365 Photo of the Day

Mmmmmm... SUCCESS homemade english muffins - wish y'all could smell it!

365 Photo of the Day

Mmmmm! 

I tried a new recipe today - a Rhubarb Custard Pie.  I based it loosely on a recipe I found online at tasteofhome.com for Cream Cheese Rhubarb Pie, but as usual for me I totally messed around with ingredients.  For example, I substituted my own homemade Puff Pastry instead of regular pastry.  I added some lemon slices into the rhubarb when I cooked the filling, to impart a zing - of course I removed the slices before pouring this into the shell.  With the Cream Cheese custard I added a few drops of Watkins Rum Flavoring and scraped a small length of a fresh vanilla bean into the custard.  

I'm totally going to remake this recipe in the future.  It was easy and delicious.  

“They” said, yesterday on the news, that yesterday is considered the 'most depressing' day of the year. I hear ya! The sun has not graced us with it's presence for several weeks now. I'm sure I'll need sunglasses the first time it chooses to shine on us. I keep begging my sister, Nina to send me some – from Victoria, no less. Now that seems so strange, as they are on the coast where its usually rainy. To date, nothings arrived.

I woke this morning from a dream that Mr. Miles and I were at some social gathering, very casual, and that Michelle Obama gave me a hug. We were talking about her children. Weird. Very strange – we don't even live in the USA. Perhaps it had something to do with my plan to watch the inauguration today. The inauguration was a moving thing to hear – I say hear because I only watched the swearing in on tv, but heard the rest of the ceremonies on CBC radio while I worked out.

Our Melanie ♥

Layout Credits: KimB's HeartyTarty Kit
Barb Derksen's WreathFrame - white

Our daughter came home for a visit this past weekend and it was a wonderful time together. I'm sure you're hoping for a photo, but I left it late and she made me promise NO photos – she was not feeling photogenic. Oh, I've had those days too, so respected her wishes. I did though, ask her to send me some of her own cell phone photos, and thats the one I used in this layout which I made mostly with KimB's HeartyTarty Kit. What a FABULOUS kit!

Next time Melanie visits I'll have to take care of that taking pictures thing, first thing. She brought her boyfriend with her – our first time to meet him. He's very nice!

Our weekend was all about baking. I promised to show her the Artisan Bread recipe. Melanie has always loved to bake. We mixed up batches of dough and made buns, flatbreads and pizza. On Saturday night, the kids made us dessert, rich fattening dessert. Flakey fruit and chocolate filled puff-pastry turnovers served with ice cream. Of COURSE she went home with a bucket of dough which was nicely risen by the time they got there.

I did not mention that last week I went 'across the line' at the invitation from my friend Angie to do some grocery shopping. We live RIGHT on the USA/Canada border and so have the luxury to hop over whenever the urge hits. With our dollar down, its not so much of a deal as it has been at past times, but there is always something different to buy. Cheese always works out less, for sure. My favorite place to stop is a little gas station/grocery which is supplied by deli's which are only stateside so I always find some unique things. These are some of the items I bought to play with this trip:

This spaghetti, which is sold in the USA at a Trader Joes store, is looooong! I'm hankering to go to one of those stores, now. Have any of you been to one?

These noodles are hollow - like very long kraft dinner noodles, though I am sure they are better quality, being made from hard durum seminola!

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos - my camera does not do well in low light. This orzo should be a colorful addition to soups - organic to boot!


And some buckwheat. I've never really cooked with it before. Any suggestions?

This Sap Sago cheese is VERY interesting. It's produced only one place in the world. I love the story, the shape and the very bold and distinctive flavor. I've already found several ways to use it. You can read an article about it HERE at Wikipedia.

Then, as I was surfing around on the internet to find more recipes for it, I came across this incredible recipe site. I think you will agree that the photography is just stunning – and the recipes extremely innovative and interesting! My friend Gina and I spent an afternoon drooling over our screens together. And I did make the Scandinavian Sour Cream Apple Pie, only I did not put a crust on it at all, and I substituted vanilla yogurt for the sour cream. Mr. Miles gave it thumbs up.

Layout by Judy

Credits: KimB and Bunny Cates items!

Did you see this lovely LOVELY poem and layout my sister-in-law Judy posted for me on her blog over the weekend? Well, in case you didn't, here's her layout with it in. I was so moved! Judy has a post up today of the thoughtful and sweet parcel she recieved from KimB in South Africa. That Kim, she's got it all tied up in the giving department. I do believe her middle name is generosity! Judy also has some pretty photos of dragonflies she took this past summer. Oh * groan * don't say summer, please, unless you send sunshine.

Layout by Victoria
Credits:
Barb Derksen - Photo of Osoyoos Lake
Kris Myers Frosty Days Digital Kit

And here's a pretty layout made by my friend Victoria, who lives in Florida. She asked if she might use one of my frosty photos for a layout, seeing as she does not have such a thing down there. I think your layout is lovely and thanks for sharing!

Treasure Box fit for a queen

I recieved a gift at Church this past Sunday – a beeeee-youuuuu-teeee-ful treasure. I'd no more seated myself when I was approached by my little 6 year old friend Asia who was bearing a wrapped gift for me. She insisted I open it right then and there – to reveal this hand-decorated treasure box. Ohhh, so pretty! I've got some special things which shall be stored in here! Don't you just love little presents crafted by little hands? Priceless, I say!

♥♥♥♥♥

A few posts ago I bragged on my friend Penny Buhr Johnson, on the release of her second CD. Unfortunately her CD was not quite set up at CD baby for sale just yet, but it is now. You can visit Penny's website by clicking HERE and follow the links which will allow you to hear cuts of her new album as well as purchase it too!

Our good blogger friend Valinda is home after a week away - and she's got a gift for you on her website I won't spoil the surprize, but go on over and welcome her home, won't you? Just click HERE.

Here's an entertaining time-waster of a website for you. Don't blame me if you don't get your housework done today, ok? Its called Drawminos!

And finally, I decided to make a 'little sumfing' for YOU. I had this small wreath thing laying about. It used to be around the base of a candle, but the candle got used up. Before sending this to the thrift shop or trash... I decided it would make a neat photo frame. I think it worked quite well. I'll post another version in a day or two. I'd love to see how you use this – just send me a jpg of your layout and I'll post it.

Ohhhh and as I'm wrapping this up - this loooong long post, I recall Shirley emailing me to say she's awarded me .... I'll have to slip on over to her place and see whats in store for me. THANK YOU Shirley, in advance.

Personal Use

download

My first Artisan Bread Making Demo


my mobile demo kit

I just hosted my very first Artisan Bread Making demonstration. Before you ask, there is no "official" demonstration. I am not part of any company or hired by anyone. I have decided to do this on my own for the simple reason that since I found out about Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day, my life has changed. Yes, this is a pretty strong statement, but its absolutely true.

How did I find out about this bread?

I have been listening to a podcast called The Splendid Table with Lynne Rossetto Kasper from American Public Broadcasting. This is a show that we don't receive on radio here, I found it on the internet. On one episode, Lynne interviewed Jeff Hertzberg, co-author of a book called Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day. What I heard was very impressive - so impressive that immediately after hearing the podcast I went back to the Splendid Table website and printed out the master bread recipe. Thats where this all began for me.

I've been baking this bread for a few months now and its changed the way I forever bake bread - and I come from a line of traditional baking in my heritage! This method of baking bread is simply revolutionary. It requires no kneading at any point, you mix it in one fell swoop and it stores in the fridge, just waiting till you decide you want to bake it. This ensures fresh bread, on demand.

Why am I taking this out to my part of the country?

I'm doing this because I love a good idea and I love to share a good idea. I like to mentor, as well, and this is a wonderful opportunity to do this. I also love to show people how to save money - which in our current economy is very appealing to many folks. I'm not being compensated in any way for doing this - the joy I see when people find out about this, the thanks they give me, is a huge reward in itself.

I also want to encourage you to visit the OFFICIAL Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day website where you can find out all you want to know about these incredible recipes. The authors Jeff and Zoe are fabulous at responding if you should have ANY questions. They also keep the site updated with new recipes (oh YUM!) And, you can order their cookbook right from the site as well.

Jeff and Zoe have been generous enough to share their basic bread recipe with everyone, but there are MANY more in the cookbook. Its worth every cent you spend, and trust me, if you are looking for a great Christmas present - this is it!

So, the first photo, the one above, is a 'mobile kit' I put together to show the wonders of this bread.

the 'basic' end of the bread basket

I decided the best way to show off the bread was to bake some. In Jeff and Zoe's YouTube Video they have an array of baked goods demonstrating the different goods which can be created, so I thought I would see how far I could stretch a batch as well. I mixed up a batch of the Peasant Bread and it made

breadsticks
bagels
loaves
flatbreads

the 'brioche' end of the basket

I chose to make the other side of the basket the 'sweet' side. This was my first time trying the brioche recipe from the cookbook, but I was confident it would turn out, as the other recipes I've tried have been fabulous.

can you say buttery?

The brioche recipe is soooooo good and rich. Its a very rich (very ... rich) recipe. Decadent, I'd even venture to say. It was easy to make and still has Mr. Miles slathering for me to make each day. Out of this recipe (and I only used 1/2 of the dough) I made

4 small tea-loaves
1 turban stuffed with cranberries and nuts
1 large turban stuffed with dried cherries
1 fancy pastry filled with apricot preserves and walnuts

can you imagine, ME, the instructor? LOL!

Where was I demonstrating? I was asked to demonstrate at the Learning Center where Mr. Miles works. The Learning Center is an adult education center. People attend to complete their Grade 12 schooling (I graduated here at the age of 43, but am still taking some graphics courses) Students here range from teens all the way up to 80's! Its a very inspiring place to be. Some folks are here just upgrading their computer skills etc.

Elaine asked me to do this demo. She's head of the student council and they are hosting demonstrations on Eathing Healthy/Saving Money. When I heard this, she pounced on me right away. How could I say no?

I have their rapt attention!

Ohhh - I didn't have to worry about getting anyone's attention because everyone loves a great idea. I explained how I found out about the bread and then began.

fridge ready!

I wanted to be sure to show the three stages of the bread dough, so I made sure to have a batch already prepared and refridgerated. I brought along the ingredients for a batch to be mixed up, and of course, the basket for folks to sample!

honing my speaking skills

so much to remember!

We even watched the YouTube video together, because I did not want to forget anything. I'm not nearly as smooth as Jeff and Zoe, for sure. Plus, I wanted the students to know how to navigate to the video and website if they needed it in the future. Some students are learning internet and computers for the first time in their lives, so its important to not assume they know.

I also apologized for not bringing for not bringing my copy of the cookbook book along, because I didn't want to encourage anyone to plagiarize the recipes. I spent time showing the students where they can order the book if they would like to.

Darlene wins the door-prize!

I thought it would be a neat idea to put everyone's name in a hat and draw for a door-prize... which was, of course, a batch of dough. This made my heart smile, for Darlene was chosen and she has NEVER made bread in her life. She was quite excited to try this.

I had so many people thank me after. Everyone enjoyed the baked goods. Several people are going to order the book.

I took a plate of goodies to our local Home Hardware for the owner to sample. She's won top awards in Canada for her store. It features an in-store kitchen where she has chefs come in to do live demos which are a huge success. She'd LOVE me to come in and do one on a Saturday in the future. I'm considering it and Mr. Miles says he'd be game to help.

I'm also doing another one in a small local community as a part of an inter-church exchange and I'm really looking forward to this too.

So, I'm hoping to start an Artisan Bread WAVE across Canada - I can see it happening now. Thank you Jeff and Zoe for being so generous as to share your master recipe. I'm sure your book will be flying onto Canadian bookshelves! I just wanted you to know, I'm not an Artisan Bread website stalker, I just am excited for your idea and am EAGERLY awaiting your next book. Your book is the very first book I've ever purchased online and it will be one I treasure... and muck up!

You can visit the official Artisan Bread in 5 website by clicking HERE.

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PhotoJoy Desktop

Ohhh - if you have a fast computer (good graphics card and all that) and you love to display your photo collections on your desktop and screensaver - then you will LOVE this new desktop application called PhotoJoy. It comes with all sorts of cool widgets and backgrounds etc, which allow you to showcase all your favorite photos. Your desktop will garner gasps of envy from all who gaze upon it! Just click HERE to find out more.

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Last but not least, I've created a lil sumpfing for you! I made this with my sister Nina in mind because she knows me. She knows I just can't wait to open a present. She sends mine to Mr. Miles with specific instructions like "she no touch" and such things on them. So.... I thought I would make an element which would be with her in mind. I hope you can find some good uses for it!

Measures aprox 3" and is a png file with transparent background.

personal use
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Once again its time for Friday Show and Tell - won't you come and join in the fun?

The more the merrier!

Just visit Kelli's blog by clicking HERE and sign up using the form.

Today I'm going to share another baking adventure. I'm sure some of you may want to tell me to "shut up already" with all the yummies I've been featuring. (ya, like YOU, KimB, I know I'm torturing you and I did WARN you) But I can't help it, honestly. Its all the fault of Zoe and Jeff at the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day. I've got a serious addiction! LOL! I think their blog needs a warning on it.

soft and pliable like 'grown up' play doh!

To celebrate the one year anniversary of their Artisan Bread cookbook, Zoe and Jeff have posted a recipe for bagels on the blog and are also giving away two copies as a celebration. So git on over there and leave your 'bread' experience on the blog for your chance to be drawn. Just click HERE to be transported!

I bought the cookbook a few weeks ago - this recipe on their blog is a bit different. I saw the recipe and it beckoned to me. Bagels are something we detour for whenever we go to the city. We usually buy ours at Safeway because they are so wonderful and toothsome - but it adds up! It usually costs somewhere in the range of 8 dollars for a dozen - and we did not begrudge this, for its a superior quality.

These cost pennies, compared.

However...

boiling the bagel

I didn't imagine making them myself. But because of the amazingly easy method for the dough for these things - I had some ready to go - I decided to give it a try!

I used a smaller pot for the water, and adjusted the sugar etc because we had limited fresh water on hand - I bring it in. Besides, I only wanted to do a 'test batch' of a half a dozen.

It was challenging to flip the BIG bagel in the little pot! Flupp!

a new smell for my nose to appreicate!

I used the Peasant Bread dough from the cookbook, with flax seeds too. Then, I decided to experiment with some toppings too. I had some black seasame seeds, some pumpkin seeds, some flax seeds and some oats. So, I did a bit of 'mix and match'

we have success!

Well, Mr. Miles was not home at the time - he was completely unaware. But get this - when he arrived home he gravitated IMMEDIATELY to them, his nose wiggling like Peter Rabbit in the cabbage patch! He did NOT notice that I'd changed the entire kitchen counters around, including the microwave, toaster oven etc. In fact he did not notice that until the following morning.

better than a bakery

I'd never had a bagel hot out of the oven before - and its almost impossible to discribe in words. Crrrunchy on the outside, an almost nutty overtone. Soft and steamy and moist inside. Danger, danger! (Kim, turn your eyes away, girl!)

happiness is an oven-fresh hot bagel

Topped with cream cheese and some of my own homemade rosehip jam from this summer? I think I live in a bakery now.

I think this is the start of me making these a regular part of our diet.

Have YOU made bagels before? Its so easy the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day way...

Lovely Loaf... not my own

What a great looking loaf - but I can't take credit for this one. This loaf Eileen's first attempt with the basic recipe for Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a day. I tell you, I believe this recipe is almost NO FAIL! Eileen is experimenting with freezing her dough now too - you can visit her by clicking HERE to keep updated on how this goes.

I had the opportunity to show this technique to a young lady the other night - she's never made bread in her life. I'm so excited to see how she does. She and her husband were here for dinner and enjoyed the bread sticks I had made. (sorry, no picture, they got eaten too fast!) I used the recipe for the peasant bread for them - everyone agreed they were delish!

To find out more about this amazing recipe - and to enter a contest for the full cookbook...

Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day Cookbook
a GREAT Christmas present idea!

You can WIN THIS - just visit the OFFICIAL website by clicking HERE and leave a comment for Jeff and Zoe, with your own personal "bread" experience. They will choose two names at random to win! Besides this, they have a FABULOUS recipe for BAGELS using the Master Recipe ... need I say more?

Good Friends!
credits: KimB's Lloryn Kit (slightly recolored)

I just wanted to share a layout I made of Betty's beautiful daughter. I saw this photo on her BLOG and could not resist making it into a full layout. Doesn't she have the most incredible eyes?

Betty always has such interesting blog posts - she's in Paraguay and has educated me on her corner of the world. Just click HERE to visit her today!

Ah - its another rain, rain day here in our supposedly "Sunny Okanagan" - but no worries, we have friends coming for dinner, nice day to tuck up inside, go a little extravagant with the menu. I've decided to share my Pink Lady and Cranberry Pie recipe, which I created last week. Seems like a good thing to do. You can view and drool first, download the recipe in PDF format after!

I used Pink Lady Apples - we live in orchard country here. Pink Ladies are nice, crisp - and long keepers. To me, they taste like fizzy ginger ale on my tongue. Pink Lady apples are the first to blossom, the last to pick. If you would like to learn more about these apples you can visit the Pink Lady website in the UK by clicking HERE.

Shredded apples and cranberries.

I decided to shred the apples - try something new. It works well, makes for a nice, dense pie.

Golden sprinkles

I chose to roll in some of the nice big demerara sugar crystals
in my top crust.

I always seem to choose the muffins
that have big sugar crystals when I go to Tim Hortons.

Strip It!

I used the crinkly edge on my pastry wheel
to make an interesting edge on my lattice.

Butter it!

Can't resist the thought of
fresh, creamery butter
melting down inside the apples.

No skimping!

Once there's plenty of butter
'dotting the landscape'
then, its time to bring the pastry edges in.
then you won't get an apple 'river'
flowing over the pie's edge.

Bake it!

Ah, how I wish I could embed
the HEAVENLY smells going on.

Top it!

Why not make some homemade
CARAMEL
while your pie bakes?

Its as easy - AS PIE!

I found out about this recipe once
through my friend Gina.

BTW - I make it the MICROWAVE method,
faster - safer.

Microwave Method: Pour 1 can condensed milk into 2 quart glass measure. cook on 50 % power (medium) for 4 minutes, stirring briskly every 2 minutes until smooth. cook on 30% power (medium-low) 12-18 minutes ot until very thick and caramel colored, stirring briskly every 2 minutes until smooth.

PS - I added a tad of molasses to darken the color a bit,
after it was done.
And, I had to thin it a bit with milk,
when I topped the whip cream for the pie.

Success!
(click to drool - MUCH LARGER!)

download PDF recipe sheet
by clicking the little button, left-top below:

Barbs Cranberry Pink Lady Pie

Get your own at Scribd or explore others:

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Oh, if you make this, I'd LOVE to see!

Another note - if your spices are sitting for a long time, you might try what I do to 'revive' the flavor a bit. I keep a coffee grinder specially for grinding spices, herbs. So, I take the spices called for in the recipe and give them a whirl for a few moments together in the grinder. It seems to release the flavors all over again. Could be my imagination...

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Just a few thoughts to help your Monday along:

"Though the winds are wild,
And the gale unleashed,
My trusting heart still sings:
I know that they mean
No harm, to me,
HE rideth on their wings."

Fear not, little flock;
for it is your Father's good pleasure
to give you the kingdom.

~ Luke 12:32

The limitlesss resources of God are able
to meet our deepest needs.

"And my God will meet all your needs
according to his glorious riches
in Christ Jesus."

Phillipians 4:19

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Won't you please pray today for:

For poverty around the globe
For our troops - and Veterans, as we ponder their sacrifices.
Gina - for a new job for her husband
For Dave, a brother of our friend - who's had cancer related surgery
Our Dad -who's recovering from knee replacement surgery

Couronne - My Way!
(click to view bigger!)

I can't get out of the kitchen.

Ever since I found out about the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes A Day recipe - I'm hopelessly hooked. What used to hold me back was the thought of the time, the kneading etc. With this AMAZING technique there's nothing to hold me back from experimenting every which way. And I am.

I was so inspired by the basic recipe that I jumped to buy the book - and you can too! Its an INVESTMENT in yourself. What a concept, what a great addition to your own cookbook shelf! I'm thinking Christmas Gifts?

Order YOURS today - just visit the official 5 Min website and you will find all the links, and even new ideas too. Just click HERE to be transported.

You can also search YouTube for Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a day for a video clip of Jeff and Zoe making the basic batch.

This recipe I made was based loosely on the couronne recipe included in the book. I'd INTENDED on making some rosemary foccacia but this recipe screamed at me from the pages. I've still got 2/3 of a pail of fresh dough to try some more recipes, this only made a small dent in my batch.

But don't just take MY word - Eliajean tried her FIRST batch, and success - just click HERE to read and see for yourself. And my friend Cicero - why she tried a week back and hers turned out too - in fact she ordered the book herself (a little bird emailed me) Just click HERE to see Cis's bread - October 23rd blog post!

I'm warning you. Its ADDICTIVE.

Please, send me a link if you bake it for the first time, I'd love to see and show you off!

I just want to say a HUGE thank you to Shirley - you sweet thing, for including me in her award. I am hogging it all to myself. Muah! I'm bad. You may want to visit Shirley to check out her incredible rock collection, along with her descriptions of each stone. Very informative! Just click HERE.

A pair of White Squash Birds gaurd their eggs.

A pair of Squash Birds, Keremeos BC

My friend Janice sent me the following information, which I think is GOOD to know!

Using Credit/Debit cards at the pump

In BC, we are now required to prepay gas..so if you are using your plastic, please pay attention to this following story:

She used her credit/debit card to purchase gas at the pump (like most of us do). She received her receipt like normal. However, when she checked her statement, there were 2x $50 charges added in addition to her purchase. Upon investigation, she found out that because she did not press the 'clear' button on the pump, the employee inside the store was able to use her card to purchase his/her own gas!

To keep this from happening, after you get your receipt, you must press the 'CLEAR' button or your information will be stored until the next customer inserts their card. Be sure to tell all your friends/family so that this doesn't happen to them!

I had never noticed the clear button but I got gas the other day and sure enough it is there. I will be using it from now on....)

I just received an email from Valinda, who, bless her heart, was sensitive to want to email me this info rather than comment it {I love my readers to keep me accountable!} The previous story is an urban myth. This is not to say that the subject matter is not worthy of us paying more attention to any matters of credit/debit cards and our bank accounts {if we have any left with the economy melting down} Valinda checked the story on snopes - a GOOD place to verify these stories we recieve in our email inboxes from well intentioned freinds. This story is covered in detail at snopes and you can read it for yourself by clicking HERE

Thanks Valinda! Valinda still has a pretty, vintage doll 8 x 8 inch quickpage for grabs on her blog - just click HERE

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There’s a definite nip in the air nowadays. If one forgets to put dress properly, nature reminds you in a hurry as soon as you’re a step out of the door. The vineyards across the lake are morphing from brilliant green to a soft gold. Different sections leach green from the leaves creating a green and gold mosaic, which looks so picturesque, reflected in the glassy lake surface.

The birdscape has changed considerably too. Hardier breeds are dominating the landscape – time to consider re-establishing the birdfeeder for the quail.

The sky has a special blueness in fall – you notice too? Perhaps the cold does something to the air quality, or it could simply be more people being indoors and not a lot of orchard burning and campfires being lit.

What happens to Canadian Turkeys after Thanksgiving.

And so I feel the tug to cozy up indoors too and pursue craft and art projects, redecorating, organizing of the house, baking etc. I’ve also been cleaning up and organizing my computer data – seeing how KimB and Linda have had recent losses {so sorry Gals!} The next few days are all about backing up – both to cd and ehd.

Sienna and Papa BAKING themselves happy!
(click to view bigger)

credits:
Carrie Stephens - Spontaneous Delight Kit
Amy W's - Barb Birthday Cupcake (yay!)

Maggie and Bill {brother and sister in law} recently sent these sweet pictures of their granddaughter Sienna and Bill baking it up in the kitchen, so Judy (Sister in Law too) and I decided to turn some of these snaps into layouts for them. Hope you like them! (ohhhh Sienna, did you save ME one? And did Papa do the dishes, or not?)

Don't forget to check out Judy's take on this fun time by visiting her blog - just click HERE.

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In the way of my pondering brain and spirit, I was ruminating over the past days on the thought that our lives are so ironic! We are born – babes, unable to do the simplest of tasks for ourselves. Our very life depends on someone taking care of us. We own nothing.

Depending on someone is simply our way of existing, it comes so naturally. We don’t think twice about being ‘beholden’ to others, its accepted we NEED one another.

As we begin to grow up, we spend a great deal of time becoming independent and self sufficient. By the time we hit adulthood we pride ourselves on being self-governing, though by choice we hopefully invite God to be truly in control. But at some level, there’s this thing we call pride which can turn into something else.

We gather STUFF to ourselves, even our homes, money, toys etc – giving our families comfort... but if we are not careful, at some point all this stuff begins to own us a bit.

And then, comes a day when our bodies and mind start to fail and we have to start depending on others and considering that all that STUFF now will belong to someone else. So, if we’ve not made a choice to still depend on others – work side by side, connect, share – willingly, its going to be a big shocker when it happens without a conscious choice on our part. We can’t pretend things will remain the same forever.

I struggle a bit with the STUFF thing. I’ve discovered there are some things I’m not willing to share. Its sort of surprised me how passionately this wells up in me. These things are along the lines of my computer and my camera. Both items are high quality. We saved up long and hard to buy them, and we decided to get the best as this is where we spend the majority of our time. I’ve tried to imagine feeling free to lend these items out, trying to examine my motives from every perspective. I DO like these THINGS very much, but I honestly think its more than this. I know if I leant these items out, if the borrowers damaged them, neither they nor I could replace them in most cases. But its even deeper than this, IF something happened either they or me would feel so awkward about it.

We have a dear friend who has lent money out to various friends over the years. She worked VERY hard for every cent, but she is so generous. She’s been burned so many times its amazing. From friends. But, the thing that really hurts her, and this is the thing that I worry about, is that of the people who are unable to pay her back, or choose not to, they then AVOID her – so she says she loses TWICE, once with the money, but worst of all, she loses their friendship because they avoid her, because they feel uncomfortable, guilty.

Honestly, I struggle when I say NO to a friend. Even when I have great reasons, I still get a lump, a funny feeling. I never want to love my STUFF more than my friends. I hope I always discern properly when to make an exception. I hope my STUFF never owns me.

And I hope that I learn to share and lean on others now, so that in the future it won’t come as a shock to have to let go and have others look after my aging and frail body. ( a few years from now – LOL!) I hope I’ve chosen well to share my STUFF with others, after I’m gone. I think that if we don’t learn to depend on others, then when we HAVE to be looked after then thats when we get bitter old people who resent those who look after them.

I’d love to know your thoughts about this!

Upon seeking scripture I think the following chapter of Ecclesiastes is dead on:

Riches Are Meaningless

8 If you see the poor oppressed in a district,
and justice and rights denied,
do not be surprised at such things;
for one official is eyed by a higher one,
and over them both are others higher still.

9 The increase from the land is taken by all;
the king himself profits from the fields.

10 Whoever loves money never has money enough;
whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
This too is meaningless.

11 As goods increase,
so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owner
except to feast his eyes on them?

12 The sleep of a laborer is sweet,
whether he eats little or much,
but the abundance of a rich man
permits him no sleep.

13 I have seen a grievous evil under the sun:
wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner,

14 or wealth lost through some misfortune,
so that when he has a son
there is nothing left for him.

15 Naked a man comes from his mother's womb,
and as he comes, so he departs.
He takes nothing from his labor
that he can carry in his hand.

16 This too is a grievous evil:
As a man comes, so he departs,
and what does he gain,
since he toils for the wind?

17 All his days he eats in darkness,
with great frustration, affliction and anger.

18 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink,
and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun
during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot.

19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions,
and enables him to enjoy them,
to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.

20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life,
because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

*****

Last, but not least - Happy Birthday to Bunny! I always have a chuckle at Bunny’s blog, she has such a gift for journaling as if we were all right along with her buying her scrapping goodies and making cards. I've followed KimB's example and cooked up a giveaway to celebrate, but don’t comment ME, please, go leave some good wishes for Bunny by clicking HERE

Barb's Cord Flower Ribbons
fine for Personal, Commercial and S4H

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