Friday 9 October 2009

A tip for happy living . . .



A woman aged ninety two was once asked by a much younger woman to give her a tip on happy living. This was her response.

"Be kind each day to all the people you meet, for every second person may well be having a much harder time than you."

It makes one wonder doesn't it? How many uncertain moments in life have been turned around, and, how many days have been made all the brighter by a friend or a stranger offering a small word of kindness.



It is easy to forget sometimes, that tears of sadness are frequently kept hidden in the eyes of the people we meet.

I have another tip . . . say what you mean and mean what you say. Too many people speak empty words these days without taking any thought to what comes out of their mouths. I doubt they even hear what they are saying. A lot of social conversation has become rote and automatic. I like to think that when I ask someone how they are . . . I really want to know, and, that when I wish someone a good day . . . I really want them to have one . . . and, most importantly of all . . . when I say I love you . . . I really mean it.



Here we are at the portal of yet another weekend! How did that happen? My, but the week has gone quickly!! I am so excited that tomorrow I am going to get to go to the RS General Broadcast! It is always a really nice afternoon. Todd was called yesterday to see if he could serve, but alas, he had already made other plans! I am getting a drive there from a few other sisters, which makes the day even better because we can chat all the way in and all the way home! Men are no good at chit chat are they? Well, at least not in my experience at any rate! Todd is always saying to me when I get off the telephone from having a conversation . . . "I don't know how you women find so much to talk about!"

I think it's rather easy, don't you?



I threw together these lovely muffins yesterday to make a cheery breakfast. They go together really quickly and if I can remember correctly, my children always loved it when I made these when they were growing up. They're delicious and a real treat. The hidden jam surprise in the middle is really tasty, but do warn your eaters though as it can be really hot when first out of the oven. I always let them cool down quite a bit before we eat them. Best eaten warm . . . but not hot!!



*Surprise Corn Muffins*
Makes 12
Printable Recipe

These moist muffins make an extra special breakfast with their hidden jam surprise. You can use any flavour of jam you like. Marmelade is particularly good, but my favourite choice of all is good old strawberry!

1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk
1/3 cup corn oil
1 large egg
1/2 cup of jam



Pre-heat the oven to 200*C/400*F. Butter a 12 cup medium muffin tin very well.

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Beat the wet ingredients together in a measuring beaker. Pour all at once onto the dry ingredients, and mix together just to combine. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Top each with 1 tsp of jam, being very careful not to touch the sides with it. Top with the remaining half of the batter. Bake for 20 minutes until well risen and nicely browned. The tops should spring back when lightly touched.

Remove from the oven and run a knife around each one to loosen. Flip out onto a cooling rack. Best served warm. Don't eat hot as the jam will be scalding hot. Warn your family!



I also made these tasty little apple tarts yesterday, easy and very simple to do and quite, quite delicious. Sliced apples on top of an almond filling, with a crispy puff pastry base, then glazed with spiced maple syrup. Go on, you know you want one! Check them out on The English Kitchen.


17 comments:

  1. Your entry to day was inspiring as always. Being kind to others is always a good thing. Sometimes it isn't easy but in the long run it is the best thing. I hope your weekend is a great one. Enjoy your day away.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good morning Marie, It is so true about being kind and honest. It seems that's what this world is lacking. Have fun on your outing; those muffins look really good.
    Take care,
    Rita

    ReplyDelete
  3. How wonderful! And I love those little muffins!

    ReplyDelete
  4. The older I get the more I realize how important friends are to me. I enjoy being with friends so much because they bring so much enrichment to my life. I am in awe of so many women (you included Miss Marie) for their amazing talents and abilities. Being with friends is better than any formal education in terms of what you can learn that has practical application in your life. I'm not saying formal education is not important, just that the things I learn from the women in my life is more important to me than geometry, let's just say.

    Relief Society attended over decades has been a huge influence in all aspects of my life. And one of the things I love the most is just the kindness, civility, and love between good friends. When you have that in your life...it spills over into every encounter with others.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lovely post Marie and my mouth is watering looking at piccies of the ginger pumpkin roll!

    ReplyDelete
  6. As ever--you a true wonder and inspiration, and just the sweetest Marie! :o) Being honest, kind and keeping your word go a long way to making friends and keeping them, and same goes with being good to family. Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead, my dear friend! Oh, must say I love these muffins--the jammy surprise is a great idea! LOVE YOU HEAPS ((BIG HUGS))

    ReplyDelete
  7. your words serve as a lovely reminder today to always be kind in all we do!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely post...and as usual I agree with every word. I am in a rush this morning but I just wanted to drop by and say hello to you.

    I love you lots...and I mean what I say. have a great weekend.XOXOX Lura

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Marie
    Whenever I visit it you I feel like I've just had a chat with a good friend!
    Hope you weekend is as fun as you antcipate.
    Hugs, Rhondi

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really believe that a person should say what they mean; but not to be mean when they say it.

    Love Renee xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great words of wisdom. And then you tempt us with muffins!
    Have a good day.
    Sandra

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am always hungry after reading your post!! Food looks delicious, as usual. thanks for the kind birthday greeting. have a wonderful weekend and enjoy women's conference with your friend!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank you for stopping by for a visit to my blog. I love getting to know girls from another country.
    You have a sweet post today about friendships. In our busy world one must make an effort to be friendly.

    Those Surprise Corn Muffins are so enticing. They would be so good with a cuppa.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hasn't this week just whirled by? I can't believe that it's Friday already! And Saturday for you!

    I hope you had a great week Marie! And that you and Todd will be able to spend time together this weekend. I think we are going to take the kids to the pumpkin patch!

    XOXO
    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  15. have fun with the girls this weekend! :) its true how we women can just talk and talk about who knows what-haha!

    and also thanks for the reminder to think about the words i choose to use each day.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I agree, i can't stand phoney word! The muffins look so good and the apple desert..oh my goodness lady, you are a great cook!
    Have fun with the ladies, those are always fun time..come say hi :D

    ReplyDelete
  17. Those muffins look good! I like a version where the muffins have peanut butter in the batter along with the jam filling for a PB&J muffin.

    ReplyDelete

Your comments mean the world to me, and while I may not be able to address each one individually, each one is important to me and each one counts. Thanks so much!