Believing

     Remember how easy it used to be to believe when you were young?  Why not try to let go a little, and trust in what you cannot prove.  Make a wish, and believe with all your might it will come true, and just maybe there will be a better chance it will.  Positive thinking and optimism can go a long way in life. :)   

     On a side note, I used to think, (and still sometimes do) that little fairies lived atop the individual dandelion tufts, that float through the air.  When you made a wish the fairies could hear it, even if you only said it in your head, and each one of them would try desperately to get to the wish factory. If the wind carried them all the way to the factory, there was no doubt your wish would come true. 

Take To The Skies!

     Something I have always wanted to do is sail the skies in a hot air balloon--and surely some day I shall. I recently ran across a few videos about the spectacular flying giants, and boy did the ballooning look beautiful.  It made my craving for the activity even worse .  During October every year in Albuquerque, New Mexico there is a Balloon Fiesta, where hundreds of the balloons take off to form a floating, beautifully colorful, moving picture across the autumn sky.  Not only do spectators get to watch the balloons paint the winds in the morning, but the night before launching, they get to see all the balloon burners blaze at once, gleaming bright through the darkness.  To top it all off there is a ballooning themed festival that takes place on the ground below, as well.  I live pretty far away from this celebration, but it definitely looks road-trip worthy!

What's For Supper? How About Summer Squash!

As many fresh from the garden, organic, or farmer's market veggies that can be used, the better, and more flavorful your
dish will turn out!

 

Ingredients: 

• Pesto (see recipe)
• 2 lbs(about 4) summer squash, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeds removed, chopped
• 2-3 medium tomatoes (I like Roma) cut into wedges
• 1/2 yellow onion, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese - jack or cheddar 
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves (or just more basil leaves)
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/4 cup of walnuts
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil

***Put into food processor and combine very well.

 

Directions:

Put blended pesto, squash, bell pepper, and onion, into a large saucepan with a couple of tablespoons of water or olive oil if needed. Put on high heat and brown slightly (about 5 minutes or so). When vegetables are just browned and have softened a bit, remove from heat, add the cheese, and cover the pan with a lid (for about 5 more minutes). Let it sit until the cheese is melted. In a separate bowl put the cut tomatoes, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper, stir.  Then add them to the saucepan and mix them in with the rest of the dish.  Serve as a side dish or with garlic bread as a yummy entrée. Enjoy!

An Almost Wordless Wednesday

...bread, and milk, and blackberries for supper.

Once Upon A Time There Was A Book Worm...

Everyone should read.  Whether the bulk of the reading material is small or large, it matters not.  Books help us grow, learn, and can keep us sharp. 

When I was younger I loved reading.  There was something very invigorating to me about getting a new book.  When I would chose a book, it was usually a fantasy story of some sort.  Those tales seemed to be able to lift me up, and take me to another world.

When I entered high school, and went on to college I lost most of my love for reading.  On a regular basis, I was assigned books that I had no interest in, and life left little spare time for reading enjoyable novels.

I am still trying to regain my past love for the simple joy of reading.  I wish to recapture the relaxation I felt when soaking in a book, resting in between the branches of our backyard apple tree, surrounded by blossoms and the occasional bee.

I believe reading is good for the mind and soul, it is satisfying and pleasant to do so as well.  I also feel getting children to love reading early, and to help them stay faithful to books as they grow up, is very important, and will effect their character as they develop into adults.

People need interesting, well written books, and for myself this particularly true.  As I find these good books, my relationship with them slowly rekindles, and surely this relationship will soon transform into the great love I used to know.  If you haven't enjoyed a book for a while, find a book that sparks a love for reading in you, in the end, you will be happy you did.

Painted Animal Stones; Also Known As Pet Rocks!

Don't you just love pet rocks? They don't need to be fed, or watered, and they don't require any attention! Also, what a great way to spend an afternoon; first rock hunting for the best stones, then conjuring up ideas of what to make, and lastly actually creating your new friend, with paint, feathers, googly eyes, or whatever else you might have on hand!

I saw this crafty craft when watching Martha Stewart on demand!  It brought back a few, very fond memories of when I was a little girl.  One summer at day camp, I painted a rock to look like a lady bug, and I kept it for years.  I loved that rock like it was alive, I would carry it around like a real pet, and I was very proud of it :)  When I got a bit older I used it as a small paper weight on my desk.

I love the simple pet rocks, but I also love the more complex ones as well! Some of these pet rocks require a bit more work, and more than just a paint brush and paint, to create.  Some projects need glue, and/or other craft supplies like clay, to hold the rocks in place while the glue dries.

The single stone rock pets are perfect for younger children, so fun, and they make for a quick and easy project too. This craft can turn into something to truly take pride in! This can be especially said for the little ones.  You can even make paper habitats, or other props for the pets to live, and play in! Today, so many children's toys are too complicated, the simplicity of this craft is very attractive to me.

As for the more advanced pet rocks, they are so adorable! I feel they are more sophisticated than the simpler rock pets, and can be used as prominent decoration for around the house.  From the above shown doggie door stop, to the bunny bookend, these rock pets make for amusing, charming decor.  These oh-so-cute rock friends are a wonderful way to make your home, and mine, a more inviting, and welcoming place to be.

A Wordless Wednesday In July

Down By The Seashore

I realized this weekend that I don't go to the beach near enough.  I live about an hour away from the closest beach, and that is way too close to not to go relatively often.  The coast is beautiful, and for the most part free (unless you have to pay for parking, and of course the money for gas, food etc.)

When I go to the beach I make a habit to do a couple of specific, very fun things:

1. Play in the sand and water, of course!

2. Remember the yummy snacks, lunch supplies, and water. 

3. Go to a very "beachy" themed restaurant for dinner.

4. Visit as many candy/ice cream/fudge/gift shops as possible!

5. Try to save some saltwater taffy for the road, and if I try really hard, for the next couple of days too :)

Beach trips are a great way to spice up the summer.  They can be a good way for any family to bond and have a fun time together.  They are definitely something to look forward to!  I think going to the coast is a blast, and if you live somewhat close, or even a far away, why not plan a beach day for your family soon?