Connected Etiquette

When we first learned about e-mail, I was taught correct "netiquette".  I'm sure I can find the details out there on the internet, but they involved savvy advice like
DON'T USE ALL CAPS - PEOPLE DON'T LIKE BEING SHOUTED AT

In time, these advice tidbits turned to conerned articles regarding the use of proper punctuation and grammar, and how the use of email is causing these wonderful life skills to erode.

Now, in the fullness of time, we all have cellphones and email, and nearly half of us have email on our phones, so that we can be connected to friends and family anywhere, anytime, with no effort at all.
All this communication is wonderful, and there are many positive aspects to the abilities these devices bring to our lives and our relationships.

However, with these devices comes a certain responsibility toward those around us.  Each day, I find myself astounded, and even downright insulted at the behavior of coworkers, clerks, and others that pay no heed to those around them. Almost every meeting or group event I've been to recently has included at least one cell phone going off.  Some don't even seem to be embarrassed by their phone's insistent rudeness in disrupting the speaker!
On the other hand, I was very impressed by one speaker who invited everyone in the room to remove the cellphones from their pockets, and shut them all the way off.  The next 45 minutes were hers, and she would brook no interruption whatsoever.  I was amazed at the shock and grudging acceptance to this demand.  This should be standard etiquette, not something we do because we are told!
This week's news included a tragic story of three young people who were sent to the hospital with serious injuries, after using a crosswalk to cross the street. They had been hit by a young woman who was so busy texting, she saw the pedestrians too late to stop. Really?  Important text, was it?  Just how important, I wonder?
There was a counter clerk who quite politely stopped, in the middle of our transaction,  with "Excuse me", so that she could answer her cell phone, text someone back for a few seconds, then resume my checkout procedure.  Really?  It couldn't wait?  Apparently my time is less important than whatever was on the other end of that call.
A co-worker relayed multiple frustrations with other co-workers who use these annoying techniques to both read and answer a text on their phone, despite being in the middle of a work conversation when their phone alerted the owner to a fresh text:

•   turned their back with a wave of their phone "I'm listening, keep going".  Just how good are your listening skills when you are unable to read my face, my body language, and likely are more focused on the written word now in front of you, rather than the words spoken to the back of your head?
•   reading out a texted answer that just came in, on a personal topic, as if related to the work conversation.  Here's a clue - your personal information is not so important that it can't wait until a more appropriate break in our work-time.
•   stating "just a sec, hold that thought" and taking the call or text, without exiting the present conversation, making you feel obligated to stay and listen.  If you just have to take that call, at least have the decency of releasing me from the current one.  Try "Excuse me" or "I apologize", "but I really have to take this call, can I get back to you later?" or "I have to catch this guy, but our conversation is important, can we pick this back up later?"
• The ear bud talkers, who stroll along hands free, loudly continuing their cellphone conversations while walking to and from their office, or through the breakroom, disrupting everyone along their path.

   How can we encourage better respect for our fellow human beings?

Caesar Dressing

We learned how to "coddle" eggs today, and made our own Caesar dressing.  The coddling step helps to make the dressing creamier.
We will likely be modifying this recipe to suit our tastes, but our first go was quite tasty:  We used a blendar, but I think chopping up the anchovies and garlic, and then using a small food processor or a very brisk whisk would do the trick just fine, and the amount of dressing could be reduced.

2 coddled egg yolks
4 spoonfuls of minced garlic
1 spoonful dijon
1 spoonful worcestershire sauce
1 spoonful lemon juice
4 anchovy fillets
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
salt

Mother's Love

Yesterday, I read a forwarded posting from another blog "A Mountain I'm Willing to Die On".
First of all - the title grabbed me and pulled me right on in...really?  what mountain might that be?
I still don't know the answer to that first question, because I found her writing so very moving, and appropriate, and just plain wonderfully supportive of life, that I guess I simply joined her on that mountain.

The piece I read was at:
http://momastery.com/blog/2012/01/22/a-mountain-im-willing-to-die-on-2/

In case the blog disappears one day, the takeaways for me are:
"Children are not cruel", they practice what they see and interpret from around them, and it is our job, those of us who are no longer children, to demonstrate for them what we most want to see in them.
"People are heart-breakingly sensitive", and receptive to even moderate criticism.
"I don’t know much. But I know that each time I see something heartbreaking on the news, each time I encounter a problem outside, the answer to the problem is inside. The problem is AWAYS me and the solution is ALWAYS me. If I want my world to be less vicious, then I must become more gentle. If I want my children to embrace other children for who they are, to treat other children with the dignity and respect every child of God deserves, then I had better treat other adults the same way."
The rest of the blog is a lovely letter to her child, in which she pledges her promised embracement, and indeed, celebration, of all that her child is, and will be, no matter what path her child takes.
This particular woman has strong faith, and normally, I don't  make it through writings like this one, but there is a lovely reward in reading the entire message.  She ends her letter of love to her child with this simple statement:
"You are okay. You are a child of God. As is everyone else. There is nothing that you can become or do that will make God love you any more or any less. Nothing that you already are or will become is a surprise to God. Tomorrow has already been approved.
And so baby, your father and I have only one specific expectation of you. And that is that you celebrate others the way we celebrate you. That you remember, every day, every minute, that there is no one on God’s Green Earth who deserves more or less respect than you do, My Love."
Simply. Beautiful.  That is a mother's Love.

Hands of Time

If the hands of time were hands that I could hold,
I'd keep them warm, and in my hands, they'd not turn cold.
Hand in hand we'd choose, the moments that should last;
the lovely moments that should have no future and no past.
The summer from the top of a swing,
the comfort in the sound of a lullaby,
the innocense of leaves in the spring,
but, most of all, the moment when love first touched me
All the happy days would never learn to fly
until the hands of time would choose to wave "Good-bye"
       ~ Unknown

Chocolate Dreams

This recipe takes me back to my childhood.  One of the first recipes I was allowed to help with, and certainly one of the easiest.  You'll need some room in your refrigerator for the trays of cooling cookies...but not for long, as these cookies disappear quickly!

In a medium sized saucepan or double boiler, melt:
1/2 cup margarine (one stick)
2 ounces baking chocolate
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes to meld the ingredients, and alert your household to the wonderful smells of goodies in the making.  While it's cooking, measure out in a separate bowl or pot:
3 cups of rolled oats
1/2 cup of coconut
1/2 cup of chopped nuts.
If you have time, you can also prepare your cookie sheets headed for the refrigerator, by lining them with waxed paper.
Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat, and add
1 teaspoon vanilla.
For the grand finale, mix the wet and dry ingredients, combine well, and drop spoonfuls onto the wax paper covered cookie sheets.  Place sheets in refrigerator until cool.
These cookies are ok to eat as soon as they are cool enough to hold in your hand.

Song of Long Ago

Carole King - part of the tapestry of my early years - wonderful songwriter.
a little melancholy, but I believe this song describes the joy of remembering  those that were long lost.

Song of Long Ago

Whispering wind came uninvited
Looking for somewhere else to go
Here is a lamp I've left unlighted
Aren't you someone I should know?

Memory's flame is soon ignited
Lighting my lamp with amber glow
Quietly friends are reunited
Singing a song of long ago

Cry, cry for someone
Who just can't be happy
And be glad you can feel enough to cry

Younger than always, time descended
Bringing me brand new seeds to sow
Now that they've been a long time planted
What must I do to help them grow?

If it had been as I intended
I wouldn't have the peace I know
Loving the people I've befriended
Singin' a song of long ago

As it began, so I will end it
Singing a song of long ago
Loving the people I've befriended
And singin' a song of long, long, long ago

Bread in a bag

Home made bread does not have to be a chore, or a huge technical production.
This home economics / craft suggestion was given to me from a 4-H leader.  It is a wonderful experience for building a person's confidence in the kitchen, or exposing a young cook to making yeast breads.

Bread in a bag:

Combine these ingredients in a 1 gallon heavy duty zip lock bag:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 package Rapid Rise yeast
• 3 Tablespoons sugar
• 3 Tablespoons nonfat dry milk
• 1 teaspoon salt

Squeeae upper part of bag to force out air.  Shake and work bag with fingers to blend the dry ingredients.
Add

• 1 cup hot water (not boiling - just hot to the touch)
• 3 Tablespoons vegetable oil

to dry ingredients in the bag.  Reseal bag.  Mix by working bag with fingers.  Add:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

and reseal bag. Mix thoroughly.  Gradually add  more white flour to make a stiff dough that pulls away from the bag.
On floured surface kneed dough 2 to 4 minutes.  Cover dough.  Rest 10 minutes. Roll dough to 12x17" rectangle.  Roll up from narrow end.  Pinch edges and ends to seal.  Place dough in oiled loaf pan.  Cover.   Place large shallow pan on lower shelf in oven (oven is not turned on yet) half filled with boiling water.  Place loaf pan with dough on shelf above the water filled pan, covered. Let dough rise 20 minutes or until double in size.
Bake 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until done.  Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Slice with serrated knife to serve.

Combine

Coconut Graham Crackers

Simple, quick, and extremly yummy!  Great for last minute cookie swaps, holiday parties, or if presented in a lovely flat box or tray, a great addition to a gift basket.

Lay out graham crackers on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with

• coconut and 
• chopped nuts.

In small heavy saucepan, heat

• 1-1/2 sticks margarine
• 1 cup brown sugar

Boil for 3 minutes, until liquid is gone.  Pour over crackers, and put in 350 degree oven for about 8 minutes.

Come and let me look in your eyes

John Denver was a huge inspiration to me, growing up.  I learned to play his songs on the first instruments I dabbled with (Recorder and organ), sang along with his albums, and we sang many of his tunes in the car and around campfires.  This is one of my favorites.  If you have ever loved someone,  you know the power of simply gazing into that someone's eyes, when you need them the most.  [Although this is highly difficult with a chameleon  ;-)  ]

I guess growin' isn't hard to do, just stand against the wall
Once I was just two feet high
Today I'm six feet tall
But knowin' who to listen to, is somethin' else again
Words just whistle around my head
like seasons in the wind
All across the water the clouds are sailin'
they won't let me look at the sky
All I want to do is try to find myself
Come and let me look in your eyes

In searchin' for the way to go I've followed all the rules
The way they say to choose between the wise men and the fools
I listened to the words they say
I read what I should read
I do whatever's right to do
Try to be what I should be
Someone let me in I think the sky is falling
Seems I've gotten lost on my way
All I want to do is try to find myself
Come and let me look in your eyes
But wisdom isn't underground, nor on a mountainside
Where am I to take myself, there's no place here to hide Where can I hide
All across the universe the stars are fadin' seems I've gotten lost on my way
All I want to do is try to find myself
Come and let me look in your eyes

Diet choices

This time of year is an inspiring time for reconsidering dietary choices.  We've just spent the holiday season over-indulging in our favorite foods, and relaxing with family and friends.  January also brings fresh new resolutions to improve our health, develop a good habit, or set our new goals for the year.

There are so many diets, and so many different advisors out there. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to keep up with them all.

For me, these health choices seem to resonate with a respectable level of truth - I will keep this updated as the truths evolve.  I'm a firm believer in continually challenging myself to improve - so change is inevitable.

#1 Strive to include more fresh fruits and vegetables in every meal and snack
#2 Eat many small meals, rather than one or two large feasts - Plan ahead to eat before you truly feel hungry
#3 Avoid foods with more than 5 ingredients, overprocessed or overpackaged foods.
#4 Share mealtimes with others, whenever possible, but don't let others negatively influence your own healthyy choices.
#5 Mindful eating - pay attention to the food you are eating as well as how you are eating it. Whenever possible - do not combine eating with other activities. For example, eating while watching TV.
#6 Avoid sodas, and other sugar syrups as much as possible.
#7 Include oat bran daily
#8 Try a new recipe or food often

Transfer Station Treasures

Today's transfer station treasures were mostly books, but I did bring home a new friend, and an old frame.

I'm pretty sure Molly was left behind because she has somehow managed to become a double amputee to the knee.  Lucky for me, feet are not required for the lovely lady to perch atop my art books, and watch over my creativity.  I now have a ready muse and model to share my art space with.

The frame, now, that may take a bit more planning.  I love the texture - but not the ugly worn white paint.  I am going to try an create a drawing / painting / artwork, that will fit this frame well, before deciding exactly what colors to upgrade it to.  Any suggestions?

The Rose

Bette Midler  'nuf said
There are some beautiful versions of this out there - be sure to listen to a few.  :-)



Some say love, it is a river, that drowns the tender reed
Some say love, it is a razor, that leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love, it is a hunger, an endless aching need

I say love, it is a flower, and you, it's only seed.

It's the heart, afriad of breaking, that never learns to dance.

Peace Rose

It's the dream, afraid of waking, that never takes the chance
It's the one, who won't be taken, who cannot seem to hear
and the soul, afraid of dying, that never learns to live

When the night has been too lonely, and the road has been too long
and you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong
Just remember, in the winter, deep beneath the bitter snow
Lies a seed, that when the suns thaw, in the spring, becomes
a Rose

Making Changes

Tips from an inspirational speaker on wellness and exercize I heard the other day - and want to remember.
In order to make effective change, to create a good habit.

First, identify where you are, and what you want to do. 
Write it down, document it, and talk it up.  Research everything you can on the steps you need in order to achieve the goal.  Get the true facts, and then don't ignore or excuse them away.  Recognize and acknowledge your own feelings, but seek out and get motivated by other's success stories.
Consistency triumphs everything.  
A steady effort of a minimum of four weeks will yield a level of progress toward your goal.
Start today to build an exercize habit for the rest of your life.  Aim for:
6 days a week of exercize
once that is in hand,
be sure that you include serious aerobic elements 4 times a week.
   aerobic = min of 20 minutes in target heart zone - 
                                        (220 minus your age) X .60 = low target
                                        ( 220 minus your age) X .80 = high target
once that is part of your routine, add strength and resistance training 2 times a week.
Eat many smaller meals - increase vegetables and fruits
Another term for boredom is "absence of participation" - get involved, live in the present.  
Proactively look for new activity.  Guilt and shame do not motivate, so learn from your setbacks, correct your actions, and give it another try. Always strive to work toward something measurable.  
Write it down - every day if possible, so that you can see that measure of success.

Fudge Cookies

This recipe came from Better Homes and Gardens magazine many years ago.
I saved the recipe aside for my fudge loving husband.  These cookies pack more chocolate flavor than any other cookie I've ever made.

In double boiler, combine

• 1 cup semi sweet chocolate pieces, 
• 2 Tablespoons margarine, and 
• 2 sqares of baking chocolate.

In a side bowl, prepare a mix of

• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, 
• a dash of salt, and 
• 1/4 cup flour.

Keep an eye on your melting chocolate, stirring frequently, prepare

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs

When chocolate mixture is completely melted, move to mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.  Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla and beat well.  Add dry mix and beat until well mixed.
Stir in

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Drop by heaping teaspoons onto lightly greased cookie sheet (or parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until edges of cookies are firm, and top of cookie is dull and cracked.  Cool on cookie sheet for an additional 2 minutes to allow the cookies to complete setting. Transfer to wire racks to cool thoroughly.

Begin where you are

I found this poem as a teen, and tucked it away with other treasured poems.  I feel it is a good one to start with, for our collection of poems.

If you want to be happy, begin where you are.
Don't wait for some rapture, that's future and far
Begin to be joyous, begin to be glad,
And soon you'll forget, that you ever were sad
    - Author Unknown

Bran Muffins

Like many Americans, we are currently trying to reduce our cholesterol levels. OK, technically, reducing the HDL levels while maintaining the LDL levels, but I don't want to get into the technical details of our blood chemistry situation here.
This week's healthy recipe find is a modified recipe from The 8-week Cholesterol Cure (Robert E. Kowalski, 1989).  It's also found on the side of the package of Bran Cereal - which I would never have known about or purchased, if it weren't for this book.  I thank Mr. Kowalski for sharing information on this very palatable way to eat healthy, lose weight, and stay off the dreaded medications.
I have found that the dry ingredients fit perfectly in a quart sized mason jar - perfect for gift basket ideas.

My own adaptation for the recommended Bran Muffins:

Apple Cinnamon Bran Muffins

Set oven to 425 degrees. Find the muffin tin, and add 12 muffin papers.  In a mixing bowl, combine:

• 2-1/4 cup bran cereal
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1-1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup raisins

Stir this dry mix together in a mixing bowl.  Add these wet ingredients to the top:

• 1 cup apple cider [you can substitute other fruit juices, or a mix of fruit concentrate and milk]
• 2 eggs (you can omit the yolks if you are so inclined)
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

Using a Fork, mix up the wet ingredients, then stir the wet into the dry mix until well mixed. Add:

• 1 apple, peeled and chopped into bits

Bake at 425 for about 17 minutes.  These are delicious warm right out of the oven, and just as good right out of your lunch bag on a rushed weekday.  Muffins are a little crumbly, but wonderfully gluten free and oh-so-good-for-you.  A happy indulgence.  Enjoy.

Getting Inspired

Hello, I'm Krystin ("the daughter" also known as Katts)

I'm an Illustrator by day, and bartender by night. I paint fantasy, sci-fi, zoological and botanical topics mainly. You can see some of what I do at my blog. I sent the this journal idea to my mom and I'm sooo proud that she's picked it up and decided to run with it. I will be posting now and then with some things that I would like to share.

I have been musing for a while on what I should put in my first post on this blog.. I decided that I would give a tip on something that I find difficult myself. My boyfriend recently gave me this tip after I fumed that I just couldn't get inspired that day. I've been having lots of trouble getting inspired. I would sit here on my computer staring sideways at my painting like it was a 20 foot high brick wall and I had no equipment with which to scale it.

Strawberries make me think of Tolkien's "shire"

There's a lot of inspiration that's needed to draw, craft, even to study your books for school. Next time you're doing something that you wish you were inspired for, chew some gum. Pick a flavor you like, one that you can get a bunch of. I chose Strawberry Orbit gum for my fantasy-themed paintings, and Wildberry for my zoological/botanical works. For my boyfriend, he chews mint gum when he's trying to study biology, and lemon for math.

Before it was a house!

Every time you do that task, chew the same flavor gum. Eventually you'll find that when you can't seem to get inspired, chewing that same flavor gum will set in a little reminder to your system and you can get inspired again. It's like when you eat a favorite childhood food and you can practically feel yourself sitting in your mother's kitchen again. For me, it's lemon brisk tea. I drink that and I feel like I'm standing on our land, 8 years old, as we were excavating it to pour the cement for the basement walls!

Transfer Station Treasures

Our community has a wonderful "Transfer Station", well managed, where we take our garbage and recycling each week.  The recycling center has a Reusable area, where folks leave items that might yet have some life left to them.  We have found many treasures there, and many more bits and bobbles that have become part of other creations, over the years we have lived here.
As I was dropping off my garbage this morning, it struck me that should I ever grow bored with coming up with tidbits for this blog, all I have to do is visit this reusable pile, and find something that motivates me.  And with that, I'm starting a new collection of tidbits here, called simply "Treasures" - where I will post crafts and ideas that have sprung from finding a Transfer Station reusable item.
For those of you in a more urban setting, you can think of these as "Dumpster Diving Delights".

This morning's "catch":
a variety of old card games (ATC card creations)
an old rubber door-stop (no need to repurpose this one - know right where I'm putting this one),
plexiglass photo keychain (not sure yet, but certain to be a stocking stuffer or gift tag eventually - or maybe not, as Krystin has already slipped this one into her pocket - you'll have to watch her blog entries for that one!),
a cast off bag of "Ta-Ka-Radi" blocks - which look nearly identical to the Jenga game we've had in the basement for a long time,  ( I *will* come up with something for these, as I now have several types collected)
a small bottle-sized basket, (perfect for a hostess gift of some sort - all it needs is bottle and bow)
some old wallpaper border, (not sure yet, this may go back to the transfer station, but I wanted to muse on it for a while - any ideas?)
an old brass ring and frog mobile, badly tangled,
and a Pirate puzzle in a tin (who can pass up Pirates?).


Any suggestions?  I can see a few ideas already.  We'll see how many weeks it takes before one pops up on this blog!

Bucket Lists

As an adult, I met a friend who maintained an insanely long and seemingly impossible "bucket lists".  Some of his ideas are positively wonderful to contemplate when I first read the list.  It's been quite some time since then, and in reading through that same list now, I realize that each single item on the list - while still out of reach for me - were not out of reach for this person.  Each one did involve a certain amount of persistence, effort, and drive - but it is very impressive how many of these seemingly impossible items have now been crossed off of his list.   Simply having the opportunity to read through his list inspired me to start one of my own.  Recently, I met another person who maintains the list in the opposite direction, with a concerted effort  to make sure at least one item is added to her list of "new things encountered and accomplished".As I write this, I can't help but wonder how both of their lists are doing.  No matter how long or short those lists are now, I'm sure both of them are not at all disappointed in their accomplishments.

Niagara Falls - Skywheel

Attitash Mountain Coaster

Have you ever come to the end of a season, and found yourself mourning the fact that yet another year has passed, and you never accomplished some simple task?  For example, I often reach the end of summer, and realize that I never once made it out to the beach, or the coming of Spring, and realize that I've missed out on trying out the special sledding hill that looked so good.  This year, Dan made out a Summer Bucket List, and we managed to accomplish quite a few new things.  We skipped the ocean this year...but I have no regrets.

Arethusa Falls

There is a power in simply writing out your desires and accomplishments - earned or yet to be earned, that somehow managed to help you find a way to make them come to life.

Here are a few of my own personal "bucket list" items.  I hope they inspire you, as my friends inspired me.

Accomplished:

• Take a hot air balloon ride
• Create and sell a handmade craft
• Travel through the bermuda triangle
• Learn a martial art
• Kayak a quiet lake in the early morning
• Earn a master's degree
• Attend a ball
• Ride on the world's fastest rollercoaster
• See the view to the top of the tallest building (NY, Toronto, Tokyo, Manchester, Boston, St. Louis, Dallas, Niagara Falls-Canada)
• Tour an ancient castle
• Smithsonian (Air and Space, Natural History, Fine Art)
• Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum (London, NY)
• Learn to Contra Dance, Square Dance
• Learn how to shoot a gun
• Stargaze from the deck of a boat
• Watch fireworks from a deck of a boat.
• Raise dairy goats for milk
• Raise chickens for eggs
• Create a kitchen herb garden
• Ride in a sleeper car of a train
• Win an art contest
• Raise my children in a good and happy home
• Watch my son graduate from college
• Enjoy the sun and sand au naturale
• Share a hot tub with a ridiculous number of good friends
• Built a geodesic dome house

Yet to do:

• Learn to make the perfect Tiramasu
• Bid on and purchase a work of art from an auction
• Make wine with grapes grown on my own land.
• Make it through one Christmas giving and receiving only handmade gifts.
• Create something useful, and obtain a patent for it
• Swim with dolphins
• Explore a volcano
• Visit a tropical rainforest 
• Publish a book
• Illustrate a book
• Sell a photograph, drawing, or painting.
• Maintain a personal worth of over $1,000,000
• Vacation at an all-inclusive beach resort
• Kayak through a marshy, slow river or pond, photographing wildlife
• See the view to the top of the tallest building (recommendations-anyone?)
• Learn Zumba or Line Dancing
• Visit Stonehenge
• Soak in a natural hot-spring in Iceland
• See the fjords of Norway
• See the waterfalls of Hawaii
• Participate in an active hunt for deer or moose

Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments below - I'm always looking for a few good ideas to add to my list!

Basic Beer Bread

You don't need to purchase many different mixes.  A wide variety of easy bread recipes can be made from this one basic recipe.  Simply change out the beer used for one of a different flavor.  Try using carbonated soda, or even a wine cooler for a unique flavor.  Serve along with dinner, or with some complimentary dip, jam, or cheese for a appetizer or snack.

Beer Bread:

Using 1/2 stick of margarine, grease sides and bottom of a loaf pan, then melt remaining margarine.
Combine these dry ingredients:

• 3 1/4 cup flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add

• 12 oz of beer or carbonated beverage

Place in greased loaf pan. Top with melted margarine. Bake at 375 for approximately 50 minutes.
Allow to cool before cutting, if you can.

Ginger Beer Bread, with Apple Jelly

For a gift idea, once you've found your favorite combination, Provide a container of the dry goods, a can of the beer or soda, arranged in a lovely basket or bag, and your own hand crafted recipe tag for them to keep, so that they can re-create the recipe. I found that the dry mix fits perfectly in a quart size canning jar, and even this simplest of jars is easily dressed up to meet any occasion.

Tips on making baskets:

If you are planning on mailing the gift, consider your arrangement and setting carefully.  Any glass items should be secured, and well isolated from any heavy or moveable items. If the basket or bag will be presented or given away in person, or as a door prize, you can use a larger basket or bag - the larger the better!  Use packaging peanuts, old styrofoam, or balled up grocery bags to build up a suitable platform for your smaller item. Use tissue paper to hide your staging.

Then, simply dress up your star performer (in this case, the Beer Bread Mix with some ribbon, bows, or leftover garland pieces.  In this case, I found a plastic snowman that was looking for a craft to jump in on!  Personalize the basket to fit your intended recipient or occasion. For food baskets, I recommend avoiding using glitter or glitter covered ornamentation. The small pieces of glitter may be a turnoff to the recipient of your thoughtful gift. 
Top off your package with a handmade recipe card, encase the ensemble with a large piece of cellophane and tie it all up with some curling ribbon  If you collect baskets and ribbon pieces from other projects, a gift basket like this can be a very inexpensive, yet personal gift.

Bubble Solution

Combine:
1/3 cup dish soap or baby shampoo
1 1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons sugar (or corn syrup)
1 drop food coloring (optional - not recommended for indoor use)
Pour into unbreakable bottle or bowl.
To blow bubbles, experiment using plastic straws, pipe cleaners or bread ties formed into loops, slotted spoons, anything from your recycle bin that has a hole or holes in it. Even a loop of yarn or rope can be used - and some pretty amazing large bubbles can be achieved with the right creative efforts.

Notes:  The sugar makes the bubbles last longer.  Some dish soaps are more bubble friendly than others, - many recommend Dawn, but your mileage may vary. Try brands that are more highly concentrated, or decrease the amount of water used in your mix.
Add glycerin to make bubbles with a bit more staying power.

Modeling Dough

Modeling Dough from your kitchen!  Mix 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of water, 1 Tablespoon of oil, 1/2 cup of salt, and 1 teaspoon cream of tartar in a pan.  Add food coloring if you desire.  Cook over medium heat until mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and becomes doughy.  Knead until cool.
Not meant for human consumption, especially after it has been played with!  Dough can be used and reused - keeps for 3 months unrefrigerated.

Family News Album

While cleaning the office, I realized what a gem I have in our old Holiday letters.  I've saved each one, in those years I actually managed to get one written, and I find it interesting to see how dramatically the style has changed, as technology also evolved, and my available time to throw the letter together!.  I've started work on preparing a proper display notebook containing these letters, which ultimately records our family history, as documented in holiday letters and a few other nostalgia.  For right now, I've simply started an old 3-ring binder and some clear acetate protector sheets, and loaded in the letters in chronological order.  I'm still missing a few years, and I'm sure there is a nice crafty way to dress up the cover for this valuable compendium. - Any suggestions or ideas?

 So here’s my tip number one….it doesn’t have to be a traditional Christmas letter, but once a year, or some other regular time interval, it is good to spend a few moments looking back, and documenting how far you’ve come.  It’s important to live in the present, and to have an open mind and ready spirit for what the future holds.  However, it is also a good thing to recognize and celebrate your accomplishments and progress.  

  I hope to create a nice memorial book for my grandchildren to read through so that they know a little about what my life was like.  I know that I enjoy reading details about what it was like for my own parents and grandparents, when they travelled through the paths of their lives.

   I've found a few other interesting letters, and documents that I think will end up in this same album, as well as a few ads that detail favorite annual events that our family has enjoyed. In effect, it is an instant scrapbook but easy enough for anyone to do, even the busiest of moms.

Beginnings

Welcome to Inspiring Serendipity.  This blog is a result of an inspiration that came from my daughter - a request for tips, tricks, and tidbits regarding a wide variety of subjects.  My goal is to gradually add elements and details here that will eventually compile into a nice collection for her.  In the process, hopefully there will be a little something for everyone to be found here.  I hope to "inspire serendipity", and allow for even better things to evolve from the bits and pieces found here.

the office, transformed!

Step one, was to resurrect my own office space.  For years, my office has been the "miscellaneous drawer" of the entire household, and I have not had the time or energy to dig out from under the deluge.  Today, I have once again achieved a work space large enough for laptop and crafting spot.




It's still cluttered and a little crazy, but for those of you who have seen the room a week or more ago, it is quite an improvement.