Dear Kimmie...

Cilantro Stem Marinade

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 20:49:00 +0000

Herbs are a necessary evil. So delicious, but oh so difficult to use up. In a fit of allaying my yuppie guilt, I fixated on using up a somewhat sad bunch of cilantro. After consulting my trusty Hot Sour Salty Sweet cookbook, I had a plan. 2X cilantro.

The book taught me this: cilantro stems are not for the trash. Apparently, you can use cilantro stems for flavor! In my handy mortar, I pestled 5 garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of black peppercorns, 3 tablespoons of coarsely chopped cilantro stems (who knew?!) and a pinch of salt. Once I had a paste, I marinated some chicken thighs in it, and soon enough, the sous chef was marching out to the grill.

The result was this ultra yummy grilled chicken noodle bowl - note the second use of cilantro. So next time you have some dying herbs, think about using the stems. Bunched together, awesome for stock/soup flavoring. Made into a paste, perfect for marinade pastes.

And when in doubt, make a dipping sauce!

Seared sesame crusted tuna with orange ginger soy sauce

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 20:43:00 +0000

Seared sesame crusted tuna with orange ginger soy sauce (Adapted from Martha Stewart)
Serves 2-3

Orange ginger soy sauce

2 tablespoons mirin
2 teaspoons white miso
3 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons rice wine vinegar
1/8 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon sesame oil

Combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl.
Whisk until the miso dissolves. Serve with seared tuna.

Seared sesame crusted tuna

¾ to 1 lb sushi grade yellowfin tuna
3 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
1 tablespoon canola oil

Cut the tuna into 2-3 rectangular pieces.
Mix the sesame seeds together on a plate.
Press the tuna into the sesame seeds on all sides.
Heat canola oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat.
Sear the tuna for 20 seconds on each side, then transfer to a paper towel to drain. Let rest a couple of minutes.
Slice into ¼-thick pieces and serve with orange ginger dipping sauce.

Sex in a Pan

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:18:00 +0000

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes

Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients:

Crust

1 cup pecans, chopped
3 tbsp white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup flour

Cream cheese layer

2 cups cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipping cream or cool whip

Vanilla pudding

1 package of instant vanilla pudding (5.1 oz or 144 g)
3 cups milk

Chocolate Pudding

1 package of instant chocolate pudding (5.1 oz or 144 g)
3 cups milk

Last layer

2 cups whipping cream or cool whip
shaved chocolate

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F degrees.
Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a mixer mix all the crust ingredients together and press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Bake it for about 20 minutes.
Prepare the vanilla pudding as per the instructions on the package.
Prepare the chocolate pudding as per the instructions on the package.
In a mixer add the cream cheese, powdered sugar and the cup of whipping cream. Mix until light and fluffy.
Let the crust cool. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly. Spread the chocolate pudding over the bottom crust, then the vanilla pudding. Top with the whipped cream and sprinkle with the chocolate.
Refrigerate for a couple hours so that it sets.

Eggs in Avocado Slices

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:45:00 +0000

Eggs in Avocado Slices for a Festive Breakfast to Remember

Holidays are a time for indulgence. A time to relax with a leisurely breakfast shared with friends and family.

So, I am on the lookout for festive breakfast foods that will be memorable and worthy of a special occasion.

I decided to try my luck using an avocado slice. These Avocado Egg Rings are just the ticket. Creamy. Flavorful. Unusual. Memorable. And a bonus: they can easily be made red and green with a little sprinkle of green onion and red bell pepper garnish.

It was very recently that I discovered that avocados are delicious when gently cooked. Creamy and flavorful – they take on an almost custard-like texture.

Make these part of your Christmas morning this year – or your next Saturday breakfast for friends. Or a Meatless Monday with a bang! You may just start a new breakfast tradition.

I saw this idea on an episode of The Next Iron Chef, where heavy hitter Jeffrey Zacharian made eggs and avocados, so I decided to try this at home. It works like a dream.

There isn’t a “recipe,” really, all you do is this:

Heat a non-stick skillet to medium low heat. Lightly spray with oil. Slice an avocado with the skin ON lengthwise, forming one thick slice in the middle. (You will have some leftover avocado pieces – so, Hey! Make some bonus guacamole if you want! Guacamole for Breakfast? Why NOT? It’s the Holidays!) Remove the seed and use a small cookie cutter to make a hole in the center of your thick slice. Place the avocado slice in the pan. Crack a medium sized egg into the center of the hole. Cover and cook for a minute or two, until the egg is as you like it. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Then, just sit back and wait for the oohs and ahhs!

Flower Power Eggs - Bell Pepper Rings for Sunny side Up eggs

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 15:09:00 +0000

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There’s no recipe, really, just three steps: 1) Cut bell peppers into 1/2 inch rings; 2) Place in a non-stick lightly oiled skillet; and 3) Crack an egg in the middle of each ring and cover and cook over low heat until done. If you like your yolks runny, just cook over low heat until whites are done. If you like your yolks firm, break the yolks and then cook over low heat until both whites and yolks are firm.

Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:44:00 +0000

I remember the first time I saw snow. I was in my twenties, but I felt (and acted!), like a five year old. I am almost certain I screeched with sheer excitement upon seeing inches of fluffy, white magic not only forming a soft blanket on the ground around me, but delicately falling from the sky flaunting its unique snowflake shape.

This snow spectacular was in Boston – my former residence for quite a number of years. Winter in Boston certainly can be cold and long. The snow can start before Thanksgiving and continue all the way through to Memorial Day. During these months of chilly temperatures, apart from the typical memories of constant driveway shovelling, car windshield scraping, and leather boots waterproofing, there is one memory that has me shaking my head until this day. Ice cream consumption.

It has been mentioned here, here, here and here, that New Englanders consume the greatest proportion of ice cream in the USA. And after witnessing the hoards of lines outside fine purveyors such as JP Licks, Emack & Bolio’s, Herrell’s, and the former Steve’s (inventor of the mix-in!) throughout the city and surrounding towns, I do not question this fact at all.

I have recently been reminded of my years in Boston during my recent honeymoon. Mr Mélanger and I took a relaxing and tranquil holiday to Tasmania. For those unfamiliar with Tasmania, it is our most southerly state in Australia. During our travels, we reached the magnificent World Heritage-listed wilderness of Cradle Mountain. (Some photos from the trip below.) As we were approaching the rugged alpine peaks of the mountain we could see they were still peppered in snow – which was a thrill to see given it is spring here in Australia. Along the windy drive to the Lodge, it actually started to snow, too.

I had not seen snow since Boston. I was that five year old kid again. Moreover, after the thoughts of hoping there may be enough snow on the ground for a little snowball fight action, I thought of ice cream. As you do. With my ice cream food memory top of mind, I knew I would have to make some deliciously, rich ice cream as part of caramel month.

So back in sub-tropical Brisbane, I turn my attention to some refreshing ice cream. For this task, I look to none other than the undisputed ice cream authority, David Lebovitz. David showcases a mouth-watering double caramel ice creamon his blog. The custard for the ice cream not only has been caramelised, but David incorporates crunchy caramel throughout the churning process at the end. After the triple caramel feast, I elected to keep things simple, enjoying the single caramel overtones of the ice cream custard in its most pure form.

I followed the directions to the letter. For this exercise, no point tweaking a recipe which had been expertly created. Having made considerable quantities of homemade ice cream in the past (all due to the abundance of egg yolks I have on hand after all my macaron efforts!), I was not anxious at all by the directions. The only area of watchfulness I noted was cooking the sugar. If there is only one trick to making caramel, this is it. The heating of the sugar to the right colour and temperature makes or breaks the caramel. In this recipe, you want it to be a strong flavour, but certainly not bitter.

I have never enjoyed a caramel ice cream like this one. Because of the caramel, it remains deliciously creamy even after freezing. It would also be sensational with the addition of praline per David’s original recipe to add some further crunch. I think this will be a firm favourite even after caramel month is over.

{ Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream }

* Ingredients *
2 cups (500 ml) whole milk, divided
1½ cups (300g) sugar
4 tablespoons (60g) salted butter
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 cups (250 ml) heavy cream
5 large egg yolks
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

* Directions *
Make an ice bath by filling a large bowl about a third full with ice cubes and adding a cup or so of water so they’re floating. Nest a smaller metal bowl (at least 2 quarts/litres) over the ice, pour 1 cup (250 ml) of the milk into the inner bowl, and rest a mesh strainer on top of it. Spread 1½ cups (300 gr) sugar in the saucepan in an even layer. Heat the sugar over low to medium heat until the edges begin to melt. Stir the liquefied sugar towards the centre until all the sugar is dissolved. Continue to cook stirring infrequently until the caramel starts smoking and begins to smell like it is just about to burn. Once caramelised, remove from heat and stir in the butter and salt, until butter is melted, then gradually whisk in the cream, stirring as you go. The caramel may harden and seize, but return it to the heat and continue to stir over low heat until any hard caramel is melted. Stir in 1 cup (250 ml) of the milk. Whisk the yolks in a small bowl and gradually pour some of the warm caramel mixture over the yolks, stirring constantly. Scrape the warmed yolks back into the saucepan and cook the custard using a heatproof utensil, stirring constantly (scraping the bottom as you stir) until the mixture thickens. If using an instant-read thermometer, it should read 160-170 F (71-77 C). Pour the custard through the strainer into the milk set over the ice bath, add the vanilla, then stir frequently until the mixture is cooled down. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or until thoroughly chilled. Freeze the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Open-faced Empanadas with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 15:17:00 +0000

Canastitas Caprese (Open-faced Empanadas with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella)

Canastitas (“little baskets” in Spanish) make a great alternative to traditional empanadas. They’re a bit quicker to put together, and they appeal to those who eat first with their eyes because they can see the filling. The classic combination of tomato, basil and mozzarella brings fresh, bright flavors to the plate, but you can use any number of fillings, just as you would with empanadas. I particularly like canastitas for cheesy fillings, however, since you don’t have to worry about them exploding and leaking melted cheese like empanadas tend to do.

These make an excellent appetizer or a light meal when combined with a green salad. ¡Buen provecho!

Canastitas Caprese (Open-faced Empanadas with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella)

Yields 12 servings

Ingredients

12 empanada shells

3 small tomatoes, chopped

6 oz. mozzarella cheese, diced

10 basil leaves, chiffonade [thinly sliced]

kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Form a ½-inch pleat by pinching together the side of the empanada shell. Fold the pleat over and press firmly against the edge of the dough. Continue to pleat and fold the empanada shell in this manner until it forms a basket shape. Place it on the baking sheet, covered with a slightly dampened dish towel. Repeat the shaping process with the rest of the empanada shells.

Evenly divide half of the cheese cubes among the canastitas, followed by all of the chopped tomato and basil. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt and a grind of pepper over each canastita. Top the canastitas with the remaining cheese.

Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the dough and cheese turn lightly golden brown. Allow the canastitas to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips: Roma tomatoes work well in this recipe because they’re not too juicy, but you can use any sort of flavorful garden tomato for the canastitas. You may want to deseed and/or drain the juice from the tomatoes once they’re chopped to keep the canastitas from getting too watery. Also, be generous with the filling—the ingredients cook down considerably in the oven.

Your bank account of time...

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:51:00 +0000

“Imagine there is a bank account that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course? Each of us has such a bank. Its name is time. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to a good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no over draft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There is no drawing against “tomorrow”. You must live in the present on today’s deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success. The clock is running. Make the most of today.”

Quote of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:46:00 +0000

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

~John Lennon

DearKimmie

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:42:00 +0000

Hello Friends,

I wanted to announce DearKimmie. I have been working on a new design for my blog site for the past month and it is finally up and running. I have transferred most of my posts from the past four years to the new site. I would love for my visitors to follow me there as well. There is a subscribe area & my Tweets from Twitter there also. If you want to follow me on Twitter feel free at @dearkimmie. I hope to get some feedback on what everyone thinks of the new design. I can be found on Tumblr and Wordpress so come follow me there too.

I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you for more years to come.

Love, Luck & Laughter to you all

~Blessed Be,
Kimmie

The Flip Side of Honesty

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:38:00 +0000

Have you ever been too honest? Have you ever wished you could turn the clock back 5 minutes to take back what you just said? What do you do in this situation? This isn't Back to the Future! I don't have one of those cars. Why can't life be easier? I will not tell a lie HA! But don't be overly honest because it will come back to kick you in the ass. "OOO Girl? You're not really going to wear that are you"? Oops! I should of let you walk out the door like that? And thats just minimal, what about a deeper subject? Why do people have to play games? The challenge? F*** the challenge! In a scene from one of my favorite movies : "If you love someone you say it...right then...out loud before the moment passes you by". You don't stay quiet hoping they'll say it first. You are no different than anyone else. Tomorrow is not promised to you just like it isn't promised to anyone else. You embrace every wonderful person, vision, moment and feeling that you can before it ends..
I am brutally honest. I live my life the way I want because it is mine to live. If I make a mistake, it was mine to make. My fault...
I stand by those I care for and consider them the blessings that I have achieved along this journey that I call "my life". I don't turn my back on anyone. If I love you...tough you are stuck with me...and lucky too. No matter what direction my life takes me I bring with me those that I love. Remember that...

Just me venting............

SecondLife

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 21:39:00 +0000

The other night I was watching a rerun of Law & Order and they mention A.Y. This was a virtual world called Another You-niverse. I was curious so I did a Google search and other than show excerpts there was nothing on A.Y. Finally I found something comparing A.Y. to SecondLife. Hmmmmmm??? What is SecondLife? I went to the site and signed up four days ago and I'm hooked. There is nothing in this world that can't be done. From Shopping, casinos, buying & selling anything, niteclubs ranging from beach party clubs to erotica clubs, rent or own, get a job....everything. I'm running back right now to log back in. If you want to check it out click here and maybe I'll see you there. Have fun!!!!!

Choose Your Attitude

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:48:00 +0000

Is the glass half full or half empty? Is the responsibility, a privilege or a duty? Is the help we've been asked to give, an opportunity or an obligation? Do we "get" to do it, or do we "have" to do it? Attitude is everything and luckily for us our attitudes are a matter of choice. We can pick the attitudes we want much as we pick our out clothes or hairstyles. Nothing or no one in the past or present can dictate our attitudes. No one else deserves credit or blame for how we choose to process reality. For better or worse, our attitudes are ours alone. We all have the same world to respond to. What we practice, we become. If we practice looking at each day as a new adventure, so it will be.

Blue haired, blue plate votes win over obvious talent

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:40:00 +0000

We are so silly, TV Watchers. We assumed that Wayne Newton, who very much cannot dance, would be gently asked in his good ear to leave last night. Or maybe Mark Cuban, the rich guy who is also not good at dancing, and an annoying mouther of lyrics. What a ridiculous assumption! So silly! And you may be familiar with my number-one rule: There will be no silliness. I'm very disappointed in all of us.
Lest we forget, Dancing With the Stars is purely a popularity contest — just a rather odd one in which the prettiest specimens are the biggest losers. You know how people take on a derisive tone and say, ''That's so high school,'' when you make catty remarks just for the hell of it? Dancing With the Stars is so not high school. So it does have that going for it. Hey, do you like how I've already cranked out two paragraphs about a show in which practically nothing other than three fabulous pro dances happened? Me too.
So goodbye, Albert Reed, and goodbye Albert Reed's hips, perfectly adequate dance moves and chiseled face. Terrible!!!
I already miss you.
Jane Seymour's mom passed away late on Monday, so she missed results night. Tom declared Jane and Tony the first safe couple of the night, and Jane plans to continue in the competition to honor her mother, a longtime fan of the show. In his most graceful move yet this season, Wayne Newton delivered a short blessing from the cast and crew. Of course, no one seemed surprised that Jane was safe. Mark Cuban? Different story.
On the second results show of ''Dancing With the Stars,'' we learn that stiff Wayne Newton and Mark Cuban got more votes than the pelvically gifted Albert Reed...

To you I say...~Albert, your performances and energy were a sheer gift. I was shocked when they said your name and even thought it would be followed by 'you will be coming back next week'. Unfortunately, right when you started winning a fan base your 'Dance' card was pulled. Very upsetting. I do look forward to seeing what network picks you up after witnessing the obvious talent that you have. I know there are plenty of us that want to turn on there sets and see you on television again, since we have no more interested in that show. Stay focused, grounded, balanced and never lose that energy. Best of luck! Such a good boy...

Finding Your Inner Voice

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:35:00 +0000

When most people think of a psychic, they probably imagine an exotic-looking woman peering into a crystal ball. She wears giant hoop earrings and a long, flowing dress. In a mysterious foreign accent, she reveals what she sees in your future—usually for a steep fee.Yet, you can be your own psychic, by developing your own natural power to see the future. The word, "clairvoyance," means "clear seeing." In other words, a clairvoyant clearly sees the truth about the past, present, and future. You've probably experienced clairvoyance yourself, and may not have even known it. Common clairvoyant instances include: You have a vivid dream which later comes true. You lose your keys or wallet. Then, a picture of the place where you left the item flashes into your mind. As you're driving, you see a mental image of the car ahead of you turning left. Two minutes later, the car turns left exactly as you'd mentally imaged. You suddenly see an image of a person in your mind's eye. Later that day, you receive a call or a letter from that person.These experiences of clairvoyance are quite normal and often very useful. Even more, you can learn how to increase your clairvoyant power so that it becomes a reliable tool for everyday living.We enhance and improve clairvoyance, like any behavior, with learning and practice. If you follow the seven steps listed below and practice them for seven days in a row, you'll experience more consistent and reliable clairvoyant images.
Keys to Clairvoyance

STEP 1: Release the Fears of Seeing the Future.My psychic development students usually recall being clairvoyant when they were children. In fact, studies show that young people have the highest rates of clairvoyance of any age group.However, children often "turn off" their clairvoyance because of fear. This fear could come from a thoughtless remark by adults who say the child's invisible friend is his imagination (when, in truth, the child is seeing angels and spirit guides). Sometimes, parents tell their children that psychic insights are evil. Or, the child may see a frightening image of her parent's impending divorce, or some other painful future event. She then shuts her clairvoyant vision, because she doesn't want to see her future.Whatever the source of fear, we must release this emotion to regain our full clairvoyant power. One of the best ways to rid yourself of fear-blocks is through saying an affirmative phrase. Sit in a comfortable position and take two or three very deep and slow breaths. As you breathe in and out, say these words either silently or aloud: "I am willing to release all fear of seeing my future."

STEP 2: Formulate Your Question in a Specific Way.Accurate clairvoyant answers require accurately-stated questions.Carefully word your questions so you'll receive an answer that truly meets your needs. The best way is to be honest with yourself about your "bottom line" true desires.For example, you might ask, "Will I meet someone at the dance tonight?" and then see a clairvoyant image of yourself talking with a new person who isn't your romantic type. A better question would be, "Will I meet my next romantic partner at the dance tonight?" Your question can have as many details as you like.

STEP 3: Breathe and Concentrate Upon Your "Third Eye". After asking your question, take three deep and slow breaths. Put your focus on the area between your two eyes. This is an energy center, known as a "chakra," which activates clairvoyance. This chakra area contains a "third eye," which supplies psychic pictures in answer to your questions.As you breathe, look for and notice an oval shape resting horizontally between your two eyes. Notice whether this "third eye" has its eyelid closed, open, or partially open. If the eyelid is closed or partially closed, ask it to open. Reaffirm your willingness to release the fear of seeing psychically. Once the eye is open, you will be rewarded with a blissful feeling of warm love, as you are reunited with a long-lost part of yourself.

STEP 4: Notice any Pictures that Enter Your Mind. Clairvoyant images generally come in one of four ways: as a single picture inside your mind's eye; as a single picture that you see outside your mind's eye; as a movie image inside your head; or a movie image outside your head. The pictures can be black and white or full color. Sometimes, they may appear as a painting or a cartoon.

STEP 5: Increase the Brightness and Size of the Images.Simply think this phrase, "Pictures, I ask that you grow in size and strength, NOW!" With your powerful intention and decision, the clairvoyant pictures will instantly become larger, brighter, and bolder. Bigger and more colorful pictures are easier to interpret. If this step seems to give you trouble, repeat Step 1 above.

STEP 6: Ask For Interpretation and Clarification.You need to know the meaning of your clairvoyant images in order to interpret them and put them to good use. If you are unsure of what your psychic pictures are trying to tell you, ask either mentally or aloud, "What do these pictures mean?" You will receive an answer as a feeling, thought, or sound. If the answer is unclear, ask that it be repeated or delivered to you in a different way. The spirit world wants to help you receive psychic information, and they will work with you until you clearly understand the answers to your questions.

STEP 7: Trust in What You See.This last step is crucial, because if you discount your clairvoyant images or write them off as mere imagination, they are lost opportunities. You'll gain more confidence in your psychic abilities if you keep a record of your clairvoyant images. Be sure to keep track of each psychic image that comes true. In this way, you'll learn how reliable your clairvoyance truly is. You'll also understand your personal symbology, as each person's clairvoyant psyche uses a unique set of pictures to symbolize different meanings.

Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Already Taken

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:35:00 +0000

It's quite possibly the most commonly used phrase in the history of advice: Be yourself. But it's such a vague adage. What do they really mean when they tell you to be yourself? And is it really as easy as it sounds? Steps to Find yourself. You can't be yourself if you don't know, understand, and accept yourself first.

Stop caring about how people perceive you. The fact is, it really doesn't matter. It's impossible to be yourself when you're caught up in wondering "Do they think I'm funny? Does he think I'm fat? Does she think I'm stupid?" To be yourself, you've got to let go of these concerns and just let your behavior flow, with only your consideration of others as a filter—not their consideration of you.

Be honest and open. What have you got to hide? You're an imperfect, growing, learning human being. If you feel ashamed or insecure about any aspect of yourself —and you feel you have to hide those parts of you, whether physically or emotionally —then you have to come to terms with that and learn to convert your so-called flaws into individualistic quirks. Relax. Stop worrying about the worst that could happen, especially in social situations. So what if you fall flat on your face? Or get spinach stuck in your teeth? Learn to laugh at yourself both when it happens and afterwards. Turn it into a funny story that you can share with others. It lets them know that you're not perfect and makes you feel more at ease, too. Develop and express your individuality. Whether it's your sense of style, or even your manner of speaking, if your preferred way of doing something strays from the mainstream, then be proud of it. Have a Productive Day. Accept that some days you're the pigeon, and that some days, you're the statue. People might raise eyebrows and even make fun, but as long as you can shrug and say "Hey, that's just me" and leave it at that, people will ultimately respect you for it, and you'll respect yourself.

There's a difference between being yourself and being inappropriately unrestrained. You might have your opinions, dreams, and preferences, but that doesn't mean you have to disrespect others by forcing them to acknowledge your views. If fads or trends strike your fancy, don't avoid them! Being yourself is all about reflecting who you are inside in what you do, and what you like is what you like, no matter how trendy it is (or not trendy, for that matter)! As the famous song goes, "Life's not worth a damn until you can say, I am what I am" - when you can sincerely say it, you will know that you can be yourself.

12 Emotional Reactions to Reality Shifts

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 22:56:00 +0000

Most of us have experienced times when reality has literally shifted around us. We've noticed time has slowed down, sped up, or even stopped completely. Sometimes we notice that our coat, wallet, shoes or keys aren't where we know we left them -- or we're disconcerted to find that yet another sock has vanished into the "Bermuda Triangle" of our laundry room. Reality shifts are these times when we notice things appearing, disappearing, transforming, or transporting... or changes in the way we experience time.What I find particularly fascinating about this phenomenon is the wide variety of reactions people have when they notice reality shifting. Just as in Alan Funt's "Candid Camera" television show, people experiencing reality shifts don't always respond the same way -- or even in ways we might expect people to react.In the case of reality shifts, it's quite likely that our feelings are interconnected with the shifts in reality we are witnessing, so these emotions may help us find a key to better understanding the phenomenon of reality shifts. For example, anecdotal evidence suggests that people who are relaxed when they discover they have cancer (rather than feeling initially shocked or angry) are less likely to have spontaneous remissions of their cancers.To find out how people feel when reality shifts, I designed and conducted a "How Do You Shift Reality?" survey of 395 people in April 2000, asking people to answer twenty questions about their reality shift experiences. One of the questions I asked was:
"When I notice reality shifts, I often feel... "
This survey offered several multiple choice answers to this question, including a write-in space for people to share additional comments. When I analyzed these survey results, I was excited to discover that there are twelve typical types of emotional reactions for people experiencing reality shifts!

(1) Curiosity
The most typical emotion that people feel when reality shifts is curiosity. People typically find themselves wondering, "WHAT is going on here?!?" when they witness reality shifting around them. Of the 395 people I surveyed in April 2000, 62% of the respondents reported feeling curiosity when they noticed reality shifts. One survey respondent noted that just like Spock (from the old Star Trek television show) might comment, they often find themselves feeling like "Hmmm.... interesting!" Even those who are familiar and quite practiced in the art of intentionally shifting reality expressed a great deal of curiosity about what's going on when reality shifts. One of these survey respondents commented, even though "I have learned to control it (reality shifts) with my many years of magick practice, it only makes me yearn for more knowledge." Another person commented that they felt "fascinated - wonder whether we produce existence through will, or has time been changed?"

(2) Excitement
Reality shifts can be extremely exciting. I've often experienced dramatic changes, such as a woman across the street from me vanishing as I looked at her, which have given me goose-bumps once I realized the significance of such a thing happening! Of the people I surveyed, 45% indicated that they, too, have felt very excited when reality shifts. "Yeee - ha!" was one write-in response, which made me laugh out loud! Others said they felt "encouraged, anxious", "overwhelmed", and "restless". When the full import of a reality shift sinks in without being denied, very powerful emotional responses are often felt. One person wrote that it "depends on the circumstances, but my reaction is always intense one way or the other."

(3) Awe
Reality shifts can often feel much like witnessing some of Nature's most powerful forces at work. Like hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and fires, reality shifts remind us of our relatively humble position in this amazing universe. 37% of the survey respondents said they felt "awe-struck" by reality shifts. People wrote that they felt "humbled", "awe-struck by the fact that we do indeed create time", and that they "suddenly feel small in the scheme of things". Reality shifts renew a sense of wonder for many people.

(4) Happiness
The next most common reaction to reality shifts is one of joy and happiness! 33% of the survey respondents said they feel happy when reality shifts. "I try to hold on to the moment as long as possible", wrote one person. Others remarked that reality shifts leave them feeling, "encouraged", "amused", and "validated".

(5) Confusion
A less common reaction to reality shifts is one of confusion. 26% of the people in the April 2000 survey indicated that they have felt confused by reality shifts. "I think that I'm crazy!", wrote one person! Typical comments of those reporting feelings of confusion were of feeling "mystified", "dumbfounded", "un-rooted", and "dizzy, light-headed, nauseous, disoriented". One person commented that I "wonder about my vision", and another remarked that reality shifts are "noticed usually after the shift or hindsight".

(6) Fear
Fortunately, only a very small percentage of those polled indicated that they felt frightened by reality shifts. 7% reported feeling afraid, and wrote comments that reality shifts have made them feel, "agitated", "anxiety", and "thrilled and frustrated, 'cause it scares me before I can react appropriately -- cold and shivery".

(7) Anger
A very small percentage (3%) of those surveyed reported feeling angry when reality shifts. It's understandable that people might get upset when things change without warning in seemingly unpredictable fashion. One person wrote that reality shifts make them feel "somewhat frustrated, curious, sometimes angry".

(8) Sadness
Sadness is another less typical emotional reaction to reality shifts. Like anger, we might expect a certain degree of sorrow when people see things changing suddenly. Only 3% of the survey participants in the April 2000 survey said that they feel sad when reality shifts.

(9) Denial
While "denial" was not one of the multiple choices for how people feel when reality shifts, several people indicated that they intentionally disregard reality shifts, even when they notice this phenomenon occurring. "I shut it out of my mind", wrote one person. "I never seen that happen or maybe I did, but didn't understand what it was. Do not consider them as anything real. I pass it off to my being mistaken", commented another. A third wrote in feeling "a need to rationalize, until I shift it into something that makes sense". There is another moderately large group of people who simply don't believe in reality shifts, saying "I haven't seen them", or "I don't believe in them". In my survey, 6% of those surveyed reported that they don't experience reality shifts at all.

(10) Gratitude
Another common response to reality shifts is one of gratitude and appreciation. Many people wrote in comments about feeling, "grateful", "thankful", honored", "reassured", "connected", "peaceful", "fulfilled", and "just glad to be able to see it and feel it when it happens all around me". I frequently feel grateful when reality shifts around me, because it overcomes the occasional doubts and skepticism I sometimes feel that such things can actually happen.

(11) Heightened Awareness
Quite a few people said they feel "alive", "high", and "aware" as a result of seeing reality shifts. These people are having what Abraham Maslow called Peak Experiences. When I first noticed reality shifts, I immediately began to pay much more attention to my surroundings, since I thought perhaps I'd been inattentive and that's why I was mistakenly thinking reality had shifted. What I found was that the more alert and aware I became, the more likely I was to witness reality shifts! One person commented feeling "very calm & focused in the moment", while another remarked, "I become aware of the WOW - "Whole" Other World - beneath the surface of this one, and feel my spirit stir when I witness veils drop and lift. " Others responded, "I read the signs to my reality -- I feel aware", and "Very, very interested!!!"

(12) Acceptance
Yet another typical emotional response to reality shifts is one of calmly accepting this experience as part of normal life. This group of people is having what Abraham Maslow referred to as Plateau Experiences, as they become familiar with what was once a peak experience. The range of the feelings of acceptance in this group of individuals runs the gambit from "indifferent" and "ambivalence" all the way to "calm", "mellow", and "at peace with it because I understand it". These are the reactions of people who are "just used to it", who feel "that it was to be expected" when they witnessed reality shift. One person remarked, "It happens so often, I just accept it", and another commented, "I just accept them as normal". Others clearly feel that reality shifts are not unnatural at all, saying, "I feel that these are natural occurrences for me and am not alarmed", and "I feel as if things are as they should be".

Now who's the "underdog"?

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 02:13:00 +0000

Well, week one of Dancing with the Stars is over and one couple is on there way home. Everyone looked beautiful. Sabrina did wonderful, Wayne was all smiles but a little stiff and my personal favorite Albert Reed shocked everyone. I sincerely believe that he has caught the eye of many after lastnight. Between his quirky sense of humor, energy, looks and of course performance all the online articles that keep saying "Albert who?" should give him credit for shining through being the "underdog". Bravo Albert, you did fantastic.
Another highlight of the night was Dolly Parton who clearly fills her water bottles from the Fountain of Youth. She has so much spunk...so much fun.

Looking forward to the weeks to come!!!!!

Miami's own Albert Reed ready to start 'Dancing'

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 02:54:00 +0000

Albert Reed makes his live television debut Monday night as a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.” The former Miami, turned Vero Beach resident, who had never done much dancing before, has been in rehearsal for five hours a day, seven days a week, for the past month.
“It’s overwhelming,” the exhausted 22-year-old said by phone from Los Angeles. “The first dance is done, and we’re working on the second, and it’s harder than the first. From this point I can see that it’s going to be a continuous uphill battle.”
Reed, a hugely successful male model, is competing against such showbiz pros as Wayne Newton, Marie Osmond and Jane Seymour.
He’s met them all at cast parties, but no one has seen anyone else dance — each contestant is either in a different rehearsal studio, or a different city altogether.
Reed’s partner and coach, Anna Trebunskaya, has been keeping him on his toes. Literally.
“She’s just a firecracker,” he said. “She’s a tough teacher, a tough partner, but I guess I kind of get on her with my sense of humor. She’ll get really tough at certain points, but I circumvent it with my goofiness. We have a really good chemistry, which is good, so hopefully that will grow. We’ll see if it did on Tuesday night.”
(Monday night’s 90-minute competition show starts at 8, and the “results” show — when Reed finds out if he made the first cut — airs at 8 p.m. Tuesday.)
“I keep asking for some easy dance moves, and she just keeps throwing me the hard ones. I guess she’s trying to push me into more competitive dances to kind of spice it up. In the meantime, I get frustrated and go off set and yelp and let out some energy. Then I come back, get to work and keep chipping at it.”
Despite the frustration, and the blisters on his feet caused by his squeaky new leather shoes, Reed’s having a good time. “The only way to enjoy it is to have a good laugh while you’re doing it,” he said. “But it’s still a competition, it’s still a battle. It’s lots of work. But once you put it all together, it’s fun.”
Will he be dancing a happy tune come Tuesday?
“I’m prepared for it, as prepared as I can be,” Reed said. “I’ve got the dance routine down and finely tuned.
“But there’s a lot of pressure, and a lot of elements outside the dance studio that you have to take in mind. I’m trying to keep a level head when I go into it. There’s tough competition from people who’ve been in show business a while, so I’m kind of the underdog. I’m looking forward to it, but I’m not looking forward to it at the same time.”

Let Go Of The Past

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 22:05:00 +0000

It is easy to be negative about past mistakes and unhappiness. But it is much more healing to look at ourselves and our past in the light of experience, acceptance, and growth. Our past is a series of lessons that advance us to higher levels of living and loving. The relationships we entered, stayed in, or ended taught us necessary lessons. Some of us have emerged from the most painful circumstances with strong insights about who we are and what we want. Our mistakes? Necessary. Our frustrations, failures,and sometimes stumbling attempts at growth and progress? Necessary too. Each step of the way, we learned. We went through exactly the experiences we need to, to become who we are today. Each step of the way, we progressed. Is our past a mistake? No. The only mistake we can make is mistaking that for the truth. Today, God, help me let go of negative thoughts I may be harboring about my past circumstances or relationships. I can accept, with gratitude, all that has brought me to today. In Love, Respect, & Gratitude

Quote of the Day

noreply@blogger.com (Dear Kimmie) — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 00:51:00 +0000

"He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever".