tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37992729421329577062024-03-18T11:31:13.839-07:00Olio By MarilynBlog of Marilyn R Wilson - Freelance Writer, Best Selling Author and SpeakerMarilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.comBlogger1896125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-62876329988208005432024-03-18T04:00:00.001-07:002024-03-18T04:00:00.134-07:00Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice, Spinach, Feta and Grape Tomatoes<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6yCPI-o7o3jPR9cOdualfGV1V9hJXFOhTNxlwQB1RNhMqT4E81m3WPs6Yj6duldjf-x0UMMkOW2sCyQvwsNsccMV-BiLDk-5rH-D_y8QPKE3dJyBVDFF20wDRJhj7yvTwV1CCEERu0JxezJOBJzmnvlfwqGyMMf8F8tON0Qj3F63IVSy8MPSCgcwyhhJ/s3099/20240312_175657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="greek-chicken-lemon-rice" border="0" data-original-height="3099" data-original-width="3099" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6yCPI-o7o3jPR9cOdualfGV1V9hJXFOhTNxlwQB1RNhMqT4E81m3WPs6Yj6duldjf-x0UMMkOW2sCyQvwsNsccMV-BiLDk-5rH-D_y8QPKE3dJyBVDFF20wDRJhj7yvTwV1CCEERu0JxezJOBJzmnvlfwqGyMMf8F8tON0Qj3F63IVSy8MPSCgcwyhhJ/w320-h320/20240312_175657.jpg" title="Greek chicken with lemon rice." width="320" /></a></div>I adore</b> one-pot <b>meals</b>, so knew I just had to try a <b>recipe</b> I saw on a site called <b>Julia's Album</b>. The combination of <b>ingredients</b> sounded good and the picture of it looked <b>delicious</b>. It's always a struggle to know how to share a recipe I try as I so rarely make it exactly the way it is written.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b>Today I</b> decided to leave the<b> recipe</b> in it's original form, and simply tell you what I changed. I had a package of <b>chicken breasts</b> to use up, so used them instead of thighs. I cut them in larger chunks, not huge, but bigger than bite-size. I also had 5 ounces of sliced <b>mushrooms</b> that needed using up, so sautéed them along with the <b>grape tomatoes</b> and <b>garlic</b>. That meant a little longer cooking time during that step. Last but not least, I was out of <b>white rice</b>, so used what I had -<b> Lundberg Wild Blend Rice.</b> As you cook the rice separately, you are free to use whatever you have on hand.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb7Xj8kysjehCKr5LPb7y3ElYj9j0N6HQ27gNVEZLYtG2z2hJbaKZ9KvEHeqoMhAJE_BIBNSq-KoskGBNLRW04oQFvyYlXu6HfETJg4oFeoBfafoKh11JYXhswaB0JgaK4Htw7B6fOToQUFgIgq2N08YqhZx-8QDcJA6d9Z62Zx9T7ptP05wraUIFPTWH/s1194/update-lundberg-wild-rice_1_-min.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Lundberg-Wild-Blend-Rice" border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="745" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb7Xj8kysjehCKr5LPb7y3ElYj9j0N6HQ27gNVEZLYtG2z2hJbaKZ9KvEHeqoMhAJE_BIBNSq-KoskGBNLRW04oQFvyYlXu6HfETJg4oFeoBfafoKh11JYXhswaB0JgaK4Htw7B6fOToQUFgIgq2N08YqhZx-8QDcJA6d9Z62Zx9T7ptP05wraUIFPTWH/w200-h320/update-lundberg-wild-rice_1_-min.jpg" title="Lundberg Wild Blend Rice" width="200" /></a></div>All-in-all </b>I am super happy with how it turned out. It had a great<b> flavor</b>, and cooking the individual elements separately - especially the rice - then gently combing at the end left all the <b>colors </b>bright. I am going to try this technique other <b>one-pot </b>rice and pasta dishes. I think it will keep the colors of the <b>vegetables</b> in particular from washing out.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Enjoy! And</b> if you make it let me know what you think.</div><div><br /></div><div>= = = = <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice, Spinach, Feta and Grape Tomatoes</span></b><br />4 Servings<br /><br /><b>Ingredients -</b><br /><br /><b>Chicken -</b></div><div>1.5 lbs <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> Skinless boneless chicken thighs (I used chicken breast)<br />1 tsp <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> D</span>ried oregano<br />1 tsp <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> P</span>aprika<br />¼ tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> S</span>alt<br />¼ tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> R</span>ed pepper flakes<br />2 T<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Extra virgin olive oil<br /><br /><b>Greek lemon rice -</b></div><div>1 T<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Extra virgin olive oil<br />8 oz<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> G</span>rape tomatoes sliced in half<br />5 Cloves <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> G</span>arlic minced<br />1 tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> D</span>ried oregano<br />¼ tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> S</span>alt<br />5 oz <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> F</span>resh spinach chopped<br />3 T<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> F</span>reshly squeezed lemon juice<br />2 C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> C</span>ooked jasmine rice Or whatever you have in your pantry<br />15 oz <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> C</span>hickpeas (canned) rinsed and drained<br /><br /><b>Feta cheese mixture -</b></div><div>6 oz <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> F</span>eta cheese diced into small cubes</div><div>1 T<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> E</span>xtra virgin olive oil<br />1 T<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Fresh s</span>queezed lemon juice<br />¼ tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> D</span>ried oregano<br />2 T<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> C</span>hopped fresh oregano. optional<br />Gresh oregano for garnish<br /><br /><b>Instructions -</b><br /><br />Season the chicken thighs (I used chicken breast cut in large chunks) with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Heat an empty, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet (such as a cast-iron or stainless steel pan) over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken. Cook the chicken on medium heat for 5 minutes on one side, undisturbed. If the skillet gets too hot (depending on your stovetop), reduce heat to low-medium. You don't want the juices from the chicken to be burnt, as you will use those juices to flavor the rice. Flip the chicken over, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for about 5 more minutes or longer on the other side, without moving it, until it's cooked through. The meat thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the skillet.<br /><br />Add half of the halved grape tomatoes (I added them all) , minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil (I added mushrooms here) to the same, now empty, skillet. Cook the tomatoes on medium heat for about 2 minutes until they soften and release juices. (I cooked longer because of the mushrooms I added - but you could saute the mushrooms first first, then add the rest of the ingredients to cook like above.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Stir in fresh spinach until it wilts. Add the cooked rice and drained chickpeas. Add 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining uncooked halved grape tomatoes (I cooked them all together - my preference). Reheat on medium heat, stirring everything to combine. Add 1 extra tablespoon of olive oil if you like.<br /><br /></div><div>In a medium bowl, combine cubed Feta cheese with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano (add more to taste), 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano (if using). Mix so that the herbs and olive oil coat the cubed Feta cheese.<br /><br />Mix half of the feta cheese mixture into the skillet with lemon rice. Add sliced cooked chicken to the skillet with rice and reheat on medium heat. Top with the remaining feta mixture. Sprinkle fresh oregano on top (optional). Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Serve.</div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-32868310433170937942024-03-15T04:00:00.000-07:002024-03-15T04:00:00.125-07:00Phoenix Poetry Challenge Day 8 - Pruning the Tree<i>Day 8 of the <b>Phoenix Poetry Challenge </b>offers the inspiration of <b>pruning</b> the tree so that it can grow healthy, tall, and well-balanced. Again this this is a <b>metaphor</b> for life. What do you need prune from your life? It is again a two poem day.</i><div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6pZ4454C_LnEL2lsbraF0F0XjUCroePuZyqoE0-TXmY9O0OBmZXp-VLFJTnMzNzquqecU9e9oOmoUCEMK6lFwyLzmItabazjX7nbsGdt0OZ3y_IYgqpYI5mhIKc8x5KP05o0tkyJlxQPAleTu92q6uGC4p6c-2uxezUh4TFHSVWm1AS-xR0abJUk2eii/s5378/milada-vigerova-JloxbrNcknY-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="bonsai-trees" border="0" data-original-height="3585" data-original-width="5378" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6pZ4454C_LnEL2lsbraF0F0XjUCroePuZyqoE0-TXmY9O0OBmZXp-VLFJTnMzNzquqecU9e9oOmoUCEMK6lFwyLzmItabazjX7nbsGdt0OZ3y_IYgqpYI5mhIKc8x5KP05o0tkyJlxQPAleTu92q6uGC4p6c-2uxezUh4TFHSVWm1AS-xR0abJUk2eii/w640-h426/milada-vigerova-JloxbrNcknY-unsplash.jpg" title="Bonsai Trees" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@milada_vigerova?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-wrap: nowrap; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;">Milada Vigerova</a><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;">on</span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/green-plant-on-brown-clay-pot-JloxbrNcknY?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-wrap: nowrap; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;">Unsplash</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Bonsai</span></b></div><div>by Marilyn R. Wilson</div><div><br /></div><div>The tiny sapling was sheltered</div><div>Hidden safely under the branches</div><div>Of two enormous giants.</div><div>It was safe and secure</div><div>But that came at a price.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lush undergrowth offered</div><div>A feast of plenty.</div><div>But little was leftover</div><div>After the two giants finished feeding.</div><div>And the rays of nourishing sunlight</div><div>Were watery and thin in the shade.</div><div><br /></div><div>One day came a forester</div><div>Who noticed the tiny sprout.</div><div>Out came a small spade</div><div>And clear plastic bag.</div><div>He gently dug out the root ball</div><div>And lifted the sapling out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trembling fearfully and afraid,</div><div><div>The sapling froze with fear</div><div>And sank deep within to hide.</div></div><div>The unknown yawned with dark threat</div><div>Oblivious, the forester hummed softly</div><div>As he gently carried his treasure home.</div><div><br />The seedling's root were buried</div><div>In a large vessel of crumbly soil.</div><div>Out came frightful clippers that cut</div><div>Wrecking havoc on its soul.</div><div>A little wire then was twisted</div><div>Around the branches that remained.</div><div><br /></div><div>Placed on a shelf of honor</div><div>Outside on the deck,</div><div>The sun rays rained luxuriously.</div><div>Perhaps all would be okay.</div><div>The little tree stood up taller</div><div>Spread it's limbs out in welcome.</div><div><br /></div><div>A week passed, a month passed,</div><div>The years flew by peacefully.</div><div>The pruning continued.</div><div>But now it was welcome.</div><div>Each snip, each repotting</div><div>Created a bonsai of great beauty.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRsQFUh5n6n-0UGCezAIuYEtL0vz6BPGDMFW6E5la2ou9BZCS7-M6uaKTgxHOxe9KwPb8iWdRrQuSWyZpEjnKXe3DuMz8mWAg-17dnZPCSQUsgfFGHVWZjBmPS_209WoqyC7lB7cCsAwEDlxOMDVXJwqFYzM9D7p3Dxfe_qdB0OOWPuv4JDUou7KHIaSu/s5760/jason-leung-4-CtzhKuJAo-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="lanterns-released-floating" border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="5760" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRsQFUh5n6n-0UGCezAIuYEtL0vz6BPGDMFW6E5la2ou9BZCS7-M6uaKTgxHOxe9KwPb8iWdRrQuSWyZpEjnKXe3DuMz8mWAg-17dnZPCSQUsgfFGHVWZjBmPS_209WoqyC7lB7cCsAwEDlxOMDVXJwqFYzM9D7p3Dxfe_qdB0OOWPuv4JDUou7KHIaSu/w640-h426/jason-leung-4-CtzhKuJAo-unsplash.jpg" title="Released lanterns floating in the sky" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@ninjason?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-wrap: nowrap; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;">Jason Leung</a><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/two-green-and-blue-lanterns-4-CtzhKuJAo?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-wrap: nowrap; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;">Unsplash</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Letting Go </span></b></div><div>by Marilyn R Wilson</div><div><br /></div><div>Growing up there was always</div><div>Enough food on the table</div><div>But always just enough </div><div>With nothing extra to save.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were clothes in my closet</div><div>Most sewn by my mother</div><div>Or handed down from others.</div><div>The used underwear I rejected.</div><div><br /></div><div>One pair of good church shoes,</div><div>One other for the chaos of outdoor play.</div><div>A single pair of eyewear</div><div>That had to last years.</div><div><br /></div><div>Leaving home in my late teens</div><div>The burden of scarcity came with me.</div><div>Food was never shared, just hoarded.</div><div>Clothes bought at bargain bin sales.</div><div><br /></div><div>Truth arrived unexpectedly.</div><div>My heart swung open wide in joy.</div><div>My world shifted with just three words. </div><div>"I am enough."</div><div><br /></div><div>Searching deep I found truth.</div><div>Time to let go of my bondage to</div><div>Great lack and black despair</div><div>And instead embrace my strengths.</div><div><br /></div><div>My soul now rises upward,</div><div>My vision is focused and strong.</div><div>The veil of scarcity has now been lifted.</div><div>My heart echoes this truth daily. </div><div><br /></div><div>'I am enough......"</div><div><br /></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-5202638154419865032024-03-13T04:00:00.000-07:002024-03-13T08:50:59.052-07:00What Inner Turmoil is Trying to Tell Us <p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZv7Bwujp0jJ7Z8UXK77YA-Hzf_tkikzyHs7oJjwGi3pAqxAENlGtNYbv4KEc2UrBbG3BFXsA5l42YrapMJuKlkOcQhvLTLQR6GoW5ENCltLs2pG-xhvLzWqxGC7QbRm20ZWqZbv30XWAFuCYp-Rh1zl7oQdxEhRaGT9_cTABpHWNdl8fe2abUlWT4HFF/s949/surrender.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-surrender-journey-turmoil" border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="949" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZv7Bwujp0jJ7Z8UXK77YA-Hzf_tkikzyHs7oJjwGi3pAqxAENlGtNYbv4KEc2UrBbG3BFXsA5l42YrapMJuKlkOcQhvLTLQR6GoW5ENCltLs2pG-xhvLzWqxGC7QbRm20ZWqZbv30XWAFuCYp-Rh1zl7oQdxEhRaGT9_cTABpHWNdl8fe2abUlWT4HFF/w320-h320/surrender.jpg" title="poster quote surrender is a journey" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>This is</b> the perfect <b>topic </b>today as for the last two weeks I have been filled with an overwhelming<b> disinterest</b> towards anything and everything in my life. Moods like this always show up first in my daily writing <b>habit</b>. When passion isn't driving my <b>writing</b>, it can be hard to do <b>work</b> I am proud of. At first I thought my <b>mood</b> was just a writing slump. That was until it was still going a week later. One day I took a moment to reflect and realized I was feeling that way about absolutely everything.<span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><p><b>My life</b> is going really well right now. I have my <b>health</b>. My husband has his health. The kids and grandkids are all doing great. I have had amazing <b>opportunities</b> pop up recently that blew me away. Our <b>home renos</b> are finished and, despite the difficult process, I love the results. In general life is very good. Nothing to complain about. So what had happened to my<b> joy </b>and<b> passion</b>. It's like someone flipped my <b>energy</b> switch to off.</p><p><b>After </b>14 days and a bit of diving deep, I still don't have a firm <b>answer</b>. However, there are a few contributing factors. I have struggled with <b>fatigue </b>for years, something doctors can't quite nail down. One obvious cause is I don't <b>sleep</b> well. As we age that can become an increasing problem. You begin to<b> sleep</b> lighter and that means you wake up more. For my husband it isn't as much of an issue. He falls right back to sleep. However, I enjoy the perks and challenges of having a <b>racing mind</b>. Getting back to sleep when I stir can happen only if I manage to do it quickly, before my mind kicks in. If I start thinking about literally anything, well, the squirrels come out to play. </p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHO-lGNWKNC_O4F6HUg_wuUZWe8Ke-WI8herN87i_gAehjtIk20T-TkaedAKgVxs2tjyXcV8yO-WPkeqHQ70QJWVsD5o83HyVYBNz-tF7jWHKqOrIAD15lKWmJCzPKNVAD5a46p8KLkOslN0PlnJCQEwfamF2tSlKLU1vd8fvzGnoC3X0F06i5iXTjFbW/s640/9bdd44a32df6017afd83caeff7c02736.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-exercise-body-mind" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHO-lGNWKNC_O4F6HUg_wuUZWe8Ke-WI8herN87i_gAehjtIk20T-TkaedAKgVxs2tjyXcV8yO-WPkeqHQ70QJWVsD5o83HyVYBNz-tF7jWHKqOrIAD15lKWmJCzPKNVAD5a46p8KLkOslN0PlnJCQEwfamF2tSlKLU1vd8fvzGnoC3X0F06i5iXTjFbW/w320-h320/9bdd44a32df6017afd83caeff7c02736.jpg" title="poster quote exercise can change your mind" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Another</b> element in the winter months is lack of <b>exercise</b>. Lets face it, <b>writing</b> is not a passion that keeps you moving. My husband and I do love to do daily <b>walks</b>. We live along a river which offers beautiful <b>trails </b>to explore. In winter, though, there are days it is better to stay inside. We don't want to walk in pouring <b>rain</b>, heavy <b>snowfall</b> or a <b>hail</b> storm. This<b> winter</b> the weather has been a roller coaster ride which meant our<b> habit of walking</b> was constantly being interrupted. That loss of habit meant we had to start from scratch each time the weather improved.<p></p><p><b>Here in</b> Canada many, including myself, struggle with <b>Seasonally Affected Disorder</b> (SAD). On the shortest days it is dark until after I rise and dark again before supper. My oldest once shared he had a job where he went to the office in the dark and came home in the dark. Difficult. Add in the <b>cloudy</b> days because of rain or snow, and you get the idea. As spring approaches, it gets easier. The days get longer and nature starts to wake up. However, it can take a few months for <b>SAD</b> to sheath its claws. </p><p><b>A new</b> idea rose the other day while <b>reading</b>. In the book they talked about inner <b>turmoil</b> as being one result of living a life we don't desire - a life that follows <b>societal</b> ideas of what is <b>normal</b> and desirable. HMMM. On the surface that isn't my issue. I began working on embracing an <b>authentic</b> life of my own choosing for over a decade now. So why did this idea make me sit up and take notice? </p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkCo3Tp5VoHQqfUVuA319T2INCWZIQonkd1UOqjyRMOJ_o9CC6ttb_yvJQJ6JM0EFSjJgqnKS2WBExEETK1kHW0gd1uxrj2miTHaOVlqAFPDO-jvvij7bakq2E_6W14Iq-fmjsdeCB7SU__Ljob8hpFYGlXUFX2HfvrOPNKip1hNZ_4m1hB1N9GhByoDL/s800/1691578762208.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-be-fearless-soul-on-fire" border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="800" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOkCo3Tp5VoHQqfUVuA319T2INCWZIQonkd1UOqjyRMOJ_o9CC6ttb_yvJQJ6JM0EFSjJgqnKS2WBExEETK1kHW0gd1uxrj2miTHaOVlqAFPDO-jvvij7bakq2E_6W14Iq-fmjsdeCB7SU__Ljob8hpFYGlXUFX2HfvrOPNKip1hNZ_4m1hB1N9GhByoDL/w320-h282/1691578762208.jpg" title="Poster quote be fearless soul on fire" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>Most likely</b> the answer is two fold. Often ideas like this tap me on the shoulder asking to be given wings. They inspire some of the <b>articles</b> and/or <b>poems</b> I share. I love passing on any <b>wisdom</b> that arrives on my doorstep. Then there is the possibility the universe is trying to speak to me. Is there something in my <b>life</b> that needs to be <b>released</b>, or a <b>redirection</b> in my goals I need to make? What that might be in this instance, I am not yet sure. All I can do is walk each day fully aware, open and ready to hear the <b>univers</b>e's whisper. The timing of when my "<b>AHA moment</b>" will arrive is out of my control.<p></p><p><b>I don't</b> know about you, but I am always hoping I am finished with the big life-altering lessons, that I have already become <b>fully aware</b> and that any new<b> lessons</b> to come my way will be minor and easy to embrace. Unfortunately this is a <b>pipe dream</b>. The more aware and <b>present</b> I become, the more I embrace living as authentically as I can, the more often new <b>guidance</b> appears. It seems I will be learning and growing until the day I take my last breath. For now, though, I just need to get through this period of <b>change</b>.</p><p><b>Hey universe</b>, can you speed it up. <b>Patience</b> has never been my virtue. I am ready to get moving again, to have my<b> inner fire</b> flamed to a blazing bonfire, and to have <b>passion</b> again fill me and drive me forward. Please?</p>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-81406755527026678122024-03-11T04:00:00.001-07:002024-03-11T09:24:47.627-07:00Interview with Lisa Toth, Author of The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksGBCOo1R2SA7ngSki3vur7q8nszNx3qNeGvu9gFcwy3xsd4nHDZ7oB0xlatOIUO8nxh0T-6P1TuHbcDGdigWg5qCWyeHCWMa-I75HXOqqLTKjAampC1FTd8zeAdHdB1bBiK9TrpZkg8QhWHc5_r4h33AayIygruf3khc6QtxoLBDYjbDlYhLwRoatGgo/s303/1000012119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="headshot-author-lisa-toth" border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiksGBCOo1R2SA7ngSki3vur7q8nszNx3qNeGvu9gFcwy3xsd4nHDZ7oB0xlatOIUO8nxh0T-6P1TuHbcDGdigWg5qCWyeHCWMa-I75HXOqqLTKjAampC1FTd8zeAdHdB1bBiK9TrpZkg8QhWHc5_r4h33AayIygruf3khc6QtxoLBDYjbDlYhLwRoatGgo/s16000/1000012119.jpg" title="Headshot author lisa toth" /></a></div>Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a writer/published author?</b><span><a name='more'></a></span> <br /><br />Becoming a writer wasn’t intentionally on my radar and was something I never dreamt would be possible for me. I have a job that I love and work very hard at, so having the time to write never seemed feasible. Anyone who knows me or is close to me knows how my job is my passion and art, so naturally, I talk about it often. I will talk to anyone and everyone about inclusion for people with different abilities in the workforce as well as advocate and create the opportunity to make it happen. <div><br /></div><div>I didn’t realize it at the time, but in hindsight, I was telling my story and the stories I write about in my book all the time. I think eventually this was brought to my attention, but it was also one scenario after another that made me realize I needed to share my story: The true, real, vulnerable, and undeniable secrets of the hidden workforce. Additionally, I see writing as one of the many jobs in the hidden workforce which was not only on topic but fostered the inspiration and creativity to carry it out successfully. It wasn’t until I underwent neck surgery and while in recovery that I finally had the right timing and opportunity to write. <br /><br /><b>Any interests or early signs as a child that hinted you would later put pen to paper? </b><br /><br />I believe so! From a very young age, I loved to read and was enamored by books and trips to the library. When I was young, I wrote in all types of genres for fun such as short stories, plays, and poems. I even loved to write school papers. Later on in my life, that ability was forged into writing business plans, but all the same, I enjoyed letting my imagination run wild by putting pen to paper. Ironically, I still never thought I would write a book, but I’m thankful to have fostered the love of writing and creating throughout my life to prepare for when I did. <br /><br /><b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cVZEx2Y8jMV14ySumHrGGLMcEA9hJDIOG_Ql8_7zW0KxLoEwKyR-4iRjCksnC5BaoCFnTn0r6ZcKtLYy7ryvwtuFFArNTFzQhZwLDdcYRUUZYwcagi9r6XkbKvFve7pSQ-FFDfUg5p6SgrWlEmRjpylWNC3OgBne1GZzqOhmElSu72Qan1WYwofgnuv5/s800/screenshot-2023-12-12-at-4-32-34-pm_orig.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="bookcover-secrets-hidden-workforce" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="648" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cVZEx2Y8jMV14ySumHrGGLMcEA9hJDIOG_Ql8_7zW0KxLoEwKyR-4iRjCksnC5BaoCFnTn0r6ZcKtLYy7ryvwtuFFArNTFzQhZwLDdcYRUUZYwcagi9r6XkbKvFve7pSQ-FFDfUg5p6SgrWlEmRjpylWNC3OgBne1GZzqOhmElSu72Qan1WYwofgnuv5/w259-h320/screenshot-2023-12-12-at-4-32-34-pm_orig.png" title="bookcover secrets of the hidden workforce" width="259" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Review <a href="https://www.oliobymarilyn.com/2024/03/book-review-hiddenworkforce-lisatoth-nonfiction-occupational-ireadbooktours.html" target="_blank">HERE!</a><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>What inspired you to write a book of your work experiences? Why was now the right time to publish it? </b><br /><br />I work with many clients who live with disabilities, or as I refer to them <i>differently-abled</i>, who are excited, talented, and ready to work hard. We spend a lot of time in the community looking for their opportunities… Seeing them rejected from one place after another (many times with no reason), over and over for days, sometimes weeks, those were the moments forming my book before I even knew I’d be writing it. People need to know the barriers and obstacles people with different abilities face when they’re pursuing a job. </div><div><br /></div><div>After being on a friend’s radio show I decided to start my own where I feature inclusive employers, people with different abilities ready to work, parents, direct support professionals, as well as executives from multiple nonprofits that serve the differently-abled community. All of those interviews and experiences only further affirmed the importance of writing about my experiences as well as their experiences. <br /><br />Those reasons are also why now was the time to publish. Of all the months, March is a perfect month to release this book into the world because it’s Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. My story is a story that needs to be heard because it helps amplify the story of my friends and clients who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities. <br /><br /><b>How did the writing process work for you? Did you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or? </b><br /><br />My writing process came one day at a time. After my neck injury, it brought me into a season of stillness. As someone who likes to stay busy, I wanted to take advantage of that time to do something productive. I had put the project of writing a book on the shelf for years, so writing during my recovery was the most organic and authentic timing for me. I just started writing and the stories poured out of me. <br /><br />I didn’t have a set routine for when I wrote. The stories would pour out at different times so I would write when inspiration came to me. Sometimes I would write (or rewrite) for a few minutes, and at other times I would write for hours upon hours. <br /><br /><b>What about the writing process came easiest for you? What did you struggle with?</b><br /><br />The easiest, and my most favorite parts of the writing process were when a story, memory, or moment would organically come to me. There were times when stories came so quickly, that I had to use talk-to-text to write it out fast enough. It was a joy to have those moments of inspiration as well as the nostalgia that accompanied them. <br /><br />The areas of struggle for me centered around organizing my content and the meticulous process of refining grammar and punctuation. As I mentioned, when moments of inspiration hit, I could write for hours… but that doesn’t mean the stories came neatly packed together in a coherent order. It took sitting with my dear friend Chris to really place the puzzle pieces of my anecdotes together for everyone to see the bigger picture— which is the book we’re all reading today.<br /><b><br />What do you most hope readers will take away from reading your book? </b><br /><br />Every single one of us is a beautiful person wrapped in purpose. We all desire deep friendships, love, to feel known, understood, and seen— that desire is no different for people who live with different abilities. They want the same things and feel the same desires people who don’t live with an intellectual or developmental disability feel. Even if it’s expressed differently, it’s beautiful. We as humans, every background we come from, race, different ability, what makes us who we are— we are a masterpiece. Each person and their uniqueness contributes to the beauty of the picture that unfolds.<br /><br />We all have to work together if we want the bigger picture of inclusion for differently abled people to unfold. If my audience internalizes that message as they read through my book, they will come out on the other side as more accepting of differently-abled people working alongside them as well as contributing to society alongside them as teammates, coworkers, and friends. <br /><br /><b>Is there one life lesson that stands out you gained from working with this population? How have these clients enriched your life?' <br /></b><br />My friends and clients with different abilities who make up the hidden workforce are infectiously happy, dedicated, loyal, dependable workers whom anyone would be proud to be a coworker with. They will be the most hard-working employees you ever hire because every day and chance they get to work is an honor and privilege to them and it shows through in the output of their intentional work ethic. You will learn so much from the unique way they approach solving a problem or bring a more inclusive way of carrying out a task— and sometimes their way is the better way.<div><br />When I see my clients receive the opportunity of employment that is offered to them, and watch as they mature, grow, and evolve in that role they are given—my heart overflows with joy. It makes me so happy to see their dream come true I can barely do anything but smile ear to ear and cheer them on as they grow and succeed. I wish I could capture every moment and compile them together like a movie for people to watch… but you get just as good of a picture of these moments in my book. <br /><br /><b>Do you have a favorite quote you can share? One that is your go to on tough days</b>? <br /><br /> Frank Sinatra singing, “<i>Just what makes that little old ant, think he'll move that rubber tree plant. Anyone knows an ant can't move a rubber tree plant! But he's got high hopes, he's got high hopes. He's got high, apple pie in the sky hopes! So, any time you're gettin' low, 'stead of lettin' go, just remember that ant… Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant!” </i><br /><br />It’s not a direct quote, it’s lyrics to a song, but this song means so much to me. When I have a problem before me that I don’t know how to solve, when I’m feeling low, and even in good times— I think of that cartoon of ants plucking rubber tree plants 100 times their size right out of the ground. Thinking about the possibilities, if an ant can pluck a rubber tree plant 100 times their size, I can face any challenge that comes my way that’s 100 times my size too. When the thought of this cartoon and quote comes to mind, it brings me hope and immediately changes my mood. I hope as you read through this quote it inspires “high apple pie in the sky” hopes in you as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>connect with the author: <a href="https://risestaffing.net/">website </a>~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/risestaffiing">facebook</a></b></div></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-82173033530515004272024-03-11T04:00:00.000-07:002024-03-11T09:20:49.098-07:00 The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce by Lisa Toth<div style="text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cIIEj3Pritlj33EEmi8nPX27ZVmxvwSba3V5f0DgjSmOjbJ0m28VeV8_T_66GfvEWselIpG30R9O_Xq2c3cb66vwTczjjFpfns0WHGDWwq4RC05RhX_uHQrLt1WdU5YgStfMx88XiS2xjDyY-2GaMrQ-P7l03GZTkSoSFh1hm8FYlzsOzZYASsCL_IO6/s800/screenshot-2023-12-12-at-4-32-34-pm_orig.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bookcover-secrets-hidden-workforce" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="608" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cIIEj3Pritlj33EEmi8nPX27ZVmxvwSba3V5f0DgjSmOjbJ0m28VeV8_T_66GfvEWselIpG30R9O_Xq2c3cb66vwTczjjFpfns0WHGDWwq4RC05RhX_uHQrLt1WdU5YgStfMx88XiS2xjDyY-2GaMrQ-P7l03GZTkSoSFh1hm8FYlzsOzZYASsCL_IO6/w304-h400/screenshot-2023-12-12-at-4-32-34-pm_orig.png" title="Bookcover Secrets of the hidden workforce" width="304" /></a></div><b>"...a compelling exploration into the world of people with developmental disabilities, offering educational and inspiring insights." - Literary Titan</b><span><a name='more'></a></span></i></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis - <br /></span></b><br />Radio show host, Lisa Toth shares how she created a staffing agency for the developmentally disabled population. Over the years, Toth has helped thousands of individuals with disabilities find work that Is not only a good fit for their strengths, but also work they find fulfilling. Readers will enjoy this collection of inspiring stories, as well as the honest candor with which Lisa shares the lessons she learned along the way. She and her clients have faced daunting obstacles and challenges that would make many give up. It's the challenges that make the successes extra sweet for all of them.<div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Review - </span></b><br /><br /></div><div>I expected this book to be full of wonderful stories of working with individuals with disabilities. While those stories are included, as well as many difficult to read experiences, the larger focus of the book is the author's journey from first job in this field to her founding of Rise Staffing - a company she has now run for 20 years. In this book we learn how her passion for this field began young, the why that kept her going, and the satisfaction she feels for helping these adults find rewarding jobs and a sense of independence. </div><div><br /></div><div>Several of the stories describe behaviors that we are not normally exposed to, so it's important to read this book without judgement. Toth's clients face a life that is both challenging and frustrating on a daily basis. They sometimes don't have the ability to communicate effectively or express their emotions in an acceptable way. These struggles can cause them to lash physically and sometimes unexpectedly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Towards the end of the book, I came to understand this book is also there as a guide for others who are feeling the call to work with this population. It is a challenging career, but it is also a rewarding one. You get to be front row and center to see a client break free of the limitations imposed on them, see them soar with confidence and gain independence. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Buy the Book: <a href="https://pathwaybookservice.com/products/the-secrets-of-the-hidden-workforce?fbclid=IwAR2WHyasb7QU3sOS0MwaIWD4WdVG0JOqTbmaRj5OKayCYjAPkNWZUZtPdGY">Rise Staffing</a> ~ <a href="https://amzn.to/4a3PwqC">Amazon.com</a> ~ <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Secrets-Hidden-Workforce-Lisa-Toth/dp/1960810405/ref=sr_1_1" target="_blank">Amazon.ca</a></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Meet the Author:</span></b><br /><i>Fab Author Interview <a href="https://www.oliobymarilyn.com/2024/02/interview-author-lisatoth-ireadbooktours-occupational-disapbilities-jobs-nonfiction.html" target="_blank">HERE!</a></i></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk3IEr7mlQLawgSnqb_xjNQp08MFOqVgaGtJtnW5CMcmMIRi_9XQ4h2BgWaTQc821UfzmuNbrnPbdcEKfJ5XRxLKNxTRRPgPeLnrpB52TbXk_kHaR8ycjAdOKDrfzGvUvP8bDd_hjXf0K6JPgdgkIEsooXKLReTQBPnsYPtxf2onvKv5qj7LmpiWrsi15/s303/1000012119.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="headshot-author-lisatoth" border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk3IEr7mlQLawgSnqb_xjNQp08MFOqVgaGtJtnW5CMcmMIRi_9XQ4h2BgWaTQc821UfzmuNbrnPbdcEKfJ5XRxLKNxTRRPgPeLnrpB52TbXk_kHaR8ycjAdOKDrfzGvUvP8bDd_hjXf0K6JPgdgkIEsooXKLReTQBPnsYPtxf2onvKv5qj7LmpiWrsi15/s16000/1000012119.jpg" title="Headshot author Lisa Toth" /></a></div>Lisa Toth, CEO Owner at Rise Staffing is passionate about employment. Her favorite thing is matching people with great employers! In addition to this work, Toth is the host of the successful radio show "The Hidden Workforce," a show about the positive impact people with different abilities bring to the workforce. <br /><br /><b>connect with the author: <a href="https://risestaffing.net/">website </a>~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/risestaffiing">facebook </a></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkkRDA9EECcEuUGTWgm6amI_UGFD9cN82rH-vLLNHqyRyNSp6GX1YMvUKJZekf80oB5hRF663pyVQatSCdeQ3YTfJhCO_L2LwGbh-MJkRhEQq4HovJgQ0GHPe0yZFQa-AO-axDA6uSjp47q-CqW7FFsup4k5YfJ0Pic5IMT8GD0mI5caU3ehine5W6XBP/s1570/iRead%20Website%20new%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="1570" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkkRDA9EECcEuUGTWgm6amI_UGFD9cN82rH-vLLNHqyRyNSp6GX1YMvUKJZekf80oB5hRF663pyVQatSCdeQ3YTfJhCO_L2LwGbh-MJkRhEQq4HovJgQ0GHPe0yZFQa-AO-axDA6uSjp47q-CqW7FFsup4k5YfJ0Pic5IMT8GD0mI5caU3ehine5W6XBP/w400-h66/iRead%20Website%20new%20logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/oFeR9/the-secrets-of-the-hidden-workforce-book-tour-giveaway" rel="nofollow">The Secrets of the Hidden Workforce Book Tour Giveaway</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-29157785558854273352024-03-08T04:00:00.000-08:002024-03-08T07:49:31.117-08:00Phoenix Poetry Challenge Day 7 - Tempering Steel<p><i>Day 7 of the <b>Phoenix Poetry Challenge</b> is about <b>tempering</b> steel. Every sword is<b> forged</b> in a fire. Life can be like that too. Things that seem unpleasant but are good for us. So we are to write a poem using <b>tempering steel </b>as a metaphor for our lives. </i><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxN0w4RzaTDoNvPZ6TYAp6terfspsnkWIU5jcMLmoVuRQ0BCyrIwHq_lUJ99O9ZRPg9UiO_DbVPeZj-5pG7eIk47jA3UUcHqovi0WmtDzw-kq3SUSJ657d_71yM3Wzx0QQ2oHBzfCWGOaAvkkFUvHF7OAmb_nIt6EbZXGlhZUvi0wAZ4e0V6VWxQR_kGl/s1066/Carmelized%20onion%20in%20pan.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="carmelized-onion" border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="1066" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFxN0w4RzaTDoNvPZ6TYAp6terfspsnkWIU5jcMLmoVuRQ0BCyrIwHq_lUJ99O9ZRPg9UiO_DbVPeZj-5pG7eIk47jA3UUcHqovi0WmtDzw-kq3SUSJ657d_71yM3Wzx0QQ2oHBzfCWGOaAvkkFUvHF7OAmb_nIt6EbZXGlhZUvi0wAZ4e0V6VWxQR_kGl/w640-h392/Carmelized%20onion%20in%20pan.jpg" title="carmelized onion in pan" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Onion</b></span></div><div>by Marilyn R Wilson</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes life's hardships</div><div>Feel like peeling an onion.</div><div>Layer after pungent layer,</div><div>Strong odors fill my nostrils.</div><div>Tears spill down my cheeks.</div><div>A task unwelcome and unpleasant.</div><div>Then the magic starts to happen.</div><div>Butter, a pan, and onion bits</div><div>Sautéing slowly a low flame.</div><div>Raw, acrid fumes start to morph.</div><div>And the onion slices are reborn.</div><div>Softer, sweeter, eerily fragrant.</div><div>A sprinkle of salt and pepper added</div><div>Transform them ever higher.</div><div>Who knew that acrid, tart onion </div><div>Was secreting away sugars?</div><div>A touch of fat, a bit heat and time</div><div>Transform ordinary to gourmet,</div><div>Coaxing out the coy sweetness.</div><div>Caramelizing what was harsh</div><div>Into a luscious, savory ambrosia</div><div>I could eat with a spoon.</div><div>Tempering our souls takes</div><div>Many tough trials by fire.</div><div>Through them we are reborn,</div><div>Transformed and elevated.</div><div>Our inner strengths drawn outward.</div><div>We evolve ever higher.</div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-26805376008870030482024-03-06T15:55:00.000-08:002024-03-06T16:50:43.186-08:00Interview with S. R. Fabrico, Author of Keeping Janie (Southport Series Book 2)<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxb552E2e5xq7-2L4nKTRSVlRH3h7msyqjRVtmYJehr-7-yLV6X9I8U1QgtrNiCWiiYr3e8rDuc-IYrzuplOg99T_3QILPgqxXa00txqyxBbEkaopv1WiY03Cpi7kGktxMMkRPwQK7Rd-eDbCNHoVJrhZuXZBUtsbGCzB0a739FMMhUToOXLpSRY4BpMf/s800/1593446953102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="headshot-srfabrico-author" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxb552E2e5xq7-2L4nKTRSVlRH3h7msyqjRVtmYJehr-7-yLV6X9I8U1QgtrNiCWiiYr3e8rDuc-IYrzuplOg99T_3QILPgqxXa00txqyxBbEkaopv1WiY03Cpi7kGktxMMkRPwQK7Rd-eDbCNHoVJrhZuXZBUtsbGCzB0a739FMMhUToOXLpSRY4BpMf/w256-h320/1593446953102.jpg" title="headshot of author S R Fabrico" width="256" /></a></div>Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a writer/published author? Any interests or early signs as a child that hinted you would later put pen to paper?</b> </div></b></div></b><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>I actually have a degree in mathematics. When I was a child I attempted to enter a writing contest for a magazine. I think my story I submitted was awful, hahaha! I never much enjoyed English as a student and I did not like writing even through college. In my mid-twenties I became and avid reader and many years later decided to write a book for my husband, The Secrets We Conceal. Several years later I decided to publish that book and I fell in love with the process.<br /><br /><b>What was it that drew you to write fiction? What inspired the Southport Series of which Keeping Janie is the 2nd book?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I like the creativity aspect of fiction. Personally, I enjoy reading fiction, it’s an escape from every day life. I enjoy writing books that can provide that same escape for people, maybe have some fun and laughs, and even a good cry or two. <br /><br /><b>What inspired the Southport Series? </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I was visiting my brother and sister-in-law who live in Southport. I knew that I wanted to write another book, but I wasn’t sure what. I took my laptop to a picnic table on the water and the outline and ideas flooded the page. Originally it was only one book, but halfway through writing Call Her Janie – book 1, I decided to make it a three part series. <br /><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTJXso5p8J2g-HyOoTWDv9TTynhW4s_la97TXjtfeSpnaS5nbXnZr6y_tukSnGQyxyu_OiXA5wNVKNAQcTLpqMBl_OvLSh8C5ZkJWz8blRQYFlv8vHMhbdGNVY_kHtcPY7b3Q15DJBzgS28kZ6oSOnVh1ghz2lLw7yuc3O29hfmouiRJw0TDcuRNSnYHD/s899/keeping-janie-s-r-fabrico.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="641" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTJXso5p8J2g-HyOoTWDv9TTynhW4s_la97TXjtfeSpnaS5nbXnZr6y_tukSnGQyxyu_OiXA5wNVKNAQcTLpqMBl_OvLSh8C5ZkJWz8blRQYFlv8vHMhbdGNVY_kHtcPY7b3Q15DJBzgS28kZ6oSOnVh1ghz2lLw7yuc3O29hfmouiRJw0TDcuRNSnYHD/w285-h400/keeping-janie-s-r-fabrico.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Review <a href="https://www.oliobymarilyn.com/2024/03/book-review-keepingjanie-romance-suspence-fiction-ireadbooktours-srfabrico.html" target="_blank">HERE!</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ? </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I write when I can. Typically I set goals for myself on my outline. Basically, I list a deadline date for each chapter. When I am really in the groove I will write one chapter per day and a few chapters on a weekend which allows me to whip through my first draft pretty quickly. <br /><br /><b>As an author - what do you enjoy most about the writing process or comes easily to you? What feels most like a chore - a struggle? </b></div><div><br /></div><div>Editing by far is my favorite part. I need to get the book on paper to get the process started, but editing for me is where the magic happens. Taking the suggestions of my editors, adding, or subtracting parts of the book. I love it. My least favorite part is the marketing. I actually enjoy marketing, but I think it is the endless amounts of marketing an author must do to keep their books selling. <br /><br /><b>I found this book dark in many ways, and the ending hard to bear. Dark themes seem to be a standard in your works of fiction. Why do these topics draw you and how do you walk away from the emotional load at the end of a tough writing session? </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I guess I never really considered my writing dark, but perhaps it is a little dark. I think my main goal is just to get the reader to feel as many emotions as possible. I like to really draw the reader in to the characters lives and feel what the characters feel. I enjoy a little bit of suspense and so I try to sprinkle it in my books as well as romance. I think every book no matter the genre should have a good love story.<br /><br /><b>What's next for you? New books in the works, events you will be at or ? </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I plan to finish book 3 of the Southport Series, Janie’s Hope. My goal is for Janie’s Hope to be published in late summer/early fall of 2024. However, I have undergone some significant health issues over the past eight months. I have kept my health mostly private because until recently we didn’t know what was wrong. So this Q&A is the first time I have shared the news publicly. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdtFkqF4b12fmh9tjTfib_LJODfXeTqaukyaLpj0K0iGg0DkCa0u5xXFF500KKBUKs68tBIiinsaCjSc_AqkWyRP5adjJDUJiEBNE_7PK0WgIZd1ezynFzqw2Xu685ISwfT0B_QdmcvqAg76fZQNRmsstcV0eJ8ySuNQN_tlb79cCT3WuMvxsofsKFe1p/s1266/book%20covers%20S%20R%20Fabrico.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bookcovers-callherjanie-thesecretsweconceal" border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1266" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTdtFkqF4b12fmh9tjTfib_LJODfXeTqaukyaLpj0K0iGg0DkCa0u5xXFF500KKBUKs68tBIiinsaCjSc_AqkWyRP5adjJDUJiEBNE_7PK0WgIZd1ezynFzqw2Xu685ISwfT0B_QdmcvqAg76fZQNRmsstcV0eJ8ySuNQN_tlb79cCT3WuMvxsofsKFe1p/w400-h316/book%20covers%20S%20R%20Fabrico.png" title="bookcovers call her janie and the secrets we conceal" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was recently diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and I am extremely passionate about writing a novel about my journey. It would be a fiction based on a true story. I am aiming to have this book published by Spring of 2025. At the moment, I am thinking the title would be Ten Thousand Steps, because in August of 2023 I was barely able to walk to the end of by street and back a total of about eight hundred steps, but I was determined to get to ten thousand steps a day which is approximately five miles. With the help of my husband and a lot of tears I accomplished that goal and now walked ten thousand steps a day is part of my daily routine.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I would love to close with a favorite personal quote that you love</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>One of my favorite personal quote’s is “We rise by lifting others.” ~ Robert Ingersoll</div><div><br /></div><div><b>connect with the author: <a href="https://www.srfabrico.com/">website</a> ~ <a href="https://mailchi.mp/0c8047420a83/srfabrico-author-subscribe-form">newsletter</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/StacyRowe1">twitter </a>~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/srfabricoauthor">facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/srfabrico_author/">instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22201455.S_R_Fabrico">goodreads</a></b></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-44910971859160604842024-03-06T15:54:00.000-08:002024-03-06T16:51:29.264-08:00Keeping Janie (Southport Series Book 2) by S. R. Fabrico<div style="text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVA6PfS0zYtN_ONGfyUqBv1eyU7R6b0irXJMS02AQ-GHhh2qxeQczH8gULsM4OaV9vmhk9cSYHE7fpBvTgEZkR2YrT0yBlImeutvr5z1C5IrV09DCSOgiMcEeBVvani1ntKMskN9cu-rsYR3qpHCfih6jyOOvM_UFgWYHKYrBSQ0NhOCwGEuIhS5Z9jyr/s899/keeping-janie-s-r-fabrico.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="book-cover-keeping-janie" border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="607" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVA6PfS0zYtN_ONGfyUqBv1eyU7R6b0irXJMS02AQ-GHhh2qxeQczH8gULsM4OaV9vmhk9cSYHE7fpBvTgEZkR2YrT0yBlImeutvr5z1C5IrV09DCSOgiMcEeBVvani1ntKMskN9cu-rsYR3qpHCfih6jyOOvM_UFgWYHKYrBSQ0NhOCwGEuIhS5Z9jyr/w270-h400/keeping-janie-s-r-fabrico.jpg" title="Book cover keeping janie" width="270" /></a></div>Book 2 in the Southport Series...<span><a name='more'></a></span></i></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis - <br /></span></b><br />Embark on an exhilarating reunion with Lizzie Levine, Southport, North Carolina’s newest resident, who first graced our hearts in the award-winning novel Call Her Janie. In this eagerly awaited sequel by S.R. Fabrico, the stakes are higher, the twists more exhilarating, and the drama more enthralling.<br /><br />Reuniting with her daughter, Janie, should be the start of Lizzie’s picture-perfect life. Behind the scenes, however, is a different matter. The happiness of having her daughter back is overshadowed by the fear ad distrust of her ex-boyfriend, billionaire Gray Stone.<br /><br />Amidst the tapestry of wedding preparations, the custody fight looms. The story unfolds in a battleground of secrets, lies, and deception. In this gripping narrative, love and lies entwine, danger lurks in the shadows, and the courage to confront one’s past becomes paramount. Can Lizzie gain custody of her daughter, marry the man she loves, and have her happily-ever-after, or will the mistakes of their past destroy them all?<div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Review - </span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>It's been awhile since I have read a darker themed fiction book of this type. Although my kids are grown, I struggled with the pain Lizzie faced trying to gain custody of her daughter. Why this is such a difficult battle is covered in book one, so I suggest you read it first as I don't want to give any spoilers. All I can say is it is an unusual twist.</div><div><br /></div><div>The plot follows several themes - a new love, the father of her child who was initially indifferent, but now wants joint custody, a sick future father-in-law, a psycho woman who believes Janie is hers and will stop at nothing to take her away from her true mother. Lizzie moves from high moments to dark ones in a constant wave. And, unlike most books, it comes without the standard happy ending. What twist does the end take? You'll have to read to find out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well written with an unusual backstory (again I would read book one first), it's a good read if you are okay with dark themes, struggles and can let go of the need for a fairy tale ending. </div><div><br /><b>Buy the Book: <a href="https://amzn.to/3w05ymF">Amazon</a> ~ add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203268721-keeping-janie">goodreads</a></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Meet the Author - </span></b></div><div><i>Fab author interview <a href="https://www.oliobymarilyn.com/2024/03/interview-author-keepingjanie-romance-suspense-ireadbooktours-srfabrico.html" target="_blank">HERE!</a></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6Ld6Z41HAKFgEAj7xvGMI85RGJQm0uhDdGU7fcXhS4AapoykJrBSW6eQ9JfVbIRK3N_9vGk-F7N7_-0jeso__UUgeDFAfTJaKkDf8lx9LrQETQtp54lns2l2O327NTigDdgzTTz0fVms_fyLavhoDf8lLnv49MWZQnTakCJMcSffOjY8QDssV0COZODY/s800/1593446953102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="headshot-author-srfabrico" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6Ld6Z41HAKFgEAj7xvGMI85RGJQm0uhDdGU7fcXhS4AapoykJrBSW6eQ9JfVbIRK3N_9vGk-F7N7_-0jeso__UUgeDFAfTJaKkDf8lx9LrQETQtp54lns2l2O327NTigDdgzTTz0fVms_fyLavhoDf8lLnv49MWZQnTakCJMcSffOjY8QDssV0COZODY/w256-h320/1593446953102.jpg" title="Headhshot of author s r fabrico" width="256" /></a></div>S.R. Fabrico is an award-winning author whose literary talents have captivated readers worldwide. With her debut novel, The Secrets We Conceal, and her second novel, Call Her Janie, she has emerged as a rising star in the literary realm.<br /><br />With a remarkable 25-plus-year career in business, marketing, and sports, S.R. Fabrico brings a unique perspective to her writing. As a World Champion Dance Coach and esteemed speaker, she infuses her stories with passion and insight.<br /><br />Residing in Tennessee with her husband and children, S.R. Fabrico continues to create captivating narratives that will transport you to new and extraordinary worlds. Prepare to be enchanted by her exceptional storytelling prowess.<br /><br />In addition to her passion for writing novels, she has published a series of sports journals and a journal for women. She believes that journaling is good for the soul.<br /><br />connect with the author: <a href="https://www.srfabrico.com/">website</a> ~ <a href="https://mailchi.mp/0c8047420a83/srfabrico-author-subscribe-form">newsletter</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/StacyRowe1">twitter </a>~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/srfabricoauthor">facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/srfabrico_author/">instagram</a> ~ <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22201455.S_R_Fabrico">goodreads</a></div><div><br /><div class="paragraph" style="background-color: white; color: #515151; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px auto 1em; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZR4X3rr70FVuL8zli5EDzMKRuvs3bWG7eMv_r5BXdgKpiBh3Y_FKlp7L9fAULo7phovRnXdXjAG5XKFDVM198HokbYwBGQBfXeOUzUSSnyEXVutOcoLcWA9zFgfkdgpIQcCZYT-TQHxf2_o7m45nGfzal2vlFRYkBsZc4T2ksXfuBWOqIy48WvTCtC9kD/s1570/iRead%20Website%20new%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="1570" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZR4X3rr70FVuL8zli5EDzMKRuvs3bWG7eMv_r5BXdgKpiBh3Y_FKlp7L9fAULo7phovRnXdXjAG5XKFDVM198HokbYwBGQBfXeOUzUSSnyEXVutOcoLcWA9zFgfkdgpIQcCZYT-TQHxf2_o7m45nGfzal2vlFRYkBsZc4T2ksXfuBWOqIy48WvTCtC9kD/w400-h66/iRead%20Website%20new%20logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/DPRaP/keeping-janie-book-tour-giveaway" rel="nofollow">KEEPING JANIE Book Tour Giveaway</a></div><a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/DPRaP/keeping-janie-book-tour-giveaway" rel="nofollow"><script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script></a>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-60314004312616203082024-03-04T04:00:00.000-08:002024-03-04T04:00:00.123-08:00Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy & Spiralized Zucchini<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtG6DuKE5n_t6gDLz-SS0dDAnbZXseROcv5mnaSjqCYyelcT_7QMz6wL0kjPpm8_jHGxrtnOxR9VfLYp1PgQR2HnG6ecSz9ccvgitDPDZCPZJykxkhS7ddewRX7J3iEVAVzvPh2mzJEpAzFQPUuA4t_QR9jnL1LMD4PDmuvAq-2_TdQATrnWsTVHodRz7x/s2422/20240221_180610.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hamburger-mushroom-gravy-zucchini-zoodles" border="0" data-original-height="2422" data-original-width="2422" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtG6DuKE5n_t6gDLz-SS0dDAnbZXseROcv5mnaSjqCYyelcT_7QMz6wL0kjPpm8_jHGxrtnOxR9VfLYp1PgQR2HnG6ecSz9ccvgitDPDZCPZJykxkhS7ddewRX7J3iEVAVzvPh2mzJEpAzFQPUuA4t_QR9jnL1LMD4PDmuvAq-2_TdQATrnWsTVHodRz7x/w320-h320/20240221_180610.jpg" title="Hamburger with mushroom gravy and zucchini zoodels" width="320" /></a></div>I opened</b> up the Google search page one day and saw a pic for a <b>recipe </b>with <b>hamburger</b> patties in an <b>onion gravy</b> with sautéed zucchini noodles <b>(zoodles</b>) on the side. It looked easy. My husband is a real meat and potatoes kind of guy and I am more a casserole/one-pan type cook, so thought it would my worth a try.<span><a name='more'></a></span><br /><br /><b>The recipe</b> was on a site call MYCOOC. Their page was full of ads and it looked like a the <b>recipes</b> were made by a wide variety of people. So maybe this site is just a <b>collection</b> of dishes found on other sites. While they showed the <b>zoodles</b> in the image, they weren't included, so I added the<b> instructions</b> for what I did. If you want potatoes as well, just make your favorite - mashed, roasted, wedges, fries. <br /><br /><b>Other than</b> the chopping and spiralizing, this meal came together quickly and was a hit with both my husband and I. I'll be making it again. And I used <b>extra lean</b> hamburger so that there would be little fat in the gravy. It worked perfectly. <div><br /></div><div><b>Enjoy! And</b> if you make it let me know what you think.<div><br /></div><div>= = = = <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hamburger Steaks with Onion Gravy & Spiralized Zucchini</span></b></div><div>2 servings of 2 patties each, 4 if you give just one patty each.</div><div><br /><b> Ingredients -</b><br /><br />2 <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Medium </span>Zucchini</div><div>1 T<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Butter</span><br />1lb<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Extra lean g</span>round beef<br />1 <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> E</span>gg<br />1/3 C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> B</span>read crumbs (I used panko)<br />1/2 tsp<span> </span><span> </span> Black pepper<br />1 tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> S</span>alt</div><div>1/2 tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> O</span>nion powder<br />1 clove <span> </span><span> </span><span> G</span>arlic minced<br />1tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> Worcestershire sauce<br />1T <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> O</span>il<br />1-1/2 C<span> </span><span> </span><span> T</span>hinly sliced onion<br />2 T<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> A</span>ll-purpose flour<br />1 C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> B</span>eef broth</div><div>1/2tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> S</span>alt<br /><br /><b>Instructions - </b></div><div><br /></div><div>I like to use just one pan, so started with the zucchini. Cut off ends and spiralize the zucchini. Add butter and zoodles to large non-stick frying pan and sauté over medium heat until crisp tender. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside and keep warm. </div><div><br /></div><div>In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Form into thick patties. Heat the oil in the same large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. I added the onions and fried them for just a coupe minutes to get them cooking. Then I pushed the onion aside to add the 4 hamburger patties and arranged the onion slices around them. Fry the patties and onion in the oil until patties are nicely browned. I put the lid on the frying pan to make sure the burgers cooked through, but you could also just sear them now and then return them to the gravy to finish cooking. Mentioned below. Leaving the onion sliced in the pan, remove the beef patties to a plate and keep warm.</div><div><br /></div><div>The onions at this point should be fully cooked and at least partly caramelized. If not, give them a few more minutes. Sprinkle flour over the onions and drippings in the skillet. Combine evenly with the onions, scraping bits of beef off of the bottom as you stir. Gradually mix in the beef broth. Season with salt (and pepper if you like). Simmer and stir over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until the gravy thickens.<br /><br /></div><div>Turn heat to low, return patties to the gravy, cover, and simmer for another 15 minutes. Note - if your patties were fully cooked before, then you don't need another 15 minutes of cooking. Mine were done, so I plated the burgers and zucchini, and served with a good helping of onion gravy on top of the burgers. They were delicious. If you decide to make potatoes, you could drizzle some of the gravy on them as well. <br /></div></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-6862261267812963892024-03-01T04:00:00.000-08:002024-03-01T08:20:43.169-08:00What I Look For in a Collaborative Book<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF3y8yE6QUfF_Vd9Y3DN5a5ajyKGjEGHFTRjABaMN_yl2OEo0-MFEcYdbeIPRguHedP5PPJ7db_6WlcVvjISy8rvOs8nskWfoqDGkoeqrr8quRy_O6yDv-HcFG3M_PpMPGVb02oq-cCxx1j_dE9uiyuMzWSXbo6npBGhKA10OQV3lPOuaCi74a_c_pXtg/s1024/0G6A3665-Edit.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="author-marilynrwilson-books" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF3y8yE6QUfF_Vd9Y3DN5a5ajyKGjEGHFTRjABaMN_yl2OEo0-MFEcYdbeIPRguHedP5PPJ7db_6WlcVvjISy8rvOs8nskWfoqDGkoeqrr8quRy_O6yDv-HcFG3M_PpMPGVb02oq-cCxx1j_dE9uiyuMzWSXbo6npBGhKA10OQV3lPOuaCi74a_c_pXtg/w640-h426/0G6A3665-Edit.jpg" title="Author Marilyn R Wilson with books" width="640" /></a></b></div><b><br />Collaborative </b>books have been growing in number for the last decade. I have been involved in helping promote them, but usually never signed up. Why? Because I was always working on my own projects and honestly have really limited funds. I made the conscious decision to focus all my <b>publishing</b> dollars on my own solo <b>books</b>.<div><br /><div><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ77ymiGbU63uiE9C0T6A1zRYpvp0yhRIbL1O-g9PCioGV_SqCLUTEFyB0u2pAenQBK9bFTvLVK47eMlNPVIqcZlSX8smsq_i_prgvuITP9uB7g2Oyxqqx9k-Uhmu9JfBNrYIyWEEKq2PoI4nZBedhwN3IkVOEZJ2fLIv3brxTZ0bNNFdL4wZYciQR7fL4/s1360/61mGI1Wy+xL._SL1360_%20(1).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="book=cover-we-are-all-healers" border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ77ymiGbU63uiE9C0T6A1zRYpvp0yhRIbL1O-g9PCioGV_SqCLUTEFyB0u2pAenQBK9bFTvLVK47eMlNPVIqcZlSX8smsq_i_prgvuITP9uB7g2Oyxqqx9k-Uhmu9JfBNrYIyWEEKq2PoI4nZBedhwN3IkVOEZJ2fLIv3brxTZ0bNNFdL4wZYciQR7fL4/w259-h400/61mGI1Wy+xL._SL1360_%20(1).jpg" title="Book cover we are all healers" width="259" /></a></b><b>What I </b>feel is the most positive aspect of this <b>genre </b>is the ability for someone interested in <b>writing</b> to dip their toes in. Being in a collaborative book is the easiest, most stress free, and cost effective way to give writing a try. Someone else will be in charge of the details - selecting a concept, supporting the writers, choosing an <b>editor</b>, finding a <b>typesetter</b> and<b> proof reader</b>, creating the <b>cover art</b> and launching the book. Word counts allowed for each<b> chapter </b>usually range from 1500 to 3500 words, and the cost to sign on varies wildly. For most, profits go to either a charity or to the business publishing it.<p></p><p><b>For business</b> owners, this is a chance to set yourself up as an <b>expert</b> in your field. It also can be used as a <b>marketing</b> tool to open new doors. For someone with a <b>story</b> to share, this is a chance to get <b>experience</b> writing and introduce yourself to <b>readers</b>. The option is always there to build on this by following up with a solo book of your own written with a better <b>understanding</b> of the process. </p><p><b>In the </b>last 18 months, I made the decision to accept the invitation to be a part of two collaborative <b>chapter </b>books. One was a unique concept by a <b>mentor</b> - Sue Dumais - where each author wrote a shorter personal piece on how we were <b>healers</b>. That took me back. I didn't consider myself a healer in the traditional sense, but with her guidance began to see the bigger picture. Everyone could be a healer. I had goosebumps when I realized the<b> wisdom</b> I gave wings to in my books and articles could become the <b>catalyst</b> for someone’s healing. Once I submitted my story, my mentor wrapped it in her own words - sharing from her deep knowledge of my <b>healing </b>journey.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARHAE_bdaA2r05mFWg6Rh31hO8YekvvIZEGeGr3zPxmwahytbdP15PLKknRLKxH3BU7Vfl1PrEatP6Xm7BiAGGr7mhnoQ8tG1swndlLAHwQ5GTEX5LdP_VD2jKub7wtPSPq8epyFraYWeYIU8078YPeEcu2b8jRhBx9SkZgZsmAB8SFQh45hN115hQzzi/s1360/61pY0m7QxIL._SL1360_%20(1).jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="book-cover-when-women-talk" border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgARHAE_bdaA2r05mFWg6Rh31hO8YekvvIZEGeGr3zPxmwahytbdP15PLKknRLKxH3BU7Vfl1PrEatP6Xm7BiAGGr7mhnoQ8tG1swndlLAHwQ5GTEX5LdP_VD2jKub7wtPSPq8epyFraYWeYIU8078YPeEcu2b8jRhBx9SkZgZsmAB8SFQh45hN115hQzzi/w259-h400/61pY0m7QxIL._SL1360_%20(1).jpg" title="book cover when women talk" width="259" /></a></div>The second </b>invitation came from a<b> woman's group</b> I love - The Connected Woman. It was inspired by the idea that when women share, they can effect <b>change</b>. We each were given free rein to share a story from our own<b> struggles</b> along with our <b>journey</b> through it. What helped us? What from our<b> experience </b>could offer insight to others? I loved this <b>concept</b>, and the higher word count of this project offered me the ability to go deeper. <p></p><p><b>There were </b>other factors that led me to say yes to both. The first was making new <b>connections</b>, both personal and on <b>social media</b>. The second was to test the waters to see if being a part of collaborative books would help me as an author break into new territories. The third was having the price, the <b>word count </b>and <b>benefits </b>offered make sense, and the total had to be within my <b>budget. </b>Remember, the dollars had to come from my limited publishing<b> funds</b>. </p><p><b>The final</b> must-have for me is one that most collaborative books don’t consider - the contributing <b>authors</b>' names need to be listed on the<b> front cover</b>. Usually they are placed on the back cover or inside in the table of contents. However, as a published writer with<b> </b>author pages on <b>Goodreads</b> and<b> Amazon</b>, having my name on the front cover was an important element for me. This<b> visibility</b> clearly marks me as an author in the book, and it makes adding the books to my author pages much easier. Sadly this last point led me to recently walk away from what otherwise was a really great opportunity. In the end I had to trust my instincts.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQf9i_mzOIVRxAV7sqEtfu8L90kr6J52qBV_4vmyOrs1Whqmp8T-RZ36PNlxwRFMQ-FXab3aCk8wLWCACjGwJ9CyI6mEdwSn_IGGWp0LMdBRS5VTjOCEKS1iTpmp4rL2SKovmRI8TTO8Ips5KU3jeKEc1zTeQPA8jfgN97q2DnKgFhVwDazgdKplTsDwk/s1066/pursuit%20365%20books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="book-cover-pursuit-365" border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="1066" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiQf9i_mzOIVRxAV7sqEtfu8L90kr6J52qBV_4vmyOrs1Whqmp8T-RZ36PNlxwRFMQ-FXab3aCk8wLWCACjGwJ9CyI6mEdwSn_IGGWp0LMdBRS5VTjOCEKS1iTpmp4rL2SKovmRI8TTO8Ips5KU3jeKEc1zTeQPA8jfgN97q2DnKgFhVwDazgdKplTsDwk/w640-h278/pursuit%20365%20books.png" title="book covers for pursuit 365 series" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>None of </b>what I share is set in stone, not even for me. There are always exceptions. I have happily been a part of all three<b> Pursuit 365</b> books, but with 365 authors there was no way our names could be clearly listed on the cover. That said, their cover does feature all our <b>signatures </b>tucked in the background as a part of the<b> artwork</b>. Very subtle. With this series, the great<b> price, </b>compared with what I received in terms of new connections and marketing, continues to make being a part a great choice. <p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl1jxjgJrclzEgBdxxj-g3WGj-v_iwgYvj4_UCn07Wf4NWS2ZvEzWy9o-zIHYQnI_HCf0CgNypvWju-8HTJ3N6xsDesb-f400c1tJz20saVZGF_NBEfaXugls-Lmeb0WQAsFH0cxIzwOosR8jQUV1wsJ4OUT4zQMaO5KRN0nXnh1lLrl1CIeYrxV1GCoc/s1200/teamwork-quote.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-alone-together" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvl1jxjgJrclzEgBdxxj-g3WGj-v_iwgYvj4_UCn07Wf4NWS2ZvEzWy9o-zIHYQnI_HCf0CgNypvWju-8HTJ3N6xsDesb-f400c1tJz20saVZGF_NBEfaXugls-Lmeb0WQAsFH0cxIzwOosR8jQUV1wsJ4OUT4zQMaO5KRN0nXnh1lLrl1CIeYrxV1GCoc/w320-h320/teamwork-quote.png" title="poster quote on alone and together" width="320" /></a></b></div><b>It's important</b> for anyone considering being in a <b>collaborative book </b>to clearly understand your <b>purpose</b> in choosing to write. Once you know your <b>why</b>, it's easier to<b> evaluate </b>each offer to see if it is the right<b> choice</b> for you - price, word count, deadlines, project quality, launch plans. From there you need to think about how you will use your<b> participation</b> to further your goals As mentioned above, you could<b> promote </b>your business, build<b> brand recognition</b>, set yourself up as an <b>expert</b>, book<b> interviews</b>, or even help you start connecting with readers in anticipation publishing your own solo book.<p></p><p><b>There is</b> no right or wrong. When a new door opens, it is important to take time to <b>research</b> whether it is right for you. If you simply want to be an author in a book because it's on your <b>bucket list</b>, that's okay too. My only real advice is to understand why you want to do this, do your<b> homework </b>and then trust your<b> instincts</b>. </p></div></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-16816930326097150212024-02-28T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-28T08:44:55.049-08:00Interview with A.H. Morris, Author of Gratitude: Two Hundred Short Poems<div><b><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKeMxBTj1e4WElYoqV1NFrGx3zcija5aTnV8tMw9-FEKFGYj9-2VOZzZXOuSQD-V1ZINApFK6AwQEzT_y_T-n8iBF61nC8SR4bEc7XBZAhkp991iV0x3iuO2HQd52N3OxQMxFIwHF9q_oWAh5oTwu7T2IWVSM_VUkjXgZy5TUi9wn3jXevl1YEyEuTzTG/s1600/thumbnail-amorris-gratitude-frontcover-award_orig.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="bookcover-gratitude-poems" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1009" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKeMxBTj1e4WElYoqV1NFrGx3zcija5aTnV8tMw9-FEKFGYj9-2VOZzZXOuSQD-V1ZINApFK6AwQEzT_y_T-n8iBF61nC8SR4bEc7XBZAhkp991iV0x3iuO2HQd52N3OxQMxFIwHF9q_oWAh5oTwu7T2IWVSM_VUkjXgZy5TUi9wn3jXevl1YEyEuTzTG/w253-h400/thumbnail-amorris-gratitude-frontcover-award_orig.jpg" title="Bookcover Gratitude poems" width="253" /></a></div></span></b><i>"Travel with the author through grief, forgiveness, peacefulness, spirituality, awareness, relationship problems, aging, and nostalgia. These poems offer a different perspective and a mostly lovely way to view the world..." - Readers' Favorite Review</i><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Synopsis - </span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Travel through the human condition with succinctly worded verses that linger long in your mind even after you've closed the book. These poems offer a different perspective and a lovely way to view the world.<span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Buy the Book: <a href="https://amzn.to/3um3zsC">Amazon</a><a href="https://amzn.to/3rMkSlf"> </a>~ <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gratitude-ah-morris/1144348820">B&N</a> ~ add to <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201841191-gratitude">Goodreads</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">Interview - </span></b><br /><br /><b>Can you share a bit about your journey to becoming a writer/published author? Any interests or early signs as a child that hinted you would later put pen to paper? </b><br /><br /> I have loved writing for as long as I can remember. I kept a journal even as a child. I write to discover what is going on in my mind. As a young man, I was one of the writers on the CBS soap opera As The World Turns. In my later years, it is poetry that intrigues me the most. <br /><br /><b> What inspired you to start writing poetry? To publish your first book in 2000? </b><br /><br /> I become more interested in the art of the word. I like being able to express a feeling in the fewest number of them. I felt I had gotten to the point where others might enjoy reading them. <br /><br /><b>How does the writing process work for you? Do you schedule a time every day, work madly when inspiration hits or ? </b><br /><br /> After I remember a word or phrase from my morning meditation, I write it down as soon as I can. I try to get to my computer before too long has passed. I will work on it for an hour or two to see if I can make it work. Then I will leave it for a while and come back to it later. <br /><br /><b> As an author - what do you enjoy most about the writing process or comes easily to you? What feels most like a chore - a struggle?</b><br /><br /> I enjoy the writing part of my poetry. It’s a puzzle that always fascinates me. The struggle is finding enough time. <br /><br /><b> Can you talk a bit on how your practice daily meditation inspires your poetry? </b><br /><br /> I meditate ever morning for about 20 minutes. Sometimes during that time, a word or phrase will come into my mind. I make a mental note to remember it. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I can develop it into a poem. <br /><b><br /> Your newest book of poetry is called Gratitude. Please share a bit about the poems you chose to include and what you hope readers will gain from reading them. </b><br /><br /> I chose the poems that I liked the best out of the approximately 400 that I wrote. I looked for the ones that I felt said the most in the best way. I hope readers will be reminded that we share many of the same feelings, and we are not alone. <br /><br /><b>What is next for you as a poet and writer? </b><br /><br />I will continue to write poetry. I have no choice; it is I part of who I am. I hope there may be another book down the line as my experience with this one has been deeply rewarding. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Meet the Author -</span></b></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILDU7jnQMT7HHjj5aTGtRd0262H3m5HLi63tZQHpVjOvPmYyVb1Rxy5iHL-2O0p1lmT3uwLUNlJk9zwy6X241j0GNXTrMjrL05HI-Ullxr-aDqI7DS3ZnfDv6Sxpc6WV7XPNJhB1Wg8hPI8Nau3tvR79LiOHLkyqPRT0Dt-tS1h7SC0ubYrjkHEXdIAki/s340/img-0159-a-h-morris.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="headshot-author-poet-ahmorris" border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="263" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiILDU7jnQMT7HHjj5aTGtRd0262H3m5HLi63tZQHpVjOvPmYyVb1Rxy5iHL-2O0p1lmT3uwLUNlJk9zwy6X241j0GNXTrMjrL05HI-Ullxr-aDqI7DS3ZnfDv6Sxpc6WV7XPNJhB1Wg8hPI8Nau3tvR79LiOHLkyqPRT0Dt-tS1h7SC0ubYrjkHEXdIAki/w248-h320/img-0159-a-h-morris.jpg" title="headshot author poet A H Morris" width="248" /></a></div>A.H. Morris was born in NYC in December of 1949. He lived there until he married for the first time in 2006. He and his wife, Melissa, moved to New Canaan, Ct where they continue to live. His first book of poetry, Secrets of the Universe, was published in the fall of 2000. His daily meditations are the source of inspiration for these poems.<br /><br /><b>Connect with author: <a href="https://twitter.com/chappymorris">X</a> ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chappymorris">facebook</a> ~ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chappy_morris/"> instagram </a>~ <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200054119-gratitude">goodreads</a></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pyQkvSeD1KVua_Fi4iN_uRnyX3dXOgHvzIgFghwr5tKSuMttMJJP52RnbyjCwGbKnmN2n28zl0ToQb4oE1ucvsnhzv2ZDUr3g53NxgKQjJA-vVpRS04WjhOtkegTZRK6vnMDSrUCEK6U6SDD4M53GfnNIn7VMuEYgNcnOjG6GAaB0iz70kG0xW6dkgJk/s1570/iRead%20Website%20new%20logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="260" data-original-width="1570" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pyQkvSeD1KVua_Fi4iN_uRnyX3dXOgHvzIgFghwr5tKSuMttMJJP52RnbyjCwGbKnmN2n28zl0ToQb4oE1ucvsnhzv2ZDUr3g53NxgKQjJA-vVpRS04WjhOtkegTZRK6vnMDSrUCEK6U6SDD4M53GfnNIn7VMuEYgNcnOjG6GAaB0iz70kG0xW6dkgJk/w400-h66/iRead%20Website%20new%20logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/nip4H/gratitude-twohundred-short-poems-spotlight-book-tour-giveaway" rel="nofollow">GRATITUDE; TWO-HUNDRED SHORT POEMS Spotlight Book Tour Giveaway</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-46443765695717643582024-02-26T04:00:00.003-08:002024-02-27T09:24:42.243-08:00Poetry - Connected Under the Stars<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPN4CIFuIDXJ-B9PY7PynjPJLVS-vnOoJc5wMd8SXeVnlvlYVsjOrdFmTBM6t5TB95JR7d7lbVbTDhAb7cl2mQfP5UZ9869jmOjECzYXg6AqPQOu4opALnIWcFaKOSfSnI54MbRQ3Pr8CFEfJ1d2WpBv2gwp34SvXrEONtfPyrOoZVDstm91cL4rYdA07d/s1920/melissa-hui-wang-starry-square.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1920" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPN4CIFuIDXJ-B9PY7PynjPJLVS-vnOoJc5wMd8SXeVnlvlYVsjOrdFmTBM6t5TB95JR7d7lbVbTDhAb7cl2mQfP5UZ9869jmOjECzYXg6AqPQOu4opALnIWcFaKOSfSnI54MbRQ3Pr8CFEfJ1d2WpBv2gwp34SvXrEONtfPyrOoZVDstm91cL4rYdA07d/w400-h400/melissa-hui-wang-starry-square.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ocean, Stars, Sky & You by <a href="https://muddymelly.artstation.com/" target="_blank">Melissa Hui Wang</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Connected Under the Stars</span></b><br />by Marilyn R. Wilson<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>In this time of anger and conflict.</div><div>Rife with shootings and riots.</div><div>Where divisions are promoted.</div><div>And the idea of diversity is feared.</div><div>There is a truth that rises up.</div><div>A revelation that is stronger than evil.</div><div>It's time to shout it from the rooftops.</div><div>We are all connected under the stars.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our feet are rooted in the same earth.</div><div>Our lungs are filled with the same air.</div><div>We dip our feet in the same salty water</div><div>Of great oceans that lap against all lands.</div><div>Our eyes watch the same sun rise and set.</div><div>And gaze upwards at the same night sky.</div><div>We are all connected under the stars.</div><div><br /></div><div>We all have hearts that beat in our chest.</div><div>Red blood that courses through our veins.</div><div>Bodies fashioned from the same skin and bones.</div><div>Voices that emerge from the same vocal cords.</div><div>We clap, we smile, we leap, we embrace,</div><div>We dream, we grieve, we ponder, we create.</div><div>Every journey is from birth to death.</div><div>We are all connected under the stars.</div><div><br /></div><div>Diversity is a joy and a strength,</div><div>But only an additional note to savor.</div><div>Our small differences are simply decorations.</div><div>They merely add interest to our journey.</div><div>Our core being is created from the same mold.</div><div>Time to release fear. Time to embrace community.</div><div>Time to acknowledge our oneness. </div><div>We are all connected under the stars.</div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-57135839218620579612024-02-23T04:00:00.001-08:002024-02-23T04:00:00.153-08:00The Details of Well Made Fashion<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7rSs-cdNXO8bXd4KfxoVgjjaBfK4MCrsbBGs-J3oEZnF6Ylz3HAQh252zj30xzHMkj1z6m6p-1_93qf-0dyJ_G0zkD1ed96TOxiHVYIGDTuUVkP5e9rmZ0gs7-e8KMbXhNbk7aI2omfH8MeN_Kj7YUQ8OJmWFGdOuaSLQlT9djHGwDhLc2eHGZmgC_rw/s2048/278300715_400876348709742_8903272452894147651_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="designer-fashion-runway-vfw" border="0" data-original-height="2033" data-original-width="2048" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS7rSs-cdNXO8bXd4KfxoVgjjaBfK4MCrsbBGs-J3oEZnF6Ylz3HAQh252zj30xzHMkj1z6m6p-1_93qf-0dyJ_G0zkD1ed96TOxiHVYIGDTuUVkP5e9rmZ0gs7-e8KMbXhNbk7aI2omfH8MeN_Kj7YUQ8OJmWFGdOuaSLQlT9djHGwDhLc2eHGZmgC_rw/w320-h318/278300715_400876348709742_8903272452894147651_n.jpg" title="designer fashion on the runway at vfw" width="320" /></a></div>I began</b> interviewing <b>fashion designers </b>at the age of 50 for a <b>magazine</b> in NYC - something I lucked into when I sent in three<b> submission</b> ideas in response to an ad they posted on <b>Craisglist</b>. I really had no idea what I was getting into. All I knew after I finished my first <b>interview</b> was that I loved hearing people share their stories. What they did really didn't matter to me.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b>I grew up</b> in a very humble family with limited income. My dad was minister. The focus was always on being of service and helpng others. <b>Fashion</b> didn't exist in this world. I was aware of what people wore in the <b>media</b>, but not the depth or extent of the <b>industry</b>. When young, most of my <b>clothes</b> were hand me downs or <b>sewn</b> by my mother. As I grew, I learned to sew out of necessity, even taking two years of <b>sewing classes</b> in high school. The class was about the basic<b> skill set</b>, not about fashion in a broader sense - quality fabrics, tailoring, palette and silhouettes.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4MKSJibWcHhY7_OHRcK3vAUJuRlSYGeTNNQ7yDUKUgb3HB8382xsB3Q0tXQ160SLrgJg-XKC9B5YvAyGzNHy5ttaKEeLqfrjfPjp_BSj8q8F7J55PefQZme0oPpRtC3FPTvqBmAVk6yi-KoexjX_aQrkwx4t9BWPQfJuewX2P1u5CyNk_akqbSjNTyFI/s611/94c2fb39cf03648f5823d7fff7e7c169.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-luxury-detail" border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="611" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4MKSJibWcHhY7_OHRcK3vAUJuRlSYGeTNNQ7yDUKUgb3HB8382xsB3Q0tXQ160SLrgJg-XKC9B5YvAyGzNHy5ttaKEeLqfrjfPjp_BSj8q8F7J55PefQZme0oPpRtC3FPTvqBmAVk6yi-KoexjX_aQrkwx4t9BWPQfJuewX2P1u5CyNk_akqbSjNTyFI/w320-h320/94c2fb39cf03648f5823d7fff7e7c169.jpg" title="poster quote luxury is in each detail" width="320" /></a></div><b>When I </b>became co-owner of local<b> fashion magazine</b>, I walked into my first <b>Vancouver Fashion Week</b> with eyewear from Costco, a haircut by my husband (NOT a hairstylist), and clothes from Zellers (a cheap chain store). My lack of<b> knowledg</b>e meant I didn't notice how different I looked from everyone else in the <b>media</b> tent. I was just excited to be there, to have a chance to see and learn. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Over time</b>, with the help of Shannon Belsito (former <b>stylis</b>t at Jac by JC), Sue Randhawa (owner of <b>The Optical Boutique</b>), Myles Laphen (<b>hair</b>) and many other wonderful <b>mentor</b>s, I slowly learned about<b> dressing</b> and <b>styling</b>. It would be 7-8 years before I gained confidence in my decisions about what I wanted to wear and how to wear it. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>There was </b>one thing I did bring to the table that many others in the fashion media lacked. That was years of <b>sewing</b> for myself, as well of five years creating custom <b>dance costume</b>s from jazz pants up to tutus. During that time I sewed until I couldn't look at my machine any more and I actually worn out the gears. I assumed other <b>media</b> had this same <b>knowledge</b> of <b>construction</b> and <b>fabrics</b>. Not true. They knew the industry, the<b> history</b>, the <b>who's who</b>, the season's <b>palette </b>and <b>silhouettes</b>. Incredible knowledge. I envied them, but slowly became proud of what I brought to the table.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKUcJFOhcex3dLGyt5Yk2kf1NLAWm0N4-g5RHQ6hwf0nwoPG7_tlvs69cbxzTQb1TSvIIutdQwcSCSO6WUiKBaYbvxnxNYqLluecM3CquW_s6xw6HSk_tllERODQ9Om6clh3DbRKaNLIOM-rvrZBLHvDD2h92-Msakx2_IphQitf18PGsQLqGz7OUj4TY/s2048/312475755_558303942966981_6670914595752873329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fashion-runway-vfw" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKUcJFOhcex3dLGyt5Yk2kf1NLAWm0N4-g5RHQ6hwf0nwoPG7_tlvs69cbxzTQb1TSvIIutdQwcSCSO6WUiKBaYbvxnxNYqLluecM3CquW_s6xw6HSk_tllERODQ9Om6clh3DbRKaNLIOM-rvrZBLHvDD2h92-Msakx2_IphQitf18PGsQLqGz7OUj4TY/w320-h320/312475755_558303942966981_6670914595752873329_n.jpg" title="fashion on the runway at VFW" width="320" /></a></div><b>My sewing </b>skills meant I experienced <b>runway shows </b>differently. I was interested in each designer as an <b>artist</b> and was intrigued by the details - what fabrics they incorporated, their use of <b>color</b> and <b>prints</b>, how their <b>patterns</b> were drafted, the technical <b>quality </b>of their sewing and finishing. I remember once watching a <b>runway </b>show where I found myself leaning way forward in my seat. The show was feminine suiting out of exquisite fabric, white with a beautiful watercolor floral print I think. But what caught my eye and left me in awe was the most unique <b>invisible seams</b> and<b> darts</b> in unexpected places. I was entranced. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I have </b>no idea if anyone else caught this, but I was intrigued. I had a<b> backstage pass</b>, so at the break leapt out of my seat and ran to find the<b> designer.</b> I asked her how she learned to draft in such a unique way. She smiled and pointed to an older Japanese man sitting quietly next to her and shared, “This expert Japanese drafter is my<b> mentor</b>.” Just wow! To this day I still see remember her show.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tWMBNs20C8jKM-nXHAIaEFxIX2bJQDTcHOilz4NgaWSQzFqb3Dsy9AfTvbbPaq0Jj-uTZkQ32d80yN4E8mbGGBYTtBWXJBeclnuM_AZD4ORG5KX1lGpiatRkGVidRYEZjnDF_RXcEOVwR0xLUGTlMixAY___uvsZnX0LO4A6vWbpv9uzgXDHVGx_37lj/s300/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-fabric-foundation-fashion" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="168" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tWMBNs20C8jKM-nXHAIaEFxIX2bJQDTcHOilz4NgaWSQzFqb3Dsy9AfTvbbPaq0Jj-uTZkQ32d80yN4E8mbGGBYTtBWXJBeclnuM_AZD4ORG5KX1lGpiatRkGVidRYEZjnDF_RXcEOVwR0xLUGTlMixAY___uvsZnX0LO4A6vWbpv9uzgXDHVGx_37lj/w224-h400/download.jpg" title="poster quote fabric is the foundation of fashion" width="224" /></a></div></div><div><b>Another</b> Vancouver designer floored me one year by showcasing beautiful male and female classic pieces from a luxury woven fabric, but he cut the fabrics on a <b>bias</b>. You just don't do that in a structured garment. Bias gives. Yet his skill set was so high, he did it without anyone understanding why the <b>garments</b> fit so beautifully. I was in awe, and for the next 10 years mentioned that collection every chance I could. Oh that I had been smart enough to snag piece for my<b> closet </b>before they sold out.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>There have </b>been other times the drafting, design, construction or use of color and prints has sent me over the moon. I even bought a jacket from a design student right off the runway. The <b>pattern</b> had been cut apart into sections, the <b>silhouette</b> altered, then recreated into pieces that <b>buttoned</b> together with waves of fabric. And then there is the beauty of a truly <b>luxurious</b> quality fabric. The way it hangs, molds around the body an flows when the model walks can be breathtaking. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><b></b></div><div><b>Unfortunately, </b>the love of and ability to recognize <b>quality</b> fashion seems to be getting lost today. It was a conversation I had with my lovely Italian friend who is living in <b>NYC</b>. She goes back to<b> Italy</b> every year and is finding it harder and harder to purchase a well made<b> garment </b>that is special and unique - not just a basic. Some of it is the high cost of a well-designed, well-made garment created in a quality fabric. Some of it is cost saving measures such as the use of cheap production factories. Also, there is a rising focus on styles that either show lot of skin, or are created from odd pieces, loud colors and/or <b>mixed prints</b>. I love that style too, but it does not define everything that fashion is.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQsSZBgCy7Qoa3TMrdiKgxKMKwNxLjdKauO-PlmKA9XRlf4t3cJdTSRvv7yayw3yzI8dByp1btNPwi7Gi-u4SIlBvI9pWPVmWxZo4wFZagsCvIh4qn3D_TAurcRov7vXpgeI4zoAVZvzxs78VnX9OVhYuV6Xch0EkQeJoo65vxc9kqg-lTNUDp4Rw8z8w/s2048/278281739_400115562119154_1981760785596007584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fashion-runway-vfw-rubberchickenpurse" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQsSZBgCy7Qoa3TMrdiKgxKMKwNxLjdKauO-PlmKA9XRlf4t3cJdTSRvv7yayw3yzI8dByp1btNPwi7Gi-u4SIlBvI9pWPVmWxZo4wFZagsCvIh4qn3D_TAurcRov7vXpgeI4zoAVZvzxs78VnX9OVhYuV6Xch0EkQeJoo65vxc9kqg-lTNUDp4Rw8z8w/w320-h320/278281739_400115562119154_1981760785596007584_n.jpg" title="fashion on the runway at vfw with rubber chicken purse" width="320" /></a></div><b>When it </b>comes to recognizing quality, take the time to slow down and really look. Do the <b>seams</b> lay flat or are they puckered? Are the side seams hanging straight or do the skew around the body. Do print patterns <b>match</b> at the seams. Is the <b>silhouette</b> balanced? If something stands out, was it meant to or is it a distraction because the proportions are off? What does the <b>fabric</b> look and feel like? Is it the right fabric for this type of garment? A <b>structured</b> garment like a suit should fit one way. A softer flowing garment another. I sometimes pick a softer garment by up the hanger it is on and move it around to see if it swings softly and freely. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I think</b> fashion should also be fun. Not everything has to be high end or super expensive. It's perfectly fine to have a patchwork Asian inspired dress that isn't perfectly made and pair it with a <b>rubber chicken purse</b>. I have just that outfit. I love walking around in a fashionable crowd showing off my chicken purse. It always brings a laugh and opens to the door to new <b>connections</b>. Just don't make the mistake in thinking that is all <b>fashion </b>is, or that it represents quality. <b>Funky </b>and fun is just one aspect. The next time you see me I might be in a clean-lined asymmetrical linen shirt and pants or classically clad I all black. I love mixing it up. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut-DISoCNCGq0qQV3gEzUq7KfXtdYl7Ijqir9IlUvKe8mQ7Z5iPRXG85X7Z3HfA0jEFQnWjIuPlJDOyCcwcgvSopzLlLrJ8q1tIH37wkbJsxRTMoqGNcDoPlGnre8IMK9RSgFkeBG8_bQ84efkjG9DMEjHqNeLCqxQt2fXfQuD6LnvrjpQGQ03U1kD9vS/s2048/312927202_560127166117992_436567548802725923_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="fashion-runway-vfw" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiut-DISoCNCGq0qQV3gEzUq7KfXtdYl7Ijqir9IlUvKe8mQ7Z5iPRXG85X7Z3HfA0jEFQnWjIuPlJDOyCcwcgvSopzLlLrJ8q1tIH37wkbJsxRTMoqGNcDoPlGnre8IMK9RSgFkeBG8_bQ84efkjG9DMEjHqNeLCqxQt2fXfQuD6LnvrjpQGQ03U1kD9vS/w320-h320/312927202_560127166117992_436567548802725923_n.jpg" title="fashion on the runway at VFW" width="320" /></a></div><b>In the</b> end people should wear<b> clothes </b>that make them happy, bring a smile to their face and put a skip in their step. They should <b>feel good</b> in what they are wearing. Period. Whether that is funky mixed prints thrown together look, or exotic fashions, or classic silhouettes, it your right to choose. I still think if you truly love fashion it's good to get to know enough to appreciate at least a little of the basics - tailoring, fabrics, balanced silhouettes and how they all come together - as well as what a luxury natural fabric is. This <b>foundation</b> will help you recognize the designers who are true <b>artists</b>. Their incredible <b>talent</b> combined great training and a strong understanding of fashion's foundation allows them to <b>break the rules </b>in unique and fabulous ways. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I get sad</b> when I only get attention for my fun, flashy clothes. As a sewer, I love my well made, classic pieces with a more subtle aura absolutely as much. Their<b> tailoring </b>and beautiful fabrics warm my soul. <b>Flash</b>, however, seems to be where the focus is for now. I am hoping like all things it is a <b>trend</b> and people will find their way back to a place where they can again appreciate the subtle <b>beauty</b> in the details of quality <b>creations</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLIwUy51hKMzfNCJmzaScMN2QCJr8wM2J5iZox9HXddj33ENY8QX1FWDVcLk9vYvwScrDT98l929o6zIOY-F4O_pJJzklxGbuBOoEH4X1bVz0LXqol4s-0EcKZcplsTZTNbHxmus1fu8EebxG_uoFrWPsBvQ7QR9Ykbd9TQeo7WWci-JNpA_8RiLvB9eh/s2048/311440234_559212116209497_1890316577664893751_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fashion-runway-vfw" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2047" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLIwUy51hKMzfNCJmzaScMN2QCJr8wM2J5iZox9HXddj33ENY8QX1FWDVcLk9vYvwScrDT98l929o6zIOY-F4O_pJJzklxGbuBOoEH4X1bVz0LXqol4s-0EcKZcplsTZTNbHxmus1fu8EebxG_uoFrWPsBvQ7QR9Ykbd9TQeo7WWci-JNpA_8RiLvB9eh/w320-h320/311440234_559212116209497_1890316577664893751_n.jpg" title="Fashion on the runway at VFW" width="320" /></a></div>To help</b> this happen, I feel we need <b>sewing classes</b> offered in high school again. It would help future adults gain an appreciation of these skills from a young age. We need more<b> adult</b> sewing classes and a way to lure new sewers in. And we need access to<b> quality</b> fabrics in our local f<b>abric stores</b>. The last time I was in, I couldn't see many available and left discouraged.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Here's to</b> fashion. Let it feel good to wear and give you joy. May you build a relationship with your clothing that works for you. May what you wear express who you are. And may your closet not be <b>one note</b>, because you are not one note. </div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-74385564784278520742024-02-21T09:17:00.000-08:002024-02-21T09:17:47.814-08:00Interview with Kimia Koochakzadeh-Yazdi & Kayla Yazdi Co-founders of Fashion X Electronics (FXE)<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAtgWB3pgbUwklKtAEpK_1g2YIX1WFpQtWy2GTCRSltx8p0oCCR1FoFYhm3GrE95ufyv4lnDhx6IMPwJX-nbNa0b-buqfAxakkPJkpzJKVMsR10OTr5aUBZgppjV7Z45d62LpqFYdWKzPLj3XuQe_E6ELhxZxo9M_UV8BZfXhJiMka22t5a4Zj_UGcOEX/s2500/IMG_7910.WEBP" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="headshot-kimi-kayla-yazdi-FXE" border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="1667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAtgWB3pgbUwklKtAEpK_1g2YIX1WFpQtWy2GTCRSltx8p0oCCR1FoFYhm3GrE95ufyv4lnDhx6IMPwJX-nbNa0b-buqfAxakkPJkpzJKVMsR10OTr5aUBZgppjV7Z45d62LpqFYdWKzPLj3XuQe_E6ELhxZxo9M_UV8BZfXhJiMka22t5a4Zj_UGcOEX/w213-h320/IMG_7910.WEBP" title="headshot of kimi and kayla yazdi of FXE" width="213" /></a></div>Can you share a little bit about your background, the life, work, experiences that led you to who you are today?</b><br /><b><br /></b><i>Kayla: </i>I’m a visual artist with a focus on fashion design, and textile development. I like to explore ways to create wearable art with minimal waste produced in the process. I studied painting at Azadehgan School of Art in Iran and fashion design & technology at Wilson School of Design in Vancouver. My interest in fashion is rooted in creating functional art. I enjoy the business aspect of fashion however, I want to push boundaries of how fashion can be seen as art rather than solely as production.<br /><br /><i>Kimia: </i>I’m a composer of acoustic and electronic music, I perform and build instruments, and a lot of times I combine these components together. Working with various disciplines is also an important part of my practice. I studied piano performance at Tehran Music School before moving to Vancouver to study composition at Simon Fraser University. I am currently a doctorate candidate in music composition at Stanford University. I love electronic music, food, and sports! My family, partner, and friends are a huge part of my life!<div> <br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5sVTqiWuBxDVEmgv8RHEiFIehKOI9iyCgKj-ZtNMhMCxFYrAlEfc-QNZ9WGlMOOG7Y786idBrakms9xBUuNhgdfKxOvQEWBU0iqZsyCrLNYf5pfUd8HpTU2o2cxGn0kBTQ8iEaTesvl_XYaE5MY4WGOEZH7t1mPCUpXFxGJDh7VLFcP01nQHlyaHQG7C/s3936/50bdea91-3b95-4aca-895c-9f065998aa78.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electorics-FXE" border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5sVTqiWuBxDVEmgv8RHEiFIehKOI9iyCgKj-ZtNMhMCxFYrAlEfc-QNZ9WGlMOOG7Y786idBrakms9xBUuNhgdfKxOvQEWBU0iqZsyCrLNYf5pfUd8HpTU2o2cxGn0kBTQ8iEaTesvl_XYaE5MY4WGOEZH7t1mPCUpXFxGJDh7VLFcP01nQHlyaHQG7C/w640-h426/50bdea91-3b95-4aca-895c-9f065998aa78.jpg" title="electronics for FXE" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><div><br /><b>When and how did the idea to start Fashion X Electronics (FXE) arise?</b><br /><br /><i>Kayla & Kimia: </i>We have been wanting to collaborate together for a while now and have been looking for ways to fuse both our industries together. After brainstorming and developing a few ideas we realized that we want to create a space where fashion & music are equals, rather than one supporting the other. We not only wanted to create a space to showcase our work and skills but also learn from each other, and merge other disciplines.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhRbjFS8GzI9ZJ40dpeRdgmKtyXDC7o1k69KWigTT8lfJWwZvFWPs470my8pjBUdMLDLEe9HbbzTdi-g3hJV7HFFywkIkXbjXg_PQiGrDN86VTlij8ifh0_oA7GvkBgyb_rYlmMV8dOEqnrLFqtlP5tNXSnvlEGaSRRc8kfKb4T6ba4ma8JhXEKNc4dyh/s6048/DSC_1898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="electronics-fxe" border="0" data-original-height="6048" data-original-width="4024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhRbjFS8GzI9ZJ40dpeRdgmKtyXDC7o1k69KWigTT8lfJWwZvFWPs470my8pjBUdMLDLEe9HbbzTdi-g3hJV7HFFywkIkXbjXg_PQiGrDN86VTlij8ifh0_oA7GvkBgyb_rYlmMV8dOEqnrLFqtlP5tNXSnvlEGaSRRc8kfKb4T6ba4ma8JhXEKNc4dyh/w266-h400/DSC_1898.jpg" title="electronics for FXE" width="266" /></a></div><b>Can you share with readers what Fashion X Electronics (FXE) is and what you hope it will bring to the fashion, music and technology industry in Vancouver?</b><br /><br /><i>Kayla & Kimia: </i>We want FXE to become a BC based community that brings people from different disciplines together to create innovative experiences. Our main focus is fashion and music but we hope to collaborate with dancers, sculptors, visual artists, and many other creatives to explore new territories of art. Our goal is to rotate between different mediums and to create a space for exploration and experimentation. We aim to continue hosting annual performances with different artists and to bring together different cultures, industries, genres, and organizations.</div><div><br /><b>You have your premier event called "Interweave" coming up on March 21st at The Kent Gallery in Vancouver. What can guests attending expect this evening?</b><br /><br /><i>Kayla & Kimia:</i> Interweave is a multidisciplinary performance that bridges fashion, music, technology, and dance. Our dancers will be performing in garments designed by Kayla, that are embedded with microcontrollers and sensors developed by Kimia. The dancers control various musical parameters through their movements and their interaction with the sensors that are incorporated within the garments. Along with works for movement and dance, there will be a live electronic music performance made for costume-made instruments. So far we have received an amazing amount of support and RSVP’s from the art industry in Vancouver and look forward to welcoming many local creative individuals. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_oPeumzQulYoMYWSb3bvHT6MdY92olsdFxipbWA2IotJWyO5nvmr96kyBMxzYEuqqgFJdWsy1oiALJMi6tCo1Yown5l3-gcygPKXy2ofXL25BcqFSgA22-yqaYScsjnrnqQh90jKcL_XKkhPlK0C0KIjbDPScwzILJfeVRxkgi5L-davk3pbsR2k_576/s992/fxe%20event%20team.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="FXE-event-team" border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="992" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_oPeumzQulYoMYWSb3bvHT6MdY92olsdFxipbWA2IotJWyO5nvmr96kyBMxzYEuqqgFJdWsy1oiALJMi6tCo1Yown5l3-gcygPKXy2ofXL25BcqFSgA22-yqaYScsjnrnqQh90jKcL_XKkhPlK0C0KIjbDPScwzILJfeVRxkgi5L-davk3pbsR2k_576/w640-h446/fxe%20event%20team.png" title="FXE Event Team" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b><div><br /><b>We'd love to know about the team of professionals who are working hard to create this unique experience. </b><br /><br /><i>Kayla & Kimia</i>: We are working with the amazing choreographers/dancers Anya Saugstad and Daria Mikhailiuk. We are thankful for Laleh Zandi’s help for creating a sculpture for one of our instruments which will be performed by Kimia. Celeste Betancur and Richard Lee have been our amazing audio tech assistants. We are very appreciative of everyone involved in FXE’s premiere and can’t wait to showcase our hard work.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfOkmrzSt4mXk7AYy2S4oNvrRYjvFoMRCCeJGcihskWdvHmjPIfPn0qaU21Ju8IIut1mCvoYclyQ8vyQ-BLF4pilLm8x_NNBNsUBUi6YrqBtwAghOAPCelDr6s_gf1HZrdqooxagETjhdHmsdox6EwkexYh6rxyGLhbtUri9D248vWqzJ978Kk3jlYwxd/s3936/66797465-dc43-4aa8-a543-4e0659fca255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="electronics-FXE" border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="3936" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfOkmrzSt4mXk7AYy2S4oNvrRYjvFoMRCCeJGcihskWdvHmjPIfPn0qaU21Ju8IIut1mCvoYclyQ8vyQ-BLF4pilLm8x_NNBNsUBUi6YrqBtwAghOAPCelDr6s_gf1HZrdqooxagETjhdHmsdox6EwkexYh6rxyGLhbtUri9D248vWqzJ978Kk3jlYwxd/w640-h426/66797465-dc43-4aa8-a543-4e0659fca255.jpg" title="Electronics for FXE" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div><b>You mention in your press release that you received support from the Canada Council for The Arts. How did you connect with the arts council and how have they support your creating this event?</b><br /><br /><i>Kayla & Kimia:</i> Interweave has been fully supported by Canada Council For The Arts and we are truly grateful for it. The “Explore and Create, Concept to Realization” program has given us the opportunity to create this event and to kick start FXE Collective.</div><div><br /><b>How can readers who are interested get a ticket? Note - capacity is limited so if you're interested, don't delay!</b><br /><br />To learn more about FXE and "Interweave", please visit our website and to secure your spot, please RSVP on <a href="https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/interweave-by-fashion-x-electronics-tickets-792744960517?aff=oddtdtcreator">Eventbrite</a>.<div><div><br /><b>Links - </b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Website - <a href="https://www.fashionxelectronics.com/" target="_blank">www.fashionxelectronics.com/</a></li><li>FXE Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fashionxelectronic/" target="_blank">@fashionxelectronic</a></li><li>Kimia’s Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kimiakoochakzadeh?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==" target="_blank">@kimiakoochakzadeh</a></li><li>Kayla’s Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaylayazdi?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==" target="_blank">@kaylayazdi</a></li><li>Eventbrite RSVP - <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/792744960517">www.eventbrite.com/e/792744960517</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-89126546452922228252024-02-16T09:25:00.000-08:002024-02-18T14:51:25.148-08:00Carrot and Lentil Soup (Spicy option)<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyILiMcWJszsKCFcbrLujrhWeXtgCnBYRsuSL9hXPYbcfmpPSkXSsnPlOBdbLWjCbTExuBaz_mEaKmTn1Y7dMqC6j0zuMhABPVZyjWCvzhSSItQ8DaknR7oEphDgpLrLoxfygRdjarlztqiX9OceRuRP5agLv4IDA4uhxSFUXxLR5kFGkYwN_NsdMqmarh/s2467/IMG_0669.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Carrot-lentil-soup" border="0" data-original-height="2467" data-original-width="2467" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyILiMcWJszsKCFcbrLujrhWeXtgCnBYRsuSL9hXPYbcfmpPSkXSsnPlOBdbLWjCbTExuBaz_mEaKmTn1Y7dMqC6j0zuMhABPVZyjWCvzhSSItQ8DaknR7oEphDgpLrLoxfygRdjarlztqiX9OceRuRP5agLv4IDA4uhxSFUXxLR5kFGkYwN_NsdMqmarh/w320-h320/IMG_0669.jpeg" title="Carrot lentil soup" width="320" /></a></div>When this</b> recipe for a pureed <b>carrot</b> and <b>lentil</b> soup by <a href="https://thefirstmess.com/2021/09/08/spicy-sesame-carrot-soup/" target="_blank">The First Mess</a> appeared on my <b>Google </b>page, I quickly followed the link. After reading the<b> ingredients</b>, I knew I would have to try it. Off I went to the store, but life interfered. I ended up headed to NYC before I could make it. Fortunately when I returned all they were still good. It was time.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b>I always</b> make small changes to <b>recipes</b> based on the ingredients I prefer to use, or the<b> time</b> I have to spend. I had the spice seeds, but not the time to roast and grind them, so added them to the onions when I was sautéing them. They pureed just fine in the blender, but you do lose that <b>roasted</b> flavor note. I always use a <b>sweet onion </b>when cooking. I like the milder bite. The original <b>recipe</b> used a yellow one. I also added homemade<b> almond butter </b>instead of tahini, and <b>soy sauce</b> instead of Tamari. As my husband does not like his food spicy, I left out the <b>chili</b>. And I topped my bowl of soup with a dollop of <b>sour cream</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Overall thes</b>e are minor changes, but the made the final<b> soup</b> was one that was fine tuned for my <b>family</b>. I served it with slices of <b>focaccia</b> that I brushed with olive oil and then broiled until crisp. YUM. If you try it, let me know what you think.</div><div><br /></div><div>= = = = </div><div><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Carrot and Lentil Soup</span></b><div>4-6 servings depending if main dish or part of a meal. </div><div><br /><b>Ingredients -</b></div><div><b><br /></b>1 tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> C</span>umin seeds (or ground)<br />1 tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> C</span>oriander seeds (or ground)<br />2T<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> O</span>live oil<br />1 <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Sweet</span> onion, chopped (medium or large)<br />1 tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> G</span>round chilies or chili flakes <i>(omit if you don't want spicy)</i><br />2 cloves <span> </span><span> </span><span> G</span>arlic, minced<br />2" piece<span> </span> Ginger, peeled and minced<br />1 ½ lbs. <span> </span><span> </span><span> C</span>arrots, scrubbed and chopped<br />Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste<br />½ C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> S</span>plit red lentils, rinsed<br />5 C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> V</span>egetable stock<br />¼ C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Almond butter, t</span>ahini or peanut butter<br />1½ tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> T</span>oasted sesame oil<br />1 tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> T</span>amari, soy sauce, or coconut aminos<br />1<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Lime, juiced</span><br /><b><br />Instructions - </b></div><div><br />Set a large soup pot over medium heat. If using the whole spices, add the cumin and coriander seeds to the pot and toast, stirring them up often. Toast the spices until very fragrant, about 45 seconds to a full minute. Dump the seeds out onto a small plate and allow them to cool completely before grinding up to a powder in a spice grinder. Set the ground spices aside. If using pre-ground spices they are added later. <i>Note - I was in a hurry, so while I had the seeds, I didn't have time to roast and grind them. I added them to the pan with the onions and sautéed at the same not. Not the same flavor, but worked. When I pureed the mix it ground them up fine enough. </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Return the large soup pot to the stove over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Swirl the oil around a bit and then add the onions to the pot and stir. The onions should be sizzling, but on the quieter end of sizzling. Lower the heat if necessary. (<i>this is where I threw in the spice seeds</i>). Keep cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, until very soft and translucent (but not browning), about 7-8 minutes.<br />If using ground cumin and coriander, add them to the pot now along with the ground chilies if you want the soup spicy. Omit the chilies if you want it mild. Stir and cook along with the onions for one full minute. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and stir. Keep cooking until the garlic is very fragrant, about 1 minute.</div><div><br />Add the carrots to the pot along with big pinches of salt and pepper. Stir the carrots to coat them in the spices and sautéed onions. Then, add the red lentils to the pot and stir once more. Finally, pour in the vegetable stock and give it a final stir. Bring this broth-y carrot, lentil, and spice mixture to a boil and then lower your heat to a simmer. Simmer this mixture uncovered, stirring here and there, until the carrots are quite soft, about 30 minutes.</div><div><br />To a large blender, add the almond butter, sesame oil, soy sauce and juice of one lime. Carefully add the broth-y carrot, lentil, and spice mixture. You might need to do this in two batches. Blend until you have a completely smooth puree. If too thick add a little bit of water. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pour the pureed soup back into the pot and re-heat, then remove from burner and stir in the lime juice.<br />Give the soup a taste at this point to see if you need to adjust some of the seasonings - salt, pepper, chili, lime etc. Ladle into serving bowls and add toppings if you like. I put a swirl of sour cream on mine which I loved, but you could top with cilantro, chili peppers, nuts, etc. </div></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-12210643634623925612024-02-15T08:09:00.000-08:002024-02-15T08:09:03.504-08:00My Picasso Coat of Many Colors<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bbwl2Z57PgbKOqeDWgMHBSqjZQN_0BXZZeVqm8xlQSEPjMuymcl62n5Ce-kutwgiAvmnOz95UKExiEp4sGX9vKKaWY-0KR6aMtRCGGtI2Qbx4nYtYm2ZBesjyCaD2VpLzMNafsAgV2h8tRJiF95j57dHZhNGPs9vRyDdnjuiHsSYectfgLY_GJvuKBLQ/s549/picasso%20coat%20of%20many%20colors.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Picasso-coat-many-colors" border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="549" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Bbwl2Z57PgbKOqeDWgMHBSqjZQN_0BXZZeVqm8xlQSEPjMuymcl62n5Ce-kutwgiAvmnOz95UKExiEp4sGX9vKKaWY-0KR6aMtRCGGtI2Qbx4nYtYm2ZBesjyCaD2VpLzMNafsAgV2h8tRJiF95j57dHZhNGPs9vRyDdnjuiHsSYectfgLY_GJvuKBLQ/w320-h320/picasso%20coat%20of%20many%20colors.png" title="Picasso coat of many colors" width="320" /></a></div>It was</b> fabulous to be offered the opportunity in February 2024 to fly to New <b>York City</b> and attend the <b>Global Fashion Collective</b> <b>NYFW</b> FW24 fashion shows. I have known the founder Jamal since 2004, and have been covering his <b>Vancouver Fashion Week</b> since 2007. We have a long history of mutual respect and support, so it was an honor to be in my seat each day.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b>What to</b> wear. I decided to take just 2 outfits, one for each day. At the urging of a friend I brought what I call my <b>Picasso</b> coat. The fabric features bright, vivid colors in a print that is definitely Picasso inspired. I feel like a <b>peacock</b> wearing it. My<b> eyewear </b>from <b>The Optical Boutiqu</b>e was just as unusual in shades of orange and blue. The second <b>outfit</b> I brought was was the opposite - very muted and <b>understated</b>. This look featured beautifully <b>tailored</b> linen top in dark olive and asymmetrically<b> draped</b> black <b>linen</b> pants by Brooklyn label <a href="https://anarkh.com/" target="_blank">NRK by Anarkh</a>. My jewelry and eyewear for this look were in textured brown and blacks. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyIRCyoacu3qTgbyeLeFF5qokTZNkiJq8PO_7XJU6RS6-5QdRYQr0dMIIin4izg4S5cZZbb5BZAXxYbVrux0RC5lugQRRQMZ2dPGJtVLN-zXoRZpm_IQUBhOW9azPYWb_DpMWiWiQOc7NZufwMK0QPSyL7MfJUUuBLCmI71mv3yNbG4tkAtkT8HlJvmzC/s2048/426175373_907257958071576_5970564425817501004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Picasso-coat-many-colors" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyIRCyoacu3qTgbyeLeFF5qokTZNkiJq8PO_7XJU6RS6-5QdRYQr0dMIIin4izg4S5cZZbb5BZAXxYbVrux0RC5lugQRRQMZ2dPGJtVLN-zXoRZpm_IQUBhOW9azPYWb_DpMWiWiQOc7NZufwMK0QPSyL7MfJUUuBLCmI71mv3yNbG4tkAtkT8HlJvmzC/w320-h320/426175373_907257958071576_5970564425817501004_n.jpg" title="Picasso coat of many colors" width="320" /></a></div><b>I chose </b>to wear the <b>flamboyan</b>t outfit on day one. I found myself a little hesitant at first as I would be walking 20 minutes to and from the <b>venue</b>. No one I had seen so far on the <b>streets</b> was dressed this vibrantly. I even asked the hotel staff what they thought in terms of safety when walking back after the sun set. Mostly I heard no problem, so headed out confidently. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I knew</b> the reception to the two extremely opposite <b>outfits</b> would vary wildly, but it surprised me just how different. There is always a <b>positive</b> reaction to my Picasso <b>coat</b>. Honestly, it wasn't expensive. Just a lucky online <b>e-tail</b> purchase. I think in these times people are drawn to the brightness and joy of the print. Day one was the perfect day to wear this flamboyant piece as it drew the eye of others attending and opened up <b>conversation</b>s with strangers. It was a day to make new<b> connections </b>and capture <b>photos</b> with other attendees.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Though my</b> day two outfit was designer made and from beautiful high-end linen, it didn't draw others to me like my Picasso coat. This look was had a quiet aura. It warmed my heart to be able to wear such beautiful pieces. The<b> tailoring </b>was on point, the<b> linen</b> paired well with the<b> silhouette</b>, and the asymmetrical drape of the <b>pants</b> perfect. I created custom dance costumes from jazz pants up to tutus for five years, so these details matter to me. Day two was more for building on the <b>connections </b>made the day before, so it was okay what I wore didn’t open doors the way my coat did on day one. The fact I can't find one full length picture of this outfit except for a few <b>candid</b> images highlights the how different the <b>focus</b> of day 2 was.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltqQEyqUMUbNu6BBLKpANHNQo3OemKuNKGhJVyZ6TCVszjIP7bjCul_1B7I2kX0ugU4esgJAz0k0Joji2YwKh3Z34EotaBIP-eW_1TyLa9XQJntIDQ062YliboUdU39MEriVl8SQvCPrPHt5SkMk0phlJ-JiDmK3o2BlONWmUU3ry6OotFVRY1A95xA70/s871/linen%20outfit%20with%20beads.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="linen-outfit-beads" border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="871" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgltqQEyqUMUbNu6BBLKpANHNQo3OemKuNKGhJVyZ6TCVszjIP7bjCul_1B7I2kX0ugU4esgJAz0k0Joji2YwKh3Z34EotaBIP-eW_1TyLa9XQJntIDQ062YliboUdU39MEriVl8SQvCPrPHt5SkMk0phlJ-JiDmK3o2BlONWmUU3ry6OotFVRY1A95xA70/w320-h319/linen%20outfit%20with%20beads.png" title="Linen outfit with beads" width="320" /></a></div>The other </b>high contrast between the two looks was found while <b>walking</b> to and from the<b> venue</b>. On day one,<b> people</b> of all ages and ethnicity would say, “Nice coat,” as I passed. Some would even <b>walk </b>with me a few blocks just to <b>chat</b>, not about the coat but about our lives. What a beautiful <b>gift</b>. This was especially nice when walking back after dark. I had regular traveling <b>companions</b> dropping in and out along my journey to the hotel.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Day two</b> was the<b> opposite</b>. With a grey <b>tweed </b>coat thrown over my muted linen look, no one noticed me. If I caught someone's eye and smiled, they smiled back, but no one walked beside me <b>sharing </b>a bit of their lives. I didn't stand out as <b>different</b>. I looked similar others on the street, so simply blended in. Honestly, I was tired and that was okay too. but the depth of the<b> difference </b>still stunned me. I always have the same open <b>smile</b> ready, and am always ready to talk with a stranger. In one<b> outfit</b> it happened, and in another it didn't.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>As an</b> interviewer, an <b>adventurer</b>, and a <b>collector</b> of stories, I found myself musing about those two outfits as I began packing my suitcase to head home. I was the same person with the same smile each day, but what I <b>wore</b> affected whether I was noticed, how people perceived me, and who talked to me. How often we<b> judge</b> a book by its cover. We walk the streets and see a group of teens, an older person, a man in a suit or a woman jogging. Our mind tries to fit them into a <b>box</b> based on our <b>social biases</b>. We <b>miss the mark</b> far too often.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOzuNGn_azs8ZhcH-rHaJ-9xnWnGW-airCkmq0jEVOw3DTW05UBQS0-xvFcBfyxVuiYluILSsNmxqdx4xJHxqN3fxFsdUXZzo5HDuYN998F3kQ3HfjDzihKtAzJdHLZ7MTDo-uGguk4tJStA-dq1o4C8igmCphl4LYxr0tr55JY9Uai0nuJ3pzAL0lp35/s1174/poster%20quotes%20on%20fashion%20and%20what%20you%20wear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1174" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOzuNGn_azs8ZhcH-rHaJ-9xnWnGW-airCkmq0jEVOw3DTW05UBQS0-xvFcBfyxVuiYluILSsNmxqdx4xJHxqN3fxFsdUXZzo5HDuYN998F3kQ3HfjDzihKtAzJdHLZ7MTDo-uGguk4tJStA-dq1o4C8igmCphl4LYxr0tr55JY9Uai0nuJ3pzAL0lp35/w640-h374/poster%20quotes%20on%20fashion%20and%20what%20you%20wear.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Will I </b>change the way I dress? Not a chance. One day I will be <b>flamboyant</b> and the next <b>subtle</b>. There will be expensive outfits from <b>designers</b> worn when I want to feel chic, as well as an inexpensive <b>Japanese-influenced</b> patchwork dress paired with my rubber chicken purse when I feel like having some in-your-face fun. Then there are my <b>Bohemian</b> days where I sport <b>Thai</b> pants and <b>ethnic</b> jewelry.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>There really</b> is no right or wrong to <b>fashion </b>in my world. It's what gives you joy and fits your mood in the moment. BUT be aware that how you are <b>perceived</b> will be affected by what you wear, and be ready to just take it in stride. Always be <b>authentically you</b> in every moment. </div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-53088412017949506852024-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-14T06:33:02.010-08:00Phoenix Poetry Challenge Day 5 - Dark Cave<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Day 5 of the <b>Phoenix Poetry Challenge</b> offers the prompt of a <b>dark cave </b>or pathway where you can't see ahead. They put forward the question, what would help you navigate if you couldn't see? The quote was from Helen Keller, very apt for this challenge. Enjoy!<span><a name='more'></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiv_6KQDpjFbFEsHFNBRWnoIwcGXHxCi9ovzRZtRflV0Zx1mychoMAHx_LlanZQrZ7dUU6GR5e4-EEUTOd-mGGRDE5N4tyghH8P5S0MjGC-Rsl6agz6A01BCNYOpS5a6XDz2gLyVb0uP62QRILDg1SNNCYotXnNGjSQWiKm7AARECY96XrGK76v3EKPvw/s4816/arnaud-mariat-OMj98kMI2dE-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="universe photo" border="0" data-original-height="3207" data-original-width="4816" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiv_6KQDpjFbFEsHFNBRWnoIwcGXHxCi9ovzRZtRflV0Zx1mychoMAHx_LlanZQrZ7dUU6GR5e4-EEUTOd-mGGRDE5N4tyghH8P5S0MjGC-Rsl6agz6A01BCNYOpS5a6XDz2gLyVb0uP62QRILDg1SNNCYotXnNGjSQWiKm7AARECY96XrGK76v3EKPvw/w640-h426/arnaud-mariat-OMj98kMI2dE-unsplash.jpg" title="photo of the universe" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@arnaudmariat?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-wrap: nowrap; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;">Arnaud Mariat</a><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;"> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/white-and-blue-galaxy-with-stars-OMj98kMI2dE?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-wrap: nowrap; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out 0s, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out 0s;">Unsplash</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Guiding Me Home</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Marilyn R. Wilson</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alone.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Adrift in a sea of nothing.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The sense of disconnect complete.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I reach for walls that are not there.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Eyes seek a speck of light in vain.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ears reach out into the void - nothing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The space around is muted and vast, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Empty of hand or footholds.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Within this abyss of darkness,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lost without an anchor,</div><div style="text-align: left;">I sink slowly, deeply inward.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Landing softy in my heart's core.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Embraced lovingly, my soul offers</div><div style="text-align: left;">Both solid surface and needed solace.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I bath in its deep, pulsing beat.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Hands are warmed in its fire.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I find the a universe resides here.</div><div style="text-align: left;">My eyes take in the wonder.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While the void exists outwardly,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Inwardly my world is overflowing.</div><div style="text-align: left;">This is where my dreams spring free</div><div style="text-align: left;">Where I can see, and feel, and touch the sky.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I only need to follow my heart's beat.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A siren call guiding me home.</div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-8832159478965153302024-02-12T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-12T04:49:43.508-08:00Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Hamburger and Mushrooms<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7OzAAUNGYJrrhUfMW8LQQ_zWDO6SltjEnlcGYJyRbrL4TqjHJ87kFzbIx07jCFbEsw1SsJVN-oBTxMfswhuzcIlST_V6-Qeqs-It7IkaDOp8TJRSX9iC9BrVMHW-FB8m79oLWsslVdEXrfIlDoJNQ6TqB9kGyXQduiMsfW-Iorh8-_08LAgye5ZVeYcX/s3098/20240201_173954.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="spaghetti-squash-hamburger-casserole" border="0" data-original-height="3098" data-original-width="3098" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7OzAAUNGYJrrhUfMW8LQQ_zWDO6SltjEnlcGYJyRbrL4TqjHJ87kFzbIx07jCFbEsw1SsJVN-oBTxMfswhuzcIlST_V6-Qeqs-It7IkaDOp8TJRSX9iC9BrVMHW-FB8m79oLWsslVdEXrfIlDoJNQ6TqB9kGyXQduiMsfW-Iorh8-_08LAgye5ZVeYcX/w400-h400/20240201_173954.jpg" title="Spaghetti squash hamburger casserole" width="400" /></a></div></div>Good old</b> Google. I have been searching <b>recipes </b>a lot over the last month in an attempt to get motivated, so it offers me new ones daily. One month of living in a rental (so limited cooking) and two months living in our with with no <b>kitchen</b> during major renovations had killed my <b>cooking</b> groove. Ideas didn't pop up like they used to. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b>I took a </b>page from my youngest brother's book and, when uninspired, buy a new cooking gadget and/or try a new <b>recipe</b>. I have been snagging interesting recipes off the <b>internet</b> for the last month and just received a new gadget to try - a Tagine pot - but haven't used it yet. Today's recipe appeared when I opened my web browser one day. I tucked the idea away to try in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I have </b>gained a few pounds since the holidays. In response, it seemed wise to cut back on the <b>carbs</b> for a few days. This <b>casserole </b>fit the bill perfectly. Turns out there are tons of recipes for<b> Spaghetti Squash</b> Casserole. I explored quite a few, then decided on how to make it work for me. I didn't want to make my own <b>sauce</b> from scratch, so used a <b>store bought</b> one. The jar was about 6 ounces shy, so I added that much water and a couple tablespoons of <b>tomato paste</b> to top it up. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>The casserole</b> was both flavorful and filling. We ate the<b> leftovers</b> the next night. It does take more time than most <b>dishes</b> I make, so I won't be serving it as often. But it will def appear on my table again soon. Enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div>= = = = </div><div><br /> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Spaghetti Squash Casserole with Hamburger and Mushrooms</span></b><br /><br /><b>Ingredients -</b></div><div><br /></div><div>2 med. or 1 large <span> </span><span> </span><span> S</span>paghetti squash (about 3-1/2 to 4 pounds)<br />2 T <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> O</span>live oil<br />1 lb <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> G</span>round beef</div><div>1<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Sweet onion, diced</span></div><div>1 <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> R</span>ed bell pepper, diced</div><div>1/2 lb <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Mushrooms, coarsely diced or sliced</span></div><div>3 cloves <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> G</span>arlic, minced</div><div>2 tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Italian herbs</span></div><div>Salt and Pepper</div><div>28 oz. Store bought spaghetti sauce <i>(SEE NOTE)</i></div><div>1 C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> S</span>hredded mozzarella cheese</div><div>1/4 C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Freshly g</span>rated parmesan cheese</div><div>Optional Garnish - fresh basil leaves</div><div><i>NOTE - You can make your own homemade sauce if you like. The store bought jar I purchased was not a full 28 ounces, so I added 6 oz of water and 3 T tomato paste to make up the difference. </i></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Instructions -</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Cut open the spaghetti squash. Scoop out seeds and pulp with a spoon<span face="FranklinGothicURW-Boo, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 16px;">.</span> Cook the squash in the way you most prefer (roast, microwave or instant pot). You want the cooked squash to have a firm texture, not mushy. Let cool, then scrape out the squash shreds. Prepare a 9 x 13 casserole with cooking spray. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the squash is baking, prepare the meat sauce. Add the hamburger, diced onion and oil to a frying pan and cook just until hamburger is no longer pink. Add the diced red pepper, minced garlic and sliced or diced mushrooms, Cook until just starting to soften. Add the dried Italian herbs and the spaghetti sauce. Stir and simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. </div><div><br /></div><div>If your frying pan is large enough, you can add the spaghetti squash to it and gently mix with the sauce until fully combined. Mine wasn't, so I added the sauce and squash to a large mixing bowl to combine. Add the mixture into your prepared 9 x 13 casserole and smooth flat with the back of a spoon or a spatula. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top. </div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and bake for about 20 minutes, until heated through and the cheese on top has started to brown. Let set for a few minutes, then use a large spatula to "cut" pieces and lift them out onto individual plates. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf if you like. </div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-56386630562789816022024-02-08T17:22:00.000-08:002024-02-08T17:22:42.266-08:00If You Want to be Great<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSpDUIWNzVEErLTzVw0LVkd-Uj3Jgyr2guS4QBgmoiLxHeRTHPvYasiO5rL-C8EUE7jGOfgk0QtFTnFau-U-LrWQm-qTpq1k8wvqKwyiOFmMhsErpjSEl9Vxd4CCsiFLYmleVuMKGMtZsCa15IPSfFCFgSEgO5sfVZrekl8ghRlG6ExPIig1KLsdhpGdl/s684/NYAD%20poster%20qutoe.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="nyad-poster-quote" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="684" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSpDUIWNzVEErLTzVw0LVkd-Uj3Jgyr2guS4QBgmoiLxHeRTHPvYasiO5rL-C8EUE7jGOfgk0QtFTnFau-U-LrWQm-qTpq1k8wvqKwyiOFmMhsErpjSEl9Vxd4CCsiFLYmleVuMKGMtZsCa15IPSfFCFgSEgO5sfVZrekl8ghRlG6ExPIig1KLsdhpGdl/w400-h400/NYAD%20poster%20qutoe.jpg" title="Nyad poster and quote" width="400" /></a></div><b>I am</b> always on the lookout for new <b>movies </b>to watch. Gifted with a racing mind, I find it can be challenging to wind down before bedtime. Watching TV in some form - episodic shows, movies, documentaries - can be really helpful. Thoughts quiet and I slowly begin to <b>relax</b>. To put it in a funnier way it quiets the monkeys. <div><br /></div><div><b>I hadn't</b> heard a lot about the movie <b>NYAD,</b> but what little I heard intrigued me. Thumbs up for featuring two mature female leads, <b>Annette Bening</b> and <b>Jodie Foster</b>. They brought serious acting skills to the table. It was also based on a<b> true story</b> which is something I enjoy, and focused on a <b>mature</b>, long-retired <b>athlete</b>. It is an incredible story. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I didn't</b> have the early <b>success </b>like swimmer <b>Diana Nyad</b>. I was brought up to believe I was broken, and floundered until almost 50 to find <b>self acceptance</b> and <b>purpose</b>. The struggle was real. I could relate to her looking in the mirror at age 60 and being haunted by things not accomplished, <b>dreams</b> that still called, and the need to push herself out of her comfort zone again.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>I could</b> also understand her <b>passio</b>n. In the movie Nyad drove herself and her team relentlessly without pause or kindness. At one point they all walked away. Fortunately it allowed her time to gain greater understanding and begin with a fresh, more <b>balanced</b> focus. Once I found what I was meant to do, I dove in the deep end without thinking. I pushed ahead without understanding fully what I was doing, or how to do it in a way that didn't drain me dry. There was a better way, but it took me years to realize that. I also had a period of<b> pause</b> where I had time to reconsider my <b>actions</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA9_W_po90_qAMk3FWwEjJJxR-WANoQkjvsCdI7UloyU8O_OI2ZlqbBjuI4aY8hHlQEQ_0hmYhDx8EoNfC9r3eOSL4Eg_GqtcfJccikHSTZ6vBsOE8fVQiNcRwBjS0SBKKl-izUnXhjfjtGK2Qukt7SHN_cAmWstcHbdUiMJISXJLIaWVPDNCfpYdVRa7/s1600/Deep4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-swim-shallowend-ocean" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA9_W_po90_qAMk3FWwEjJJxR-WANoQkjvsCdI7UloyU8O_OI2ZlqbBjuI4aY8hHlQEQ_0hmYhDx8EoNfC9r3eOSL4Eg_GqtcfJccikHSTZ6vBsOE8fVQiNcRwBjS0SBKKl-izUnXhjfjtGK2Qukt7SHN_cAmWstcHbdUiMJISXJLIaWVPDNCfpYdVRa7/w640-h480/Deep4.jpg" title="poster quote swim in the shallow end or ocean" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>I watched</b> this movie in our loft with no cell phone or paper and pencil. Bad mistake, as all of a sudden a <b>quote</b> caught my attention and wouldn't let go. It was fairly early in the movie. I almost paused the TV and ran down two flights of stairs to get my phone, but instead decided let it go for the moment and return another day to search for it. It's a gem and that has stayed with me since. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If you want to be great, it is you, your will, your mind, that will take you there.</i> - Annette Bening in NYAD</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Over the </b>next month I thought back over my time from the age of 50 onward. I began my <b>journey</b> as a writer after answering a <b>Craigslist</b> ad for which I had no credentials or experience. That led me to becoming a co-owner/editor of a local fashion <b>magazine</b> and writing for another in NYC. Again, I had no experience or credentials. What a wild ride of highs and lows as I learned in the public eye by doing, sometimes doing badly, and connected with people from around the globe. From there I went on to publish two <b>books</b>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP_pXxecv_Cuu_GsZGzjDMx8_A0pGXfGp2RURrTq8VXaB4YwnobacRXCgIwA65QaitN1Kybdrf4RvoJRjjK0s7_5MP4CzpqN-iF2yzObliCzugyFAloM158ofhq1mj6wRM-fMLMJ6-q0pqR2Xl53mwCGZraQIrUqv0eFsvRJiJX27FKBEChyTkrMtr2CS/s768/6d0cbbf31b8444b62cd5ace523a0e34e.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="be-great-poster-quote" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvP_pXxecv_Cuu_GsZGzjDMx8_A0pGXfGp2RURrTq8VXaB4YwnobacRXCgIwA65QaitN1Kybdrf4RvoJRjjK0s7_5MP4CzpqN-iF2yzObliCzugyFAloM158ofhq1mj6wRM-fMLMJ6-q0pqR2Xl53mwCGZraQIrUqv0eFsvRJiJX27FKBEChyTkrMtr2CS/w294-h400/6d0cbbf31b8444b62cd5ace523a0e34e.jpg" title="be great poster quote" width="294" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><b>There was </b>always a <b>community</b> around me supporting my <b>passion</b>. Always. I would not be where I am today without them. They had my back in good times and bad. That said, in the end, I was always on my own when it came to<b> doing the work</b>. No one could force me to show up every day. No could make me keep going at the <b>computer</b> during dark patches, and no one could take the blame for me when I faced setbacks. It was my journey. I could <b>share</b> about going through highs and lows and receive <b>support</b>, but they couldn't do it for me. </div><div style="text-align: start;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div><b>Nyad started</b> hitting the pool to train before she told anyone about her dream to finish a swim she failed as a young adult. Every day she<b> showed u</b>p at the pool, fully in charge of how long she swam. There was no one to run her training. No one to swim beside her, or share a coffee with her after. It was just her <b>alone</b> in the pool day after day. That changed when she publicly committed to her goal, but she still was the one in the water for hours - swimming lap after lap until aching and exhausted. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>It took </b>several tries it took to finally<b> succeed. S</b>he had support in the boat, but she was the one in the unforgiving ocean doing the work, even while hallucinating from lack of sleep. Someone could jump in. swim beside her and talk to her, but no one could help her swim. Lack of sleep and constant exercise brought on an exhaustion most of us can't imagine facing. In her darkest moment, that support was crucial in keeping her going. We all need that <b>support</b>. But never forget - no one can do our work for us. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>There is</b> one other thing about this quote that made me think. It is the reference to being <b>great</b>. In our current world that usually means <b>success</b> by social standards - sport awards, tons of money, luxury possessions, being famous, and enjoying entitlement. To seek<b> greatness </b>in our own lives means letting go of that often unattainable definition. It won't bring the feel of satisfaction promised. One <b>quot</b>e I think sums up what I feel the term greatness means and how to achieve it is this -</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><i>The most practical step to greatness is to find your purpose, give all to it and in value to others. -</i></span>Eizu Uwaoma</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoUCc6-f5hjuAbrNC5VvFyUm_uynLUEax9n6aViPqHTRIG-TX7OexTGPLCppKlFvbAV3zFXv-xksQDBHlOJG5KIHs6jB_aIefy8cxY_lMZVzTajJ2_Nc4G96p6qpnpVLR74QLCHCyYWSW47Cdn_DLrtREcHiQeZACaaKkm23O0g9WLW_-JZ-xBXEy7Zks/s1740/be%20fearless.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fearless-pursue-soul-fire-poster-quote" border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1740" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoUCc6-f5hjuAbrNC5VvFyUm_uynLUEax9n6aViPqHTRIG-TX7OexTGPLCppKlFvbAV3zFXv-xksQDBHlOJG5KIHs6jB_aIefy8cxY_lMZVzTajJ2_Nc4G96p6qpnpVLR74QLCHCyYWSW47Cdn_DLrtREcHiQeZACaaKkm23O0g9WLW_-JZ-xBXEy7Zks/w640-h448/be%20fearless.jpg" title="fearlessly pursue what sets your soul on fire" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b>For me, </b>greatness and success cannot be defined in <b>dollars and cents</b>, or in <b>possessions</b>, or in <b>status</b>. I find that feeling in achieving the <b>goals</b> I set for myself, in hearing someone say I <b>helped</b> them, in lifting myself and my <b>community</b> up, in following my passion and in living a<b> authentic</b> life in a way that has meaning for me. And living it without apology. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Status</b>, wealth, fame and more might come to you as your follow your passion, but never let those things distract you from reaching your dreams. It is in your dreams you find a greatness that warms your<b> soul</b>.</div></div></div></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-32324762372890749082024-02-06T15:33:00.000-08:002024-02-06T15:41:26.342-08:00Phoenix Poetry Challenge Day 4 - Empty Cart<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Today's Phoenix Poetry Challenge inspiration is to write 2 poems inspired by the prompt Empty Cart. If upturned and everything spilled out or empty, what would you put back in? Again this is a metaphor for life. The quote offered is a good one - <b>New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.</b> by Lao Tzu - but I am again struggling with the prompt word. Here goes. <span><a name='more'></a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgfcaR2bpKNbNwiZFmgcarqk6dQTyzrHHoJIORD4w5lt4NJuMus9bF4-EsGRFLMytXKVV8dewR03Ll60_ZLrYQ2Hrhjf_IcQD4sfc8FXTr2XthnFE_E_t6lZjo96izgcRJS0Dn431b8fC-ddNMzPl0IMTW76f327N5i1pGL8rODcrYgvpR3jUZPBuJjic/s1000/quote%20new%20beginnings%20Lao%20Tzu%20banner.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-new-beginning-laotzu" border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgfcaR2bpKNbNwiZFmgcarqk6dQTyzrHHoJIORD4w5lt4NJuMus9bF4-EsGRFLMytXKVV8dewR03Ll60_ZLrYQ2Hrhjf_IcQD4sfc8FXTr2XthnFE_E_t6lZjo96izgcRJS0Dn431b8fC-ddNMzPl0IMTW76f327N5i1pGL8rODcrYgvpR3jUZPBuJjic/w640-h400/quote%20new%20beginnings%20Lao%20Tzu%20banner.jpg" title="Quote New Beginnings by Lao Tzu" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Renovations</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Marilyn R. Wilson</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From the moment we moved in,</div><div style="text-align: left;">And for the eight long years following,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our house sighed and whispered,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Occasionally visiting us in our dreams.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Only 11 years old when we embraced her,</div><div style="text-align: left;">She was now almost 20.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Her dreams were of reinvention.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The kitchen, too small and cramped,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Opened wide and given new life.</div><div style="text-align: left;">New cupboards, new gadgets,</div><div style="text-align: left;">More brightness and warmth.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We finally heard her yearnings</div><div style="text-align: left;">And agreed to the change.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It began with a conversation,</div><div style="text-align: left;">But moved quickly to chaos.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cupboards and shelves contents</div><div style="text-align: left;">Spilled out onto the floor,</div><div style="text-align: left;">To be sorted and packed lovingly,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sent away to find a new home,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Or sadly discarded as trash.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The furniture had to be stored away.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Walls denuded of their art.</div><div style="text-align: left;">We stood in silence in this empty space</div><div style="text-align: left;">Filled with echoes of our lives.</div><div style="text-align: left;">But from this black hole </div><div style="text-align: left;">Arose an exciting new landscape.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wood floors glorious reborn.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Light and joyful new tiling</div><div style="text-align: left;">New wood cabinets glowing warmly.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A shiny, white porcelain farm sink.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Gone was the confining peninsula.</div><div style="text-align: left;">In it's place a butcher block cart.</div><div style="text-align: left;">When the last nail was hammered,</div><div style="text-align: left;">The last tile put down, and</div><div style="text-align: left;">The last glitch corrected, </div><div style="text-align: left;">Items thoughtfully packed away</div><div style="text-align: left;">Were placed lovingly in their new home.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Newly reborn and glowing,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Filled only with cherished treasures.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Our house again sighed.</div><div style="text-align: left;">But this time it wasn't mournful.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The breath was instead full of gratitude.</div><div style="text-align: left;">As we gazed upon our new landscape</div><div style="text-align: left;">Put our feet up and relaxed in comfort. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Our home offered a beautiful thank-you.</div><div style="text-align: left;">From the bottom of its heart.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Pursuit of Followers</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">by Marilyn R. Wilson</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Create a name, choose a picture, then publish.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Followed by building, building, building.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Trying to get those numbers to rise.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's a bit like throwing shit at a wall</div><div style="text-align: left;">To see what sticks.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of the strategies don't call me.</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are others that offend me.</div><div style="text-align: left;">What's left are those I am drawn to.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Post a picture, get the right hashtags,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Reach out, comment on others.</div><div style="text-align: left;">My numbers rise quickly</div><div style="text-align: left;">Like a helium balloon suddenly freed.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A web of connections and welcome</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mutual support builds.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then Gozer the destroyer arrives.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just like in Ghostbusters.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A hacker than slipped past all my defenses.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A trickster of the first order.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Gone - gone - all the hard work ruined.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wresting control back proves impossible.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly I wallow in self pity,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then put on my big girl panties.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Create a name, choose a picture, then publish.</div><div style="text-align: left;">This time, however, the focus changes.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The quality of connections takes the lead.</div><div style="text-align: left;">The pursuit of followers fades.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Each new relationship is vetted carefully,</div><div style="text-align: left;">And most follows flow both ways.</div><div style="text-align: left;">From you to me to you to me.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Returning to the beginning,</div><div style="text-align: left;">With the knowledge already gained,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Has offered me a different perspective.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And a new way to move forward.</div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-33168764411492300172024-02-05T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-21T09:57:24.202-08:00The Case For and Against Habits<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nBccziPa3q7a1Jjc30TIqHNa_rloTUTgZ3i9Kb6aled_Twt-6cdJIkjJj3c0cr0oK2l7zqhps7Q0pezV8mFWjfhQRZ8laO0C1-dZRVM5OEEPSO333JU97IG4GP72NtkIdDIKZuc9HdKgm8BcKv4zoO2IJvWtOOOfvPw01Ws8YGaYe8rr3ww57Q1zzXXo/s1080/Habits-IMK-Quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-habits-future" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1080" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6nBccziPa3q7a1Jjc30TIqHNa_rloTUTgZ3i9Kb6aled_Twt-6cdJIkjJj3c0cr0oK2l7zqhps7Q0pezV8mFWjfhQRZ8laO0C1-dZRVM5OEEPSO333JU97IG4GP72NtkIdDIKZuc9HdKgm8BcKv4zoO2IJvWtOOOfvPw01Ws8YGaYe8rr3ww57Q1zzXXo/w640-h474/Habits-IMK-Quote.png" title="Poster quote on habits and your future" width="640" /></a></div><br />I have </b>struggled with a <b>racing mind</b> and lack of <b>confidence</b> for most of my life. In my mid-fifties while<b> interviewing</b>, I began to allow myself to see a different path. I've been on this journey for quite awhile now and honestly, it's still a<b> roller coaster</b> ride at times. I move along happily getting my <b>work</b> done and enjoying the <b>process</b>, and then something derails me. The struggle is real to get back on track.<span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b>What has</b> worked best for me was creating a habit of <b>showing up</b>. It took reading three different books on<b> habits </b>before I made any progress in this area, each offering one piece of the <b>puzzle</b>. The <b>shift</b> was profound. The key for me was to tuck the habit of sitting at the computer every day to write into the middle of another sets of habits. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZal-V65GfZWB2ezVyp19mosLQYxfd_GIkVh1PGonQyvEEc3zCGHVo21_YFt9i9A5MooUtxTQTm3r4Zz4H-4urkXUK6gvihebrZhyphenhyphen6PRrUHQVAf4CLLJDYMNB3r5ckXmfktX58MqPXnn8MRIetgIOFU1vDZFe04GBnFC4fs_72OgVyl1E4n6yAO90dBnkm/s363/show%20up%20and%20do%20the%20work%20poster.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-showing-up" border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZal-V65GfZWB2ezVyp19mosLQYxfd_GIkVh1PGonQyvEEc3zCGHVo21_YFt9i9A5MooUtxTQTm3r4Zz4H-4urkXUK6gvihebrZhyphenhyphen6PRrUHQVAf4CLLJDYMNB3r5ckXmfktX58MqPXnn8MRIetgIOFU1vDZFe04GBnFC4fs_72OgVyl1E4n6yAO90dBnkm/w311-h320/show%20up%20and%20do%20the%20work%20poster.png" title="poster quote on showing up" width="311" /></a></div>My morning </b>routine initially was get out of bed, check out news and friends on my <b>iPad</b> while having a cuppa, snag a second cuppa to drink while sitting around wasting time, then get dressed. The shift that worked was after making my second cuppa, I now headed directly to my<b> computer</b>. Suddenly instead of struggling to <b>write</b> every day, I was creating tons of <b>conten</b>t. When I cut back to one cuppa, I chose to wait 40 minutes to make it while I checked the news and touch bases with friends. Then I would head straight to the computer as soon as this single cuppa was brewed. <br /><br /><b>This one</b> simple habit changed everything for me as a writer. The more I wrote, the more<b> ideas</b> of things to write arose. I still struggle to <b>finish</b> new <b>books</b>, but I am writing every day I am at home. It feels good. Then I was thrown the other day while listening to an audio book that had the opposite comment on routines - "You feel content because routine consistently reaffirms a decision you already made." Wait, what? So routines have a <b>negative</b> side, too? After thinking about it I had to say of course them must. Everything has the <b>capacity</b> to be<b> positive </b>or negative. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>To break</b> up the feeling of being in a rut as a writer, I have been taking writing <b>classes </b>and exploring other types of writing such as <b>poetry</b>, flash fiction, and a writing my first <b>murder mystery</b>. I love my nonfiction writing sharing my thoughts and the stories others share with me. It will always be my first love and main focus. However, over time I found myself <b>writing</b> from my head and experience instead of from my <b>passion</b> and <b>heart</b>. Every time I take a breath and work to stretch my writing wings, it helps re-center me.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYn_2EO3wef_SbeGN6jJD9l_3qaL8gTRG0UHMW7LBAeRAO3VcfvFYHLVcf0mJibyS1wewiT_YNzLExEKeYxr4pBUr0F-1euolGXtssI0bo2J1_r54ZidogVa3J7uUxoZ5ycjDwi4Tz3ef4yuLHmkvSsfijZBUdf94naKwi8vxEPLIKcw-x2eb3IPjvdI2/s960/ca8c610eee3cb6dbbe9507aedad96a04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-habit-support" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXYn_2EO3wef_SbeGN6jJD9l_3qaL8gTRG0UHMW7LBAeRAO3VcfvFYHLVcf0mJibyS1wewiT_YNzLExEKeYxr4pBUr0F-1euolGXtssI0bo2J1_r54ZidogVa3J7uUxoZ5ycjDwi4Tz3ef4yuLHmkvSsfijZBUdf94naKwi8vxEPLIKcw-x2eb3IPjvdI2/w266-h400/ca8c610eee3cb6dbbe9507aedad96a04.jpg" title="poster quote on habit of does this support" width="266" /></a></div><b>My daily</b> habit of showing up to write is positive in that it helps me create new work continually. What it doesn't do is provide the f<b>ramework </b>to take a project from start to finish. It's been five years since I <b>published</b> a new solo book. It's time to look at how I can change up my habit, my routine, in a positive way that will help me not only continue to create content, but help me reach the <b>finish line</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Creating </b>habits that help you achieve your <b>goals</b> is great, but it is important to review those <b>habits</b> on a regular basis. They can turn into<b> ruts</b> which just keep reinforcing what you've done before without helping you <b>grow</b> in new directions. Every once and awhile you just have to look at them with a critical eye. Where are they positive? Where are they lacking? How can they be updated to be more affective in taking you where you want to go. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>I am sure</b> these questions will be front and center in my mind over the next few weeks. And hopefully the best shift to make in my<b> routine </b>will become clear quickly. </div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-67926511043071735792024-02-02T04:00:00.001-08:002024-02-21T09:57:33.358-08:00Vegan Yam Waffles (no wheat, oats, eggs or soy)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxveYF1rvu83hhrLThlPZ7YJF20u486qf9mm9ZqS9M-1wbhBEMkZgpOIr1DKR_UQQxAOaHuE8JfzuIQES_UnH6mSlQ93j8pJSN6EoZoG7J5wMJDezjeR_4GYyOquLC9b_D672x2ld9NSkUKBqOmmMsbs7VcPjyhHt4nRcNVqMHQiX0OMXOSqgKlMJdtq7/s3468/20231204_152442.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img alt="vegan-yam-chickpea-waffles" border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxveYF1rvu83hhrLThlPZ7YJF20u486qf9mm9ZqS9M-1wbhBEMkZgpOIr1DKR_UQQxAOaHuE8JfzuIQES_UnH6mSlQ93j8pJSN6EoZoG7J5wMJDezjeR_4GYyOquLC9b_D672x2ld9NSkUKBqOmmMsbs7VcPjyhHt4nRcNVqMHQiX0OMXOSqgKlMJdtq7/w320-h320/20231204_152442.jpg" title="Vegan Yam chickpea waffles" width="320" /></b></a></div><b>The last</b> thing I hoped to make before my grandkids arrived was <b>waffles</b>. Once cooked, they are so easy to pull a few out of t<b>he freezer</b> and heat quickly in the toaster or oven. These<b> yam</b> based waffles are for my<b> grandson</b> who has a large number of food intolerances. <span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b>This recipe </b>was adapted from one on a site called<a href="https://feelgoodfoodie.net/recipe/sweet-potato-waffles/#wprm-recipe-container-5621" target="_blank"> Feel Good Foodie</a>. The original had wheat flour, eggs and oats which my grandson cannot have. So replaced the wheat flour with <b>chickpea flour</b>, the oat flakes with<b> quinoa flakes </b>and the eggs with <b>Bob's Red Mill Egg Replacement</b>. I cooked the yam in the <b>microwave</b> for 6 minutes and it was perfect, but the time will depend on the strength of your microwave and the size of your yam.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>The batter</b> turned out really, really thick which threw me. I had to put dollops using a large spoon on each of the four sections of the <b>waffle iron</b>. That was different, but in line with their photos although maybe a tad thicker. They seemed to cook okay. Hopefully they cooked all the way through. I might thin it down just a bit next time to make it easier to spread, but don't want to change it took much. Baby steps. <br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXBD1RGbUFyTsOS4VSULQInVf8igznJJQE7lsjh8hViGKMJBvS6nuAZc_1dr_azvD5crrBTUDRBEOBxi3v7aG45oCqb6YEJF5mIijKVAeVDoG59Zg7Z93SvWjYjuVcRuytE4Zg3eh4VBUXwMwGfWsRrFY2R-HVBO-eQubSXB8I_qbNCY7FUOiPUnZjr5C/s1200/yam%20waffles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vegan-yam-chickpea-waffles" border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="1200" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXBD1RGbUFyTsOS4VSULQInVf8igznJJQE7lsjh8hViGKMJBvS6nuAZc_1dr_azvD5crrBTUDRBEOBxi3v7aG45oCqb6YEJF5mIijKVAeVDoG59Zg7Z93SvWjYjuVcRuytE4Zg3eh4VBUXwMwGfWsRrFY2R-HVBO-eQubSXB8I_qbNCY7FUOiPUnZjr5C/w640-h318/yam%20waffles.jpg" title="Vegan yam chickpea waffles" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo from Feel Good Foodie</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>They are</b> definitely a healthy offering with yam, quinoa and chickpea flour. Now crossing my fingers for the big unknown. Will he like them? I'll know in 8-10 days. Enjoy!<br /><div><br /></div><div>= = = = <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Vegan Yam Waffles </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;">(no wheat, oats, soy or eggs)</span><br /><br /><b>Ingredients -</b><br /><br /><div>3/4 - 1 C<span> </span><span> </span><span> Mashed. cooked Yam (medium size)</span><br />½ C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> Quinoa flakes<br />½ C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> Chickpea flour<br />½ C<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> <span> </span><span> U</span>nsweetened almond milk<br />2 T <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Bob's Red Mill e</span>gg replacement</div><div>4 T <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Water</div><div>1 tsp <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Baking powder<br /> ¾ tsp <span> </span><span> Cinnamon</span><br /> ¼ tsp<span> </span><span> </span><span> Salt</span></div><div>Zest of one orange<br />Cooking spray<br />Pecans for serving<br />Maple syrup for serving<br /><br /><b>Instructions</b> -<br /><br />Set waffle iron to preheat.</div><div><br />Place the cooked sweet potatoes, oats, flour, milk, eggs, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and orange zestfyt into a blender. Blend until well combined and there are no chunks of sweet potatoes left.</div><div><br />Spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour ⅓ cup batter into preheated waffle iron. Cook until the outsides of the waffles are golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. </div><div>The </div><div>Serve with maple syrup and pecans, if desired.</div></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-58425348993752755432024-02-02T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-02T09:36:05.396-08:00Crostini With Prosciutto and Brie<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ksj285zFZEaco-Wi9FpoxPs-uKhPnVerHxBD7h80gS1ZKa_R9yukhssnDN4U2Yqhz9J1n3PgpHN1MRZhMVbBUZeOiNvU53iUZfslUHYm_4SIjA4f7uBaWkHRA2MWsNLVI5xxrh1QsoOVvxR4QhUQALW5CQrgdOXaObu_MF8XeK7V_CSk67sCo1ZmUBC_/s2370/crostini%20proscuitto%20brie%20appie2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="crostini-brie-prosciutto-basil" border="0" data-original-height="2370" data-original-width="2370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ksj285zFZEaco-Wi9FpoxPs-uKhPnVerHxBD7h80gS1ZKa_R9yukhssnDN4U2Yqhz9J1n3PgpHN1MRZhMVbBUZeOiNvU53iUZfslUHYm_4SIjA4f7uBaWkHRA2MWsNLVI5xxrh1QsoOVvxR4QhUQALW5CQrgdOXaObu_MF8XeK7V_CSk67sCo1ZmUBC_/w320-h320/crostini%20proscuitto%20brie%20appie2.jpg" title="crostini with brie, prosciutto and basil" width="320" /></a></div>Glen and</b> I had a wonderful invitation to a <b>dinner </b>at a friend's house. There would be 3 couples with the hosts cooking a fabulous roast lamb dinner. The other couple offered to bring some drinks, so I offered to bring an <b>appetizer</b>. I quickly hit the internet looking for ideas.<span><a name='more'></a></span> <br /><br /><b>As the</b> oven would be in serious us not be available, It needed to something that wouldn't need heating It was just 3 <b>couples</b> and we would be having a big dinner, so it didn't need to be a lot. I was drawn to a recipe where you made your own<b> crostini</b> and topped it with <b>prosciutto</b>,<b> brie</b>, honey and a basil leaf. YUM.<br /><b><br />The baguette</b> I purchased was extra long, which was great as I burnt the first batch of slices. I am working with a new <b>oven </b>and hadn't used the<b> broiler</b> much. Turns out it was much more efficient than my previous<b> range</b>. I managed the second batch just fine, then added the layers of meat and cheese and drizzled on honey. <br /><br /><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuHdo0xqv8xfYv5qrx9Koa9NCaT7M0gjDLEkd_-tbwrNH_YLLqxh4gjOq9QXoBcMGXHFMx6bEfeG_uQzHENCdCQAxq8r4k8Cq7ew0bCBLhKfJOu4uxRVM97LrI4LDn_Q3cfNynfFZ096gZ22CT29Ij4W1gA6WmpnrEb_gxlqeVz_014a1L-_8h6pwFLc6/s500/00060085050154.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="prosciutto" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuHdo0xqv8xfYv5qrx9Koa9NCaT7M0gjDLEkd_-tbwrNH_YLLqxh4gjOq9QXoBcMGXHFMx6bEfeG_uQzHENCdCQAxq8r4k8Cq7ew0bCBLhKfJOu4uxRVM97LrI4LDn_Q3cfNynfFZ096gZ22CT29Ij4W1gA6WmpnrEb_gxlqeVz_014a1L-_8h6pwFLc6/w320-h320/00060085050154.jpg" title="prosciutto" width="320" /></a></div>On a whim</b>, I decided it would be even more interesting with a drizzle of thick <b>balsamic</b> syrup. I zig-zagged the honey one direction and the syrup another so they cross-hatched. It looked so nice. I took a picture, then remembered I need to top with <b>basil</b>. When I got back, the balsamic had spread through the honey and disappeared. The flavor was still there, but it lost the beautiful cross hatching.<br /><br /><b>Next time</b> I make these, I will drizzle the <b>honey</b> on the prosciutto layer, add the Brie, then drizzle the balsamic syrup on top of the cheese. Hopefully that will keep the drizzle of balsamic syrup in place as it made the presentation so much more attractive. I will also roll any larger <b>basil leaves</b> and cross slice into shreds. This will make them easier to sprinkle on top and eat. <br /><br /><b>Everything is</b> listed below, but I didn't give amounts as it really is adaptable for bigger or smaller amounts.<div><br /></div><div>= = = = <br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Crostini With Prosciutto and Brie</span></b><br /><br /><b>Ingredients - </b></div><div><br />1 - 2<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> Fresh b</span></span>aguette (s) cross cut into 1/2" thick slices</div><div>Olive Oil<br />1<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> B</span>rie (medium to large), cut into 1/4" thick pieces the size of the crostini<br />1-2 pkgs.<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> Prosciutto with wafer thin slices</span><br />Honey<br />Thick balsamic syrup<br />Fresh bay leaves<span> </span><span> </span><span>Small leaves, or large leaves rolled and crossed sliced into shreds</span><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><b>Instructions - </b></span></div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Preheat broiler. Place baguette slices on a cookie sheet. Brush or spray with olive oil (I love using olive oil spray as it is a lighter end product - but when you brush with oil more soaks in and that is nice too. Just depends on what you prefer). Broil on first side until lightly toasted. Turn slices over, brush or spray with olive oil, and then toast lightly on second side. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Remove the crostini to a serving plate and let cool. Fold a wafer thin slice of prosciutto (I personally remove the little line of fat along the edge first) to the right size and place on a crostini, repeat with all slices. Drizzle with honey in a zig-zag pattern. Place a piece of brie on each crostini. Drizzle with thick balsamic syrup in a zig zag pattern, then place a small basil leaf or a little pile of basil leaf shreds</span> on each. </div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Enjoy!</span></div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-48429185555555948692024-01-31T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-31T07:50:00.094-08:00Phoenix Poetry Challenge Day 2 - Open Doors and New Chapters<i>For the second day of the <b>Phoenix Poetry Challenge</b>, I am to write two <b>poems</b> inspired by the theme of <b>Open Doors</b> and/or <b>New Chapters</b>. Interesting. I have to admit I was feeling fuzzy brained today so it took awhile for a few ideas to arise.</i><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKDw06ngFnLE5A7lwXE3lLAhEyaw6cKP7BZIHv8DLab0JK1vOI_ZJk9E6-GirTyslpSe2gqfSGkuoaaCxMbZC6XHTe-ZC-GIoJWTespOGCJ4bh51pxR9-3TaMmJeBDFUmMTO7BfywpSdqjxWdPKDNxH3Y201CdZIRq5pkh1fSPzx39u9fR4yKYVkkGIGl/s2739/jan-tinneberg-tVIv23vcuz4-unsplash.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Photo-opendoor-JanTinneberg-Unsplash" border="0" data-original-height="1826" data-original-width="2739" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKDw06ngFnLE5A7lwXE3lLAhEyaw6cKP7BZIHv8DLab0JK1vOI_ZJk9E6-GirTyslpSe2gqfSGkuoaaCxMbZC6XHTe-ZC-GIoJWTespOGCJ4bh51pxR9-3TaMmJeBDFUmMTO7BfywpSdqjxWdPKDNxH3Y201CdZIRq5pkh1fSPzx39u9fR4yKYVkkGIGl/w640-h426/jan-tinneberg-tVIv23vcuz4-unsplash.jpg" title="Photo of an open door by Jan Tinneberg on Unsplash" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;">Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@craft_ear?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-wrap: nowrap; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out;">Jan Tinneberg</a><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;">on</span><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; color: #111111; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-wrap: nowrap;"> </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/blue-wooden-door-tVIv23vcuz4?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "San Francisco", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Ubuntu, Roboto, Noto, "Segoe UI", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start; text-decoration-skip-ink: auto; text-wrap: nowrap; transition: color 0.1s ease-in-out, opacity 0.1s ease-in-out;">Unsplash</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">My Pogo Stick Arrived</span></b></div><div>by Marilyn R. Wilson </div><div><br /></div><div>My life plodded along.</div><div>Predictable and oh so normal.</div><div>I worked hard, pursued dreams,</div><div>Taking one step after another.</div><div><br /></div><div>Around me there were those </div><div>On a different journey.</div><div>One that reminded me of my</div><div>Crazy neuro-divergent mind.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like my ADD thought waves</div><div>Their journey pogo-sticked forward</div><div>Skipping fluidly over small stops.</div><div>Leaping effortlessly into the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>I yearned to embrace a journey</div><div>That sync'd so well how I thought.</div><div>Step after step I moved forward</div><div>Future's siren calling to me relentlessly.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Slowly I kept doing the work. </div><div><div>Brick by brick I created my dream.</div></div></div><div>Until the day I became a great asset</div><div>Magically my pogo stick arrived.</div><div><br /></div><div>With it came a pair of wings.</div><div>I could leap high and then soar.</div><div>Australia opened wide its arms.</div><div>The birth of an event called. </div><div><br /></div><div>Smiling as I walked onto the plane</div><div>I remembered my despair and longing.</div><div>Pogo stick in hand, wings spread,</div><div>I released the darkness to find a new home.</div><div><br /></div><div>= = = = </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-size: large;">From Mother to Writer</span></b></div><div>by Marilyn R Wilson</div><div><br /></div><div>For more than a decade</div><div>The role of mother and wife</div><div>Consumed me completely.</div><div>I chose these roles.</div><div>They brought me joy.</div><div>Surrounded me with family.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then my no longer young'uns</div><div>Began to stand on their own.</div><div>Strong and independent.</div><div>At a loss and needing focus</div><div>I perused the want ads.</div><div>One leapt off the page.</div><div><br /></div><div>A New York City magazine</div><div>Looking for submissions.</div><div>I had no resume, no skills,</div><div>No industry knowledge.</div><div>But bursting with ideas.</div><div>Emailed ideas with expectation</div><div><br /></div><div>I was utterly floored when</div><div>An email came saying yes.</div><div>Knowing nothing, I began.</div><div>Interviews dates booked,</div><div>Willing photographers found.</div><div>Models organized - whew</div><div><br /></div><div>I faced my first interview</div><div>Wrought with fear and self doubt.</div><div>Trembling, I pushed record,</div><div>And began simply.</div><div>Where were you born?</div><div>What followed was magic.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two hours late it ended.</div><div>Covered in goosebumps,</div><div>I walked out into a world</div><div>Where the sunlight glittered.</div><div>My heart pulsed with excitement.</div><div>I had found my purpose.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hearing others share their story,</div><div>Their joy, pain, love, and loss,</div><div>Had proven to be my passion.</div><div>I was meant to bear them witness,</div><div>Record them for posterity.</div><div>Then give them wings to fly.</div>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3799272942132957706.post-76263597429329070072024-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-29T04:00:00.122-08:00Anything That Divides Us<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlEmt6lGko5DX5CWCH-gAWZragtgYnc0H7xI0kr22x7cnwCFRLt7MSGYQKe6u5gqkKRUGotdyXVNJr6_t-fPp0DvYEPfeyYY80xyqMVe8Y9QJfIfmJKlFTS1D-iBIshaCrAQyznQj8hIh0TxAi7Arn08Jm_CV0Di8VRUNDY46no7MgFkT2uHEfi6erM4f/s1366/a268a017d65cd4d0718e3f31daf64cf9.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-place-of-love" border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1366" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlEmt6lGko5DX5CWCH-gAWZragtgYnc0H7xI0kr22x7cnwCFRLt7MSGYQKe6u5gqkKRUGotdyXVNJr6_t-fPp0DvYEPfeyYY80xyqMVe8Y9QJfIfmJKlFTS1D-iBIshaCrAQyznQj8hIh0TxAi7Arn08Jm_CV0Di8VRUNDY46no7MgFkT2uHEfi6erM4f/w320-h320/a268a017d65cd4d0718e3f31daf64cf9.jpg" title="come from a place of love poster quote" width="320" /></a></div>"<b>Religion</b> says you're only right if you believe what it believes. <b>Spirit </b>says you're right when you come from a place of love. Anything that <b>divides</b> us is not from the Spirit. We are all<b> connected.</b>" </i>- Wayne William Snellgrove<span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><p><b>I instantly</b> loved this <b>quote</b> when I read it on a poster shared by a <b>Facebook</b> connection. I decided to look up the author and was overwhelmed. <b>Snellgrove</b> is a survivor of the <b>60's Scoop</b>, spent 4 years in institutions and then was adopted by a white family. While they were loving parents, he was a native child living in a white environment and never felt like he fit in. </p><p><b>Snellgrove </b>discovered he had a gift for <b>swimming</b>. He ended up on the US Nation swim team and was a 2 time <b>national champion</b>. After an injury side-lined him, he worked on his recovery and then began to compete in <b>marathon </b>competitions where he again excelled, but his feeling of disconnect never left. He was a loner who coped with drugs and alcohol. <i></i></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Veu6-tzn2KUxVJrjNnim73wcSMSnGqsl_K97LVAYH7eYxVjVdcuUwSiV401JseS6Wa8KWRMPG9tDVH_w5byZF4lY91BdoDzg34r1QS9wD5EPWyjRKO30yvxORCnFhebHig_v0110goUFfGs7JT23UXF5O9yIYiCPp968xcC0lV6kiBWMYWaXWw0LEqpp/s474/785939f0640d554b0e1506cbb232c3b0.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-united-different" border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Veu6-tzn2KUxVJrjNnim73wcSMSnGqsl_K97LVAYH7eYxVjVdcuUwSiV401JseS6Wa8KWRMPG9tDVH_w5byZF4lY91BdoDzg34r1QS9wD5EPWyjRKO30yvxORCnFhebHig_v0110goUFfGs7JT23UXF5O9yIYiCPp968xcC0lV6kiBWMYWaXWw0LEqpp/w304-h400/785939f0640d554b0e1506cbb232c3b0.png" title="poster quote united but different" width="304" /></a><b>Things changed</b> when his adopted mother passed. He committed to finding his <b>birth mother</b> and rediscovering his <b>heritage</b>. With the help of a 60's Scoop investigator, he found her and, 32 years after being taken away, he returned to the <b>Fishing Lake First Nation Reserve </b>to meet her. From that moment on he began to work to heal his <b>trauma. </b>He became an artist, writer and public speaker, using these mediums to <b>educate</b> others about Native heritage, culture and spirituality. </p><p><b>What a</b> profound story. What a incredible <b>journey</b>. One would expect him to overwhelmed with deep anger and resentment. Instead Snellgrove chose to focus on healing and helping others. In the <b>quote</b> above he embraces the universal truth that we are all <b>connected</b>. And his<b> guideline</b> - coming from a place of love - is a great <b>yardstick</b> to hold up when deciding on what actions you need to take.</p><p><b>In the last </b>decade I have seen increasing <b>polarization</b>. There is an a polarizing I am right, you are wrong <b>attitude</b> taking over. As Snellgrove so wisely says, if it <b>divides</b> us it is not from the<b> spirit</b>. While I am not religious in a deity based sense, I have become more <b>spiritual</b> as I age. I have come to believe there is an energy for good surrounding us, ready to guide us. We just have to listen and choose actions that come from a place of respect. I believe it is possible for people to<b> disagree</b> and still offer each other love, <b>tolerance</b> and acceptance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs61pE83ujdJwApxdNtMOOGffn8RCzW4Gv8dzOEewE48Bg0uK-1YQjgiL1tgTqhpBJHN_k8zNVBeq-yxO5pRHf-mQu1S9vX7Gze8pg1ZB6cxcUbMD_NeFbV_Eo2fVBnSDYCZDZF7369lQR2hQwh9GO-kS1jrR_onYtPukKErKeC6AEPMG98V2IEDI8R_CW/s1500/opt_posts-pierre-nanterme-i-want-our-future--3027.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-diversity-gender-equality" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs61pE83ujdJwApxdNtMOOGffn8RCzW4Gv8dzOEewE48Bg0uK-1YQjgiL1tgTqhpBJHN_k8zNVBeq-yxO5pRHf-mQu1S9vX7Gze8pg1ZB6cxcUbMD_NeFbV_Eo2fVBnSDYCZDZF7369lQR2hQwh9GO-kS1jrR_onYtPukKErKeC6AEPMG98V2IEDI8R_CW/w640-h426/opt_posts-pierre-nanterme-i-want-our-future--3027.png" title="Poster quote on diversity and gender equality" width="640" /></a></div><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>I consider</b> it important to my growth to have a wide range of people in my <b>community</b>. There are many I am connected with who do not believe the same as I do in important areas - politics, vaccines, education, and personal rights. Respectful <b>discussions</b> with others who <b>disagree</b> with me help open my eyes and <b>expand </b>my mind. Sometimes I realize I need more information. Many times what I come away with is simply an understanding of their <b>point of view</b>. <p></p><p><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhevXOnYeoqGQXQ1pjQioYDgdKezQR4Tg18yTcSE_ScGjhETu2S2Sgchs8CmgPUkAkO-MI4e53p9tRpC53CAbIC5FHaupUB4wlydCeoFHoJnwADL_g2sP9NjjzLfs2XMS6c5tpfuis0zGpKUhnRS2h2vqNBwcDLhie26wqC1F02MblpG1o1fRRIsb87XZ0/s300/kofiannan_quote.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="poster-quote-one-human-race" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhevXOnYeoqGQXQ1pjQioYDgdKezQR4Tg18yTcSE_ScGjhETu2S2Sgchs8CmgPUkAkO-MI4e53p9tRpC53CAbIC5FHaupUB4wlydCeoFHoJnwADL_g2sP9NjjzLfs2XMS6c5tpfuis0zGpKUhnRS2h2vqNBwcDLhie26wqC1F02MblpG1o1fRRIsb87XZ0/w320-h320/kofiannan_quote.jpg" title="poster quote we are one human race" width="320" /></a></b></p><b>Cocooning</b> yourself in a group where everyone agrees with you all the time creates <b>ignorance</b> and division. They talk about this in the Netflix documentary <b style="font-style: italic;">The Social Dilemma. </b><span>Internet <b>algorithms</b> often only offer us</span> more and more <b>information</b> that supports our ideas, while eliminating search results that conflict with them. Their goal is to take you down a r<b>abbit hole</b> that is hard to get out of. I highly suggest watching this show.<b></b><p><b>Take a </b>moment to look at your social grouping. If you're like most of us, it is heavy in those we are most like. But beyond that, try to also cast your net a bit wider. <b>Reach out </b>to spend time with those of <b>different</b> gender identification, political views, cultural backgrounds, and ages. The more <b>diverse</b> your exposure, the more you will learn about how others think and what their lives are like. All you need is a willingness to <b>listen</b> and consider. It doesn't require you to <b>agree</b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlhh4tlRnkn_mMJs9S09DnXZ-7tQsIjpQDc3uUE9ASwTMshiS0ez3naNax2GtI9_xv3Pir9LDCAXikhbyAo9dZUAugbTU5XozUkL5kumAoY230VSUWYhw9cBxMB1O_uELip0a7aR-x128yHwrT3ZOH_qd7uyGlCMRth8S7eX_8CMSz6Cj313ePtxI2ya1/s676/love-not-fear-header.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hands-love" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="676" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlhh4tlRnkn_mMJs9S09DnXZ-7tQsIjpQDc3uUE9ASwTMshiS0ez3naNax2GtI9_xv3Pir9LDCAXikhbyAo9dZUAugbTU5XozUkL5kumAoY230VSUWYhw9cBxMB1O_uELip0a7aR-x128yHwrT3ZOH_qd7uyGlCMRth8S7eX_8CMSz6Cj313ePtxI2ya1/w640-h378/love-not-fear-header.jpg" title="hands making word love" width="640" /></a></div><p><b>The key</b> to widening your <b>world</b> is by simply showing an interest, and <b>accepting </b>that it's okay for all of us to think differently. Reflecting back to the<b> quote</b> at the start, come from a place of love. If your actions cause division, then it's time to rethink your approach.</p><p></p>Marilyn R. Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17682117741764999326noreply@blogger.com0