Jan 16, 2013 |
It happened. I didn’t want it to. Many of us saw the writing on the Wall. We knew this day would come. And yet, we’re still unprepared.
My beloved TV Show, FLASHPOINT, has begun to end.
Tonight was Part I of the two-part series finale. Yes. That’s right. Series finale. It won’t be back after next week.
[Courtesy Angelo Barovier/FLASHPOINT Team One, Used By Permission]
I’m in shambles. The show, as always, leaves me with a “what-the-heck-just-happened-I-need-to-learn-to-breathe-again” experience. It literally takes my breath away, and I’m consciously surprised during commercials when I find myself exhaling.
It’s impossible for me to write about FLASHPOINT without making it personal. I had absolutely nothing to do with the show. I wasn’t even one of the Lucky Ones to visit the set, cast and crew in Toronto. I’m okay with that (not really, but, you know, what can ya do…) Even so, this is a deeply personal experience for me.
As melodramatic as it reads, this show has, in some ways, changed my life. “But it’s just a TV show!” you say. “Get a life!” you tell me.
Let me tell you… in the five seasons that FLASHPOINT has been on the air:
*I became a licensed insurance agent.
*I went through two periods of unemployment. The last one lasting nearly 18 months.
*I bought a house.
*I was in a car accident.
*I reconnected with childhood friends via Facebook.
*I published my Cookbook.
*I learned to trust people I’ve never met.
*I found courage. Courage to reach for goals. Courage to think about change instead of comfort. Courage to let strangers in and let go of being intimidated.
And because of FLASHPOINT, I have many new friends. I’ve met people I otherwise would not have the privilege to know. People who have influenced me, tolerated me, cheered me on, and lifted me up.
FLASHPOINT opened up my world to possibilities. The highly interactive Facebook Page has been instrumental in making me feel connected to a world I otherwise didn’t know: the fan-based community that introduced me to others who understand: this is so much more than “just” a TV show. The producers that personally chat with me. Me. Like I’m a Somebody. Holy Reality, Batman… did Sharon just message me? Really?! Really!
When I needed a break from the Outside World, I could escape by watching FLASHPOINT on TV, on the DVR or one of the DVD sets. I always knew Team One would KEEP THE PEACE and make it better.
For my long-time readers, you’ll remember nearly three years ago when I began to really get involved with the FTPO Community online. Facebook. Twitter. I was so easily intimidated. I fluctuated between opening up and protecting my privacy. I soon realized the Community I was diving into was one of honest friendship. And it’s based on so much more than a show.
This group has supported my writing. Seen me through tragedies and celebrations. Encouraged me, and even called me on the carpet when I needed it.
I count my FPTO peeps as some of the most reliable people I know. And I’m thrilled to know that even though the show is ending, the Community is not.
So yes. When I talk about FLASHPOINT, it’s personal. And when it ends, I take it personally.
Dear FPTO,
You’ll never really know how you’ve inspired me and, cheesily, changed my life.
I wouldn’t trade it for all the chocolate in the world.
Sincerely,
Me
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
Hello/Goodbye: How Flashpoint Keeps Hitting the Mark
Do You Know FPTO?
The Long Goodbye: Flashpoint to End After Season Five
The Long Goodbye: What FLASHPOINT Means to Me
#FlashpointFinalDays
Jan 13, 2013 |
Where do I start? January’s almost half over. WHAT?! Am I the only one doing a head-turn at that statement? I hope not!
The last week had its Ups and Downs. I would expect nothing less, as life is proving itself more and more to be a teeter-totter. But I’m having a lot of fun learning how to balance each valley and peak. Just because there’s highs and lows doesn’t mean one has to be exclusively good or bad. There’s a little bit of everything everywhere. And each day, life is becoming more fascinating to me as I learn what makes it tick.
The same morning that Amy wrote this wonderful article
By Amy Zillner of the Hesperia Star
I narrowly escaped a wrong-way driver who came within inches of a head-on collision with not only myself, but the car next to me. It was a not-so-subtle reminder that all things are fleeting.
It was my first full week of work since before the holidays. And cold! Winter decided to stay around for longer than just a few hours. Thursday brought a day of inconsistent snowfall, and Friday left with a stunning winter sky.
Snow in the Foothills
Winter Sunset
I’ve been able to share my Meal Plan with many readers, and that excites me. Not just because of what it means to me as a Writer, but also because the feedback has been so encouraging. Whether its emails through Kickstarter or Blog comments or Facebook notifications… I can’t begin to express my gratitude for all your support and encouragement.
And now, this week’s Recap:
On January 6, Slow Cooker Turkey Chili was on the menu. But as you know from last week’s Recap, I made the Baked Frittata instead.
On January 7 & 8, there was still leftover pizza and frittata in the fridge. Dot spent Tuesday out and about, and had dinner elsewhere.
Rather than make the Slow Cooker Turkey Chili later in the week than planned, I froze the meat and prepared to move on to the next dish on calendar.
Here’s where I confess to cheating on my Meal Plan: on Wednesday I treated myself to breakfast from McDonald’s.
My Favorite From McDonald’s
I’d been exhausted from the holidays, and feeling run down. As much as I praise my Meal Plan and frugal budgeting, my body was asking for this food. You know those moments before you get sick when you crave certain flavors? This was it. I indulged with $5.38 and treated myself to a warm breakfast. It got me through the day and when I came home, I made Potato Chip Casserole.
Potato Chip Casserole
This is another family favorite. While Dot crushed the bag of chips, I mixed the soups and milk. Half an hour later, we were enjoying this salty, crunchy, meaty hot dish while talking about our day with each other.
It’s so fun to cook together and eat together. I love these times with my daughter. I absolutely love them and I absolutely love her!
On Thursday, we ate dinner at Mutti’s again as my cousin Betty came to visit with two of her friends. They’re from Wisconsin, and driving around the country. This delightful trio regaled us with their travel stories and photographs. Mom made the delicious Texas Hash, and her guests were delighted enough with the recipe to buy the last copies of the first edition of my Cookbook! (Thank you, Betty, Pat and Marge!)
Dot went out with friends on Friday, leaving me to scrounge for a few snacks as I wasn’t hungry enough for a full meal.
On Saturday, I attended a Writer’s Club meeting with Amy (the aforementioned reporter), then met Dot at Mom’s to watch the Green Bay Packers… let’s not talk about that any more, shall we? Thanks. We helped Mom clean up her leftovers and didn’t get home until nearly 9 o’clock.
That means I’m nearly a week behind on my cooking, but a week ahead on the Plan. What I didn’t make last week, I’ll make this week, and next.
For the remainder of this month, I have everything I need except milk. We’ll have more Ratatouille, Veggie Pizza, Potato Chip Casserole, Texas Hash, and the Slow Cooker Turkey Chili.
So. What’s on your plate?
What are some of your favorite recipes?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jan 12, 2013 |
This wonderfully simple recipe is salty, crunchy, meaty, and filling.
My Mom’s recipe calls for tuna but since Dot prefers chicken.
Add a dash of salt and pepper when it’s ready… there’s nothing like it!
Potato Chip Casserole
INGREDIENTS:
1 bag (12 oz.) potato chips, crushed
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can Cream of Chicken soup, undiluted
1/2 soup can of milk
1 can (12 oz.) chicken or tuna
Mix all ingredients together. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.
It’s that simple, and even more delicious!
~Happy Eating!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
[Like this recipe? Want more like it?
Pre-order your copy of The Unemployment Cookbook here.]
Jan 12, 2013 |
Dear Reader-Subscriber-Follower-Family-Friend-Inquisitive Person,
You may have heard I wrote a Cookbook. If you’ve been around the Blog or my Facebook page (or me) for anything length of time, this is not news. In fact, you may think it’s all I talk about.
The truth is, I’ve worked very hard at not spamming you with an abundance of posts relating to the Cookbook itself. Sure, you’ve been reading about my recipes and Meal Plans and how places like Casey’s Cupcakes and WinCo Foods are taking notice. So I must be doing Something Right.
But it’s not quite enough.
I need your help.
The Cookbook cover below links to my Kickstarter campaign. I need to raise $3,200 more before February 1, 2013. Kickstarter is all-or-nothing. My goal is $5,000. If I’m one penny short, the Project is unfunded.
Kickstarter is a great way for creative people to pre-sell their projects, and find Project Backers. Each Project is as different as the person creating it.
My Project offers a copy of The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition, to Backers who pledge $15 or more. And there are more Rewards as well. Recipe cards, coffee mugs, and tote bags.
People who pledge now don’t pay until Project completion. My end date is February 1st. That’s only 20 days away. That means I need to average $160/day to meet my goal.
I have to be honest, here. I’m nervous that I might not have the funds to succeed. And that’s a thought that didn’t enter my head before I started this. I’ve had such a great response from those who have the First Edition, and comments on my Blog and Facebook Pages.
The news reports are constantly telling us that inflation is back. Grocery prices are on the rise. People are having a hard time already. I believe wholeheartedly The Unemployment Cookbook is not just a collection of recipes, but an essential tool to help others feed their families with less financial strain.
My drive to publish The Unemployment Cookbook, Second Edition, is not just to say “I did it.” It’s to help others put hearty, tasty, frugal meals on the table.
Will you help? I invite you to check it out for yourself. Visit my Kickstarter campaign. Watch the video. Read the updates. Leave a comment. And share the link with your people. Help me get the word out. Please.
And thank you.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jan 10, 2013 |
Dear Mom,
You know I love you. You know, next to my daughter, you’re the most important person to me on this earth. I love that we are Three Generations of Desert Women: strong, durable. Louis L’Amour would be the first to praise your character. How tough you are, how strong and resourceful and faithful and determined. You are our rock, our foundation, our example. You’ve taught us how to forge our way through instead of turning back to the comfort of mediocrity.
And I want to be just like you when I grow up. And I want to be you for my daughter.
The other day, two lovely old ladies came into the office. Let’s call them Beatrice and Victoria. They were wonderful. I watched them drive up in an older but well-cared for vehicle. The driver carefully stepped out and helped the other from the passenger seat. They slowly, gently walked up to the sidewalk and stepped into the office, laughing at how age has slowed their bodies but not their minds.
I knew instantly they were special. They were friends, good friends. Perhaps the best. They might even have been sisters; they looked similar and age had drawn them more alike in later years. Their crows’ feet were in the same place, their lips crinkled in the same way.
Victoria, the younger of the two, helped Beatrice into a chair then sat in the one next to her. They introduced themselves and it was then I realized Beatrice was the 92-year-old mother to 75-year-old Victoria.
They needed changes to their insurance policy. But they didn’t want one to incur the loss of discount by making the change. I offered several compromises, and as they sat at my desk discussing their options I could only think, “I want to be them.”
These wonderful women finished each others’ sentences. They smiled and laughed at conversations only they were aware of. And in the few minutes they were in my presence, I was enthralled with the closeness they exhibited. Their friendship, their care, and their attitude toward the world. These are two women who made it through many hard times, and didn’t let it get them down. These are two women who clung together and still manage to laugh at life.
Promise me, in another 40 years or so, we’ll still be just like them. Promise me we’ll laugh at these hard times, learn our lessons, and laugh out loud. A lot.
Promise me, when I’m older then than you are now, that we’ll still be best friends. And walk into someone’s office and make them smile.
And want to be just like us.
With much love, hugs, and laughter,
Your loving daughter,
~Me
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
