potential

(This post is a result of conversations I have had recently and maybe a lack of sleep

but I strive for honesty and rejoice in moments of personal revelation.)

What is your potential?

How do you measure one's potential?

IQ tests?

Assessment or aptitude tests?

Is there a scale or 

gauge one can use?

Hardly.

Potential is not something that can be 

measured...it simply 

exists in each one of us.

What image comes to mind when 

you think of 

potential?

A baby about to take her

first step?

 A student upon graduation?

A young couple exchanging vows?

Is there a timeline on one's potential?

Laura Ingalls Wilder published her first 

book at 64.

Grandma Moses began painting at 76.

Rachel Carson published Silent Spring at 55.

Julia Child was 49 when her first 

cookbook was published.

Greatness

can occur any time

at any age.

Personal moments of greatness

can take an all too familiar shape 

and get overlooked.

In the midst of a disagreement with

your spouse you stop

to really listen...to

understand.

When a child misbehaves

you give her a hug

and

calm reasoning

rather than

yell.

Preparing a nourishing meal

for those you

love.

Helping a stranger in need.

If you get stuck in the

mind set that 

takes a 

"better now or never"

"the clock is ticking" stand...

you have successfully 

placed limitations upon

yourself.

Worse.

If you believe that

then you have

also inadvertently put restrictions

on others and may be

missing out on all they have to 

offer.

Reaching your full potential...
your definition of greatness...
in every aspect of life

is something to strive for

until your last breath.

Our society often looks to the

young for innovation

and out-of-the-box

thinking.

Thomas Edison applied for his last patent

at age 83.

We look to the young

in matters of physical

prowess.

Fauja Singh retires from marathon running

at age 103.

I ask you...

is your clock ticking?

Is your time to shine

coming to a close?

Potential 

resides within you.

Your potential for greatness

never diminishes.

So breathe.

Seriously...

right now.

Take a deep inhale

and a slow exhale

and feel the 

peace.

Because no matter how old you get

you will always be

a child.

seitan:

a meat substitute

made from vital wheat

gluten flour.


When I first started on this vegan path
substitutes were the furthest
thing from my mind.
I remember trying
fake hot dogs
once...
some things just shouldn't or can't be
imitated...

a hot dog is one of those things.

Then bad memories
would remind me
that I really didn't miss 'em that much...
finding a hair in one (gag as I type)
a cockroach in a bun (eeew)
gristle encounters.
I will stop right there before I
make myself puke.

But I have journeyed down this road
for almost a year now
and I have found myself longing for
hearty winter meals like
stew
pot roast with roasted veggies
pepperoni.

Tofu can only take you so far.

Then I heard about
seitan.
I started gathering some info on my own
and through Heather's guidance
at Whole Food Kitchen
found
Post Punk Kitchen.

When I saw a recipe for that stew
I had been dreaming about...
well,
it was love at first sight.

Hard to figure out how to pronounce
but a breeze to make.

Mix simple ingredients together.

Form into 5 inch sausage links.

Wrap in foil and

steam for 40 minutes.

The unveiling.

It smells like Italian sausage.
It looks like Italian sausage.
It slices like Italian sausage.

Tonight it will be joined

with some carrots

and potatoes 

and celery

and a savory sauce

to create a good old-fashioned

stew...
where the taste will be decided.

Thank you Post Punk Kitchen

for satisfying my craving

and for making me

believe

that I never have to say

goodbye

to the things I love.

birthday eve

The scene began as it does

in many homes:

the five o'clock hour and 

nothing had been started for 

dinner.

My sister Sue mentioned

how her friend made

her a 

chickpea noodle soup.

She raved.
So did her 3 year-old grandson
and that's what really sold me!

I began my search at

that 5:05 hour

and found this in the process.

Chocolate Yogurt Bundt Cake

(Post Punk Kitchen)

oh yeah...

it's vegan.

Yeah, yeah...

I have all the ingredients.

A pre-birthday celebration

began to form in my 

wee little conniving mind.

Back to the soup.

Ran a search 

and there it was...

so many.

Turns out this is the vegan's

answer to

Chicken Noodle Soup

with promises to cure 

EVERYTHING!

"See those footprints in the snow? Now notice where one set disappears?

That was when soup was carrying you."

Isa Chandra Moskowitz PPK

She had me at hello!

One problem

kind of a big deal...

no chickpeas...

and no, I will not run to the store

or send Joey (love those new drivers)

because somehow that is beneath me.

I will.

I can.

I know I can

"make do."

Went to many sites before deciding on

Vegweb's rendition

because I had most of the ingredients.

Well,
 2/3rd's anyway. 

Cannellini Bean and Rotini Pasta Soup

This was a slam dunk!

Best Rockin' Vegan Soup by far!

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

3 mini (but large-ish for mini) peppers, chopped

red, yellow, orange

1 32 oz. vegetable broth

1 T tamari or soy sauce

1 t cumin

1 t paprika

1 t Italian seasoning

salt and peppa to taste

1 can diced tomato

1 can cannellini beans

1 cup rotini (broken in half as added)

Saute onion, carrots, and celery in a little water

in the bottom of your soup pot

add garlic and peppers

until softened a bit

add broth and soy and seasonings

let simmer until tender

add tomato and pasta and beans

simmer until all is done and

delicious!

Served with a sweet kale and vegetable

complete salad in a bag from Costco

and a slice of Ezekiel 4:9 Bread.

Rudy told me to make another batch

right away so we would have it for

lunches all week--

that good!

Let us not forget what brought me

on this path...

chocolate.
(oh yeah...and a birthday)

(tee-hee.)

Setting the scene:

The eight o'clock hour.

Bellies full.

Watching Live Free Die Hard

on a very large screen.

Anyone want a piece of cake served with fresh sliced

strawberries?

I was being praised as

a hero in my own home.

I had three

count 'em...
yep, three pieces.

Need I say more?

Today

as I packed my hubby's lunch

of leftover soup and PBJ

I added a slice of cake...

only this time I added the chocolate ganache
(PPK again)

that I whipped up this morn

for a birthday

surprise.

Dang...

I don't know if you know

But...

I'm kind of a big deal.

(around these parts anyway!)

Happy Birthday, Babe!

XO

more

As I paint

I am keenly aware

of how much

stuff

we have

bought

been given

inherited.

We didn't have much time between

surgeries and holidays

and my father-in-laws passing

to really plan on what to do

with all of his belongings

that weren't needed

or wanted
by someone we knew.

Much of it remains in storage.

Storage we are paying for

and therefore
anticipating a warmer day for a major
garage sale.

A large portion came here

as added storage to our own stuff

that needs to be 

unloaded.

Let's face it

during our 30 year marriage

we have been pretty good at

gathering...collecting
acquiring

stuff...

so we are now experiencing

stuff overload.

As paintings came off the walls...

trinkets (I just couldn't live without!)

stood temporarily

on my dining room table...

extra chairs relocated

to make room to paint...

I have enjoyed space.

Open.

Uncluttered.

Oxygen-infused

space.

Yet...

in all that excess

this weekend

an extra-special delivery

arrived.

A result of going

to Best Buy

without mom.

I wish I could say our

old set died

but that is not the case...

this is a simple case of

bigger is better

under the guise of

technology changes and enhancements

that give our home

a theater experience

without ever leaving our 

living room.

How exciting.

(sarcasm in case you didn't pick

up on that)

After a few choice words...

followed by a late night viewing

of Flight

(a flight that crashed right there on the floor

in front of me...I swear!)

In a moment of weakness

I said 

"Since this room is used 90 percent

of the time for watching

television anyway...

why shouldn't we make it as entertaining

and enjoyable as

 possible."

Or something to that effect.

The end result has been filled

with mixed emotion.

Rudy would have taken it all back

because he's a smart (brave) man

(slow...but smart)

he lives under the rule

happy wife...happy life.

James is in heaven

especially while watching

The Walking Dead...

we actually had zombies walking around our

living room!

Joe...

well Joe is a lot like me

filled with misgivings.

Truth be told...

I think he liked our old set better

and he was hoping mom would 

put a stop to the insanity.

Now the question

dancing through my head...

How long is one allowed to return items...

that have been very slightly used?

Items that were agreed upon

in a moment of weakness?

Don't just sit there...

help me out with this one!

Joe is looking for a calm

voice of reason.

Remember Rule #21...

When in doubt call Uncle Ed!?

Expect a text...

e-mail...

call!

forgiving

In a recent post I mentioned

how a soft white trim paint
is a kinder and gentler choice
for an older home.

I then compared it to
diffused lighting
after fifty.

Let me show you what I
meant by that.

Pay special attention to the 

freshly painted 

mayonnaise

trim.
Looks great at a glance.

Now
let's take a closer look...

The entire time I painted

I was on my knees

having a conversation

with God.

Sure.

Some may look at those

nicks and dings

and cracks

and want to replace all the floorboards.

Others
 like me

wonder how they got there.
Imagine the lives that put them there
and say a prayer of thanks
for providing
and
for blessings.

This is an old homestead

we live in.

Families before mine

gathered here.

Played here.

Lived here.
Maybe died here.

A door stop was needed

at this northern spot

where the front door once swung.

That entry had been changed

before we arrived

to the east side of the house

but I have seen pictures

of our home with this

as the front door.

Memories.

Some belonging to others

and some that are all mine.

An original piece of hardware.

This register has seen a lot of action

in the winters.

I can still see my now 26 year old

with a blanket tucked into the edges

all around him 

waiting for the furnace to turn on

and fill his makeshift tent

with warming air

first thing in the morning.

It has looked like this since we

purchased our home in 

1994.

I loved it then 

and I love it now.

Other than getting a fresh coat of

paint every 10 years

I see it as 

perfection.

It got me to thinking

how forgiving 

off-white 

can be.

Covering flaws.

Hiding little secrets.

Like a concealer for blemishes.

That's when it hit me

there on my knees

that's how God is.

He sees beyond those flaws

and sees the true beauty

He created.

Painting with white

 as He does...

making everything

new 

again.

Forgiven.

Another reason to give thanks

and praise.

On my knees...

is exactly where I am supposed

to be.

Happy Weekend to all!

~this moment~

A simple moment from my week

that conjures up
funny
horn-honking

beautiful

 memories.

Happy Honkin' Friday! 



beige

The boys weren't feeling

well the last time

we talked.

Mom was feeling

fine.

The sun was shining

after all.

I gave the plants a

sun bath

and started to look

around.

That can be dangerous in

February.

I was noticing those things we tend to

ignore in December...

dust, chipped paint, scuff marks.

I have been wanting to paint
for some time now

but what can I say

I procrastinate.

As I said earlier though

the sun was shining just right

this day

and my energy was

off the charts.

Don't think about it.

Do it.

I went right to the local hardware

and got the paint sample that

had been in my

drawer for over a year.

A color that is timeless...

because, like I mentioned,

I don't paint too often.

An easy living color

because we will be living with it for 

a very long time.

A color for all seasons

because it has to look good

with a Christmas tree

and Fourth of July banners!

Bold.

Original.

Me.

So I decided on...

drum roll please...

Beige.

Shaker Beige

 to be precise.

My goal is to finish one room 

completely

before moving onto the next.

Starting with the living room

and hearing my bro-in-law, Ed's voice

in my head...

"A job well done is a job done right."

Which when it comes to painting

means

two coats.

Ugh...

I don't know about you,

but that second coat is so tedious compared to the 

first...when you see immediate

improvement and newness of color.

Two coats will

yield a truer color...or so the 

paint specialists have told me.

Suck it up...

Two it is.

Then...

the trim...windows

and floorboards and

stairway trim.

So much trim.

Who knew?

Not to mention I started with

a bright white...

changed my mind 

and had to re-paint...

with a softer, kinder white.

Older homes prefer that...

believe me.

It's like diffused lighting

after fifty...

LOL!

With living room done

and foyer waiting its second coat

I am feeling somewhat 

accomplished.

And now the boys are feeling better.

(thanks for asking)

Homeschool resumes.

As have all the duties associated with

motherhood...

and I will squeeze in painting.

But wait...

I have an idea.

A perfectly, wonderful, devious

ingenious

idea.

Home 

Maintenance 101.

Painting.

I tend to take these projects on

all by myself.

Truthfully

I feel like the job will only get done 

right

 if I do it.

A trap we mom's often fall prey to.

Not today.

Today, I will wiggle free of that assumption

and allow my boys the 

privilege

of painting...rolling... trimming...

right along side of me.

Who's learning something new today?

Me.

That's who!

Enjoy your beige day!

Shaker Beige.

:)

tea will make you feel better

When one isn't feeling

as good as one should

a proper tea

is called for.

Sure I could zap a mug

in the microwave

but where is the art in that?

Today

a proper

(or as proper as I'm ever

going to get!)

tea.

Get that kettle whistling

then

prime the pot.

You do that by swishing 

some of that hot water in a clean pot

and letting it sit

for a bit.

After about 3 minutes

empty your pot 

and drop in your tea of choice

Yorkshire Gold

is my favorite blend.

Fill the pot with that

boiling water

and 

wait.

Or in tea terms...

let it steep.

And if you own a cute tea cozy

now would be the time

to put it on

your pot.

(I found this set at Target for

a mere $7 on Christmas clearance!)

Some like their tea strong...

others 

not.

Pour to your preference.

But before you do...

try this little trick

mom taught me.

Rub a bit of butter

(or margarine)

at the spout to prevent

d-r-i-p-p-i-n-g.

There must be a scientific reason here...

oil water thing I'm sure.

Then pour.

Sweeten.

Today's choice...

raw sugar.

If you're feeling the Brit

in you...

(Is there another way?)

add a spot of cream...

milk...

soy.

All that is left now

is to enjoy

your brew.

Which is best accomplished with

a loved one.

Sitting near a sunny window.

Curled under a blanket.

Watching a good movie.

On our way to feeling

over-the-weather.

cooking with kierstin

It all began with a title 

that could not be 

ignored...

Easy as Heck Vegan 

Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can find it at

VegWeb.com!

Add to that tantalizing 

endorsement...

two little girls coming to

grandma jenny's

and it's a given.

My station.

Where the collecting

and measuring of

ingredients

happens.

Kierstin's spot.

On the other side of the sink

where the fun stuff

like stirring

adding

and sampling

take place.

The actual mud pie

construction

was a two-handed procedure

so use your imagination.

What do all cooks do when the

cookies are in the

oven?

Clean-up

of course!

Now Kaylee wanted

in on the action.

(ignore the mountain dew

bottle...how did that get in my house?!)

The BESTEST part

of our day...

besides being 

together?

Eating those yummy 

cookies...

(the dish washing caused the

wardrobe change...

grandma's Beatles tee...which had to be worn

home...ha!)

Kierstin didn't like the fact

that I was taking 

ALL the pictures

(such a camera hog)

She did the unthinkable

and turned the

lens on the

photographer

and sissy...

and a wee bit of her

little thumb!

That would be a thumbs-up

to a 

very. good. day!

Enjoy yours :)

comfort food :: vegan mac and cheese

Those bleak days of winter

that have you wishing

for snow.

The cold is there.

The wind.

But no sun.

No snow.

Bleak.

Those are the days

that have me looking for

any source of 

comfort.

Days that have me remembering

the foods from childhood.

Like good old-fashioned 

Macaroni and Cheese.

Not from the box

but like mom used to make.

Kinda.

Minus the 1 pound block

of Velveeta.

My new whole food/ vegan ways

had me turning to the Internet

for options that resembled

mom's.

Found this winner at a Daiya

(veggie cheese sold in the health food frig)

site

and admittedly 

I never made it per instructions

Which has me asking...

When is a recipe considered mine?

An original?

Regardless...

 I used the recipe above to guide me

and I have perfected it along

the way.

You know that you have a

winner

when your kids (and hubby)

are going back for seconds...thirds...

mid-night snack!

Macaroni and Cheese

(Almost Like Mom's)

1# (almost) Box Barilla Elbow Macaroni

(prepared per instructions)

Meanwhile...

In a 3 Quart saucepan

Saute 1 small onion chopped fine

in 2 Tablespoons Earth Balance Butter

until soft and translucent

Stir in 2 Tablespoons flour to make a roue

Stir in 3 Cups Soy Milk

whisk to incorporate and cook until it 

begins to thicken.

Season with a touch of sea salt and fresh (generous here) pepper.

Dice 3/4 of a block of Daiya Cheddar.

Add to the milk mix and

whisk until melted and smooth.

Pour into a 2 Quart buttered baking dish

with most of the pasta.

(I reserve about 2 Cups for a

lunch toss the next day

which I will share at a later date)

Mix well.

I like my mac and cheese creamy.

Sprinkle with Paprika.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 min.

Top with French's Onions.

Bake for 5 minutes more.

Topping option:

Bread crumbs tossed in olive oil

and smoked paprika.

Placed on top before baking.

My family preferred

 French's 

Fried Onions.

Serve with a garden green and

apple sauce

...and a spot of ketchup

for dipping.

Just like I did when I was

a kiddo.

Just like mom.

:)

winter tea

Sometimes

the day calls for a

pot of tea.



The way of the wind.

A mood.

A cup of warmth

to

have and hold

on a blustery

day

such as today here in

the Midwest.

This winter I am

drawn to

homemade

chai.

A meditative

and warming blend of spices

black tea

honey

and

patience.

Chai cannot be rushed

but why would you want to

when the

process produces a

heady fragrance that fills

your home

and stokes the fires

of a hibernating

imagination.

Since discovering this recipe

(Beauty That Moves)

I feel I have made it my

own.

A pinch more of that.

A touch less of this.

Until it yields

a perfect blend that

is uniquely

me.

Be forewarned

Once you make

your own

nothing else will do

Starbucks

Tazo

Stash.

All will fall short

in comparison.

Mix and mingle with

my latte of choice

Vanilla Soy...

then again

it is all about

your 

personal preferences.

Make it.

Make it your own.

Happy tea time.

:)