summer lovin'

aaahhh! yes!

summer!

we’re halfway through the summer…

a time for slower schedules

a time for front porch sitting

a time for lazy days at the beach

a time for motorcycles rides

a time for remembering the past, savouring the present, and daydreaming about the future.

“a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. . .”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 {New International Version {NIV}}

take care

Thankful Thursdays

…and so we continue counting the things we are thankful for…

206. live theatre plays
207. greek salad
208. farmer’s markets
209. honey-lime lemonades
210. baked potatoes with butter & sour cream
211. fireflies
212. banana muffins

Will you join me as we begin to be truly thankful for each day, and for each opportunity given to us, and who knows? we might just see how truly blessed we really are.

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart! 

Take Care

Book Review ~ Blackberry Winter

Blackberry Winter ~ taking its title from a late-season, cold-weather phenomenon ~ Sarah Jio proves she has the amazing ability to transport her readers into not one, but two stories in two different times.

From the back cover
Seattle, 1932. Single mother Vera Ray kisses her three-year-old son, Daniel, goodnight and departs to work the night-shift at a local hotel. She emerges to discover that a May snowstorm has blanketed the city, and that her son has disappeared into the heart of the storm. Outside, she finds his teddy bear lying face down in the cold snowy streets.

Seattle, 2010. Seattle Herald reporter Claire Aldridge is assigned to cover the May 1 “blackberry winter” storm and its predecessor that occurred on the same date nearly eighty years earlier. Learning of the unsolved abduction, Claire vows to unearth the truth — only to discover that she and Vera are linked in unexpected ways.

Intriguing, right?!

It was. THE entire book! 

Blackberry Winter moves between present day and the 1930’s. I loved how the book went back and forth telling the story of the two main characters! I found myself caring about Vera and wanted to see Claire work through the grief surrounding her personal tragedy, and I was completely hooked when Claire started to put the pieces together and figure out how her life was connected to Vera’s.

This book was completely and utterly heart-wrenching. The author has a wonderful way of making you fall in love with her characters. While reading, I had numerous “goosebump” moments! Love those. By the end I was truly touched. I felt so connected to these characters.

This book had me from the first page! Absolutely a thrilling read that kept me guessing until the very end!  I  love books that have unexpected twists ~ a titch of mystery ~ and that have a bit of romance too. The ending….that was the true wow factor. I closed the book thinking I wish there is a sequel to see how this all pans out.  I was completely swept into the mystery of this story.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and engaging read and it was certainly a “page-turner”.  I would definitely recommend Blackberry Winter to anyone looking for an enthralling read. If you love a mystery/history/self-finding book, then prepared to be inspired and awed.

Wow…is all I have to say!  

I find the best way to pass the time is read. So, I do. A lot.  

What are you reading these days?

Take Care

mhmm monday

I love bananas but too often I end up buying more than I can eat in a week and nothing is more yucky than an overripe bananas,. So they end up in the freezer waiting to be made into muffins…

Best Banana Muffins

{photo credit & recipe website}

Ingredients:
3 very ripe bananas, mashed
1 egg
¼ cup plain or Greek yogurt or sour cream
¼ cup oil
3 Tablespoons milk or buttermilk
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
¾ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
¼ tsp salt

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a muffin tin and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, egg, yogurt/sour cream, oil, milk and vanilla. Pour the flour and sugar on the top of the mixture then sprinkle on the soda and salt so they aren't touching the liquid part. Whisk everything together, just until smooth.
Divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups (you can fill them all the way up to the rim) and bake for 20 minutes or until the tops are a deep golden-brown and they spring back when you gently press the tops.
Let cool slightly and serve. Especially with a smear of raspberry jam.
Makes 12 muffins
Enjoy!

Take Care

My reminder

Today, in my “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young, I read;

RELAX AND LET ME LEAD YOU thorough this day. I have everything under control: My control. You tend to peer anxiously into the day that is before you, trying to figure out what to do, and when. Meanwhile, the phone or the doorbell  rings, and you have to reshuffle your plans.  All that planning ties you up in knots and distracts you from Me.  Attentiveness to Me is not only for your quiet time, but for all your time. As you look to Me, I as how you what to do now and next.
Vast quantities of time and energy are wasted in obsessive planning. What you let Me direst your steps, you are set free to enjoy Me and the find what I have prepared for you this day.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Psalm 32:8 {New International Version {(NIV}}

Direct me in the path of your commands,

for there I find delight.

Psalm 119:35 {New International Version {(NIV}}

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go,

for to you I entrust my life.

Psalm 143:8 {New International Version {(NIV}}

Thank you Lord, for this ever-so gentle and much needed reminder!

Take Care

Plan, Planner, Planning

I have always been a planner.

I like to plan.

I’ve probably told this you this before.

But if I don’t get to do the planning, I like to at least know the plan.

In advance.

So I can wrap my mind around it. Get used to the idea. Prepare for it.

Most of us like to make lists to plan everything whether it’s a special event, what shopping we need, or our daily/weekly tasks to do. There’s nothing wrong with planning ahead.

God knows this about me, and He uses this character trait of mine to stretch me. To cause me to realize that my plans are feeble attempts. Now there is nothing wrong with flexibility and being spontaneous or impulsive ~ in fact if we rigidly stick to the plans sometimes we could miss out on opportunities that God puts our way.

There are just so many bad things that could happen in life. It seems like we spend a huge amount of time brainstorming a list of everything that could go wrong, instead of better using that same energy to ask God for steps we could take that will help us get in on what He’s doing.

But I struggle when I can’t predict what lies ahead.

I want to know.

I worry about tomorrow. I lay in bed and fall asleep worrying about what the next day will bring. Will I be able to handle it? Will tomorrow be better than today? Will tomorrow be more difficult? 

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

God has our best interests in mind. He knows our hearts. He knows what we need. In other words, we can trust Him with our future.

Take Care

Thankful Thursdays

…and so we continue counting the things we are thankful for…

199. mongolian grill dinners
200. wheelbarrows
201. ceiling fans
202. strawberry-rhubarb pie
203. atm’s
204. chocolate covered strawberries
205. christian radio stations

Will you join me as we begin to be truly thankful for each day, and for each opportunity given to us, and who knows? we might just see how truly blessed we really are.

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart! 

Take Care

tasty tuesday

This a great recipe to enjoy fresh squash. Even the hubs likes it….

Cheesy Spaghetti Squash

{photo credit & recipe website}

Ingredients: 
1 large spaghetti squash (3 lb.) 
2 Tbsp. KRAFT Reduced Fat Parmesan Style Grated Topping 
1/2 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese 
2 plum tomatoes, finely chopped 
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Garlic & Oregano to taste

Directions:
Pierce squash several times with fork or sharp knife to allow steam to escape.
Microwave on HIGH 10 min. or just until squash is softened, turning after 5 min. 
Let stand 5 min. 
Cut squash in half; remove and discard seeds. 
Use fork to scrape insides of squash to form strands; place in large bowl. 
Add remaining ingredients; toss lightly with fork. 
Spoon into squash shells. 
Microwave 2 min. or until heated through.
Enjoy!

Take Care

Despite the Circumstances

Sometimes I complain so much that I get tired of hearing my own voice. It’s especially hard not to complain when I am in an active cycle of my illness.  It’s been one of those days weeks.

Complaining is one of my default modes.

Sometimes I’m just venting.

But sometimes, my complaint is legitimate and needs to be voiced, it’s good to be honest about valid concerns, but there’s a way to go about it.

And sometimes, we should just realize that

Most of the time though, the things we complain about such first world problems - like my daughter so aptly reminded me…

Ironic isn’t it?  That my word for 2015 is “thankful”.

After griping about this, that and everything else, I decided that I’m going to try my hardest to not complain for 48 hours.  But rather “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 {New International Version {NIV}}

Will you join me? 

Take Care

Today's date

Some dates are etched in our brains, forever.

Most of us can remember when JFK was shot, or when Elvis had died, and everyone knows what happened on September 11.

For me it’s

This is a date that always bring tears to my eyes…. for most people it’s just a random day in the summer. For us, it’s the day that our lives were changed dramatically and more importantly it’s the day when God held our family just a little closer.

Early that morning we awoke to a raging fire that engulfed our dairy barn… by the end of the day we lost our dairy barn, moved the cattle to another barn, had many family, friends and neighbours offer aid and sat overwhelmed with the emotions of the day.

We never know what the journey of life will bring, but we continue to trust in the ONE who holds our journeys.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, 

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, 

plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11{New International Version {NIV}}

Take Care

Thankful Thursdays

…and so we continue counting the things we are thankful for… 

192. gas stoves

193. breakfast dates
194. earl grey vanilla tea
195. kube games
196. bicycles
197. supper time guests
198. dill pickle chips

Will you join me as we begin to be truly thankful for each day, and for each opportunity given to us, and who knows? we might just see how truly blessed we really are.

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart! 

Take Care

Book Review ~ Saving Grace

Saving Grace, by Jane Green is a psychological page-turner, and passionate tale which will grip you until the last page has turned…a memorable novel dissecting the flimsy façade of one woman’s seemingly perfect life.

From the dust jacket:
Grace and Ted Chapman are widely regarded as the perfect literary power couple. Ted is a successful novelist and Grace, his wife of twenty years, is beautiful, stylish, carefree, and a wonderful homemaker. But what no one sees, what is churning under the surface, is Ted’s rages. His mood swings. And the precarious house of cards that their lifestyle is built upon. When Ted’s longtime assistant and mainstay leaves, the house of cards begins to crumble and Grace, with dark secrets in her past, is most vulnerable. She finds herself in need of help but with no one to turn to…until the perfect new assistant shows up out of the blue. To the rescue comes Beth, a competent young woman who can handle Ted and has the calm efficiency to weather the storms that threaten to engulf the Chapman household. Soon, though, it’s clear to Grace that Beth might be too good to be true. This new interloper might be the biggest threat of all, one that could cost Grace her marriage, her reputation, and even her sanity. With everything at stake and no one to confide in, Grace must find a way to save herself before it is too late. 
A perfect stranger wants her perfect life.
Grace Chapman has the perfect life, living comfortably with her husband, bestselling author Ted, in a picture-perfect farmhouse on the Hudson River in New York State.
Then Ted advertises for a new assistant, and Beth walks into their lives. Organized, passionate and eager to learn, Beth quickly makes herself indispensable to Ted and his family. But Grace soon begins to feel side-lined in her home - and her marriage - by this ambitious younger woman.
Is Grace just paranoid, as her husband tells her, or is there more to Beth than first thought?

Saving Grace was a wonderful read ~ As plain, timid, competent Beth begins transforming herself into a glamorous Grace clone, we wonder whether she is slowly trying to eliminate Grace from her own life or if Grace is just an overbearing and paranoid women trying to manipulate the new assistant. There are oddities in both Beth's behaviour and Grace`s actions and attitude. Which asks the question ~ Just because you're paranoid doesn’t mean someone’s not out to get you?

It’s a brave depiction of what low self-esteem and depression {real or medically induced}  can do to a person. Saving Grace is powerful and riveting, and will have you on the edge of your seat as you follow Grace on her harrowing journey to rock bottom and back.

Is it possible to have the perfect life?

Take Care

mhmm monday

Looking for a healthier version of cheesy breadsticks?  Then look no further folks, these are tasty and will fool just about pickiest eater in your crowd...

Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks

{photo credit & recipe website}

Ingredients:
4 cups of riced cauliflower (about 1 large head of cauliflower) 
4 eggs 
2 cups of mozzarella cheese 
3 tsp oregano 
4 cloves garlic, minced 
salt and pepper to taste 
1 to 2 cups mozzarella cheese

Directions: 
Preheat oven to 425 F degrees. Prepare 2 pizza dishes or a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make sure your cauliflower is roughly chopped in florets. Add the florets to your food processor and pulse until cauliflower resembles rice.
Place the cauliflower in a microwavable container and cover with lid. Microwave for 10 minutes. Place the microwaved cauliflower in a large bowl and add the 4 eggs, 2 cups of mozzarella, oregano, garlic and salt and pepper. Mix everything together.
Separate the mixture in half and place each half onto the prepared baking sheets and shape into either a pizza crust, or a rectangular shape for the breadsticks.
Bake the crust (no topping yet) for about 25 minutes or until nice and golden. Don't be afraid the crust is not soggy at all. Once golden, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and put back in the oven for another 5 minutes or until cheese has melted.
Slice and serve.
Enjoy!

Take Care

Some days

Honestly... I. Just. Can’t. 

“I know today is ___ {fill in the blank} day, Lord.  But I just can’t. I simply cannot add one more thing to my day... I’m sure You understand, right?”

Yeah. Some days are just hard.

I’m exhausted. I’ve been feeling exhausted, tired, and worn down these past few days. And this past week has been especially difficult….

I am tired today.

I hurt.

When I am in an active cycle of my illness doing the most simplest, mundane of tasks is insurmountable.  On these days, more than any others I am feeling pain and not “up to par”. I live in a body that betrays me. Frequently I get down about things, because I am hung up on how I want things to be, rather than accepting things as they are.

Honestly? I just want a break. From the demands. From the worries. From the illness. From the laundry, the dishes, the next door neighbours dog barking and the planning and the grocery lists and ALL THE THINGS.

And when I struggle with my limits, my thoughts turn to self-pity...

WHY. ME.

Why me? Of course it’s an extra-sneaky two-word lie, so it’s not always quite so blunt.
Sometimes it says:
** I’m the only one who struggles with this. 
** Why is this so hard? 
** Everyone else...their lives are much simpler.

And yet, God doesn’t command us to pull it together. In the moments when I'm extremely troubled, God doesn’t yell “get it together, girl.”  Instead HE whispers “come to me dear one, come to me.” He invites us to crumple into the comforting arms of Christ … to pray … to scream … to beg with abandon … to heal.

I can’t control everything anything.  God always has the best in mind for me and I don’t need to wake up in the morning and just hope everything goes well, I can have joy and meaning and hope regardless of what the day brings.

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 {New Living Translation {NLT}}

Take Care

i ♥ blogging

i’ve been blogging for some time now.  when a friend of mine first suggested i start something like this ~ i simply had no idea what i was doing, and no idea the difference that that one little choice would make.

and yet, it’s probably one of the decisions that has made the largest impact on my life.  i wasn’t an early adopter because, well, i’m just not. but i’ve been loyal. i am loyal. i don’t see myself giving up blogging anytime soon.

at the beginning of the year, a lot of bloggers that i follow, were writing about wanting to take their blog to the next level. i read them with interest and, you know, i’m never really going to be a serious blog-strategizer. not in any serious sense of the word.

when it comes to writing and blogging, ♪♫ i’ll do it my way ♪♫♫. because you see, i started this as something to give me joy, and that’s how i want to keep it.   sure i like it when i see comments on my blog, but that’s not what it’s really all about.

writing continues to be a outlet for me in many ways. i’ve always found it easier to express my feelings more so through writing than speaking to others in person.

i think that writing on my blog is one of the most joyful things i do!

what brings you joy?

take care

Thankful Thursdays

…and so we continue counting the things we are thankful for…

185. hammocks
186. citronella candles
187. campfire suppers
188. shade trees
189. comments on my blog 
190. ipods
191. lawn chairs

Will you join me as we begin to be truly thankful for each day, and for each opportunity given to us, and who knows? we might just see how truly blessed we really are.

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart! 

Take Care

tasty tuesday

Cake for breakfast?

Thanks to Pinterest, the word is that you can make waffles with a cake mix.  And since I love trying new recipes, I simply had to try it for myself, and yes, it really works! But and probably more importantly they’re completely delicious! Breakfast couldn’t get any easier, or dessert for that matter.

Chocolate Cake Mix Waffles

{photo credit & recipe website}

Ingredients:
1 (16.5 oz) pkg Devil's Food Chocolate Cake Mix (I used Duncan Hines) 
1 cup water 
1/3 cup vegetable oil 
3 large eggs

Directions:
Preheat a waffle iron.
Prepare batter according to directions on package. 
Spray waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and pour amount listed from waffle iron manufactures instructions into waffle iron and cook according to time listed on instructions. 
Serve warm with desired toppings. 
For optional Nutella Sauce: 
Whisk together 3/4 cup Nutella with 4 Tbsp milk (or more to thin as desired) until smooth. Warm in microwave if desired. Drizzle over waffles. These waffles are also good with sweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Enjoy!

You could probably use other cake mix flavours, but chocolate always comes first, am I right? Or am I right?

Take Care

Lemonade

Sometimes life goes wrong, and all seems to be falling apart.

Sometimes we just need to take our eyes off of the situation and look to something that will encourage our hearts.

Sometimes that encouragement may be found in a friend, in a smile, or in words on a piece of paper or on a screen.

“If life hands you lemons...”

May these be the words be that for you today.

Take Care

Thankful Thursdays

…and so we continue counting the things we are thankful for…

178. raspberry lemonade
179. after supper walks
180. canada day celebrations
181. “would you rather” conversations
182. central vacuum cleaners
183. summer holidays
184. air conditioning

Will you join me as we begin to be truly thankful for each day, and for each opportunity given to us, and who knows? we might just see how truly blessed we really are.

Because a thankful heart is a happy heart! 

Take Care

Happy Canada Day, eh!

We're off for the day, joining in with the town's celebrations..... 

Happy Birthday Canada!

Take Care