Christ's Resurrection - READING THE BIBLE THIS YEAR

The Death of Jesus and Judas Hangs Himself

THE LAST SUPPER - Matthew 26 - Reading the Bible

READING THE BIBLE THIS YEAR-1st Samuel Chptr. 13

READING THE BIBLE - 1st Samuel Chapter 12

5-Minute Bible Study

Reading the Bible this Year: Samuel Anoints Saul as King

The 7 Woes - Parable with Warnings from Jesus

The Wedding Parable-READING THE BIBLE THIS YEAR

Jesus Enters the City on a Donkey - READING THE BIBLE

DIVORCE-What does the Bible Say

The Supernatural Ark of the Covenant-READING THE BIBLE

The Ark of the Covenant-READING THE BIBLE

READING THE BIBLE-1st Samuel 3-The Lord Calls Samuel

Hannah's Prayer-READING THE BIBLE-1st Sam. Ch. 2

Reading the Bible This Year: 1st Samuel Chapter 1

READING THE BIBLE THIS YEAR-Matthew 15-Jesus Heals

Jesus Walks on Water-Matthew 14

READING THE BIBLE THIS YEAR: Matthew 13

READING RUTH CHAPTER 4

Reading the Bible this Year: Ruth Chapter 3

5-Minutes in the Bible-Ruth Chapter 1

Curious about Demons? Join us as we Read the Bible

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Judges 20

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Judges 19

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Judges Chapter 18

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Matthew 10 - Jesus Sends Out the 12

What does the Bible Say About Judging Others?

READING THE BIBLE THIS YEAR: Micah's Idols

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Samson & Delilah

Read the Bible with Us-Matthew 5-The Beatitudes

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR-John the Baptist Prepares the Way

READING THE BIBLE THIS YEAR-The 3 Kings

Reading the Bible this Year: Judges 14-Samson's Marriage

READING THE BIBLE THIS YEAR: Judges 8

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Revelation Chapter 22

Forgiveness in the Bible

READING THE BIBLE - REV. 20 - SATAN'S DOOM

Hallelujah! - READING REVELATION 19

Curious What the Bible Says about Prophesy?

Reading the Bible - Revelation 17 - The Woman on the Beast

7 Angels & 7 Plagues - The Tribulation in the Bible

The Angel of the Lord at Bokim - Reading the Bible

666 - The Number of the Beast - READING THE BIBLE

Joshua's Farewell-Reading the Bible this Year

The Woman and The Dragon - READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR

The Two Witnesses for God - Revelation 11

The Angel & The Little Scroll - Revelation 10

Misunderstandings Can Start Wars - Joshua Chapter 22

Cities of Refuge: Joshua Chapter 20

END of DAYS: DEMONS & DESTRUCTION

The 4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation 5

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Joshua Chapter 21

Revelation Chapter 2 - Angels, Stars, & the Future

HAVE A PEACEFUL WEEKEND - Read the Bible With Us

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Joshua 18

Revelations Chapter 1 - Hope in Crisis

Reading the Bible-The Division of land of the Children of Israel

Our Daily Reading of the Bible

CHAOTIC TIMES - READ the Bible with Us for Peace

Join Us As We Read Through the Bible This Year

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Lies, Trickery & Deception

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: Ai Destroyed

READING THE BIBLE IN 1 YEAR: Joshua 7 - Greed, Theft & Punishment

Reading the Bible- Talking about Atlantis, Math & More

Angels...? We're Reading the Bible Today: Joshua 5

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: The Death of Moses

Generosity and Divorce are themes as we Read the Bible this year

Reading the Bible in 1 Year: History of the Children of Israel

The Nation of Israel - Reading the Bible in 1 Year

Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day - Let's Take a Minute to Remember


It is the VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

(Unknown Author)

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Stuffed Grape Leaves and Cabbage Rolls

I wanted to make something different for dinner and since a friend had recently given me a recipe book from the Ponzi Vineyards, I thought I'd try stuffed grape leaves. My son and husband weren't too excited and asked that I make a "back-up" meal. So, I did. Stuffed cabbage rolls.

I bought the grape leaves at a Greek Deli on Burnside and then cooked some rice and hamburger. I rolled the grape leaves up tight and steamed the cabbage to make it tender.

Then I rolled the filling into the cabbage leaves and baked them both at 350 degrees for about one half hour. I served the rolls over rice.

To tell the truth, I liked the cabbage rolls better because the grape leaves were sooooooo tough. They were very chewy - which I'm sure is great for fiber and all but I don't like to work that hard for my food :(

Have you ever tried either stuffed grape leaves or stuffed cabbage rolls? Which one was your favorite?

Friday, May 28, 2010

TRASHION SHOW

Okay so we've all talked a little trash at least once or twice in our lives. But have you ever worn it?

Well people in Portland, Oregon are not afraid to try something new, or maybe I should say old, and Oregonians are known for being progressive--at least when it comes to being green. So, I guess it's no surprise that here, in P.O., people have figured out a way to combine the two: old and green--by having trashion shows here in town. So, if you're not afraid to do more than talk a little trash, maybe you'll want to become a model and wear some.

Check out the Junk to Funk Trashion Show Event Page. This is their fifth year. And, they're planning an anniversary celebration but it looks like they can use a few volunteers to help get this party going.

If you want to do some good and be green, you'll check out these pages. I think it's a wonderful way to raise some money and awareness at the same time.

So, have a wonderful weekend and kick around the idea of joining in this green cause. I'm sure we can all come up with a few ways to help Protect the Planet.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

A Rose By Any Other Name



Might smell as sweet but, if it's a cream cheese frosting rose - then it's going to end up being another yummy in my tummy :)

If you want to see how to make these Philadelphia Cream Cheese Frosting flowers, check out this video:

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

FLIGHT FAIL . . . Flying Over A Volcano - Mt. St. Helens



My husband went for a flight over the crater of Mt. St. Helens but the mission was aborted short of the goal due to mechanical failure.

Good thing he made it home in one piece.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Treat Time


This is a triple layer parfait. You can call it either a Neapolitan Parfait or a Portland Parfait.

Here's how you make it:

Dog Training

We spent Saturday morning at the dog trainer's. My sister, my daughter, and I spent hours working on behavior issues with our pups.


It's was exhausting - just look at Sasha after we got home.



So have you had to work with any behavior issues for your pets? What worked best for you?

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Lincoln and Kenndy - OMG Facts

There are weird similarities between Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846. John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946. Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860. John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960. Both were shot in the back of the head in the presence of their wives. Lincoln was shot in the Ford Theatre. Kennedy was shot in a Lincoln, made by Ford Both wives lost their children while living in the White House. Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. Lincoln's secretary was named Kennedy. Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson. Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln, was born in 1808. Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908. Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford.' Kennedy was shot in a car called 'Lincoln' made by 'Ford.' Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse. Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater. Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials. - OMG Facts.

Friday, May 21, 2010

FryDay



Thursday was a rainy day in Portland. It reminded me of comfort food and Mama.

In a family with nine kids, I grew up without having a lot of fancy food or expensive things but somehow Mom always managed to make meals fun. She used cheap staples to feed a humongous family and somehow we always thought we were getting a feast. One of the things I remember most is homemade French fries.

They are so easy to make and so cheap anyone can afford them.

For pennies you can enjoy some of the best tasting food in the world. All you need to do is slice up some potatoes - don't even peel them - they're better with the peels on. Heat some cheap oil - not olive oil, it's too expensive for this - on low to medium heat. CAREFULLY place your potato slices into the hot oil and cook for a couple of minutes until the fries are golden brown. Then lift them out and place them on a flat platter - making sure you have paper towels laid down to absorb the excess oil. Drizzle with salt and WAH-LAH you've got a yummified side dish



Heck, you might even end up eating so many you'll consider this the entire meal - I know I did but somehow I forced down a cheeseburger too. YIKES - time to go for a run.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Tabletop Thursday - and a Treat to Top it Off






I love Mary Engelbreit (ME) and it's amazing what one little charger can do to make a plate pop on the table. I try to fancify my desserts with a little sprig of mint from the yard and a couple of pretty cherries - ME taught me that.

This is my Hawaiian Cloudburst dessert. It's a Pineapple Mousse and it is yummy for the tummy on a hot day. And it never hurts to use fruit to display a tasty treat.

If you want to check out some more treats, look at Between Naps on the Porch or stop by Lady Katherine's Tea Parlor

Answer to Word for Wedneday

Answer:

Nougatocity \nű-gat-ä-si-tE\noun).

A heightened yet fleeting state or accomplishment that make you realize how unbelievably unmotivated you normally are.

Word for Wednesday - a game for Writers

Nougatocity

Guess what it means - put your thought down in comments, then come back around 3:00 to see if you were write or wrong.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

So what's in your stack

I have a ton of books I want to read. A leaning tower of pisa to say the least. I have more than one stack - actually bookshelves full.

My latest acquisition is Beautiful Creatures and I'm anxious to get going on it. But I have lots of others that this will be bumping to make it to the top of my list.

How 'bout you? Do you have a TBR that is causing you anxiety...? If only I could figure out a way to do more in a day. If I could just give up that one luxury of life I've been unwilling to go without - you know the one - sleep.

Anyway, I'd better get to my stack and start reading 'cuz I'm still in the middle of about three books right now.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Movie Review Monday - ROBIN HOOD

This was a new angle on an old story: Robin Hood. And I enjoyed this fresh perspective. The story takes a while to get going - or so it seemed to me but once it was on its way, it was great.

I loved the costumes - very realistic. When I was growing up, Robin Hood was always squeaky clean and I wondered how he stayed so clean, living in the woods. This show seemed more realistic and I loved that. Plus the acting was great. Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett both did amazing jobs, but so did the entire cast.

All-in-all, I would recommend the movie. But, remember there are a lot of people who die - so no little kids. Still, there was no gratuitous violence. And, no horribly bloody scenes - even though there was a war going on between the French and the English.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

SCBWI Oregon Spring Conference

What a day!

Filled with fantastic inspiration from editors, writers, and agents. It was a great way to spend a Saturday.

Christy Webster from Random House opened up the presentations with a talk about Ten Things You Need to Know about Writing and Publishing Beginning Readers. She said that the slots are limited and the requirements are stringent. But she still encouraged writers to perfect their craft.

Kate Sullivan - from Little Brown talked about the structure of a story. We all need to remember to have a Main Conflict, a catalyst and a conclusion to our story. That might sound simple but it's easy to get sidetracked into telling the story. So, like P.J. Peterson explained in his afternoon talk about plot, we need to keep amping up the tension.

Michael Stearns
from Upstart Literary talked about plot mechanics in the morning and gave a 13 point Powerpoint presentation to help guide us on each step of the way. He said one of the powerful points to remember is pacing. Give the story a clock - or timeline. He says his Powerpoint presentation will be up on his website soon.

I learned a lot and enjoyed the day. So, if you get a chance to see any of these presenters, get going to your local SCBWI conference. You'll have a wonderful time.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Conference Day

It's finally here - conference day
I'm so excited - what can I say
I've got to go - get on my way

I'll share tomorrow - really - I swear
now I have to figure out what to wear

Friday, May 14, 2010

TOSSED AND FOUND


Love the name - TOSSED AND FOUND - love the concept even more.

So, if you're in Portland this weekend, May 15 and 16th check out what these two ladies have done with their stuffology, turning trash to treasures.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

The Jane Austin Room


Or the Dr. Seuss Suite?

Wouldn't it be fun to stay in a room made for a writer - or a reader...?

And it couldn't be better than at the beach.

If you're going to be in Oregon, you might want to stay at the Sylvia Beach Hotel
and if you're up for a little mystery - why not try the Agatha Cristie Room?

This sounds like so much fun, me and my sister are planning a get-away.

How 'bout you? Any good reads in your area?

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Answer to Word for Wedneday

The word Negotiosity means the state of being busy.

Check it out here.

Word for Wednesday - a game for Writers

Guess what the word means. Put your definition in the "comments" section and then come back around 3:00 p.m. to see if you were write or wrong.

WORD: Negotiosity

Monday, May 10, 2010

TUESDAY WRITING CONTEST TIP

SPRING 2010 STORY CONTEST

Read all about it here.

With great prizes:

Awards: First Prize is $3,250, Second Prize is $1,500, Third Prize is $750, and ten finalists will receive $100 each. All entries will be considered for publication.

But be aware, there is a $20 entry fee.

Still, wouldn't it be nice to win?

Good luck to anyone who enters.

Movie Review Monday - Ironman 2

For Mother's Day we all went to see a fun family film: Ironman 2. It was a fun way to spend a day. We enjoy the Marvel hero story.

It was a little slow at times but near the end there was plenty of action to make up for the slow moments in the start plus there was a little romance, and lots of fun with heromania.

Now, we're all looking forward to seeing Robin Hood - hopefully this coming weekend.

Have you seen any good shows lately?

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!


It's going to be a beautiful day here in Portland, Oregon. The weather people are forcasting 70 degrees and sunshine. So get out there and go for a walk, enjoy this break from all the rain we usually have and remember to wish Mom's everywhere a Happy Mother's Day.

Friday, May 7, 2010

Sunset at the North Pole



See the Sun below the Moon at the North Pole - What a Wonderful World

Thursday, May 6, 2010

THOUGHT FOR THURSDAY

Okay, I've been accused of spoiling my children - no surprise there. But when I came across these little accessories I thought I don't want to hear how I spoil my kids. There are people out there that spoil their pets more than I've ever spoiled anyone.

What am I talking about?

Doggles.

Yes designer eye wear for dogs. Now I've heard of everything.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Answer to Word for Wednesday

Word: Unsult - it is an insult disguised as a compliment

Word for Wednesday - a game for Writers

Word: Unsult

Come on, play along.

Guess what unsult means - put your guess in comments and then come back around 3:00 to see if you were write or wrong.

Happy CINCO DE MAYO
: (Spanish for "fifth of May") is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Cooking for Court Care



Have you ever heard of Court Care? It's a program that provides free drop-in child care in the Courthouse. Here, in Portland, the Multnomah Bar Assocation helps by sponsoring this program to provide childcare for children, at no cost to families who must go to court. This program helps limit the trauma of courtroom drama for children and gives parents an option so they don't have to take their children into the courtroom with them, when they can't find childcare.

No child should have to hear testimony during divorce, domestic abuse, and criminal proceedings.

This program is operated by Volunteers of America Oregon for the MBA, and serves 80 to 100 children and their families every month.

There may be a Court Care program in your area. And, it's a great cause to support.

Tonight I spent my evening cooking for Court Care. I baked a couple dozen cupcakes and a couple of cakes which my company will auction off (along with lots of other goodies) at our firm's bake sale to help raise money for Court Care.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Real Women of Philadelphia

I've been cooking, eating and having fun with The Real Women of Philadelphia.

It's a recipe contest for like-minded women to come together and share a little food and fun.

I'd love to see some of your treats. Let me know if you submit one. I'd love to look it up.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Spring Garden Fair Starts Today


Clackamas County Fairgrounds will offer 10-minute university classes on how to grow tomatoes and even pot your plants for you today and tomorrow. Check it out here.

It's the 26th Annual Master Gardener's Sale and they will be on hand to answer questions, teach short ten-minute classes and help you get started in the garden.

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

May 1 is May Day here in Oregon but it is Lei Day in Hawaii.

I love the idea of celebrating spring in lots of different way. All these celebrations are symbolized with color, parties and flowers.

Lei Day began in 1928 with a flower festival of wreaths that people could wear - or Leis.

I love flowers and festivals so Lei Day sounds like a perfect way to celebrate.