Last night we went to a wedding for some friends of ours. I wasn't very happy about going since I know so much about their relationship, but if Jen is happy then I pray the best for her. They need a lot of prayer. She was so beautiful. Jen just has this natural beauty. And she is also a hairstylist....so she is double lucky! The wedding was outside in her parents yard and it was pouring down rain! So they had a lot of people bring tents to cover the chairs and it turned out really lovely. I saw my former classmate, Tad Woosley, since it was his sister, Terry's, daughter getting married. 45 degrees and all. We now have snow capped mountains again! And you know what that means.......................
Autumn!! Pumpkins! Apple Pie!!! Crisp evenings and mornings! Leaves turning color! OH! I seriously can't wait!!!
JT and I have started a Gourmet Chocolate Sauce business. So far for flavors we have Creamy Coconut, Cafe Espresso, Original, Mint Chocolate, Hazelnut, Orange Brandy, and Caramel.
Wer launched the new business in California because JT had a class reunion to go to. So everyday we did a Farmer's Market. Some days two. It was exhausting. Now we are looking for famers markets here and shows. Thought the fairs are very expensive to get a booth in. Today I just cooked chocolate sauce all afternoon. About $2,000 worth, so I am not complaining. besides, who can complain about being up to their elbows in chocolate? The only thing is, I don't sample it anymore. When we had to add acidic value to it, and had to add 1 tsp. of vinegar to each gallon, well, I just couldn't get past that. Vinegar in my chocolate. Ick. It doesn't change the taste, it's just the very notion of it.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
In the depths of winter, I finally found there was in me an invincible summer.
This was posted by a friend on a message board and it just "hit the spot" of my life for so many years. But I am happy now and so glad that winter has passed. But I know that hard times will come again and I pray that thru God's grace and His love and protection, I will someday see Spring, and then Autumn, and then last of all...summer!! Those who know me know I don't like summer....;) Oh how I long for Autumn!
In the depths of winter, I finally found there was in me an invincible summer.
- Albert Camus, author
Stepping closer to the light at the end of the tunnel
Hard times are inevitable--death, financial struggle, family problems, the loss of a job, depression--all of these tough times are just seasons. Abraham Lincoln once said, "This too shall pass," and you can apply it to both the good times and the bad. The thrill of a new relationship won't endure forever, just as the grief of losing a loved one won't either. So endure the hardships of life, knowing that time will eventually heal your wounds and you will make it through. Think about what struggles have occurred in your life and what they taught you. No matter how dim the light at the end of the tunnel seems, it is still a light. Each day is an opportunity for that light of hope to get closer and closer, until eventually the clouds above your head part and you feel the forgotten sunshine on you again. Overcoming pain makes you stronger and better equipped to handle the next valley.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday
Today I am going to take Sue to OHSU in hopes that she will get her neck brace removed. She also has more skin cancer so they will be removing that. She and I plan to stay thru Thursday to have some much needed time together.
Work has been so stressful. My boss's husband is under investigation for theft and sexual harrassment. His sister is one of the county commissioners. Everett is also the union steward so no one felt safe to contact the union over the troubles we have. We would have to go through him. The city police chief told Kenny that Everett is going down big time. So many women have complained about the sexual stuff. I am glad is isn't just Anne and I that have complained. But working in his wife's office as our boss is difficult at best. She is more mean to Anne though. Not sure why.
I have broke up with my boyfriend. Eric gave me bad news over the weekend. He needs so much prayer. And yesterday one of the pastor's son commited suicide. Such a difficult time for so many. It is as though the grief echos off the mountain like thunder and the county is so heavy right now. I am so glad to go away for a few days. I am tired.
Work has been so stressful. My boss's husband is under investigation for theft and sexual harrassment. His sister is one of the county commissioners. Everett is also the union steward so no one felt safe to contact the union over the troubles we have. We would have to go through him. The city police chief told Kenny that Everett is going down big time. So many women have complained about the sexual stuff. I am glad is isn't just Anne and I that have complained. But working in his wife's office as our boss is difficult at best. She is more mean to Anne though. Not sure why.
I have broke up with my boyfriend. Eric gave me bad news over the weekend. He needs so much prayer. And yesterday one of the pastor's son commited suicide. Such a difficult time for so many. It is as though the grief echos off the mountain like thunder and the county is so heavy right now. I am so glad to go away for a few days. I am tired.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Learning to Breathe ...again
Life has had a such a turn of events lately. I am dating my best friend's son. I have known him quite a few years and it certainly is an adventure. But sometimes I am not really sure if being in a relationship is right for me. Am I ready? Why are all the old worries coming back? I do believe I have unresolved "issues". Ashley loves to practice her psychotherapy on me. She's so funny.
The biggest worry I have right now is a family we are close to. They have 6 kids and the father is pretty abusive. The mother is planning a divorce, but if he finds out, he could hurt her and the kids. So I offered my home so she and the kids would have a place to stay if needed. I think she is afraid to leave, but it is getting really bad. She has no money. Actually she has nothing at all but the clothes on her back. For the last year the oldest daughter has had bags packed in her car for all the kids for when they have to run, which is often. What a way to live. So I just keep them in my prayers. I try to help when asked. I have found an apartment for them based on income, about $5 a month. Then we would have to gather household items. But mostly I worry about her...I know that horrible feeling in your stomach. The heartache. The worries. Not being able to think straight. I told her I am first praying fo reconciliation, but also for God's comfort and peace. The fear she lives in day to day makes me sick. I can't imagine. I am so thankful Pat never raised a hand to me.
Ashley is getting her voice back, stronger each day. She is trying to make sense of all the college stuff and where to go, how to do it, what needs to be done. She is considering a community college to start with because the expenses would be less for her basic classes. Or possibly getting those basics done online, and maybe challenging a few of the courses so she won't have to take them. Her world is stressful now. I need to sit down with her and go over it step by step. I have a graduation meeting today. We still have not set a date. So much to do!
It's fun to see each day what God has. So many amusing days. So many things to learn. yes, life is an adventure.
The biggest worry I have right now is a family we are close to. They have 6 kids and the father is pretty abusive. The mother is planning a divorce, but if he finds out, he could hurt her and the kids. So I offered my home so she and the kids would have a place to stay if needed. I think she is afraid to leave, but it is getting really bad. She has no money. Actually she has nothing at all but the clothes on her back. For the last year the oldest daughter has had bags packed in her car for all the kids for when they have to run, which is often. What a way to live. So I just keep them in my prayers. I try to help when asked. I have found an apartment for them based on income, about $5 a month. Then we would have to gather household items. But mostly I worry about her...I know that horrible feeling in your stomach. The heartache. The worries. Not being able to think straight. I told her I am first praying fo reconciliation, but also for God's comfort and peace. The fear she lives in day to day makes me sick. I can't imagine. I am so thankful Pat never raised a hand to me.
Ashley is getting her voice back, stronger each day. She is trying to make sense of all the college stuff and where to go, how to do it, what needs to be done. She is considering a community college to start with because the expenses would be less for her basic classes. Or possibly getting those basics done online, and maybe challenging a few of the courses so she won't have to take them. Her world is stressful now. I need to sit down with her and go over it step by step. I have a graduation meeting today. We still have not set a date. So much to do!
It's fun to see each day what God has. So many amusing days. So many things to learn. yes, life is an adventure.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Apple Pie
Hmmmm...I have been thinking about Apple Pie. It is the only pie I really know how to make. Well, I can make a pumpkin pie with rice milk. Ick. My father taught me how to make apple pies. Using the old Betty Crocker cookbook. there were a few rules he told me I MUST abide by to have the perfect pie. The #1 rule is : Only use Granny Smith apples. They stay firm and are a little tart. #2...Do not use store bought crusts. That is really the most tempting part, buying those blasted crusts. But he is right, the store bought ones have a taste to them that will ruin your whole pie. SO this Saturday I am suppose to bake pumpikin pies made with rice milk for Ashley, so I just might have to bake an apple pie for myself!
Grandpa's Apple Pie
Grandpa Mallon says "Only use Granny Smiths!"
Ingredients
Pastry for 9" 2 crust pie
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
dash of salt
6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, pared, and sliced
Instructions
Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in apples. Let sit while you prepare your pastry. This is important because the juice from the apples will dissolve your sugar.
Turn into a pastry lined pan, then dot with butter. Top with crust, seal and flute. Add slits, sprinkle with sugar. Cover edges of crust with foil and bake 45 minutes. (Remove foil last 10 minutes to brown edges).
Grandpa's Apple Pie
Grandpa Mallon says "Only use Granny Smiths!"
Ingredients
Pastry for 9" 2 crust pie
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
dash of salt
6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, pared, and sliced
Instructions
Heat oven to 425 degrees. In a large bowl combine sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in apples. Let sit while you prepare your pastry. This is important because the juice from the apples will dissolve your sugar.
Turn into a pastry lined pan, then dot with butter. Top with crust, seal and flute. Add slits, sprinkle with sugar. Cover edges of crust with foil and bake 45 minutes. (Remove foil last 10 minutes to brown edges).
Monday, July 20, 2009
Scriptures
More scriptures to cling to:
I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
~ Psalm 120:1, NLT
Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
~ Proverbs 22:1, NLT
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
~ 1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT
...Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.
~ Isaiah 30:15, NLT
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
~ Psalm 91:4, NLT
God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.
~ Romans 5:20, NLT
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation.
~ 2 Corinthians 7:10, NLT
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
~ Romans 12:16, NLT
So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
~ Matthew 10:31, NLT
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
~ 2 Corinthians 1:3, NLT
They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
~ Titus 3:2, NLT
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
~ Proverbs 31:30, NLT
I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.
~ Philippians 3:9, NLT
Let me hear of your unfailing love in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.
~ Psalm 143:8, NLT
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.
~ Lamentations 3:23, NLT
I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.
~ Isaiah 57:15, NLT
I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
~ Psalm 120:1, NLT
Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.
~ Proverbs 22:1, NLT
A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
~ 1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT
...Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.
~ Isaiah 30:15, NLT
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
~ Psalm 91:4, NLT
God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant.
~ Romans 5:20, NLT
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation.
~ 2 Corinthians 7:10, NLT
Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!
~ Romans 12:16, NLT
So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
~ Matthew 10:31, NLT
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
~ 2 Corinthians 1:3, NLT
They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
~ Titus 3:2, NLT
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
~ Proverbs 31:30, NLT
I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.
~ Philippians 3:9, NLT
Let me hear of your unfailing love in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.
~ Psalm 143:8, NLT
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.
~ Lamentations 3:23, NLT
I refresh the humble and give new courage to those with repentant hearts.
~ Isaiah 57:15, NLT
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Catching up
Wow...I can't believe it has been so long since I have written in my blog! So much has been happening in my life, some more important than others. Some more confusing than others. Some irritating, some happy, some exhausting, some peaceful...I have a mix of everything, which I am sure must keep me well balanced...on the edge. As the little sign next to my desk says "I'll have a Cafe-Mocha-Vodka-Valium Latte to go please...!
I have a new grandsonI Babies are such miracles from God. They are so precious and Elijah Justice is perfect in every way. I am quite certain of that. I need to go visit him! Seems like all I do is work and grandma is neglecting to get over there and spoil him!
Everything else in my life is still being thought out with little accomplished in the "done" department. I find each day that I am such a different person than I was even a year ago. I was surprised to discover a vengeful part of myself last week. A "you hurt me and I will get even" part of me. And indeed I did get even a little...I believe more to re-build my own self esteem after having it shattered than to hurt them, but a little to both I guess. Yet I was shocked as I self analyzed (with a brownie and a diet coke..such an oxymoron) to discover what kind of person I was becoming and to what ends I would stoop to just to build myself up. I am glad I caught it and the reasoning behind it before I truly hurt someone I care about. However, I am not certain that I have anything mastered, so no applause yet. I will probably at least kick someone in the shins.
I find the busy summer months keep me from doing the things I enjoy most and so I long for the peaceful days of autumn. I am most happy during the autumn months. I refect a lot during autumn and seem to find peace I am unable to find at any other time of the year. So as I suffer through the heat of summer, my longing is for September and the inner joy that comes naturally with it. I have always felt closer to God during that time. Maybe it is because everything is dying. Hmmmmm.....well enough about that.
Eric and Ashley are keeping themselves busy. Eric is moving in a couple of weeks to attend a culinary school. How did I ever get a child that loves to cook? I do not like cooking at all. Actually I like to bake, but do that very seldom anymore. Ashley is busy with her band, Wake Up Jane. They are in process of recording their first cd so every Monday they go to a professional studio and work on it. They also have several gigs lined up including 2 youth conferences, a jazz concert with a professional jazz band from New York, and Octoberfest in Athena. They have also ordered t-shirts. As long as she is having a good time, I can roll like this. All of my kids have made me so proud!
The house still has not sold and I hope it will soon. I feel that restlessness, the need to move away from Wallowa county, often. Something to pray about and think about I guess. Life feels very uncertain right now, so many changes that could happen in the blink of an eye. Perhaps too many options. But for now I will just set my rear down and do what I do every day.
I have a new grandsonI Babies are such miracles from God. They are so precious and Elijah Justice is perfect in every way. I am quite certain of that. I need to go visit him! Seems like all I do is work and grandma is neglecting to get over there and spoil him!
Everything else in my life is still being thought out with little accomplished in the "done" department. I find each day that I am such a different person than I was even a year ago. I was surprised to discover a vengeful part of myself last week. A "you hurt me and I will get even" part of me. And indeed I did get even a little...I believe more to re-build my own self esteem after having it shattered than to hurt them, but a little to both I guess. Yet I was shocked as I self analyzed (with a brownie and a diet coke..such an oxymoron) to discover what kind of person I was becoming and to what ends I would stoop to just to build myself up. I am glad I caught it and the reasoning behind it before I truly hurt someone I care about. However, I am not certain that I have anything mastered, so no applause yet. I will probably at least kick someone in the shins.
I find the busy summer months keep me from doing the things I enjoy most and so I long for the peaceful days of autumn. I am most happy during the autumn months. I refect a lot during autumn and seem to find peace I am unable to find at any other time of the year. So as I suffer through the heat of summer, my longing is for September and the inner joy that comes naturally with it. I have always felt closer to God during that time. Maybe it is because everything is dying. Hmmmmm.....well enough about that.
Eric and Ashley are keeping themselves busy. Eric is moving in a couple of weeks to attend a culinary school. How did I ever get a child that loves to cook? I do not like cooking at all. Actually I like to bake, but do that very seldom anymore. Ashley is busy with her band, Wake Up Jane. They are in process of recording their first cd so every Monday they go to a professional studio and work on it. They also have several gigs lined up including 2 youth conferences, a jazz concert with a professional jazz band from New York, and Octoberfest in Athena. They have also ordered t-shirts. As long as she is having a good time, I can roll like this. All of my kids have made me so proud!
The house still has not sold and I hope it will soon. I feel that restlessness, the need to move away from Wallowa county, often. Something to pray about and think about I guess. Life feels very uncertain right now, so many changes that could happen in the blink of an eye. Perhaps too many options. But for now I will just set my rear down and do what I do every day.
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