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!