Happiness Challenge 101

Posted on June 22, 2016 by Paula

Recently a fellow blogger, StephJ, invited me to take part in a blogging challenge–”Happiness: 101 Simple Things.” I’m probably way behind everyone else who participated. Anyway, here’s my list. My life is more or less a joyful one. Here and there, I can identify things that make me happy too.

How about you? Maybe some of the things on my list make you happy too. So-called simple things count. In fact, it’s probably the simple things that make happiness go on and on. They’re usually low-cost as well.

101 Things That Make Me Happy

Knowing I can be happy
Belonging to a church community
Serving others
Hearing my son’s deep bass chuckle
Watching my granddaughter dance
Drinking a hot cup of tea
Telling a joke well
Laughing when someone tells a good joke
Fresh sheets on the bed
Being satisfied with what I have
Farmer’s markets
Eating dark chocolate
Being in the groove when writing
Reading the start of a new book
Thunderstorms
Experimenting with recipes
When the recipe turns out
Baking just about anything
A good chick flick
Drinking strong coffee
The smell of coffee brewing
Cuddling with my bunny
Watching my bunny hop and run fast
Receiving personal mail. You know, a card or letter
Stargazing
The scent of fresh-mown grass
Watching fireflies in the dark
Browsing bookstores
Browsing office supply stores
Picking out just the right card for someone
Receiving a card that’s just right for me
Swimming leisurely
Playing Scrabble
Playing euchre
Wearing cool bracelets
Wearing all kinds of earrings
Getting a good haircut
Reading my Bible
That ozone smell after the rain
When the movie comes out so close to the book
Eating a quality steak cooked just right
Waking up without pain
Watching a herd of deer in a field
Watching wild turkeys cross the road
Discovering a new show on Netflix
Discovering a good foreign film
Recycling all that I can
Watching a well-done documentary
The smell of a quality lotion on my skin
Sincere hugs
Listening to music by Mozart
Discovering a new musician whose music I like
Sleeping in when I can
Naps on Sunday after church
Watching my blue betta swim around in his bowl
Learning something new
A cuddly sweater
Things being in order
Snagging a great photo
Singing
The sound of my mantel clock chiming
Campfires
S’mores at the campfire
All my nails the same length
My nails painted with no mistakes
75-degree weather with no humidity
Worshiping God through prayer
Going to a classical music concert
Listening to “Carmina Burana”
String quartets
Carrying a cloth handkerchief in my purse
Being within budget
Increasing my vocabulary
Watching blue herons
Wearing my multi-colored animal print dress
The sight of storm clouds rolling in
Watching bats circle overhead
Finding a bargain
When the bargain is something I need
Writing with a pen that feels good in my hand
Using doilies
Listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio
Watching the Tigers play at Comerica Park
A successful workout
Employing active verbs in my writing
Finishing a long book
When a book has a satisfying end
Someone returning a smile
When an editor says, “Yes”
The availability of subtitles in a DVD movie “setup”
Journaling
Meeting with my mentor
Solitude and silence when I need it
My grandson’s youthful wisdom
“Reunions” resulting from Facebook connections
My general practitioner’s sense of humor
Entertaining friends in my home
Going to the movies with Gina
Shopping at the thrift store with my sister
Hearing children giggle, especially babies
Knowing my eternal destiny is secure

101 simple things that make me happy is a long list, but I could probably think of more. It doesn’t take much to make me happy. I enjoy many things. Let me know in your comments what makes you happy.

That would make me happy today.

And remember to be a blessing to someone today.

Foodie is Stewing

Posted on June 17, 2016 by Paula

I promised this recipe for Tugboat Lentil Stew to friend who was curious. I made it earlier this week because I was in the mood for something substantial but heart healthy. This turns out to be more of a stew than a soup because lentils soak up liquid and because the large veggies aren’t reminiscent of a thinner dish. I usually use brown lentils, but if you aren’t sure what kind you should use in a particular recipe, this might help.

I’m a cook who uses what’s on hand if it works. I also make substitutions all the time to go along with my own taste and health needs. This stew can easily translate if you want it to. This is the basic recipe; you’ll find some alternative additions/substitutions at the end of the post.

Use your imagination. It’s your kitchen!

Tugboat Lentil Stew

1 lb. dried lentils
1 T. olive oil
1 c. chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 c. sliced carrots
1 c. sliced celery
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 c. water
1 14 oz. can vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1 lb. sliced chicken sausage
Black pepper to taste
1 t. sea salt
Lemon slices for garnish
Red wine vinegar

Rinse and pick over lentils for stones. In a Dutch oven, heat oil until hot. Toss in onion, garlic, carrots and celery. Sauté for 10 minutes or until onion is translucent and vegetables are tender crisp. Add tomato sauce, water, vegetable broth, bay leaves and lentils. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover; reduce heat and let simmer for about 25 minutes or until vegetables are slightly soft. Add chicken sausage and pepper. Cover and let cook another 10 minutes or until chicken is heated through. Add salt. Ladle into bowls and garnish with lemon slices and a dash of red wine vinegar. Serves 8-10.

Meat: I have never used chicken sausage because I can’t find it. I have used ground turkey because I like cooking with it and it’s less fatty. When I use ground turkey in this recipe, I cook it until done in a frying pan with the olive oil first and add some ground fennel. Fennel will give a sausage-like flavor. Experiment with it for your own taste.

Veggies: I’m not a fan of celery so I’ve never used it in Tugboat Lentil Stew. Sometimes, if I have them, I’ll throw in 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables instead. Or one cup each of frozen carrots and green beans (or peas). I always use onion because what’s a stew without it?

Liquid: I like the flavor we get using tomatoes. But if I don’t have tomato sauce, I almost always have a can of petite diced tomatoes around. A large can is okay because those lentils really soak up the liquid. In fact, I use more broth too. I add it as the stew cooks when needed. Unsalted chicken broth is my favorite because there’s so much sodium in other types.

Spices/Herbs and Garnish: Bay leaves are a must. It’s a stew, after all. (Just remember to remove them or give a prize to the person who finds one in his dish.) If you don’t like garlic, leave it out. No sea salt? Use whatever kind you have. Remember that with sea salt, you don’t need as much for flavor. I don’t garnish mine. I usually want my stew right away and I’m not so fancy I need them. Although…the vinegar sounds good for a little kick. Speaking of “kick,” I’m all for just a pinch of red pepper too. You can add that to the pan when you pour in the liquids.

One big plus about this recipe is you don’t dirty a lot of dishes.

Enjoy your stew.

Your comments are like that extra kick in my stew. Are you one of those “by guess and by golly” cooks like me?

Inspiring Quotes by Helen Keller

Posted on June 15, 2016 by Paula

Annually, I choose to read at least one biography or autobiography. A few years ago, I read “The Story of My Life” by Helen Keller. Her story has always fascinated me. I’ve collected inspiring quotes by Keller. I believe she would have been an interesting (and funny) person to be around.

Today, since we are surrounded by bad news and need to hear something uplifting, I thought I’d share some of the things Keller said that inspire me. “I have four things to learn…” is kept on my refrigerator.

I hope you enjoy these and they inspire you to be your best.

“Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye.”

“I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything; but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do something I can do.”

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men experience it. Avoiding danger is not safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”

“I have four things to learn in life: to think clearly without hurry or confusion; to love everybody sincerely; to act in everything with the highest motives; to trust in God unhesitatingly.”

Helen was friends with Alexander Graham Bell. Even in her youth, she impressed Mark Twain. She met Frank Sinatra, among other notable persons, and hung out with American presidents. The first blind and deaf person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, she was born June 1880 and died June 1968 just before her 88th birthday.

Burning Old Glory

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Paula

When we hear about a flag-burning, it doesn’t always mean a lack of patriotism. Sometimes, it’s the exact opposite.

The day was June 14 and I was visiting my family in Mid-Michigan. Part of that visit included a flag-burning ceremony. American Legion Post 101, of which my father was a member, conducted this ceremony on Flag Day and the experience has forever been etched in my mind.

The three-man color guard, including my father, marched toward the ceremony grounds. One of them proudly carried the American flag. They were a tight and disciplined group. It was as though they were still in the service of their country.

Indeed, they were.

We could hear their boots crunching the gravel underfoot, but that was the only sound except for the guard leader’s orders: “Forward march!” “Halt.” We faced the color guard and the Legion post commander led us in reciting the pledge of allegiance. Then he introduced the short ceremony by stating from prepared copy:

“We are gathered here to destroy these flags that have been deemed no longer serviceable. It is proclaimed that each of these flags has served well.

“The U.S. Flag Code states: the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”

I’d never seen a flag burned before. Certainly I’d seen news stories about radicals burning flags in protest. This was different. My thoughts were racing. I was like a three-year-old asking questions non-stop.

“How long must a flag fly before it’s this tattered?” “How do people know where to take a tattered flag to be disposed of properly?” “How many flags must they have collected in a year in a city of this size?”

I never asked those questions. I just watched.

I’d seen my father in his jaunty little cap and white gloves marching in parades before. But he’d never seemed so solemn then. Besides, parades are fun. And noisy. I could hear my father’s feet as he marched by on the pavement during a parade.

Now, if you listened, you could hear the sounds of traffic on M-57. Except for that, it seemed as though noise would be unwelcome. Only the post commander, resplendent in his uniform, spoke. He gave instructions to the Flag Bearer to come forward and receive the flag to be issued to the flames.

“Who starts that fire?” I wondered. “Who will keep an eye on it and how long will it take to burn all the flags?”

Still, with all my questions, I simply watched along with everyone else. My stepmother stood beside me and I wondered if, as a legion auxiliary member, she’d witnessed a flag burning before. It was another question I didn’t ask.

In all my days, I’d never felt so awed by what our flag stands for. Now it seemed my questions really were unnecessary. The answer to questions that truly mattered occurred to me. Those answers explained why we say the Pledge. They explained why we burn Old Glory in this fashion. They explained why we need few words.

The answer was epitomized in one word: Respect.

The Flag Bearer came forward with the flag, which had been cut apart in accordance with the code’s instructions. He placed that first flag in the fire.

“Why am I crying?” I thought. Another question; one only I could answer.

Smoke rose from the small fire; it was probably started with gas or some such thing. I wiped my cheeks and heard the post commander dismiss the color guard and the crowd.

I didn’t want it to be over. I wanted to watch Old Glory continue to burn. But my stepmother suggested we go inside and have a drink. We’d wait for my dad.

Watching a flag-burning gave me a new perspective, and the perspective is based on that one word. Respect. A new respect for our star-spangled banner.

Long may she wave.

Children Learn

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Paula

Many years ago when my children were small, I found this little treatise on parenting. I wanted to save it and keep it somewhere I could see it as a reminder. The craft of decoupage was popular then, so it ended up on a piece of wood.

That piece of wood with the message is gone. But I made sure to copy and save in electronic form what you see below.

I know I didn’t parent perfectly then and I struggle even now as a mom to grown children. There’s always going to be some baggage, I suppose. I carried some of my own.

But surely, one can hope.

“Children Learn What They Live”

When children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

When children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

When children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.

When children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

When children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.

When children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

When children live with security, they learn to have faith.

When children live with fairness, they learn justice.

When children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.

When children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

When children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world.

Be a blessing to someone today.

Just Keep Writing

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Paula

Whatever you may think of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, he certainly elicits reactions. Him and his writing. Recently, I was pointed to a quote by Thompson at a time when he probably was still considering his career. And while I don’t believe in ‘fate,’ I think he’s onto something.

A writer writes because he just can’t not write.

“As things stand now, I am going to be a writer. I’m not sure that I’m going to be a good one or even a self-supporting one, but until the dark thumb of fate presses me to the dust and says, ‘you are nothing,’ I will be a writer.” Hunter S. Thompson

For the past two weeks, ‘life’ and being a little under the weather have kept me away from blogging as I’d have liked to, but writing is never far from my mind. In fact, ideas are always rolling around in my brain like little ball bearings. Next week, I hope to get back to my regular schedule. Thanks for hanging in there with me. For those writers who plug along no matter what, I applaud you.

As for me, once in a while I have to make a pit stop for fuel.

Thinking About Spring and “Fruit”

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Paula

I’m thinking “Spring” and remembering the beautiful flowers on the apple trees in the yard of my childhood home.

The pink and white blossoms smelled so sweet when you stood close to the tree. Then it seemed all at once, the driveway was covered in petals. First, they showed off their potential for the fall harvest. Then, we waited for those apples to emerge and ripen.

I’ve come to understand that we must all undergo challenges in life so that we may grow and bear fruit like those trees. Struggle. Obey God in the struggle. Then move forward in spiritual maturity.

For the fruit to grow, we must first lose the bloom.

Tex-Mex Foodie

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Paula

I’m a big fan of ethnic foods. All kinds: Greek, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Italian.

Over the years I’ve attempted recipes for a few of them and I enjoy cooking Mexican style best of all. I have a Hispanic friend who taught me to make refried beans from scratch. My authentic Spanish rice recipe comes from Azteca foods.

Every once in a while I invite friends over for a meal of beans, rice and homemade wet burritos. I even learned to make my own flour tortillas and enchilada sauce. After learning to make wet burritos for a family years ago, I don’t think I’d know how to make them for one.

So I go all “social butterfly” and enjoy the fellowship.

Today’s Foodie offering is a simple dish.

Tex-Mex Black Beans
Makes 4 one-cup servings

16 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz. can corn, drained and rinsed
½ c. chunky salsa (mild, medium or hot; your choice)
Juice of one lime
1-2 tsp. cumin
1 T. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Just toss all the ingredients together and warm thoroughly in the microwave.

Although the dish is meant to be warm, you could make it a salad by adding greens of your choice and tossing together with a little more salsa or some ranch dressing. If you prefer using dry beans, use enough for the equivalent of two cups canned beans. Another healthier choice is using fresh or frozen corn.

Enjoy!

Sweet Tooth Foodie

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Paula

Not too long ago, a friend and I had a conversation about the amount of sugar added to food. This happened right after I’d read an article about the hidden sugars in foods we eat every day. She’d been interested in making changes just like I was.

I’ve wanted to be a food snob; really I have. But I can’t be one. I’ve had a history of eating junk, and sugar was a big culprit in my formerly decadent diet. I still crave it at times.

But there’s something annoying about a former food addict trying to tell people how they should eat. That said, here’s my take on sugar and why I’ll pass on something of interest you may want to take to heart. (Literally)

Besides, it’s my blog and I can.

Facts are facts. Below is some information about recommended sugar intake and a list of 56 ways–count ’em–in which sugar can be listed on an ingredients label.

So how much should your sugar intake be? Several health organizations, including the American Heart Association, suggest that added sugar should be limited to no more than six to seven percent of your total calories. This does not include naturally occurring sugars found in fruits (fructose) and dairy products (lactose). The chart below lists the maximum recommended daily sugar intake based on various calorie levels.

Maximum Sugar Intake
Daily Calorie Intake              Grams of Sugar         Teaspoons
1,200                                                  21                               5
1,500                                                  26                               6
1,800                                                  31                               7
2,100                                                  36                               9
2,400                                                  42                               10
2,700                                                  47                                12

And here’s that list of the ways sugar shows up on an ingredients label. This list had me flabbergasted.

Look how many say syrup! What do you think of when you hear the word “syrup?” Yep, sticky and sweet. Ethyl maltol sounds like something you’d put in your gas tank.

Agave nectar
Barley malt
Beet sugar
Blackstrap molasses
Brown rice syrup
Brown sugar
Butter sugar
Cane juice crystals
Cane juice
Cane sugar
Coconut sugar
Caster sugar
Carob syrup
Corn sweetener
Corn syrup
Corn syrup solids
Crystalline fructose
Date sugar
Demara sugar
Dextran
Diastatic malt
Diatase
Ethyl maltol
Evaporated cane juice
Fructose
Fruit juice concentrate
Galactose
Glucose
Golden sugar
Golden syrup
High fructose corn syrup
Honey
Invert sugar
Lactose
Malt syrup
Maltodextrin
Maltose
Maple syrup
Molasses syrup
Muscovado sugar
Organic raw sugar
Oat syrup
Panela
Panocha
Confectioner’s sugar
Rice bran syrup
Rice syrup
Sorghum
Sorghum syrup
Sucrose
Sugar
Syrup
Treacle
Tapioca syrup
Turbinado sugar
Yellow sugar

As I said, I’m by no means perfect when it comes to my diet. After all, I’ve posted recipes on this blog for cookies I really like. And I’m not a doctor, a scientist or a dietitian. But I’ve made drastic changes in what and how much I put in my mouth. The reasons are many, but I began looking at food labels a few years ago and decided then some changes had to be made.

For instance, a couple years ago, I did an experiment with eliminating sugar and artificial sweeteners from my diet. After two weeks (I fell off the wagon), I noticed the pain from arthritis in my thumbs was gone. As soon as I started eating sugar again, the pain came back. I’m limiting sugar and artificial sweeteners now and for the last couple months, that pain has disappeared again.

What a relief. I can only imagine the other forms of inflammation in my body that are slowly going away or being reduced as a result of the decision.

Now if I want the flavor of an apple or an orange, I don’t drink it. I eat an apple or an orange. Nothing added and there’s the benefit of getting fiber.

I wish I’d made these changes sooner in life. Some of what I’m learning about food–especially sugar–is just common sense. But in my case, common sense wasn’t so common. I have to say I really didn’t care much either.

Now I do care.

That’s why this Foodie post is about eliminating as much sugar as possible from one’s diet. Even if I don’t personally know you who are reading this, I know you can benefit from the information.

Of course, knowledge is power only if you apply it.

Foodie Friday will still feature the occasional recipe that uses sugar. I am NOT a food snob and I love to cook and bake. But there will probably be more recipes for ‘stuff’ that doesn’t include it.

Good eating to you. And here’s to your health.

After That Pause…A Page

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Paula

Recently I decided to make my blog more like the website I hope to make it on another day. Including a photo of myself works. Including a ‘follow’ button and links to recent posts also works.

Another page under “Author Stuff” is something I needed. My introduction to myself is short and (I hope) somewhat humorous. It’s my way of letting you know who I am in a lighthearted way. “Published Stuff” is for the people who want to know a little more about the “author” mentioned in that page.

I’ve been writing for ghmsngrg years and this page addition includes information about past and present writing efforts. Sure, I’ve had other jobs. Retail experience in a grocery store, cleaning lady, secretary, bookkeeper, waitress, and proofreader, to name a few. But writing is a career for me, not just a job.

So hover over “Author Stuff” and take a look if you’re so inclined. Thanks for being a regular reader. As always, your comments are welcome.

The Fruitful Life

Category Archives: Miscellaneous Stuff