Praying For...Sammy that she will gain a close relationship with Jesus Christ and learn the joy found in feasting upon the Word...that she and other children around the world will be blessed with freedom from evil influences, hunger, and danger during childhood...that leaders of nations will soften their hearts and embrace peace.
Ponderizations..."Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour," 1 Peter 5:8. It is so easy to slip away from the straight and narrow and fall into sin.
Yorkie Yarns...traveling up for tax season, Dash was a champ...except in the hotel...every time someone walked by the room, she barked like one possessed of a demon. Although I don't sleep with animals as a rule, I put the leash on her and brought her to bed. This settled her down so we could all sleep. She loves the cottage and park here.
Teaching Little Children...I miss my little friends very much. Maybe I can find a place to volunteer here.
I Write...I finally figured out a problem for the new book I'm writing. Because I'm the optimistic type and love my characters as if they were real, I have a terrible time giving them problems. Painting a picture of the characters and setting is no problem. I love researching each little piece to the puzzle, which always has something to do with teaching children, planting a garden, and raising dogs in some exotic location.
Cucina Fresca...you've heard of i-pads and i-phones, but I bet i-pots boggle a bit. Since this place only has a hot plate, I decided to try out the instant pot: rice cooker, slow cooker, pressure cooker, saute pan, yogurt maker, warmer, and steamer. Apparently, it will cook dry pintos in 30 minutes or soaked ones in 10. There will be no more scrambling to come up with dinner when the pintos are still hard in the slow cooker. I can't wait to steam some fat-free, plant-perfect, blue corn calabacitas y frijoles negros tamales, mmmm.
Bibliophilia...sent Sammy Blue Willow by Doris Gates, a Newbery honor book. Since I haven't read it yet, a used copy is coming here, too. I also got her and some of the other grands Scripture Power! Book of Mormon Journal for Children by Elizabeth Dorathy. It's a great journal that I tried out last fall. Although it is a bit too juvenile for me, it had some thought provoking questions. It will be great for Sammy, Cole, Gayle, and Oakley if they choose to utilize it. I hope to be some sort of example for good with my grands, which is why I send them letters, great literature, art books, science kits, and now scripture journals.
Sound of Music...I also sent Sammy the first DVDs in the Piano for Life series by Mark Almond. It's a great way to learn to play the piano, because they gain an understanding of the basic structures of harmony before learning to read music. With traditional (and very expensive methods), many people give up out of exasperation and frustration. With Mark Almond's method, people can play beautiful music and improvisation on their journey to reading music. No more Hot Cross Buns for months on end. Two of my children learned the harmony method intuitively. In fact it was hard to get S to focus on his lesson material each week as he improvised chord structure to Nintendo tunes. I enjoyed the method immensely until access to a piano stopped. Finally, my arthritis pain is gone, which will allow me to play my uke again. However, the frozen shoulder prevents violin at all. It seems every time I pick up my violin, something forces me to lay it down again. Maybe, that pastime will need to remain a lovely memory.
Needle News...I have come up with a design for a new crossover bag. I bought one that is almost right, but now I know exactly what I want. Also, the skirt I'm working on is almost perfect. I have a cheap skirt from Walmart with a great fit. I'm using it as the basic pattern but adding a front kick pleat instead of the back slit--plus I might put in a couple, concealed, zipper pockets. Sewing by hand is slow process but more rewarding.
Movement...the park a couple doors down is right on the river. It's a nice walk but only feels safe in the afternoons, when it's filled with mothers and their small children. I'm such a scaredy cat. There is another park the other direction with a dog park. I haven't tried that one, since I didn't have a dog last year. Essentrics is still a wonder for me. Each hour I like to take ten minute stretch breaks, which I plan to use to reintroduce yoga poses alternating with outdoor mini walks. I'm also going to incorporate Dr. Kim's shoulder exercises, as his foam rolling completely healed my back and hip pain. Frozen shoulder is a bear.
Cottage Life...I have the best of both worlds. Up here I live in a tiny house and down home my home is spacious. Cottage living forces one to focus on needs vs wants. As I select items to include in a 350 square foot life, I focus on quality over quantity. It's quite refreshing.
Showing posts with label So Many Books-So Little Time. Show all posts
Showing posts with label So Many Books-So Little Time. Show all posts
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Sunday, September 20, 2015
mad for pad
Praying For...Tyson...that he will gain the gift of eloquence and not be slow of speech or tongue...that he may become comfortable with people...that he may become a great witness for Jesus Christ...it's not that he is slow or awkward but that I feel inspired to ask this blessing for him.
Bibliophilia...in addition to reading scriptures, I'm re-reading Plato's Republic as part of a Hillsdale course I'm taking. I find it amazing that they offer these great courses for free to anybody willing to spend the time. They started with Constitution 101 years ago and have been building their offerings little by little. Re-reading Words of Delight, a Bible as Literature textbook that isn't textbook-y. Also found a wonderful old phonics program, Professor Phonics, that I wish I had known about when Quinn was here this summer (and when I tried to teach my dyslexic son to read). Quinn and I worked hard but didn't get as far as I would have liked to have done. It's so concise and intensive and sensible. I may offer free tutoring again in the evenings, since I love watching the miracle of people learning to read.
Cucina Fresca...I made a sort of unsweetened Pad Thai. When I drove by myself from Seattle to Phoenix last spring, I stopped at a Thai place on I-10. They had the most delicious, un-sweetened mango juice AND unsweetened Pad Thai. Now that I'm eating so many salads and vegetables again (LOVE IT), I wanted something that fit that category but was still low in salt without sugar similar to that memory. This is pretty good but not quite Pad Thai.
Mushroom Mad Thai For One
1/2 lb. asparagus, cut in one inch pieces 45 calories
5 oz shitaki mushrooms, sliced 79 calories
1/4 yellow onion, thinly sliced 17 calories
1 clove garlic, pressed 4 calories
1 tomato, small dice 16 calories
1 T coconut aminos 15 calories
1 T white miso (non-soy) 40 calories
1/2 t minced ginger 1 calorie
1/2 t sambal oelek 0 calories
2 oz Tinkyada brown rice Pad Thai noodles 210 calories
427 total calories
Prepare vegetables. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, put onions in a large frying pan on high heat. When they begin to sizzle, turn down to low, add tomato, and cover. Mix coconut aminos, miso, ginger, and sambal oelek and set aside. When water boils, put noodles in and set timer for 8 minutes. Remove cover from onions, add garlic and mushrooms. Turn up heat to medium high. Add some water if the onions or tomato stuck to deglaze pan. Cover and turn down heat to medium low. Open and stir occasionally. Add asparagus one minute before noodles are done and cover. Drain noodles, reserving 1/4 c water. Add sauce and water to veggies, stirring to combine. Stir in noodles and serve. This is very oil-free, plant perfect, filling, and delicious if not quite what I was going for.
Sound of Music...I so enjoy playing my violin these days. Although I can read music just fine, I prefer to play by ear. My problem is that I can't remember the names of the songs, so I made a list of the hymns I like to play to jog my memory during my playing sessions. If I can hear the first line in my head, I can play it. All the days of my life and throughout all eternity, I'll be grateful to Mrs. Jean Davis for instilling the love of music in me and to my parents for funding the adventure.
Bibliophilia...in addition to reading scriptures, I'm re-reading Plato's Republic as part of a Hillsdale course I'm taking. I find it amazing that they offer these great courses for free to anybody willing to spend the time. They started with Constitution 101 years ago and have been building their offerings little by little. Re-reading Words of Delight, a Bible as Literature textbook that isn't textbook-y. Also found a wonderful old phonics program, Professor Phonics, that I wish I had known about when Quinn was here this summer (and when I tried to teach my dyslexic son to read). Quinn and I worked hard but didn't get as far as I would have liked to have done. It's so concise and intensive and sensible. I may offer free tutoring again in the evenings, since I love watching the miracle of people learning to read.
Cucina Fresca...I made a sort of unsweetened Pad Thai. When I drove by myself from Seattle to Phoenix last spring, I stopped at a Thai place on I-10. They had the most delicious, un-sweetened mango juice AND unsweetened Pad Thai. Now that I'm eating so many salads and vegetables again (LOVE IT), I wanted something that fit that category but was still low in salt without sugar similar to that memory. This is pretty good but not quite Pad Thai.
Mushroom Mad Thai For One
1/2 lb. asparagus, cut in one inch pieces 45 calories
5 oz shitaki mushrooms, sliced 79 calories
1/4 yellow onion, thinly sliced 17 calories
1 clove garlic, pressed 4 calories
1 tomato, small dice 16 calories
1 T coconut aminos 15 calories
1 T white miso (non-soy) 40 calories
1/2 t minced ginger 1 calorie
1/2 t sambal oelek 0 calories
2 oz Tinkyada brown rice Pad Thai noodles 210 calories
427 total calories
Prepare vegetables. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, put onions in a large frying pan on high heat. When they begin to sizzle, turn down to low, add tomato, and cover. Mix coconut aminos, miso, ginger, and sambal oelek and set aside. When water boils, put noodles in and set timer for 8 minutes. Remove cover from onions, add garlic and mushrooms. Turn up heat to medium high. Add some water if the onions or tomato stuck to deglaze pan. Cover and turn down heat to medium low. Open and stir occasionally. Add asparagus one minute before noodles are done and cover. Drain noodles, reserving 1/4 c water. Add sauce and water to veggies, stirring to combine. Stir in noodles and serve. This is very oil-free, plant perfect, filling, and delicious if not quite what I was going for.
Sound of Music...I so enjoy playing my violin these days. Although I can read music just fine, I prefer to play by ear. My problem is that I can't remember the names of the songs, so I made a list of the hymns I like to play to jog my memory during my playing sessions. If I can hear the first line in my head, I can play it. All the days of my life and throughout all eternity, I'll be grateful to Mrs. Jean Davis for instilling the love of music in me and to my parents for funding the adventure.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
great pay check
Praying For...Oakley...that she will come to know the joy, peace, hope, and help found in scripture studies and prayer.
Bibliophilia...reading all the Open Court readers I acquired this week. Why don't elementary school books contain classic literature anymore? Also sent The Princess and The Goblin by George MacDonald to Sammy and a very cute book, A Mouse Called Wolf to both Sammy and Oakley.
Cucina Fresca...so glad to get back to my own kitchen, where I can cook real food. Lately, I tried Chef AJ and Dr. Klaper's 'only eat when hungry' idea. I guess my 'hypoglycemia' was more an emotional dependency than a true medical condition. After listening to my body, I've discovered I'm not truly ready to eat each day until about 12:30. Instead of immediately thinking my discomfort is hunger, I drink 16 oz water. Then I ask myself if I'm really hungry or is some sort of emotion driving this need to eat. If I find it is actual hunger, I eat beans, oats, fruit, salad, or pizza crackers. At first I lost seven unwanted pounds that crept on during my mission; now it's leveled off. AND I feel pretty great unless I don't get enough sleep.
Pizza Crackers
2-4 Lundberg Organic Thin Stackers Puffed Grain or Rice Cakes
1-2 T tomato paste
dried Italian herbs
cayenne pepper
garlic powder
Spread tomato paste on all thin stackers. Sprinkle with herbs, cayenne, and garlic. Enjoy with a tall glass of water.
Teaching Little Children...I can't get enough of those sweet little people. In June I began teaching one tiny, 3-year-old girl letter sounds with sandpaper letters. Friday, I gave her the first reading lesson with three-letter, short-vowel words (If I hadn't taken July and last week off, she would have reached this place a month ago). A 4-year-old little boy who only knew 6 sounds in August, is now reading and spelling three letter words with ease. Another darling 3.5 year old boy who learned his first sound in August begs me daily for sound lessons and is on the brink of being ready for his first reading lesson. However, I do believe my greatest satisfaction comes from a kindergarten age boy, who just started school with us in August. He has worked and worked to learn his sounds. Friday, I gave him his first reading lesson. He gave me a great pay check, when he said. 'Reading is fun. I love school.' Until Friday, he always squirmed as if he felt awkward and out of place. As tall as he is for five, it's understandable that he was uncomfortable. As we worked together, I saw him relax for the first time. His math is going crazy, too. Although I love Montessori in every area, I think math most profoundly influences these children (oh, but home arts, botany, biology, and geography are so beautiful, too). Four digit addition and subtraction is way above state standards for kindergarten. Yet, I see children as young as 4 doing just that. Friday, two five-year-old girls learned to skip count by eights. In another week or so, they will be shown how to square and cube eights. Then they will have in their store of knowledge the square root, square cube, and times table of eight--at five! Yet, they see the lessons and materials as the most engaging toys and play of their lives. Montessori math is why my oldest finished algebra and geometry in one year as well as breezing through college calculus at 16; pretty much it was all in her head before age 6.
Puppy Prattle...We cute Dash's long hair off, or the groomer did. Although pure bred Yorkie, she has the cottony type coat instead of the silky type. Gucci was the same. It is sooooo hard to groom. After she reached back and bit the brush, I knew her pretty long hair was not worth the price. Both of us are much happier with two minute grooming sessions instead of fifteen minutes of her crying and me feeling guilty. We love our pre-dawn two mile walks. When we don't get to it, she is less content during the day.
Bibliophilia...reading all the Open Court readers I acquired this week. Why don't elementary school books contain classic literature anymore? Also sent The Princess and The Goblin by George MacDonald to Sammy and a very cute book, A Mouse Called Wolf to both Sammy and Oakley.
Cucina Fresca...so glad to get back to my own kitchen, where I can cook real food. Lately, I tried Chef AJ and Dr. Klaper's 'only eat when hungry' idea. I guess my 'hypoglycemia' was more an emotional dependency than a true medical condition. After listening to my body, I've discovered I'm not truly ready to eat each day until about 12:30. Instead of immediately thinking my discomfort is hunger, I drink 16 oz water. Then I ask myself if I'm really hungry or is some sort of emotion driving this need to eat. If I find it is actual hunger, I eat beans, oats, fruit, salad, or pizza crackers. At first I lost seven unwanted pounds that crept on during my mission; now it's leveled off. AND I feel pretty great unless I don't get enough sleep.
Pizza Crackers
2-4 Lundberg Organic Thin Stackers Puffed Grain or Rice Cakes
1-2 T tomato paste
dried Italian herbs
cayenne pepper
garlic powder
Spread tomato paste on all thin stackers. Sprinkle with herbs, cayenne, and garlic. Enjoy with a tall glass of water.
Teaching Little Children...I can't get enough of those sweet little people. In June I began teaching one tiny, 3-year-old girl letter sounds with sandpaper letters. Friday, I gave her the first reading lesson with three-letter, short-vowel words (If I hadn't taken July and last week off, she would have reached this place a month ago). A 4-year-old little boy who only knew 6 sounds in August, is now reading and spelling three letter words with ease. Another darling 3.5 year old boy who learned his first sound in August begs me daily for sound lessons and is on the brink of being ready for his first reading lesson. However, I do believe my greatest satisfaction comes from a kindergarten age boy, who just started school with us in August. He has worked and worked to learn his sounds. Friday, I gave him his first reading lesson. He gave me a great pay check, when he said. 'Reading is fun. I love school.' Until Friday, he always squirmed as if he felt awkward and out of place. As tall as he is for five, it's understandable that he was uncomfortable. As we worked together, I saw him relax for the first time. His math is going crazy, too. Although I love Montessori in every area, I think math most profoundly influences these children (oh, but home arts, botany, biology, and geography are so beautiful, too). Four digit addition and subtraction is way above state standards for kindergarten. Yet, I see children as young as 4 doing just that. Friday, two five-year-old girls learned to skip count by eights. In another week or so, they will be shown how to square and cube eights. Then they will have in their store of knowledge the square root, square cube, and times table of eight--at five! Yet, they see the lessons and materials as the most engaging toys and play of their lives. Montessori math is why my oldest finished algebra and geometry in one year as well as breezing through college calculus at 16; pretty much it was all in her head before age 6.
Puppy Prattle...We cute Dash's long hair off, or the groomer did. Although pure bred Yorkie, she has the cottony type coat instead of the silky type. Gucci was the same. It is sooooo hard to groom. After she reached back and bit the brush, I knew her pretty long hair was not worth the price. Both of us are much happier with two minute grooming sessions instead of fifteen minutes of her crying and me feeling guilty. We love our pre-dawn two mile walks. When we don't get to it, she is less content during the day.
Monday, August 31, 2015
sanded
Praying For...Gayle that she will slowly blossom into the young lady she might be instead of a rebellious, mean girl. Girls today are really not that much different than girls of my day, although they are more bold with boys. Some choose kindness and respect; others choose bawdiness and unkindness of all sorts. I pray for children everywhere that they will be inspired to choose the higher road.
Bibliophilia...sent Gayle What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge and Cole Watership Down by Richard Adams both delightful reads. Tidying up the reading corner at the school, I came across The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan. The feeling I got of hope and peace from this book brought tears to my eyes. It also made me sad. Because I know there are children watching horrible, violent, obscene movies and television, I know that they will not know how to be peaceful. Why, oh, why can't we see what we are doing to our children?
Jesus' Word..."And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed," Mark 1:35. Days go better if I follow His example of rising before dawn and seeking a quiet place to pray.
Sound of Music...it's not that I am any sort of fine musician, but I love to play violin, ukulele, and sing. "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent," Victor Hugo.
Pen and Brush...I started a new book that will likely suffer the fate of most of my others. I love the characters so much that I cannot give them problems. So it will be a lovely piece of my imagination, where life is beautiful and dreams come true. Who cares if nobody will read it but me? It's a blast to create a new world. Still drawing off and on.
Cucina Fresca...I have high hopes for a new gluten-free, oil-free, plant-based corn bread I'm going to make tonight. If it's a success, I'll post the recipe next time.
Teaching Little Children...I continue to love, love, love working in the Montessori classroom. Today, I taught two children metal inset lessons. Metal insets are probably my favorite material, since they lend themselves to much creativity like drawing. Sandpaper letter lessons with 15 or 20 children a day has sanded my right pointer and tall man quite raw. Watching the four year olds in the class explode into reading, I barely contain excited joy. Even though they all work individually with one on one lessons, for the most part they progress similarly.
Puppy Prattle...Dash has become so dear to me. I finally figured out how to bathe her. With cottony thick coat on her back and thin silky coat on her face, I struggled to get it just right. Now she looks neither greasy nor frizzy. She still eats next to nothing, but she IS only 4ish pounds. How much could she eat anyway?
Garden Gate...all my trees except the moringa out front, mangos, and established citrus took a beating during this excessively hot summer. Definitely a learning curve, I now know that Anna and Golden Dorset are the only appropriate apple choices for this hot desert. Beverly Hills and Gala will be replaced with those. Basil, however, loves this heat as much as moringa and mangos.
Bibliophilia...sent Gayle What Katy Did by Susan Coolidge and Cole Watership Down by Richard Adams both delightful reads. Tidying up the reading corner at the school, I came across The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan. The feeling I got of hope and peace from this book brought tears to my eyes. It also made me sad. Because I know there are children watching horrible, violent, obscene movies and television, I know that they will not know how to be peaceful. Why, oh, why can't we see what we are doing to our children?
Jesus' Word..."And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed," Mark 1:35. Days go better if I follow His example of rising before dawn and seeking a quiet place to pray.
Sound of Music...it's not that I am any sort of fine musician, but I love to play violin, ukulele, and sing. "Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent," Victor Hugo.
Pen and Brush...I started a new book that will likely suffer the fate of most of my others. I love the characters so much that I cannot give them problems. So it will be a lovely piece of my imagination, where life is beautiful and dreams come true. Who cares if nobody will read it but me? It's a blast to create a new world. Still drawing off and on.
Cucina Fresca...I have high hopes for a new gluten-free, oil-free, plant-based corn bread I'm going to make tonight. If it's a success, I'll post the recipe next time.
Teaching Little Children...I continue to love, love, love working in the Montessori classroom. Today, I taught two children metal inset lessons. Metal insets are probably my favorite material, since they lend themselves to much creativity like drawing. Sandpaper letter lessons with 15 or 20 children a day has sanded my right pointer and tall man quite raw. Watching the four year olds in the class explode into reading, I barely contain excited joy. Even though they all work individually with one on one lessons, for the most part they progress similarly.
Puppy Prattle...Dash has become so dear to me. I finally figured out how to bathe her. With cottony thick coat on her back and thin silky coat on her face, I struggled to get it just right. Now she looks neither greasy nor frizzy. She still eats next to nothing, but she IS only 4ish pounds. How much could she eat anyway?
Garden Gate...all my trees except the moringa out front, mangos, and established citrus took a beating during this excessively hot summer. Definitely a learning curve, I now know that Anna and Golden Dorset are the only appropriate apple choices for this hot desert. Beverly Hills and Gala will be replaced with those. Basil, however, loves this heat as much as moringa and mangos.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
we'll see
Praying For...Gracie...that she will be safe and secure...that she will come to know Jesus...that her world will afford her a joyful childhood.
Jesus Word...“And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely,” Hosea 2:18.
Garden Gate...comfrey is growing like gang busters...mangos and apples are thriving...guandulas are doing pretty well...gogis are struggling...mulberries are ok...curry bushes are fine...moringa loves the heat and is pretty tasty...lots and lots of baby herbs growing and growing...BUT the mosquitos out there are eating me alive. I've started wearing long leggings and long sleeved shirts out in the garden, making it necessary to garden early in the morning. I spend other time planting the future garden in my head...it's going to be so shady and tasty and verdant and productive!!!!
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I used to get embarrassed if I got sick or something. After all I am very into preventative nutrition and alternative healing. I should be the model of health; shouldn't I? Well, I got into this stuff for the simple fact that medical physicians didn't meet the needs of my health. I was sick and tired of getting more sick and more tired. So, while I struggle from time to time with my health, I know it's not nutrition or medicine letting me down. It took over 40 years to get in the state I was when I made all my changes. I may never fully recover...BUT I can eat tiny bits of wheat products with no symptoms now (even though I continue to avoid them for the most part.) My naturopath said I might overcome some of my allergies if I healed enough. So, while I continue to struggle with a few things, I do have indications or tiny glimpses that I am getting better.
Needle News...planning to sew an eyelet summer dress on Grandma's machine, which I inherited...we'll see...
Pen and Brush...I joined an online drawing class, which has me drawing a bit more again. I'm really enjoying it!
Bibliophilia...reading an Albert Marrin book about D-Day that I should have read years ago. As with all his books, it's superb. I continue to read from the Orphan Train Adventures by and thoroughly enjoy it. Plus, I'm studying scripture most days as usual.
Movement...because of a health scare, I'm sticking closer to home. Just walking a mile and doing short essentric workouts in the morning. Adding foam rolling back in at night. When my problem is resolved, and it is resolving, I can't wait to take long bike rides again. Life is so good.
Jesus Word...“And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely,” Hosea 2:18.
Garden Gate...comfrey is growing like gang busters...mangos and apples are thriving...guandulas are doing pretty well...gogis are struggling...mulberries are ok...curry bushes are fine...moringa loves the heat and is pretty tasty...lots and lots of baby herbs growing and growing...BUT the mosquitos out there are eating me alive. I've started wearing long leggings and long sleeved shirts out in the garden, making it necessary to garden early in the morning. I spend other time planting the future garden in my head...it's going to be so shady and tasty and verdant and productive!!!!
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I used to get embarrassed if I got sick or something. After all I am very into preventative nutrition and alternative healing. I should be the model of health; shouldn't I? Well, I got into this stuff for the simple fact that medical physicians didn't meet the needs of my health. I was sick and tired of getting more sick and more tired. So, while I struggle from time to time with my health, I know it's not nutrition or medicine letting me down. It took over 40 years to get in the state I was when I made all my changes. I may never fully recover...BUT I can eat tiny bits of wheat products with no symptoms now (even though I continue to avoid them for the most part.) My naturopath said I might overcome some of my allergies if I healed enough. So, while I continue to struggle with a few things, I do have indications or tiny glimpses that I am getting better.
Needle News...planning to sew an eyelet summer dress on Grandma's machine, which I inherited...we'll see...
Pen and Brush...I joined an online drawing class, which has me drawing a bit more again. I'm really enjoying it!
Bibliophilia...reading an Albert Marrin book about D-Day that I should have read years ago. As with all his books, it's superb. I continue to read from the Orphan Train Adventures by and thoroughly enjoy it. Plus, I'm studying scripture most days as usual.
Movement...because of a health scare, I'm sticking closer to home. Just walking a mile and doing short essentric workouts in the morning. Adding foam rolling back in at night. When my problem is resolved, and it is resolving, I can't wait to take long bike rides again. Life is so good.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
not the end
Praying For...Oakley...that she will be a kind, charitable, compassionate person...that she will pursue spiritual and secular scholarship for a better life on earth and in heaven...that those in authority over her will nurture and teach with gentleness and the pure love of Christ...that leaders of nations will protect the sanctity of the family and the innocence of children to their utmost ability...that her neighbors locally and internationally will stop contending and vying for power...let there be peace on earth and let it begin with...
Jesus' Word..."To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance," Ecclesiastes 3:1,4. I prayed for the peaceful passing of my dear grandmother. When she finally slipped from this life, sadness enveloped me. Both peculiar and unexpected, I threw myself into funeral preparations. With all the family in town, I enjoyed the party like atmosphere that accompanies funerals in our family. At the service, the minister was so negative and depressing; this was perplexing considering the lovely Christian life she led. I'll ever be grateful that I was asked to speak along with Aunt Dean and Cousin Brian in celebration of her beautiful example of Christian charity and kindness. I don't look on death as an enemy or curse, because I believe in the atoning gift of resurrection. Death isn't the end.
Bibliophilia...Sent both Sammy and Oakley The Doll Shop Downstairs. I don't know how I missed this one, when my girls were small, but it's a delightful read. I'm looking forward to exploring more titles from this author.
Cucina Fresca...I'm experimenting with different grains the rice cooker. So far everything I've tried tastes better than on the stove top. My homemade rice milk is easy to prepare and quite delicious. This week I'm going to try making hot cereal overnight with the timer method: steel cut oats, polenta, kashi, rice, quinoa, millet, and amaranth. Grains are so health giving and delicious. In addition to making all these grains with fruit as a sweet start, I'll make some savory breakfast grain/veggie dishes like the South Indian or Italian dishes below. With a green smoothie and a bowl of whole grains, I'm good to go for hours and hours.
1 c red or brown rice + water according to cooker
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/2 t mustard seeds
1 mild green chilie, minced
1/2 purple onion, minced
1 Yukon gold potato, small dice
1-2 c green cabbage, 1 inch dice
1/2 t turmeric
4-5 curry leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced for garnish
fresh lemon, for garnish
In a hot dry skillet, pop mustard seeds. As soon as they crackle, add onion, garlic, and green chilies, cooking until onions are translucent. Add turmeric and curry leaves, cooking for a minute or two. Add everything to the rice cooker, and set for desired breakfast time. In the morning, put rice in bowls, and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and lemon juice. A mango, orange, pineapple, and moringa smoothie seems appropriate here.
Put sun dried tomatoes, kale, dry sautéed onion and garlic, parsley, rice milk, and polenta (or rice or millet) in the rice cooker. In the morning top with basil and lemon juice. Serve with spinach and berry smoothie.
Also going to explore cooking small legumes this way for breakfast.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...(no doctor of any kind, just a student of natural, nutritional herbalism) sometimes the best plans don't work...with all the fatigue and exposure to germs I had for the last few weeks, I got very ill. I'm still struggling. None of the usual players helped much at all. That's really ok, though. Sometimes, we need to slow down and enjoy the journey. I only hope I recover, since I was so enjoying the added measure of health. If not I know God has something special in store for me.
Garden Gate...even though I was sicker than a dog, I got my trees and bushes in the ground: espalier apples, mangos, mulberry bushes (not trees), gogis, guandulas, tree collard, curry, and lots of herbs. Still want to plant bay, loquat, cherry, peach, nectarine, star fruit, more moringas, fig, pear, grape, more citrus, flowers, asparagus, sweet potato, and annual veggies. With this plan, we have a mostly perennial greens, beans, and fruit subsistence garden, which we don't actually need to subsist upon. Even so, I want to produce as much of my own food as I can. Dwarf plants make this goal possible in a small area. Soooooo glad we have a yard man that doesn't mind coming by to dig the holes, which is currently way out of my fitness level.
Jesus' Word..."To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance," Ecclesiastes 3:1,4. I prayed for the peaceful passing of my dear grandmother. When she finally slipped from this life, sadness enveloped me. Both peculiar and unexpected, I threw myself into funeral preparations. With all the family in town, I enjoyed the party like atmosphere that accompanies funerals in our family. At the service, the minister was so negative and depressing; this was perplexing considering the lovely Christian life she led. I'll ever be grateful that I was asked to speak along with Aunt Dean and Cousin Brian in celebration of her beautiful example of Christian charity and kindness. I don't look on death as an enemy or curse, because I believe in the atoning gift of resurrection. Death isn't the end.
Bibliophilia...Sent both Sammy and Oakley The Doll Shop Downstairs. I don't know how I missed this one, when my girls were small, but it's a delightful read. I'm looking forward to exploring more titles from this author.
Cucina Fresca...I'm experimenting with different grains the rice cooker. So far everything I've tried tastes better than on the stove top. My homemade rice milk is easy to prepare and quite delicious. This week I'm going to try making hot cereal overnight with the timer method: steel cut oats, polenta, kashi, rice, quinoa, millet, and amaranth. Grains are so health giving and delicious. In addition to making all these grains with fruit as a sweet start, I'll make some savory breakfast grain/veggie dishes like the South Indian or Italian dishes below. With a green smoothie and a bowl of whole grains, I'm good to go for hours and hours.
1 c red or brown rice + water according to cooker
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/2 t mustard seeds
1 mild green chilie, minced
1/2 purple onion, minced
1 Yukon gold potato, small dice
1-2 c green cabbage, 1 inch dice
1/2 t turmeric
4-5 curry leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced for garnish
fresh lemon, for garnish
In a hot dry skillet, pop mustard seeds. As soon as they crackle, add onion, garlic, and green chilies, cooking until onions are translucent. Add turmeric and curry leaves, cooking for a minute or two. Add everything to the rice cooker, and set for desired breakfast time. In the morning, put rice in bowls, and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and lemon juice. A mango, orange, pineapple, and moringa smoothie seems appropriate here.
Put sun dried tomatoes, kale, dry sautéed onion and garlic, parsley, rice milk, and polenta (or rice or millet) in the rice cooker. In the morning top with basil and lemon juice. Serve with spinach and berry smoothie.
Also going to explore cooking small legumes this way for breakfast.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...(no doctor of any kind, just a student of natural, nutritional herbalism) sometimes the best plans don't work...with all the fatigue and exposure to germs I had for the last few weeks, I got very ill. I'm still struggling. None of the usual players helped much at all. That's really ok, though. Sometimes, we need to slow down and enjoy the journey. I only hope I recover, since I was so enjoying the added measure of health. If not I know God has something special in store for me.
Garden Gate...even though I was sicker than a dog, I got my trees and bushes in the ground: espalier apples, mangos, mulberry bushes (not trees), gogis, guandulas, tree collard, curry, and lots of herbs. Still want to plant bay, loquat, cherry, peach, nectarine, star fruit, more moringas, fig, pear, grape, more citrus, flowers, asparagus, sweet potato, and annual veggies. With this plan, we have a mostly perennial greens, beans, and fruit subsistence garden, which we don't actually need to subsist upon. Even so, I want to produce as much of my own food as I can. Dwarf plants make this goal possible in a small area. Soooooo glad we have a yard man that doesn't mind coming by to dig the holes, which is currently way out of my fitness level.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
really, finally gone
Praying For...Claire, who is growing to be a refined little lady at her ripe age of six. I pray that she and all of my grands and offspring will gain and keep strong testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All other hopes and desires for them pale in comparison to this one.
Jesus' Word..."...whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction," 1 Nephi 15:24. Because I need all the help I can get, this promise calms my heart. The word of God is like a beacon through this foggy, strange world in which we live and will help us find the power or grace we need to resist temptations of the evil one.
Bibliophilia...Besides the scriptures, I've been reading Amazed by Grace. It explains this principle so well and is exactly the way I've always thought of grace. I'm so excited to read a recently acquired book about some of my Native American ancestors from my mother's line, Guardians of the Valley: Chickasaws in Colonial South Carolina and Georgia. So far my genealogy traces my mother's side through the Chickasaws and my father's side through the Powhatan found around Jamestown. Apparently, I can find out more about the Powhatan in the Shawnee Heritage book series by Don Greene. Read a cute book, which I also sent to Claire, Twig. We also sent Dover Owls coloring book.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...while taking my grands to plenty of crowded places over spring break, I contracted conjunctivitis. Yuck! Sure it will go away by itself after seven to ten days. However, I didn't want to have burning, red, goopy eyes for seven to ten days. Of course I was out of my favorite Dr. Christopher Eyebright Formula, containing eyebright herb, goldenseal root, red raspberry leaf, mullein flower, bayberry bark, fennel seed, rue flower and cayenne pepper. As any good herbalist would do, I researched some other possibilities. I made a thick infusion of fennel and flax seeds for an eye wash. Immediately, the burning was gone. After only a couple more applications the infection was gone. This is a good one to know about.
Lastest Amazing Feat...I drove 1400-ish miles in 2.5 days without incident or injury. After a bath and two hour nap, I felt perfectly fine. Is my illness really, finally gone!!!
Movement...with near zero internet access for over a week, I was getting a bit frantic about my lack of exercise. This morning before church, I spent a glorious 45 minutes stretching and sweating. It was lovely. I still can't believe this seeker of shade and rest LOVES to exercise now.
Cucina Fresca...Ingredient specific recipes can be intimidating and expensive. On the other hand, master recipes allow one to use what is on hand or in season. Plus, the cook can experiment with confidence. If you've read my posts at all, you know I've been cooking oil-free, nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegan for years now. Master Stir Fry (Steam) Recipe is no exception. Since I developed an allergy to soy and try to limit salt, I also had to experiment quite a bit to find a flavorful stir fry. This one seems to fit the bill. Because it makes such a nice flavor, I start out with a similar veg base mix to my marinara and master soup recipes.
In a large frying pan or wok, layer 1/4 red onion, sliced carrot and celery stock, 1/2 diced roma tomato, 1-2 sliced portabello (or a handful or two other) mushrooms, half a garlic clove, a bit of minced ginger, per person. Cook over high heat. As soon as it starts to sizzle, add a tablespoon or so of water, cover, and turn the heat down. Soon the mushrooms and onions will release their fluids. Remove the lid and continue to cook. This mixture is ready when everything starts to break down and brown. This makes a healthier substitute for the umami or savory salty/soy flavor everyone loves in Asian foods. Now, add a tablespoon or two more water to deglaze the pan. It is time to add two or three handfuls of body veggies, of which the possibilities are endless. Steam, covered until just tender crisp. Now, you might add the juice of lemon, lime, and/or orange or rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes for a more Chinese flavor. Red or Green curry paste, honey, or chopped peanuts lend a Thai influence. Steamed, pureed cauliflower with S&B oriental curry powder turn it into Japanese curry. Garam Masala and Madras curry powder OR curry leaves and sambar powder take you to India.
Body Veg/Fruit Suggestions:
snow peas
broccoli slaw mix
broccoli flowerets
rabe
red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers
cilantro
thai basil
green onions
spinach
chard
collards
head or napa cabbage
bok choy or other Asian cabbages
japanese eggplant
hot peppers
baby corn
Morninga leaves or pods
summer squash
Steamed, diced pumpkin or sweet potato
julienne carrots, jicama, or turnip
plums
mango
grapes
pineapple
apricots
peaches
bean sprouts
This is filling enough to eat as a weight stabilizing meal on its own and is my go to if I find any pounds creeping on. It is delicious over brown, black, or red rice or Annie Chun's Brown Rice Pad Thai noodles. The latter is excellent to keep the heat out of the kitchen in the summer, because they only require a ten minute soak in hot water instead of boiling. If you want even more flavor, top with tabasco, sambal oelek, sriracha, or other spicy condiments OR a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
Enjoy this creative master recipe and incorporating more nutrient-rich foods into your healthy, cruelty-free way of life.
Jesus' Word..."...whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction," 1 Nephi 15:24. Because I need all the help I can get, this promise calms my heart. The word of God is like a beacon through this foggy, strange world in which we live and will help us find the power or grace we need to resist temptations of the evil one.
Bibliophilia...Besides the scriptures, I've been reading Amazed by Grace. It explains this principle so well and is exactly the way I've always thought of grace. I'm so excited to read a recently acquired book about some of my Native American ancestors from my mother's line, Guardians of the Valley: Chickasaws in Colonial South Carolina and Georgia. So far my genealogy traces my mother's side through the Chickasaws and my father's side through the Powhatan found around Jamestown. Apparently, I can find out more about the Powhatan in the Shawnee Heritage book series by Don Greene. Read a cute book, which I also sent to Claire, Twig. We also sent Dover Owls coloring book.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...while taking my grands to plenty of crowded places over spring break, I contracted conjunctivitis. Yuck! Sure it will go away by itself after seven to ten days. However, I didn't want to have burning, red, goopy eyes for seven to ten days. Of course I was out of my favorite Dr. Christopher Eyebright Formula, containing eyebright herb, goldenseal root, red raspberry leaf, mullein flower, bayberry bark, fennel seed, rue flower and cayenne pepper. As any good herbalist would do, I researched some other possibilities. I made a thick infusion of fennel and flax seeds for an eye wash. Immediately, the burning was gone. After only a couple more applications the infection was gone. This is a good one to know about.
Lastest Amazing Feat...I drove 1400-ish miles in 2.5 days without incident or injury. After a bath and two hour nap, I felt perfectly fine. Is my illness really, finally gone!!!
Movement...with near zero internet access for over a week, I was getting a bit frantic about my lack of exercise. This morning before church, I spent a glorious 45 minutes stretching and sweating. It was lovely. I still can't believe this seeker of shade and rest LOVES to exercise now.
Cucina Fresca...Ingredient specific recipes can be intimidating and expensive. On the other hand, master recipes allow one to use what is on hand or in season. Plus, the cook can experiment with confidence. If you've read my posts at all, you know I've been cooking oil-free, nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegan for years now. Master Stir Fry (Steam) Recipe is no exception. Since I developed an allergy to soy and try to limit salt, I also had to experiment quite a bit to find a flavorful stir fry. This one seems to fit the bill. Because it makes such a nice flavor, I start out with a similar veg base mix to my marinara and master soup recipes.
In a large frying pan or wok, layer 1/4 red onion, sliced carrot and celery stock, 1/2 diced roma tomato, 1-2 sliced portabello (or a handful or two other) mushrooms, half a garlic clove, a bit of minced ginger, per person. Cook over high heat. As soon as it starts to sizzle, add a tablespoon or so of water, cover, and turn the heat down. Soon the mushrooms and onions will release their fluids. Remove the lid and continue to cook. This mixture is ready when everything starts to break down and brown. This makes a healthier substitute for the umami or savory salty/soy flavor everyone loves in Asian foods. Now, add a tablespoon or two more water to deglaze the pan. It is time to add two or three handfuls of body veggies, of which the possibilities are endless. Steam, covered until just tender crisp. Now, you might add the juice of lemon, lime, and/or orange or rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes for a more Chinese flavor. Red or Green curry paste, honey, or chopped peanuts lend a Thai influence. Steamed, pureed cauliflower with S&B oriental curry powder turn it into Japanese curry. Garam Masala and Madras curry powder OR curry leaves and sambar powder take you to India.
Body Veg/Fruit Suggestions:
snow peas
broccoli slaw mix
broccoli flowerets
rabe
red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers
cilantro
thai basil
green onions
spinach
chard
collards
head or napa cabbage
bok choy or other Asian cabbages
japanese eggplant
hot peppers
baby corn
Morninga leaves or pods
summer squash
Steamed, diced pumpkin or sweet potato
julienne carrots, jicama, or turnip
plums
mango
grapes
pineapple
apricots
peaches
bean sprouts
This is filling enough to eat as a weight stabilizing meal on its own and is my go to if I find any pounds creeping on. It is delicious over brown, black, or red rice or Annie Chun's Brown Rice Pad Thai noodles. The latter is excellent to keep the heat out of the kitchen in the summer, because they only require a ten minute soak in hot water instead of boiling. If you want even more flavor, top with tabasco, sambal oelek, sriracha, or other spicy condiments OR a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
Enjoy this creative master recipe and incorporating more nutrient-rich foods into your healthy, cruelty-free way of life.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
cleansing the temple
Jesus the Christ Chapter 12...I hope and pray that getting back to my original format will help me get back into the spirit of this study.
John 2:12
Matthew 4:13; 9:1
Matthew 11:23
Luke 10:15
Luke 2:46-49
Exodus 30:11-16
John 2:14-17
Psalm 69:9
Yesterday, I talked to a couple friends about my conversation on contention that occurred in my Primary class last Sunday. One woman pointed out that Jesus acted in anger. She said that gave us permission to do likewise. I didn't say anything but do not agree. Jesus was cleansing the temple. He didn't act in anger but indignation. A parallel might me if we walked in and found people living in our home without permission or observed someone defiling a child or were in a position of personal peril. Justifying angry outburst by comparing them to Jesus' acts at the temple is ludicrous.
Exploring the life of Jesus Christ is both fascinating and spiritually enlarging. I know that He live, that He loves me, and that His atoning sacrifice make it possible for fallible little me to dwell again in the presence of the Father. Somedays, when I'm tired or in pain, this knowledge makes all the difference. I can keep enduring, keep moving forward, and keep smiling. It'll be worth it.
John 2:12
Matthew 4:13; 9:1
Matthew 11:23
Luke 10:15
Luke 2:46-49
Exodus 30:11-16
John 2:14-17
Psalm 69:9
Yesterday, I talked to a couple friends about my conversation on contention that occurred in my Primary class last Sunday. One woman pointed out that Jesus acted in anger. She said that gave us permission to do likewise. I didn't say anything but do not agree. Jesus was cleansing the temple. He didn't act in anger but indignation. A parallel might me if we walked in and found people living in our home without permission or observed someone defiling a child or were in a position of personal peril. Justifying angry outburst by comparing them to Jesus' acts at the temple is ludicrous.
Exploring the life of Jesus Christ is both fascinating and spiritually enlarging. I know that He live, that He loves me, and that His atoning sacrifice make it possible for fallible little me to dwell again in the presence of the Father. Somedays, when I'm tired or in pain, this knowledge makes all the difference. I can keep enduring, keep moving forward, and keep smiling. It'll be worth it.
Monday, July 8, 2013
lemon hand grenade
OK, so I'm not always perfect. I read a fluffy, mystery novel. Actually, it was pretty good. Busy body, Sadie, the main character is sweet (and an amazing brawler) but a huge liar. She seemed to justify her lying because it was for a good cause. Tsk, Tsk...The Bible says, Thou Shalt Not Lie, not only lie for a good cause. In the end, she confesses all her lies, as they become life saving justifications. Nevertheless, she taught some important lessons in the book. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause. Show loyalty to family and friends.
And this one that had me rolling with laughter. "Taking offense is like take a hand grenade--it's up to you." Josi Kilpack, Lemon Tart
After I finished laughing, I began to think of the same advice from a couple other more spiritual sources.
"If a person says or does something that we consider offensive, our first obligation is to refuse to take offense and then communicate privately, honestly, and directly with that individual." David A. Bednar, October 2006
"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison...But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matthew 5:25,44
And this one that had me rolling with laughter. "Taking offense is like take a hand grenade--it's up to you." Josi Kilpack, Lemon Tart
After I finished laughing, I began to think of the same advice from a couple other more spiritual sources.
"If a person says or does something that we consider offensive, our first obligation is to refuse to take offense and then communicate privately, honestly, and directly with that individual." David A. Bednar, October 2006
"Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison...But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;" Matthew 5:25,44
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
I could not ask for more
Praying For...Tyson, our 5-year-old Lego maniac as well as Wyatt, the spitting image of my youngest child and not with just looks...that the time they have to spend as children can be happy, innocent, and peaceful. Also, that children around the world can come to know the peace, truth, and light only found in the arms of Jesus. Praying that the people of the United States can learn the true meaning of liberty, what it cost generations of to achieve, and how important it is to retain it.
Pondering Jesus' Word..."Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven..." Matthew 5:12...learning to rejoice and be glad in spite of trails...
Bibliophilia...sent Billy And Blaze: A Boy And His Horse by C.W. Anderson plus a couple things summer boredom squelchers to Tyson. Wish I could find a lego book for someone his age. Read the Book Whisperer and loved it.
Cucina Fresca...our diet is getting simpler and less-expensive but at the same time more satisfying. McDougall is right. Using more dehydrated veg and sprouts because of the expense of buying on the island. Still experimenting to make a good gluten, nut, oil, dairy, egg, soy free pizza crust. Millet flour was just too strong tasting. Brown rice flour is too bland on its own but is still good. This week I'll try adding tapioca starch and perhaps quinoa flour. Even without the perfect crust, my pizza is delicious: tomato paste, spices, herbs, nutritional yeast, sliced tomatoes, minced spinach and basil, slowly carmelized onions, mushrooms, red peppers, oh my.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I'm neither a doctor, nor a medicine woman. Quite simply, I enjoy studying alternative, home-centered, health care. Last week, my beloved cut his thumb on a tractor. I cleaned it up and forgot about it. Well, quickly and badly it became infected. When he showed me the mess, I got out the epsom salts and had him soak it 2-3 X daily as well as applying DoTerra On Guard essential oil that I buy from my daughter. Some preliminary studies have shown On Guard to be effective against mrsa and other pathogens. I know it was effective against whatever was infecting hubby's thumb. Anyway...only two days of treating the infection resulted in draining and healing. Amazing!
Mission Life/Sound of Music...cleaned the concrete pond of a decade of accumulated fir needles, moss, dirt, and so forth, give or take. Around the edge it was being invaded by an army of seedlings, which we cut back, allow access to the lovely bridge. When nobody's around, I become the fiddler on the bridge, playing hymns to God.
Nature...something woke me up two nights ago...an owl sat outside my bedroom window hooting up a storm. It was hilarious.
Garden Gate...two of our poor, neglected hives have perished with the invasion of wax moths...but...one is producing honey like gang busters. That is according to my dear friend Jackie, who took it upon herself to put on supers and extract the first honey flow for us. Yes, the hives are in our home town, while we are miles away serving on this island. Now that's friendship. She's sending some of the honey up to us. Hurray!
Pen and Brush...I did paint and send cards last week but forgot to photograph them. One was a snail for Enzo and the other was a chipmunk for Oakley. I'll likely paint similarly for Tyson and Wyatt plus a birthday card for my mother.
Pondering Jesus' Word..."Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven..." Matthew 5:12...learning to rejoice and be glad in spite of trails...
Bibliophilia...sent Billy And Blaze: A Boy And His Horse by C.W. Anderson plus a couple things summer boredom squelchers to Tyson. Wish I could find a lego book for someone his age. Read the Book Whisperer and loved it.
Cucina Fresca...our diet is getting simpler and less-expensive but at the same time more satisfying. McDougall is right. Using more dehydrated veg and sprouts because of the expense of buying on the island. Still experimenting to make a good gluten, nut, oil, dairy, egg, soy free pizza crust. Millet flour was just too strong tasting. Brown rice flour is too bland on its own but is still good. This week I'll try adding tapioca starch and perhaps quinoa flour. Even without the perfect crust, my pizza is delicious: tomato paste, spices, herbs, nutritional yeast, sliced tomatoes, minced spinach and basil, slowly carmelized onions, mushrooms, red peppers, oh my.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I'm neither a doctor, nor a medicine woman. Quite simply, I enjoy studying alternative, home-centered, health care. Last week, my beloved cut his thumb on a tractor. I cleaned it up and forgot about it. Well, quickly and badly it became infected. When he showed me the mess, I got out the epsom salts and had him soak it 2-3 X daily as well as applying DoTerra On Guard essential oil that I buy from my daughter. Some preliminary studies have shown On Guard to be effective against mrsa and other pathogens. I know it was effective against whatever was infecting hubby's thumb. Anyway...only two days of treating the infection resulted in draining and healing. Amazing!
Mission Life/Sound of Music...cleaned the concrete pond of a decade of accumulated fir needles, moss, dirt, and so forth, give or take. Around the edge it was being invaded by an army of seedlings, which we cut back, allow access to the lovely bridge. When nobody's around, I become the fiddler on the bridge, playing hymns to God.
Nature...something woke me up two nights ago...an owl sat outside my bedroom window hooting up a storm. It was hilarious.
Garden Gate...two of our poor, neglected hives have perished with the invasion of wax moths...but...one is producing honey like gang busters. That is according to my dear friend Jackie, who took it upon herself to put on supers and extract the first honey flow for us. Yes, the hives are in our home town, while we are miles away serving on this island. Now that's friendship. She's sending some of the honey up to us. Hurray!
Pen and Brush...I did paint and send cards last week but forgot to photograph them. One was a snail for Enzo and the other was a chipmunk for Oakley. I'll likely paint similarly for Tyson and Wyatt plus a birthday card for my mother.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
so much beauty
Praying For...Cole, our dear, 8-year-old, little professor so much like Spencer...let him find Jesus and find joy. Also, I decided to start rotating through my Primary children. Last week Truman was on my list. This week I'll give my attention to Noah, one of the triplets of whom I have two. Really, I pray constantly for children around the world to find Jesus and joy. Finally, I pray for God to stay the hands of those with power to inflict evil. I know He must allow the wicked to bring guilt upon themselves, but I still dream of world peace. Inner peace for children is my next plea, because it allows them to face trials with joy.
Meditations on Jesus' Word..."I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth," Doctrine and Covenants 93:40. I so much miss being a mommy. I loved teaching my children but wish I had done better. My example was not stellar.
Bibliophilia...sent Adam of the Road and Castles to Cole. Hope he likes them as much as my boys did. I so miss reading with my children. Buying books for the grands is fun but not as fun as spending time and reading with a child.
Covina Fresca...when friends or family are ill, I give them mild-tasting, heart-healthy, nutrient-dense, pantry-friendly Better Than Chicken Soup. Often they report it is the only thing they kept down for days and helped them not feel so weak.
4 c distilled water 1 c brown lentils 1/2 c dehydrated mixed vegetables 2 T dehydrated spinach 2 T dehydrated cabbage 1 t dried thyme 1/2 t cumin
Bring all to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 60-90 min. Or put in a slow cooker after breakfast for a wonderful lunch. Correct seasonings and salt to taste. If not making for the ill, add 1/4 c dried mushrooms, 1 t oregano instead of thyme, increase cumin to 1 t, and add 1/2 t red pepper flakes. Leftovers are fantastic with a couple teaspoons of curry powder mixed in and served over rice.
Country Diary...on the way to a baptism, we saw a seal in the water eating fish. A couple days ago, we were mowing a big field. A bunch of barn swallows began diving and swooping to catch the bugs thrown up behind our tractors. We love barn swallows. Friday, my beloved was out mowing one of the fields, and a stray border collie decided to lounge in the middle of the field. When I headed that way to cut some trees, the dog ran off. It looks like Spring is easing into Summer. Although we’ve had tons of rain, it is warming up nicely. For almost two straight weeks, we couldn’t mow because of the rain. Then our best tractor broke. Playing catch-up is pretty fun but also hard. We love working on God’s farm.
Sound of Music...The Light Divine is a real challenge. Finally, got to play in the music circle Saturday. I can't believe the beauty of the sound out there and that it is coming from a violin I play.
Pen and Brush...some detest work. I prefer to work without bellyaching and find something I like about it. Mowing pasture can be boring....unless swallows are dive bombing the fields as the tractor throws up bugs. I love this. Also, so much time outdoors gives me time to think and pray.
Meditations on Jesus' Word..."I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth," Doctrine and Covenants 93:40. I so much miss being a mommy. I loved teaching my children but wish I had done better. My example was not stellar.
Bibliophilia...sent Adam of the Road and Castles to Cole. Hope he likes them as much as my boys did. I so miss reading with my children. Buying books for the grands is fun but not as fun as spending time and reading with a child.
Covina Fresca...when friends or family are ill, I give them mild-tasting, heart-healthy, nutrient-dense, pantry-friendly Better Than Chicken Soup. Often they report it is the only thing they kept down for days and helped them not feel so weak.
4 c distilled water 1 c brown lentils 1/2 c dehydrated mixed vegetables 2 T dehydrated spinach 2 T dehydrated cabbage 1 t dried thyme 1/2 t cumin
Bring all to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 60-90 min. Or put in a slow cooker after breakfast for a wonderful lunch. Correct seasonings and salt to taste. If not making for the ill, add 1/4 c dried mushrooms, 1 t oregano instead of thyme, increase cumin to 1 t, and add 1/2 t red pepper flakes. Leftovers are fantastic with a couple teaspoons of curry powder mixed in and served over rice.
Country Diary...on the way to a baptism, we saw a seal in the water eating fish. A couple days ago, we were mowing a big field. A bunch of barn swallows began diving and swooping to catch the bugs thrown up behind our tractors. We love barn swallows. Friday, my beloved was out mowing one of the fields, and a stray border collie decided to lounge in the middle of the field. When I headed that way to cut some trees, the dog ran off. It looks like Spring is easing into Summer. Although we’ve had tons of rain, it is warming up nicely. For almost two straight weeks, we couldn’t mow because of the rain. Then our best tractor broke. Playing catch-up is pretty fun but also hard. We love working on God’s farm.
Sound of Music...The Light Divine is a real challenge. Finally, got to play in the music circle Saturday. I can't believe the beauty of the sound out there and that it is coming from a violin I play.
Pen and Brush...some detest work. I prefer to work without bellyaching and find something I like about it. Mowing pasture can be boring....unless swallows are dive bombing the fields as the tractor throws up bugs. I love this. Also, so much time outdoors gives me time to think and pray.
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| Card for Cole |
Sunday, May 12, 2013
and on and on again
Praying For...Quinn, our clever court jester. May he choose the way home to God. I also pray the same for other little boys to recognized Jesus and choose His easy and light way. Praying that the leaders of our nation and the world will walk in Jesus' way and exercise public/private virtue.
Meditations on Jesus' Word..."Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 After some experimenting, I've come to know the truthfulness of this promise. In this world, His ways seem odd and hard but are ever so much easier than sin.
Bibliophilia...I sent Quinn Three Tales of My Father's Dragon, My Father's Dragon trilogy put into one book, along with a Kumon and an Explode the Code book. My boys absolutely loved these books between the ages of 4 and 8. I also sent Right Start Corners to both siblings in that house. Personally, I read Wild About Greens by Nava Atlas and can't wait to try out some of her recipes.
Cucina Fresca...Lately, with my heavy work schedule, I have new goals: quick, no-added-fat, plant-only, pantry meals. This would qualify, if I left out the fresh veg, which would be fine because of the dehydrated veg. Thankfully, I didn't need to do that. I've tried to make quinoa tacos before, but somehow they just weren't that great. After reading how to make taco shells at Engine 2, I gave it another try. It was given a 9, which is pretty high in the ratings and makes it a repeater. Quinoa is not expensive in the big Costco bags.
20 Minute Quinoa Tacos for Two
1/4 c. quinoa
1/2 c. water
pinch smoked paprika
pinch paprika
1/2 t. ancho chili
pinch dehydrated mixed hot chilies
1/2 t. onion powder
1/4 t. garlic powder
1 T. dehydrated veggie powder
2 T. dehydrated spinach
1 red or yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 Anaheim pepper, sliced
20 cherry tomatoes, halved
handful cilantro, minced
1 handful baby lettuce mix, minced
1 handful finely sliced purple cabbage (fermented is yummy here)
1/2 c. salsa
6 corn tortillas
Preheat oven to 350F. While waiting for water to boil, put spices in water. Add quinoa to boiling water turn down heat to low, cover, and put a timer on for 10-15 min. After oven is heated, drape corn tortillas over two bars of the metal baking rack; bake at 400F for 6-8 minutes. Over medium high heat, dry saute bell and Anaheim pepper strips until small brown spots appear on skin. Meanwhile, prep tomatoes, cilantro, lettuce, and cabbage. Every thing should be ready at this point. Assemble tacos. Eat with quick chopped seasonal fruit salad.
Duds...Last week one of the leaders of the youth that visited here commented on my skirts. She said, I could never serve a mission, because you have to wear skirts all the time. I told her I'd been wearing only skirts for years and why. She seemed fascinated with the idea. My weirdness with skirts has drawn a lot of attention on this weird island. Many women have commented how cute my usual farm combo looks: denim skirt, blouse, sweater, denim jacket, tights, and lacer boots. I don't have any trouble working dressed this way just as women for all time before the 1920s didn't.
Sound of Music...We found a place on the property with awesome acoustics. It's an old training corral with solid sides. Because nobody can hear me except God, I stand on a mound in the middle playing and singing hymns to my heart's content. This week the corral was full of forget-me-nots. Hi Katie!
Garden Gate...learned how to graft apple trees. It was so excitingly fun. We are reclaiming a several acre section of land that hasn't been mowed for a couple years. Not only do we contend with thick grass but small shrubs such as Scottish broom and ferns.
Pen and Brush...God is blessing my service by improving my energy levels. Even after 60-70 hour weeks, I still have time and energy to paint. However, since my mac doesn't work, I cannot put them in this journal. I painted in my journal nearly every day and made three cards.
And Finally...
Meditations on Jesus' Word..."Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30 After some experimenting, I've come to know the truthfulness of this promise. In this world, His ways seem odd and hard but are ever so much easier than sin.
Bibliophilia...I sent Quinn Three Tales of My Father's Dragon, My Father's Dragon trilogy put into one book, along with a Kumon and an Explode the Code book. My boys absolutely loved these books between the ages of 4 and 8. I also sent Right Start Corners to both siblings in that house. Personally, I read Wild About Greens by Nava Atlas and can't wait to try out some of her recipes.
Cucina Fresca...Lately, with my heavy work schedule, I have new goals: quick, no-added-fat, plant-only, pantry meals. This would qualify, if I left out the fresh veg, which would be fine because of the dehydrated veg. Thankfully, I didn't need to do that. I've tried to make quinoa tacos before, but somehow they just weren't that great. After reading how to make taco shells at Engine 2, I gave it another try. It was given a 9, which is pretty high in the ratings and makes it a repeater. Quinoa is not expensive in the big Costco bags.
20 Minute Quinoa Tacos for Two
1/4 c. quinoa
1/2 c. water
pinch smoked paprika
pinch paprika
1/2 t. ancho chili
pinch dehydrated mixed hot chilies
1/2 t. onion powder
1/4 t. garlic powder
1 T. dehydrated veggie powder
2 T. dehydrated spinach
1 red or yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 Anaheim pepper, sliced
20 cherry tomatoes, halved
handful cilantro, minced
1 handful baby lettuce mix, minced
1 handful finely sliced purple cabbage (fermented is yummy here)
1/2 c. salsa
6 corn tortillas
Preheat oven to 350F. While waiting for water to boil, put spices in water. Add quinoa to boiling water turn down heat to low, cover, and put a timer on for 10-15 min. After oven is heated, drape corn tortillas over two bars of the metal baking rack; bake at 400F for 6-8 minutes. Over medium high heat, dry saute bell and Anaheim pepper strips until small brown spots appear on skin. Meanwhile, prep tomatoes, cilantro, lettuce, and cabbage. Every thing should be ready at this point. Assemble tacos. Eat with quick chopped seasonal fruit salad.
Duds...Last week one of the leaders of the youth that visited here commented on my skirts. She said, I could never serve a mission, because you have to wear skirts all the time. I told her I'd been wearing only skirts for years and why. She seemed fascinated with the idea. My weirdness with skirts has drawn a lot of attention on this weird island. Many women have commented how cute my usual farm combo looks: denim skirt, blouse, sweater, denim jacket, tights, and lacer boots. I don't have any trouble working dressed this way just as women for all time before the 1920s didn't.
Sound of Music...We found a place on the property with awesome acoustics. It's an old training corral with solid sides. Because nobody can hear me except God, I stand on a mound in the middle playing and singing hymns to my heart's content. This week the corral was full of forget-me-nots. Hi Katie!
Garden Gate...learned how to graft apple trees. It was so excitingly fun. We are reclaiming a several acre section of land that hasn't been mowed for a couple years. Not only do we contend with thick grass but small shrubs such as Scottish broom and ferns.
Pen and Brush...God is blessing my service by improving my energy levels. Even after 60-70 hour weeks, I still have time and energy to paint. However, since my mac doesn't work, I cannot put them in this journal. I painted in my journal nearly every day and made three cards.
And Finally...
Sunday, March 17, 2013
free to be happy
Praying For...Gayle our 8-year-old, tiny dancer...that she will learn to know and love Jesus and be happy, healthy, and safe...also, pray for little girls all over the earth that they will be likewise blessed. It's a crime that so many little girls are robbed of innocence and health.
Meditations on Jesus Word...“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 Jesus is the way...
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...While I am neither a doctor nor medicine woman, I study lots and lots of research on health, nutrition, herbs, and alternative healing. Lately, I've read a great deal about saffron and its protection against depression; it's equally effective as Prozac. In light of the increase in violence from people that use prozac and other such drugs, this research is revolutionary. Additionally, saffron halts the progression of dementia. Isn't it wonderful that God's simple plant foods can free so many from the prison of the mind. Now I feel justified in making my curry blend with saffron instead of comet, (cough) I mean turmeric. Curry anyone!!!
Cucina Fresca...still enjoying a mainly raw, low-fat vegan lifestyle, however I like to add one cooked meal per day. I'm freer in my food choices after many weeks on the incurables. This week our yummiest meal was pinto beans and brown rice topped with lettuce, water chestnuts, jalapenos, tomatoes, purple cabbage, cilantro, green onions, and red bell peppers pared with warm corn tortillas. Even though I store some canned beans, home cooked beans are far superior. They are so easy to prepare.
The Perfect Pot of Beans
1. Measure 1-4 cups dried beans into a bowl. 1 c. dry yields approximately 3 c. cooked.
2. Sort for debris and rinse.
3. Cover with water and lid.
4. Soak for 24-48 hours or longer to slightly sprout. Change soaking water after 24 hours. Soak in fridge in hot or humid weather. Longer soaking=shorter cooking.
5. Drain and rinse beans. (Possibly, use water to water plants.)
6. Put in slow cooker over low heat for 6-8 hours (More nutrients remain when cooked below 120F.)
7. Do not add salt or acidic ingredients until beans are soft unless you like tough beans. Old beans may never soften and might be best ground into flour or composted.
8. Season with all sorts of aromatic vegetables, powdered dehydrated veggies, spices, and herbs.
9. These freeze nicely and keep in the fridge for about a week. So make a big pot once a week to freeze or use in various dishes.
Bibliophilia...Discovered another Betty MacDonald book, Nancy and Plum, which I think is delightful. I'll be sending a copy to Gayle this week. At 8 she is just about the right age. Since Betty lived on Vashon Island while writing most of her books, I plan to visit her house soon. It's a bed and breakfast, but maybe they will let me see it without staying overnight.
Garden Gate...or in this case I should say orchard. We arrived at our desert home and were greeted by these in our backyard. My juice focus for the next few days is citrus, orange, grapefruit, and tangerine. Delicious. We also lost several trees and bushes due to the unusual, hard, prolonged cold weather this winter.
Duds...bought some new denim skirts from Chadwick's and a cotton from Down East. While I am glad I've regained my health and put some weight back on my skin and bones frame, I cannot wear three skirts in my limited travel wardrobe. Even though I like new clothes, I would have been content with saving the money. The other skirts were nearly brand new.
Pen and Brush...Ever since I read/saw the Diary of an Edwardian Lady, I've desired to turn my journals into a work of art instead of just a chronicle of my life. Even though I can't say my watercoloring is beautiful like Edith Holdon's, it is finally starting to take on that description. I've settled on moleskin watercolor notebooks; I use the large which is anything but large. To allow me more control with this unpredictable medium, I use the tiny Windsor and Newton Pocket Set with a couple their short handled round brushes 01 and 02. For travel these fit so nicely in the pencil/pen case I've had for years, allowing me to travel with the supplies to mix my media.
Meditations on Jesus Word...“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 Jesus is the way...
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...While I am neither a doctor nor medicine woman, I study lots and lots of research on health, nutrition, herbs, and alternative healing. Lately, I've read a great deal about saffron and its protection against depression; it's equally effective as Prozac. In light of the increase in violence from people that use prozac and other such drugs, this research is revolutionary. Additionally, saffron halts the progression of dementia. Isn't it wonderful that God's simple plant foods can free so many from the prison of the mind. Now I feel justified in making my curry blend with saffron instead of comet, (cough) I mean turmeric. Curry anyone!!!
Cucina Fresca...still enjoying a mainly raw, low-fat vegan lifestyle, however I like to add one cooked meal per day. I'm freer in my food choices after many weeks on the incurables. This week our yummiest meal was pinto beans and brown rice topped with lettuce, water chestnuts, jalapenos, tomatoes, purple cabbage, cilantro, green onions, and red bell peppers pared with warm corn tortillas. Even though I store some canned beans, home cooked beans are far superior. They are so easy to prepare.
The Perfect Pot of Beans
1. Measure 1-4 cups dried beans into a bowl. 1 c. dry yields approximately 3 c. cooked.
2. Sort for debris and rinse.
3. Cover with water and lid.
4. Soak for 24-48 hours or longer to slightly sprout. Change soaking water after 24 hours. Soak in fridge in hot or humid weather. Longer soaking=shorter cooking.
5. Drain and rinse beans. (Possibly, use water to water plants.)
6. Put in slow cooker over low heat for 6-8 hours (More nutrients remain when cooked below 120F.)
7. Do not add salt or acidic ingredients until beans are soft unless you like tough beans. Old beans may never soften and might be best ground into flour or composted.
8. Season with all sorts of aromatic vegetables, powdered dehydrated veggies, spices, and herbs.
9. These freeze nicely and keep in the fridge for about a week. So make a big pot once a week to freeze or use in various dishes.
Bibliophilia...Discovered another Betty MacDonald book, Nancy and Plum, which I think is delightful. I'll be sending a copy to Gayle this week. At 8 she is just about the right age. Since Betty lived on Vashon Island while writing most of her books, I plan to visit her house soon. It's a bed and breakfast, but maybe they will let me see it without staying overnight.
Duds...bought some new denim skirts from Chadwick's and a cotton from Down East. While I am glad I've regained my health and put some weight back on my skin and bones frame, I cannot wear three skirts in my limited travel wardrobe. Even though I like new clothes, I would have been content with saving the money. The other skirts were nearly brand new.
Pen and Brush...Ever since I read/saw the Diary of an Edwardian Lady, I've desired to turn my journals into a work of art instead of just a chronicle of my life. Even though I can't say my watercoloring is beautiful like Edith Holdon's, it is finally starting to take on that description. I've settled on moleskin watercolor notebooks; I use the large which is anything but large. To allow me more control with this unpredictable medium, I use the tiny Windsor and Newton Pocket Set with a couple their short handled round brushes 01 and 02. For travel these fit so nicely in the pencil/pen case I've had for years, allowing me to travel with the supplies to mix my media.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
so it seems
Praying For...Samantha my dear six-year-old granddaughter, who is having a great time learning to speak Chinese. We've lately been talking on the phone; she's turned into quite a conversationalist. I also pray for mothers and fathers around the world that they have the resources, time, kindness, and love to care properly for their children. I watched a documentary about a disease called Noma, caused by malnutrition and unhygienic practices. It is a horrible usually fatal gum infection, which develops into gangrene of the face. If the child lives, the gangrenous parts fall off leaving them horribly disfigured and outcast. A hundred years ago, it was common all around the world, but now is only found in Africa and Asia.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I developed a new formula for intestinal health that also fights insomnia. It makes a delicious cup of evening herbal infusion of which my tester has given rave reviews so far. I'm going back on the incurables for another 30 days, since I feel awesome on but not so great off. I added a new blood building juice to my line-up, beet w/greens, carrots w/greens, fennel, ginger, and apple. Beets, carrots, and fennel apparently work in harmony to alleviate anemia and excessive menstruation. There are other benefits of these ingredients to be sure, but anemia has been one of my biggest problems since age 12. I thought fennel would be horribly strong in juice, but it is mellow and satisfying. I understand the controversy about carrot tops but have not had trouble with them.
Bibliophile...after last week's entry, I was surprised to learn of our weekend plans. We stayed in a wonderful 100-year-old beach house on Vashon. There was a little bookshelf that I of course scoured in the four days we were there. I knew of Betty McDonald, the Vashon resident of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle fame, but didn't know she had written books for adults. While at the beach house, I found and read Onions in the Stew about living on Vashon in the 40s. It seems the island has grown since then but not a lot. It was a delightful read, since I was staying in a home very much as she described. Sent Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle to Samantha, since she is grandchild of the week. Gotta love Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle.
Cucina Fresca...I used a Le Creuset dutch oven for the first time on Vashon. Although I eat a primarily raw vegan diet, I made a batch of roasted root vegetables. Why? We didn't bring our juicer or blender on our trip. We had to eat something. Oh, my....roasted vegetables are ever so much tastier than those cooked in a 9X13 glass baking pan, my usual mode. So...even though I don't often eat cooked foods, I'll be saving up for one of these lovely dutch ovens to make this fantastic favorite dish.
Duds...I love denim jackets. My old one was so worn out that I gave it a nice burial. But I missed it. We were at Costco buying new work shirts for tax season, when I saw a table of Levi women's jackets at a terrific price. I snatched one up. At home I pinned my MIL's cameo broach over the pocket. I love wearing this with a blouse, skirt, and boots.
Sound of Music...living in a condo has advantages, true, but one disadvantage is the noise problem. My neighbors are rarely heard, and I want to return the favor. I know sound travels because of the two dogs in our building. So...I only play my violin on weekdays after 9 am. It's cramping my playing style, but I'm getting used to it. I sure wish I could have my piano here. Every time I start playing again, it seems we leave again. Maybe someday I'll get to make that part of my life.
Walk with God...enjoying scripture studies using Come Follow Me and Doctrine and Covenants Sunday School Studies this year. Also listening to the Bible audio, Tabernacle Choir music, and Conference Talks during my chores.
Brush and Pen...for some years, I've pursued learning to draw with graphite and colored pencils with a small amount of success. I love it. Now I'm learning to watercolor. Apparently, scientific research shows art positively affects mental and physical health, reducing stress, and stimulating the creative brain as reading and such stimulate cognitive function. It seems, creativity increases life expectancy, wellness, and sociability. Nevertheless, for me watercolor painting has been so satisfying, because it requires me to be more spontaneous and accepting. Although I plan and draw the intended article, little serendipitous happenings add their own touches to my paintings. I must be more accepting of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it. I must let go of perfectionism and learn that photos are for exactness; painting is for suggestion. Now when I write to family and friends, I paint a watercolor card, so combining two of my favorite activities. This week Sammy will get an alpaca and Grandma will get mushrooms.
Viewing Pleasure...watched Enchanted April, a visually compelling film about four women on vacation in Italy. It was rather odd, but there was one scene I especially liked. The oldest women of this foursome did a watercolor of bouganvilla on the varanda for her nature journal. Plus, I love the dresses and long hair of the early 1920s.
Garden Gate...although I live in a 3rd floor, walk-up, -600 ft2 condo, I still want to have a garden. Why? We blend, juice, and salad 4ish lbs. of organic greens per day at $3.00 per pound. If I can grow my own, which I've done for years in another much, much larger place, I know I can save bundles of money and have fresher produce. Thinking of carrying bags of dirt up all those stairs, I had visions of sprained knees and sore backs. So I began to explore and found this method. I started my first tray and hope to do more if all goes well. I can't grow my old favorites of sunflowers and buckwheat without dirt, but there are lots and lots of other choices to keep me happy. I also started some jars of sprouts this week. Gotta love sprouts.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I developed a new formula for intestinal health that also fights insomnia. It makes a delicious cup of evening herbal infusion of which my tester has given rave reviews so far. I'm going back on the incurables for another 30 days, since I feel awesome on but not so great off. I added a new blood building juice to my line-up, beet w/greens, carrots w/greens, fennel, ginger, and apple. Beets, carrots, and fennel apparently work in harmony to alleviate anemia and excessive menstruation. There are other benefits of these ingredients to be sure, but anemia has been one of my biggest problems since age 12. I thought fennel would be horribly strong in juice, but it is mellow and satisfying. I understand the controversy about carrot tops but have not had trouble with them.
Bibliophile...after last week's entry, I was surprised to learn of our weekend plans. We stayed in a wonderful 100-year-old beach house on Vashon. There was a little bookshelf that I of course scoured in the four days we were there. I knew of Betty McDonald, the Vashon resident of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle fame, but didn't know she had written books for adults. While at the beach house, I found and read Onions in the Stew about living on Vashon in the 40s. It seems the island has grown since then but not a lot. It was a delightful read, since I was staying in a home very much as she described. Sent Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle to Samantha, since she is grandchild of the week. Gotta love Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle.
Cucina Fresca...I used a Le Creuset dutch oven for the first time on Vashon. Although I eat a primarily raw vegan diet, I made a batch of roasted root vegetables. Why? We didn't bring our juicer or blender on our trip. We had to eat something. Oh, my....roasted vegetables are ever so much tastier than those cooked in a 9X13 glass baking pan, my usual mode. So...even though I don't often eat cooked foods, I'll be saving up for one of these lovely dutch ovens to make this fantastic favorite dish.
Duds...I love denim jackets. My old one was so worn out that I gave it a nice burial. But I missed it. We were at Costco buying new work shirts for tax season, when I saw a table of Levi women's jackets at a terrific price. I snatched one up. At home I pinned my MIL's cameo broach over the pocket. I love wearing this with a blouse, skirt, and boots.
Sound of Music...living in a condo has advantages, true, but one disadvantage is the noise problem. My neighbors are rarely heard, and I want to return the favor. I know sound travels because of the two dogs in our building. So...I only play my violin on weekdays after 9 am. It's cramping my playing style, but I'm getting used to it. I sure wish I could have my piano here. Every time I start playing again, it seems we leave again. Maybe someday I'll get to make that part of my life.
Walk with God...enjoying scripture studies using Come Follow Me and Doctrine and Covenants Sunday School Studies this year. Also listening to the Bible audio, Tabernacle Choir music, and Conference Talks during my chores.
Brush and Pen...for some years, I've pursued learning to draw with graphite and colored pencils with a small amount of success. I love it. Now I'm learning to watercolor. Apparently, scientific research shows art positively affects mental and physical health, reducing stress, and stimulating the creative brain as reading and such stimulate cognitive function. It seems, creativity increases life expectancy, wellness, and sociability. Nevertheless, for me watercolor painting has been so satisfying, because it requires me to be more spontaneous and accepting. Although I plan and draw the intended article, little serendipitous happenings add their own touches to my paintings. I must be more accepting of finding something good or useful while not specifically searching for it. I must let go of perfectionism and learn that photos are for exactness; painting is for suggestion. Now when I write to family and friends, I paint a watercolor card, so combining two of my favorite activities. This week Sammy will get an alpaca and Grandma will get mushrooms.
Viewing Pleasure...watched Enchanted April, a visually compelling film about four women on vacation in Italy. It was rather odd, but there was one scene I especially liked. The oldest women of this foursome did a watercolor of bouganvilla on the varanda for her nature journal. Plus, I love the dresses and long hair of the early 1920s.
Garden Gate...although I live in a 3rd floor, walk-up, -600 ft2 condo, I still want to have a garden. Why? We blend, juice, and salad 4ish lbs. of organic greens per day at $3.00 per pound. If I can grow my own, which I've done for years in another much, much larger place, I know I can save bundles of money and have fresher produce. Thinking of carrying bags of dirt up all those stairs, I had visions of sprained knees and sore backs. So I began to explore and found this method. I started my first tray and hope to do more if all goes well. I can't grow my old favorites of sunflowers and buckwheat without dirt, but there are lots and lots of other choices to keep me happy. I also started some jars of sprouts this week. Gotta love sprouts.
Friday, May 11, 2012
My Garden Doctor
Bibliophile Report-Gardens can heal. Sure there are medicinal herbs, but I'm talking about the way playing in the dirt can heal the soul and bring new life back to a person. This winter I read, My Garden Doctor, a delightful book about an invalid, who turned her back on illness and transformed herself as she transformed her wild mountain land. Because I love to garden, and because I've been so terribly sick since moving to Utah, I hoped this idea would be the catalyst to recharge both my mind and body. Although I know eating better and believing God's promises the biggest difference, I know digging and dreaming of a beautiful garden are doing their part. The characters in the book are as delightful as the hopeful message. Companion planting, organic fertilizing, and building cold frames are some of the techniques explored in the book. But mostly it is full of faith in the body's natural ability to heal itself, according to God's will. All in all it's a wonderful, quick read.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
No Good Stopping Place
Daily Spencer and I taunt each other over who got the most books in the mail. Although we are each responsible for purchasing our own used books from Amazon, we feign scorn over the one who didn't get as many scruffy manilla envelopes as the other. Surely, the one with the most books wins the prize.
I also tell the mail carrier and UPS driver they are Santa Claus, bringing me unexpected delight. So it's not unexpected, but it is still thrilling. Reading the following article from BYU Magazine, I felt a kinship with the author. He would understand the joke Spencer and I share and agree with my delights from Santa.
NO GOOD STOPPING PLACE
By Richard H. Cracroft
I was certain it was forbidden. And so, of course, I did it—and got away with it, I thought. Night after delicious night, beginning at about age 13, I would say my prayers, prop my antiallergenic pillows high, turn on the bed lamp, and settle in for my nightly read—in such pasty jewels as Tom Swift, Nancy Drew, and, gem of gems, Red Randall at Pearl Harbor. At or near 10 o’clock, my be-nightgowned mother would enter my room; bestow a be-Mentholatumed, be-curlered, and be–cold creamed kiss upon my brow; and turn out my light. As soon as the door closed, I would pull my four-battery Boy Scout flashlight from beneath the mattress and settle in for the most delicious (because forbidden) minutes of my day—reading until the end of the chapter or the episode or the mystery, or until the stack of peanut butter–laden saltine crackers in my bedstand drawer had finally disappeared, leaving their miserable crumbs across the expanse of my bed.
This pleasant routine grew less exciting, however, when I realized, at about age 14, that no batteries could last that long—that Mom had been replenishing them, thus subsidizing my sin. I soon brazenly began leaving the bedlamp on until Dad, elbowed by Mom, would speak as one having authority—that is, loudly—and, after half-past 12 or so, would yell, “Dick, turn out the light—now!” Resigned to the inevitability of sleep, I would grudgingly mumble, “As soon as I reach a stopping place,” and comply.
Since those halcyon days, and especially since becoming a parent myself, I have often pondered the subtle and less-than-subtle ways in which my parents encouraged reading and a love for the arts in our home. I admired them for their conscious and unconscious encouragement, and I wished to go and do likewise. Somewhere, in their very English homes or in high school, they had learned to place a premium on the value of literature. Somewhere, they had learned that literature—and its fair handmaidens, art and music—provides various but satisfying pathways to the discovery of oneself; that study of the best literature (the belles lettres) and the best of music and art allows access to significant human experience and thus can dramatically increase one’s awareness not only of the distinctively human but also the distinctively godlike potential in all of us.
Somewhere, my parents learned that great art, understood in the context of the plan of God, can become a means to awaken, refine, enrich, and sensitize the spiritual man and woman, moving them to joy in recognizing the beauty and truth discernible even in the mists of mortality. My parents learned, and somehow taught their children to respect, the importance of literature in quickening one’s understanding of honor, pity, pride, compassion, courage, devotion, and love—those old values and verities.
When I was ill (which I often was), I could count on Dad’s visit to the public library on my behalf, returning home with stacks of books. When I was about 8 years old, my father took me to the bank, where he opened my own account, taught me how to deposit and save my earnings, and how to calculate my tithing. Then he took me to the majestic library, where I became a card-carrying patron and began, increasingly, to wander the aisles and check out books for two weeks, which I have done ever since.
Soon after this, Dad introduced me to his many boyhood volumes of Horatio Alger, The Motor Boys, and Tom Swift, from which I imbibed the old-fashioned values of personal integrity, logical thinking, democracy, fair play, pluck, and the inevitable triumph of good over evil. From my married sister’s abandoned volumes of Nancy Drew, I learned that girls were smart after all and capable of solving all manner of crimes. From such oft-read and reverenced books as Touchdown to Victory, A Minute to Play, All-American, and Ros Hackney, Halfback, I learned gridiron grit, prowess, moral courage, and, despite occasional losses, the inevitable triumph of good over evil. In fact, I secretly became Ros Hackney and imaginatively relived his gridiron successes on our neighborhood sandlot.
When Mom and Dad took me to see Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, starring José Ferrer, I became an English major in the making, so enchanted that Mom rushed to purchase a copy of the play for me. I devoured it, memorized most of Cyrano’s speeches, and plunged into a summer of front porch dramatic presentations of the play, highlighted by prolonged duels fought with my buddies while we recited Cyrano’s impromptu poetry, which yet rings in my mind: “Hark, how the steel rings musical!/Mark how my point floats, light as the foam,/Ready to drive you back to the wall,/Then, as I end the refrain, thrust home!”
I am grateful for the milieu that my parents established for me, the youngest of my family; from this came my lifelong love of literature and the arts and promoted my love of the gospel. During my 30-month Swiss-Austrian mission Mother stayed on duty, sending me 35 books (which I listed in my journal and still own) by prophets and apostles. I took those books into my soul—they’re still there.
Your customized milieus and those of your children will be different from mine. My mother and father enriched and guided my life through their love, encouragement, and understanding of my needs, and they established a pattern of learning that continues to bless my life. I encourage each of you to establish a milieu adapted to the particular needs of your family—if you haven’t done so already—which will enable your family’s eternal progression.
Today, at age 75, I am still reading two or three books a week. I have read every night, for 30 to 90 minutes, in every place I have ever slept, over my entire life. Reading is as much a part of my regimen as brushing my teeth, praying, and kissing my long-suffering wife, Janice, a devoted reader herself, who drops off long before I do. She confesses to anyone who will commiserate that she hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in a darkened room in 52 years.
For 20 years this column has always been about books well written and well read, about quality reading that educates, refines, inspires, and blesses readers during their mortal and eternal lives. As I bid a heartfelt auf Wiedersehen to my little flock of faithful and occasional readers, I would like to express how vital it is for ourselves and our families to understand the centrality of reading, the thoughtful discussion of good books, and the art of reading good books by the light of the Holy Spirit. As teachers and parents in Zion, the cultivation in our homes of milieus of eternal progress is the key to the spiritual and intellectual development of our families.
Like most parents, I would wring my hands over my children. But one evening two of my three children (the other one, always an avid reader, was out on a date) gave me hope. On saying my good nights I found, in two separate bedrooms, a fine young son and daughter—both engrossed, for a change, in good books. Acting nonchalant, I said, to each of them, “It’s late,” for it was—and that is what any father is expected to say at 11 o’clock on a school night. Reluctantly, for as far as I was concerned they could read all night, I said, “Don’t you think you should turn out your light and get some sleep?” “Oh, Dad,” they said, in their different ways, “don’t bug me; I’m at a really good part. I’ll quit when I reach a good stopping place.” Sidling triumphantly into my own room, thrilled at having witnessed genuine excitement for reading, I began to express to my wife my hopes for a literary progeny. “Shuusssh,” she muttered, reaching for a peanut-buttered saltine, “I’m just about at a stopping place.”
But I knew better, I thought, reaching for my own book and seeing “in my mind’s eye” my own dear parents reading in their long-ago bed. With literature, as with the arts, as with faith—and life—there is really no good stopping place.
Five Blessings of Reading
1. In reading, we experience one of the greatest pleasures human life can afford us; books sweeten, nourish, brighten, and enrich our lives.
2. Books enable us to live more lives than the one allotted and allow us to experience impossible adventures.
3. Books help us to process, order, and understand our personal experience and gain perspectives on others’ lives.
4. Books enable us to see outcomes where we presently see only possibilities; solutions where we presently see only dilemmas; direction where we presently see only impasse.
5. Books allow us an opportunity to learn how to discern the Holy Spirit and respond to its promptings.
By Richard H. Cracroft
I was certain it was forbidden. And so, of course, I did it—and got away with it, I thought. Night after delicious night, beginning at about age 13, I would say my prayers, prop my antiallergenic pillows high, turn on the bed lamp, and settle in for my nightly read—in such pasty jewels as Tom Swift, Nancy Drew, and, gem of gems, Red Randall at Pearl Harbor. At or near 10 o’clock, my be-nightgowned mother would enter my room; bestow a be-Mentholatumed, be-curlered, and be–cold creamed kiss upon my brow; and turn out my light. As soon as the door closed, I would pull my four-battery Boy Scout flashlight from beneath the mattress and settle in for the most delicious (because forbidden) minutes of my day—reading until the end of the chapter or the episode or the mystery, or until the stack of peanut butter–laden saltine crackers in my bedstand drawer had finally disappeared, leaving their miserable crumbs across the expanse of my bed.
This pleasant routine grew less exciting, however, when I realized, at about age 14, that no batteries could last that long—that Mom had been replenishing them, thus subsidizing my sin. I soon brazenly began leaving the bedlamp on until Dad, elbowed by Mom, would speak as one having authority—that is, loudly—and, after half-past 12 or so, would yell, “Dick, turn out the light—now!” Resigned to the inevitability of sleep, I would grudgingly mumble, “As soon as I reach a stopping place,” and comply.
Since those halcyon days, and especially since becoming a parent myself, I have often pondered the subtle and less-than-subtle ways in which my parents encouraged reading and a love for the arts in our home. I admired them for their conscious and unconscious encouragement, and I wished to go and do likewise. Somewhere, in their very English homes or in high school, they had learned to place a premium on the value of literature. Somewhere, they had learned that literature—and its fair handmaidens, art and music—provides various but satisfying pathways to the discovery of oneself; that study of the best literature (the belles lettres) and the best of music and art allows access to significant human experience and thus can dramatically increase one’s awareness not only of the distinctively human but also the distinctively godlike potential in all of us.
Somewhere, my parents learned that great art, understood in the context of the plan of God, can become a means to awaken, refine, enrich, and sensitize the spiritual man and woman, moving them to joy in recognizing the beauty and truth discernible even in the mists of mortality. My parents learned, and somehow taught their children to respect, the importance of literature in quickening one’s understanding of honor, pity, pride, compassion, courage, devotion, and love—those old values and verities.
When I was ill (which I often was), I could count on Dad’s visit to the public library on my behalf, returning home with stacks of books. When I was about 8 years old, my father took me to the bank, where he opened my own account, taught me how to deposit and save my earnings, and how to calculate my tithing. Then he took me to the majestic library, where I became a card-carrying patron and began, increasingly, to wander the aisles and check out books for two weeks, which I have done ever since.
Soon after this, Dad introduced me to his many boyhood volumes of Horatio Alger, The Motor Boys, and Tom Swift, from which I imbibed the old-fashioned values of personal integrity, logical thinking, democracy, fair play, pluck, and the inevitable triumph of good over evil. From my married sister’s abandoned volumes of Nancy Drew, I learned that girls were smart after all and capable of solving all manner of crimes. From such oft-read and reverenced books as Touchdown to Victory, A Minute to Play, All-American, and Ros Hackney, Halfback, I learned gridiron grit, prowess, moral courage, and, despite occasional losses, the inevitable triumph of good over evil. In fact, I secretly became Ros Hackney and imaginatively relived his gridiron successes on our neighborhood sandlot.
When Mom and Dad took me to see Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, starring José Ferrer, I became an English major in the making, so enchanted that Mom rushed to purchase a copy of the play for me. I devoured it, memorized most of Cyrano’s speeches, and plunged into a summer of front porch dramatic presentations of the play, highlighted by prolonged duels fought with my buddies while we recited Cyrano’s impromptu poetry, which yet rings in my mind: “Hark, how the steel rings musical!/Mark how my point floats, light as the foam,/Ready to drive you back to the wall,/Then, as I end the refrain, thrust home!”
I am grateful for the milieu that my parents established for me, the youngest of my family; from this came my lifelong love of literature and the arts and promoted my love of the gospel. During my 30-month Swiss-Austrian mission Mother stayed on duty, sending me 35 books (which I listed in my journal and still own) by prophets and apostles. I took those books into my soul—they’re still there.
Your customized milieus and those of your children will be different from mine. My mother and father enriched and guided my life through their love, encouragement, and understanding of my needs, and they established a pattern of learning that continues to bless my life. I encourage each of you to establish a milieu adapted to the particular needs of your family—if you haven’t done so already—which will enable your family’s eternal progression.
Today, at age 75, I am still reading two or three books a week. I have read every night, for 30 to 90 minutes, in every place I have ever slept, over my entire life. Reading is as much a part of my regimen as brushing my teeth, praying, and kissing my long-suffering wife, Janice, a devoted reader herself, who drops off long before I do. She confesses to anyone who will commiserate that she hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in a darkened room in 52 years.
For 20 years this column has always been about books well written and well read, about quality reading that educates, refines, inspires, and blesses readers during their mortal and eternal lives. As I bid a heartfelt auf Wiedersehen to my little flock of faithful and occasional readers, I would like to express how vital it is for ourselves and our families to understand the centrality of reading, the thoughtful discussion of good books, and the art of reading good books by the light of the Holy Spirit. As teachers and parents in Zion, the cultivation in our homes of milieus of eternal progress is the key to the spiritual and intellectual development of our families.
Like most parents, I would wring my hands over my children. But one evening two of my three children (the other one, always an avid reader, was out on a date) gave me hope. On saying my good nights I found, in two separate bedrooms, a fine young son and daughter—both engrossed, for a change, in good books. Acting nonchalant, I said, to each of them, “It’s late,” for it was—and that is what any father is expected to say at 11 o’clock on a school night. Reluctantly, for as far as I was concerned they could read all night, I said, “Don’t you think you should turn out your light and get some sleep?” “Oh, Dad,” they said, in their different ways, “don’t bug me; I’m at a really good part. I’ll quit when I reach a good stopping place.” Sidling triumphantly into my own room, thrilled at having witnessed genuine excitement for reading, I began to express to my wife my hopes for a literary progeny. “Shuusssh,” she muttered, reaching for a peanut-buttered saltine, “I’m just about at a stopping place.”
But I knew better, I thought, reaching for my own book and seeing “in my mind’s eye” my own dear parents reading in their long-ago bed. With literature, as with the arts, as with faith—and life—there is really no good stopping place.
Five Blessings of Reading
1. In reading, we experience one of the greatest pleasures human life can afford us; books sweeten, nourish, brighten, and enrich our lives.
2. Books enable us to live more lives than the one allotted and allow us to experience impossible adventures.
3. Books help us to process, order, and understand our personal experience and gain perspectives on others’ lives.
4. Books enable us to see outcomes where we presently see only possibilities; solutions where we presently see only dilemmas; direction where we presently see only impasse.
5. Books allow us an opportunity to learn how to discern the Holy Spirit and respond to its promptings.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
I'm so pleased!!!
I will shamelessly and even proudly plug "Secrets of a Tax-Free Life" by Joseph Conrad
Earlier this week, my beloved released his first book. A smashing success, he is now a best selling author!
The content of "Secrets of a Tax-Free Life, Surprising Write-Off Strategies Most Business Owners Miss" helps US business owners pay less in tax.
The early results showed that the new Joseph Conrad's book made 4 Best Seller's lists through Amazon on launch day:
Personal Finance - #9
Taxation/Small Business - #2
Business and Economics- #31
Overall for Amazon book sales on launch day-#64 This means that he was the 64th best seller for a book on tax than any other book! (even more than Stephen King and Nora Roberts!) Amazon even listed his book as one of their "Hot New Releases" Friday.
Monday, January 23, 2012
freeze and balk at beginning
I just don't know what my problem is. I want to accomplish this goal but continually procrastinate. In its entirety, the readings totals less than 3 hours and is an interesting way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Probably, it is the same thing that grips each of the new scholars I mentor. They see the whole plan laid out before them and freeze. They can't conceive that it can be done and balk at beginning. I need to emblazon C.S. Lewis' quote in my cranium. "The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it, while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come." C.S. Lewis
The next reading is....
- Genesis 13-16
- The Odyssey of Homer, Books I-IV (GBWW Vol. 3, pp. 307-350)
- The “Gettysburg Address” by Abraham Lincoln (GGB Vol. 6, pp. 759)
- “Of Death” by Francis Bacon (GGB Vol. 10, pp. 348-349)
- “Beyond the Googol” by Edward Kasner and James Newman (GGB Vol. 9, pp. 137-162; Chapter 2 of Mathematics and the Imagination; this link does not contain the entire chapter, but I couldn’t find the full text anywhere online)
- “The Eruption of Vesuvius” by Pliny the Younger (GGB Vol. 6, pp. 264-270)
- On Old Age by Cicero (GGB Vol. 10, pp. 317-343)
Summing up the last readings....
1. Genesis 10-12: "In the first eleven chapters of Genesis, almost one-third of the total history of mankind is briefly summarized. Although many details were not included, Moses wrote shared one of the most remarkable contrasts in the history of the world. From the time of the Fall the people of the world began moving in two opposite directions. One group followed the teachings of Adam and Eve and continually attempting to live with righteousness and perfection. The other group yielded to the deceitful enticings of Satan and his servants and moved deeper and deeper into depravity and wickedness. Both these divergent paths were followed to their ultimate ends." Then we move into the fascinating journey of Abraham. I've been troubled in the past that Abraham lied about his relationship with Sarai, when they were questioned in Egypt. In my research, I learned: "Abraham could validly state that Sarah was his sister. In the Bible the Hebrew words brother and sister are often used for other blood relatives. (See Genesis 14:14 , in which Lot, Abraham’s nephew, is called “his brother.”) Because Abraham and Haran, Sarah’s father, were brothers, Sarah was Abraham’s niece and thus could be called sister."
2. The Taming of The Shrew: Personally, I like reading The Family Shakespeare, since it leaves out the smutty or questionable parts. I don't give a feather for feminist hatred of this play, because I also don't see it as an "endorsement of a husband’s authority over his wife." I see Kate and Petruchio grow and develop a wonderful relationship of mutual respect and love. In this sort of relationship, husband and wife submit to each other, serve each other, love each other, and attempt to see the best in each other. Petruchio's goal wasn't to gain lordly submission over Kate but to help her out of her awful angry funk. After all it was titled The Taming (not The Submission) of the Shrew. Kate was justifiably angry at her father and sister. Father favored sister and sister held it up to Kate's face. Although Kate's behavior was ridiculous, it was understandable. Petruchio tamed Kate, but she tamed him, too. Then they moved on to developing a mutually fulfilling relationship. Certainly, she came, when he called; as I'm positive he would come, when she called. In Kate's final speech, she talks about owing everything to our husbands. At this point, I believe Petruchio's speech would have been identical.
3. Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: I thought this French Declaration would be gory and gruesome like their history. Not so...it even mentions a Supreme Being. Why then did the French Revolution end in the blood bath of the Reign of Terror? Apparently, Edmond Burke predicted this in Reflections of the Revolution in France. Read this book with me to find out.
4. “Sketch of Abraham Lincoln” by Nathaniel Hawthorne: Interesting and delightful that Hawthorne can make a description into a piece of literature.
5. “The Discovery of Radium” by Eve Curie: As I read this biography, my mind kept turning to Kate and Petruchio and again to Mrs. Murry of a Wrinkle in Time. The all encompassing relationship of mutual respect and love that Kate and Petruchio developed was echoed by the Curies. The picture of stew cooking on the Bunsen burner, while mother experimented and her child played in the corner in Wrinkle in Time, was filtched from Madame Curie's actual life. I love how she made her work a family affair. A mother and wife first, she didn't let go of her intellectual side even in the face of professional persecution. For heaven's sake they nearly froze her to death in her storage room lab.
6. The Life of Gnaeus Julius Agricola by Tacitus: The 'Roman disease' was in full swing here. Romans thought it their right to take over the world using every means at their disposal. They were feared and hated by the people they conquered.
7. On Friendship by Cicero: Since religion is forbidden in public schools, why can do they not teach Cicero. “Friendship can exist only between good men.” What then is a good man? "We mean then by the "good" those whose actions and lives leave no question as to their honor, purity, equity, and liberality; who are free from greed, lust, and violence; and who have the courage of their convictions." He goes on from there to expound this idea. To me Cicero on friendship is nearly identical to Paul on charity.
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