Baby Trees...

These are some of the baby trees we've been planting over the weekend. The trees on the right are Chanticleer Pear Trees they get to be 40 feet high and they turn red in the fall.

They don't make pears...

The other little tree is a Betchel Crab which I love because of its pink blossoms in the spring. I hope they will do well, but this is our first time planting trees so I don't know what to expect.

(red leaves.. not my photo)

Lands' End Swimsuits...

Lands' End is calling this a swim outfit. See more here. They have taken the concept of the tankini (really much more practical for bathroom breaks) and made them in all these fun kid colors. The whole catalog is filled with the most darling summer-wear ever. I have one complaint Lands' End. The catalog came out May 9th and quite a few of the cutest pieces are sold out already. Hello?!? You could make more money if you'd make a few more suits to sell. I wouldn't complain, really I wouln't, but this isn't the first time. Next year I'm not messing around, I will call Lands' End from my mailbox.

The Value of the Right Words...

My Sister-in-law Allison writes a column for the Ogden Standard Examiner. I always enjoy reading her column and found this one particularly interesting. Enjoy!


Top of Utah Voices: Words strike like lightning with power to illuminate or burn
Sunday, April 29, 2007
By Allison Barlow Hess
Commentary
In her communication class as Weber State University, Professor Becky Johns conducts a simple object lesson. On one slip of paper she has her students write their least favorite food. On the next paper they list upcoming papers and assignments, and on a third paper they write their mother's name.
Dr. Johns then instructs the students to take the first paper and tear it into shreds, to which they happily comply. The next paper she tells them to crumple into a ball, which they love to do. She then asks them to take the third paper, the one with their mother's name, and throw it on the floor and stamp on it.
Most of the students refuse the request. "Why?" she asks. "It's just lines on a scrap paper." After all, they don't actually have to throw their mother on the floor. Even as mere symbols, however, words can evoke powerful emotions.
We should be careful when we treat them as if they were no more important than scrap paper discarded underfoot.
Recent obvious testaments to that are Don Imus, who debased and desecrated for a quick laugh; Alec Baldwin, who blew an apparently short fuse; and John McCain, who bombed with thoughtlessness.
None threw sticks or stones, but names and faces do hurt us -- all of us. Unkind, uncensored words trample the soul. If we could see emotional scars left from wounding words the way we see physical scars, we would likely shrink from each other's disfigurement.
Once spoken, not even sincere apologies can reclaim words, which might eventually be forgiven but often not forgotten. As the Arabian proverb reminds, "When you have spoken the word, it reigns over you. When it is unspoken, you reign over it."
Mistakes with words aren't usually mean-spirited; it's more likely we just speak before we think. Our true meaning isn't malicious, just muddled. For example, in grammar class we discuss misplaced modifiers, which are those words, phrases or clauses placed incorrectly in a sentence that make the sentence unclear or even funny.
In the following sentence, a reader may reasonably question who robbed the store. "The thieves were apprehended soon after the convenience store was robbed by police."
Or in this sentence, "People who exercise occasionally may have some minor aches and pains," is it occasional exercisers who suffer aches and pains, or regular exercisers who suffer occasional aches and pains?
Speaking with clarity and precision isn't just a mental exercise. According to a March 2007 report released by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), communication skills are at the top of the list in what employers look for in a potential employee.
"Communication skills have topped the list for eight years, and honesty and integrity have tied for the top spot for the last three years," said Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.
Trying to make the perfect word choice can be tongue tying. When I'm teaching, I often appoint one student as my official sentence finisher. That engaged student seems to know the word I'm struggling to capture. When I get to that powerful punch line, I pause, point to my sentence finisher and let that student conjure the right word at the right moment. I'm always grateful. As Mark Twain said, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
The right words, carefully chosen or quickly delivered, strike with lightning force; they can burn, destroy and kill -- or with equal force they can illuminate, elevate, enliven and inspire.
In his autobiography, civil rights activist Malcolm X described how words transformed his life during a stay in prison. "I saw the best thing I could do was get hold of a dictionary -- to study, to learn some words," he wrote.
"In my slow, painstaking, ragged handwriting, I copied into my tablet everything on that first page, down to the punctuation marks." He eventually copied the entire dictionary. "From then on until I left that prison in every free moment I had I was reading on my bunk. You couldn't have gotten me out of books with a wedge," he wrote. "Months passed without my even thinking about being imprisoned. In fact, up to then I never had been so truly free in my life."
Freedom to express exactly what we mean can bring good wages, good will and good relationships. William Shakespeare advised, "Mend your speech a little, lest it may mar your fortune."

(or you can read it here)

The Path Between the Seas...

I love David McCullough's books because they are histories and so you really learn something, but they read like a novel. He has a gift for organizing information so that the pages seem to turn on their own.

I actually listened to this one on tape.. same concept though... and the reader is great. The only thing is that the tape version of the book is an abridgement and I hate that. I know I am missing important details like, I know that McCullough must have talked about what this canal would mean to the major economies of the world, but it is barely mentioned in the abridgement. Somebody read the long version and fill me in.

I like books like this though, you know the kind where there is an impossible task and then people just rise to the occasion and accomplish it anyway.

I found the section about disease particulary interesting. Yellow fever and Malaria were terribly common in Panama until they discovered ways to eradicate or atleast greatly reduce the mosquitoe population. They were just learning that those diseases were spread by mosquitoes instead of the popularly held idea that it was bad air.

In the end, how they put together the moving parts for the locks and how they work.... fascinating stuff.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!!!

Last year on Mother's day, I was asked to speak in church... this is what I said about my mom. It's still true... :)

I am so grateful this day for my own dear mother whose gifts and talents are many. Who taught me to awe and reverence the creation that our Heavenly Father has made for our happiness. I love to go on drives with her so that she can point out and name every special tree and flower and bush and so she can remind me not to forget how beautiful our mountains are today with either green grass, autumn leaves or snow. She loves the beauty of every season and celebrates every holiday and occasion with exuberance and real joy. I am so grateful for her quiet faith and her extraordinary acts of service and for her great loyalty and love for her family.

I am also so thankful for the gift of being a mom to the most extraordinary little c. She is such a bright and happy little spirit. She is a companssionate person who always wants to do right. She is the music and the energy in our home. She is so cheerful and positive. She can make days like yesterday, where we spent seven hours working in our garden, a joy. Love you little c.

(photograph copyrighted 2007)

Bouquet of Happiness...

This box is in the Love Boxes Etsy Shop this morning...

Inside the lid it reads, "Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness... Louis L. Kaufman"

The Gathering Storm...

I was just a little disapointed in this film because in its mere 96 minute time frame it is only able to give a glimpse into the life and character of one of the most brilliant men in history. Still, I loved it.

Albert Finney is one of my very favorite actors and again he is just amazing here almost becoming Churchill in certain moments. Vanessa Redgrave is equally as brilliant as Clemmie, Churchill's essential wife. The relationship portrayed between them is very sweet.

This film covers just a small segment of Churchill's time before WW11 and it still is only able to hint at the things that he was able to accomplish.

Churchill was a man who knew all his life that he would be called upon to save his country and so he prepared and prepared to be standing at the ready when his call came. Unprepared for war as England was, Chuchill seemed to build a wall that though the enemy pounded at day after day, the wall would not crumble. And though none of this is in the film, I can't help but include here a segment of one of his speeches where he calls every freedom loving nation together to fight a common threat..

"I have myself full confidence that if all do their duty and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our island home, ride out the storms of war outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary, for years, if necessary, alone.
At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of His Majesty's Government, every man of them. That is the will of Parliament and the nation. The British Empire and the French Republic, linked together in their cause and their need, will defend to the death their native soils, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength, even though a large tract of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Gestapo and all the odious apparatus of Nazi rule.

We shall not flag nor fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France and on the seas and oceans; we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be; we shall fight on beaches, landing grounds, in fields, in streets and on the hills. We shall never surrender and even if, which I do not for the moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, will carry on the struggle until in God's good time the New World with all its power and might, sets forth to the liberation and rescue of the Old. " Winston Churchill June 4, 1940

The cost was very great for the people of England who stood firm during this terrible time. Knowing what they did and what they accomplished and what they preserved makes this speech inspiring every time I read it.

Now I have just gone off on a mental tangent... if you're still reading... See this movie. If you know everything about Churchill, I think you will be amazed by Finney's portrayal and touched by many of the scenes. If you know nothing of Churchill, this might be a good place to start.

Mexican Treasure...

This is my own piece of treasure from Mexico. C brought it back to me from Mexico and gave it to me as a gift on our wedding day. I think that it is incredibly beautiful. C is good at presents when he sets his mind to it. :)

To end Good Things from Mexico week... I would like to share a poem by probably the most famous literary figure from Mexico... Octavio Paz who seems as you read about him to have been everything but the kitchen sink. He was both political and literary. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1990.

Between Going and Staying

Between going and staying the day wavers,

in love with its own transparency.

The circular afternoon is now a bay

where the world in stillness rocks.

All is visible and all elusive,

all is near and can't be touched.

Paper, book, pencil, glass,

rest in the shade of their names.

Time throbbing in my temples repeats

the same unchanging syllable of blood.

The light turns the indifferent wall

into a ghostly theater of reflections.

I find myself in the middle of an eye,

watching myself in its blank stare.

The moment scatters.

Motionless, I stay and go: I am a pause

The Beautiful Series...

I think these books are so much fun. We got this book about 10 years ago and we still enjoy looking through it every now and again. There are some fun recipes and we have made just a few of them, but the pictures are stunning. You have probably seen these book in Barnes and Noble before; pick one up next time and look through it. I believe they have books about Italy and Greece and lots of other great culinary traditions. Enjoy!

Benito Juarez...

In the fourth grade, the study of history begins in earnest. What a great subject! I am afraid that I didn't learn as much in school as I could and should have, but as I have aged history has become so relevent and so interesting, or I should say that I have begun to realize how relevent and interesting it is. I want my daughter to enjoy it as much as I do which I think only requires a good story.
This book is a good story. This book tells a short synopsis of the life of Benito Juarez and how he became a hero in Mexico and why the Mexican people celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It is a story that includes several themes that I think are very appropriate for children: 1. Education is very important and you should educate yourself as much as possible. 2. Helping other people is the right thing to do. 3. One person really can make a big difference.
Enjoy!

The Illegal Immigration Issue...

In June of 2006, Robert Morison, the co-author of the book Workforce Crisis made an appearance on The News Hour with Jim Lehrer. This is what he said, "Don't let the current hubbub about illegal border crossing from Mexico give immigration a bad name. The U.S. economy needs immigrants, because the growth rate of the native-born workforce is slowing to a trickle. There will be a period during the next decade when all of our workforce growth will be thanks to immigration. We also need skilled immigrants, people who come to America either already skilled or seeking education. That's because the economy continues to add jobs requiring technical training or a college degree, while the aggregate demand for unskilled labor is nearly flat." (see the rest of Mr. Morison's comments here).

I would be interested to know what Mr. Morison would say today. Since June the un-employment rate has dropped again and crackdowns on illegal immigration have caused labor shortages in farm labor and other areas. The April 9, 2007 issue of Business Week reported, "In agriculture, the crackdown on illegal immigration has dried up farm labor so much that crops were left rotting in the fields last year. Even Michigan, which has the nation's highest unemployment rate, is reaching out to migrant farmworkers from Texas and, soon, Florida. Its slogan is "Venga a Michigan"--Spanish for "Come to Michigan." (see the full article from Business Week here)

"Come to Michigan," seems to be the only place where the welcome mat is still out on the porch, but what about The Statue of Liberty, you know the phrase, "Give us your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free..."

There are groups in the news who like to loudly proclaim, "Yes, we believe in immigration, but these people need to come here legally." The reality of the situation is that we allow far fewer immigrants into this country than we need to support our economy. There is also the reality that some who come from Canada and Mexico have no interest in becoming U.S. citizens, they just want to be able to come here to work and then leave.

Dr. Wayne Conelius of the University of California was interviewed for a 60 Minutes story about illegal immigration at the U.S. / Mexican border. He said, "They can earn more in an hour of work in the United States then they could in an entire day in Mexico-- if they had a job. The government says crossing the border through the desert is breaking the law... The message that we're sending them is if you can get past the obstacle course at the border, you're essentially home free. You have pretty much unrestricted access to our labor market and there are employers out there eager for your labor." That story aired in December of 2005. Since then border control has been tightened and the need for immigrant labor and the opportunities available for those who are willing to take that risk have become better. (read the very compelling 60 Minutes report here)

It is difficult for anyone to see issue beyond their own perspective and mine is that of a mother. If I were living in poverty and wondering if I would be able to provide for my child the things that every child should have, would I be willing to break the speed limit, (illegal immigration is classified as a misdemeanor) the answer. Yes! Would I have the courage and take the risks that so many Mexican mothers have taken to give their children a better life? I hope that I would. Over eight million illegal immigrants live in the United States. We need them to be here. If we did not need them, there would be no work for them and they would not come.

There are those that claim that we need to build a fence across our southern border, and I have to say that I see something ugly in that. If we are not talking about racism, then why don't we build a fence across our northern border as well.

There is not a perfect solution to illegal immigration that I can see, but I believe in The Guest Worker Program as the only solution that has some humanity and fairness, not to mention responsible economic sense in it, and I pray for its adoption.

My sister-in-law once said to me, "When we lift anyone, we lift everyone," and that is something I truly believe. I also believe that we must spread liberty, we must promote freedom, we must share prosperity and freedom with others, or we must lose it.

Percy Lavon Julian... A Great American...

Forgotton Genius is the story of Percy Lavon Julian one of the most gifted chemists America has ever produced. His work with plant steroids made possible the synthetic develop of the cortisone that is used for arthritis and other kinds of pain even today. Before Mr. Julian developed the processes and made the discoveries that he did, cortisone was worth more than its weight in gold and even if one had wealth untold, it was sometimes still unavailable at any price because of the little supply. Mr. Julian helped to discover a way that it could be manufactured in very large quantities and made available to those people who were suffering pain and needed this drug desperately.

His contributions in the field of chemistry are vast and his desire to better humanity inspiring.

It was very moving to me to learn of the battles he faced to do his important work and the difficulties that he faced because of his race. Near the end of the program there was a statement that he made where he said something to the effect that he had done the very best that he could, but he had not had the kind of career and the kind of opportunities that he would have liked to have had. I wonder what a genius of this kind could have done if society had been color blind at the time; maybe no more than he did or maybe much more than he did. I think there is a lesson there for society today. We must open the way for those who are willing to work and willing to learn. We must be sure the opportunities to achieve are there when the next Percy Julian comes along. If we don't, we only rob ourselves. Learn about the achievements and the life of Percy Julian here and see bits of the Nova program here.

Don't Miss World Peace...

I am just telling you that if you miss out on Jenni's World Peace Cookies that it is not my fault. Oh my heck!!! (I hate to use a Utah colloquialism on you folks, but what can I say...) Well, the ineffable joy, the fireworks of happiness... the, the, the chocolate! "I will eat them in a box. And I will eat them with a fox. And I will eat them in a house. And I will eat them with a mouse (well... not that). And I will eat them here and there. Say! I will eat them ANYWHERE!" See Jenni's post here. Really people, try these!

Chocolate... High on the list of good things from Mexico...

Chocolate!!! First known to be used and actually developed as a bitter drink by the Aztecs of Mexico... (This bar is a new favorite, but it's from the slightly less exotic land of Pennsylvania.) Aztecs happened to often use chili with their bitter chocolate and it is a fabulous combo.. (they believed that chocolate had some kind of use as an aphrodisiac or was helpful with fertility or something) If you happen to ever find yourself in SLC at the Red Butte Cafe... don't miss the Aztec Chocolate & Chili Torte... delish! Eat it with a sweetheart, you never know, those Aztecs could be right! ;) See a fun history of chocolate here.

Silver...

It seems that yellow gold is making a big comeback everywhere, but I still love silver best. During the year 1993, (the most current stat I could find with almost no effort) Mexico was the world's largest producer of silver followed by the United States and Canada. Large amounts of silver are mined in Rocky Mountains of North America and the Andes in South America. Nevada produces the most silver in the U.S.

Silver has been found in the tombs of ancient Egypt and has been used to make all kinds of ornamental items for thousands of years. It is the metal used to make more coin more than any other in history.

The artisans of Mexico have become very skilled in making silver into every imaginable piece of art and their jewelry is particularly lovely. There are beautiful things made currently and very unique vintage pieces like the swan necklace above which I found by making a favorite search on Ebay which goes... Sterling Silver +Mexico +vintage -coin ... ( I just want to see the pretty jewels). Have fun!

Bouquets & Boxes...

I know it hasn't looked like it, but I have been painting quite a few boxes recently. I have just finished 20 of the 2007 Christmas design, but they are still a big secret. I might show them to just you guys, but not yet.

I have also been painting a few of these bouquet boxes. Two of them are already spoken for, but 3 are available still if anyone would like them personalized... you have to let me know by tomorrow night. I can only personalize them after they are paid for, for obvious reasons.. but if anyone is interested in doing this... this is the deal. You get 10 words inside the lid and 8 on the bottom. So inside the lid it could say, "Mother, I love you dearly, dearly, dearly and more dearly..." and on the bottom it could say, " Happy Mother's Day! May 13, 2007 Love, Tabitha"

If you want them on time for Mother's Day... I'm not really sure about that. I can have them ready at the soonest to ship tomorrow afternoon and I can ship Priority Mail, but it's risky... if you want one for your best friends birthday in June... it's a cinch. Ofcourse we will change the quote for your friend. :) So, that's the deal. They will be $19.00 in the Etsy shop if anyone is interested and if you'd like them personalized, you have to let me know by tomorrow. :) It sure is a gorgeous day here, I'd love to be outside, but since I am sitting next to an open window... I'm practically there! Have a happy day!

(boxes are now listed and ready to go.. see them here...)

Esperanza Rising...

Esperanza Rising is the semi-autobiographical story of the author's family who came from Mexico to the United States as farm workers during the very difficult depression years of the 1930's. The book details Esperanza'a days of picking the different crops that must be harvested and taking care of her mother who becomes very ill and Esperanza's efforts to become educated and to maintain some kind of gracious life even while the family suffers extreme poverty.

The book covers political issues that face our country even today, while at the same time being a very personal story of the author's grandmother and inspiring in the way that so many immigrant stories are.

I love this book. It is a beautifully written tribute to the author's grandmother. I also think it is an important book, one that can open not just the eyes of children, but our own eyes to another world that exists here in our own country. I would recommend this book to children over the age of 8.

Cinco de Mayo...table...

I always use this serape that my friend Brooke brought home from Mexico and gave me as a birthday gift one year as my Cinco de Mayo table cloth. It is wool, but it washes up beautifully. I never put it in the dryer however. On the menu was the chicken enchiladas below, corn bread, green salad and lime rice and limeade. Not on the menu but very much missed was our favorite roasted chili salsa from Que Pasa and their homeade (actually restaurant made chips). :( If we had been able to, we also would have loved to have had some baked butternut squash with sea salt. Yummo. :)

Chicken Enchiladas...

Chicken Enchiladas

8 tortillas

1/2 cup chopped onion

4 cloves garlic, minced

1teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream

1 14-ounce can chicken broth

1 4-ounced can diced green chili peppers

1 cup shredded Monteray Jack cheese

1 pd grilled chicken shredded

sliced pitted olives (optional)

chopped tomatoes (optional)

sliced green onions (optional)

In a saucepan cook onion, garlic, coriander, and pepper in butter till onion is tender. Stir flour into sour cream; add to onion mixture. Stir in brith and chili peppers all at once. Cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese.

For filling. Pour half of the filling into a bowl of shredded chicken. Stir. Then, in a lightly greased 9X13 fill each tortilla with about 1/2 cup chicken concoction. Once the pan is full pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and bake at 350 degrees for 35 min. Then cover with remaining cheese and return to oven for 5 min. Garnish with olives, tomatoes and green onions.

This recipe was originally published in the 1989 edition of Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book. The above recipe reflects only a few minor changes. It is not necessary to grill the chicken, it just tastes extra good like that. Also, I have made this recipe gluten-free using just corn tortillas instead of flour and a bit of corn starch to thicken the sour cream rather than flour. They are delish this way as well.

Viva Mexico!

I have never been to Mexico and it is one of the places that I would dearly love to visit. My husband served his LDS Mission there and passed to me a great affinity for Mexican food, culture and people.

I made these boxes several years ago and they are the boxes we set out for our Cinco de Mayo celebration at home. Inside the lid of the large one is a portion of a favorite poem by the poet Francisco De Quevedo, "My soul won't leave its memory of love..."

The second box has a quote by Benito Juarez, the man who led Mexico to independece from French occupation... the reason Cinco de Mayo is celebrated, "Respect for the rights of others is peace."

During the coming week, I would like to share with you a few of my favorites from Mexico...

Cherry says something exciting makes a comeback...

Cherry.

Kipper My Love...

I love Kipper. What a lovely little dog he is. I am one of those people who feels strongly that media very much influences the behavior of children. I am often disturbed when I see that some children are learning their etiquette from Bart Simpson rather than their parents. I believe in the Eliza Doolittle concept; you are a princess when you behave like one.

This is why I give Kipper videos as baby gifts these days and for birthdays through age 6. Kipper is a prince because he behaves like one. Exposure to Kipper is a wonderful influence on a small child. If your child takes to watching Kipper like mine did, you might find them speaking with a bit of an English accent... but it sounds just lovely especially when they are using words like "please" and "thank-you."

Light From Heaven...

It's over... right people.. There are no more books in this series? Oh sadness. I truly loved it. These books were just very sweet. I loved the ending, but I won't spoil it just in case I am not the only person in the world who hasn't read these books.

I purchased a souvenir. I bought the book Patches of Godlight, Father Tim's Favorite quotes...

"Why don't you get a haircut? You look like a chrysanthemum." P.G. Wodehouse (love him!)

"What you do when you don't have to, determines what you will be when you can no longer help it." Rudyard Kipling

"Lord, purge our eyes to see within the seed a tree, within the glowing egg a bird, within the shroud a butterfly. Till, taught by such we see beyond all creatures, thee..." Christina Rossetti

By the time you get to book three, Father Tim is a close friend... if you haven't read these books... don't miss hanging around with him. :) This is actually the only long series like this that I have ever finished...

Alison Krauss...

Do you ever have to listen to a new cd for awhile before you get to really like the songs? I always do... except when there is a new Alison Krauss cd. I always like her music from the first hearing. This cd is no exception. I love it!

A House of a Different Color...

These will both be available today in the Love Boxes Etsy Shop...

Thoughts on Faith...

Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings while the dawn is still dark. ~Rabindranath Tagore

I think faith must be part of the learning requirement to pass through this life. We are born not really mobile, we must learn to roll over, sit, stand and walk independantly. As a new mother, watching my child learn to do these things was very moving to me. She fell all the time learning to walk, but there was never a hint of discouragement, she had faith that she could do it.

When we marry someone, we walk into the unknown... we must have faith in ourselves and faith in our mate and we must remain faithful... part of faith is loyalty.

When we try to overcome those things that set us back and keep us down, we must have faith. I love this verse from Ether 12:27..."And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then I will make weak things become strong unto them."

Emily Dickenson spoke of faith in this way...

I never saw a moor, I never saw the sea;

Yet know I how the heather looks, And what a wave must be.
I never spoke with God, Nor visited in heaven;

Yet certain am I of the spot As if the chart were given.

There is one other bit of wisdom on faith that I truly love... There is a little speech given from uncle to nephew in the movie Secondhand Lions, that goes like this:

"Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things a man needs to believe in the most. That people are basically good. That honor, courage and virtue mean everything ; that power and money ... money and power mean nothing. That good always triumphs over evil. And I want you to remember this.... that love....true love never dies ! Remember that boy ... remember that. Doesn't matter if it is true or not, a man should believe in those things , because those are the things worth believing in...... got that ? "

Faith is, in my opinion, a spiritual gift, but it is also a choice. In the book of Malachi the Lord says, "...prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Can that be anything but an invitation to choose faith?

Whether choosing to put faith in a person or a church or in diety..to put faith in the things, people and doctrines that are worth the effort, worth the sacrifices, worth the patience required seems like wisdom to me.

*not my image above

7 Wierd Things About Me...

I was tagged by Dolly... Hi Dolly!!!

1. I love sharpie pens... oh how lovely they are.

2. I am obsessed with bright colors... brown makes me a little sad.

3. According to C, I share a strange undocumented sign language with my family that few others can comprehend. (he's learning)

4. I try not to buy books, I try to go to the library a lot... but I cannot help my-self.

5. Books on tape from the library are one of life's greatest things... how wonderful to have someone to read you a story...

6. I get car sick, if I'm not the person driving.

7. The cute little furry pet that you likely have... yes, I'm terrified of it. If a sweet kittycat or even a cute little doggy rubs against my leg, I am likely to climb the wall boards with my finger nails.. Due to allergies I think. I often have nightmares where cute fuzzy creatures try to get me. It's very embarassing.

I am supposed to tag seven people so I tag... Rachel and Aunt Jackie, Shelese and Jenni and Janice and Natalie and Lindsey...

May Flowers...

May is here and that gets me to thinking of May flowers. Little c told me a joke yesterday... what do April showers bring.... May flowers.... what do May flowers bring.... pilgrims... ha! ha!

I really enjoy all the books of Barbara Milo Ohrbach, but since I adore quotes... I love these tiny gift books she does best of all.

"Lastly, love your flowers. By some subtle sense the dear things always detect their friends, and for them they will live longer and bloom more freely than they ever will for a stranger."

Julia S. Berrall

"Die when I may, I want it said of me by those who know me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow." Abraham Lincoln

"Green fingers are the extensions of a verdant heart." Russell Page

Alexandra...

The May Newsletter is posted! See it here.

Mo...

Bidding on The General Lee is only up to 2,302,100.00.... just thought you might like to know in case you want to get a bid in. :)

I love a Big Salad...

Elaine: They have big salads.
George: I've never seen a big salad.
Elaine: They have a big salad.
George: Is that what I ask for? The BIG salad?
Elaine: It's okay, you don't…
George: No, no, Hey I'll get it. What's in the BIG salad?
Jerry: Big lettuce, big carrots, tomatoes like volleyballs.

Thanks to the character of Elaine Benes (played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), restaurants everywhere have got the idea that the BIG Salad is dear to the culinary heart of every woman, (it is ... right people?!?) We have some really great big salads around here. I love the sweet pork salad at Costa Vida and the Grilled Lime Chicken Bajio Salad at Bajio. If I have to make it myself, I like to make this BBQ Chicken salad. If you want the recipe... you slow cook some chicken breasts in your favorite BBQ Sauce and shred the chicken once it's cooked and then put whatever you like with it... or in my case, whatever I have on hand. It can be fancier with some corn strips, and drizzled BBQ sauce on top of the whole. I like making a pastry bag by snipping the corner of a baggie, or you can just pile the stuff on and eat it.

I have 2 big salad recipes that I make quite frequently. My family is so over them. But, I like them both because it seems like a lot of food, but calorie wise it is really is not. I always use a low-fat buttermilk based dressing and low-fat cheese on the top and then chicken... after that the rest is vegetable material.

The thing is... I wanted a Big Salad bowl. Putting your Big Salad on a plate is no good and I always spill it that way. Finally after years of searching for the perfect Big Salad bowl, I found the one pictured above for five dollars at Kohls. Happiness. (I bought 3 of them, but have mostly used just one... people around here say... "Um.. can I just have my chicken and a little salad on the side.." They don't get the whole.. "Big Salad" thing.

Frontline... The Mormons.

The photo on the right is one of film maker Helen Whitney whose documentary film in cooperation with the program Frontline aired last night on PBS. She is quoted in the Deseret Morning News in an interview with Scott Pierce as saying, "I hope that most of the stereotypes — ideally, all of them — will be blown away. Because so many of them are just based on ignorance. Ignorance about Mormon history, ignorance about Mormon theology. Ignorance."

Last night was just the first two hours of the program, but I was personally very dissapointed in most of it. Atleast Whitney tried to get the idea out that Mormons are not currently practicing polygamy. Polygamy was practiced for about forty years of the church's 200 year history. And then, by only about five percent of the members. Still, she spent quite some time interviewing a polygimist family who are not Mormons. People could get the wrong idea.

While the program tried to show the history of the western migration of the church and it did touch lightly on some important points, I thought it fell short there. In a nutshell, the Mormons had built three different and beautiful, clean and lively communities in three different states. They were driven by persecution from each one. By persecution, I don't mean hassled.. I mean tarred and feathered, murderered, raped and had their property stolen from them. Governor Boggs of the state of Missouri had issued an extermination order against them. Much of the problem the Mormons had in Missouri had to do with slavery. The divisions in the country concerning slavery were rising to a fever pitch. Mormons were against slavery and voted as a block. Those who killed Mormons were not to be and were not prosecuted. Mormons built the lovely city of Nauvoo Illinois out of a mosquito infested swamp land into a city that rivaled the city of Chicago in size and surpassed it in beauty. The prophet and his brother were murdered and the Mormons again had to leave a beautiful place that they loved to go out into the wilderness again where they contracted horrible sickness and starved and froze to death by the hundreds.

I don't know if we can, but try to imagine their anxiety, as they had settled in Salt Lake, and as they had once again begun to build a beautiful city... they recieve news that Johnson's Army sent by President Buchanan is coming to occupy the city.

All of those things are documented in journals and records that have been carefully preserved. I would have like to have had some of the experiences of these amazing people told in their own words.

I understand that we are talking about trying to cover 200 years worth of history in four hours, really a daunting and truly impossible task. And, I understand that there will be loud voices clamoring from both sides to have their views heard. Maybe it will be a starting place for those who are curious to learn about the history of the Mormon Church. While the members of the church are not and never have been a perfect people, there are so many stories and lessons of courage, strength, sacrifice and faith in the history of the church.

In my own family history, I had an ancestor who owned a farm outright in Denmank. She lived in wealth and comfort. She left it all and came to join her faith in Utah. C has an ancestor who carried her little brother on her back a thousand miles across the plains. Why? Becaused they believed. To me, that kind of faith is a sacred and beautiful thing and that above all was not covered in this program.

Still, I'll be watching tonight.

And the winner is...

And the winner is...

Ellie!

Congratulations!

Monday Giveaway!!!

The little blue birdie is back with a giveaway today! The giveaway is a box of my original spring photograph cards, signed and dated and this large size pink rose box. The quote inside the box is one of my favorite Emily Dickinson quotes... "Who has not found the heaven below will fail of it above. God's residence is next to mine, his furniture is love..." Emily Dickinson.

Details about my boxes and notecards and other little things can be found in the Love Boxes Etsy Shop.

As before, any little comment on this post will enter you in Fridays drawing, which will end at Midnight EST. You are welcome to enter as soon as this is posted & and everyone is welcome to enter so if you'd like to tell a friend.. no need to ask permission. I would love it!
Good Luck to Everyone!

Niki's Artichoke Dip Recipe...

Niki has brought this to a lot of fun parties with neighborhood friends, and now that I've made it, I really need to thank her because not only is it really delish... it's also kinda expensive to make. But make it you should because it is soooooooooo good.


1 80z can non-marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonaise
8 oz. cream cheese softened
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic minced
dill weed to taste

Mix together all ingredients except artichoke hearts and beat until smooth. Add artichoke hearts, place in greased pie or quiche pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 min. and serve with the Tostitos Flour Tortilla Chips in the post below.

**Notes... Niki says the dill is optional. We had dill in ours and it was great. She also said that greasing the pan could be over-kill. We did not grease the pan and it was great. Lilli made mention that water chesnuts might be delish in the dish, Niki thought so too. We did not have any water chesnuts on hand, but we are trying that next time. Niki actually makes hers in a really shallow tart pan, which looks very cute when she brings it to parties. I was bugged that I couldn't find a tart pan as cute as hers; mine is some kind of casserole dish, but it was still great! Did I say it was great? It was great!

Just a couple of little things...

I got the Artichoke Dip recipe from Niki and I am going to make it and show everyone tomorrow or Monday. I don't know if any of you follow Father Jonathan Morris, C reads his posts regularly and often shares them. I found this one interesting. Lastly, be watching Monday... there is going to be a Mother's Day Giveaway.... also don't forget to sign up for Michelle's giveaway if you haven't already. I have one of those cute elephants and I adore it! Thanks Michelle!

Pink Tulips...

When we experience enthusiasm, we feel a new kind of freedom that can profoundly change our personality. There is an awakening, a light that transcends our consciousness. This mysterious force is a god within. This gift is given to human beings, inspiring us to create a life of significance. Live and celebrate in appreciation of this motivating inner force, this effervescent blessing. Enthusiasm urges us onward and upward. Open, receptive, aware of the highest and finest within us, we "dance to a mysterious tune" that is uniquely ours.

Alexandra Stoddard from her book Time Alive

Tostitos Flour Tortilla Chips... or how I don't get out much...

Just let me ask you now to forgive the next few posts. I sit in my little studio for lots of days and when I finally get out, I get quite excited about some of the silly things I see. This is one of them. We had a few last night with our Taco Salad. They were really delish, but I was thinking what would really be great with them is my friend Niki's Artichoke Dip. MMMMmmmmm.

Purple Pens...

OK... this post should have gone after the next one instead of before, but this is the other really fun thing that I found at Target. Why do I get really excited about purple pens? Who knows really... :)

Circo Bermuda Short...

I had such a difficult time finding age appropriate summer clothing last year for little c. I was so happy when we found these darling girls shorts shopping yesterday. Target has them in khaki, white and denim. They fall just just above the knee and come with the all important adjustable waist. See them here. They cost $9.99 per pair.

More Mother's Day...

Sorry, it took awhile for me to get this box in the shop.. I kinda forgot. It actually has one of my favorite Mother quotes ever... "I remember my mother's prayers...they have clung to me all my life... Abraham Lincoln" See it in The Love Boxes Etsy Shop.

Giveaway at Michelle's!!!

Don't miss. You can get there from here! She also has a fun Etsy shop... visit her shop here.

Big Stone Gap... And Book Club...

Big Stone Gap is just a really fun read. I love Adriana's style and her characters are all so three dimensional they seem like real people, even the minor characters. This is the third Adriana Trigiani book that I have read. I also have read Queen of the Big Time and Lucia, Lucia... I recommend those as well.

I have recognized a common theme in all three of these books. She explores the idea that there may be just "one true love" for each person. Not all of these books turn out happily ever after, so some of the "true loves" are the ones that got away. I'm a romantic and so I love this idea. What do you all think?

Book club was delicious! We have a very bright group and so the discussion is always really fun. Then, Katherina's home was so beautiful. Pale yellow paint with blonde floors and beautiful bright blue and yellow Spode plates decorating the walls. It was like taking a happy vacation to sit around in all that pretty.

She also made us Shirley Temples in beautiful champagne flutes and we had Chocolate Coca Cola Cake.... which we ate with little antique silver and ivory forks and the cake was amazingly fabulous! A grand evening indeed!

Adriana has a fun website, if you are interested see it here.

Busy Day...

I am hoping to make a dent in these and a dent in my voluminous piles of laundry and read the last third of Big Stone Gap for book club tonight... that is a really fun book!

Fishy Dinner...

This is one of my 5-6 quick dinner recipes. It's amazing that people around here will still eat it. But since it takes about 10 min. to make the whole dinner, I thought I would share. You can brush the fish with a little egg white or milk, then you combine a bit of flour (I bet it would work with rice flour for gluten-free... what do you think Michelle?) ... so a bit of flour and a bit of corn meal and a bit of Cholula Chili Lime spice. I bake it for awhile at 350 and then broil it for a few minutes to make a crust on the top.
I garnish it with limes so that everyone will have a lime to squeeze on their bit. I think it makes a fairly healthy dinner with a fresh green salad.

A Present for ME!

Thanks Mom! Love you!

Love this quote....

“Love is the only bow of life's dark cloud. It is the Morning and Evening Star. It shines upon the cradle of the babe, and sheds its radiance upon the quiet tomb. It is the Mother of Art, inspirer of poet, patriot, and philosopher. It is the air and light of every heart, builder of every home, kindler of every fire on every hearth, It was the first dream of immortality. It fills the world with melody. Love is the magician, the enchanter, that changes worthless things to joy, and makes right royal kings of common clay.”

Robert Green Ingersoll