Auducation No. 13 Monday, January 16, 2012 |
Return to Me-Matthew Ryan
Labels: auducation, music, sharing
Auducation No. 10 Thursday, August 04, 2011 |
Auducation No. 9 Sunday, July 24, 2011 |
Auducation No. 8 Friday, July 01, 2011 |
Auducation No. 7 Friday, December 31, 2010 |
Theme Week; a brief explanation Wednesday, December 22, 2010 |
Freshly inspired by an amazing friend, I am going to start a new blog series: "Theme Week"....every week, we will select a different theme, and daily post pictures representing that theme. Hopefully, this will get the creative juices flowing. I look forward to undertaking this project, and I hope you all enjoy reading/seeing it! :) That said, on to the first post!! :)
Labels: sharing, theme week
Consolidation Friday, December 03, 2010 |
These are re-posts from my other blog...posted here solely for consolidation.
Re-post from July 30th, 2009
This Past Year...
What I Let Go of This Past Year:
My health.
Most of my comfort zones.
My figure.
Getting up early every morning.
A clean room.
Pants that fit right.
Some of the people I thought would always be there.
Sleeping on a regular schedule.
Having multiple jobs and a 32-credit class schedule.
Reading books that require an attention span.
Doing almost anything that requires an attention span.
Spontaneity and some of my independence.
Living beyond this moment.
What I Found This Past Year:
Lung Cancer and paraneoplastic neurological syndrome.
Open eyes and heart.
The benefits of patience.
An amazing medical team.
Surprises in my Kleenex.
That there is always a reason to smile somewhere.
Compazine to compensate for Vincristine and Revimmune.
Reiki.
Love and care from my family; if you're still in my life at this point, you're family.
Ginger. Ginger snaps, ginger tea, ginger cubes; I will take it all.
New ways to trust.
Precious times with my sisters (you know who you are).
The most amazing friends in the world.
Re-post from July 30, 2009
Thoughts on this past year...
Yesterday, I found out that one of my dearest “battle buddies” has retired her armor. “No more popsicles, no more pain days”. Janie is now in remission from lung cancer, and I couldn’t be happier for her. In a conversation with her, one that at first felt like any other of the numerous we have shared, I realized it’s been a year. She told me how brave I've become, and how strong, and I suppose I might be. I haven’t seen my past year as she has; have I really changed so much? I find it funny that she thinks of me exactly how I think of her…it astounds me that we can see great strength in others, but not in ourselves. I’ve been thinking so much lately, and the following is just thought expressed… feel free to read if you want, and share your thoughts…but please don’t judge.
A little over a year ago I learned that I had cancer. This is the point when my life changed, and I became a new Madrina, with the old Madrina by her side, but new nonetheless. Because I try to be pretty good-natured in general I think I’ve been able to think positively for most of this year. I haven’t been depressed. I’ve been afraid -- I still am, a little -- and I’ve been worn out, but I haven’t fallen too far into the black pit, never so far that I couldn’t haul myself out, or have someone there dragging me out.
I could make lists of what I’ve been through, and what I’ve learned. I could go over every awful event and milestone, one by one. But when I look back at the whole year, I see my strength and power, along with the strength and power of friends, and an open mind and heart it took to temper all the hard things. That’s what I’ve learned – that my friends, my openness and willingness, and my choice to see the experience as powerful, have really made a difference in my recovery. I took on some very big things, and here I am writing about it.
So I guess cancer is my friend, my very dark friend. It’s given me many gifts, even as it has taken so much from me. Though I don't want it in my life, I’ve come to depend on it, in a strange way. It's been the reason for so many things, for this entire year of things. It's caused me to have a new life, a new normal, a new reality. The new reality includes cancer. Whether it’s here or its gone -- doesn’t matter. Its part of me, and it changed everything.
A year or so ago, when I was diagnosed, and I was about to have surgery, I didn’t yet know what it meant to have cancer. It was big, but it didn’t have a shape yet. The fear that I felt made me do things like become efficient; set my house in order, and buy hospital-appropriate panties. I was determined to be prepared for anything. Later, as time passed and I needed more treatment, cancer settled into my life to stay. I began to understand it, and then accept it. That’s when it became my dark friend, I suppose.
With my latest round of “laser tag” complete, and a month or so break before I begin again, it has finally occurred to me that I am in dire need of a break from my life. Just a small one will do for now. My world has been constrained since last year, confined to a little corner. I feel I spend all my time tending to the necessary concerns of my health and my spirit, which is as it needs to be. This is my chance to break free for a little while, and it comes at a time when I have some energy and I'm experiencing relatively few side effects. The greatest “break” in all of this has always been found in the company of close friends; it is with you that I forget, if only for a few moments, how fragile this life is. The simple hugs and smiles, the nights playing pool, sitting on couches and sharing stories, these moments mean the world to me…I love you all so much.
I’m not sure what the next year will bring. I hope it will bring more joy, and peace of mind, and less time spent worrying about cancer. I hope I’ll keep all the best things I found in myself safe and sound. I hope my bags won’t be burdensome, because until I really believe that I’m not in danger, I can’t put them down.
Thank you all for making this strange, powerful journey with me. You're wise and wonderful, every single one of you.
Re-post from July 30th, 2009
This Past Year...
What I Let Go of This Past Year:
My health.
Most of my comfort zones.
My figure.
Getting up early every morning.
A clean room.
Pants that fit right.
Some of the people I thought would always be there.
Sleeping on a regular schedule.
Having multiple jobs and a 32-credit class schedule.
Reading books that require an attention span.
Doing almost anything that requires an attention span.
Spontaneity and some of my independence.
Living beyond this moment.
What I Found This Past Year:
Lung Cancer and paraneoplastic neurological syndrome.
Open eyes and heart.
The benefits of patience.
An amazing medical team.
Surprises in my Kleenex.
That there is always a reason to smile somewhere.
Compazine to compensate for Vincristine and Revimmune.
Reiki.
Love and care from my family; if you're still in my life at this point, you're family.
Ginger. Ginger snaps, ginger tea, ginger cubes; I will take it all.
New ways to trust.
Precious times with my sisters (you know who you are).
The most amazing friends in the world.
Re-post from July 30, 2009
Thoughts on this past year...
Yesterday, I found out that one of my dearest “battle buddies” has retired her armor. “No more popsicles, no more pain days”. Janie is now in remission from lung cancer, and I couldn’t be happier for her. In a conversation with her, one that at first felt like any other of the numerous we have shared, I realized it’s been a year. She told me how brave I've become, and how strong, and I suppose I might be. I haven’t seen my past year as she has; have I really changed so much? I find it funny that she thinks of me exactly how I think of her…it astounds me that we can see great strength in others, but not in ourselves. I’ve been thinking so much lately, and the following is just thought expressed… feel free to read if you want, and share your thoughts…but please don’t judge.
A little over a year ago I learned that I had cancer. This is the point when my life changed, and I became a new Madrina, with the old Madrina by her side, but new nonetheless. Because I try to be pretty good-natured in general I think I’ve been able to think positively for most of this year. I haven’t been depressed. I’ve been afraid -- I still am, a little -- and I’ve been worn out, but I haven’t fallen too far into the black pit, never so far that I couldn’t haul myself out, or have someone there dragging me out.
I could make lists of what I’ve been through, and what I’ve learned. I could go over every awful event and milestone, one by one. But when I look back at the whole year, I see my strength and power, along with the strength and power of friends, and an open mind and heart it took to temper all the hard things. That’s what I’ve learned – that my friends, my openness and willingness, and my choice to see the experience as powerful, have really made a difference in my recovery. I took on some very big things, and here I am writing about it.
So I guess cancer is my friend, my very dark friend. It’s given me many gifts, even as it has taken so much from me. Though I don't want it in my life, I’ve come to depend on it, in a strange way. It's been the reason for so many things, for this entire year of things. It's caused me to have a new life, a new normal, a new reality. The new reality includes cancer. Whether it’s here or its gone -- doesn’t matter. Its part of me, and it changed everything.
A year or so ago, when I was diagnosed, and I was about to have surgery, I didn’t yet know what it meant to have cancer. It was big, but it didn’t have a shape yet. The fear that I felt made me do things like become efficient; set my house in order, and buy hospital-appropriate panties. I was determined to be prepared for anything. Later, as time passed and I needed more treatment, cancer settled into my life to stay. I began to understand it, and then accept it. That’s when it became my dark friend, I suppose.
With my latest round of “laser tag” complete, and a month or so break before I begin again, it has finally occurred to me that I am in dire need of a break from my life. Just a small one will do for now. My world has been constrained since last year, confined to a little corner. I feel I spend all my time tending to the necessary concerns of my health and my spirit, which is as it needs to be. This is my chance to break free for a little while, and it comes at a time when I have some energy and I'm experiencing relatively few side effects. The greatest “break” in all of this has always been found in the company of close friends; it is with you that I forget, if only for a few moments, how fragile this life is. The simple hugs and smiles, the nights playing pool, sitting on couches and sharing stories, these moments mean the world to me…I love you all so much.
I’m not sure what the next year will bring. I hope it will bring more joy, and peace of mind, and less time spent worrying about cancer. I hope I’ll keep all the best things I found in myself safe and sound. I hope my bags won’t be burdensome, because until I really believe that I’m not in danger, I can’t put them down.
Thank you all for making this strange, powerful journey with me. You're wise and wonderful, every single one of you.
Labels: change, consolidation, random, sharing, thought
Auducation No. 6 |
Labels: auducation, music, sharing
Auducation No. 5 Sunday, September 19, 2010 |
Auducation No. 4 Friday, September 03, 2010 |
Labels: auducation, music, sharing
Auducation No. 3 Tuesday, August 03, 2010 |
Labels: auducation, music, sharing
Auducation No. 2 Sunday, August 01, 2010 |
Auducation No. 1 Friday, July 30, 2010 |
Banana Bread Wednesday, February 03, 2010 |
So it's come to my attention that I am REALLY bad at updating this on a regular basis. My posts are sporadic at best.Anyway, here's a yummy recipe for you...this is my banana bread recipe, one that is constantly requested :)
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3 (or more) cups mashed overripe bananas
A pinch of saigon cinnamon
A smaller pinch of nutmeg
A small splash of vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, beaten
3 (or more) cups mashed overripe bananas
A pinch of saigon cinnamon
A smaller pinch of nutmeg
A small splash of vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
Lemon Squares Thursday, September 17, 2009 |
These are one of my favorite things to make; they are easy, yet always a big hit! They are great all year, but I prefer them in the summer...they are the perfect finish to a light summer meal. I have also listed some of my variations. I hope you enjoy! :)
Lemon Squares
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar (the "normal" kind :) )
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
Additional powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
Directions:
1) Heat oven to 350 degrees (Fahrenheit).
2) Mix flour and powdered sugar. Add butter, work into consistent mixture (yes, you will get messy hands!). Press into ungreased square pan, 8x8x2, or 9x9x2, building up 1/2 inch edges.
3) Bake crust 20 minutes.
4) While crust is baking, beat granulated sugar, lemon juice, baking powder, salt, and eggs with electric mixer on high speed about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Pour over hot crust.
5) Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched lightly in center. Cool; dust with powdered sugar.
Variations:
If you want lemon squares that are more tart, add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice.
If you want them to look bright and vibrant (like the cheap kind you get in a box that never measure up ;) ) add a few squirts of yellow food coloring.
Lime Juice can be used instead of lemon juice, in the same amounts, for a nice change.
Both lemon squares and lime squares taste great with a strawberry sauce. In order to make the sauce, cut up 12-15 strawberries, add 2 spoons of sugar, and some water, and mash with a fork; you want the sugar to dissolve, but make sure there are still chunks of strawberry. Spoon over the top of the lemon squares before serving.
If you want to get fancy with the final dusting of powdered sugar, place paper doilies over the lemon squares before sprinkling. Sprinkle the powdered sugar, then carefully lift the doilies straight up (if you tilt to the sides, the sugar will come off!). Look how pretty that is ;)
Lemon Squares
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar (the "normal" kind :) )
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
Additional powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
Directions:
1) Heat oven to 350 degrees (Fahrenheit).
2) Mix flour and powdered sugar. Add butter, work into consistent mixture (yes, you will get messy hands!). Press into ungreased square pan, 8x8x2, or 9x9x2, building up 1/2 inch edges.
3) Bake crust 20 minutes.
4) While crust is baking, beat granulated sugar, lemon juice, baking powder, salt, and eggs with electric mixer on high speed about 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Pour over hot crust.
5) Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched lightly in center. Cool; dust with powdered sugar.
Variations:
If you want lemon squares that are more tart, add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice.
If you want them to look bright and vibrant (like the cheap kind you get in a box that never measure up ;) ) add a few squirts of yellow food coloring.
Lime Juice can be used instead of lemon juice, in the same amounts, for a nice change.
Both lemon squares and lime squares taste great with a strawberry sauce. In order to make the sauce, cut up 12-15 strawberries, add 2 spoons of sugar, and some water, and mash with a fork; you want the sugar to dissolve, but make sure there are still chunks of strawberry. Spoon over the top of the lemon squares before serving.
If you want to get fancy with the final dusting of powdered sugar, place paper doilies over the lemon squares before sprinkling. Sprinkle the powdered sugar, then carefully lift the doilies straight up (if you tilt to the sides, the sugar will come off!). Look how pretty that is ;)
Dream Soup Friday, September 04, 2009 |
So for those of you who don't know, I had a dream that I was cooking this...I could see everything in precise detail. When I woke up, I wrote down the ingredients and made it. Every one who has tried it loves it. :)
Ingredients
• Some unsalted butter
• 8 to 10 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 cups (1 qt.) homemade or low salt chicken broth
• 10 oz. fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
• 12 or so tomatoes, cut over a bowl (you need the liquid)
• 2 or 3 handfuls spinach, washed &stemmed; coarsely chopped
• 8 to 10 leaves basil, coarsely chopped
• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Directions
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the broth and bring to boil.
4. Add the tortellini and cook halfway, about 5 minutes for frozen, less for fresh.
5. Add the tomatoes and their liquid, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook just until the pasta is tender.
6. Stir in the spinach and basil and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve sprinkled with the grated cheese.
Ingredients
• Some unsalted butter
• 8 to 10 cloves garlic, chopped
• 4 cups (1 qt.) homemade or low salt chicken broth
• 10 oz. fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
• 12 or so tomatoes, cut over a bowl (you need the liquid)
• 2 or 3 handfuls spinach, washed &stemmed; coarsely chopped
• 8 to 10 leaves basil, coarsely chopped
• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Directions
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the broth and bring to boil.
4. Add the tortellini and cook halfway, about 5 minutes for frozen, less for fresh.
5. Add the tomatoes and their liquid, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook just until the pasta is tender.
6. Stir in the spinach and basil and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve sprinkled with the grated cheese.
A change in perspective Monday, August 31, 2009 |
Last night, I had a very personal conversation with a very dear friend. As always, her words were a source of comfort, encouragement, and strength. She made me realize that I need to make the most of my time, here and now, while I'm still alive. There are so many aspects of my life, so many secrets that I don't share, and I realized now that I have no reason not to. What good does it do anyone if the things that people love about me are gone as soon as I am? I'm not talking of the major things, I'm speaking of the little things...some of the art techniques that I've developed, how to make the perfect cup of coffee, and yes, even my recipes. My "infamous" lasagna, Stacy's dream soup, all the things that up until this point have been "things I will take to my grave"...I see no point in doing that any longer. I say all this to to say this; on this blog, I will start sharing. Little things of no consequence, recipes and memories. So I hope you read and enjoy. :)