May 7, 2015 |
Lizzie Cat
Welcome to Life with Lizzie: a new weekly feature here at Frankly, My Dear . . .
You know me. I’m Lizzie Cat. I’m the oldest of five at Catford Manor. Now that the Human Sister has grown up and moved out, Mom is left alone with us. She calls us her FurFamily and I guess that’s right. I mean, we are family. And we are furry.
Does that make her a Crazy Cat Woman?
I’m her favorite. I know this because she tells me. Oh, she loves Berry Sunshine, Little, Sparkles and Iris just as much. But different. Mom and I? We have a bond. I’m her favorite, and she’s mine.
I steal her stuffed animals when she’s not looking. I don’t hide them or anything. I just claim them for my own. C’mon. . . she leaves all day and they’re just sitting there. Out in the open. Someone has to snuggle with them. Am I right?
She calls me her writing partner. I like that. I like when she’s got a great idea, how excited and animated she gets. I like that she leans over and kisses me (but don’t tell her that). Mostly I love sleeping next to her. She complains that she can’t get any work done that way, but I think that’s a lie. She always manages to do just fine.
Writing Partners
Mom’s different since the Human Sister left. Sometimes she’s sad, so my sisters and I sit closer to her. She doesn’t cry much but I think she wants to.
Sometimes she’s happy. She dances more. Not in any particular pretty rhythm. But she does okay when she thinks no one is watching. She turns on the big black screen and it thumps. Loud. I don’t like that, and try to tell her so but she doesn’t listen so I just go to the other room until it’s over. She sings, too. Loud. I do like that, for the most part. We used to sing together but that was years ago.
She doesn’t eat at home as often. I guess I don’t mind because I don’t eat her food anyway, but Berry Sunshine is a little sad because she likes licking the plates. Mom’s friend Tania brought pepperoni pizza the other night, and we all took turns eating the crumbs. It was pretty good. I think Mom should have people like Tania over more often.
On the weekends, sometimes, she lets me go play in the yard. I like to roll around in the sand because it’s nice and cool, but when I come in she yells at me for getting the coffee table dirty. But she was the one who opened the door! See? A bit crazy there, I think.
She talks to herself once in a while. Or to people who aren’t there. When she’s writing, she yells at her computer. She calls it Babycakes which is strange because it’s not a baby and none of us can eat it. She pets it, too, which I can’t imagine being comfortable. It has no fur.
My favorite part of the day is bedtime. I can always when it’s time because she folds up her silver Babycakes, grabs her bottle of water and slips her flip-flops on before walking back to the bedroom. As soon as she sits up straighter from the recliner, I know all those other things are about to happen so I always try to race her to the bed. If I get to the pillow before she does, I make her scrunch her neck and shoulders around me. Once I’m settled, I’m settled. It’s her fault for staying up later than me, right?
Uh-oh. Looks like Mom’s getting ready to go in now. I better get there before she does, or else I’ll have to find a spot at the foot of the bed.
I’ll be back next week with more stories about Mom and my sisters.
Until then, have a mewwy great week!
Love,
Lizzie
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
Catford Manor in Pictures
How a Bird Bath Destroyed My House
Lessons Learned: The Domesticated Cat Edition
Mar 1, 2015 |
For several months, I’ve not been writing. At least not to the extent I was last summer.
It wasn’t writer’s block, exactly. I had a lot to say. I just got in my own way of saying it.
The thought had come upon me that what I had to say was far less valuable than what others had to say. That my words were less worthwhile than life.
I stumbled over the thought that perhaps
I am insignificant.
I’ve been going through the motions, attending critique groups, writers club, and special events. I’ve been editing and socializing and marketing and networking and doing all the things a successful writer does . . . except writing.
There are some moments that belong to others, stories I shouldn’t share. Seasons that are too personal to blog about. And life that moves too quickly to put it on paper.
February brought adventure into my world that I didn’t know it needed. Not only did Dot get engaged, they are already married and next week, heading to Seattle for a great opportunity for both of them. I’m utterly sad to see them leave, but it’s with open arms that I can let them go, and embrace the new part of my life.
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
~ A. A. Milne, “Winnie the Pooh”
I was suffocated with a momentary fear that I don’t know how to be my own person. I’ve lived my live so consistently for other people . . . what will it be like to live alone?
And I saw the doors open on a new horizon.
I’m already chatting with WinCo Foods to create new #CookingForOne recipes.
My friends want me to share my journey of being pushed into an Empty Nest so quickly.
I’ve discovered that girlfriends, writers, and God are more important now than before.
There’s no lack of writing material for this new life.
I’m going to turn the extra room into a media/workout room.
I can write late into the evenings without interruption.
I’m able to stay out later, go out more often, and do more things because there’s not a second person’s schedule or dinner plans to coordinate with.
I’m no longer a single mom. I’m just single. And I’m okay with that.
Of course, I still have five cats and writing and home improvement projects. Those haven’t changed. But I’m seeing life differently.
I’m seeing it boldly and in living color.
I’m seeing HOPE.
HOPE is the thing with feathers . . .
Later this month, I’m having an Empty Nest party to celebrate my new adventures.
And I’ve decided that celebrating every day is an adventure in itself.
And Frankly, My Dear . . . that’s all she wrote!
You may also enjoy reading:
2015: HOPE
But I’m not good enough to attend a Christian writers conference . . .
Winco Wins
I am Defined. And I am a Mystery.
May 11, 2013 |
This Mother’s Day Weekend, I took my family to a different sort of outing.
The Hesperia Station Activities Committee is a support group for our local Police Department. Consisting of officer’s spouses and significant others, this group takes on the burdens behind the scenes. They’re quick to support families of police officers and not just in difficult times. They gather together to show their common bonds when an officer retires or has a baby. They raise funds to help with family-based social events throughout the year. They draw attention to the lesser known side of being a cop’s family. They encourage each other. And they share themselves with the community. The monies they raise through this breakfast will help when an officer’s family member is sick or injured. Who hasn’t had a kid in the ER at least once in their life? What happens when an officer is involved in a major investigation and can’t make it home? The HSAC is there. There are so many ways that supporting an officer’s family is just as important as supporting the work he or she does.
This year, the Committee sponsored a public Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast. At just $6 per ticket, it’s far cheaper than the larger school-based fundraiser breakfasts or even the Buy-One-Get-One-Free coupon books offered throughout the year.
So it was an obvious no-brainer for me to treat Dot and her two grandmothers. Full breakfast. Four people. $24.00. Yeah. That’s a good investment. When was the last time you ate such a hearty breakfast for so little? I mean the kind that didn’t come wrapped in waxy paper or served in a cardboard box?
Just look at this tasty abundance! And *BONUS* it was all you could eat. How fantastic is that? The Maple Syrup was exceptionally flavorful, as well. I’m nearly certain they brought it in from New England just for this. It was an event worth writing home to Mom about.
The entire experience welcomed us with a feeling of importance, of being deliciously pampered. Sure, it’s not the Ritz. There weren’t fancy tablecloths and fine china. But for $6, did you think it would be? The point is, it was still a great breakfast that not only fed us but will enable the Activities Committee to offer support throughout the year to officers and their families. However they need it.
There were no dishes to clean up. We didn’t have to watch the clock or the stove. We met new people. We spent the morning with great food and great company, for a great cause. Three of my favorite reasons to live combined to make this the perfect morning. We were given the opportunity to relax, be fed, be social, and support the ones who support the ones who protect our neighborhood.
For all they do for us, it’s the least we could do for them.
And celebrating the family Matriarchs as part of the deal? Well, that’s just icing on the cake!
[Support your local officers and their families. Contact your local police, sheriff, and fire departments to find out information on supporting their community events and how you can volunteer to help behind the scenes. It’s what they do that make it possible for you to safely do what you do. So let them know. And tell their Mommies “thanks!” for raising such fine men and women!]
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
This post is my contribution to NerdWallet’s ‘Mother’s Day Your Way Contest’. Click on the graphic to visit their website and see contributions from other bloggers celebrating Moms in their own way!
May 11, 2013 |
My Baked Frittata is one of my most popular recipes. It’s my favorite quick Go-To Combo, and my best lazy weekend morning treat. It’s never the same twice, and that’s just how I like it!
Baked Frittata Italian Style
Easily altered to suit your Mom’s flavor buds, this dish offers an incredibly delicious dining experience whether you’re making it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Start with a basic mixture of eggs, milk and cheese, then add your own preferred additions to truly make it your own one-of-a-kind creation. For Mother’s Day, I chose ingredients sure to please her pallet: mini pepperonis, diced onion, mushroom, seasoned tomatoes and a shredded cheese blend. You can add finely chopped herbs and seasonings, green peppers and other vegetables… whatever your Mom’s heart desires.
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (or other diced meat)
- 1 can diced, seasoned tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup mushrooms, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh spinach, cut
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- salt
- pepper
- seasonings (Italian mix, basil, garlic salt)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Scramble eggs in bowl.
- Add all other ingredients.
- Mix well.
- Spray 9 x 9 inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Pour mix into baking dish.
- Bake for approximately 55 minutes, until eggs are cooked and edges are slightly browned.
- Serve big or small portions.
- Top with a dollop of marinara sauce.
- Enjoy!
3.1
https://franklymydearmojo.com/2013/05/11/mothers-day-frittata/ (c) 2012 Frankly, My Dear... New Inklings Press
Frittata
Doesn’t that look delicious?
Serve with a cup of coffee or juice, and make your Mother’s Day complete!
You can find this and other easy, inexpensive recipes in THE UNEMPLOYMENT COOKBOOK, SECOND EDITION, available through New Inklings Press.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
This post is my contribution to NerdWallet’s ‘Mother’s Day Your Way Contest’. Click on the graphic to visit their website and see contributions from other bloggers celebrating Moms in their own way!
May 9, 2012 |
Welcome to this week’s What’s the Word? Wednesday: a linky that allows other bloggers to share whatever is on their minds that they want to talk about. Think of it as a virtual coffee date with some great friends. What’s going on in your world? Tell us all about it!
This week we have a theme: Moms. Mothers. Mommas. Mommies. Madres.
In honor of the upcoming Mother’s Day celebrations this Sunday, link up whatever posts you have that give honor to these great women. Do you love your Mom? Are you a Mom? Neither, but know a Mom? Do you have a Mom story you want to share? Whatever you want to write about Moms, go ahead and link it up here.
Here’s my contribution:
The Top Twenty Reasons I Love My Mom
20. She makes the best egg salad ever.
19. She is an awesome grandma to my daughter.
18. She helped fix up my house before I even moved in by painting and cleaning with me.
17. She understands me when I just look at her without speaking.
16. She doesn’t get upset when I call her five times in half an hour.
15. She doesn’t get upset when I forget to call her about something important.
14. She lets me drive her around town while listening to my music.
13. She buys me awesome CD’s like Celtic Thunder and Andrea Bocelli.
12. She invites us over every time she tries a new recipe.
11. She’s not allergic to our cats.
10. She buys me a new Nutcracker every Christmas.
9. She likes my friends.
8. We have amazing talks about God and faith and the state of the world.
7. We have amazing laughs about everything else.
6. She introduced me to the written word.
5. She supports my creative career choice.
4. She contributed a lot to The Unemployment Cookbook.
3. She makes the best Chocolate Cherry Cake for everyone’s birthday.
2. Even though it’s really not her style, she tried watching “FLASHPOINT” just because it means so much to me.
And the Number One reason I love my Mom:
She puts on a pot of coffee for us to drink together and talk.
Every. Single. Day.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
NOTE: All What’s the Word? Wednesday Blog Hops are open from Wednesday through the following Tuesday. So if you don’t have a post or comment today, that’s okay. You can link up any time before the next Blog Hop starts! Next week there’s no theme, so feel free to chat about everything that’s on your mind.
