On My Mind Today

What right do you have to invade their home? It is not yours to take by brutal force. Attacking like a thief in the night, showing your cowardice and cruelty. Telling the world your lies in order to justify your actions. No one, not even your own citizens, believe your fabrications and protest against you. Brutally killing innocent people, and labeling them as the aggressor. Forcing families to leave their home, traveling far and wide to protect their children. Men of all ages, and many women, staying behind to protect their homeland. Using their bodies and weapons to block the destruction from tanks. These brave souls will always be the true heroes. You, with your powerful army and weapons, attacking a small country living in peace. If you succeed, you will always be the pariah who has isolated his country from the world.   The world is watching your aggression with sadness and tears. They all see you for the brutal oppressor that you are. This will not end well, as wars neve...

Music, the universal language that can bring people together in times of joy, and in times of great distress. Even if you don't understand the language the music speaks to your soul. As far back as I can remember music has been a part of my life. Our parents enjoyed listening to music, so we grew up with the sound of country melodies. As a teenager I can't say I was a big fan of country music; I grew up in the 60's so when the Beatles came along, and then the Rolling Stones, rock and roll became a part of my life. In the 80's and 90's I was raising my children, and as my parents did, I introduced them to music as infants. As they grew up, we enjoyed much of the same music, but it's funny how they too were not big country fans as teenagers. Perhaps it has something to do with rebelling against parents. Over the years I have come to appreciate many genres from country to classical, rock, soul and much more. I learned that good music comes in many forms and if you ...

When we get to the hot and humid days of summer it is hard to think about cooking. This is a great alternative to a hot dish, and you make it ahead of time so all you have to do is pull it from the refrigerator and serve. For those who don't want meat, you can add your own choice of fresh veggies such as green and red peppers, spinach, onions, cucumbers, etc. for the meat layers. Ham and Turkey Muffaletta  1/2 cup drained sliced pimento stuffed green olives 1 jar (6 oz.) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped (reserve 1 Tbsp. marinade) 2 Plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped 1 round loaf (1 lb.) crusty Sourdough bread 8 oz. deli sliced cooked turkey 4 oz. deli sliced Black Forest ham 4 oz. deli sliced provolone cheese 1 cup fresh basil leaves 1 cup black olive tapenade In a bowl mix together sliced green olives, chopped artichoke hearts, chopped tomatoes and reserved 1 Tbsp. marinade. Cut off top 1/4" bread, reserve. Pull soft bread from inside loaf, leaving 1/2" thi...

As I look out at an absolutely breathtaking day at the lake, it is nice to see people relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. We need to do this more often as it becomes so clear as we age that the years go by in a flash. One day you are a child playing hide and seek, and in the blink of an eye (or so it seems) you are moving into retirement years. Where did all those years in between go? I know that when I was young I was like everyone else. I could not wait to go to school, become a teenager, learn to drive, to be out on my own, to get married, and to have children. All that time spent hurrying my life away unaware that some day I would be wanting all those years back. If I had only known how precious all that time was perhaps I would have slowed myself down and enjoyed it more - and perhaps not. I guess when we are young we feel that we will live forever so no need to go slow. There will be plenty of time tomorro...

I see a world sick and suffering, beseeching us to heal the wounds. We must do our part to help one another, and bring harmony and peace to all. The world is filled with chaos today, no peace to be found it seems. Everywhere we look the sights and sounds, bring a heaviness that is hard to bear. Conflicts and wars linger on, with nobody willing to step back. Fueled by tyrants who want to take, with the victims trying to save what they have. Hatred being spread far and wide, there seems to be no end in sight. The instigators pushing every day, telling you who to blame. Media coverage twenty-four hours a day, it is difficult not to become numb. We must persevere to ensure, that none of this becomes the norm. Social media has become all consuming, and the children suffer the most. Bombarded with images of what they should be, and bullied by many of their peers. In spite of all of these troubling things, that are trying to destroy the world. There are many people we see each day, helping ot...

A frittata is one of the simplest breakfast foods to master and uses ingredients that are normally in the fridge. From Southern Living, this Hash Brown Frittata transforms plain eggs and hash browns into one tasteful dish. Once you are comfortable making frittatas, you can make them your own using additions such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach and cheese. No matter what your preference is, be sure to watch the eggs carefully as they bake as overcooking can make them chewy. Hash Brown Frittata 5 large eggs 1/2 cup half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion 1 (20 oz.) package refrigerated shredded hash browns 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill Preheat oven to 375°F. Whisk together eggs, half-and-half, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the salt in a medium bowl. Set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a 10-inch nonstick oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Add onion; cook, stirri...

Morning begins with calm and quiet, with only the sound of nature breaking through. Our soul is at peace with no worries, and our mind has not been filled with noise. Cling to these moments for as long as you can, you will need them to take you through. In no time at all, the day will begin, and your peace will fade quickly away. Voices start seeping into the calm dragging your thoughts into the day. Someone looking for answers or help, pulling you out of your quiet place. Inevitably the buzz of the television will start, with the latest news headlines of the day. Although we want to be informed,  the reality of it all can be more than we can take. Whether at home, work, or venturing out in the world, the constant chatter and noise do not end. At times we find time to escape sitting quietly  behind a closed door, or even in our car. Noise, noise, it never seems to end, and we grow weary as the day goes by. What we wouldn't give for a moment or two to shut out the constant din....

Most days it is easy to find the good in our lives and to be thankful for what we have. Then there are the days that we are discouraged and must dig deep to find the positive.  We all have times in our lives when we are faced with obstacles that can make it difficult to approach our days with a positive attitude. It can be something very personal, or it could be from the negative messages that we are bombarded with every day. Both have the same impact and will take over if we allow them to. It is not easy to change how we think and approach our daily lives even if we know it would be the best thing for us. It takes significant effort, and the path of least resistance can seem much simpler. Unfortunately, that does not do anything for our physical and mental health.  When we focus on looking for the positive in the world, there is one thing that stands out every time; people who do good things for others. Their focus is on what they can do to make another's life better. In doin...

My original intention was to make a strawberry rhubarb pie. I thought some of my rhubarb was just about ready, but unfortunately it is still too early. I had a few apples in my refrigerator, and I purchased some fresh strawberries and blueberries in the market recently, so I decided to throw all of them into a pie. The result was wonderful. It is absolutely delicious served with whipped cream and was a big hit in my house.  Apple, Strawberry and Blueberry Pie pie crust for 2-crust pie (homemade or pre-made) 3 apples, cored, peeled and sliced 1 pound of fresh strawberries, sliced 1-pint fresh blueberries 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1.2 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter Preheat oven to 425℉. Prepare pie crust (make your own or use the pre-made). Line bottom of pie plate with crust. Core, peel and slice apples and toss with the lemon juice. Add sliced strawberries. Mix sugar, flour, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir in with the app...

Although it's been twenty-plus years since my father's passing, I still miss him. There are some days when I feel his absence more than others; with the arrival of Father's Day there have been many of these days. My father was not a perfect man; like everyone he had his flaws. However, he was a good man. He was very intelligent and had a sharp wit and good sense of humor. He also had a good heart and treated people fairly, regardless of social status or race. He was strict when it came to his daughters, but what father wouldn't be? Even though I rebelled as a teenager, I came to understand his reasons when I became a parent. He was only trying to protect us from the bad in the world. I remember him bringing candy bars home in his lunch pail for us and taking us for a ride on Sundays. Sometimes in the summer we would go to the lake for a cookout, or pile in the car to see a movie at the drive-in theater. He also taught us fun things like reciting the alphabet backwards a...

The sun rises with clear blue skies, with hope for peace and serenity. I remain still with shallow breathing, careful not to disturb those who sleep. These days quiet moments are rare, they are more precious than gold. Silence is like an elusive butterfly, hiding just out of sight. Noise surrounds me far too early, and sometimes never seems to end. From television to constant chatter, at times it is difficult to breathe. Some days the sensory overload, can exhaust my weary soul. Just a few moments of silence and solitude, a bit of tranquility is all I need. Let me watch the sunrise appear in the sky, and see Mother Nature awaken. Her creatures stir and start the day, a great joy for the eyes to behold. So, give me just a few moments, to soothe my weary soul. The peace and serenity of silence, are far more precious than gold.

In our youth we have many dreams, ever changing with each new day. So much ahead in our lives, with choices we will need to make. Early on our dreams are smaller, with visions of first dates and kisses. Imagining gliding across the floor, at school dances with our first crush. Some of our dreams are a fantasy, of living a rich and famous life. The younger we are the bigger the dream, never believing it cannot become real. As the years pass by the dreams evolve, into much larger events in life. Marriage, children and so much more, making precious memories along the way. In mid-life things begin to change, and we see things with new eyes. After years of chasing our many dreams, we learn some things don't go as planned. Dreams become so much different, more personal and smaller in scope. With each year we begin to realize, the smaller dreams mean so much more. As we enter into our senior years, everything becomes crystal clear. Our only dream is to embrace each day, for sometimes life...

From Just a Pinch Recipes contributor, Vicki Butts, Grapeview, WA. this Crock Pot Beef Bourguignon is a good comfort food that warms your soul. The beef is extremely tender, and it pairs well with the smoky bacon and sweet carrots. You can serve it over mashed potatoes, with a baked potato side, or as a soup over rice. Any way you choose to serve it, the flavor is absolutely delicious! Yield: 4 -6  Prep time:15 Min Cook time:12 hours Beef Bourguignon 3 lb. rump roast, trimmed, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 carrots, peeled and sliced (I like to use baby carrots instead) 1 md onion, sliced 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper 3 Tbsp flour 10 oz beef broth 6 slice cooked bacon, cut into 1-2-inch pieces 2 c red wine 1 Tbsp tomato paste 2 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp thyme 1 bay leaf 1/2 lb. small white onions, peeled 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced Place the beef cubes, carrots, and onion in the crock pot. Season with salt and pepper; stir ...

Looking at all the so called "reality" shows they keep producing that exhibit the worst of people's lives, and knowing that so many are watching, is very disconcerting. The people they present are often offensive and negative, or willing to make a fool of themselves for their fifteen minutes of fame. It is truly sad in many ways. To think we would rather look at such negative nonsense, instead of embracing our own life, absolutely puzzles me. It is very apparent that we have become a society that seems to dwell on the negative. I guess it is easy as there are so many negative messages put in our faces and screaming at us, while we must look much harder and deeper to see the many positive possibilities. It takes energy and a positive attitude to move your life in a direction that will bring joy and happiness.  None of it comes by just sitting back and expecting it to show up. You need to engage yourself each day and see what could be. Try something that you have ...

Over the last few years, my time has slowly been transitioning into being a caregiver. It has been a slow progression, but time for me is becoming more elusive these days. It can be difficult to r emember that if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be any good to those in your life.  It is not in my nature to put myself first, and I know there are many others like me. We try to make sure that everyone else in our life is taken care of and their needs are met. There are two reasons for this: we enjoy doing for others as it makes us feel good, and it is rewarding when we see them happy. Of course, my sister would say there is a third reason; our purpose in life is to help others. When our children are young our role is to take care of them. We plan, organize and prepare for whatever arises each day, nurturing them as they grow into young adults. As our children leave the nest we tend to transfer these actions to others in our life. The need to nurture so strong that we can...

Growing up, a lot of children do not like spinach - even when Popeye tells them it can make them strong. This recipe from Taste of Home contributor Judy Batson, Tampa, FL just might change their mind. Spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan is filled with delicious flavors that will win anyone over - even my non-veggie eater. Spinach-Parmesan Casserole 2 pounds fresh baby spinach (I used 3 - 8oz. bags) 5 tablespoons butter 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Preheat oven to 400°.  In a stockpot, bring 5 cups water to a boil. Add spinach; cook, covered, 1 minute or just until wilted. Drain well. (I did not boil the spinach. I added it to the butter and oil with the garlic, Italian seasoning and salt and sauteed it.) In a small skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning and salt; cook and stir until garlic is tender, 1-2 minutes. Spread spinach in a grease...

Compassion: Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.  Understanding: Sympathetically aware of other people's feelings; tolerant and forgiving.  Tolerance: The ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with.  Acceptance: The quality or state of being accepted; the act of accepting something or someone. Although we have our differences, we all should expect these values to be practiced when dealing with one another. It's called common decency and respect for others, and these should not be compromised for any reason. In our ever-changing world we need to take time to step back, acknowledge, and learn to accept our differences. Just because we have contrasting lifestyles or opinions, it doesn't give us the right to criticize one another. We can live in harmony if we learn to be accepting, and if we mind our own business. Somehow over the last several d...

Some days the sunshine will not grace our door, and it will be hard to find our way. When our minds feel the clouds and fog, we must push through to the other side. When we are faced with a day filled with to-dos, the list can become daunting and overwhelming. With determination we can make light work of it all, and push through to the other side. There will be times when we feel down, and self-pity can easily move in. Don't linger there for too long, just push through to the other side. Days will come when we feel lonely, even though we may stand in a crowd. If we reach out to those we are close to, we can push through to the other side. Holidays arrive with much joy and a bit of sadness too, as gatherings feel the absence of loved ones we have lost. If we share our memories of those gone but not forgotten, we will be able to push through to the other side. Life brings with it many experiences and emotions, the ups and downs that we all live through. Although we may stumble now an...

From Taste of Home contributor, Marilyn Louise Riggenbach from Ravenna, Ohio, these old-world cookies are filled with the delicious flavors of cinnamon and cloves. Her uncles call them cupcake cookies because of the unique way they are baked. The recipe is her grandmother's and is quite simple. Once the batter is mixed up, it is covered and refrigerated for an hour. I used a standard size muffin tin, and the recipe made 15 cookies. They are absolutely delicious and sure to be a hit with your family. Baki's Old-World Cookies 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 cup ground walnuts 1-1/2 cups al-purpose flour 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Confectioner's sugar Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add nuts. In another bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon and cloves: add with vanilla to creamed mixture. Cover an...

As I sit here on Mother's Day, I find myself thinking about my two daughters and how proud I am of the amazing women and mothers they have become. They have had their struggles, some I am aware of and many I'm sure I am not, but they have persevered and emerged stronger and wiser. Just as I did as I found my way on the road of motherhood. As we all know it's not an easy road to maneuver at times; there will be great joy and some heartache along the way. Looking back there are many things that come to mind, and some that have stayed with me are: When I was carrying my children and heard their heartbeat for the first time. The day they were born; both the pain of childbirth and how I forgot that pain the minute I held them in my arms. The feeling of overwhelming love for my child, and fear of having to care for them and protect them. How could I do all of this? Sleepless nights caring for a colicky baby yet cherishing the feeling of holding and comforting them. The first time...

Early morning as daylight is breaking through; silence envelops us in peace and solitude. Savor these moments you quietly say,  before the beginning of the day. The sun slowly rises on the horizon, filling the sky with rays of heavenly light. The beauty takes your breath away; savor these moments you quietly say. Mother Nature's creatures begin to stir; birds chirping, loons calling, and fish silently sending ripples across the water's surface. Take in her beauty as they set about their day; savor these moments you quietly say. Full daylight arrives to break the spell; people arise and homes begin to stir. We filled our soul with peace and joy, to bring with us as we go. Savor these moments you quietly say, until the beginning of another day.

From Brandie at thecountrycook.com , this recipe for chicken and biscuits uses simple ingredients and is very easy to make. We all can use a one dish recipe that can be put together in 15 minutes and popped into the oven. In about an hour, you will have a delicious weeknight dinner for your family that they will love. Chicken and Biscuits Casserole 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon rotisserie seasoning ½ teaspoon black pepper 12 ounce can refrigerated biscuits (or 2 6-ounce cans) 1 cup f rozen peas and carrots 1 cup s hredded Cheddar cheese 2 cups cooked chicken  (shredded or diced) ¼ cup sliced green onion (optional) Instructions: Preheat oven to 375F degrees. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, rotisserie seasoning and black pepper. Whisk until fully combined and most of the lumps are gone. Open the can of biscuits and separa...

Spring has arrived with warmer days, bringing hope of what is to come. The birds that winter in New England, begin a flurry of activity once more. As the days have stretched into April, warm weather birds return to nest. Each day brings more and more species, to watch with a heart filled with joy. They fly and scurry here and there, finding what will make a warm nest. And once again the air is filled, with beautiful songs as they work. First, come the Robins scratching the ground, searching for worms, insects, and grubs. Then others will fly north to join them, the Grey Catbird, Scarlet Tanager and more. Soon we see Chickadees, Bluebirds, and Swallows, filling the skies, trees and backyards. They make all the days seem brighter, even when spring rains come along. But this year something was different, something did not appear quite right. The Mourning Dove pair that lived nearby, did not come by together this time. One lonely Dove sitting on the wire,  or searching for seeds on the...

As we age, we have a greater appreciation for time alone. We are not as eager to be surrounded by constant noise and chaos; we have had plenty of that in our younger years. We need time to ourselves every now and then to reset our emotional barometer. Daily life (especially more recently) can be filled with stress. The emotional toll that this stress can take on our mind and body can create havoc not only for us personally, but for those around us also. For me there is no better stress reliever than to be alone in total silence; nothing but peace and tranquility to soothe my weary soul. The only thing that I will allow to enter this sanctuary would be the sounds provided by the living world. Wind, waves, birds, and other music from nature can inspire calm at our most difficult times. There are many ways to enjoy time alone even if we are in the midst of others. I have had some very peaceful moments when surrounded by strangers. We can be sitting on a sunny beach with the sounds of chil...

With spring finally turning to warmer days, we begin to think of fresh and cool additions to our brunch menu. This fruit and yogurt trifle is not only delicious and healthy, but also a beautiful dish for your table. Feel free to add your own favorite fruits to make it your own. Hope you enjoy this light addition to your weekend brunch.   Fresh Fruit and Greek Yogurt Trifle   Approximately 1/2 of a 10 oz. Angel Food Cake, cut in cubes 2-1/2 cups Fresh Strawberries, sliced 1-1/2 cups Fresh Blueberries 1 - 32 oz. Container of Vanilla Greek Non-fat Yogurt   (Reserve 1/2 cup strawberries and 1/2 cup blueberries for top)   Layer 1/2 each of the cake and remaining strawberries and blueberries in a 3 quart glass container. Cover with 1/2 of the vanilla yogurt.   Repeat layers of cake and fruit. Top with remaining vanilla yogurt.   Place reserved strawberries and blueberries on top. refrigerate for at least one hour.   Serve with toppings such as granola, ...

Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus (when he rose from the grave). No man had taken his life. He had given it freely for us - to restore our fellowship with God. He had been crucified and was buried for three days. All his disciples had believed that he was gone for good.  He had told the religious leaders and his disciples that He would give His life and on the third day rise from the grave. The religious authorities had remembered His words and tried to prevent it by putting a large stone in front of the tomb, a Roman seal, and guards. But none of that prevented God’s plan for that first Easter. Although this is why we celebrate Easter, the holiday also represents time with family for good food and making memories. Unfortunately, family holidays change as years pass, and what once was fades. A few years ago, I was reminded of this by something my granddaughter said. She told her mother that she misses Easter dinner with the family at my sister's hom...

I recently heard someone give advice that really struck a chord. He said, “When you reach the end of your comfort zone step forward”. Such profound meaning in just a few words. How many times have we yearned to try something new or wanted to make changes in our lives, only to be held back by our own fears or discomfort? The fear of the unknown, or that which makes us uneasy, can leave us frozen and unable to make changes that may just lead to better things. There are some who easily welcome change and new challenges. If they have any fears it is not apparent to those around them. How we envy these risk takers who so easily abandon what holds some of us back. What is in their nature that keeps them from staying in their comfort zone? Perhaps they were born with it, or maybe they learned from their parents. When faced with our fears, we need to ask ourselves what is holding us back. Most of us have the desire to do more. We may want to see the world to explore other cultures, or take a s...

If you are looking for something new and delicious for the upcoming Easter holiday, these are sure to be a big hit with family and friends. Recently I heard someone talking about asparagus, prosciutto and blue cheese wrapped in puff pastry, so I went looking for a recipe, and found a similar recipe from Kylie Lato and made a couple of adjustments. They turned out great and were a big hit with our dinner guests.   Asparagus, Prosciutto and Bleu Cheese Wrapped in Puff Pastry 2 sheets puff pastry dough, thawed 18 thin slices prosciutto 36 spears asparagus, woody ends removed, halved widthwise Crumbled Bleu Cheese 1 egg, beaten 1 tablespoon olive oil salt fresh ground black pepper   Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 1. Unfold puff pastry and cut along seams, creating 6 long rectangles out of the two sheets. 2. Roll each long rectangle a bit thinner (about 3.25" wide by 13.5" long). 3. Cut each rectangle into 3 equal size rectangles. This will give you 18 equal size puff pastry r...

Spring snow.... we don't want any, but we always have at least a few days with flurries or an occasional storm after the first day of spring arrives. It's usually wet snow that melts rather quickly. When I was growing up, my father would call it "poor man's manure"; something to put nutrients in the soil for the upcoming growing season. Although the past week has not been very warm, we were given a sunny day before the rain comes back this weekend. I decided to take advantage of the sunshine after feeling cooped up and gathered some tools to clean up a few things in the garden and flower bed. This is phase one - work that gives me a glimmer of hope and visions of what's to come. There have not been many changes in my flower bed for several years, so last fall I cleared out much of what had been there for too long. It felt good to remove tired old plants and get things ready to lay down new soil this spring. The daylilies have sprouted and are reaching for the ...

Open water on the lake appeared like magic, with the ice disappearing while we slept. The first sign of spring to greet us, as we wait for brighter and warmer things. April showers have arrived at our door, but the cold of March is still lingering. Our mind is searching for the warmth of spring, as our bodies are still chilled to the bone. Geese and ducks have returned to the lake, enduring the cold water as they float. Once again, we can hear optimistic birds sing, in spite of the gray dismal skies above. With the ground free of snow our minds wander, aching to put our hands in the earth. As hard as it is to wait for gardening time, we will dream of the things we will plant. Each day new signs seem to appear, hinting that warm spring days are near. The daylilies are pushing through the earth, and buds are filling all of the trees. Mother Nature, she is a fickle one, giving us teasers here and there. Will today be another wet and cold one, or will we get a taste of what is to come....

Several years ago, I was looking for a recipe for Ricotta Pie and found this one online. I was surprised that Ponzio's was willing to share their recipe, but apparently, they were once featured on Food Network and had an enormous demand for the recipe. I am grateful that they were willing to share as this is the best Ricotta Pie I have ever had. The blend of orange and lemon zest gives it an amazing flavor. This pie is the perfect ending to your Easter dinner. Thank you, Ponzio's for sharing. Ponzio's Famous Ricotta Pie The filling is enough for two pies. 2 - nine-inch pie crusts (homemade or pre-made) 2-1/2 pounds Ricotta Cheese 1-3/4 cups heavy cream 3/4 cup powdered sugar 5 whole eggs 2 egg yolks Zest of 1 orange and 1 lemon 1/8 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 320 degrees F. 1. In a large bowl, add Ricotta and powdered sugar. Mix at low speed. 2. Add eggs, egg yolks, heavy cream and vanilla. Continue mixing on low speed until texture is smooth. Add zest and place fillin...

Are you living your own life or are you watching someone else live theirs? It's no wonder people tend to feel depressed more often today. If they are watching television or constantly scanning social media, and comparing their life to what is being presented, then it can quickly bring them down. The first thing they need to realize is what people put out there more than likely is not reality. Nobody has a life that is picture perfect, but they want others to believe they do. It may make them feel better or more important, however in the process they are contributing to making others feel like their life is less than it should be. If you are asking yourself questions like: Why can't I look that beautiful? Why aren't my children that talented and well-behaved? Why don't I have such a great home, job or relationship? You need to stop! Stop comparing your life to the unrealistic images you are seeing. Although they say perception is reality, the reality is far from what the...

Our journey in life takes many paths and we never know where we may end up along the way. What we envision is not always what happens as we know all too well. There are many times of great joy and exhilaration that we encounter. Our first day of school, our first kiss, learning to drive, going to college, getting married, the birth of a child and so many other firsts that if we lined them all up, they would show what a good life we have had. The times of our life that we are forever grateful for and wouldn't trade for anything. There are also times of sadness and pain that we would like to forget or wish may not have happened at all. The small things like falling off our bike, the bully at school, and our first broken heart. Or something much larger that we think we will never recover from, like the loss of a loved one. Life goes along quite smoothly most of the time, but just when we think our life is on track and figured out, we are thrown a cur...