Enjoy Every Moment

On Saturday, I read a wonderful blog entry of my friend, Mike Scopa.  It resonates my views and the meaning behind my blog.  Mike, too, is one of the "saints and poets" who "gets it"!  Visit it now and take heed!

The View from Scopa Towers

Totally Tuesday Book Club

I have always enjoyed reading as well as writing.  My grandmother used to say that she never saw me without a book in my hands.  Nowadays, one can find books and bookshelves in every room in my house.  And there are also Nooks and apps on the computers, IPad and phone for books and more books.  Yes, I like to read!

A few years ago, our previous pastor and fellow avid reader, Beth Nelson, organized the Third Thursday Book Club at our church.  We have continued it ever since.  We moved it to a Tuesday last year and renamed it the Totally Tuesday Book Club.  We meet the first Tuesday of the month and enjoy discussing a great cross section of books.  I'll share some of our previous selections in future posts.  But for today, here is a look at what we are doing this year.  Maybe there is something here that you might enjoy.  Or maybe you have some suggestions of books that you have enjoyed.

Respect



Image courtesy of [Michael Elliott] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Respect - from the Latin meaning looking back. 
 

As Election Day 2012 comes to a close, I have been thinking about the word respect.  I am thankful that so many that I know have chosen to respect each other’s similarities and differences as opposed to disrespecting others because of political views.  Throughout the campaign time there have been some who had become so entrenched in their choice and support of candidates that they let that drive their lives.  And, often, some appear to focus on the political climate above all else in relating to others with a sort of tunnel vision.   Some became so focused on all that was spinning around them that they appeared to have forgotten the importance of the concept of respect in relation to others in their lives.

Politics is not what defines who we are.  Respect for each other, for family and friends, and for our country and its leaders is ultimately more important than who supports whom or who votes for whom.  When all finally is settled in this election, as in all elections, all need to acknowledge and accept the outcome and continue to do their best to be the best person that they can be.  It also means to accept and move on.  And that means to respect others and to work together to support all that our country stands for.  Two friends put it quite well when they talked about how friends or family members can have differing political affiliations, different views and still love and respect each other.  It is my hope that this is possible for many.  With such a very close election this year, there will be an opportunity for division or for cooperation.   The choice is up to each individual.   With respect for each other, let us cooperate and work together for our country.  After all, respecting others around us, including our leaders can help us to be the people and the nation we need to be.

So as the election comes to a close and we discover in what direction our country will be going, take time to look back and to respect all who are a part of the process.  Each has a part in history.  And look at those around you and remember what makes them important to you.   Campaigns and elections are but a small part of what occurs in our lives.  Friendships, relationships and respect continue every day.   As you look forward to the future also look back with respect on all who are important in your lives. 

Special thank yous to my friend Mark and Bishop Tom for your inspiring words today as always.

Quotably Yours #12

Who Said It?

The master in the art of living makes little distinction between his work and his play, his labor and his leisure, his mind and his body, his information and his recreation, his love and his religion. He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence at whatever he does, leaving others to decide whether he is working or playing. To him he's always doing both.

Hint:  The author of this quotation is known to be loquacious in his/her writing! ;)

Quick Fudge

In an effort to post more, I thought that today I would share a recipe that I like.  It is decadent, but it's really good to have on hand as we move into holiday entertaining.  Now, assuming that you have no leftover Halloween candy, you might want to give this a try this weekend, just to be sure it's good for guests during the holidays!

 

Quick Fudge

This recipe comes from a fellow Longaberger Consultant.  It’s very easy and very decadent for those who love chocolate and fudge!  I think it tastes a lot like the Hershey’s recipe on the can which requires lots of work and talent, which my grandmother always made, but much, much easier.

1 box or 4C. powdered sugar

1/2 c. Hershey's Cocoa powder
1 stick of REAL butter (margarine will NOT work)
1/4 C. Milk
Chopped nuts optional

Place Grandma Bonnie's Pie plate, or 8x8 in freezer for 20 min. or longer

In the lid to the 8-in-1 Entertainer or a Longaberger Mixing bowl, batter bowl, or buffet bowl, mix powdered sugar and cocoa.* Scatter the chunks of butter over the mixture, but do NOT stir. Drizzle milk over mixture, but do not stir. Cover with a paper towel and microwave for 2 min. on high. With a wire whisk, stir until smooth. Pour into the chilled pie plate or 8x8. Place in the refrigerator for 25-35 min. Slice fudge and arrange in your favorite pottery piece or basket.

*Note from Sandy:

I sift the powdered sugar and cocoa together.  It takes more time, but I think it makes it much easier to blend completely.

All Saints Day

Remembering those who have gone before us on All Saints Day.

For All the Saints

Text: William W. How, 1823-1897
Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
Tune: SINE NOMINE, Meter: 10 10 10 with Alleluias

1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

2. Thou wast their rock, their fortress, and their might;
thou Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;
thou in the darkness drear, their one true light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

3. O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
and win with them the victor's crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

4. O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in thee, for all are thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

5. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
and hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

6. From earth's wide bounds, from ocean's farthest coast,
through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!

Living Life Every Moment!

EMILY: "Does anyone ever realize life while they live it...every, every minute?"

STAGE MANAGER: "No. Saints and poets maybe...they do some.”
― Thornton Wilder, Our Town

10-24-2012

Saints and Poets.   My blog.  This title was the first thing that entered my mind when I decided to begin a blog a few years ago.  My blog would be a collection of many different things that are part of my life every day.  I knew this had to be the title. It’s a line that I have always remembered, even if I have not always heeded its message.   It says it all.  And it hit home once again this week just how precious every moment is in our lives.  I may not be a saint, but I am a poet.  And I’m glad that I am.

The lines, of course, come from the Pulitzer Prize winning Thornton Wilder play, Our Town, written in the late 1930s about the early 20^th century mythical town of Grover’s Corners.  It was one of the pieces of American literature that we studied in high school.  Now, some things that I learned have stayed with me forever.  Others didn’t stay too long.  But I am one to remember some of the wonders of the written language.  And Our Town was one of those.  Now, we didn’t do the play as a performance for others outside the classroom, but we did do it in the LGI, the Large Group Instruction room, a cavern of a room,  I remember.  We all had parts.  We studied and analyzed the story.  We learned lines.  We worked for weeks.  We performed.  Some may say that the main character of the play is Emily Webb.  But the main character is truly the Stage Manager.  The Stage Manager plays many roles in the drama, both within the story and as an outside observer.  I read somewhere that the Stage Manager was able to break down the fourth wall, that imaginary wall that divides the stage from the audience-fantasy from reality.  I can think of no other play that does that so very well.  And in Our Town, there is minimal staging, scenery, set and costumes.  The characters and their part in the story are the focus of this play.    But, back to the Stage Manager.  The Stage Manager knows the story on stage intimately and is very wise.  The quintessential line in the play comes in the third act, as Emily, after her death, tries to recapture moments of her life.  She becomes frustrated that in the everyday things of life, too many of the people whom she loves don’t pay attention to what is really going on.  Too many don’t live in the present and enjoy every moment of life and living.  She asks in her frustration and disappointment in trying to recapture the moments, of the Stage Manager, “Does anyone ever realize life while they live it...every, every minute?".  And his answer is, "No. Saints and poets maybe...they do some.”   I love that line!  It’s truly a line to live by!

We all need to be saints and poets every day.  We need to embrace every moment in our life and celebrate those moments and those around us.  What may seem inconsequential is what life and love and family and friends is all about.  We, like Emily and all of the rest of the characters, can miss out on so much if we are not aware of the joy of life in every moment.   All moments are part of who we are.   And that’s the reason I chose Saints and Poets as the title of my blog.  I want to always remember to live life every moment because every moment, whether happy or sad, is a part of life and a part of all of the people who are a part of our lives.  Each moment is precious and is part of who we are.  This came back to me earlier this week when I learned of the death of a good friend that I had known since childhood.  He was a good person.  He lived life every day.  He loved his family and his friends.   And he will be missed by many.  But we will celebrate his life tomorrow!  And, yes, if you haven’t already figured it out, my friend, John Arthur, was the Stage Manager all those years ago in high school when we did Our Town.  So, John, here’s one friend who will always remember you for many things, but mostly for your line from Our Town.  I will be one of the poets who live life every, every minute!  And from now on, this blog is dedicated to you, your life, and your memory.

Living life every moment!

 

Dreamers

Photo from NASA.gov

If you can dream it, you can do it.
Walt Disney

I thought about Walt Disney and that quote last Saturday when I read of the death of Neil Armstrong at age 82.   Neil Armstrong was a hero and a dreamer who put his dreams into actions.  Walt Disney dreamed about the future.  Tomorrowland, although to some it may seem a make believe world of yesterday’s dreams, is part of the vision of Walt Disney.  The future, space and space travel were part of much that Walt Disney imagined as he created Disneyland and Walt Disney World.  From a short documentary with Dr. Werner Von Braun in the fifties to Mission to Mars to Space Mountain to Mission Space and Spaceship Earth and especially his vision of EPCOT,  Walt loved dreaming about the future and doing the impossible.  So last Saturday, when I read of the passing of Neil Armstrong so soon after Sally Ride, I thought about the impact Walt’s fellow dreamers, who were a part of the space program, had on our nation.  Our astronauts, just like Walt, dreamed of doing the impossible.  And they did it.

Growing up as a Baby Boomer, the space program and the astronauts were an integral part of our daily lives.  We dreamed of space travel.  We played space games and had space toys.  We watched space cartoons.  We learned a whole new set of vocabulary related to space.  Astronauts were our heroes.  We learned about space as we watched space shots on TVs wheeled into classrooms, just for that purpose.    We cheered at liftoffs and water landings and space capsule recoveries.  And we watched as we, yes we, landed on the Moon.  Our lives were changed forever when the “Eagle” landed late on July 20 and Neil Armstrong stepped off that ladder a few hours later onto the surface of the Moon on July 21, 1969.  The astronauts showed us that what others might say is impossible, can be achieved.  We were encouraged to “reach for the stars” in all that we did, which included encouraging boys and girls to learn more about math and science and explore careers involving these.   Girls, especially, learned that they could be anything they wanted to be, including astronauts.

Without dreamers like Walt Disney, Sally Ride, Christa Mc Auliffe and Neil Armstrong, the world would be a very different place today.  Their dreams made the world a better place.  Because of their dreams and their actions, many more dreamers have made discoveries that benefit all.   Their legacies live on in those who follow them as dreamers who make the future happen. 

 

The next time you are in The American Adventure, and you’re singing along and you get to the part of the Golden Dream where we remember the Moon landing, pay extra attention to that dreamer who made the first step.  Thank you, Neil Armstrong, for inspiring so many to follow their dreams.   Thank you for dreaming and living your dreams.

 

Take a lesson from these dreamers, especially Neil Armstrong.  Make your dreams happen!

 

To learn more about Neil Armstrong, visit NASA.

WDW Favorites

You never know what you may find here!  My blog is nothing if not eclectic!  It could be a recipe, a Longaberger experience, a new book, some poetry, etc.  But today it's...DISNEY!!!

All who know me know how much I love WDW.  I can never get enough of it.  So in those long days when I am not there, I find lots of ways to enjoy WDW through my friends.    Sometimes we are lucky enough to get together in person.  Sometimes we meet and talk on our online sites.  But most of the time I just go to my favorites and head to the best Disney sites.  Here are some of my favorite places.  I hope that you find some that are perfect for you, too.

AllEars
www.allears.net
Are you looking for all things Disney?  Park information, resorts, dining and so many others?  Then AllEars.net is the place to go.  Under the direction and guidance of Deb Wills and Deb Martin-Koma this site is not to be missed.  Updated constantly, you will find information on all parks, resorts and everything else related to WDW and Disneyland.  And the blogs are extremely well done, written by true Disney lovers.

WDWToday
www.wdwtoday.com
I love listening to WDWToday anytime and anywhere.  This has always been my favorite podcast for many reasons.  Number one, I know and trust and respect the people who are the WDWToday podcast.  You cannot find four more dedicated and talented individuals anywhere.   Matt Hochberg, Mike Newell, Mike Scopa and Len Testa know most of the answers to anything WDW related or can find the answer very quickly.  And the occasional co-hosts are welcome additions, too.  If you want the best in WDW info updated three times a week, listen to WDWToday.  And join us for the monthly live show on the last Sundays of the months, too.

WDWRadio
www.wdwradio.com
Now, if you have lots of time available, you might want to listen to this weekly podcast by Lou Mongello.  Now, be forewarned that you will need a larger chunk of time to listen, but it will be well worth it.  Lou is a one man walking encyclopedia of Disney knowledge.  In addition to his weekly podcast, his site is a wonderful place to spend time.  And chances are very high that, if you are walking through Walt Disney World Resort for any amount of time, you will probably find Lou in his favorite place!

TouringPlans
www.touringplans.com
I frequent Touring Plans in three ways.  I visit the online site, I read my Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and I use my Touring Plans app on my phone.  Yes!  I check wait times and crowd numbers even when I'm sitting at home dreaming of Disney!  Touring Plans is extremely helpful in planning your days at the parks by using extensive research and data to create their Crowd Calendars and their individual Touring Plans.  There are many plans for many different ways of touring the parks, depending on how much time you wish to spend, which parks you want to visit and even who will be touring.  But, if that's not enough, you can even design your own touring plan.  Be sure to check Touring Plans out before you plan your next trip!

DIS Boards
www.disboards.com
The "DIS Boards" were the first Disney type Internet site I discovered many years ago.  And from there, I made friends and found other great places.  I still stop in from time to time to look for specific information.  It is organized with message boards where you can choose what your interests are.  It's still a great place to find out about current and upcoming discount offers coming from Disney.

Passporter
www.passporter.com
This is a beautifully constructed and organized site headed by Jennifer and Dave Marx.  Many of you may be familiar with the very handy Passporter books.  Jennifer and Dave have many Passporter books addressing various Disney travel interests, including Walt Disney World, WDW Special Celebrations and Disney Cruises, just to name a few.  Many articles are posted each week. 

A Salute to Disney Communites of Friends...but mostly Tagrel!
www.tagrel.com
There are many Internet communities out there with many members.  Some of my friends are DISers.  Some are part of Lou's Box People at WDWRadio.  Some meet together on the Passporter boards.  Some are found at Studios Central.com.  Others frequent Be Our Guest.  But, in my opinion, Tagrel is the best "community".  I love it!  It is my family!  It is the work of Dave Card and some very wonderful administrators and moderators.  Tagrel is full of Disney people, Disney information, Disney photos and Disney love!   And the best trip reports can be found there!  Sometimes, when I think of Tagrel I think of the old TV show Cheers.  It is "where everybody knows your name" and they're always glad you came!  If you are looking for more Disney friends, there are lots of great places!

The Relocated Tourist
www.therelocatedtourist.com
I have just recently discovered a wonderful person named Amy Falk Peterman.  I had heard of her through some of my friends, but never started following her love of Disney and her adventures until a few months ago.  Amy now shares what it's like to pick up a family and to move closer to "the Mouse".  She shares her experiences about the move and about now living so close to WDW.  Check her out!

So Much More
I could go on, but for now I'll just leave you with a couple more sites that I love.  I hope that you find some that you enjoy as much as I do!

Mouseworld Radio
Enjoying the Magic
Babycakes
Disney Daddy
Mouse Fan Travel
Studios Central
Disney Food Blog
MousePlanet
Diznee Momma
We Wants the Redhead

Pineapple Upside Down Cakes in Longaberger® Dessert Bowls!

As fellow consultants make their way to BEE 2012, I was looking through some recipes that I have saved that use our Longaberger products.  I love Pineapple Upside Down Cake and this recipe is a neat way to make little ones.  If you don't have the retired dessert bowls, there are other pieces of our pottery that would work, too.  I'd try the soup/salad bowls, to start with.  They'd be bigger but just as pretty and tasty.

Here you go!

1 box of yellow or pineapple cake mix
2 cans of pineapple ring slices (drain, saving juice as your water)
Maraschino Cherries drained
3/4 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cup brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350^oF.

Spray dessert bowls with non stick cooking spray and place on baking sheet. (I got about 11 or 12 Longaberger dessert bowls per recipe)

Mix boxed yellow or pineapple cake mix according to direction except substitute the water with pineapple juice. Set aside

Melt butter over heat in sauce pan & add brown sugar. Cook until well blended about 2 minutes
Place 1 heaping tablespoon in the bottom of each Longaberger dessert bowl. Any remaining brown sugar mix can be divided amongst the dessert bowls.
Place one pineapple ring in each Longaberger Dessert Bowl and press down lightly, place one maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring pressing down into the brown sugar mixture!

Place a heaping 1/4 cup of the cake batter on top of each pineapple ring. Making sure the pineapple ring is completely covered.  Place any extra mix evenly amongst all the dessert bowls. Bowls should be about ½” from the top rim.

Place the Longaberger® Dessert Bowls on a baking sheet in the oven and bake at 350 for about 30 - 35 minutes.
Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes then with an oven mitt or wash rag folded carefully turn over all the dessert bowls onto a Longaberger® Cake Plate or each cake onto a Longaberger® Bread Plate.
If you turn over all the dishes, allowing each one to set about a minute, the mini cakes will come out easily. They are almost too pretty to eat!
Serve Warm or Cold!
Enjoy!

Cream of Broccoli Soup

This is a very easy and delicious recipe for broccoli soup that I found years ago in Better Homes and Gardens magazine.  Just like some other great recipes, they've never shown up again in any issue or cookbook.  Enjoy!

Cream of Broccoli Soup

1 ½ C. chicken broth
½ C. chopped onion
2 C. broccoli cuts
½ t. dried thyme, crushed
1 small bay leaf
Dash of garlic powder
2 T. butter
2 T. flour
½ t. salt
Few dashes of white pepper
1 C. milk


In saucepan, combine chicken broth, onion, broccoli, thyme, bay leaf and garlic powder. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 minutes or till broccoli is tender. Remove bay leaf. Place the rest of the mixture in blender or food processor. Cover and blend 30-60 seconds or till smooth. *

In same saucepan, melt butter. Blend in flour, salt and white pepper. Add the milk all at once. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Stir in the vegetable puree. Cook till heated through.

Yield 3 ½ cups

*Since I first used this recipe I have bought one of the immersion blenders and prefer that to the blender or the food processor. It makes cleanup much easier.