Dec 1, 2011 |
I recently watched a made-for-TV Christmas movie: a woman needed a life change, was granted 12 wishes, she used them selfishly, then spent the remaining time “fixing” the problems she created, and they all had a Merry Christmas. She was guided throughout the movie by an Angel who gently guided her toward selfless love. In the end, it was all wrapped up neat and tidy.
It was campy, low-budget and disgustingly predictable.
But it got me thinking.
If I had 12 wishes that I absolutely knew would be fulfilled, what would I wish for? The first few immediately come to mind: world peace, financial stability, health and happiness for the family. After that, it gets a little tricky. Because I really want to focus on important things. But what’s important to me may not be important to someone else. Or the world.
That’s okay. Some things don’t need to be important to everyone else. Just some things to some people. I know the list will change with time, but if I had my own Fairy Godmother or Personal Angel to grant me 12 Wishes of Christmas, here’s what they’d be:
1. I wish for my entire family (birth, extended, in-laws) to be, and remain, debt free.
2. I wish for permanent world peace.
3. I wish for everyone in the world to live by the Golden Rule: To Do Unto Others, to respect everyone, and stop being selfish.
4. I wish for the world to be free of sickness of all kinds: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
5. I wish for Megan and I to have our book series completed, published, and prize-winning.
6. I wish for our book series to be made into movies.
7. I wish for the world to less electronic and digital; and more personal and home-made.
8. I wish for all animals to be cared for.
9. I wish for everyone to be accepted, loved, cherished, and treasured.
10. I wish for Christ to be more accepted, and “political correctness” to be abolished.
11. I wish to be the best mom ever, for ever.
12. I wish for everyone I love, to know how much I love them. For ever.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote.
Nov 30, 2011 |
Well it’s been a few weeks. I had to change a few things up around here!
First, if you go to my actual blog (not read this in an email), you’ll see that I changed my background for the season. Happy Holidays!
Second, I started using my new ZipList software for my recipes. I really like the formatting. Of course, I’m brand new at it, so I’m sure after I learn some more tricks and tips, it will become even better. Look for some, if not all, of my recipes to be reformatted and reposted in the month of December.
Thanksgiving’s behind us, but never stop giving thanks. The last week has certainly been out of sync with my love for stability, but I also love surprises… well, good ones anyway.
By the time you read this, I’ll prob’ly be in the middle of a big winter storm. The kind of storm that So Cal doesn’t usually get; and certainly not this early in the season. I’m thankful for the touch of midwest winters that I still miss, thankful for a full pantry, thankful for the warmth of cookies baking in the oven and a log on the fire.
With the not-so-good surprises and life-as-we-know-it moments, I kept thinking about my blogfriend Andrea and her daily posts about seeking peace in the midst of a busy life. I don’t think she knows how much she really inspires me. Lately, when I find myself about to over-react, I’m reminded of her posts and they touch me, sooth me, calm me. God works… even through the blog words of a stranger. [She’ll inspire you, too. Check out her blog, Quiet Mom-ents, here.]
Life is always going to throw us curveballs. What matters is that we take the swing… but only when we’re supposed to. Striking out too early is just as bad as being stranded at the plate.
So my goal for December is to not only embrace change, but actually instigate it. I know. Me. ME. A creature of habit, a lover of stability. I figure what the heck. I only have one life. Why get it stuck in a rut?
So. Bring on the storm. I’m ready… I think…
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Nov 29, 2011 |
I am really excited to share this recipe. Yes, it was posted a few weeks ago, but this time, this time, I used the ZipList plug-in. As I recently mentioned, this gives me the ability to streamline my recipes. And gives you the ability to create your own on-line recipe box.
So have fun. Have a cookie. It’s a real gem!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1-1/2 cup sifted confectioners sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
- 2-1/2 cup sifted flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup small gumdrops, sliced (don’t use black)
Instructions
- Thoroughly cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Beat in egg.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Gradually stir into creamed mixture; mix well.
- Shape dough into roll 2″ in diameter x 12″ long. Wrap in wax paper, chill several hours or overnight.
- Cut 1/4-inch thick slices. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Decorate tops with gumdrop slices.
- Bake at 350 for approximately 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Cool slightly before removing from pan.
- Makes approximately 4 dozen.
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2011/11/29/recipe-gumdrop-gem-cookies/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
