On My Mind Today

Each year the holidays seem to become more and more stressful. Between advertising that starts even before Halloween, the pressure to give gifts that nobody needs, and the obligation to try and get the entire family together on Christmas Day it's no wonder people are getting stressed and cranky. And this doesn't even include friends or work events. Instead of feeling merry and bright, we have the bah humbug syndrome. Everyone needs to take a step back and breathe, and remember that they can't do everything in one day. Gifts should not be expected and what is given shouldn't break the budget. And even though we all want to be with family on holidays, sometimes distance can make it a hardship to do so. This year I have decided to try and put the merry back into Christmas. If I can make it a bit less stressful for myself, then maybe it will relieve the stress for others. Perhaps these suggestions will help others too. We will have Christmas with my children and gran

When people think of appetizers what comes to mind are the traditional cheese platters, chips and dips, and other hot or cold foods. There are some other really great options that are sweet. I recently attended an event where pumpkin dip was served and it was amazing. Of course I went home and found a few different recipes, and decided to make this one as I knew it would not be too sweet. My guests loved it! If you are hosting a Halloween party this will be a great addition to your table. Pumpkin Dip   1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened 2 cups confectioner's sugar 1 cup canned pumpkin 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger   Gingersnap cookies (Other options for dipping - Apple slices or Cinnamon Graham Crackers)   1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioner's sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, sour cream cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and ginger until blended. Ref

Last weekend we had the annual overnight trip with our grandchildren. They are 5, 7 and 12 so you can imagine the energy level needed to keep up with them. This year we went to the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park in Queensbury, NY. In the past we have taken them somewhere that allowed us to have them spend the night at our home. This was their first overnight in a hotel. Exciting event for them! The lodge is very large and not only has the indoor water park, but also an arcade, restaurants, gift shop and more. And if you visit in warmer weather it is adjacent to the Great Escape Amusement Park. We arrived in the morning, and although we could not check in to our room just then, the water park was open. It was hard to contain their excitement while they changed into bathing suits and waited for us. From that point on there was no stopping them. We spent a couple hours trying many of the water slides and going around the Lazy River. Natalie (the youngest) had a

Last Monday was Columbus Day, or as I prefer Indigenous People's Day in honor of Native Americans. It was one of those perfect fall days with bright warm sun and a gentle breeze, so we decided to head out on the Harley out for a final ride. We took our preferred route along the tree covered back roads where we could enjoy what fall had to offer. There is nothing like having your senses open to the outdoors being able to hear and smell things that you can't riding in a car. Settling in to the sound and feel of the engine's hum until it brings a calm to your soul, allowing your mind to clear and take in all that is around you. Looking into the forest where bright rays of sun peek through the trees allowing their hidden colors to shine. Coming to a break in the trees where you can see the radiant beauty of the foliage reflected in the perfectly calm waters of a river or lake. And then there is the smell of fall. It has its own unique scent of clean crisp air mixed with a h

If you are a lover of Whoopie Pies, then this is for you. My mother told me about this cake and shared the recipe with me. I suggest making it when you will be having company, otherwise you will have trouble not eating it all by yourself! Whoopie Pie Cake   1-1/2 cups butter 5 eggs 1 tablespoon butter, melted 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 2 cups all-purpose flour 1-1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup buttermilk powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2-1/2 cups packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee crystals 1 cup water   Chocolate Glaze   1/4 cup whipping cream 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces   Marshmallow Filling   3/4 cup butter, softened 1 - 7 ounce jar marshmallow crème 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar 1-1/2 tablespoons vanilla   1. Allow the 1-1/2 cups butter and eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a small bowl, stir the 1 tablespoon

I have never understood when people say they don't like being alone. At a time in my life when I lived alone, someone said to me "Isn't it lonely?" I told them there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. As much as I enjoy the company of family and friends, for me a day of solitude refreshes my soul. When my senses are continuously bombarded with sound from phones, television and chatter it can be overwhelming. Day after day of this with no break can be almost suffocating. I am unable to let my thoughts flow freely and my creativity is squashed. Working in solitude is therapeutic. When your hands are busy baking, weeding a flower bed, or doing whatever quiet task you enjoy, it allows the mind to wander. Letting your mind go places it cannot when it is filled with outside noises. Today everyone is so connected through technology that they never have down time. I believe that each one of us needs time away from the chaos. These quiet moments with y

When thinking about my personal life I realize how blessed I am. A wonderful relationship, beautiful children and grandchildren, a great family and many dear friends. Spending time together creating great memories. My professional life is not viewed with the same enthusiasm. When I look at what I do to make a living versus what my heart tells me to do, it always comes back to one thing. I am the happiest and at peace when my time is put into creative endeavors, and working outside the home leaves very little time to pursue them. We all have to work to make a living, and I have no problem with this. Hard work is good for us - builds character as my father always said. But, when friends ask me about my work the response is always the same - it's okay. I don't love what I do and I don't hate it, but it does pay the bills. However, when I talk about my writing or photos the change in me is significant. My face lights up, I become animated and my heart smiles. These things a

If you enjoy Moroccan-style food then you will love this chicken soup. Not only is it delicious, but it's also healthy. Out of the pages of Weight Watchers All-Time Favorites, it is quick and easy to prepare - ready in about 30 minutes. Spicy Moroccan Chicken Soup   1 - 32 ounce reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 - 15-1/2 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 - 14-1/2 ounce can diced tomatoes with roasted garlic 1 - 6 ounce bag shredded carrots 1 teaspoon curry 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon cayenne 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast 1 - 6 ounce bag baby arugula 1/2 cup couscous   1. Combine the broth, chickpeas, tomatoes, carrots, curry powder, cinnamon and cayenne in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the carrots are tender, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until heated through, about 1minute.   2. Stir in the arugula and couscous. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let