Oct 8, 2012 |
October is “Clean Out The Fridge” Month… at least it is at Bedford Manor.
The busyness of the holidays is almost upon us. And for me, well, it’s already begun: craft projects, product reviews, new recipes to create…
I look forward to cooking, shopping, decorating, cleaning, and spending time with Out-Of-Towners. In November, Dot will turn 18. I recently re-enrolled (again!) at Institute of Children’s Literature. I’ve been actively working on a big writing project as well as preparing for The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition.
Yeah. There’s a lot on our plates.
But we’re not special. Ask around, and everyone’s gearing up for the year-end expenses. Gift giving. Party attending.Traveling. And feeding family and friends. It can get pretty costly to put food on the table!
So this month, I’ve decided to low-key it in the kitchen. I’ve taken stock of what I have in my fridge, freezer, and pantries; and I’m working my menu around it. Granted, there will be days that call for that extra touch or a Little Caesar Meal Deal. I know I’ll have to buy foods like milk, eggs, butter, and cheese. But overall, I’ve got a plan and I’m sticking to it!
We’ve enjoyed putting together a meal, instead of reheating something from the frozen dinner selections. We sit at the table and talk with each other. Of course, the best moments are Dot saying, “Can I help with that?” and “Mom! This is really good!”
Because there’s just the two of us, it’s easier to plan “meals”. And with my Aroma Rice Cooker, I haven’t had to heat up the oven as often. I also enjoy my toaster oven. It’s the perfect size for a Stouffer’s French Bread Pizza, garlic toast, or even small roasted potatoes.
It’s been fun on the wallet, too. One box of Shake n’ Bake Chicken to go with the frozen chicken already in the freezer, and a side of baked potato or a can of vegetables? Delicious. And with leftovers.
Last night we steamed salmon over rice, and enjoyed a cup of yogurt for dessert. Today, I put together a great chicken and bean soup using the stock and frozen meat from my Stock Recipe. Dot chopped up the vegetables. It was a delectable blend.
The best part for us? Having my Mom come over to enjoy it with us, and having leftovers enough for all of us!
So it’s not dinner at the Ritz-Carlton. It’s dinner at Bedford Manor. And I can afford that.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Oct 7, 2012 |
I recently had the opportunity to combine both my love of writing with my love for people. I shared a rough draft of my Study on the Ten Commandments with a dear friend who later told me Day Three really spoke to him.
After an introduction to the Study and to the Ten Commandments as a whole, Day Three introduces the reader to the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before me.” (NIV, Exodus 20:2). What my friend gleamed onto was a short message encouraging the reader to let go of all that distracts us from God.
God asks us to just be still. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10, 11). The context here is God saving us from ourselves. He is all we truly need. We just need to turn down the other noise to hear Him completely.
I’m not advocating giving up your day job in order to spend hours meditating. I believe God gives us the ability to care for ourselves and those around us, and it’s our honor to do so in His name.
But there comes a time when we allow distractions to keep us busy, to stop us from facing those things we want to avoid. We often feel if we’re not exhausted at the end of each day, we’ve accomplished nothing worth noting.
Shhhh. I have a secret.
Are you listening?
It’s okay to take a breather.
In. Out. Deep in. Hold. Deep out. Relax.
It’s okay.
Sometimes it’s necessary to unplug and regroup. It’s important to just enjoy the quiet world around us and make our own Retreat. That quiet morning coffee? Bliss. After the kids go to bed? Nirvana. A quiet walk around the yard. A book in bed. Whatever you need to do to be still, do it.
Give yourself time to wind down from life’s busyness. Take a moment to prioritize your To-Do List. Just enjoy.
God is whispering to you. Are you listening above the noise?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
[A Study on the Ten Commandments will be available in early 2013 through New Inklings Press.]
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
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Oct 6, 2012 |
I spent a lot of time in Michigan the last two days.
Not literally, of course. But online. I chatted with my friends still there. I dreamed my way through Michigan.org. I rewrote a short story about snow for my writing class.
I spent a lot of time in Michigan.
It’s where I learned to point to the palm of my hand and say, “I live here.”
I lived here.
It’s been decades since I’ve been there, but I can still feel the easy humidity of a warm summer’s night spent running barefoot on the grass. The fresh, new air when bulbs push their first leaves through the damp soil in the spring. The crispy, crunchy footsteps of walking through a mosaic of fallen Oak and Maple leaves. And the blinding brightness of cold falling snow.
I grew up in Michigan. It’s where I learned to ride a bike. Talk to neighbors. Swim in a lake. Sled down the street. It’s where we played Lava in the house, and hid in the spaceship of our basement.
My mom’s flower gardens. My dad’s tomatoes. My brother working on his car. Typing out homework.
It’s where I found my first stray cat. Played with snakes and raccoons. Learned how to layer clothing. Roast marshmallows. Camp in the backyard.
It’s where my best friends once lived, and have returned to. Leaving a light on for me.
I love Bedford Manor. But I’m lonely for that light. For staying up late talking nonsense. Drinking coffee on the patio in the morning fog. Reaching hands to pray over dinner. I’m lonely for that company.
And I can’t wait to return. If even just for a visit.
Keep the light on and warm the Mittens, Michigan. One way or another… I’ll be there.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
