Poetry Saturday . . . The Star

Source: baulabuela.wordpress.com via Marie on Pinterest

Twinkle, Twinkle, little star
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.

Source: pascalcampion.com via Marie on Pinterest

When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.

Source: lucette.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Then the traveller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.

Source: klimtbalan.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

In the dark blue sky you keep,
And often through my curtains peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Til the sun is in the sky.

Source: klimtbalan.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

As your bright and tiny spark,
Lights the traveller in the dark . . .
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
~Jane Taylor

Source: darkallyways.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

You know my whole life I have been singing "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star," and until this morning I never realized that there were more verses or even knew who wrote it. I had always thought it was just a little child's nursery rhyme.

It actually is an early nineteenth-century English poem, first published in 1806 in Rhymes for the Nursery, a collection of poems by Jane Taylor and her sister Ann. Born in 1783, Jane wrote the poem at the age of 23. You can read more about her here, on the wikepedia page. It's all very interesting and tragic. She died at the young age of 40 of breast cancer. I wonder how they know things like that . . . amazing to me.



The Wiggles for your amusement.

At any rate that is my poem for today! Oh, I do so love poetry, don't you?? I also love all these starry pieces of artwork that I have showcased here this morning as well. You can click on the source links at the bottom of each piece and see more of the work of these very talented artists. I am hoping to get into my artroom at some point today myself. (Fingers crossed!)

Here's another star!! A star in my kitchen in the way of a delicious casserole that we just love. It's a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken and one that my kids always really enjoyed. I have never been to Mexico. I have never even been to New Mexico, but I love anything with a bit of Mexican flavour! Ole!


*Chicken Enchilada Pie*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

A Tex Mex favourite, lightened up a bit. Delicious as ever.

8 flour tortillas for burritos
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 cup cooked long grain rice
2 cups grated low fat Monterey Jack Cheese
1 (15 ounce) tin of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (19 ounce) tin of Red Enchilada Sauce
1 cup of sweet corn, thawed
1 cup of thick and chunky tomato salsa
2 TBS thinly sliced spring onions, green and white parts

To Garnish: (optional)
reduced fat sour cream
chopped spring onions

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Spray a round (1 litre) baking dish, 9 inches in diameter, with some nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cut 5 of the tortillas in half. Cut the remaining tortillas into 2 1/2 inch wide strips. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, rice, 1 cup of the cheese, the beans and 1 cup of the enchilada sauce. Mix together well.

Layer 4 tortilla halves in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce and half of the chicken mixture. Top with 2 tortilla halves. Fill in any empty spaces with 3 tortilla strips. Spoon the corn over the tortillas. Spread the salsa over the corn. Layer with 2 more tortilla halves and 3 strips. Top with remaining half of the chicken mixture. Finish layering with the remaining 2 tortilla halves and strips, the remaining enchilada sauce, the remaining cheese and the 2 TBS of spring onions.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the mixture is heated thoroughly and the cheese has melted. Cool for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and some spring onions if desired.



In The English Kitchen today, a delicious Treacle Gingerbread Loaf.

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, February 7th, 2012...

Outside My Window...
All is calm, and dark, and very, very foggy!! We went to visit an elderly friend of ours last evening and thankfully it was only a few streets over because the fog was so thick one could scarce see in front of the face! That's February for you!

I am thinking...
In our church we set aside one evening a week for Family Home Evening. This is a time for a family to do something together which will draw them closer together as a family and uplift them. Monday evenings are the suggested evening, but you can choose whichever evening works best for you as a family. Monday has always worked for us. For the past two Monday's we have been watching the Work & The Glory films. (There are three of them.) They are based on Gerald Lund's series of books entitled the same (The Work and The Glory, there are 9 volumes.) We've also each read the books about 3 times. We enjoy them both immensely. The movies are entertaining and the books are real page turners. Last night when we were watching the second film (American Zion) my heart was really touched by the trials that the early Saints went through in their search to find a place in America where they could worship and live without persecution and in safety. I found myself feeling so very grateful for all that they endured in those early years of the church and uplifted by their strong examples of courage and faith. We found ourselves wondering if we would have the strength to stand up for our faith in the same way, against such odds. I hope we never have to find out for sure, but I think that I would . . . I know that I would. I have already had to give up a lot to be a member of this church . . . family, friends, etc. and so were I not to keep my testimony strong against ALL odds, the sacrifices would have been for nothing. I cannot let them be for nothing.

I am thankful for...
A lovely warm house which keeps us dry and comfortable, especially in this recent spate of cold weather. We've been very lucky here in that we have not had any snow to speak of, but I know the rest of the country hasn't been so lucky. I worry about the homeless people out there and pray for them each day. It must be very horrible to be homeless when the weather is bad. The ladies' group in our local Ward (church congregation) has been participating in an ongoing charity this year, gathering men's socks, underwear and clothing for a Men's Homeless Shelter in Molde. We cannot keep up with the need. As fast as we bring the stuff in, it is used. I am thankful that all my needs are met and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my abundance with others, if only in a small way.

From the kitchen...
Not a heck of a lot. Sometimes that is a good thing.

I am wearing...
Pink and yellow jim jams and my robe and slippers.

I am creating...
I am busy creating some decorations for our RS Activity on Thursday evening.

I am going...
I have the daily reading lessons of course, and then I have the RS Activity on Thursday evening. Other than that my week is pretty much blessedly free to do what I want with. It's nice once in a while to have an empty calendar!

I am reading...



Say When, by Elizabeth Berg

'He felt his stomach tighten, his heart begin to race. The coffeemaker beeped, signalling its readiness, and Ellen got up and poured two mugs. She set one in front of Griffin, one in front of herself. Griffin watched the steam rise up and curl back on itself, then dissipate. He said quietly, "I'm not going anywhere." "Pardon?" "I said, I'm not going anywhere. I'm not moving." She nodded. "I see. Well, I can't. I have to be here to take care of Zoe." Griffin pictured his daughter, a redheaded beauty who would knock the stuffing out of any man who crossed her. "All right, you can stay, too," he told Ellen. "Griffin. One of us has to go."

In Say When, Elizabeth Berg negotiates perfectly the fine balance between humour and poignancy as she charts the days and nights of a family whose normal life has been shattered. Told from the point of view of a man who goes overnight from being a husband to becoming his wife's roommate, this is a gripping and heartfelt story. I have only just begun to read it over the past few nights and I am really enjoying it. But then . . . I love everything Elizabeth Berg writes!

I am hoping...
That the ladies enjoy our Activity we have planned for them on Thursday Evening. It's an activity based on LOVE . . . afterall . . . February is the month of love, is it not??

I am hearing...
Nothing much. Mitzie is snoring away on the sofa. The keys are tapping. All is quiet outside . . . the birds are waking up so a bit of chirping and the odd car that drives by. A very normal, ordinary, everyday start to the day.

Around the house...

Source: willowdecor.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I have long admired Scandanavian design and decor. I just adore this hallway. I think it looks so very welcoming and beautiful. I Love the bench, which gives just the perfect place for you to sit and put your boots or shoes on. I love the beadwork panneling on the sides of it and the scrolled back, the mirror, the light sconces . . . the colours! I adore that stained glass above the double doors and the light that glows through it all. It all seems so fresh and warm, and says . . . "Come on in!" I think that's what a hallway should say!

If I could change one thing it would be...
That all my children would be happy and healthy and content with their lives. They have their struggles and, whilst I know that struggle is all a part and parcel of this life we have here on earth, there are times I just wish that they did not have to struggle so very much.

I am looking forward to ...
Seeing what I will get up to today??? I know I am going to bake cookies at some point. Two of our missionaries are leaving for new areas tomorrow and I want to bake some cookies for them as a thankyou and a farewell. I always hate to see them leave . . . I have a special heart for all the missionaries, but then again, I always love meeting and getting to know the ones that replace them, and being able to serve for and with them in any way that I can.

One of my favourite things...
Is daydreaming. I have always been a daydreamer. OH, the wonderful places I go in my head . . . the things that I see . . . the people that I meet . . . it's absolutely amazing!

A few plans for the rest of the week...
A bit of work . . . a bit of play . . . and everything in between!! Not a heck of a lot really.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Source: crumpledenvelope.tumblr.com via Julie on Pinterest

Enjoy life . . . there are no re-runs.
~Shirl Lowery

We only have one chance to make this life the very best that we can make it. It will not come again. Sing like nobody's listening, dance like nobody's watching, and love like there's no tomorrow. Squeeze the most joy out of every day that is yours. Each sunrise and the day that follows is a gift from above. How you choose to unwrap it . . . is up to you.

As a closing thought I would like to leave you with this:

"Who seeks more than he has hinders himself from enjoying what he has.
~Solomon Ibn Gabirol

I just love this . . . it is so true. True joy comes from being content with what we have.

And there you have it . . . my day book for this week. Don't forget to hop on over to the Simple Woman to check out the other day book entries! (Or better yet, do a simple day book entry yourself! It's not that hard and I am betting you would enjoy it!

If you put anything in a pie shell, I am there. I just adore PIE in any way, shape or form!!! This is one of our favourites. Chicken Salad Pie!



*Chicken Salad Pie*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

Everyone's favourite chicken salad, except in a pie!!

pastry for a single crust 9 inch pie
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups frozen broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1/4 cup minced onion
1/2 tsp dried tarragon leaves
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
3 TBS dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

To garnish:
8 toasted pecan halves
red grapes

Preheat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7.

Line a 9 inch glass pie pan with the pastry, Trim and flute edges as desired. Do not prick the crust. Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6.

Combine all the remaining pie ingredients in a large bowl, with the exception of the cheese, mixing all together well. Spoon this mixture iinto the partially baked crust. Sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese.

Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes longer, until golden brown and bubbling. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into wedges to serve. Garnish each wedge with a toasted pecan half and a small cluster of grapes if desired.




Cooking in The English Kitchen today, Cauliflower Cheese Fritters.

For today . . .

Source: holidaycottages-england.com via Julie on Pinterest

Who could guess the century?
It might be any year.
Time, it seems, in passing by
has left no footprint here.
The village with it's narrow street,
The church, the mill, the pond.
The ploughman on the furrowed slope,
The Sussex Downs beyond.
~Patience Strong

One thing that I absolutely love about England are it's quaint little villages and towns. You don't have to go very far to find one . . . a short drive of any one of the larger urban centres will find you smack dab in the middle of one small place or the other . . . each one beautiful in their own right, with a certain charm that can't be found any place else on earth . . . well, that's my opinion anyways!

Source: picturesofengland.com via Julie on Pinterest

I was in bed last night at 8:30 pm and I slept right through until gone 7:00 am this morning. Most unsual for me. I just could not keep my eyes open last night . . . I was so very tired. That happens sometimes I guess. I've been a bit blue lately, which is also not like me. I think that the pain issues and a few family issues have been wearing on me, neither one of which I can do all that much about . . . so they are just things I have to learn to live with I suppose.

I feel a certain pressure sometimes of wanting to be all things to all people. I know that physically it's just not possible . . . but that doesn't stop me from trying. I have all these grandiose ideas in my head, much of which are realistically not possible and difficult to execute . . . but still I dream. Is anyone else like that??

Source: artfulaffirmations.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

For instance, we are having a special activity at our church this month for the ladies and I have it all pictured in my head with beautiful Valentine Decorations and a wide assortment of pretty Valentine type of goodies to eat. It looks really lovely in my head. There are Valentine swags and mobiles . . . cake pops and crispy hearts all decorated with beautiful sprinkles and candy bobbles . . . the reality will be something a lot different of course . . . because I just won't have the time to do all the swag and decor . . . and cake pops??? They probably won't happen either, although I could probably manage the crispy hearts.

And then . . . when I don't manage to pull off what nobody realistically could . . . I feel like I have let people down, or that I have let myself down. Is that the mark of an over-achiever???

Source: controlman22.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Then there is blogging . . . most people have one if any at all . . . but I have to have more than that . . . coz one just isn't enough is it? At last count there were twelve that I had started, although in reality there are only three that I post on with any regularity . . . and I love it, I really do. It's an integral part of my day, and I would never want to give it up. I love sharing my thoughts, and my creations, and my cooking with all of you. It is one of the things that brings me the greatest joy in my life . . . but I can't leave it at simple can I . . . I have to go the extra mile. It just can't be a simple thought, or a simple recipe can it . . . I have to try to do something that will knock your socks off. Over-achiever again. I go to several blogs which only have three sentences on them each day . . . three things that blessed their lives . . . and I love them! Why do I think I have to do so much more???

And I do that with everything in my life. And sometimes I just get tired. Sometimes I just need to kick my own arse and tell myself . . . look, you just can't be ALL things to ALL people. You just can't do everything you want to do. You just can't be everything you want to be . . . and that's ok. It's ok to have beans on toast for supper three days in a row because you just don't feel like cooking anything else. It's ok that you are not super mom, or super wife, or super church member, or super blogger. It's ok that your artwork will never rival the accomplishments of Rembrandt or that you will never see your work as cards lining the local card shop. Perhaps that is just not to be . . . that it's ok to be mediocre in some things, spectacular in few things and downright horrible in some. The only thing that really counts is that you enjoy the journey . . . and I do.

It's ok to sometimes be happy and it's ok to sometimes be angry and it's ok to sometimes be sad.

Coz . . . that's just life.

Source: imgfave.com via Marie on Pinterest

So . . . from now on you may see a few words from me here each day . . . and somedays maybe even more than a few. Some days it may just be something I made, or something I cooked. Other days . . . it may be nothing at all . . . I'll be taking a nap or two or three . . . and that's ok, coz that's just the way we're gonna roll. But it doesn't mean that I don't love you.

And That's OK.

*Chicken Tetrazzini*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

A simplified version of an old family favourite.

1 slice bacon, finely chopped

1/4 cup minced onion
1/4 cup minced green pepper
1 cup of shredded medium cheddar cheese
1 TBS cut up pimento
a small handful of toasted flaked almonds
1 cup cooked peas
1 cup cut up cooked chicken
4 ounces hot cooked macaroni
hot chicken broth to moisten

To serve: (all are optional)
chopped fresh parsley
sliced tomatoes
ripe olives
hot buttered toast

Cook the bacon in a skillet until brown and crisp. Stir in the onion and green pepper. Brown lightly. Add the remaining ingredients, with the exception of the macaroni. Stir together well. Mix in the cooked macaroni. Mix together lightly and heat through using some chicken broth to moisten. Serve hot, garnish with tomato slices, chopped fresh parsley, ripe olives and some hot buttered toast.



Over in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Sticky Toffee Pudding Bars.

Bloom where you are planted . . .

Source: sundayinbed.tumblr.com via Meredith on Pinterest

“And the day came when the risk (it took) to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
~Anais Nin

For years I resisted change because I was afraid that growth was always a painful process. I guess it had seemed that most of the lessons I had learned in life, and my opportunities to grow had always been accompanied with a lot of pain and misery. It has occurred to me this morning though that, in resisting change and growth, I was also wasting a lot of time, creative energy and emotion. Things that could be far better spent on other things.

Why does change come with such difficulty? Why do we allow ourselves to become stuck in ruts? I think the greatest stumbling block to freeing ourselves from these chains is fear. Fear of change, fear of stepping out into the unknown, fear of judgement, fear of failure . . .

Source: imgfave.com via Marie on Pinterest

In giving in to our fears, I think we fail ourselves. I think we prevent ourselves from becoming and from being the very best that we can be. The whole reason for our presence here on earth is to grow and stretch, and to become the best that we can be. We cannot do that without expanding our boundaries and embracing change. If we think we "never can" . . . we truly "never will."

There is a scripture that says that in our weaknesses we are made strong. Who has not heard the story of the old man and the butterfly. An old man was once watching a butterfly struggle to emerge from it’s cocoon. As he watched it struggle frantically in it’s cocoon to free itself, he began to feel sorry for it. It was working so hard, and seemingly getting nowhere. He thought to help it a bit by taking a pair of scissors and cutting it free. When he was done . . . the butterfly lay there limp and unable to fly. In his eagerness to help, the man had missed the great secret to a butterfly’s strength . . . for it is in the struggle to free itself from the cocoon that the butterfly strengthens it’s wings enough to be able to actually fly.

Source: tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

And so it is with life. It is through the struggles and the agonies we suffer that we too are made strong and beautiful. It is in the growth that we learn and evolve and become what we were truly sent here to become, that we can fulfil the measure of our creation. Change is not always bad. We need to exercise our wings and break free from our cocoons. It truly is a good thing.

I know it is really late in the year, but, if you can, try to find one perfect rosebud in your garden or at a flower shop if need be. Pick it and place it in a small vase on your desk or night table. Watch it bloom. “Each blade of grass has it’s Angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, grow.”’ We are likewise blessed. Let us listen to it’s voice and bloom where we are planted.

I am very late this morning. We got home quite late from our church meetings last night and so went to bed late and I didn't wake up until 7:30 this morning, so I must dash. I hope I'll be able to take a look at some blogs later today. We shall see how it all unfolds. Now I must get ready for my reading student and get things started on our supper tonight as the missionaries are coming and you know how very much I love to spoil them! Have a wonderful day everyone!

Here's a lovely dish to make when you have leftover chicken from a roast dinner and you are wanting a tasty way to use some of it up!



*Deep Dish Chicken Pie*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

A family favourite gleaned from a supermarket recipe booklet many moons ago.

1 single crust refrigerated pie crust

For the filling:
2 TBS butter
1/4 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 (10 3/4-oz) tin of condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1/2 tsp summer savoury
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 (1 pound) package of frozen mixed vegetables thawed and drained
(I like the one with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots)

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Have ready a 2 quart casserole or 10 inch quiche pan.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the celery and onion. Cook, stirring, until softened. Stir in the soup, milk, poultry seasoning, savoury, salt and pepper. Heat through, then taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Gently stir in the chicken and thawed vegetables. Pour this mixture into your dish.

Place the crust (which should be rolled out large enough to completely cover the dish) over top of the chicken mixture. Roll up edges to fit the top of the casserole and flute. Cut slits in several places to vent.

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.



Cooking over in The English Kitchen this morning delicious Vanilla Spiced Breakfast Oatmeal.

Monday morning thoughts . . . and a Giveaway!

"Half the world is on the wrong scent in the pursuit of happiness. They think it consists in having and getting, and in being served by others. The truth is, it consists in giving, and serving others . . . He that would be happy, let him remember that there is but one way . . . it is more blessed, it is more happy, to give than to receive."
~Henry Drummond

And in that vein, I'd like to have a little giveaway on here this morning. I haven't given something away in a long time. This is one of my pieces of artwork, called "Family, Forever. As you can see here, I have customized it for my son's family, but I can customize it to fit any family. The family name is on the small heart at the tail of the ribbon. The smaller hearts scattered below have the names of all the family . . . mother, father and children, with the children's birthdates included and down in the lower right hand corner is the marriage date.



I am giving away one of these prints, customized to the details of one of my reader's families. Just leave a comment on this post to be in on the giveaway! I will draw one at the end of the week.

We didn't have much of a weekend. It rained and rained and rained. It is still raining. Not heavy rain, but a constant drizzle. The gardens will soak it up for sure, but . . . it can get very tiresome though, to say the least!



Today is the day that Lura is going in for her operation. Please keep her in your special prayers and thoughts. She needs them now, more than ever!

I spoke to my father yesterday and also to my mother. (They live in different places.) I'm afraid I woke my father up. It is hard to know when to call him. Most times I call and he is out, so I thought I would get him before he was off and out the door. Unfortunately I got him before he was off and out of the bed! He did not mind. I used to chat to him very often on MSN, but he rarely goes on these days and so I can see that I will have to call him frequently to make up for our lack of chats. I have always called my mother once a week, because she doesn't have a computer. So now I will be making two calls a week. I don't mind at all. It's the least I can do for all that they have done for me. I wish I lived closer so that I could do more, but we must do the best that we can and noone can ask for more than that.



We were snuggling with our Mitzie last evening watching the television and she was curled up in her favourite place, between us on the sofa, completely oblivious to everything around her, laying flat on her back, legs splayed and head thrown back, snozzing away, totally at ease and happily ensconced in the place she loves best. I love my beautiful little family . . . Todd, Mitzie and myself. We are so comfortable with each other and in complete harmony. It is an easy and happy place to be . . .

It occurred to me that life can and is every bit as good, if not better than the wonderful make believe movies that we love to watch so much. It has all the same joy and sorrow . . . the mystery and suspence, adventure and excitement . . . and the love and emotion, except that it is real and not make believe . . . which reminded me of this quote from Shakespeare . . .

"Life's a play; all the world's a stage; and you're the star!"



Each day can be a little play, complete with beginning, middle and Happy Ending! I have already decided that I want written on my headstone one day . . ."She lived happily ever after." Coz that is what I am doing each day of my life . . . come what may.

Don't forget to leave a comment to be in on the giveaway today, and of course wherever you are today, whatever you are doing . . . live this day to the fullest and . . . smile!

Here's a tasty main meal salad that makes good use of leftover chicken. Perfect for Mondays when you may have the leftovers from Sunday lunch. You don't need to use chicken or turkey though, you can also use ham, and I am sure it would be quite good with pork as well. You can also throw in some chopped cheese if you like, or even leftover cooked vegetables. It's quite adaptable to what you have on hand and quite delicious, if I don't say so myself!



*Chopped Salad*
Serves 4 - 6
Printable Recipe

A hearty main meal salad, perfect for these warm summer days!

1 cup dried pasta (macaroni, medium shells, etc.)
1/2 medium head of iceberg lettuce
6 ounces cooked chicken or turkey, but into bite sized pieces
1/2 of a 12 ounce jar of roasted red peppers, drained and cut into bits
1/2 of a small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced into rings
1/2 cup of French Fried onions (crispy salad onions)
6 ounces bottled poppy seed salad dressing or 3/4 cup of your
own homemade poppy seed salad dressing

Cook the pasta in a pot of lightly salted boiling water according to the package directions. Drain well. Rise with cold water and drain again. Place into a large bowl. Add the remainder of the salad ingredients and toss all together gently to coat. Serve immediately.



Over in The English Kitchen I'm cooking up delicious Crispy Cod with a Gazpacho Salad!

Poetry Saturday . . . A Bird Came Down

A bird came down the walk:
He did not know I saw;
He bit an angle-worm in halves
And ate the fellow, raw.



And then he drank a dew
From a convenient grass,
And then hopped sidewise to the wall
To let a beetle pass.



He glanced with rapid eyes
That hurried all abroad,--
They looked like frightened beads, I thought;
He stirred his velvet head



Like one in danger; cautious,
I offered him a crumb,
And he unrolled his feathers
And rowed him softer home.



Than oars divide the ocean,
Too silver for a seam,
Or butterflies, off banks of noon,
Leap, splashless, as they swim.
~Emily Dickenson



I just adore the poetry of Emily Dickinson. (1830 - 1886) She was an American poet, whom lived a quite reclusive life with her family in Amherst Massachusetts. Thought of as being a bit eccentric by the locals she was known for her penchant for wearing white clothing and her reluctance to greet guests, and in her later life, even leave her room . . . most of her social contacts being carried out by correspondance. Today we would call her agoraphobic or it is even possible she had an image dysmorphia disorder. (We have a friend who has a son with this and we have never seen him. He lives his life in his room and on the computer, only coming out at night and to select family members.)



A prolific poet, fewer than a dozen of her nearly eighteen hundred poems were published during her lifetime. Upon her death, however, her sister discovered her cache of poems and the actual breadth of her work became apparent. She is considered to be a major American poet. I think it's quite interesting that a lot of successful poets really lived tragic and quite tortured lives . . .

I was busy with brush and paint again yesterday and I finished not one, but two little paintings.



"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." - emily bronte
This would make a delightful wedding or shower card, or thankyou card for someone who has been an attendant at a wedding I think.



And then this one, A Hundred Hearts. I love her apron filled to overflowing with hearts and love.

Of course both are available as prints and or cards! Just send me a message if you are interested! Thanks!

Here's one of my favourite versions of Lasagna. I love lasagna. I could eat it often. Todd, well, he's not so enamoured with it, but then, he is a staid meat and potatoes man. He tolerates it on my account once in a while! (By the way the dish washer arrived and we did our first load last night. Todd managed to successfully plumb it in himself! I was quite amazed! It did take him all afternoon and two trips to B&Q, but he got there in the end!)




*Chicken and Vegetable Lasagna*
Serves 12
Printable Recipe

A delicious lasagna which makes good use of leftover cooked chicken and some of that glut of courgettes from the garden!

For the Sauce:
1 TBS butter
1 cup chopped onion
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
2 cups courgette (zucchini)cut into half moons
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1/3 cup water
1 (14 1/2 ounce) tin of chopped tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano
1 (6 ounce) tin of tomato paste
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

10 uncooked lasgna noodles

For the filling:
2 cups crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1 medium free range egg, slightly beaten
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F/ gas mark 4. Have ready a 13 by 9 inch buttered lasagna dish.

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse, drain again toss with a bit of olive oil and then set aside.

Melt the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the onions, mushrooms and courgettes. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are crisply tender (6 to 7 minutes). Stir in all of the remaining sauce ingredients. Leave to simmer while you make the filling.

Combine all of the filling ingredients, except the mozzarella cheese, in a small bowl.

Arrange half of the noodles in the prepared baking pan. Spread with half of the filling. Spoon half of the sauce over top. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Layer with the remaining noodles, filling and sauce.

Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 50 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.



Over in The English Kitchen today, that delicious Boston Cream Pie I cooked for the missionaries!

Friday Ramblings. . .

I put it in a safe place, of that I'm very sure,
I knew it was important to keep it quite secure,
So, why, now that I'm searching in every little nook,
Do I know I'll never find it until the last place that I look??
~unknown

This made me chuckle because I do this same thing all the time!! I am always putting things somewhere to keep them safe and then not being able to find them when the time comes I need them, my place of safety having become a little bit "too safe!" I suspect I am not alone in this either!



Yaaaayy!! We've finally almost finished the craft room. I still have a ways to go, but I can finally walk around in there without stepping on anything! What a chore it was and I'm afraid that Todd and I almost bit off each other's heads at one point, but at least we've made great inroads and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now!

We had frog spawn in our pond this spring and we watched it hatch into what seemed like millions of tadpoles and then those millions became only a few, one of which was quite large the last time we saw them, and we could definitely see some legs on them . . . . and then even those few disappeared and we began to despair. We thought for sure that they had either been eaten by birds or the gold fish in the pond . . . we weren't sure if they ate tadpoles or not. I know too, though . . . that tadpoles will eat each other! (I know . . . ick!!)



Just look at what Todd found in the grass by the pond yesterday!! Isn't it cute! A sweet little frog! Of course I had to snap a picture before we set him back upon the rocks to sun himself. To say we were both thrilled is to say the least! We know that at least one survived and have our fingers crossed now that he doesn't get eaten by a bird or cat, or something else!!



Good news on Mitzie's weight loss too! She has managed to lose 400grams in a month, so is on the right track! I thought after the cheesecake episode last week, she would surely have put some on, but she has not. Relief!! I hate going to the Vet and being lectured on her being overweight. We spent a bomb on a special dog food for obesity, so I am glad to see that it is working. She doesn't really like it much, but I mix a little bit of something she does like with it in the morning and then a bit of raw minced beef in with it at night and so far so good!



I know how she feels though for I have had a week of total lack of control on the eating front. I suppose it started with my trip away . . . although in all honesty I didn't really over do it on any day, but did eat a bunch of things I should not be eating . . . like a cooked breakfast, thick chips cooked in pork fat (YUMM!!), a candy bar, some indecent Guu Naughties, a handful of Hotel Chocolate Chocolates, a packet of crisps to name but a few things, culminating in a packet of light crisps yesterday and a carvery meal. OH, and let's not forget the quick lunch we had at McDonalds the other day. I wonder why it goes like that . . . you have one foot on a banana peel and then it's not long before you are sliding down that slippery slope! Oh well, as they say, if you fall off the horse, hop back on and so . . . I am!



I read on the News yesterday about a woman who had lay dead in her apartment for over 8 years! Her only relative being a sister in law that she had fallen out with, who finally after 8 years had tried to get back in touch. The police found her skeleton remains. I think that is such a sad statement on society today!! It breaks my heart that someone could be dead for that long and not be missed. I think we are all guilty of it on some level however . . . we try not to be intrusive on our neighbours lives . . . in fact sometimes we barely speak to each other and if we don't see one for a while, we assume they are on holiday. I think we need to try to be a little more friendly and a little more intrusive. I think there must be a happy balance to be found in between being a nuisance and being a pest!



Finally, I was pleased to read of a friend's good news this morning. A friend of mine had had a positive smear test last month and had been in bits since, with worry, as anyone would be. Something like this happening to someone you know and love, is scary for everyone involved. Yesterday she had good news when she went for her colyscopy. It was only inflammation! Whew!! I think as we get on up into our fifties and our sixties, these little scares happen more and more frequently, and I have come to really be grateful each morning when I get up and nothing is wrong! I have come to value the treasure and joy to be found in each day, no matter how small, and to realize that each day that comes to me is truly a blessing indeed. Our days are numbered and it's up to us to make sure each one counts!

And I have babbled on long enough this morning, I know . . . so will end now with a recipe as I always do. Today a delicious Chicken Salad with a Mexican flavour! Something a little bit different and a great way to use up any leftovers you may have in the fridge after the Sunday lunch! If you wanted to, you could add a drained tin of sweet corn or black beans to this with most delicious results, or not . . . it's all up to you! I'd just scatter them over the lettuce before adding the chicken.



*Mexican Chicken Salad*
Serves 2
Printable Recipe

Quick and easy and a delicious way to use up leftover chicken!

1 cup of shredded cooked chicken
2 TBS chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
2 TBS sour cream
2 TBS good quality mayonnaise
2 tsp taco seasoning mix (from a packet)
1 spring onion, washed, trimmed and chopped
2 tostada shells
3 cups of shredded lettuce
1/4 cup of chunky tomato salsa
1/2 medium avocado, peeled and sliced

Lightly toss together the chicken, coriander, sour cream, mayonnaise, spring onion and taco seasoning mix in a bowl. Combine well. Lay a tostado shell on each of two chilled plates. Top each with 1 1/2 cups of lettuce and then half of the chicken mixture. Drizzle each with 2 TBS of salsa and then garnish with some avocado. Serve immediately.



If Mexican isn't quite your cup of tea perhaps I can tempt you with a bit of Thai, over in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Fruity Chicken Curry!