Pondering with a Purpose--Close

This Week's prompt is: Close--So when you look at this word do you think?
Close--is a great word. I hold so many memories close (adj) to my heart.  I love to close (verb) my eyes and take them out of my memory file, and flip through them, smile and relive special moments, hold them close (adverb), then as the memory draws to a close (noun), I file them away for another day. 
So, now I will close this thought about close, and go on with a smile for the rest of the day.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

                                                   

1.  In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49's in the Superbowl.  What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?

This summer I went to a quilting exhibit in Philomath Oregon that was super.  There were so many quilts with innovative designs and techniques as well as the wonderful old standbys.

2.  Share something you're a fan of these days?

I'm not particularly a sports fan, but I am a fan of peace and harmony.

3. How do you feel about wings?  In case anyone is confused, I'm talking the edible appetizer kind.  What's your preferred seasoning on a wing-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other?  Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?   

I like wings, mild or teriyaki and always get them from Long Wong's.  A nice cool ranch dressing is the perfect accompaniment. 

4.  As long as we're talking sports today...have you followed the Lance Armstrong story?  Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?  

I just saw what was reported in the evening news.  I think that it is a black mark on not only the athlete but also the sports organization because they don't strive for honesty but are more interested in the economics.

5.  What's a question you hate to be asked?  

That's easy, my age because the answer is so confusing.  Physically I am at least 15 years younger than my chronological age according to the doctor, but mentally I am 30 years younger, but my kids tell me that sometimes I act like a two year old, so what is the correct answer?

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers.  Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens.  Were you and your sibling(s) competitive?  In what way? Are you still?  If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?  

I was never competitive with my siblings.  I was not athletic, didn't like board games, and had no interest in winning medals.  In the areas where I excelled I had no competition--scholarship, art or music.  As I have grown older, I am always competing with myself--trying to always do better.

7.  What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play?    

Does the Winter Festival Ball count, when I danced for hours?

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I always look forward to this weekend.  No one bothers me with my art projects, or I can read a book and not have to worry about phone calls.

Monday Quiz about Me

                                                  

1. On a long road trip do you prefer to be the driver or a passenger? Or do you prefer to travel a different way all together?

Since I live by myself, my long road trips are me driving and I like that.  I can stop where I want, see what I want, go at my own pace.  For shorter trips, when I go with a friend, I let them drive and I enjoy the scenery.

2. Do you use a slow cooker? Favorite thing to make?

I use a slow cooker a lot.  I like to make soups and stews in it.

3. Which type of festival would you rather go to... Wine and Food, Music or Sports?

Definitely music.  The last festival I went to was in Prescott, AZ--a blue grass event held in Court House Square.

4. What is your favorite fallacy?

Two Wrongs Make a Right--because an action that is wrong is wrong even if another person would also do it.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

5.  We had two inches of rain this weekend, so that means wonderful spring wild flowers.  What is your favorite spring wildflower?

I love seeing the desert covered in golden yellow poppies.

Chosen

Sometimes I wonder about my purpose and even my worth.
I feel insignificant. I read this devotional and it reminded me of an important lesson.

God Chose You Before You Chose Him by Rick Warren

“Dear friends, God the Father chose you long ago and knew you would become His children.” (1 Peter 1:2 LB)

God chose you long before you chose him. God took the initiative. The Good News translation puts it this way: “You were chosen according to the purpose of God.”

Why would God choose you or me to be a part of his family? Because he is a God of love; he is a God of grace. The more you understand grace, the more you're going to be amazed by it.

God chose you. Did you deserve it? Not a chance. Do you deserve to go to Heaven? No way! Are you good enough to be in God's family? No. He just chose you. And that's good news.

On what basis did he choose you? First Peter 1:3 says, "For it is His boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that now we are members of God's own family."
God chose you based on his mercy, not your performance. You'll never earn it. You'll never deserve it. You couldn't work hard enough for it. You couldn't be perfect enough.

It's only because of God’s grace and mercy that the Creator of the universe says, “I want you in my family.” If that doesn't encourage you, you'd better check your pulse.

Paths of Life

This week was the birthdays of three of my brothers and sisters.  It amazes me the path that we have traveled.  Born in the rugged Rocky Mountains of northern Wyoming, raised on a ranch--just a bunch of mountain kids.  Now my youngest brother is an executive for a company near Seattle, my Oregon sister, now retired, was an educator then small business owner, and my youngest sister is a nurse in Denver.  What different paths we have taken--from such humble beginnings to paths of excellence!  Happy birthday to you.  I love you all.

Pondering with a Purpose--Balance

This Week's prompt is: Balance

I find that I need to focus on both internal and external elements for balance: external things–like work, relationships, and activities, and what is going on inside my heart and mind.

I found this little outline to help better understand the beneficial components on both ends of each spectrum.

1) Internal (Mind, Heart, Health)

• Mind: Challenging yourself intellectually vs. creating opportunities for your mind to rest
• Heart: Giving love vs. receiving love
• Health: Eating, drinking, exercising properly vs. resting and treating yourself to some extra yummies

2) External (Work, Social, Family, Fun)

• Work: Pushing yourself to achieve goals vs. seeing the bigger picture and enjoying the ride
• Social: Satisfying your social desires vs. taking time for yourself
• Family: Fulfilling your familial responsibilities vs. creating healthy boundaries
• Fun: Allocating time for things you enjoy doing vs. making sure you don’t overdo it

As you can see, both ends of each spectrum are actually positive; but if either side is taken to an extreme, something that is intended to be positive can end up being detrimental.

It is easy to loose focus on any area, but I try and review them and stay somewhere in the middle.  I think awareness of what is going on in my life is the key to achieving balance.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

                                                  


1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly.  Is he right? 
Personally, I think that you should live honorably in all things--especially love; it might be a harder choice in war.

2. Are you a cereal eater?  What's your favorite kind?
I love Frosted Shredded Wheat, Yum

3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles).  She did not have the gun with her at school.
Where has reason gone? Doesn't anyone have common sense?  Maybe a little talk would have enlightened the child.  A suspension for such a minor thing dilutes the seriousness of a real problem.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record.  The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts?  (If you missed the story click here for details). 
They should send the school officials to training to study effective situation training.

4. Whatever happened to_____________________________?
Common sense?  After hearing about the above incident, it is obviously lacking.

5.  January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil.  Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive?  This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?
 I love to write--cursive.  I learned the Palmer method.  I signed a receipt for my new in wall oven yesterday.

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?  

I have never been to Philadelphia, but this fall, I have planned a vacation that will include time there.

7.  Share something funny you've heard a child say.  

Great granddaughter--Grape gramma, I love you and marshpillows!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
Today will be in the upper 80's.  The snow birds are so happy!  (That's winter visitors, just to clarify), but can you blame them, I heard on the radio this morning that parts of the midwest will be colder than the North Pole.

Corn Tortilla Casserole

I want to share an easy recipe that is good for lunch or supper on a cold day.  Add a crisp green salad and this makes the perfect meal.

Corn Tortilla Casserole    From Marti Murphy Serves 4

Ingredients:

*1 lb Ground Beef	1- 4 oz can Taco Sauce
1 pkg Corn Tortillas, broken up	1/2 can chopped Green Chili
1 can Cream Chicken Soup (no     milk)	Grated Cheese A handful of Fritos if desired
I medium can Tomatoes

Instructions:  Brown ground beef, add all other ingredients except cheese. Simmer, Then place in casserole dish, add cheese on top.  Place under broiler to melt cheese.  Remove sprinkle with Fritos and serve.  

*Note cooked pulled chicken breasts could be substituted for the ground beef

Monday Quiz About Me

                                                     

1. What was your favorite lunch this past week?

Campbell's Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.  It's new and very good.

2. Do you shop online?

95% of the time, about the only thing I always buy at the store is groceries.  I just got a good deal on craft supplies online on Saturday.
3. Do you get the "Winter Blues"?

No, because of the wonderful winter weather and lots of sunshine that we have here in Phoenix.

4. Slippers, Socks, Shoes or Bare Feet?

Shoes--I have broken so many toes going bare foot and I just don't want anymore pain.

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

5. Will you watch TV regarding the inauguration? 

I will just see what is shown on the evening news.  Too bad they don't spend all that money on feeding the hungry.

Sunday Meditation--Recycle

God recycles. He made you out of dust.

Genesis 3:19 For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return. (NLT)

Castaway Kids

I just finished reading an amazing autobiography---Castaway Kid.  This review captures the wonder of this book that I got on Amazon.

"Castaway Kid by R.B, Mitchell is the true  emotionally engaging, thought provoking, and spiritually uplifting story that follows a child's journey from abandonment at an orphanage, through childhood, and into maturity. It explores the power of unconditional love and the process of forgiveness that allows hope to enter into even the most extreme life struggles. 

Woven into the tapestry of this life are three love stories—the unconditional and constant love of an impoverished grandmother, the caring and gentle love of a no-nonsense dorm mother, and eventually the love of a southern belle who disregards the young man's past and brings him into their future. 

Castaway Kid is a book that offers hope. Not only does it need to be read, Castaway Kid should also be given as a gift to others who need to know that, no matter how severe, the pains of the past and present don't have to determine the path of the future"  Barbara Winslow Robidoux

Pondering with a Purpose-Love thyself

This Week's prompt is: Love thyself? I know that some people may say that to say that if you love yourself it is prideful or even arrogant, but I have a different opinion.  I believe that you have to love who you are, accept yourself even with all your warts in order to be happy.  Now, I'm not saying that you should think you are perfect, because, of course you aren't, but you have to realize that you are a person of worth, having value just as you are. 
Your shortcomings keep you humble, but also help define you as an individual and give you direction for improvement.  How you deal with your situation can give you strength for future problems, and also be a guide for others to follow.  
I love that I have life and the challenges that I face, knowing that I am a work in progress.  I do love me!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

                                                 


1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English...here's the list for 2013-

fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (an acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru

Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why. Go here to read more about how the words were chosen.

My first choice would be "Kick the can down the road".  Politicians use this light-hearted phrase that implies a senseless game in relation to serious governmental problems that require some diligence.

2.  When was the last time you rode a train?  Where did you go?
I must have been just over a year old.  My mom took me with her from Cody, Wyoming to Billings, Montana for a doctor's appointment.

3. Bagels-yay or nay?  Favorite 'flavor'?  Favorite topping?
I like a plain bagel with cream cheese.

4.  'Tis the season of awards shows...if you could star in a movie already made which one would you choose?
I'll have to pass on this one, as I like the life I have and couldn't imagine being in another role.

5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months....what say you?  Do you think kids perform better if separated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination?  If you're a parent, is this something you'd support in regard to your own children? 
I think that this isn't a good idea.  Kids need to learn how to interact and get along with others.  I went to school in a one room school with all eight grades both boys and girls together.  It was a great learning experience and one that gave me an excellent education.

6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?
The adventure.  Something out of the ordinary.

7. Do you have a 'word' for 2013?  What's the story behind your choice? 
I guess that my word for the year would be persevere.  I need to put on my big girl panties and not fret about things.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
We have had cold weather here.  Yesterday Anchorage, Alaska was warmer than Phoenix.  Us poor desert rats are chilled.  I am glad that I have a warm house.  I do think of all the homeless, and hope that everyone will remember to say a prayer for them, and help in any way that you can.

Cold Weather

This is a picture of me.  My nose is stuffy, I have had a fever, cough, and now I have conjunctivitis (pink eye) in both eyes.  After a week, I think that it is finally starting to get better.

One good thing, with the cold weather I have no desire to go outside.  I'm content just to have hot coffee or tea and sit in the recliner under a blanket and read and nap.

But today, I will have to drag myself to the grocery store as the dogs are out of food.  I am glad that I only get a bad cold once every few years.

So I'm off to make a pot of coffee, put on the tea kettle, and take it easy.

Monday Quiz about Me

                                                    

1. What is your favorite animal?

My dogs--Betsy black lab/Queensland Heeler, and Basil American Pit Bull Terrier

2. What is your favorite quote?

The words from the scripture--Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

3. What is the one trait that you have that definitely comes from one of your parents?

My patience from my mom

4. If you had a choice between going to a tropical island or a ski resort which would you choose and why?

I would go tropical--I love the ocean and warm breezes, I HATE being cold, don't mind looking at the snow, but please what is there to like about freezing?

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

5.  Today it is colder in Phoenix than in New York City.  We have had four nights of hard freezes and our crops have been damaged, so prices will go up on produce.  What produce  can't you live without?

Me--I love salads, so a shortage of lettuce will make me sad.

Pondering with a Purpose--Involvement

This Week's prompt is: Involvement
I am not a particularly involved person.  I try to help when I see a need, but I tend to let people make their own choices.  I may offer suggestions and a bit of advice, but I think that a person has to develop their own strengths and muscles.  I hate it when they make unwise decisions, but that may be the only way that they learn.  
So although I care deeply, I try and minimize my involvement.

Wednesday Hodgepodge--A day late

                                                    

1. What is ONE thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close?  Do you  have a plan to make it happen? 
My art Studio--but didn't I say that last year.  Maybe I need a better plan

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job?
Yuck green scrubs

3. What was your last kitchen 'mishap'?  This question comes to you courtesy of Betty who blogs over at A Glimpse Into Midlife...everyone go say hi to Betty!
Yesterday, I warmed tomato soup in the microwave for too long, and had to clean the microwave, and the outside of the cup and tomato soup could be substituted for glue.

4. How do you protect yourself from other people's negativity?
I try to figure out why they are so negative, and then kill them with kindness, and I think happy thoughts.

5. Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)? If you have children, who do people say they favor? Do you agree? 
I'm not built like either parent--Dad was thin and wiry, and Mom was nicely rounded.  I'm somewhere in the middle, as far as looks, I favor my dad.

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day...will you be celebrating?
I will celebrate my taking a nice shower.

7.  Some of the 'world's best winter festivals' are - Mardi Gras (New Orleans),Quebec Winter Festival (Canada), Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah),  Rio Carnivale (Brazil), Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan), VeniceCarnival (Italy) and the Harbin Ice Festival (Northern China).  Of those listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend and why?
They all sound like fun, but maybe the Harbin Ice Festival in China, as that is the most unusual.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Well, as they say I am a day late and a dollar short.  I have a nasty cold so didn't post yesterday, and my wall oven died, So I had to go oven shopping.  But the up side, I will have a brand new oven to bake all my treats in.

School Lunch

When I was going to school at the one room school house in the mountains of northern Wyoming, we all had to bring our lunches from home.  A couple of my brothers and sisters would share a lunch box. Even though our lunch box wasn't as fancy as some of the kids new boxes with cool pictures, our lunches were the best.  

Mom would have made us sandwiches with fresh homemade bread--maybe peanut butter and jam, or thin sliced meat left over from last nights supper.  There would be some fruit that she had canned, and probably a crisp oatmeal cookie.  We thought that we were special when we found a leftover pancake from breakfast, sprinkled with powdered sugar and rolled tightly (today's crepes); And always fresh milk from last night's milking.

Some kids would only have a fried egg sandwich on store bread in their fancy pails.  We pitied them.  So maybe our lunch containers weren't as nice as theirs, but nobody had food that could compare to ours. We thought we were rich.

Monday Quiz about Me

1. What do you think the biggest downside to being rich and famous would be?
Lack of privacy

2. What is the most interesting news article you read or heard about last week?

I didn't watch any news this week, but everyone is talking about the Cardinals

firing their coach--Ken Whisenhunt, and most are unhappy about that.

3. Who kissed you for the first time?

My mom and dad, as far as a boy? probably an airman in Denver when I was 18.

4. How much do you typically tip at a decent sit down restaurant?
15 percent

And don't forget to add a 5th Question on your own blog so we can answer as we hop around!

5.  How often do you eat out?

Me--very seldom.  I did have supper out with friends on Saturday after an art class.

Wise Men

Ecc 9:17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that rules among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroys much good.

Prov 4:5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them.

I want this to be one of my goals for this new year.

12th Night

Twelfth Night :

January 5th

A lot of our Christmas activity used to be celebrated on Twelfth Night which has disappeared from most calendars, along with many of its traditions -- plays, parties, cake, wassailing and presents .

Twelfth Night is the evening of the 5th of January. It's the day the Christmas decorations are put away, and in many parts of the UK, the day to wassail your apple trees (you slog out to the orchards even if it is muddy, drink a toast of apple cider to the trees, then pour cider over the roots.)

Just as Christmas absorbed the traditions of Twelfth Night, Twelfth Night, in turn, had acquired all the festivities of the Roman Saturnalia (which was roughly the 17th of December.) The Romans had a tradition of placing a bean inside a cake at Saturnalia, and whoever found it became the master of ceremonies. This tradition became part of Twelfth Night,

In the UK, the Twelfth Night Cake was like what we now call Christmas Cake. There would be a dried bean and a dried pea in it. They then got to make people at the party do silly things. In the early 1800s, Twelfth Night Cake was frosted with fancy trimmings and decorated with small figurines made of sugar paste.

In Italy and New Orleans, Twelfth Night is still considered the start of Carnival Season. The Italians make foccaia bread instead, hiding in it 4 beans: 3 white ones for the magi, and 1 black one. Whoever finds the black one is the master of ceremonies and can choose his Queen. 

Twelfth Night Cake

Ingredients

1	cup	butter	or margarine
3	tablespoons	orange juice, concentrated
2	teaspoons	orange zest	grated
1/2	teaspoon	vanilla extract
1/4	teaspoon	salt
4	large	eggs	(room temp)
4	each	egg yolks	(room temp)
1	cup	sugar
1 1/2	cups	flour, all-purpose	sifted
1/4	cup	cornstarch	sifted
1	tablespoon	powdered sugar

Directions

Combine butter, juice concentrate, rind, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring, until butter is melted. Remove from heat; cool to lukewarm.

Place eggs, egg yolks and sugar in large bowl; beat until tripled in volume.

Sprinkle flour and cornstarch over eggs.  Add orange mixture; fold in very gently until there is no trace of butter mixture.

Pour into greased 9 inch tube pan.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for about 40 minutes or until cake starts to come away from sides of pan. Cool. Remove from pan.

Sprinkle top of cake with powdered sugar.

Garnish sides of cake with orange slices if desired.

Friday Favorite Things

Memories from this past week

The sun sets on 2012

First Sunrise of 2013

Blackbird on New Years day

Natures holiday bush (bougainvillea)

This week’s statements:
1. Every time I see a _beautiful sunset___ I oh an ah…
2. I don’t have a _skinny__ bone in my body
3. I like _grey poupon__ on my burgers
4. If I had one more hour in the day I would __probably not get anymore done that what I do now._

Pondering with a Purpose--Time Flies

This Week's prompt is: Time flies I often wonder why as I get older time seems to accelerate.  Don't you all remember back when you were a kid how the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed to last forever!  And summer vacation was one glorious long holiday with no end in sight!  What is the difference?  Could it be that I am so wrapped up being busy that I don't take time to enjoy each hour of the day?  
When I was a kid, I had a simple life, one with few concerns.  Somehow through the years, I have accumulated all this baggage of problems and worries--always planning for what I must do the next month, the next week, the next day, the next hour; and I have left no room for the child that still lies buried somewhere deep within me to enjoy the spontaneity of the moment.
Before I knew it, I had children, then grandchildren, and even great grandchildren.  I had spent decades working, then retired.  This all seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.  I wonder if I have been so busy doing that I have missed some important moments that never will be repeated.
I think that the lesson to learn is to treat time as a child would--savor the moment, enjoy the day, treasure that which is around me, seeking the beauty and wonder of all that I see and to experience life.

Wednesday Hodgepodge

                                                      
1.  How did you ring in the new year?
Asleep, nestled under a cozy comforter on my bed.

2.  What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2013?
Inspiration to do some good art projects.

3.  Steven Spielberg is quoted as saying, "All of us every single year, we're a different person.  I don't think we're the same person all our lives."  What say you?
I think that we are constantly growing, expanding the experiences that shape us as individuals.  It's like a kaleidoscope ever-changing morphing into new designs.

4. The Pantone color of the year for 2013 is emerald green. Like or dislike? Do you already own something this color?  Will you add something in this shade to your home or wardrobe in 2013? 
I like emerald green, as well as all or the jewel tones.  I have several tops that are emerald, and a wonderful pillow top of butterflies embroidered on an emerald silk background.

5.  Speaking of emerald...what's your favorite gemstone?
Of course, diamonds.  I especially love them in antique settings.  Wish I had one of those old rings.

6. Share a favorite book or movie from 2012.
I read hundreds of books a year, but see few movies.  I just finished reading

Providence: Once Upon a Second Chance by Chris Coppernoll--a tale of the complexities of of the Christian walk, exploring how we can do great things for the Kingdom of God while still struggling with our human weaknesses and failures.

7.  What is something you want to tell yourself at the start of this brand new year?
Remember, I am not perfect, God doesn't expect me to be, just strive to be the best that I can, forgive myself, and don't dwell on past mistakes.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.
2012 was a hard year for me, a year of trials and change.  I am looking forward to 2013 and a time for renewal and peace.

A New Canvas

A new beginning! It is a wonderful thing to have a fresh start, a clean slate.  Now I must determine what I want to create on this canvas of a new year.

I want to have it show a life lived with happiness and peace, a time of creativity, made up of memories that bring a smile to my heart.

I know that there will be trouble and heartache, too.  They are necessary. For as in any painting, there must be shadows to make the beauty stand out, life must have its lows to make us realize the wonder of the good times.

So, today I start the painting of my life that will be 2013.  I look forward to it being a true work of art that will touch many.