2013 Goals (no resolutions)

No resolutions, but a few goals:

1.  Photography - I will improve in the following ways:

• Concentrate on Golden Hour Photos - I have an "app" on my phone for when the golden hour is.
• Recognize and narrow down what I truly enjoy photographing 

2.  Cooking/Baking - I will move away from "recipes" and try being more creative with what's "on hand".

3.  Reading - I will not spend any money on books!  The public library is my new best friend!

That's it for now!

Politicians & Journalists

Get Real!

Its like snuggling in my favorite robe or blanket!

A really good book!

When a book is really good, it is like being all snuggled up in warm PJ's; robe, or a blanket. All outside influences disappear. I refuse to rush or skim pages.  Sometimes I'll re-read a page or two to savor the story as it unfolds or perhaps to better understand how the author is uncovering the character; or to better understand the plot.

Here a few of my "really good" books! - Not is any special order...

		The Passage (The Passage, #1)	Cronin, Justin
		The Power of One	Courtenay, Bryce
		Shaken, Not Stirred	Gunn, Tim
		Cutting for Stone	Verghese, Abraham
		The Art of Racing in the Rain	Stein, Garth*
		The Paris Wife	McLain, Paula *
		Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet	Ford, Jamie*
		Still Alice	Genova, Lisa*
		The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)	Collins, Suzanne
		Room	Donoghue, Emma *

Forgive me, but I need to vent.

I'm unable to let the events of Friday morning's violence in Newtown, CT pass.  I am hurting; weeping; and incredibly sad.  For two days in a row I've woken up thinking about the parents who have lost their children; grandparents who have lost a grandchild; children who have lost a brother or sister; a best friend; or even perhaps their very own teacher. Their grief is unimaginable.

Why did this happen? It doesn't make sense.

News reports immediately jump on the gun issue. A better issue I believe is mental health and how parents can deal with children who experience it. Parents need help; their children need help.  Please take a few minutes to read this. I can think of at least three friends/acquaintances I have known in the past who could have written it. Parenting is the most difficult job there is; and when a single parent is left to deal with it, it is nearly impossible to cope.

http://anarchistsoccermom.blogspot.com/2012/12/thinking-unthinkable.html

Please do your part to save Santa...

Santa is getting old.  Be nice and save him a trip...by Being Naughty! 

This idea came from where else...Pinterest.  It was a fun and easy craft.  Now...who will receive them? 

MARSHMALLOW COAL

This is a picture of my results.  The front side is on the left, back side on the right.

Dark Cocoa Mint Candy melts*

Black sugar (sprinkles)*

Marshmallows

Straws or Skewers

Rice

Ziplock bags

Ribbon, glue/tape, stapler

*I used Wilton products purchased at a craft store

• Melt candy melts following instructions on package
• Place marshmallow on straw or skewer and roll in melted chocolate.  Use spoon to coat the places missed, then scrap off extra chocolate.  Place straw/skewer end in container of rice.
• When it's set for a minute or so, roll in black sugar to coat the whole marshmallow.  You might have to use your hands to sprinkle it on the bottom where the straw/skewer is.
• Stick back in the rice and let set until totally hardened, about 20 minutes.
• Place the coal in a Ziploc bag
• Create a document with images (below); print, trim paper to match width of ziplock bag, and staple to the bag
• Glue ribbon to cover the staples