The first week of Autumn

 

Enjoy the cooler weather by making a simple centerpiece using a placemat, candle, leaf/acorn garland and a hurricane lamp for under $30



Fall Centerpiece

Pumpkin cookies is a great way to start fall cooking.....   Martha Stewart has really cute mommy and me items

The music within us

The secrets of the harp are far simpler than certain people imagine, and its possibilities are never-ending for those who have faith.”   Tournier, “The Harp” p. 93

On three separate occasions I have taken piano lessons.  Each experience had the same ending --- utter and complete disaster.  There appeared to be some mental block on my part with learning the notes, positioning my fingers and making it all flow. 

Several months ago I was speaking with a woman who plays the Harp and here we are now with lessons once a week and renting a Harpsicle Harp (yes, I have my very own Harp at my house).      

My teacher is patient and wise.  She gave me an article to read, “Adorning the Air with Mistakes” by Mary DeMocker.  The article knew who I was --- “I played this perfectly – I mean really perfectly- right here, just before you came in.”  That is so me! 

After reading the article I sat down to play with” complete, openhearted receptiveness, and with the ears of the girl who first heard a harp” as the article suggested.  What a difference - it was almost smooth. 

Thank goodness for an insightful teacher (thank you Cindy)  who recognizes there truly is a young girl in there yearning to discover and embrace her musical ability. 

Do you embrace your musical self? What do you love about the instrument that you play?



and tears are heard within the harp I touch 
Petrarch

 

Easy to make tents



Who doesn’t remember a sleepover or slumber party --- I have many fond memories of staying up late, silly games, lots of laughter, junk food and running around the neighborhood while everyone was asleep.  Many times we would sleep outside in our pup tent and that was the ultimate fun.  

This sleepover consisted of each girl having their very own customized A-Frame Tent with name plate and all.  The tent folds up which makes it portable and easily stored.  The best part – each girl got to take their tent home at the end of the sleepover.

 

 

 

Little Deli

Nestled in the heart of Crestview is a nostalgic shopping center (built in 1952).  As you turn into the parking lot you feel as though time has stopped and peace surrounds you.    There are small merchant stores, picnic tables, a gazebo, and in the evening white twinkling lights hang from the trees. The atmosphere is charming and worth a visit if you have never ventured to this part of town. 



 In the corner is “Little Deli” offering sandwiches, soups, pizza, salads and more.    My absolute favorite item on the menu is the turkey/mozzarella on rye with tapenade and without a doubt the most scrumptious Chocolate Colossal Cake.   It is the ultimate chocolate experience and provides you with the perfect bite.



Whenever I eat this cake I am reminded of the Barbara Streisand Movie “The Mirror has Two Faces” where she created the perfect bite every time she sat down to eat.  As each morsel of this cake is eaten and relished you can almost hear Puccini – Nessun Dorma sung by Pavarotti - (noted as the apology/Nessun Dorma on the soundtrack). 

Turkey/Mozzarella/Colossal Cake

 Who can resist a little help now and then while devouring Chocolate Colossal Cake from Little Deli.  Visit your local and favorite place to eat today and enjoy. 

 

Fall is for......

 

hayrides, apple cider, scarecrows, sweaters,football, crisp early mornings, pumpkins, raking of leaves, spooky nights, acorns, the crunch and rustle of leaves and the turning of foliage to yellow, orange, and red

 

 

A touch of fall can easily be added to your home with simple and inexpensive items using kidney beans, split green peas, corn, ribbon or twine and Halloween candy.  Gather your empty jars or vases and see where your creativity leads you.   

 

 

Best of all using what you have on hand---it cost under $15.00

 to create five fall arrangements. 

 

inspiration for these came from

 Nicole Hill Blogspot and My Hearts Desire

http://nicolehill.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloweens-best.html

http://www.myheartsdesireblog.com/





Vintage Wire Whisk

 





What was I thinking – making homemade macaroni and cheese for twenty people--- Where were my Kraft or Velveeta boxes of ready-made Mac and Cheese??

It was too late - the noodles were boiling, the cheese was grated and milk measured.

Now came the daunting task of pouring the milk into the sauce pan and adding flour. This was my point of failure-- always the same result - lumps.

But in the very back of a kitchen drawer two weeks earlier  I had found a wire whisk and not just any wire whisk - it was vintage (so it must be good)  No more pouring flour into a cup, adding water and shaking vigorously and hoping for some semblance of a sauce. This whisk is amazing.

For the first time I no longer have to strain the substance to remove the lumps.  

The sauce was perfectly smooth and the Mac-n-cheese was devoured by all. Is it silly to express joy over a kitchen tool? A little help now and then is all we need.