around in bread crumbs until completley covered..

Cover and chill again at least another hour or 2.

--------------------------------------------------

In another skillet, fry croquettes in oil for  about 3 minutes each until golden brown, being careful not to puncture coating.

Drain on paper towel and keep in a 300 degree oven until serving.

These little balls of heaven can be served with leftover turkey gravy, cranberry sauce, or make a thinner bechamel. (then ask for a wheel chair to be rolled away from the dinner table)

I prefer just fresh cranberry sauce.

Medium Bechamel:
2 T Flour
2 T Butter
1 Cup Milk
S & P
Same as above

My Minestrone Soup

"Be happy.  It's one way of being wise."

– Colette

I can't stop cooking. For whom I dont know. Do I have OCD? WTH?

 Somebody stop me! I'm not even eating! My freezer is!! Wanna come over? You know what I'm making now? I found Ma's recipe for Turkey Croquettes! Im having a ball! The bummer is that this recipe of hers takes so long! I am chilling things, while chilling wine, while drinking wine...
Im so not showing you peoples the kitchen. Forget it.

God send me a quilt to make. Its bad.

1/2 lb Bacon diced small

2 TBLSP crushed Garlic
 1/2 cup hearty red wine

1  Bay Leaf

1 cup chopped cabbage

1 cup chopped potatoes

1 cup fresh leafed spinach, chopped

1 cup small shell pasta

1 can 15 oz kidney beans
1 Can Garbanzo Beans

1/2 tblsp oregano

1 onion, chopped

1 gallon beef stock

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup carrots diced

1 cup celery diced

1 can green beans

1 lb diced tomatoes

1 tsp basil

1 tsp cumin

Kosher Salt to taste

Fry Bacon until crisp, drain, reserve grease

Saute onion and garlic in reserved grease until tender and aromatic
 Add wine, srap down pan and boil out alcohol (5 min)

return bacon to the 7 Quart Pot.

Add stock and seasonings heat to boiling.

Add vegetables and pasta. Simmer 45 minutes Check for salt content, adjust

Remove bay leaf and serve with shaved Parm cheese on top, and a crusty bread.

MANJA