The Wise Dalai Lama Says

Cookin' in the Kitchen this week

stir-fried veggies over brown rice
stir-fried veggies with spicy sausage on pasta
turkey burgers on pita shells with leftover pasta
Swedish oven pancake with apple, blueberries and pear
with raspberry syrup & a sprinkle of icing sugar

Patiently Waiting for Spring

So we can see shots like this once again! These were taken from my "Walk with Me" folders that I've been adding to for years! Various shots I take while out on my walks. Thought a little bit of yellow would help brighten up this dreary day. This morning we had a light dusting of snow that has since disappeared unlike other parts of the Island that received a whole lot more! Yes, the countdown to Spring is definitely on around these parts!

Simple Scrumptious Supper

Wonderful Winter Weather

~the past few days have been absolutely beautiful although chilly~

just perfect for walking and taking more pictures though...

According to Sophia Loren

"Spaghetti can be eaten most successfully if
you inhale it like a vacuum cleaner ."

Do you believe her? We certainly do!

ARE YOU A CARROT, EGG, OR COFFEE BEAN?

ARE YOU A CARROT, AN EGG, OR A COFFEE BEAN?

Making the email rounds once again and definitely worth the read! A very quick internet search taught me that this is not [contrary to popular belief] an anonymously written article, although it's traveled through cyberspace as one for a few years. It was written by Ms. Mary Sullivan.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as if as soon as one problem was solved a new one arose. Her mother took her to the kitchen.

The mother filled three pots with water.

In the first, she placed carrots.
In the second she placed eggs.
And the last she placed ground coffee beans.

She let them sit and boil without saying a word. About twenty minutes later, she turned off the burners.

She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she said, "Tell me what you see."

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied. (You know the tone of voice.)

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did, and noted that they felt soft.

She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg inside.

Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked, "So, what's the point, mother?" (Remember the tone of voice.)

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity - boiling water - but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid center. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its insides had become hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water...they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot , an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I?

Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat. Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship, or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my outer shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water - the very circumstances that bring the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor of the bean. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you instead of letting it change you.

When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?

How do you handle Adversity?

ARE YOU A CARROT, AN EGG, OR A COFFEE BEAN?

Thank you Mary for your words of wisdom!

Mr. President, Canada loves you too!

You Got 9/10 Questions Right You are a probably a news junkie, Obama fan, or both. You know a lot about Barack Obama - including his politics, history, and family. It's likely you're a very knowledgeable person and quite well read. You can't stand ignorant people, no matter what their political persuasion is.

How Much Do You Know About Barack Obama?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, January 19, 2009

Outside My Window...the sun is shining...absolutely gorgeous day!

I am thinking...I should get outside and clean house later!!!

I am thankful for...cleaning breaks! *grin*

From the kitchen...a deep clean has begun.

I am wearing...PJ pants and a tee shirt

I am creating...a mess as I clean. How is that possible? lol
(must put stuff away instead of moving if from place to place)

I am going...for a long walk later today with my camera in hand.

I am still reading...an oldie: William Diehl's Chameleon
(been too busy blurfing and reading all the fabulous blogs!)

I am hoping...that things turn around for all those troubled either directly or indirectly by economic hardships.

I am hearing...music from the radio playing. (Great to clean to)

Around the house...I am slowly getting my "winter clean" done.

One of my favorite things...not waking up to an alarm.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Pretty much the same as last week: Spend time with my Swedey. Enjoy the sunshine. Get out walking. Take more pictures. Make more yummy meals. Work on my cross-stitch. Finish up the big clean! Maybe even make a few cards...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing: what I'll see out on my walk

Dead Like Me

Dead Like Me. Absolutely loved this series that ran for two seasons (2003-2004). Unfortunately we discovered it after it had been cancelled. What a shame. Besides being filmed right here in Beautiful BC (Vancouver) there was plenty about it that we enjoyed: it was witty and funny -- just so brilliantly written! The cast was amazing...didn't meet a reaper we didn't like! After watching both seasons, we felt let down that it hadn't been continued. Maybe it didn't get the exposure it deserved. Or perhaps the content wasn't appealing to "the masses". It's definitely a dark comedy with a twisted look at life and the possible after life. Not the cup of tea most folks want to drink--but we sure did! Maybe the questions were too controversial for most: What if death is not the end? What if it's not an escape for all that troubles you prior? What if you have to be responsible and accountable? It could have been too big of a wake-up call for too many. Or not. Who knows? That said, I am looking forward to seeing the movie, Dead Like Me -- Life After Death despite a few character changes...it is currently set for release on February 17, 2009 but has been playing as an exclusive on Super Channel since the beginning of the year here in Canada.

Where Does the Time Go?

It's been three years since we ventured up to Mt. Washington to do some snowshoeing...certainly doesn't feel like it was that long ago...we're definitely overdue!

Friendship Style

Your Friendship Style is Empathetic

You deeply care about each person you're friends with. For you, friendship is all about the personal connection. You tend to know everything about your friends' lives... and they know everything about yours. Your friends are your confidants. You are always there for your friends. You celebrate their successes and support them in their times of need. You are as loyal as they come. And you expect the same loyalty and understanding from your friends in return. You and another Empathetic Friend: Have a amazing friendship, when it works. You care for each other deeply, but you often end up with hurt feelings and drama. You and a Gregarious Friend: May have a bit of a one sided friendship. You adore your Social Friend, but you sometimes feel a bit neglected. You and an Independent Friend: Struggle a bit. You are very interested in your Independent Friend's life, but your friend often needs more space. You and a Philosophical Friend: Respect one another. You love to learn about your Philosophical Friend's brilliant ideas.

What's Your Friendship Style?

Walk with Me...Down By the Sea Ocean!

These photos were taken last year...going through and sorting my folders and I will be sharing more walk with me pics in the days to come!

Ten on Tuesday

10 THINGS YOU'RE REALLY GOOD AT
click HERE to learn more or participate

1] Procrastinating---oh the to-do lists I have in my head! (But I can't write 'em down because someone might see! lol)

2] Taking pictures of anything and everything. Every day.

3] Entertaining the elderly...love to keep 'em laughing!

4] Colourful, but simple cooking...home-cooking from scratch.

5] Being a good Auntie---easy to do with all the Marvelous Magical Munchkins that I have in my life!

6] Not spending money---cuz if you spend more, you have to work more and I've found better things to do instead!

7] Keeping in touch with everybody...no wonder I don't have time to get through those to-do lists! hehe

8] Worrying needlessly about too many things and/or people...currently working on changing that.

9] Remembering birthdays---be it a family member or an old friend from elementary school. Birthdays are special!

10] Lots of different crafts...and some that need to be revisited again this year! (another thing that could come off the list if I wasn't procrastinating)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday, January 12, 2009

Outside My Window...it is dark, well, it is night after all!

I am thinking...too much once again.

I am thankful for...running into an old friend at the grocery store and having a visit over a cup of tea afterwards!

From the kitchen...there is not a lot going on today. I'm tired.

I am wearing...my Swedey's hoodie and yoga pants

I am creating...a new photo filing system for my computer

I am going...to get to bed earlier tonight than I have been

I am reading...an oldie: William Diehl's Chameleon

I am hoping...for a clean bill of health at my next appt.

I am hearing...that they are forecasting SUNSHINE for the rest of the week. I sure hope they're right! *fingers crossed*

Around the house...there are beautiful pieces of pottery that my MIL brought over that need to be put away.

One of my favorite things...a cup of tea with an old friend. A thought definitely worth repeating.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Back to the Dr. Spend time with my Swedey. Enjoy the sunshine. Get out walking. Take more pictures. Work on my cross-stitch. Oh, and get some housework done too.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing: Our Inner Harbour in the Spring. I am so looking forward to Spring!

Dinner Tonight was Delicious!

Braised Cabbage
Preheat oven to 325F
Cut cabbage head in half
quarter one half and lay tightly in dish
top with sliced onions and carrots
drizzle with water (1/4 cup) and
again with olive oil (2-3 tbsp)
season with salt, pepper, crushed chilies
and steak spice (or whatever you prefer)

Cover (lid or foil) and place into oven for one hour. When
the hour is up, flip the cabbage pieces and place back into
oven covered again for another hour...you can also put the
pork chops in the oven now too. The cabbage should be
slightly browned by the time the second hour is up, if not,
just take the lid/foil off for about ten minutes or so. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Swedey!

Ja må du leva,

ja må du leva.
ja må du leva uti hundrade år!

Ja visst ska hon leva,
ja visst ska hon leva,
ja visst ska hon leva uti hundrade år.

Ett fyraldigt leve... leve du

Hurra! Hurra! Hurra! Hurra!

(hope I got it right! *grin*)

Many Meals Remembered

and one of the easiest ways to do that, is to take pictures!
These are just some of the countless meals that I've digitally remembered.