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October 30, 2015

Date Night With My Paints


Every Thursday evening I have a date with my paints. Sometimes I know what we are going to do; other times we just play around. Sometimes I am pleased with the results of our efforts, and sometimes, not so much. But each time my paints and I get together, I learn a little more about them. It has been such a long time since I've done any serious painting that I am learning all over again. I have had to get reacquainted with my brushes. I've experimented with mixing colors and glazing, working wet into wet, and using dry brush techniques. I have painted on expensive watercolor paper, and I've tried the cheap stuff.

Lately, I have been trying to learn how to paint the sky, and I am still experimenting with different effects. Last week I had a pretty good sky going, and then I messed it up. So this week, I decided to take a break from painting clouds and do something else for a change. I grabbed a few pink lady apples, set them on the table with a small wooden bowl and got to work. At first, I was unhappy with what I came up with. But after a while, the apples began to take shape. And maybe next time, they'll be even better! This is what my paints and I did last evening.


October 29, 2015

Stuffed Acorn Squash


A couple weeks ago, I tried out a recipe for acorn squash that looked interesting. It was filled with a concoction of bread crumbs, sausage, apples, and a few other ingredients. It looked delicious, but when I took a bite, it just seemed a little too much. There were so many flavors going on in the filling that I could barely taste the sweetness of the squash! So after giving the matter some thought, I came up with something more down to earth.

I am certainly not a gourmet chef. I like simple food that tastes fresh and delicious, with just enough seasoning to enhance the flavor rather than cover it. And the food I cook at home must have one other characteristic: it must be inexpensive! Feeding a family of seven on a teacher's income requires careful planning and creativity. By eliminating most processed foods and using very little meat, I have been able to serve healthy food at a reasonable cost.

This recipe is much simpler than the other one I tried. The filling is easy to make and compliments the flavor of the acorn squash quite nicely. I used brown and wild rice (not the highly-seasoned packaged product -- just the rice), which I cooked while the squash was baking. Remember, one cup of uncooked rice (with two cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt) will make about three cups, cooked. You could try this recipe using other grains, such as quinoa, instead of the rice. I served it with oven-roasted vegetables, apples in brown sugar sauce, and gouda cheese. It would also go well with apple-glazed chicken or pork, or cedar-planked salmon. No matter what may accompany it, this pretty little squash will make any meal seem special!

Stuffed Acorn Squash

2 acorn squashes
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups cooked brown and wild rice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Cut each squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
Cut a small piece from the bottom of each half, if necessary, to allow the squash to sit flat.
Spread melted butter on each squash half.
Place squash in a baking dish and bake in a 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes, or until tender.
Meanwhile, mix together the rice, nuts, and cranberries.
Fill each squash half with the rice mixture.
Serves 4

Apples in Brown Sugar Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
4 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup apple juice
cinnamon

Melt butter in a 9 or 10 inch skillet over moderate heat.
Add the apples, and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the apples with brown sugar, and add apple juice.
Continue to cook until the sugar melts and mixture comes to a boil.
Sprinkle with cinnamon.
Serves 4



October 27, 2015

A Little Word of Kindness


Somebody made me smile today. She gave me an encouraging word. It didn't cost her anything, and it really didn't take much time. But her thoughtfulness lifted me up and made my day.

All too often, we get so preoccupied with our own lives that we hardly think of others. I have found that those times when we are experiencing troubles can be the best times to look outside of ourselves. When we are thinking of others, we forget about our own worries and struggles. And in the process of encouraging someone else, we are blessed.

My mother always had a way of encouraging others. A pastor's wife, Sunday school teacher, chalk-talk artist, girl scout leader, and mother of five, she rarely thought of herself. But she always had a cheerful countenance. In blessing others, her own life was enriched. When she was young, she wrote poetry. Some of her poems were lighthearted; others were more profound. But they were a true reflection of who she was. I hope that this little poem might be a blessing to you today.


A little word of kindness
From your heart to a loving friend,
May lead in his worldly blindness
To a better, more glorious end.

A little smile of gladness
From your lips to a comrade true,
Will banish all his sadness,
And cheer him the whole day through.

A little deed from your helping hand
To make a burden lighter,
Kind words, true smiles, and little deeds
Will make your life grow brighter.

Wilma N. Gibson, 1935


October 26, 2015

The Ten Item Wardrobe Explained

It seems I have caused quite a stir with my ten item wardrobe challenge! Ladies, especially, are taking a look into their closets with new eyes. Many are wondering how in the world they can possibly whittle down their enormous collection of clothing to just ten pieces. Some are puzzled over seasonal changes and whether they would be required to wear wool skirts in the summer and cotton frocks on snowy winter days. Never fear! It's not that bad. You certainly won't find me outside gardening in my Sunday best, or walking two miles in high-heeled shoes! So let's take a closer look at the concept of the ten item wardrobe.

  • The basic idea is to choose ten articles of clothing that form the core of your wardrobe. You will, of course, consider your lifestyle and the type of weather you have in your area. If you wear skirts/pants and tops, each piece counts as one. By choosing your clothing carefully, however, you can mix and match things to get way more than just ten outfits! 
  • Sweaters, jackets, and outerwear are extras; they are bonus pieces that can change a look and add warmth. Even when it is hot outside, air-conditioned stores, restaurants, and churches can be chilly. I almost always take along a sweater, shawl, or jacket when I go out.  
  • Tee shirts and camisoles are extras. You can use them for layering, or simply as tops. Usually, these items don't need to be hung in the closet. They can be kept in drawers or baskets. 
  • Shoes, handbags, and accessories are not counted. After all, if we counted a pair of shoes as two pieces (or even just one), most of us would be in serious trouble! But do try to be reasonable. The idea is to minimize the clutter and simplify things -- and you can't do that with 2000 pairs of shoes!
  • Exercise and work clothes are extras. I think that I will choose ten items for this category, as well. This will be a separate group that will reside in a dresser drawer. That way, I will have what I need for walking and digging in the dirt, while keeping things as simple as possible. 
  • The ten item wardrobe can be changed for each season. The rest of your things can be stored elsewhere so they don't get in the way. You may have a set of clothes for spring/summer and another set for fall/winter. Or you may opt to have four different capsules of seasonal clothing. It really is up to you! What fits your lifestyle? I think that I will sort my clothes into four groups to be changed every three months. Some pieces may find themselves in more than one group and will remain in my closet for an extended period. The general idea gives me some variety throughout the year. When December comes, for example, it will be time to swap my fall things for winter clothes. I will do the same in March, June, and September. 
If you feel that you need more than ten pieces, guess what? You make the rules! Maybe you have twelve or fifteen items that insist on taking part in your life this season. That's ok. Just do what is best for you. But I think you will find life so much simpler if you can keep the quantity of clothing to a minimum. And just imagine how beautiful your closet will look when it is finished!






October 23, 2015

Cleaning Out My Closet

Well, I'm taking the challenge. All this talk about a ten item wardrobe got me motivated! So this week I did something crazy -- I emptied my whole closet. I took everything out and piled it on my bed, and then I wiped out the inside. There are no built-in closets in the master bedroom of our home, the result of a former owner adding on to the house and, I'm guessing, taking out the previously existing closet in the process. So I have, instead, a free-standing wardrobe with shelves and a small rod for hanging clothes. It's just the right size for a ten item wardrobe!  


As I looked at the heap on my bed, I realized that there were clothes in my wardrobe that I had forgotten I even owned! Some still had tags on them. Others had shrunk in the wash and hadn't been worn in years. There was even a cardigan sweater that I bought over 40 years ago! The hangers were mismatched and included cheap skirt hangers that had come with the clothes when they were purchased. They even had colored tags with numbers on them, announcing the size of the garments they wore. Millions of belts and handbags cluttered the shelves. And shoes were stacked in their boxes, taking up half the shelf space. Yes, it's time to do something about this mess.

The first thing I did was to determine whether or not I could make some sense of the things I had. Could I put together a capsule of clothing that would be coordinated in some manner? The way I had everything in the closet before made it look like a hodge podge of unrelated pieces. But a closer look revealed a pleasant surprise! I have quite a few skirts and tops that work well together. In fact, it looks like I can do the same thing for each season. So I will  keep just the clothing for fall in my closet now and change it out when winter comes. That way, I won't get tired of wearing the same clothes year round. The extra clothes that aren't part of the basic wardrobe will  be moved out of my closet to storage.

Now that I have my strategy, I can take action. I already started a give-away bag for those items I no longer wear. I will need to get some decent skirt hangers, and maybe some sort of baskets or boxes to use on the shelves. I will not be going to an upscale store to get lots of fancy organizing paraphernalia; I am doing this on a budget. I was so pleased to see that I don't really need any new clothes for this season. I may replace a top that is getting slightly worn with a new one, and I think I might purchase a piece of fabric to make a scarf to wear with a certain skirt. But other than that, I'm good to go! Check back next week to see if I make any progress. What about you? Would you like to join me in the ten item wardrobe challenge?


October 21, 2015

Waldorf Salad


A few months ago, my husband gave me an interesting kitchen gadget that I had never seen before. For some strange reason, the thing reminded me of a guillotine, but its purpose is quite different. This apparatus is made for turning fruits and vegetables into strings, noodles, and ribbons. It is called a spiralizer.


There are so many things it can be used for, from salads and side dishes to casseroles, pasta substitutes, and desserts. One night, while I was trying to get to sleep, I came up with this recipe. It is a fresh, light version of the classic salad usually made with mayonnaise. This one uses fat free Greek yogurt instead, and includes a few dried cranberries for zing. The apples can be chopped if you don't have a spiralizer, and I'm sure that you will find the salad just as delicious. Enjoy!

Waldorf Salad

2 apples, spiralized or cored and chopped
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 Cup chopped walnuts
1/2 Cup dried cranberries
1/2 Cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
1 Tablespoon agave nectar

Toss the apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Add next 3 ingredients and stir together.
Stir the agave nectar into the yogurt and add to salad.
Serves about 4.

October 20, 2015

The Ten Item Wardrobe

We've all seen them -- those pictures of beautifully organized closets filled with perfectly coordinated clothing that hangs freely from matching hangers. Sweaters are neatly folded, shoes are meticulously lined up, and handbags stand at attention in a neat row. But when we open the door of our own closets, we find a mess of mismatched garments shoved in so tightly that they hardly need hangers to stay in place. Sweaters are piled up so that, when we pull one out to wear, the whole bunch falls over in a heap. Shoes are strewn about looking for their mates, and purses are thrown in wherever they will fit. Perhaps your closet is properly organized. But for those of us who are organizationally challenged, or just don't have enough room for our clothes, that beautiful wardrobe seems like a dream. If only we could find a way to straighten things out! Well, I may have found a solution.

Recently I discovered two books by best-selling author Jennifer L. Scott: Lessons From Madame Chic; 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris, and At Home With Madame Chic; Becoming a Connoisseur of Daily Life. When Jennifer was in college, she lived in Paris for six months as an exchange student. The lessons she learned while living with her host family were life changing. She has written these two books based on her experience in Paris, and a new book, Polish Your Poise With Madame Chic; Lessons in Everyday Elegance, is set to be released later this month. Jennifer's blog, The Daily Connoisseur, is filled with ideas on how to achieve that je ne sais quoi possessed by her hostess and others that she met during her study abroad. I am impressed by the way Jennifer turned that six-month experience into a career that she is able to maintain while staying at home with her children. One thing, in particular, that made an impact on her was the fact that, in spite of having tiny closets, French women always seemed to be dressed so nicely! It was then that she learned the concept of the ten item wardrobe.

The idea is to have ten quality pieces that are worn throughout the week, with the addition of tee shirts, outer wear, and accessories. By limiting yourself to ten key items, the closet is not packed with clothes that are rarely worn. This makes getting dressed so much easier, since you don't have to wade through a forest of garments in your wardrobe. Because I am always searching for ways to be more organized, I found this idea intriguing. I have so many clothes, but I always seem to grab the same couple outfits to throw on in my haste to get dressed and get on with my day. And since the weather is always warm here, with the exception of a few chilly winter days, I can wear the same clothes year round. The trouble with that is, it can get rather boring. So I have decided to try this concept of the ten item wardrobe.

I am sure it will be a challenge to choose which things to keep, which ones to store away, and what to get rid of altogether. But I think that, by choosing wisely, I will be able to put together a practical wardrobe that looks nice and serves me well. Perhaps I might even achieve that picture perfect closet I have coveted for so long. So stay tuned for updates on my progress! Meanwhile, perhaps you would like to give it a try, as well!


October 16, 2015

October Sky

The 1999 movie October Sky is an inspiring film based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a boy growing up in a coal mining town, who dreamed of reaching the stars. Like every other boy in his community, he was expected to follow in his father's footsteps -- into the darkness and danger of the coal mine. But with the news of the launch of Sputnik 1 by the Soviets, a new idea came to Homer. He decided to build a rocket. Through trial and error, and with much help from his friends, Homer succeeded to reach his goal, eventually winning a gold medal at the National Science Fair and launching a large rocket 30,000 feet into the air. Homer went on to study engineering at Virginia Tech and worked many years for NASA. 

My October sky is not filled with rockets and lofty goals, but to me it's an achievement. I have been wanting to paint our beautiful Florida sky for many years. Every day brings a wonderful new work of art, painted by the Creator. From sunrise to sunset, the sky is constantly changing, from the first streaks of light in the morning to a glorious end of the day. To capture the wonder of sunlight on the clouds, a storm in the distance, or the fleeting beauty of a rainbow is an enchanting idea to me. So, after a decades-long hiatus from painting, I decided to give it a try.

I have always loved watercolors. I'm not even sure why. Perhaps it's the spontaneity that is suggested in the medium, or the ethereal quality of the paint that attracts me. But I think the thing that intrigues me the most is the challenge of getting those colors to do what I want them to do. Watercolor painting actually takes a great deal of thought. Because they are transparent, the artist must plan ahead in order to save the white of the paper. And because it is a wet medium, the paint behaves differently when applied to wet paper, as opposed to dry. Once all that thinking takes place, it is time to take action -- quickly, and without hesitation. Sometimes, the colors obediently do their duty. Other times, they do their own thing. And sometimes, their rebellious nature creates a lovely surprise! 

This week, I painted an October sky. It is the first, I'm sure, of many to come. There is plenty of room for improvement, but through trial and error, I hope to reach my goal. My skies will never be as magnificent as the ones painted by the Artist who created them. But I hope to eventually capture the splendor of the Florida sky.





October 13, 2015

Music Notes


Two little shrubs grow in our yard that have intriguing flowers. Clerodendrum incisum is an interesting plant whose flower buds resemble music notes before they open into pretty white clusters of white petals with red stamens. In fact, the flowers themselves remind me of herald trumpets, complete with visible music resounding from the bell of each horn. The first time my husband and I saw the music notes plant at a botanical garden, we knew we just had to get one. After all, we are musicians.

I have always loved music. When I was two years old, my mother claimed, I picked out the tune Happy Birthday on the piano. To be honest, I believe I was older than that, because I can remember doing it -- and I don't remember being two...We had a big old upright piano in our house that served as a focal point in the living room. Sometimes, we would put on puppet shows by draping a towel over the bench and hiding behind it. Then, sticking our hands above our heads, we would play with the puppets, using funny voices and making up a story as we went along. But usually, the piano was making music.

Of course, music didn't just emanate from the piano on its own. Often, it was my sister who played it. I can still hear, in my head, strains of Mozart's Piano Sonata 15 in C Major, Henry Mancini's Charade, and the music of the Beatles filling the room as she practiced difficult passages over and over again. When my brother-in-law joined the family, that piano came alive as he played Light My Fire, and other groovy songs. Sometimes it was my brother playing Moon River. And occasionally, my mom would sit down and practice What a Friend We Have in Jesus. 

I would sometimes pick out a tune, and I took piano lessons for about a year. I even performed in a recital at my teacher's house -- a little song called A Waltz for Judy. But then I started playing the flute. Here was something I could do that nobody else in the family did! Something different! I remember the excitement of that first day in band, when I learned how to play those first few notes. I quickly learned to play reasonably well, for a fourth grader, since I already knew how to read music. And as I got older and practiced more, and with a couple years of private lessons, my playing improved. I played in concert band, marching band, and jazz band. I even toured Europe with a group of musicians from across America. And among the boys in the band, I met my husband.

Music filled our apartment when a fussy baby wouldn't go to sleep. Music played in the kids' room at bed time, soothing little ones and covering up any outside noises that might prevent them from drifting off to dream. Attending and performing in concerts and ballets filled our lives with music. And over the years, my husband introduced thousands of students to the joy of music.

These days, most of my music making is for God. Singing in the church choir and playing my flute is my offering to the Lord, much like the gift of the little drummer boy in that beloved Christmas song. After all, He first gave the gift to me. And I hope that, in some small way, my music will glorify Him. Each day, I eagerly look for those pretty little flowers in my garden. And with a song in my heart, I thank God for music.

Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150
(ESV)





October 8, 2015

Bird Watching

There is a mockingbird sitting in a palm tree outside my dining room window. Every day he stops by to eat the red berries that grow in clusters at the top of the trunk. And every day he sings a beautiful song. On and on he goes, his music filling the air as he fills his belly with fruit. Sometimes he brings his family, and they all happily dine on the delicious treat. And sometimes an intruder comes along and tries to steal his food.

I didn't always pay attention to birds. I remember, as a child, my mom would exclaim over sighting a Baltimore oriole or an indigo bunting. But I never noticed anything other than robins, blue jays, and the occasional cardinal. To me, birds were just birds, and I was too busy playing to notice the variety of winged creatures around me. And then I moved to Florida!

Suddenly, birds seemed to be everywhere, and not just robins and blue jays. There were egrets, with beautiful white plumage and long sticks for legs, that waded along the edges of lakes and streams to catch their breakfast. Anhingas swam in the water with just their necks poking out, earning them the nickname snake-birds. An anhinga would stab his prey with a spear-like bill, then flip the fish into the air and swallow it whole. Then he would stand on the bank with his wings spread out to dry in the sun.


Warblers flew about catching insects -- and there were so many different varieties! Hawks soared way up high, gliding effortlessly on air currents while scanning the ground below for their next meal. And there were even parrots, with emerald green feathers and loud voices clamoring for attention. Thus began my fascination with birds.

My husband and I got ourselves some good binoculars and a field guide, and started our quest to see and identify as many birds as possible. A hot tip on a new bird would send us on a wild goose chase to find the elusive creature. We would load up the stroller and wheel it through the woods while our little girl enjoyed the fun. Each time we went exploring, it seemed, we saw a new species and added it to our list. And often, we saw other wildlife as well.



As our family grew, our outings became less frequent. Life was busy, and there were mouths to feed and diapers to change...Then one day, I saw a burrowing owl standing in the yard. I hurried and got the kids gathered up, and we peeked out the window at our visitor. I told them about bird watching, and how some people keep a list of all the different birds they see, and how exciting it is to spot a new one to add to the list. I could see their eyes light up with interest, and I knew then and there that I had started something. That Christmas, the only things they asked for were Roger Tory Peterson field guides and a trip to Everglades National Park to look for birds. Thus began their fascination with birds, and their life lists were started. 

A life list is what birders call that inventory of birds that a person sees and identifies. Our state has a wonderful program called Wings Over Florida, in which certificates are awarded at varying levels depending on the number of birds spotted. There are also certificates for those who do the same with butterflies. It's a fun way to explore the outdoors, and a great incentive to see and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Perhaps your state has a similar program. If not, try setting a goal and reward yourself with a treat when you reach it. You will be amazed at the variety and abundance of creatures you will see when you open your eyes. As Mr. Fitzpatrick, my art teacher from long ago at The Carnegie Institute, often said,

Look, to See, to Remember...to Enjoy!



October 6, 2015

Dressing Up a Simple Salad


I love salad. I eat it every day. Usually, I keep a container of salad in my refrigerator so that I can pack it in my husband's lunchbox in the morning or pull it out for a quick lunch myself. Low in calories, it is full of nutrition. 

One of the things I like best about salad, though, is its simple beauty. A great salad can be just a bowlful of lettuce leaves with a wonderful dressing and croutons. It can be an elegant field of greens with fancy cheeses and artichoke hearts. Or it can be a riot of color with fresh fruits and vegetables and a topping of sunflower seeds. The possibilities are endless. A salad should be a work of art. With a little care, anyone can turn a simple salad into a masterpiece. And it isn't even necessary to have expensive ingredients on hand. 

Today, I started with a bowlful of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces. I always make sure that the lettuce is small enough that it does not have to be cut with a knife or, worse, cause a person to choke on a giant leaf. I added some sliced sweet onions, radishes, and carrots that I slivered with a vegetable peeler. Simple! Then, to dress it up a bit, I sliced part of an unpeeled pink lady apple into the dish. That little touch of sweetness and crunch added some interest to the salad. And then to make my salad worthy of the finest restaurant, I decorated it with a few candied walnuts and spiralized beets. Served with a nice homemade raspberry vinaigrette, my salad was as pretty to look at as it was delicious to eat!


The walnuts are quick and easy to make, as is the raspberry vinaigrette. Here are the recipes:

Candied Walnuts                                                                 

2 Tablespoons butter                                              
1 Cup walnuts                                                          
2 Tablespoons sugar                                                 

Melt the butter in a small skillet.                                   
Add nuts, stirring to coat with butter.                            
Add sugar and stir, allowing to caramelize.                   
Pour onto parchment or waxed paper to cool.

Raspberry Vinaigrette

1/3 Cup seedless raspberry jam
1/3 Cup red wine vinegar
1/4 Cup vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wisk together all ingredients and pour into bottle.
Keep refrigerated.

Enjoy! And happy salad-making!


October 1, 2015

Gardenias


Fifteen years ago, we bought a house. It came with a big backyard -- somewhat of a rarity in middle class neighborhoods around here. But with five kids and a dog, the space was attractive, albeit high maintenance. About half of the yard is grassy. We call it the field, and sometimes, when life gets busy and the grass doesn't get cut as often as it should, it grows into what I call amber waves of grain. The other half of the property that sits closer to our house is filled with a variety of plants -- trees, shrubs, flowers, and of course, weeds. Some of the things that grew out back when we moved here were taken out and replaced by other plants. But there are three residents that still stand proudly along the path that leads to the field. The day we moved in, they were just green, leafy bushes. I didn't even know for sure what they were. That spring, lo and behold, flower buds appeared on the mystery shrubs. And when they opened up into blooms, they revealed their true identity. They were gardenias! What a lovely surprise! The creamy white blossoms adorn the bushes for months, their fragrance filling the air. Sometimes I cut a bouquet of them and put them in a vase to brighten up the house. They add a touch of elegance to our home while their perfume permeates the room. 

This week I picked one of the flowers and brought it in to paint. Just one bloom with a few green leaves lay on the table as I tentatively started to work. The white petals were a challenge to depict, since in watercolor painting, one does not use white paint. The artist must instead reserve the white of the paper in the appropriate places. So for my second weekly painting, I bring you Gardenia.