Comment Commentary (the complete edition): October 16, 2011

oops… the draft posted before it was supposed to. So here’s the total post for this week.

YOU’RE IMPORTANT! AND SO ARE YOUR COMMENTS!

And here’s what you had to say this last week (these are the comments left on the blog; I’ve received some very nice comments/feedback on facebook from Mary D., Lisa, Kate, and many others. Thanks so much!).

IN RESPONSE TO… The More Things Change… (October 7, 2011)

“Charlene says: It’s amazing how those bits of wisdom that made some sense when we were younger become so much clearer as we grow older.”
It’s true. I apologize to my mom so much more now for not trying to understand her when I was a teen!

IN RESPONSE TO… The Adventures of Matt and Molly in Winter: Chapter 1 (October 8, 2011)

“Dani Lynn says: WOW! You took me back to when I was younger looking forward to the first snow and couldn’t wait to pelt my sister with snow balls! Now I just like watching the snow from my window with a Hot chocolate in hand, no more snow balls…lol”
Isn’t it funny how we change as we get older. I think this year I’ll make a Snow Angel if we get enough white stuff.

“Charlene says: Your language is so descriptive. I love the way you describe the leaves.”
Thank you. I tried to be more poetic than usual.

IN RESPONSE TO… My Day at Disneyland (October 10, 2011)

“Dani Lynn says: I’m so Jealous! I wanted to visit while my daughter where there back in June for my birthday. We were in La Jolla, but we didn’t have any transportation to get us to Disneyland. Glad you had a good day.”
It was really one of the more unique times I’ve ever had there. If you ever get out this way again, let me know and we’ll go.

“Charlene says: I’ve never heard of the vinylmations, very cute! What a fun collectible. Didn’t you used to work at Disney in college?”
I’m already waiting to get my next piece. I didn’t work at D’Land, that was Jennifer W.

“Brittany says: Sometime, you should try the beignet’s at disneyland! They sell them at various places in the park and in downtown Disney but the are awesome.”
My daughter says the same thing! I have yet to have any. Another new experience for next time!

IN RESPONSE TO… Holiday Recipe Exchange: Chocolate Fondue (October 10, 2011)

“Brittany says: Does the chili powder make it slightly spicy? It sounds good though. :)
Yes, it definitely gives it a bite. But I love that about my chocolates.

IN RESPONSE TO… Holiday Recipe Exchange: Mocha Flavored Coffee (October 10, 2011)

“Brittany says: This sounds like it would be really thick and creamy! Yummy”
It is. It’s a must-have each holiday season. Makes great gifts, too!

IN RESPONSE TO… Real Disney Characters (October 11, 2011)

“Dani Lynn says: Like I said before…I am so Jealous! Disney is one of my most favorite places ever. I have never been to Disneyland, but I have been to Disneyworld. I remember crying the first time I saw Cinderella’s castle and a very nice lady told me, just wait, there are so many more wonderous things to be seen!”
It’s so true. It’s always changing. There’s always a new experience.

“Charlene says: Sounds like fun :)
You should hear about the characters I won’t write about!

IN RESPONSE TO… A Few of My Favorite Things… October 12, 2011

“Dani Lynn says: I love a lot of those same things, but if it ever came down to just me, you and Johnny Depp, there may be some blood shed….lol I too have many blessings that I am very grateful for! Thanks for reminding me!”
I think everybody has more in common than they think; it’s great to connect with others just though random thoughts and likes. As far as fighting over Johnny… get in line! ;)

“Chelsea say: There are so many things I wholeheartedly agree with!!”
I like to count my blessings, and be reminded of the good. Glad you agree, and are just as blessed!

IN RESPONSE TO… Recipe: Potato Chip Casserole (October 13, 2011)

“Dani Lynn says: Ok I am waiting for your book! I love how simple your recipes are!”
Thanks, Dani. That’s my goal: to write a cookbook full of hearty, easy, cheap recipes. It doesn’t have to be gourmet-expensive to be a great meal!

“Chelsea says: Okay. I’m definitely going to the store this weekend, buying these ingredients & making Sunday dinner from this recipe. It seems fail safe so even I can bake it :)
Let me know how you liked it!

IN RESPONSE TO… Holiday Recipe Exchange: Hot Dog Casserole (October 13, 2011)

“Dani Lynn says: I wish you lived in MI! I would be inviting you to cook for me almost everyday! Another quick and simple recipe I am gonna try!”
I would LOVE to cook for you! It gives me pure joy to make hearty, delicious, simple recipes.

“Chelsea says: This sounds soo yummy! I’m definitely making this sometime in the future.”
You can also make it in a slow cooker, because it just needs heating. But it’s better in the oven.

“Dani Lynn further says: I made this for dinner last night, and there was nothing left over! It was gone in a matter of minutes! My whole family loved it! So I asked them, “is this a keeper?” Without any hesitation, in unison…they said ” YES!”
Thanks, Dani! I look forward to adding your reviews to my cookbook next spring!

“Joy says: I love these simple yummy ideas! I’ll have to let you know how my picky eater feels about the recipes!”
Please do, Joy. I really look forward to your reviews!

IN RESPONSE TO… My Otherwise Untitled Friday Posting (October 14, 2011)

“Dani Lynn says: We all have a voice, some are louder than others, and sometimes we don’t use it often enough. I love the how you use yours! You truly have a wonderful gift from God! I look forward to hearing more from you!”
Thank you, Dani. It’s still so humbling that He speaks through me, but I certainly love that He does!

IN RESPONSE TO… Home (October 15, 2011)

“Dani Lynn says: What a gift it is to paint a picture with words!”
Megan (my writing partner) and I have a trick for getting over writer’s block: we find a picture to inspire us with our story, and write the thousand words (or more) that it’s worth. I’m glad you understand.

Comment Commentary: October 9, 2011

I’ve been getting a lot of e-traffic lately. That’s pretty cool. There’s even a new subscriber this week, woohoo!

As of this week, the title of the post is also a link to that post. So if you’ve missed reading it, or need a refresher, just click it and there ya go.

So, you know the drill. I write, you comment, I have the last word. And here they are for this week:

IN RESPONSE TO… To B in October (October 1, 2011)

“Brittany says: I am super happy because I just bought my first carton of eggnog! I was a little ecstatic. Cold weather, warm boots, and eggnog makes me happy.”
That’s awesome, Brittany! Way to enjoy the changing seasons. Glad you found what makes you happy.

IN RESPONSE TO… Comment Commentary (October 2, 2011)

“Charlene says: ‘Now that you’ve moved out of CA, I bet you have an entirely different brood of creepies to deal with?Ummmm…. well yes and no, we have black widows plus other yuckies like hobo spiders :(
‘I really miss the weather. Each year brings me closer to moving somewhere greener in the summer and whiter in the winter. Any ideas?South Dakota is might nice, we just got back from vacation there this summer. Beautiful summer weather, cold winters, gorgeous falls…. I wish we lived there :)
Charlene, first I think it’s funny that you commented on my comments about your comments… this could go on and on… second, don’t know what a hobo spider is, don’t wanna know… third, any place there’s four seasons is good for me. I’m still thinking of NYC or a bit northerly… say Toronto, Canada.

IN RESPONSE TO… Apologetic (October 3, 2011)

“Cris says: Thanks, Molly. I pray that you will continue to have boldness to be used however He intends….even if it is writing greeting cards. ;-)
Thanks, Cris. Since I made up my mind to not keep God on the sidelines, I actually feel a lot better about my writings and some great things seem to be generating. I’m very excited that He would chose to use me in this way!

“Lisa says: Dear Molls, I want to thank you for your writing, in all forms. Because of the things you have written in the past, the discussions we have had (and still do!) and for the thunks I receive when I read what you’ve written, I have a closer relationship with God than I ever have had. I believe that this is because He speaks through your writing.
So if you feel like you’ve had Him in a box, or have been neglecting Him, let me tell you you haven’t. He is there always. His love is felt even when you aren’t shouting it to the world. Sometimes the shouting is ignored and instead the whispers are heard loud and clear.
So, please don’t stop or give up on your writing. Please. I still need my thunks!
Love you!”
Lisa, don’t you worry friend! Not only am I not giving up on the writing, I now have a much better direction! I’m so thankful to hear that He is already being glorified through my writings. Because ultimately, it’s all about Him.

“Charlene says: I’m surprised that you think you keep Him in a box, because it seems like most of your posts reference God in some way or other. I understand the struggle though. I often feel like I struggle to make God’s part in my life as visible as I want it to be.”
While it’s true I don’t cover up my faith, I don’t expose it as often as I feel I should. That’s what I’m very apologetic for: dumbing it down to make it more mainstream. Ugh! NO MORE! :)

IN RESPONSE TO… Lessons Learned (October 4, 2011)

“Brittany says: number 13 made me laugh!”
13. The colder the weather, the snugglier the cat. I love my cats. They love my blankets. It’s great!

“Charlene says: I love this idea. I’ve done similar things in the past, but somehow your title has inspired me. I’m doing a “Things I’ve Learned This Week” post on my personal blog this week.”
Oh, yea. I’m glad it inspires you, and I can’t wait to read your post!

“Chelsea says: #3, #19, #27 = love.
This is such an awesome post!”
3. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is still a great movie.
19. Forgiveness is important. Guidance is important. Understanding and compassion are important. Love is most important.
27. Someday I’m going to be a famous writer… preferably while I’m young enough to enjoy spoiling my family and securing their futures.
Thanks, Chelsea. It’s fun writing these things out. I discover more each time I do.

IN RESPONSE TO… Weather or Not… (October 5, 2011)

“Janice says: I sat down on Monday and read a few of my Grandma’s cookbooks wherein she inserted he rown homemade recipes! These were the recipes I remember loving as a child and then learning to prepare myself as an adult! Only the best! And of course while doing so, I had Scentsy on! Gotta get a few candles too!”
Good to hear you’re enjoying the weather, too, Janice! Stay safe, warm and happy this season.

“Joy says: Nothing like a good cup of tea while you browse cookbooks or ponder writing themes. I love the fall, but have the blessing of living in an area where I have real change of seasons. Changes in season really are a great source of new perspective. Enjoy your cooler weather!”
I can’t wait to see some pictures, Joy. Enjoy the seasons. Your name suits you!

“Charlene says: It’s getting cold here fast too. In fact we had our first snow today, and it was much more snow than we usually get this time of year.”
That’s so great to hear about the snow. I’m really in a wintery/Christmas mindset already. Stay safe, warm, and happy!

“Brittany says: So true! It rained in Pasadena and I got to wear tights and boots for the first time in months. After classes, I got in my bed and listened to the rain. This weather tends to make me sleep more because I’m under the covers more often trying to keep warm so as a college student, I’m not going to complain. :P
I know. I absolutely love cooler, blanket, hot cocoa weather.

“Chelsea says: I love rainy days! Of course, I’ve been sick the past week, so I haven’t been able to be out in it, but it’s fun to listen to against my window.”
First, I hope this week better than last for your health. Second, I’m glad you had such a good opportunity to enjoy the rains. They almost always make me smile.

“Dani says: I get very nostalgic this time of year. With the weather change, the fall colors, the brisk winds, always reminds me of when I was a little girl and spending time with my Grandma. Although right now in Michigan, we are having our “Indian Summer” and today is suppose to be close to 80.”
I’ve forgotten about Indian Summers. I hope it cools down so you can truly enjoy the autumn… and post pictures so I can live vicariously through you.

IN RESPONSE TO… Recipe: Creamy Chicken with Rice (October 6, 2011)

“Dani says: This is so simple and easy! just the way I like to cook! I am gonna try this tonight!”
Did you? Let me know how you liked it!

“Charlene says: Sounds like a great dish for a cold night.”
It’s one of my quick and easy favorites.

“Brittany says: Next time my mom is too tired to cook, I shall definitely try this. Especially on a cold and blustery day. :)
It’s the perfect dish for cold and blustery days.

“Chelsea says: sounds delish!”
It is, it is! You should try it… and then post your review here… and then share it on your blog… Just sayin’…