Embracing the "you" in You . . .

Source: tabithaemma.com via Marie on Pinterest

“Conformity is one of the most fundamental dishonesties of all. When we reject our specialness, water down our God-given individuality and uniqueness, we begin to lose our freedom. The conformist is in no way a free man. He has to follow the herd.”
~Norman Vincent Peale

It seems I’ve always walked a few steps out of beat with those around me. I suppose I have been a bit of a rebel . . . but not in a bad way. Some might think me a bit odd. I have come to realize that it’s that "oddness" which opened my heart to this weird and wonderful church which I belong to. When I am at church and I reflect on those around me . . . pondering their unique ways and personalities . . . I can see that we are all a little bit odd, but in a very beautiful way. I’m really quite glad that we are. We are known to be a "peculiar" people . . . and I, for one, am quite happy to embrace that peculiarity!

When I was 14 and 15 years of age, I went through a very difficult time at school. I was bullied mercilessly . . . so much so that at one point during those two years, I was actually physically ill because of it and stayed at home for several weeks with the "mumps!" How I managed to every make my mother think I had mumps remains a great mystery to me, but I did. I think the main reason that I was bullied was because I was "different" . . . because I didn’t fit in the same as the rest of them did. It was the wolf pack mentality of the others, the law of the herd, that made them feel the need to weed out all that were different, or that they deemed as weaker. Quiet and sensitive, I was probably a sitting duck for all their slings and arrows.

Source: crushculdesac.tumblr.com via Marie on Pinterest

Looking back . . . I am glad I was different . . . and I’m glad I was strong enough to withstand their aggressiveness and cruelty. They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and I truly believe that through those difficult two years I learned a lot about compassion and forgiveness . . . and tolerance and endurance. Thankfully, we moved after a few years, and so the teasing stopped, but I do still carry some of the scars on my heart and in my mind. You never really forget, even if you do forgive.

In my later teen years, I'm ashamed to say that I did follow the crowd a bit, . . . whilst trying to maintain as much of my uniqueness and individuality as I could. I was everyone’s friend, even those that nobody wanted to be a friend to. I always had great compassion for those sorts of people . . . for the underdog . . . having once been ostracized in much the same way. Besides, secretly . . . deep down . . . I knew I was still one of them. I had just not been found out yet. As we got older too, the bullies were fewer and far-er between, and most of the people I knew were starting to strike out a bit more as individuals anyways.

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I guess I’ve always known that I was special, even if I didn’t always act like it. I did have to endure a lot of bullying in my last marriage . . . and perhaps I even felt for a time like I wasn’t worth not taking it . . . but deep down something inside whispered to me every once in a while that I was special and unique. For the most part, I allowed him to squelch it through the years. Occasionally though . . . this unique and peculiar person that I was would stick her head up above the mire and wave her arms, trying to be heard. When you are busy raising a family and taking care of a home you hardly have time to think about your own needs and wants, your days are so full of taking care of others. It's quite easy to get lost in the business of the needs and wants of others for a time. And as a mother, how can you do anything but?

In my later years, I have come to realize just who I am as an individual . . . and to embrace that unique and wonderful person. Yes, I DO celebrate her for who she is and for all of her differences. I am a special individual, unique in all ways, and I love who I am and who I’ve allowed myself to become. I still walk a few beats out of step from everyone else, but I am quite proud that I do. I love that I stand out in a crowd. I am still a bit of an odd duck, but I love my oddness. It works for me. I have come to recognize my God-given talents and embrace them . . . explore them . . . use them . . . I relish every opportunity which comes my way to share them with others and to help my fellow beings in some way and in any way that I can . . .

Source: kiwicarole.blogspot.com via Marie on Pinterest

I look at my life as being a huge piece of embroidery that I have been working on for years . . . quite different than anyone else’s, perhaps a bit unusual . . . but every bit as beautiful and even more so in some ways for it’s individuality. I have stitches here and stitches there . . . it’s randomness creating something quite wonderful and unique and special, this tapestry of my life. I suppose when it’s finally finished I will be able to look back and count all the stitches and be quite proud of my accomplishments, but in the meantime I’m just enjoying creating it, in my unique and sometimes beautiful way.

Just my thoughts this morning . . .



Here's my latest piece that I worked on yesterday afternoon. I had ever so much fun doing this and trying to make it look like she is standing in a field of dandelion fluff at the end of a golden day. I had paint all over me by the time I was finished . . .

I am never quite sure when I finish something if I really like it or not. I have to step away from it for several hours and then go back and look at it again. I am always pleasantly surprised when I do, which is a good thing!

I am a real pizza lover. I could eat pizza three times a day every day . . . cold, warm, hot . . . it doesn't matter to me. I just love pizza. Todd now . . . he is not so fond. It doesn't matter how many times I tell him it is just a sandwich with the filling on the outside . . . he's not quite buying that idea! This is one of my favourite versions. I also love Chicken Caesar Salad . . . combine the two and you have a heavenly pizza . . . A Chicken Ceasar Salad Pizza! Voila! It's fabulous! (Trust me!)



*Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza*
Serves4
Printable Recipe

Don’t you love it when you are able to bring together two of the things you love and they work in such a delicious way as this wonderful pizza does? Try it, I think you’ll really like it!

1 12-inch thin pizza crust (purchased or make your own, see below)
1 cup of cooked chicken, cut into cubes
2 ounces thinly sliced proscuitto ham
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded havarti cheese
¼ cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
½ cup good quality Caesar Salad dressing (I used Hellman’s)
A handful of dry cured pitted black olives

Salad Topping:
1/2 head of shredded Cos (Romaine) lettuce
A handful of rocket leaves
2 green spring onions thinly sliced, using all the white and a bit of the geen
1 TBS fresh lemon juice
¼ cup good quality Caesar Salad Dressing
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup good quality garlic croutons (make your own, see below)

Pre-heat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7. If you are using your own homemade crust take out a large baking tray and lightly grease it. Spread the crust out onto the tray into a large thin rectangle, about 9 inches by 15 inches in size. Prick it all over with a fork and then bang it into the heated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

If you are using a purchased ready made crust place it onto a large baking sheet.

Take the first quantity of salad dressing and spread it evenly over the top of the partially baked crust. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over top as well as the havarti cheese. Scatter the cooked chicken and the black olives over top. Tear up the proscuitto and scatter it over top as well. Sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese.

Return to the heated oven and bake for a further 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is nicely browned and the cheese is bubbling.

Ten minutes before you are ready to take the pizza from the oven toss the lettuce , rocket and green onion with the lemon juice. Add the ¼ cup of salad dressing. Toss well together and set aside.

Once the pizza is done, remove from the oven. Scatter the prepared salad over top and sprinkle with the ¼ cup of Parmesan Cheese. Sprinkle on the croutons and serve immediately.

*Thin Crust Pizza Dough*
Makes 2 twelve-inch crusts

I love a thin crust on a pizza, slightly crispy and not too doughy. This fits the bill on all counts.


2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may substitute whole wheat flour for 1 cup of the all-purpose)
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water, with 1 tsp sugar dissolved into it
1 tablespoon olive oil
cornmeal, for sprinkling on the pan

Put the warm water into a large bowl along with the sugar, stirring to dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast over top and let it sit for aobut 10 minutes until it gets all foamy. give it a stir. Add the flour, salt and olive oil all at once. Mix in well and then dump it out onto a lightly floured board
and knead it for about 6-8 minutes until you have a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic, adding a bit more flour if you need to. Shape into a round smooth ball.

Wash out the bowl with warm water and dry. Grease with a little olive oil and then put the dough into this bowl, turning it once to coat it with the olive oil. Cover and let sit in a warm place for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Lightly grease with shortening two 12-inch pizza pans. Sprinkle each with some cornmeal.
Divide the dough in half and place each half on a pizza pan. Spread and pat it out with your fingertips until it stretches to fit the whole pan, making it a bit thicker around the edges. Prick it all over with a fork.

If desired, pre-bake at 205*C/425 *F for 10 minutes, then spread with pizza sauce and use the toppings of your choice.

*Note. This can be frozen quite successfully if you don’t want to use both crusts at once. Just divide in half and place the portion you want to save in a good freezer bag. Place in the freezer. When you want to use it, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

*Homemade Garlic Croutons*
Makes 2 cups

These are so easy to make and so much tastier than any you might buy in a shop.

2 large crusty white or whole wheat rolls
2 TBS good quality olive oil
2 fat cloves of garlic, peeled and slightly crushed (bruised)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cut your rolls into 1 inch cubes. If you’re a purist you can remove the crust bits if you want first, but I leave them on as I enjoy the variety of texture.

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet. Add the garlic cloves and heat until just becoming fragrant. Toss in the bread cubes and cook over medium heat, stirring from time to time until lightly browned all over. Dust with salt and pepper and remove from the heat. Allow to cool and then use as you wish.



Baking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Candy Apple Cake!

Marie's Sunday Six

Indian Summer may be over, and it may be freezing cold, but I can still find plenty to smile about here in Casa del Marie & Todd! I hope you don't mind my sharing some of them with you today!



Every woman in Relief Society has been given this delightful book to read! I wasn't there the week they were handed out, but my RS President gave me my copy this past Wednesday night when we were together for a meeting. I've been reading through it ever since. I love it because it has been written from a Historical perspective about one of the oldest women's organizations in the World today. Of note, is the fact that this is the only authorized history of the LDS women, in the Church. That, in and of itself, is quite significant!

It's a beautiful book, both inside and out. The corners are rounded, and the layout of each page was no doubt carefully and lovingly thought through. It's not overly large and so fits easily into a handbag, which is pretty special as if I wanted to I could carry it around with me easily, and I am quite sure there will be times that I will want it with me.

I have only read the first few chapters in it and I am already feeling the power of it's teachings . . . and the influence and spirit of this beautifully written manual. I know it will become both a blessing and a support to me during my lifetime here on earth and help to prepare me for the lift to come. In short, I think it's pretty special and totally wonderful! It makes me smile.



We were priviledged enough to be able to attend a Baptism yesterday morning. It was a really special one. I have never seen a Baptism so well attended. The man who was being Baptised was the husband of one of our Ward Members and had been learning about the Gospel for many years. Yesterday morning as I was sitting here following my usual routine all of a sudden the name and face of a young woman came into my mind. She had been a member of our Ward here in Chester before we moved down South to Kent. During our years away, she and her husband had moved away from the Ward, but yesterday morning she came into my mind. I remarked to Todd that I wondered what had ever happened to she and her husband. They were a lovely young couple. Imagine my surprise when we saw both of them at the Baptism. The man being Baptised was her younger brother! Co-incidence I think not! It was a very spiritual Baptism . . . I think perhaps one of the most spirit filled I have ever been to. We had almost not gone as the granddaughter of a friend of ours was also being Baptised in another Ward yesterday . . . at the end we chose to go to the one in our own church because we felt we must support our own Ward. We were both very pleased that we had. It was just wonderful and I know we were meant to be there. Baptisms and the feelings that they bring into my heart always make me smile.



This is a picture of my youngest son painting his girfriend's toenails. It was on Facebook, and I hope he doesn't mind me sharing it with you. It made me smile. Knowing that I have a son who is not afraid to serve the woman he loves in such a special way, that he doesn't feel that he is too macho to do something like this . . . this really makes me smile. There is a lot more I could say right now, but I will wait for permission to do so! Let it suffice to say that this young man and his special lady and the love that they share for each other makes me smile in a very special way. Mother's are always very happy when their children are very happy. Knowing my son is very happy makes me smile in a very special way, and I am grateful to this special young lady for helping to bring him joy in his life.



This little lady makes me smile (as do all my Grandchildren!)! Oh how I long to hold her in my arms. It will probably be a long time before I am able to make that happen, but in the meantime I am enjoying the photos my daughter takes of her and I can see how very engaging she must be. Maryn is the only Granddaughter on both sides of the family and the only Great Granddaughter. I wonder does she know how very special she is? I know my daughter and her husband will make sure that she does, and that she will grow up feeling oh so very loved. That makes me smile too.



This little lady makes me smile too. I was so devastated when we lost our Jess. I never thought that I would be able to give my heart so freely to an animal again . . . it hurts so much when you lose one. I fell in love with Mitzie right from the first time I saw her. I knew she was perfect for us and that she would bring much joy into our lives . . . and that she surely does. She is such a little force to be reckoned with and so very affectionate and loving. She is not Jess to be sure, but she is every bit as loved and as special to us and I am so glad she is a part of our lives. She is stubborn and strong willed, but at the same time eager to please . . . she wants to make us proud, you can just tell that about her and she tries so hard to do just that. She is full of puppy ways and I love that about her. I can remember often thinking when we had Jess, about how much I would have loved to have known her as a puppy. With Mitzie we are experiencing that very blessing and it makes my heart swell with joy. I love her so very much. (How could you not?? Just look at that sweet face!) Oh yes . . . Todd makes me smile too! ☺



Actually my whole family makes me smile . . . both the blood relations . . . and the members I have chosen for myself in my friends. Family is a special blessing . . . through the hard times and the easy times. They can bring much sorrow in to your heart, but it is a sorrow that is also tinged with great joy at the same time, because always they bring much joy, eternal joy. Families are a special gift from God and as such are Divine . . . whether your family be just you and a beloved pet, or just you and your partner, or yourself and a few chosen friends, or the whole shebang! When a member of my family is happy, my heart rejoices with them. When one is sad, my heart aches for them . . . from one end of the spectrum to the other, my heart is always with them . . . no matter where, no matter how, no matter what, no matter when. Family makes me smile in a very special way.

And there you have it, my Sunday six for this the 9th of October, 2011. This is also Thanksgiving back home in Canada and so I want to wish all of my Canadian family and friends a very Happy Holiday. I wish I could be there to share with you all, but I can't, so you'll just have to eat my share of the turkey and SMILE! I love you!

I made Todd and I a tasty pizza for our tea last night. You just can't beat a nice homemade crispy pizza with lots of cheese, black olives and hot peppers on top . . . not to mention proscuitto, torn basil . . . whatever floats your boat actually. It's your pizza!



*Thin Crust Pizza Dough*
Makes 2 twelve inch crusts
Printable Recipe

I love a thin crust on a pizza, slightly crispy and not too doughy. This fits the bill on all counts.


2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may substitute whole wheat flour for 1 cup of the all-purpose)
1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water, with 1 tsp sugar dissolved into it
1 tablespoon olive oil
cornmeal, for sprinkling on the pan


Put the warm water into a large bowl along with the sugar, stirring to dissolve. Sprinkle the yeast over top and let it sit for aobut 10 minutes until it gets all foamy. give it a stir. Add the flour, salt and olive oil all at once. Mix in well and then dump it out onto a lightly floured board
and knead it for about 6-8 minutes until you have a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic, adding a bit more flour if you need to. Shape into a round smooth ball.

Wash out the bowl with warm water and dry. Grease with a little olive oil and then put the dough into this bowl, turning it once to coat it with the olive oil. Cover and let sit in a warm place for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Lightly grease with shortening two 12-inch pizza pans. Sprinkle each with some cornmeal.
Divide the dough in half and place each half on a pizza pan. Spread and pat it out with your fingertips until it stretches to fit the whole pan, making it a bit thicker around the edges. Prick it all over with a fork.

If desired, pre-bake at 200*C/425 *F for 10 minutes, then spread with pizza sauce and use the toppings of your choice. We like to use three cheeses, a really good Parmesan, a good fresh mozzarella and some grated cheddar. We then use meats such as pepperoni, lightly fried bacon and salami. We also like to use some olive cured sun dried tomatoes drained and cut into strips, as well as some really good dry cured black olives. Some chopped sweet pickled little hot cherry peppers are a must as well, with a final dusting of Parmesan cheese on the top.
Bake at 425 F for 10-20 minutes longer or until bubbly and hot.

*If you don't want to use all the dough, you can freeze it. Take a portion of dough, form into a ball, rub olive oil over it and place it in a freezer bag (the oil makes it easier to take out of the bag). When you want to make a pizza, take the dough out of the freezer and allow to thaw before using.



*Marie's Pizza Sauce*
Makes enough for two pizzas
Printable Recipe

This is a really good pizza sauce recipe. After experimenting through the years with different types of tomatoes, sauces and spices I think I have come up with what is a real winner. Delicately spiced. The sauce is what makes a pizza in my opinion!

2 cups of tomato passata (seived tomatoes)
1/4 cup tomato paste (sundried tomato paste is nice sometimes for a change)
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/4 tsp chinese five spice powder
seasalt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Put all the ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cover with a lid, slightly ajar and simmer on low for about 15 minutes. Let cool before using.



Over in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Iced Walnut Cake!

Finding balance . . .

Do you have a favourite artist? How about a favourite piece of music which you like to listen to? I am sure you must have a favourite kind of flower. (Mine are Sweet Peas) Do you like to go on woodland walks? When was the last time you went picking wild flowers? Attended a concert? Walked on the beach with your beloved? Skipped rocks on the surface of a lake or pond? Sat on a chair and did . . . nothing but admire your surroundings and ponder on your blessings?



We lead such busy lives it seems and we fill our hours with chores and work. Sometimes though . . . taking a few minutes or hours to unplug ourselves from our routines, losing ourselves in life's art, can be the most healing thing we can do for our overstretched selves.







This is why good therapists recommend using handcrafts in recovery programs, and Doctors recommend Vacations . . . why a great number of people escape for a few weeks a year into tents and cabins, up into the mountains, onto boats and off to camps, armed with sketchpads, cameras and journals. They seem instinctively to understand the human need to be creative and to express themselves with art, words . . . photographs.



We seem to know instinctively that if we can sit for a few hours on a pier with a fishing line in the water that we may be able to snag a little balance in our lives. Or if we spend an evening sleeping under the stars . . . we'll be able to air out our crowded and stuffed up minds. That if we allow ourselves the time to float across the calm waters of a beautiful bay, we'll be able to step back on the land afterwards much calmer and better prepared to handle whatever storms may come our way.







There is a human need to work . . . but we also have a need to play and ponder on all that is good and beautiful, and praiseworthy in our lives. It needn't take a lot of money . . . or even a lot of time. It needn't be a full blown holiday. Sometimes my most relaxing moments are the ones I spend simply in our back garden, on my own . . . watching the fish in our pond and listening to the bumble bees buzz around the flowers. Little getaways that give me balance in my life between work and play and help me to be able to appreciate and reflect on just how very much I have been blessed . . .



Just my thoughts this morning.







We were glued to the television off and on for most of yesterday watching all the events that have unfolded over the past few days with the riots and looting . . . it was so very sad to see and impossible to understand, and difficult to watch. This is a country I love. Sure we have problems . . . just like anywhere. I fail to be able to see how destroying the communities you live in and destroying people's livelihoods . . . how taking things which are not yours to take . . . etc. can solve any problems at all. Doesn't this just add to the misery? We consider ourselves, because of our intelligence, to be above animals . . . but in truth, an animal would never behave in such a way . . . I have not turned the television on this morning, nor read any news reports, so I don't know how last night went. I can only hope and pray that this needless and insane behaviour has come to an end. Please keep our country in your prayers. This is what happens when a people remove God from the equation . . . you end up with a people that are filled with hopelessness . . . lacking in respect for themselves and for others, without honour or care . . . without standards or morals . . . without barriers . . . lives lived without meaning or purpose. It's all so very sad.



I had my tooth removed yesterday afternoon and was in quite a bit of pain last night, but it seems to have calmed down somewhat this morning. I was sad to see it go but in looking at the x-ray of the tooth it was obvious that there was no saving it. It had been causing me a great deal of pain and problems over the past several years, so it was time to say goodbye. I worked through my pain however, in creating something very new to show you. I'm not quite ready yet, but once it is finished . . . well, I just can't wait to show it to you!



This recipe here today is something that is very family friendly and very easy to make. I hope that you enjoy and I hope that wherever you are, whatever you are doing . . . your Wednesday is the very best that it can possibly be!







*Taco Bubble Pizza*

Serves 8

Printable Recipe



A casserole style pizza, which is very easy to do. Rounds of biscuit dough are baked in a meaty taco sauce for a real family pleaser, and then topped with your favourite taco toppings to serve.



For the Biscuit Dough:

2 cups of plain flour

4 tsp baking powder

1 TBS sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup of vegetable shortening

2/3 cup milk



For the Casserole:

1 1/2 pounds extra lean ground beef

1 package of Taco seasoning mix

3/4 cup water

1 tin of condensed tomato soup

salt and black pepper to taste

2 cups of greated strong cheddar cheese



Optional Toppings:

2 cups shredded lettuce

2 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped

1 cup of thick and chunky tomato salsa

1 (2 1/4 oz) tin of sliced ripe olives, drained

1 (8 oz) container of sour cream

3 spring onions, sliced



First make your biscuit dough. Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar. Cut in the shortening untiul the mixture resembles coarse meal, using two round bladed knives or a pastry blender. Stir in the milk with a fork, to form a soft dough, working quickly. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead about 14 times, then pat out to a rectangle that is 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 16 rounds, using a 2 inch biscuit cutter. Set aside.



Preheat oven to 1290*C/375*F/gas mark 5. Cook the beef in a large skillet that you have sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Add the taco seasoning mix, water and soup, mixing all together well. Heat to boiling, then reduce heat to low. Allow to simmer for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and adjust seasoning as necessary.



Pour the taco mixture into a 13 by 9 inch ungreased baking pan. Add the biscuit rounds, turning them over and coating them in the taco mixture, and spreading them out to fill the pan.



Bake for 18 to 23 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and biscuits are golden brown. Sprinkle with the grated cheese. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes longer or until cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and serve.



To serve, cut the pizza into 8 squares. Top each serving with toppings as desired.



Note: This recipe has been adapted from one which uses prepared refrigerated biscuits. You are free to use those if you wish. I prefer to make my own.







Cooking in The English Kitchen today a Pork and Roasted Roots Tray Bake with an Apple Relish. Delicious!

Wednesday musings . . .

Every now and again take a look at something not made with hands . . . a mountain, a star, the curve of a stream. There will come to you . . . wisdom and patience and solace . . . and, above all, the assurance that you are not alone in the world.
~Sidney Lovett

It is so easy sometimes to feel like we are all alone in the world and that nobody cares. We live in such a busy world and things happen around us very quickly. People have so many places to go and things to do. Our lives seem to rush by at a frantic pace and it can sometimes be very difficult to catch our breaths.

We owe it to ourselves to, every once in a while, slow down and just take in our surroundings . . . all the majesty of our Heavenly Father's creations . . . it could be something as simple as a flower which has sprung up in a crack of the pavement . . . or as stunning as the beauty of the far off Welsh Hills, or a star lit night time summer's sky.



That is when it all comes home to us . . . that "you are not alone" feeling that can only come from taking stock of all the majesty and beauty that surrounds us. "This" did not all happen by accident. There is a deep purpose and plan in all things, and I, for one, am so grateful to the great Creator of all things! Slowing down to take note of His wonder is sometimes all one needs to be able to get on with the day and can be as refreshing and as invigorating as a holiday! (Or at least it is to me at any rate!!)



I was so thrilled yesterday to learn that Lura's operation went well and that they found no cancer, only scar tissue! Praise God and many thanks for answered prayers! She is in some pain (to be expected) but they are planning on sending her home today. I know that she must be feeling a HUGE sense of relief right now as are we all! Now she can begin to heal in earnest, knowing that all is well. Let us keep praying to that end.

I did another little painting yesterday afternoon. I hope you don't mind me sharing it with you. I don't know where these little fancies come from. I simply sit down at my work table and grab a pencil and then start sketching . . .



They seem to evolve as I go along . . . I only very rarely have something in mind before I start. I am always as surprised to see what springs from the end of my pencil as anyone is.



I am really enjoying using my water colour pencils lately and am learning as I go along as far as technique goes. I don't have any idea if I am using them properly or not. I only know for sure that I like what I find when I am done! I called this one "Moments." It is available as a print or as a card, just like always . . . and just like always you can send me a message to let me know if you would like one! Thanks!

You know . . . I look at my work, and at first I cannot see that it has any value. It is only later on when I step away from it for a time, that I can see that it appears to be pretty good. I just wish that someone who had the means to do something with it, and take it beyond my little sphere of reality, would catch my vision and afford me the means to go further!!! That is my dream, to one day be able to make a living with this. And since I am already 55 (56 on the 13th August) it should happen fairly soon as I ain't getting any younger!!



I have my fingers crossed that today will be sunny. We are off into town after my reading student leaves as I have some legal papers that need signing by a Notary Public and we have an appointment to have this done. Once that is done I can breathe a huge sigh of relief and pop all the papers into the post and then begin the long wait for things to be resolved. Once they are, then Todd and I will be a tiny bit better off financially, which will be a rean bonus! This has been a long time coming, and I am filled with a mixture of anticipation and fear. I expect that is quite normal!

I am rambling now so will close with my daily recipe. Today I am sharing one for an appetizer pizza. Well first course really. It cuts into six nice servings. Of course you could cut it into 12 appetizer nibbles if you wanted to, by simply using smaller tomatoes and laying them out a bit differently. No matter how you cut it though . . . this is quite simply scrumptious!




*Appetizer Pizza*
makes 6 servings
Printable Recipe

A delicious light first course. Simply garnish with a few salad leaves and you are set to go.

1 packet of puff pastry (ready rolled)
2 teaspoons melted butter
1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
3 medium plum tomatoes, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh basil strips

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray the paper with some nonstick cooking spray.

Unroll the pastry and cut into two equal portions, length wise. Place onto the prepared baking sheet. Mark a border all the way around each portion with a sharp knife, without cutting all the way through. (about 1/2 inch in from the edge) Brush the middle area with the melted butter. Top with the cheese and the tomatoes. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until crisp and nicely browned. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the basil. Cut into six equal portions to serve.

Note: In order to cut the basil into strips (chiffonade) stack the leaves and then roll tightly into a cigar shape. Using your kitchen scissors cut the roll into thin strips. Voila! Basil Chiffonade!



In The English Kitchen today, a delicious Potato, Tomato, Corn and Basil Salad!

The Simple Woman's Day book . . .

FOR TODAY, June 28th, 2011...

Outside My Window...
It is beautiful and sunny, although a bit cool. It remains to be seen what the day will be like. We can but hope it will be fine!!

I am thinking...
I was thinking about how you can give someone life and do everything within your power for them, and be the best that you can be for them, within your experience and environment . . . and then, even though half the blood that courses through their veins comes from you . . . and you love every inch of them with the passion that only a mother has . . . they can still turn their backs on you and hate you with an equal passion. This is something I have a difficult time understanding and am having a very hard time coming to terms with. I pray for peace about this every day . . . but it ain't coming . . .

I am thankful for...
everything else in my life, and there is an awful lot of it that is very good. I know things could be so much worse, and I am very grateful that they aren't. If you have your health, someone to love you, a roof over your head, food in your belly and faith . . . you have everything a person could possibly need.

From the kitchen...
I have cookies. Homemade gumdrop cookies. But that's all. I need to cook something!

I am wearing...
Pink and yellow jim jams.

I am creating...


This is a slide show of all my Christmas Cards for this year. (SO far.) I think I am done, but you never know . . . there could be another one or two floating around in my head! Never say never. I found a card shop in Chester that takes handmade cards and sells them. I am going to do some samples up and take then in. If they will take some of them, it will be a start. I look at all the stuff that is out there and I know that what I create is as good as a lot of it. I just need to have a lucky break. I have come to realize that talent doesn't really matter all that much. You have to be in the right place at the right time, and be noticed by the right person.

I am going...
I have an appointment this afternoon at an Assessment Centre in Ellesmere Port to see if I can have a shower put in our house. We have a bath, and it is very difficult for me to get in and out of the bath. I am afraid that one of these days I will get into it, and never be able to get out. So they are going to assess my abilities and see what we might need around the house to help me out. If they are anything at all like the disability people I will get nowhere. Tommorrow I am having a shot in my other knee. Then on Thursday we are having the missionaries over for their tea. I also have a lesson to prepare for Relief Society on Sunday. My first one and I hope I do the subject justice!

I am reading...




The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted, by Elizabeth Berg

Every now and then, right in the middle of an ordinary day, a woman kicks up her heels and commits a small act of liberation. What would you do if you could shed the “shoulds” and do, say—and eat—whatever you really desired? Go AWOL from Weight Watchers and spend an entire day eating every single thing you want? Start a dating service for people over fifty to reclaim the razzle-dazzle in your life—or your marriage? Seek comfort in the face of aging, look for love in the midst of loss, find friendship in the most surprising of places? In these beautiful, funny stories, Elizabeth Berg takes us into the heart of the lives of women who do all these things and more—confronting their true feelings, desires, and joys along the way.

As you know, I love Elizabeth Berg's books and am enjoying this newest one. It is nice to read some short stories for a change. I have been laughing a lot as I read them. I can really related to a lot of them!

I am hoping...
I leave for Ipswich on Sunday, along with Julie. I am hoping that we have a great time down there and that the weather is good for our trip! They have put us into a hotel for the Sunday night at their expense and even paid for us to have a cooked breakfast!

I am hearing...
Early morning sounds . . . the clock on the mantle humming as the wheels inside it turn. The odd car as it goes by. Mitzie snuffling here curled up behind me on the sofa. The tap tapping of the computer keys as I write. Birds singing in the garden. All is right with the world.

Around the house...
I still have the craft room to finish sorting out, but I have been too busy working in it on other things! One of these days I will get my act together and get it done!!

One of my favourite things...
I like chocolate. Good chocolate. Green & Black's Milk Chocolate or Hotel Chocolate. If you were to give me either a bar of Green & Blacks or a box from Hotel Chocolate I would be one very happy camper! Mind you . . . my waistline would not be grateful, but what the heck! You only live once!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...



I don't know where this is . . . but it makes me smile! It makes me think of Rapunzel and Snow White . . . and Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and every other Fairytale Princess of my childhood. And then the thought comes to me . . . you don't need a big building like that with turrets and drawbridges to be living in a castle . . . even a mud hut can be a castle if you love it enough . . . and there is peace to be found within it's walls!

And just as a closing thought for today . . .

The test of thankfulness is not what you have to be thankful for, but whether anyone else has reason to be thankful that you are here.
~author unknown

My prayer every day is for me to be God's hands here on earth in some way. Let my life not be in vain . . .

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!

I just love Pizza! It is the one thing that I could eat every single day of my life and never get tired of it. You have everything there . . . bread, sauce, cheese, toppings! I could eat it for breakfast, or lunch or dinner. I can eat it hot or cold. I just love it no matter which way you cut it! This is a delicious vegetable topped one here this morning. Oh so yummy!!



*Rustic Veggie Pizza*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

Flavourful and filling and very easily adapted to use your own favourite veggie toppings. Mushrooms are a tasty addition.

3 TBS Italian Vinaigrette Dressing, divided
1 onion, peeled and cut into thin wedges
1 small yellow pepper, cut into strips
1 small zucchini, cut into half moons
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives, cut lengthwise in half
1 can (11 oz.) refrigerated thin pizza crust
1 cup grated Mozzarella Cheese
1 pkg. (4 oz.) Crumbled Feta Cheese
1 cup rocket leaves (arugula)

Preheat the oven to 220*C/425*F/ gas mark 7. Have ready a large baking sheet. Butter it or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Heat one TBS of the dressing in a large skillet. Add the onions. Cook and stir on medium-high heat until crispy-tender. Add the peppers and zucchini. continue to cook and stir until onions are golden brown and peppers are crispy-tender. Remove from heat and stir in the tomatoes and olives.

Unroll the pizza crust onto the prepared baking sheet and pat it into a 14 by 10-1/2-inch rectangle. Fold over edges of dough to form a 1/2-inch-wide rim. Bake for five minutes and then brush it with the remaining TBS of dressing. Top with the vegetable mixture and cheeses.

Bake for a further 12 to 14 minutes, or until edges of crust are golden brown. Top with the rocket leaves and serve. Delicious!



Baking in The English Kitchen today, some delicious Gumdrop Biscuits (aka Cookies)!!

Wednesday muses . . .

When I was a girl, some of my favourite books were the Lewis Carroll ones, "Alice in Wonderland," and "Alice Through the Looking Glass." This was partially because I grew up being called "Alice", which is my middle name, and partially because we had the abridged versions of them, along with the old illustrations, in our encyclopedia. I used to spend hours pouring over them, and enjoying them.

One of my favouritge quotes is from "Through the Looking Glass." It's the one where the Queen says to Alice:

"Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!"



I think to myself, why not! Why not tell yourself every morning that your day will be filled with wonderful and seemingly impossible things, just waiting for you to discover them and to bring joy into your life? I truly believe that if you begin your day with a bit of hope and excitement, you are setting yourself up to have a fabulous day, come what may.

And if nothing out of the ordinary occurs . . . and you have less than a little excitement??? What harm has been done . . . an ordinary day has been turned into a jewel of anticipation and discovery anyways, and that can't be bad. I suppose I have always been a dreamer, and whilst many of my dreams have never been realized . . . a lot of them have and I've had a wonderful time imagining things in the process. You've got to have a dream if you're going to have a dream come true . . .



I had a very exciting day yesterday. The woman who was cutting my hair ended up cutting it really short. Every time she clipped and showed it to me, I could see these puffy things that looked like wings sticking out the side of my head. I have very wavy hair, filled with lots of body. So I would say I don't like it puffing out on the sides like that and she would snip again. Thankfully I like it and it looks good, so that's ok! I was a bit afraid that Todd would be upset, but he likes it too, so that's ok!



We took Miztie for a walk along the River Dee. I couldn't go too far, but it was good to be out and about and the breeze was nice coming off the water. Mitzie enjoyed some new smells and terrain and Todd and I enjoyed the time together.


All the way home I was thinking about the Fish Pie I had popped into the oven just prior to our going out. It would be waiting and perfectly baked for us when we got in. We no sooner got into the door, and the telephone was ringing. I answered it and it was for me. Last week I had entered a contest to win a new dishwasher from the Zanussi Company, and guess what?



I won it! I was so excited! I have never had my own dishwasher. We had one up at the big house when I worked there and it did such a beautiful job of the dishes, that I am quite looking forward to having one. I was so happy to tell Todd when I got off the telephone that his days as a dishwasher were numbered! He was happy too! All I have to do now is pick one out. I can pick any one of their line that I want, and then they will have it delivered! I can't wait!!

I went to bed last night feeling like the luckiest woman in the world! You just never know what each day is going to bring to the table do you?

Here's a tasty dessert pizza that your children will love. I think the husbands will love this one too. In fact I think it would be the perfect dessert for Father's Day! It's very easy to make if you use refrigerated cookie dough for the crust too.




*Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pizza*
Serves 12
Printable Recipe

A delicious dessert pizza that the kids will love! (The big kids will love it too!)

1/2 of your favourite recipe for chocolate chip cookies, or a
roll of refrigerated chocolate chip cookies
1 (250g) package of cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)
1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 cup of icing sugar, sifted
1/4 cup milk
1 cup of frozen whipped topping, thawed (or the equivalent
amount of whipped double cream)
3/4 cup of hot fudge topping
chopped peanuts to garnish

Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Using floured hands, press the cookie dough into the bottom of an ungreased 12 inch pizza pan. (This is easier if you break it up into pieces.) Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.

Spread 1/2 cup of the hot fudge topping over the cookie crust.

Whisk the cream cheese, peanut butter, icing sugar and milk together in a bowl. Fold in the whipped topping (cream). Spread this mixture over top of the fudge topped cookie crust. Drizzle with the remainder of the hot fudge topping and sprinkle with peanuts.

Cut into wedges to serve.



Baking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Toasty Topped Butter Cake!

The Simple Woman's Day Book

FOR TODAY, June 14th, 2011...

Outside My Window...
It is beautiful and sunny. They say it is going to be a fine warm day today. We must enjoy it while we can as tomorrow it is said it will turn to rain!!

I am thinking...
We were at friends last night for Family Home Evening and we all did a beautiful short walk out in the countryside, to this area which was quite remote, but stunning. There was a series of three ancient Roman Bridges which were also cobbled. I have found some pictures which I have posted below. It was a beautiful evening and the scenery was just wonderful. The best part was sharing it with friends. Such a beautiful spirit and great company was in abundance. I think you can not feel any closer to God than when you are enjoying the beauty of his creation. We had, quite simply, a lovely time! Afterwards it was back to their place for some delicious snacks and converstaion. A wonderful evening altogether!

I am thankful for...
All the pockets of joy in my life, and there are many. I am blessed beyond measure.

From the kitchen...
There is some cake, but not a lot else in the way of baked goods. Of course my larder and fridge are stocked, so you know it won't be long before the cake is joined by something else!

I am wearing...
A light mauve nighties with an embroidered bodice and bow trim. Another M&S special. I love M&S nightwear. It's always classic and comfy.

I am creating...
I have been putting together a few Christmas Cards for orders and sketching. I need to finish my Christmas Designs for the stamp company. Only a few for Christmas as there won't be a full range of them.

I am going...
I am going this afternoon to have my hair cut. I am thinking of getting it all cut off. It is so hard to manage and to wash without a shower. We have been on to the mobility people to see if we could get a grant to have a shower put in. I have to go to their assessment centre and be assessed as to whether I need one or not. I get the feeling that one has to be practically crawling on their hands and knees before you will get help of any kind. It's quite discouraging. I have a very difficult time getting in and out of the bath. It is not the stepping into it, although even that can be hard at times. It is the sitting down in it and then trying to pull myself up afterwards. It is the same if I try to go down on the floor for anything. Very discouraging.

I am reading...




The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted, by Elizabeth Berg

Every now and then, right in the middle of an ordinary day, a woman kicks up her heels and commits a small act of liberation. What would you do if you could shed the “shoulds” and do, say—and eat—whatever you really desired? Go AWOL from Weight Watchers and spend an entire day eating every single thing you want? Start a dating service for people over fifty to reclaim the razzle-dazzle in your life—or your marriage? Seek comfort in the face of aging, look for love in the midst of loss, find friendship in the most surprising of places? In these beautiful, funny stories, Elizabeth Berg takes us into the heart of the lives of women who do all these things and more—confronting their true feelings, desires, and joys along the way.

As you know, I love Elizabeth Berg's books and am enjoying this newest one. It is nice to read some short stories for a change.


I am hoping...
I have been invited to an all expenses paid trip down to Ipswich on July 4th to attend a special event at Jimmy Doherty's Farm. He is one of Jamie Oliver's friends and he makes really good sausages. There will be a tour of the farm, a butchering class, a free lunch and signed cookery book, a question and answer session and who knows what else. I am not sure I will go. This mobility problem of mine is making me wonder if it is something I am really up to.

I am hearing...
Early morning sounds . . . the clock on the mantle humming as the wheels inside it turn. Mitzie snuffling here curled up behind me on the sofa. The tap tapping of the computer keys as I write. Birds singing in the garden. All is right with the world.

Around the house...
Ironing, but not much else! We are not a messy lot. Well, I an a bit of a clutter bug, but Todd keeps me in line!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...
There is an activity at the church on Saturday for the Youth. They are doing a carwash and having a bake sale to try to raise funds for their EFY camp this summer. We will probably take our car over and have it washed and I am making something for the bake sale. Other than that we have not a lot on. My daily reading lessons which are going well. He is a really motivated student and is doing great. I love being able to help someone like that in such a meaningful way. I have a talk to give in church in two weeks time and I am doing the RS lesson at the beginning of July, so I have them to work on as well. I shan't be bored and with nothing to do over the next few days at any rate!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...



This is a picture of one of the old Roman Bridges we walked across last evening. Set deep in the heart of Cheshire, at Hockenhull Platts, near Tarvin, there is a series of three ancient packhorse bridges, along dirty and cobbled path, which is commonly known as the "Roman Bridges." They are in fact Medieval and were meant to transport goods from Chester to Tarvin over the River Gowy and surrounding marshland. They are beautiful in their ancient simplicity as they fit snugly into the surrounding landscape of trees and meadow grasses.



As we meandered through, it was not hard to imagine all the ancient feet that had trod upon this pathway . . . it was truly a truly special place indeed.

And just as a closing thought for today . . .

I don't know what tomorrow will bring . . . except old age and death . . . but I do know that I have today, one absolutely glorious day that I will savor and make the most of as if it were my last one . . . because it may be!
~G.W.F. (1946-1998?)

Not a problem for me! I try to make the most of each day I am given. It's the best way to live!

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!

Here is a simple recipe that was always a favourite with my kids. If pizza was on the menu they were right there! This is a hearty deep pan version. Men like it too!



*Deep Dish Sausage Pizza*
Serves 6
Printable Recipe

Simple, easy to make and quite delicious. You can vary the toppings as you wish. You can use sweet Italian Sausage or hot Italian Sausage depending on your tastes!

1 pound bulk Italian Pork Sausage
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 (8 ounce) can of pizza sauce
1 refrigerated pizza crust
1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
2 medium plum tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
2 medium sized spring onions, chopped

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F/ gas mark 6. Spray a 9 inch square baking tin with cooking spray. Set aside.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add the sausage meat and peppers and cook, for 7 to 9 minutes, until the sausage is no longer pink, stirring frequently. Stir in the mhsurooms and pizza sauce. Keep warm over low heat.

Press the pizza dough into the prepared baking tin, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides, and creating a rolled rim around the top. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the cheese over the bottom and then fill with the sausage mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and then sprinkle the tomatoes and olives over top of the cheese.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Sprinkle with the chopped spring onions. Let stand 5 minutes. To serve, cut pizza into wedges with a serrated knife.



Cooking in The English Kitchen today, a delicious Turkey Oven Bake.