Sunday, February 26, 2012

Week 7 and 8 Update




It's been two weeks since I've posted, although I know that no one really noticed. LOL! I did do the recipes, the creative challenges, and all the haikus, but I haven't had any free time to post. It has been a horrible week...nothing happened to me or my family personally, but close associates of mine had some horrible, scandalous stuff happen which has essentially left me feeling quite betrayed and in a state of despair. Thankfully, it was an easy weekend for school work which allowed me time to go out to lunch and a movie with my family. A much needed weekend day off from the chaos and such that is my beautiful life.

Haiku Update:

#43
The winds have died down
But the temperature is
Bitter and spiteful

#44
I need to slow down
Life is rushing past too fast
Make the moments count

#45
Chocolates, flowers
Feelings of love in the air
Happy Valentine's!

#46
Reprieve from winter
Warm sunshine, gentle breezes
A hint of springtime

#47
I worry for her
Secret now told for all ears
I hope I can help

#48
Friday night party
Dinner with friends at the Chets
Blowing off some steam

#49
Reading and writing
Testing and posting about
Poetry, that's life.

#50
The rain falls and falls
My brain refuses to write
This essay kills me

#51
Oh, a day off work
Such a gift to the weary
Time to get caught up

#52
Tender and juicy
Between two slices of rye
Delicious Reuben

#53
You must be kidding
So many lives are ruined
So how can this end?

#54
Unbelievable!
Sadness and despair fill me
How to get through it?

#55
We walk like zombies
Our reality turned
upside down, we're lost

#56
Cannot understand
It couldn't ever make sense
So, was it worth it?


Last week's recipe was black beans and brown rice...delish! This is where I got it from!
And week 7 craft, was a graphic I downloaded from the Graphic's Fairy website and played with using glitter.




This week's recipe is "Cabbage Soup". I used the allrecipes.com version as a base, but added in celery, mushrooms, and red, yellow, and orange peppers, too. I am really in need of getting back on my Weight Watchers plan come Monday (I've been overeating due to stress) and I thought this soup would help me along.

Also, as a tribute to the spiritual nature of crows, that are often thought of as harbingers of death and doom, I used this beautiful photo from this website and added a quote I found about them here....
The quote says, "Even in the midst of darkness, we have the power to touch the light." That is going to guide me through this next week!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Week 6 Update


Consistency...that is the key to success. Making things habitual, or should I say, making good things habitual. Even when I have nothing left to give, I have managed to eek out a little more time to try the new recipe and to create a little something. Cooking and creating are two things that bring me such joy and help me to feel like I am doing something just for me. I even took a wonderful bubble bath tonight and oh, did that do wonders for my aching bum and back. Sitting in a chair in front of a computer all day is not my cup of tea!
At any rate, here is my haiku chronicle for week 6.

Haiku #36
Superbowl Sunday
Patriots versus Giants
I don't care who wins


#37
Stretched out on the couch
With a cat lying on me
I've no choice but sleep

#38
Target shopping trip
Spaghetti dinner with wine
Good movie, good night


#39
Waiting patiently
For the snow that just won't fall
I NEED a snow day


#40
Oh, I love Thursday
I'm almost to free day
My get to play day

#41
I am up too late
Thanks to friends who wouldn't go
Such a fun problem

#42
The wind huffed and puffed
The snowflakes flew round about
With no place to go


Recipe of the week was a bit of a hodge-podge method of making Chicken and Pastry, the ultimate in comfort food for a blustery Saturday.

I browned 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs in a bit of olive oil and then removed to a plate.
Next, I sauteed about a cup each of diced yellow onion, celery, and carrots and a clove or so of garlic in the juices of the chicken and oil. I also added a sprinkling of thyme and turmeric. When the veggies had softened, I added 6 cups of low-sodium, fat free chicken broth and put the chicken back in the pot to boil for about 20 minutes. After that had cooked, I whisked in Wondra flour to thicken the broth up a bit. I rolled flat and then sliced refrigerator biscuit dough into strips and then placed the strips on top of the broth. Last, I covered the stew and cooked it for an additional 15 minutes. Final step was to let it sit covered for about 10 more minutes. I am not sure my family loved it as much as I did, but I thought it was divine. Next time I plan to make my own pastry with whole wheat dough.



and finally, my little Valentine themed bird art


Sunday, February 5, 2012

Week 5 Update

Whew! Another hard week at work and with school...took a 16 hour long exam this weekend, so I am wiped. I did, however, manage to try a new recipe this week, (although my hubby kindly cooked it for me) and did a very quick sketch for my "creativity" project. As long as I am consistent, I won't beat myself up for it not being a very involved process.



Haiku #29

Treasure family
Life is too short for regrets
So take time to play


Haiku #30

Monday means order
Another chance to start fresh
Reclaim your purpose


Haiku #31

January has
Come and gone, setting us on
A shiny, new path


Haiku #32

Music and dancing
The sounds of laughter and fun
Joy for everyone



Haiku #33

On this winter's day
in 1976
I lost my father


Haiku #35

Falling Star Malbec
Beet salad and fish tacos
The place-Never Blue


Haiku #36

Hours and hours
My work is not yet finished
Must rest and renew


Recipe of the week was "Shrimp and Cabbage Lo-mein"
from the March 2008 Everyday Food magazine.


and here is my very basic creativity project for week of 2012