Baked Brie

A couple years ago, my husband and I went on a little vacation to Saint Petersburg, Florida -- just the two of us. It was the first time we had done such a thing since our honeymoon, over 30 years earlier. We spent the week visiting art museums and shops, strolling through botanical gardens, and relaxing on our hotel balcony with coffee and pastries. One day, we visited Florida's largest new and used bookstore, Haslam's, which has over 300,000 books in 30,000 square feet. Book lovers that we are, it was almost like being in Heaven. We ate at local restaurants and tried new foods. But one restaurant, in particular, had something on their menu that lured us through their doors every single day.

The Moon Under Water, located on Beach Drive, serves British Colonial cuisine in the atmosphere of a cozy English tavern. For those who prefer dining outdoors, there is seating on the porch and at tables along the sidewalk. The first time we ate there, we decided to try the baked brie, listed among the appetizers. Wrapped in puff pastry and served with crackers and a delicious spicy raspberry sauce, this delicacy had us returning again and again for more.

This recipe is very simple and will give you impressive results. As you slice into the papery layers of pastry, you will discover a luscious, melted cheese that can be spread on crackers along with warm apricot preserves or seedless raspberry jam. The recipe calls for an 8 ounce round brie. I only had on hand a 16 ounce brie, which I cut in half, so the brie in the picture above is wrapped a little differently than it would be, had I used a circle-shaped one. No matter how you wrap it, the flavor is heavenly.

Baked Brie in Puff Pastry

1/2 (17 oz.) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1 (8 oz.) round brie
1/8 Cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted in skillet
1/4 Cup preserves (apricot, raspberry, etc.)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Roll thawed pastry until large enough to wrap around brie.
Place cheese in center of pastry, and sprinkle almonds on top.
Wrap or bundle up the pastry around brie and press to seal.
Bake 20-25 minutes, until puffed and golden.
Cool 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with crackers and warmed preserves.
Serves about 4.

One Holy Night

One holy night a Child was born;

A tiny Son was given.

The shepherds rushed to see His face,

And angels sang in Heaven.

His name was Jesus, Savior;

He came to set us free

From sin and death and Satan's pow'r;

The blind, He made to see.

He healed the sick; He raised the dead,

The leper, He made clean.

The wind and waves obeyed His voice;

Such pow'r had never been seen.

Yet tenderly, He blessed each child;

With those He loved, He wept.

This gentle Shepherd led His sheep;

In poverty, He slept.

One dreadful day they took Him,

And nailed Him to a tree.

He'd said, "If I be lifted up,

I'll draw all men to Me."

His body lay inside a tomb,

And guards stood watch nearby.

Three days and nights His friends asked God,

"Why did He have to die?"

One wondrous day He came alive;

An empty grave to prove

That He had conquered sin and death

Because of His great love.

One day He's coming back again,

The Prince of Peace, our King.

We'll worship Him before His throne,

And with the angels, sing.

Copyright © 2015  Judy Strattan

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sleeping Under the Christmas Tree

Christmas is a very special time of the year. It's a time filled with music, family, friends, and traditions. Many of us have our own set of traditions for celebrating the holiday. For our family, Christmas time begins on Thanksgiving Day. After the turkey has been gobbled up, along with the accompanying side dishes, everyone's name goes on a gift tag to be placed in a hat. As each person draws a name, we begin thinking about what to give the chosen person for Christmas. We started doing this as the family grew, since it was just too difficult to take each child shopping for every other child. The kids could really put some thought into what they would give as a gift, and it was possible to have two or three children at a time accompany us on a shopping expedition. The day after Thanksgiving, the Christmas music comes out and we put up the Christmas tree. Some people like trees with flashing lights; others have trees that revolve. I prefer a quiet tree, with no blinking lights. It is so much more peaceful, and much more conducive to sleeping under the Christmas tree.

Years ago, when the kids were little, some very dear friends told us about this tradition. It seemed like so much fun, we started doing it ourselves. The night of the last day of school before Christmas, the whole family would sleep under the Christmas tree. We would spend the evening at the dining room table with boxes of graham crackers, assorted candy, and royal icing, assembling individual "gingerbread" houses. And that night, the living room would be filled with sleeping bags, pillows, music, and lots of laughter as we camped out around the tree. We didn't get much sleep, but we sure had fun! As the kids got older, they continued the tradition, the teenagers laughing and playing games around the tree as Mom and Dad slept peacefully in our room.

Most of these traditions cost very little money, but these are the things that the kids enjoyed most. Making homemade cards for each other, baking cookies, caroling and stringing popcorn for the tree are little things that create lasting memories. Long after the presents are opened, and the Christmas candy is eaten, children will remember the special things you do as a family to celebrate the birth of our Lord. Take some time this year to make some memories. You may just find yourself sleeping under the Christmas tree!

The Nutcracker Years

This morning, as I had my coffee and browsed the internet, I saw a video of two people (check out glassduo.com) playing "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy" from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. Instead of being played on a celesta, however, this version was played on wine glasses, filled with water. The music was so beautifully interpreted, that I could imagine a sparking ballerina dancing before my eyes. And I remembered the Nutcracker years.

For many years, The Nutcracker was a central part of our lives, beginning in September and ending shortly before Christmas. My two girls performed every year with a regional ballet company whose production was top-notch. From scenery and costumes to choreography, everything was professionally done. The dancers performed impeccably, right down to the littlest angel. Every mother beamed with pride as their daughters and sons took the stage and danced to the music that had filled our ears every day for the last four months. And as the dancers took their final bows at the end of the last show, we breathed a sigh of relief. Another successful season was over.

As soon as school started each year, everyone at the ballet studio turned their thoughts to The Nutcracker. Little boys and girls would eagerly anticipate their first performance in a real ballet. They would be angels, dressed in pretty costumes and carrying battery-operated candles as they would glide around the stage in perfect formation. Older children would play the part of party girls and boys, and everyone wondered who would be the lucky ones chosen to be Clara and Fritz. The teenagers, many of whom would go on to professional ballet companies when they graduated, looked forward to their performances in the snow scene or the "Waltz of the Flowers" and wondered who would win the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Auditions began in September and, as soon as the cast list was posted, rehearsals began in earnest. Ballet classes continued as usual, but evenings and weekend afternoons were dedicated to rehearsal time. Costumes were fitted and altered, pictures were taken, scenery and props were mended, and soon it was time for dress rehearsal. This was a time for the mothers to practice their roles backstage, helping with costumes and makeup. And then it would be showtime!

Working backstage was a real eye-opener for me. Some of those costume changes had to be done very quickly. As young girls dashed to the dressing room after the party scene, we hurriedly got them out of their dresses and into mouse costumes for the battle with the toy soldiers. The audience never imagined the chaos that was going on behind the scenes as Drosselmeyer worked his magic and the Christmas tree on stage grew to an enormous size. When the show was over, we would congratulate each other on a job well done and plan how to improve our efficiency for the next show.

Each of us, of course, would have the opportunity to see the show at least one time each season. That's when we would dress in our finest clothes and take our places in the theater. Bouquets of flowers filled the arms of many who attended, and the seats began to fill. The audience browsed their programs, and soon the lights dimmed. And as the music began, we would breathlessly await the opening scene of The Nutcracker.

A Christmas Tradition

It started with two little wooden birds on a borrowed tree. It was our first baby's very first Christmas, and we wanted to do something special. We had borrowed the tree from my husband's band room after school finished up for the holiday break. It was just a little tree, about two feet tall, that we placed on the piano. We had no ornaments. I made a pretty paper chain with some wrapping paper and fashioned a few bows with red ribbon. The effect was delightful. Then one evening, we decided to go shopping and enjoy the Christmas displays. That's when I saw them: two wooden birds, one blue and one yellow, that were the perfect size for our tree. And they were only one dollar apiece! I decided to buy them for our little girl to commemorate her first Christmas. And so it began.

Every year we went shopping to find a unique ornament for our daughter. As God blessed us with more babies, we bought more ornaments -- and a bigger tree! And as the children got older, they each chose their own special items. The little ones usually found something unbreakable that they could admire and play with, and the older kids would sometimes choose very fragile decorations. By then, we had decided that each child would take their ornaments with them when they grew up and moved away, and we began to keep a list of each person's collection. Every year, when we put up the tree, the kids eagerly unwrapped the decorations and hung their own pretty things on the branches.

The ornaments usually reflected the current interests of each family member. Little girls often chose ballerinas or pretty birds. Little boys chose toy horns, toy soldiers, or snowmen. One year, we had to find a fire truck for one child and a tank for another. These were found in the toy department instead of the holiday display, but that was what they wanted. A few years later, we noticed the tiny writing on the gun of the tank: Eve of Destruction! A rather incongruous inscription for a Christmas celebration! We had a good laugh and positioned the thing front and center.

Our Christmas tree is filled with memories. Some of the ornaments are unusual, and some are silly, but each one is special. As the kids grow up and take their collections with them for their own trees, my husband and I will still have the things we purchased for ourselves. And they are filled with memories, too.

This month, as you celebrate the birth of Christ, spend some time with those you love. You don't have to spend a fortune on gifts to make memories. And those are more precious than silver and gold!

Green Cay Wetlands

This past Saturday, while many people were fighting crowds of shoppers for bargains on Christmas decorations and the latest in electronic gadgets, my husband and I enjoyed the quiet of nature. We got up early and, instead of driving to the mall, we went on an excursion to Green Cay Wetlands in Boynton Beach, Florida. Previously a green pepper farm, the property was made into a wetland for the enjoyment of animals and people alike. Construction began on 100 acres in 2003. This water reclamation project naturally filters millions of gallons of water each day. The park is so well-designed and filled with life, one would never know it is a man-made preserve. The 1.5-mile boardwalk allows visitors to stroll through the park and enjoy the scenery. Some people go there just to get some exercise; others will stand in the same spot for hours with their cameras, waiting for that merlin who was spotted in a certain dead tree.

The place is filled with an abundance of wildlife. Marsh rabbits hop along the grassy banks, alligators swim in the water, butterflies flit among the flowers, and birds are everywhere. One stand of trees was filled with several species of warbler. Dead trees served as perches for great egrets, anhingas, wood storks, and hawks.

A beautiful red-shouldered hawk soared overhead. Two roseate spoonbills waded along the edge of the water, and a common snipe hid shyly in the grass. Turtles, whose shells were covered with algae, basked in the sun or swam in the water with their little noses poking up for air. And a tricolored heron walked along the rail of the boardwalk investigating the people who respectfully gave him space so he wouldn't be startled.

Before we left, we walked through the nature center, which has educational dioramas, posters, and films explaining the wildlife and the water cycle of Green Cay. Aerial photographs depict the development of the wetlands over the years; the change in the landscape in just a few short years is incredible! As we walked back to our car, we were serenaded by cicadas, and we finished our visit with a glimpse of the butterfly garden filled with milkweed, wild coffee, and beautyberry bushes.

Our Saturday morning was a peaceful, pleasant time. The fresh air and sunshine, and the music of insects and birds was much more rewarding than the dollars we may have saved on some unnecessary trinket from the mall. The beauty of God's creation is so much more lovely than the glitter of tinsel and flashing lights. Why not take some time this Christmas season to enjoy the blessings of the outdoors? Whether it is filled with snow or sunshine, you will be refreshed and restored. And best of all -- it's free!

A Thought for Thanksgiving

This Thursday, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving. It is a day to pause and reflect on our blessings, and to thank God for His care and provision for us. Our Thanksgiving tradition began with the Pilgrims, who came to our shores to escape religious persecution. After a year of hardships, in which half the settlers died, they set aside a time to celebrate the harvest and thank God for His blessings. In spite of their struggles and sacrifices, the Pilgrims were grateful for the freedom to worship God. Their governor, William Bradford, wrote in his manuscript Of Plymouth Plantation, "We have noted these things so that you might see their worth and not negligently lose what your fathers have obtained with so much hardship."

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving Day, let us remember all that God has done for us. Let us thank God for family and friends, for food and shelter and the clothes we wear. Let us thank Him for our freedom, which was gained at great cost. But most of all, let us thank Him for salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh give thanks to the LORD;

call upon his name;

make known his deeds among the peoples!

1 Chronicles 16:8

(ESV)

Cranberry Apple Bread

Now that November is here, a familiar fruit has again made its appearance in the produce section of the grocery store: cranberries! We love cranberries at our house. Our Thanksgiving table always has plates of sliced jellied cranberry sauce from a can (every kid's favorite!), and crystal dishes filled with homemade whole berry sauce and fresh cranberry-orange relish. Those beautiful, deep red berries with their tart flavor lend a refreshing contrast to the rest of a turkey dinner. Fresh cranberries keep well in the refrigerator and last even longer in the freezer. I often stock up on them so I can enjoy delicious baked goods long after the holidays are over. Sometimes I add them to apple crisp or pie, or I use them in muffins. One of my favorite recipes using the tangy fruit is cranberry apple bread. This delicious treat is perfect with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Cranberry Apple Bread

2 Cups peeled, chopped apples
2/3 Cup sugar
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 egg
1 1/2 Cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 Teaspoon baking powder
1/2 Teaspoon baking soda
1 Teaspoon cinnamon
1 Cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 Cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch loaf pan
Combine apples, sugar, and oil in a medium mixing bowl.
Add egg, mixing well.
Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
Add dry ingredients to apple mixture, mixing just until moist.
Stir in cranberries and walnuts.
Spread batter in loaf pan, and bake 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Makes one loaf.

Two Hundred Dresses

Wanda Petronski was a little girl who wore the same dress to school every day. But when teased by her classmates, she claimed that she had one hundred dresses at home, all lined up in her closet. The children's book The Hundred Dresses, written by Eleanor Estes and illustrated by Louis Slobodkin, won a Newbery Honor in 1945. It is a timeless story that teaches about compassion and courage, and the impact of our words. One thing is certain, though. Wanda was an imaginative little girl who drew pictures of her hundred dresses, each a unique design and beautifully colored.

Recently, my husband gave me a book that  promises to be quite inspiring. Sew Many Dresses, Sew Little Time; The Ultimate Dressmaking Guide is written by designer Tanya Whelan. With simple, interchangeable templates and step-by-step instructions, Tanya shows how to make over 200 possible combinations! I have always wanted to design my own clothes, but never had the nerve to try it. I have had to rely on patterns designed by someone else. Now, with this book, I have the guidance I need to be more creative when I sew. I am starting with a very basic design, in a captivating fabric.

Once I get the fit right and become more courageous, I will try some other styles. I won't be making two hundred dresses, but perhaps, like Wanda, I can use my imagination and make some designs that are uniquely mine.

I must be careful to plan my dresses so that they can join my other clothes and become part of my ten item wardrobe. And now that my closet is under control and the needles and thread are being used again, perhaps my next organizing project will be my sewing supplies!

Something Beautiful

A few months ago, we had a terrible storm. It wasn't a hurricane, but it sure looked like one from my dining room window. Rain poured down, and the wind blew the palm trees so that their fronds all faced west. Lightning flashed, and thunder crashed, and my patio umbrella tipped over. Then it happened. The big acacia tree we had planted about ten years ago fell to the ground, uprooted by the wind. It had been a messy tree, always dropping branches when there was any kind of storm, and spreading seedpods everywhere. But it had given a light shade to a section of the property, and the birds seemed to like the flowers high up in its branches.

As we cleaned up the mess, we discovered the reason for the tree's shallow roots. Some time in the past, someone had buried large chunks of concrete in the very spot we had placed the acacia, thus preventing its roots from growing deep into the ground. We started digging up the yard, finding more and more debris, and the pile got higher and higher. What on earth were we going to do with this stuff? After some consideration, I decided to try imitating the delightful stone walls one sees in New England or in the English countryside. We began stacking our "stones" along a path, and the result was surprising. We now have a beautiful, natural looking addition to our landscape. And it started with a storm.

Sometimes life brings us troubles. Sometimes it seems we have been defeated. But God takes notice when we are afflicted. He comforts us, encourages us, and raises us up, changing our ruined lives into something beautiful for His glory -- if only we will let Him. 

O afflicted one, storm-tossed and not comforted,

 behold, I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires.

 I will make your pinnacles of agate, 

your gates of carbuncles,

 and all your wall of precious stones.

 Isaiah 54: 11-12 

(ESV)

A Peek Inside My Closet

Well, here it is: my ten item wardrobe for fall! My ten pieces include one dress, six skirts, and three blouses. I also have a few tee shirts and cardigans, which are on the shelf above the hanging garments. Everything coordinates, so I have at least twenty different outfits. One hanger holds two scarves that I can wear with some of the skirts and tops. There are two jackets hanging in the closet as well, although I probably will not be wearing them until winter, because it is too warm right now. I just liked the way they looked hanging there! The only shoes, belts, and handbags on display are those that will be worn with my ten items. This way, I won't have to search for things; everything I need is here, and nothing else. In fact, I don't even need to open the left side of the closet at all! My clothing for the season all fits on the right side!

I will disclose that I have a spare closet in another room for a few out of season dresses and evening gowns.

I have two bags of clothing to give to charity. I'm sure that I will have even more when I finish sorting through the out of season things. For now, I just boxed them up. I still haven't decided about that 40-year-old sweater! I really like the color, and it brings back memories of my first trip into the city with friends, for a day of shopping and exploring.

I replaced the old hangers with matching ones and purchased some storage boxes that were on sale. I had a roll of contact paper that I had gotten some time ago, and I decided to cover my shoe boxes with it to make them look pretty. Labels on the lids of each box tell me what is inside. Most of the storage boxes hold out of season clothes.

My plan is to change the items every three months for each season. Because I got started on this project a little late, the fall clothes won't be hanging here very long. With December right around the corner and the accompanying Christmas festivities, I will be changing a number of garments in just a few weeks. For now, I will enjoy my beautifully organized closet!

Into the Wardrobe

C.S. Lewis readers will remember the story of the little girl who climbed into a wardrobe and entered another world. The Chronicles of Narnia describes this magical land, where animals talk and good clashes with evil. My wardrobe doesn't lead to the fantasy land of Narnia, and there certainly aren't talking animals inside. But there was a battle, of sorts, going on behind those doors. Skirts and blouses were fighting with dresses and jackets for room to breathe. Boots tried to get a foothold among the shoes. Sweaters and tee shirts struggled to hold their ground as handbags advanced on their territory. So I decided to combat the chaos by attacking the mess head-on. I took the ten item wardrobe challenge.

After I emptied the whole closet, I realized that I had made a tactical error. I had no idea what I was going to do with my clothes while I was in the process of reorganizing them. This wasn't a job that could be completed in one afternoon. So that night, before I went to bed, I piled the clothes in front of the closet. Each time I worked on this project, I found myself moving piles from here to there -- not a very efficient way to work. So for those of you who wish to join me in this endeavor, here are a few tips:

• Have a bag or box handy for those things that you are going to give away. Perhaps you know someone who can use them, or you can donate them to a charity. I won't give the common advice about discarding anything you haven't worn for a year. If you are like me, you may have simply forgotten about some of those items. But do look at each article of clothing with fresh eyes. If a piece doesn't feel right, or if it is stained or worn out, get rid of it! 
• Know what you are going to do with your out-of-season clothes. Do you have another closet that can be used for this purpose? Maybe you can simply box them up and place them on the top shelf. Either way, they will not be taking up space and adding confusion to the clothing you will be wearing this season. 
• Choose the shoes and handbags that coordinate with your ten item wardrobe, and put the other ones away. This will make getting dressed so much easier, when you don't have to wade through 20 pairs of shoes. The same goes for belts and scarves. There is no need to have your white sandals in your closet in January, or black boots taking up precious space in July (unless, of course, you live in the Southern Hemisphere!).
• Try to use matching hangers. It will make the whole closet look so much nicer! They don't have to be expensive. Remember, you will be limiting the number of items that will need hangers, so you won't need many.
• Take measurements of shelf space before you go out shopping for organizational paraphernalia. And take a tape measure with you when you shop, so that you will be sure the things you buy will fit in your closet.
• Be creative! You don't need to spend a fortune on this. If you have the money for a beautiful, customized closet system, that's great! But with a little thought, you  can use what you already have to get things under control and looking nice. For example, boxes can be covered with contact paper, or even wrapping paper, to make them pretty. Labels will let you know what each box contains. Everyone's needs and resources are different. Your closet belongs to you, so make it yours! 

It will be so much easier to get dressed in the morning, once your choices are narrowed down to only the things that make you look and feel good. No more rummaging through a forest of garments or rooting around in a pile of shoes. And you will probably save money by not purchasing clothes that you don't need. Your next trip to the mall may be for just one dress to replace one that has worn out. Or perhaps you only need a blouse in a particular color to complete your capsule of clothing. You won't be tempted to buy everything in sight. You will be in control! Are you ready for the challenge?

Next week: A peek inside my closet for a glimpse of my ten item wardrobe.

A Little Bird Comes to Town

There is a very special little bird in town right now. He came all the way from South America to pay us a visit. A variegated flycatcher somehow found his way to our area, causing much excitement. You see, he is only the sixth variegated flycatcher on record to be seen in North America. People from near and far have been flocking to Evergreen Cemetery to catch a glimpse of him and add him to their life lists. 

This weekend, my husband and I got up early and spent a morning at the cemetery. It is a beautiful, peaceful place. The oldest intact cemetery in town, it is the final resting place for many of the city's founding families. But it is also well known for its hospitality to birds. Many big old trees grow there, in an out-of-the-way corner of the city, an oasis in the midst of highways and high rises. A large strangler fig, 200 feet south of the flagpole, seems to be a favorite of our feathered friends. Some of the birds nibble at the figs high up in the tree, while others snack on the insects that are also feasting on the fruit. 

As we drove through the gate at the entrance to the cemetery, we saw that a crowd had already gathered under the canopy of the Ficus aurea. Many had cameras with huge telephoto lenses standing on tripods. Armed with our binoculars and cell phone cameras, we joined the crowd. Several people pointed out the visitor to us, and we happily watched him as he posed for his picture. One man talked about a rose-breasted grosbeak that he had seen the day before. A few folks discussed their plans to make a trip down the road where another rare bird had been sighted.

We walked through the cemetery, looking for other birds and reading the inscriptions on the grave markers. A gray catbird meowed from a thicket of Brazilian peppers. A hawk flew over head. And warblers flitted about in the trees. It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning.

It seems like a silly thing for so many people to get excited about. One little bird comes to town, and it makes national news. But to bird watching enthusiasts, it is always a joy to see a new bird. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to watch this little fellow enjoy the beauty of our neighborhood. There is Someone else who considers each little bird to be special. And in His concern for such a small creature, He shows us how special each of us is to Him.

Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:29-31

(ESV)

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.

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

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

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!

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?

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.

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 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.

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)

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!

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!

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.

Pennsylvania Hills, Florida Skies

I grew up in the hills of Pennsylvania. My house stood about half way up a steep avenue; I had to go uphill or downhill to visit a friend, walk to school, or go to the candy store. And in order to get back home again, I had to do the opposite. Some days I would walk up and down that hill three or four times. Often, in the summer, I would play in the gutter during the rain, splashing in the water as it ran down along the curb. Learning to ride a bicycle was a challenge, and sometimes we kids would try to get up the hill by zigzagging back and forth on the street. But usually we just walked, pushing our bikes along the way.

Going to school in the winter required great athletic skill. Many kids loved sled riding on the slippery sidewalk, but I preferred to simply slide down the hill in my old boots that were worn smooth on the bottoms. I would get a running start to pick up speed and then, like a surfer, take a stance with one foot in front of the other and ski along the surface of the snow, trying to maintain my balance.

The hills were beautiful, covered with trees, and added a bit of mystery to the landscape. One never quite knew what was around the corner or on the other side of the knoll. The thunder of a storm would echo through the valley, bouncing back and forth between the hills on either side of the river. And the haunting whistle of a freight train rattling along the tracks in the hollow often lulled me to sleep on hot summer nights. I loved the hills.

And then I moved to Florida. Just a few feet above sea level, the ground stretches to the horizon without a hill in sight. Children can ride bicycles and skate effortlessly on the flat sidewalks. And roads go on forever with few curves and no surprises. But God gave us something here in Florida that makes up for the lack of altitude in the landscape. He gave us the sky.

The sky we see each day in this flat land is not just a light blue ceiling with a cloud here and there. The Florida sky stretches to the horizon from east to west, from north to south. And oh, what a sky!  The colors of sunrise are breathtaking, the clouds reflecting orange and pink and purple, and then in a moment the sky is blue.Sometimes it is so blue that it looks as though a child colored it with a crayon -- you know, that color that our teachers told us didn't look real. Sometimes little wisps of white, like feathers, stretch across the sky. Other times, puffy white clouds are scattered about like cotton balls. Storm clouds roll in out of the Everglades each summer afternoon, bringing rain that can be seen from miles away, looking like a curtain of gray. The downpour usually lasts about ten or fifteen minutes, and then the sun comes out again, bringing with it a beautiful rainbow, a reminder of God's promise. And when the sun is setting in the west, a person can look in the opposite direction and see stars twinkling in the darkening sky.

I thought I would miss those Pennsylvania hills. But God knew better. Instead of the majesty of mountains, I now have the splendor of the sky. And each day, I am reminded of the One who created it all.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 

Psalm 19:1