The Debate Team & TaT

"Hope is not a dream, but a way of making dreams become reality."
 Cardinal Leon Joseph Suenens

TaT= tell all Tuesdays, write it down:)

I wanted to discuss this week ends horrid happenings, (not to be confused with my stitch pal, mind u)  however Mr Wizard had a different adgenda.In an effort to calm the voices in Sybils head, he played with the dry erase board for visual aid today. I'm not certain that I would be good on a debate team arguing my point. Or anyone elses. I can site my good ole stand by. My head KNOWS the truths, my HEART refuses to listen. To help to turn down the volume, since we cant seem to shut my head the hell up....we did this.

Defend this statement:

I can effectively and successfully operate a winery.

 you have no education in this field

G: I have 35 years plus in the hospitality industry, it can be adapted into a winery

you have no capital

G: I can enlist investors to increase working capital

but you love to quilt not make wine

G: I will diversify to include my art

you're getting older

G: the older the vine, the sweeter the grape?

This of course is all very hypothetical, I am illustrating the technique. Will it work? I have no idea, but its homework. At any rate, as usual, Mr Wizard has planted a seed, given a tool to ponder. Done. I'm on it. 

Next week, it will be reversed.

I cannot successfully run a winery..... I shall be defending THAT statement. (not really, but its far too personal for TaT)

Maybe when I grow up... I will be a Wizardess!



Gifts Picture!



Hey Gayle, I finally figured out the camera phone, but I gotta tell ya, I MISS MY OLYMPUS!!!
For being such a faithful morning cuppa dear blog reader, I'm sending to you this lucious extra wide yard of double sided coffee suede for maybe one of your amazing art projects:) I fondled it before it was packed up. Right after before I ate this cookie. ( how the hell did THAT get in the pic?) I think you can click on it for enlargement.. not sure? Its on its way to you, and thanks a bunch, LYG!
Gina

Marvelous Monday Gratitudes Are YOU!

"Hem your blessings in thankfullness so they do not unravel."

A.Unknown

Where do I live  now? (HA!) Funny eh? I spent my most of my life firmly placed and now have moved 5 times in as many years! I am now BACK in the central valley near my daughter and family, pining away for the sunshine of the coast!
What was my first blog post about? If Home is where the heart is, I must have 2 of each. Kinda matches above only reversed now. Grunt.

What do I collect? I took a peak.. largest collection of many, FABRIC AND THREAD!!!
newest? Pandora charms!!
What was my first career passion in life, and what is it now?
I dreamt of being Entertainer of the year, and now I dream of being quilter of the year!
What do I do absent mindedly while pondering?
Hard boil eggs and draw happy faces on them!
Descibe your blog buddy (moi) in one word and it cant be trainwreck!
 Many moons ago, Dana ( a foodie friend) called me Effervescent and I am still tickled with this to this day! I find myself striving to honor her TAG. ( how cool is Gretchen eh?)
Whats my favorite day of the week?
Underwear days!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone for playing! That was fun. I used the lil gizmo random Integer thing. Every one was entered twice, and the WIENER is  # 4 Gayle, her second entry! Congrats Gayle, email me your snail mail address for your gift! Yes, I AM TRYING to post a pic but if u remember my lil camera broke :(

 

Golden Globes

Are you watching??? My Fall over song in Burlesque? "You havent seen the last of me" Just won for best orginal song! Woohoo! Go CHER!!! I hope theres a win for Christina in here tonight!!

http://gina-deargina.blogspot.com/2010/11/burlesque-review.html


Now I must go FROG awhile, when I heard the news I screwed up a lil bit... grunt.

I Need A New Lil Camera!!

My lil Oly bit the big one finally:( It was a favorite, it did its job. Now its a big white blur. Dang it. I tried to shoot the new lil human bird quilt with my phone camer.. it stunk. I will keep trying, but On my list besides a new external hard drive is a camera!!!
We had a productive couple days quilting and piecing like crazy! ( me & Linda) I cant wait to get my hands on the black and tan that she is doing! For me.. well... this human bird at only 60 x 60 took forever and a days! Today I am finishing up a Bargello wall hanging, then I must quickly get to work on the Crab Feed donations!!!  I am in hopes of those being well recieved. I have to scoot, I will try to come back later with pics... Happy Sunday, and dont forget the contest entry down there! Do it!
LYG!!
G

:::Contest Alert:::: This Just In!

Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just looked at my site metor and guess what? I`m  a few hours away from hitting 100 thousand!!!! I feel generous!! What shall I do??? You guys are so devoted.. Did I mention I love yer guts? I'm so happy to have all of your encouraging words, prayers, emails... messages, phone calls.. WTF would I do without ALL OF YOU!!!
Now listen.. I have a CUPPA ideas of what I want to send to my 100K wiener yet, but theres the clue. So lets see....  how about 2 chances in the hat to win...

How well have you come to know me via a cuppa in the morning?? Answer these 7 lovely questions in honor of 7 Marvelous Monday entries.....quick like a bunny!!

#1
Where do I live  now? (HA!)
What was my first blog post about?
What do I collect?
What was my first career passion in life, and what is it now?
What do I do absent mindedly while pondering?
Descibe your blog buddy (moi) in one word and it cant be trainwreck!
Whats my favorite day of the week?

 #2 clic the follow me button!! Let me know in a separate comment. ( if u are already there, say so!) I 'll put you in twice, and we shall see what I'm sending to ya!!! Hey!!! work done for me!!

I will give the correct answers and the WIENER on Marvelous Monday! Lets have some fun! Cause I NEED IT!!!!

Happy Thursday Morning.. Keyword: HAPPY

"Become so wrapped up in something that you forget to be afraid."
– Lady Bird Johnson

Sometimes ya just wish the qoute of the day would take hold!

I pushed go too soon! lol Wake up Woman, right? I feel ditzy this morning.. I made this long list then started sweating it... so I decided to get dressed instead. I put on this top and cords, looked in the mirror and saw a frog. Yep.. a frog. My Ma in the mirror me thinks. She would always see this whilst wearing green. I quickly changed while laughing. I instead went for the GREY look.. look of the year over here... Jamie's grey sweats always make me feel "homey".. now where's he at..sigh... I suppose he lives with Christmas... in the ole` heart...CLIC

I am expecting a friend this evening! We will sew and yak and hot tub and eat. Its a plan. Notice I DID NOT SAY DRINK NUFFIN. I have a pot of Hamhocks N Beans on. I have no flippin idea if she even likes this? LOL No worries.. I have a Nummy Pasta sauce, and my tortellini zoupa too! ( indecision is my middle name these days eh?) I seriously need a FAT Costco run. Wouldnt it fun just one time to have like a Costco Visa with no limit? Wow, I just had a rush....
I decided one thing for sure. Friends are a wonderful shot in the arm ( heart). I think my next Pandora charm may be a heart.. Just a reminder:)
Time to go blast some P!NK and quilt some birds!
Love yer guts!



Compass

"Morality, like art, means drawing a line someplace."
Oscar Wilde

Not to be confused with a Mariners compass, Mr. Wizard introduced a Moral compass. A way to answer many questions and slow down the racing thoughts. Now I have tried it out on simple things and it worked. The tougher things, not so well yet. But then again, It may be because I am stubborn.

Hypothetical Question: ( has absolutely no bearing on my case...lol)

Your Mother in law wishes to host Christmas this year, taking the torch from you. What is your reply?

Compass:

APPLY Reason/logic

She is getting old, needs to feel needed. She hasn't many more years to do this with her children/grandchildren. but it makes no sense at all when you and your family have established your own traditions and are comfortable with them.

APPLY Intuition/Instinct:

Red Flag! The kids will be confused and out of sync. Bad idea.She may be trying to get back what it took awhile to establish for your own family.

APPLY Emotion/Feeling:

 I understand her need however I too have the need to be Ms Santa in our own home. I would be amiss without the exhilaration routine of the holiday. (Like she did with her young family)

The Answer should now come easily? PHISHAW!!! In my mind, this only brings on MORE questions!

What would husband think of me if I said NO? What if we lost her and I couldn't live with guilt? What if the kids think I'm a Scrooge? Mr Wizards answer to this is of course to make a WHAT IF question and answer page. Well.. Like I dont do that night and day right?

What If?

Pro Con

do, not do

I mean I am an experienced brain stormer! Analyzer! Feed back seeker!

This is so not easy. Grunt. Especially when I am a sun depraved, displaced emotional train wreck remember??? An interesting concept... Imma go pick up my ball, find a few spoons, do 5 minutes of mindfullness,  and do my homework. (Then make some Zoupa while Quilting) GRUNT.

Happy Birthday Sissy! A Marvelous Monday Indeed:)

Happy Birthday Dear Sissy! This may not be the "best" picture I have, but its so "telling" I had to use it! This is her favorite the 3 cats favorite place to sit in the family room. Not pictured is Tori, the Torti, who is the alpha cat and the PITA cat in my book! Not really sure why she loves these guys so much but she sure does! She also has two Border Collies running the land over there... hey, do ya think she likes black and white? All the animals say yes! Oh I think they need a new family photo with the 5 animals and the family dressed in B&W! LOL Happy Birthday Kel! Have a great day!



"Action is the antidote to despair."
 Joan Baez

Who says? Where did she come up with that one anyway? Words to a folk song gone awry? Hmmmmm

Good Monday morning :) I has a rough week end, could ya tell? I did enjoy visiting sis but yesterday was a funky funk beyond all funks! I thought I lost Sis bracelet, I slept too late, I couldnt find motivation on ANY list I had made. I was cranky and weepy all thrown into one frozen G. The first thing this morning that I see is above qoute. I snickered. ( or was that a sneer?)I'm working on a custom and my artwork was becomming a reflection of my mood, so I stopped. Thank God.. I came out this morning, took one look and scratched things! I have decided that its just GOT TO BE lack of sunshine. I'm already geting shots for vitamin D difiencies. I should go find sun lamps.. you know, so I can have an even HIGHER PGE bill! :::Sigh::: some things ya just get used to on the coast eh?I better move my touche and get back to my human bird quilt!

M & M's:

Heated seats in my car

Stitch N Bitch Night

The motion detector light working!

Movie Dates!

My Do it all cell phone:)

Hope

Country Strong Review NO Stars Here

What do you get when you mix EVERY wierd sterotypical thing about country western genre that you have ever heard of and mix it with a super good cast of characters?

COUNTRY STRONG!!

Oh Dear blog readers, believe me, if you are a CW "disliker", and joke about these sterotypes, you are about to be justified!!! All of them are present here except Mama, and YER DAWG! Yep yep yep.. even the train!

Now I gotta tell you that I am a long time "liker"of SOME CW music. I was country WAY back when, and then I decided that the whining slobbering sob stories needed to stop! I still enjoy some, but for the most part, I can leave it. Afterall, I have enough of a dang soap opera right here, I dont need to get a crying towel out to wallow in it with a brewski..

I'm so disappointed for Gwenyth Paltrow because she REALLY can sing! Tim McGraw, please keep singing instead of this K? The new cute kids... I wish you well and hope this didnt ruin your careers.Hey can you tell that I didnt enjoy this film at all? My poor Sis and I just cringed for 2 hours while stuffing popcorn in our pie holes rapidly as not to trash the movie aloud in public! Heres the bad news.. We were supposed to see True Grit!!!

To be fair, Jackie, 17 year old neice.. enjoyed the film. Her go to Genre is the likes of USHER... sooooooooo

Lottery Daydreams & A New Redhead?

 Congratulations to the winners of MY MEGA MILLION JACKPOT! Ahuh... Washington and Idaho's turn. BUT.. A lucky man here in my City won 200K! (yes I wrote down the stores address!)

For me? Well, I LOVE to go into the store to check my ticket in the little machine to see the magic words pop up that say, "YOU"RE A WINNER! The trouble is, its usually a short lived HIGH. This time I saw it, I felt it, and I won 2 big bucks. So I rolled it over to Fridays draw for 12 million! I can live with that too! I'm SO not greedy you know. I'm certain the Smurf house is under 12 Million right? Of course right. In the meantime, I still have a few bucks on Super Lotto too so it can sneak up on me for a surprise:) Ah California Lottery:::sigh::: What a fun distraction you are.
Did you like the Pozole? Did you MAKE some? I think today I will be quilting while making a huge pot of Marinara sauce to put up. I get this great sausage on the coast ( sweet italian) and blend it with hamburger for a mighty good start to pasta sauce! I think I need to go pick up more containers, they seem to disappear at an alarming rate. I called the Karebear and told her to come get some and bring her own bowl, and bring mine back too! Did she do it? No.......grunt. I have a huge list to get to so I will bid you all a great day!
LYG!
G
---------------------------------THIS JUST IN------------------------------------------------
My BLONDE Dear Daughter is now a redhead??? I love it! Hey, she really resembles her Mama now with dark hair! LOL
 Nice Do Karen:)

Chicken Pozole

OK, Its no secret I miss Ma right? I wasnt satisfied with a warm tortilla with butter this morning, so I went to work. While Mom's favorite is Albondigas, or Cocido.. she always made a mean pot of Pozole for the winter blues. I remember that she did this with Pork sometimes, but had to wait a day or so to skim the fat off. She hated pork fat..lol. The way to fix this is....... CHICKEN! I know Ma would be proud when she reads this.. in fact.. she was while it was simmering:) Manja Dear Blog readers...
This comes out spicy, NOT hot. If you prefer, you can omit the Jalepeno for the kiddies.

4  skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes (may use thigh meat instead)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 large onions, chopped ( I prefer Maui sweets)
1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 small jalapeño pepper,roasted, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons ground cumin
3 tablespoons New Mexico chili powder ( Lord I love red chili)
2 tablespoons chopped fine- garlic
1 15 ounce can roasted diced green chili's (Ortega is my "go to") ( Dont tell MA cause she roasted her own Aneheim chilis)
1 cup crushed tomatoes ( she roasted these too, but I used a can! ssshhh)
8 cups chicken broth
1 30 ounce can golden or white hominy (I like white)
Sea Salt and course grind pepper to taste
------------------------------------------------------------
1/4 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
1/2 cup chopped green onions, with tops
Dollop of Sour cream
 Some say shredded cabbage atop this lovely bowl is delish, I havent tried, but I love cabbage!!

Pour the oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and heat over medium heat.
Season the chicken pieces with your favorite "go to" seasoning. Add to the pot and sauté until well-browned. Transfer the meat to a bowl and set aside.
Add the onions, minced garlic, red pepper and jalapeño to the pot and brown until golden. (about 8-10 min)
When the onion begins to caramelize, and the kitchen is lit up in fragrance, pour yourself another glass of wine and delight in your accomplishments.. then return the meat to the pot, sprinkle with the cumin and chili powder, stir in green chilies and tomatoes. Marvel at the aroma now huh!!!
Add the chicken broth plus 2 cups of water, bring it to a boil over high heat. Lower heat and let the chili simmer, partially covered, for one hour.
Add the hominy. Continue to cook approximately 15 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning ( S & P) and top with minced cilantro, minced green onions and a dollop of sour cream in each bowl. Dont forget the tortillas! I like a handmade white corn tortilla myself:) WITH BUTTER.. jis sayin?

I'm Sorry Means

Expressing or inclined to express an apology
Feeling or expressing regret for one's sins or misdeed.

Whats it mean to you? For me, it means, "I didnt mean to do that, and I damn sure that I won't do it again.

It shouldnt happen again, should it? Sometimes it does.

Today I leaned about the F2F Study. (fight 2 fun:::wink:::) Its research on the good times outweighing the bad and vice versa. What ratio it takes to repair erosion's. How the ratio can fluctuate due to I'm sorrys gone bad. Seriously interesting stuff. I have homework, of course. I shall call it, working on wording...lol Power, pleasure, pain..... Heather would just love it.

I feel like making some soup.. maybe Pozole. You peoples like Pozole? I will type it out if I make it ok? Also.. I think a big batch of sauce to freeze for pastas.. I have no idea why I keep cooking.. maybe its like my boiling eggs.. Just gotta bang some cupboards and create. Speaking of creating, I think my stitch n bitchers need to kick my butt into creating in the correct room! I have come to a point where there is so much that needs my attention that its much like racing thoughts... racing things!

M & M's For The New Year

I think I'm a day late because of my new Droid phone? Will you all buy THAT excuse? Well... its true Imma trying to learn it! Popcorn prayer, "please let me always keep learning new stuff as I grow older". Just when I figured out the Blackberry, I got twinkly eyed over the Droid. So here we go! I am amazed at how it syncs with my calender and emails, etc... I have been reminding myself daily to go and pick up a new day planner and last night it dawned on me... WHY? ( no longer nessesary). Now, if only I could get that Words with Friends game downloaded eh? Grunt. Thank you Dear Walt, for the super sized planner:) Happy New Year to me.
(PS: you wouldnt believe the sound coming from this lil Droid!!)
OK, Holidays over.. geez, thank goodness. Onto the next. I think right now its Mega Million Alert!! 330 million! Smurf house here I come! I have 9 bucks on it now... its all mine:) I think I will buy a FLEET of longarms in different colors...LOL Hows that for a dream? You know that Smurf house is a perfect quilt retreat too... sigh....
Much to do today as I am behind on quilting and its Mr Wizard day too. I want to make a soup tonight, so we shall see. I have a craving for Chicken Pozole, yummmmmm.
Have a great day, I will return with tell all Tuesday!
M & M's Include

NOT the rain
NOT the fog either
NOT S.A.D.

A mega million imagination
My new pocket Pal
Safe travels
Good Ginger Sitters
Lots of thread choices for today!

Dear 2010, You Havent Seen The Last Of Me

"Man can only become what he can consciously imagine."

Dan Rudhyer

Dear 2010, I have so loathed you. Nearly as much as 2008 and more than 2009. I am so happy to say Adios`.

I KNOW that 2011 will bring its own adventures, and the journey will continue for me God willing, so I am ready. Bring it!
As many of you know, I save blogabouts for THEE BOOK.. you know.. when I’m old and wearing purple. So here is a recap of this bloody year.:

• Had my brother and sis in law in from Alaska
• Ended the visit abruptly when Mom fell ill
• Stayed with my Sis & family to care for Mom for the last month of her life
• Laid our Mother to rest.
• Came back to Pismo to begin piecing my world back together (again)

• Got a new cool car.. my beloved tank
  
• Quilted 3, count em 3 show quilts
  
• Made arrangements for kids to come and stay in our home.
• Watched the entire season of LOST on DVD and was mesmerized
• I swatted my baby grand girl, and it still hurts. ( me)
  
• Won a ribbon for a quilt Mid State Fair
• Took a HOT trip to Palm Springs to watch my Grand Girl compete in a beauty contest
• Got hooked on Bejewelled on Facebook
• Got hooked on The Sopranos, via net flicks
  
• Rented out rooms to tenants and became a half ass B & B ( again)
  
• Separated from my Walt to help heal each other (?)
  
• Was given a human angel, I think from Mom
  
• Left one home on the central coast, to come back to another on central valley
  
• Began treatment with 4th Shrink, finally one thats working!! ( without meds!!!)
  
• Became friends with a customer and will win more ribbons!
  
• Won ANOTHER ribbon at Pacific International Quilt Festival
• Had a health scare of a breast cancerous tumor (benign)
  
• Quilted 2 more show quilts (cross fingers)
  
• Kept up with blogabouts, no matter the trauma I go through
  
• Went to visit my soul sista Ronda in Oregon, and I didn’t discover QVC. Noooo I didnt!
  
• Had the ::hands down::: weirdest holidays EVER in my life.
• Got sick, but not TOO sick like 2008/9 thanks to Zicam and Airbourne.. ( or straight up pissiness)
  
• Experienced Christmas through the community outreach of others for distant kids.
• (space saved for NYE Edit...lol)

In summary,the winds of change blew strong... waves broke the shore with a fury as the footprints in the sand washed away. :::WAV:::
Years End Theme Song is.................. drum roll please..................









2011 Goals

• Get off the "ON HOLD" place
• work on the book
• Fight not freeze
• Pay closer attention to my health. IMPROVE IT
• Enter MY OWN quilt in a show
• Buy ONLY what I love.
• Throw out, what I do not love
• Teach, :::read:grow::: more quilters!!
• Attend a professional quilt show, attend classes there
• Upgrade my longarm
• Improve my studio
• reunite past things loved
• Have a celebration for each loved ones birthday
• Go to Harlows, and Mortens for dinner
• Read more audio books
• Buy something from QVC, hopefully a jacket I cannot forget! (ok, and some make up)
• Re visit Hawaii
• Get prices on body work, make a list.

I have a bazillion more than this... but it will have to wait for the NEXT list!

Happy New Year to you all, may it be a blessed one for you and yours:) :::& Mine:::

Some Homework Could Include Retail Therapy!!

Goodie for me! Finally Mr Wizard gives me some homework that I'm good at!!!
This globe is representative of my world. Notice the shatter.
Now, I have had this ball (my world) FALL many a times, causing shatter. As I pick up my ball, try to walk, while paper mache`-ing the pieces back together, the damn thing just falls again,and again, and I cannot keep the pasties going on fast enough.Result? Train wreck. (that would be me). No matter how fast I try put the pieces back on, it just aint happening. Now.. also note that the shatters.. cracks.... are forever there, yet it is still quite beautiful isnt it?
While Mr. Wizard doesnt get the credit for introducing this concept, ( Heather does) he does in fact get credit for the elaboration of the idea. The "HOW TO's, after the fact. Its very interesting.
Anyway... I now have a tanngible visualization of the entire way it works. The chic under the globe, well, thats me.. and the wise ole owl next to her? Its me too. What a freaking journey eh? Serious book I tell you. I have a few other projects for the week too but I dont get to shop. (rats). I find it odd that I get stuck on some of Mr Wizards words such as tangled... untangled... in a holding pattern.. Hub of the family, and todays word of the day... TRAIN WRECK. Geez. I have NEVER in my life been refferred to as a train wreck. Grunt. Really?
Today, we have a hellofa storm going on. Lights off and on, wind howling, and the rain is challenging the wind for noise levels. All  I have to say about that is..... IT BETTER NOT BLOW OVER MY DAMN BALL!

Did We Make It Through? M & M's

I did! Alert the media! Call Live Copter 3 for Petes sake! Wow, what a ride eh? I may say that the journey is everything, but with me its just get in, sit down, shut up, and hold on!
I had a nice time with kids on Christmas eve, and spent some good work time with Walt. Mr. Wizard will be proud of the accomplishments when we chat tomorrow. (film at 11:00) We enjoyed a fabulous meal that I DIDNT cook at Papapovlos yesterday.. Best rack of lamb with a port reduction sauce I have had in a very long time! ( gotta love greek food eh)
Now it is back to my Quilting, planning, and self work. I am contemplating reviving an old New Years tradition of my own version of "the year in pictures". We always drag out every picture in the year, re live them, sort them, archive them or frame them and its quite therapeutic. I'm giving this more thought as we also lost Mom this year, so that isnt going to be an easy task at all. We'll see. I am concentrating (trying to) on the future, and packing away the past. Or as it has been said... Opening the door, walking through it,.. so that I may get to somewhere else. ( in one piece)
Was Santa good to you peoples? He is always to me too:) I got some yummy fabrics for a new project, a new beachable jacket,my cracked up blackberry replaced, and my secret wish list treat the Pandora Bracelet! I will have serious pleasure watching it grow! My grands had fun with their gifts, in fact, Aviana has YET to remove her new Lady Bug boots! lol Ginger is enjoying 2 things that we cannot decide which is her favorite. A squeaky toy FAR bigger than she is.... or the prime rib bone!!
Now.. having said all that.. I gotta tell ya, I DO NOT understand the news blurps about retailers reporting best sales in 3 years!!! WTH? This is the worst as far as I can remember! I'm not talking about emotionaly, I mean monetarily!! Am I wrong? Every single person I know is squeezing that buck like never before so I just dont get the news reports at all.
I am off to night quilt....cause thats how I roll.... I plan to have a Stitch N Bitch this week too!
Love year guts, let me know your exciting ( or not) NY plans so I can live vicariously through YOU!

M & M's include:

New tools. New skills. New ways to ponder the rebirth of wonder. ( I know, u gotta be me to get that)
Icecubes!
Lights!
The great boot find.
rack of lamb... omgoodness yum.
No snow here

side note, please oh please send me some sun my vitamin D levels are suffering!!! ( remember the shots I endured??? No moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Where Are You Christmas?

My world keeps changing. Christmas must change too. I remember the laughter, the thrills..cooking, singing.... the shopping. Now, Christmas is still here everywhere, but where did MY Christmas go?

I looked in my cupboards and couldn't find Christmas there..I stuck a Charlie Brown fake tree up as directed by Mr Wizard, but I couldnt find Christmas there. So I went shopping. I wasn't finding Christmas anywhere! One stop was at Campbell's in the Village, and the band that was playing out front made me smile, and remember. I walked inside to be greeted by an elf with a Hershey's kiss. I just KNEW Christmas must be in here somewhere.

I hunted for 3 hours. NEVER before have I shopped in one place for 3 hours. I found comfort in memories there, I talked to people as if I had never met a stranger, however I didn't find Christmas.
Now sometimes, people just get so far down in their own crap, they forget about others. My mind KNOWS Christmas is forever changed, and the losses in the past few years are just too much to bare at times BUT... others suffer too. (my head knows this!) I silently spoke to those I have lost... they didnt tell me where Christmas went either.
I really wish to tell you where I found Christmas, cause you knew I would.

Was it in a little city in Idaho? You may remember that my X had a near death extended stay in the hospital which made the kids come a runnin` from all over. This caused a great financial burden on all fronts. My youngest soldier son Jake and his family in particular. Especially with a new long lining job. They travelled home (Middleton, ID) knowing Dad would be ok, and they had helped. Christmas however,was lost for them for 2010.

I had been admiring Heathers post on facebook about "doing" the impossible. She has been E mail marketing the "unthinkable" people in hopes to get responses for her Library. My impossible happens to be helping anyone monetarily or emotionally this year. I wake up trying to help myself... go G go...
So I wrote a letter to the Mayor and to the the Chamber of Commerce of this little city. I told them about the gut wrenching problem at hand. I didnt even share with them the loss (S) our family has endured. To my surprise, and the families surprise.. someone heard me! I had calls and e mails... That city is at this very moment out in force bringing Christmas to my family there. Four Santa's with full arms just appeared on the door to my grandchildren's delight. Although I do not have them with me, nor can I help, in some small way I did. I am there. Where is Christmas? It was in my heart all along. Not a moment too soon, have I found my Christmas.

The kids have a tree and a few gifts beneath it. They have food and the best part is.. they have their Mom's heart there too.

God, the heart of life really IS still good.

I am praying for many many blessings on that lil City.

I am praying that the changes in Christmas will be okay, however different they become.

The good news is... I'm praying.


Jamie & Shawn

No Getting Sick For Christmas!!!

$32.00 can't afford to spend dollars is gone on a serious panic attack at the local pharmacy!
I could get a really good Christmas toy with that! Two weeks ago my grand girl has a bad cold. One week ago, dear daughter has it, and turned into full blown Bronchitis. ( my winter Nemesis) Now.. I was a bit SKEERRED but I thought that since I was taking so many vitamins I would be passed over. UNTIL this morning when I awakened with a sore throat. No problem, I snore. Deal with it. Fast forward to 12:30 pm. My throat is now on FIRE and I am practically drinking Listerine! I have a headache... I downed 2 Excedrin, 2 Motrin... I am now so very afraid! ( and I'm freaking freezing).
Raining cats and dogs, wind blowing the leaves sideways 2 feet off the ground, I grab my coat and my dog and get in the car headed for the pharmacy. Oh I cannot get sick... I cannot get sick. I am already weak. WEAK I tell you.... Throw that damn Jackie O crap right out the window! For every 1 hour of strength, I have 23 of every bad emotion I can thwart off! I only say this because if illness is added into the mix, YOU ALL KNOW what a little whiner I am! NO CAN DO DA PAIN! See? I'm already whining! dang it!!! All I need now is a Michael Bolton tune to come on the radio and I'll be down for the count!


I have a huge list to attack.. and its going nowhere fast. :::case I'm on here u say?::: No! Cause I'm drinking my tea and self talking me into not being so.... oh well... Maybe being pissed off P!nk is better than whining with Michael Bolton... Lets go... ::::::do not get sick, do not get sick, do not get sick:::::::and get out of fantasy land!

Broccoli Slaw- It Does A body Good

I love this stuff... I just gotta tell ya. I use for SO MANY THINGS! Its good for ya, its satisfies the CRUNCH need, its cheap, its filling... I could go on and on! What do you peoples do with it? Or do ya?

Broccoli Slaw: 1 bag of slaw,6 slices of cooked and chopped bacon bits (crunchy), raisins, mandarin slices, slivered almonds. Mix all with a cup of plain yogurt, a spoon of mayo, and a couple packets of splenda. ( optional 1/2 cup onions diced)



Cole slaw: Mix up some mayonnaise, a splash of vinegar, and celery seed ( or salt) and 2 packets of splenda and VOILA! You have a coleslaw that's better!!



Salad greens: My grands have NO CLUE they are eating their broccoli when its mixed into salad greens! Woohoo Sneaky Nonni:)



Sandwich: Substitute the lettuce sometimes for a crunchy treat! Or build a veggie sammich with this, cucumber slices, a slice of cheese and avocado slices...



And my favorite way................... wait for it..................



Saute a small skillet full with a lil slice of butter (not too long, just half tender) Then add it to your open omelet, and sprinkle a bit of cheese. Close omelet, melt cheese and top it with a slice of Avocado:)

Dang it, now I'm hungry.... This was a favorite at our B & B too. I think I'll go make one now! Sorry??? LOL Good morning!


Sometimes I throw in mushrooms in the saute too. I want to know where this tasty bag has been all my life???

Let me know what you do with it ok? I'll try it too!