LadyD Books

Wordless Wednesday: Starfish

2012-02-22T06:58:00.002-08:00

Tide Pool Starfish

"Now the tide turns, and water flows back up the beach. Starfish creep from hiding places between the rocks looking for mollusks to eat. Starfish have no heads or tails, so when they move, any arm can lead the way."

For ages 7 and up

From The Ocean Tide Pool by Jeanne Bendick:

"A tide pool is more than just water. It also is home to many animals. Some may live their whole lives here. Others may come and go with the waves. But one thing is certain. The tide pool will never again be exactly as it is right now."

Did you know that starfish are not fish at all? They are echinoderms, spiny-skinned sea creatures. Starfish have hundreds of tiny tube feet beneath their arms. Each foot has a suction cup to grip onto rocks.

Exploring an Ocean Tide Pool (Redfeather Book)

Have you been to an aquarium before? It is a great learning center to discover where the great wonders of the sea come alive. In La Jolla, we have Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

Rednesday, Watery Wednesday, Outdoor Wednesday

A surfer catching the waves, West Coast style, on his red surfboard. Temperatures are warming up again here in Southern California. How is it where you are?

LadyD Books is linking with,

InLinkz.com

Remember that after March 1st, you no longer will be able to follow blogs through GFC. You might consider following LadyD Books through Google+, NetWorked or Linky. Thanks!

Happy WW!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Missy Pink

2012-02-18T08:50:00.000-08:00


Missy Pink Geranium

"How difficult it is to be simple." -- Vincent van Gogh

Geranium
A Poem by Kate Northrop

Kate Northrop is a contemporary poet, has published two books of poetry and is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Wyoming. http://geraniumsonline.com

How can you stand it-looking at things?
For example, the geranium

out on the patio, the single pink
blossom in the sun? Or stand the sunlight
moving through it,

illuminating, holding the flower open like a high
clear note, an ecstatic
widening

which arrives, arrives. What
do you do with it? While the shrubs and the lowest
overhanging leaves

lift slightly in the wind, the blossom

doesn't move. It's the object
of affection, and this is how
it hurts you:

by holding the note open—

Past the front of the apartment, traffic goes by:
one truck, then another

comes on, disappears. And I have

the blossom in my vision—
sunlight, like vision,
making clear the tiniest

hidden veins. I don't know why
I should be here, alive

and having to see this, this bright thing
living in time

or have to see it later, at the end
of the afternoon, when the sun's

lower, its light diagonal across the pot,
its light then pulling away
across the mossed brick

like a wave, only slower,
slower. The blossom is still pink,
but no longer

brilliant. I'll go back
into the kitchen. But you, are you stronger than I? Can you
stay in love with it? Make promises,

marry it?
Are you so sure
of your position in the world?

Seriously, I love to celebrate life and tend to see the glass half full. How about you? It's good to be alone sometimes but then people do need people sometimes. Don't you find it to be true? But then, whether we have an up day, or not, focus on the main thing (like Missy Pink) and know that you are loved!

LadyD Books is participating with these lovely folks who like flowers and pleasant thoughts. Have a delightful weekend!

Flowers for Saturday (Ewa Kelly)

Pink Saturday (How Sweet The Sound)

Quote It Saturday (Freda's Voice)

Weekend Flowers (Tina's PicStory)

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Mustang Sky

2012-02-17T05:26:00.000-08:00

These sunrise photos were taken with my Nikon D200 early one morning. The first photo reminded me of a dust bowl cloud that was moving towards me, with the sky looking like it was on fire again. It looked and felt as if a herd of wild horses were coming my way! I know, I imagine these things. What do you see?

For other glorious photos from all around, visit Skywatch Friday

The "sepia" edit gives photo #2 a totally different look, wouldn't you agree? I can still picture getting up early to do farm chores in this scene, especially to feed the horses on the ranch... but where would we be without color? This photo was edited at Picnik (which by the way, are closing soon). To participate in this Friday meme, along with this week's theme, visit Foto Friday

If you love horses and ponies, you'll cherish Horse & Pony Factile

Book Beginnings

Book Beginnings on Friday is a meme hosted by Katy from A Few More Pages. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading.

"Generous, willing, and patient, horses and ponies have been serving people well for thousands of years. We have ridden them, driven them, used them to pull heavy loads and to plow our fields, and fought battles from their backs. Incredibly strong but very gentle, they look to us for leadership, which is why they allow us to tell them what to do."

From Horse & Pony Factile by Sandy Ransford

Page 56 (hostess is Freda's Voice)

"The tough wild horses that once roamed the plains of the western U.S. are called Mustangs. Descended from Spanish horses taken to the U.S. in the 1500s, they were turned loose or escaped and became wild. For centuries Mustangs lived a free life. Today extra efforts are made to protect them."

From Horse & Pony Factile by Sandy Ransford

This is an in-depth reference guide, introducing 75 breeds, to discussing riding lessons, care and groom and excellent horse photos.

For some very nice photos of Arabian Appaloosa's, you will want to visit Coyote Creek Horse Farm.

Wild Horses by Natasha Bedingfield is a popular song requested by many of my piano students. If you play an instrument and would like the chords to the song, you can find them, here.

As you may know, come March you will want to follow your favorite blogs with Google+ or Networked Blogs. I hope you will consider clicking on the icon in my sidebar. Perhaps you have already done so and I thank you. Happy Friday to all!

LadyD Books is linking with,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday: Uh Oh!

2012-02-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

"Uh Oh" for Rednesday

Once upon a time there was a two year old grandson, who was very good, playing with all of his wonderful toys as it was an indoor "snowy day." All of a sudden, in one quick moment, he decided to empty his mother's book shelf. She came around the corner and exclaimed, "Uh oh!" Maybe it was, "Oh no!" Funny thing is that our grandchildren never do this when they visit us. Those little lambs just curl up in our laps and we sit quietly and read together for hours. Is that how it is with you?

The Herring Gull for Watery Wednesday

One of the things that I admire most about "The Coast" is that change is constant. Did you know that Herring Gulls, unlike many of the gull species, do not venture more than a few miles from the land? The gulls are equally at home on land, at sea, and in the air.

A great book series I recommend is Life In The Sea by Pam Walker and Elaine Wood. You'll learn about the physical aspects of the coastal waters, the microbes and plants, simple Invertebrates, Vertebrates at the edge of the ocean and life in the shallow seawater. Here is one book from the series that I am currently reading,

The Coast (Life in the Sea)

LadyD Books is linking with the following memes,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Get Messy

2012-02-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

The lovely, yet messy Bougainvillea!

"Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties." ~ Erich Fromm

So, take a leap of faith and just begin the first step of walking down the path. Although you may have every thing in its place and in a row, like these beautiful Bougainvilleas, did you notice the mess of flower petals all over the ground? Or is it messy?

"A hunch is creativity telling you something."

~ Frank Capra

So, I tell myself that I just have to take a stroll down this path between my favorite, colorful Southern California drought tolerant plants. They grow into shrubs and trees. Bougainvilleas reach far and wide, always upward, spreading all over. Sometimes I find them along the pool, contained in beautiful Mediterranean pots or greeting me at the gate of a friend's home. I love all the variety of colors, especially this deep burgundy-red that I captured with my Nikon D200 at a local wholesale nursery.

The point of this post is to explore the journey of creativity and to find the freedom that it offers you. Creativity isn't a technique-- it's a mindset. Go ahead and walk about, discovering life.

Vintage Frame: Graphics Fairy

LadyD Books is linking up with the following memes,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Bulu: African Wonder Dog

2012-02-10T04:30:00.000-08:00

Foto Friday

This week's theme is "Vivid."

SkyWatch Friday

Grabbed my camera early one morning; unusual clouds.

Book Beginnings

"Don't get a dog if you're going to live in the African bush, Mitch warned Steve and Anna as they sat in the shade of their gazebo overlooking the Luangwa River." -- Bulu by Dick Houston

I love this true story of meeting Bulu, an African Wonder Dog, in Zambia's Luangwa Valley.

The Page 56

"Steve glanced at the sun lowering behind the trees. "We'll be doing some walking in the dark." He hoisted up his backpack. "Let's try to keep Bulu close."

Bulu: African Wonder Dog

Dick Houston has spent most of his adult life in Africa as a safari leader, conservationist, writer, and teacher. You can learn more about him at www.elefence.org

Q: What would your prefer: reading your favorite book over and over again until you got sick of it OR reading 100s of mediocre books? And why?

A. I do believe one never gets tired of quality books or movies, for that matter. Sometimes I like to have a variety of books on had to choose from. Follow My Book Blog Friday

LadyD Books is linking with the following bloggers,

InLinkz.com

Happy Friday and thanks again for taking the time to stop by! What have you been reading and what caught your eye this week that you just had to capture?!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Dipping Sauce Recipes

2012-02-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Guacamole

In my kitchen, I love to whip up a variety of dipping sauces, depending on the main course or snacks being served. Usually dips, sauces and spreads can take 10 min. in preparation and then it goes into the refrigerator for chilling. Around my house, we use Asian dipping sauces for chicken and fish. Just last Christmas we used horseradish dipping sauce for our prime rib. I've used artichoke and spinach dip for breads and of course one has to have lots of garlic, too! Guacamole will always be my all time favorite, especially since I am surrounded by avocado trees.

Outdoor Wednesday

Here are a few of my favorite dipping sauces. I didn't even mention chocolate or fondue. There's so many sauces to choose from for potsticker, egg roll, dumpling, Indian and fruit.

Mustard Pretzel Dip

1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup prepared mustard
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup diced minced onion
1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
1 Tablespoon prepared horseradish
In a bowl, combine first seven ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 30 mins. Serve with sourdough pretzel nuggets. Makes 3 1/2 cups.

Dill Sauce

!/2 cup mayonnaise
Fresh Dill
Couple teaspoons of zucchini relish
Djon mustard
In a bowl, combine all and refrigerate. Serve with Salmon Burgers or Fish Sticks.

Curry-Ketchup Sauce

1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon curry powder.
I use this sauce for dipping sweet potatoes in. Peel 4 small sweet potatoes and cut up like French fries. Roll in olive oil and Parmesan cheese and bake in hot oven 425 degrees for 30 mins. on foil lined pan, turning every 10 mins.

Pesto Sauce

1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup basil leaves
2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese
freshly ground pepper
Blend the garlic, salt, basil and pine nuts in the blender or food processor. Transfer to bowl and stir in olive oil and other ingredients.
Use in pasta dishes and add to spaghetti sauce.

Eggplant Dip

2 medium eggplants
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
juice of 1/2 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
pinch of cayenne pepper
6 tablespoons of olive oil
chopped fresh cilantro

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prick eggplant with fork and bake for 1 hour until soft. Cool, peel and mash the flesh and strain liquid out in a colander. Transfer to blender or food processor. Add ingredients and gradually add olive oil. Season to taste. Chill several hours and serve with bread, toast or a selection of vegetable crudités.

Hummus

3/4 cup dried chick peas (or 2 cups of canned chick peas)
2/3 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
2/3 cup lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons sweet paprika

Soak chick peas overnight then simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup liquid. Transfer chickpeas to food processor. Add other stuff and process until smooth. Drizzle olive oil over the surface. Sprinkle paprika on top and serve with fresh pita bread. Serves 6-8.

Rednesday

Perfect Guacamole Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados
1/2 red onion, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1-2 serrano chiles, stems and seeds removed, minced
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh lime or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
A dash of freshly grated black pepper
1/2 ripe tomato, seeds and pulp removed, chopped

Garnish with red radishes or jicama. Serve with tortilla chips. Sometimes I leave the hot stuff out for the grandkids and just use garlic powder, lime and a bit of chili powder.

The sauces are all so yummy and easy to prepare. Satisfying to eat as well whether you are munching away as an appetizer or savoring a delicious meal.

Do you have a favorite? Which one will you choose?

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

A Fruit Tree In Winter

2012-02-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Nectarine Tree Blossoms

“Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Do you know the parts of a flower?

The bright colors of the petals attract insects or birds that help spread a flower's pollen. Petals also provide a protective covering for the plant's reproductive organs.

The sepals surround and protect the developing blossom before it blooms.

The pistil is the female reproductive structure. Its opening is called the stigma. It contains the ovary where the seeds are fertilized and formed. The tube leading from the stigma to the ovary is called the style.

The stamens are the male reproduction structures. Pollen can be found on the stamen's anthers. The anthers are supported by the filaments.

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

-- Anais Nin

“Faith sees a beautiful blossom in a bulb, a lovely garden in a seed, and a giant oak in an acorn.”

-- William Arthur Ward

“Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. Care for those around you. Look past your differences. Their dreams are no less than yours, their choices no more easily made. And give, give in any way you can, of whatever you posses. To give is to love. To withhold is to wither. Care less for your harvest than for how it is shared and your life will have meaning and your heart will have peace.” -- Kent Nerburn

I think I'll start seedlings with my grandson this weekend for a hands-on activity. Have you grown plants from seed before or propagated from other plants?

Happy Weekend!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Creative Sky

2012-02-03T05:48:00.003-08:00

"The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas." -- Linus Pauling

"For a long time I limited myself to one color - as a form of discipline." - Pablo Picasso

Skywatch Friday is a meme on Friday that provides professional and amateur and newbies, like me to share our sky photos with one another. I'm learning a lot in photography. I suppose one never stops learning and that's a good thing.

Book Beginnings is a meme on Friday that is hosted by Katy from A Few More Pages. Anyone can participate; just share the opening sentence of your current read, making sure that you include the title and author so others know what you're reading.

Patti Digh's book encourages one to use their creative spirit.

"While you are piecing together the map of your life, stepping as nimbly as you can out of the mulch of your thoughts, the busy traffic of your heart, while you attempt grace and magic and the blessing of your soft, surrendered kiss, while you are fathoming the stretch you will need for the wide and rocky jungle of your own happiness, while you are hunkering down to a piece of dark bread and the odd, welcome relief of hunger, don't forget to write."

-- Creative Is A Verb by Patti Digh

The Page 56 is a meme on Friday, hosted by Freda at Freda's Voice. Anyone can participate; just share any sentence or two found on page 56 of your book. Let us know who the author is and the name of that book you have quoted from.

"We are those parents, even if we've read all the Harry Potter books, know who the Teen Titans are, and can sing all the words to Spongebob's theme song and "Purple Haze."

Creative Is a Verb: If You're Alive, You're Creative

Follow Friday is a weekly blog hop hosted by the good people over at Alison Can Read and Parajunkee. It's aim is to connect us book bloggers so we can get to know each other a little better. Come and join the fun!

This week's question:

Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kickass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?

My Answer:

In children's picture books, you will find a protagonist who pretty much solves his/her problem or someone helps him/her. Sometimes you will find a layer of secondary characters but more than likely there will be an antagonist. My favorite children's books are funny, having a moral and with fantasy, there's talking animals and lots of action!

I'm linking up with the following blogs,

InLinkz.com

Happy Friday!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Why Can't HE Be More Like ME?

2012-02-01T06:15:00.000-08:00

8 Tips For Building a Marriage That Thrives

The mega-millions spent by Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries, and Katy Perry and Russell Brand, on their lavish and exotic weddings failed to guarantee a long and blissful union. But they are not alone. Recent statistics show a decline in couples getting married and staying married for more than a few months or years.

Can marriages survive in today’s culture? Long-wedded author, Poppy Smith, says “Yes.” Here are Smith’s tips for building a marriage that not only works, but thrives:

1. Readjust your expectations. You didn’t marry your clone. Naturally, your partner will view some things differently. Be willing to flex and accept their right to be themselves.

2. Appreciate your different strengths. Analyze your personalities, your backgrounds, and what’s important to each of you. Identify each other’s strengths and affirm what these add to your relationship.

3. Learn to communicate so you’re heard. Women tend to explain and expand. Men tend to edit. To be heard, communicate according to your spouse’s desired style, not yours.

4. Understand each other’s feelings about money. Does money signal fun? Symbolize success? Guarantee security? Or ensure power? Knowing what it means to both of you helps in settling money battles.

5. Practice a conflict resolution style that works for both. Clarify what the conflict is about. Listen to each other’s reasoning and feelings without interrupting. Then decide what best builds your relationship.

6. Recognize the emotional needs of your mate. Both men and women want to be valued, admired, respected, and listened to. Discover what makes your spouse feel loved and special, then find ways to meet that need.

7. Prioritize romance and sexual intimacy. Sex matters. It gives physical and emotional pleasure, strengthens love, and deepens commitment. Make time to play or be silly or sensuous in bed. It pays rich dividends.

8. Share your Dreams. What is it each of you longs to achieve? Are there some dreams you want to accomplish together? Be encouragers to each other and discuss steps you can take now toward your goals.

About the Book:

Why Can't He Be More Like Me?

9 Secrets to Understanding Your Husband

“What do you and your husband have in common?”

“We got married on the same day.”

Do you find yourself nodding in agreement with the answer to that question? You want your marriage to be happy and honoring to God, but you wonder how when your husband baffles and sometimes irritates you. You may even wonder if you made a terrible mistake.

Poppy Smith offers you hope in this upbeat, empathetic, and biblically grounded book. Why Can’t He Be More Like Me? will help you better understand areas of conflict in your marriage as you consider your different backgrounds, expectations, needs, and reactions on a variety of topics from communication styles to finances and sex. Each chapter provides practical tools to help you learn to accept and enjoy your mate. The result will be a stronger, happier marriage as you grow to understand and even find delight in your differences.

Endorsements:

“Poppy Smith cares about relationships! Her astute insights, garnered from time spent living in numerous locations around the globe, brings a wealth of advice packaged with her upbeat warmth and wisdom.”

—Pam Farrel, speaker and author of over 30 books, including best-selling Men Are Like Waffles—Women Are Like Spaghetti

“This book will help you love your husband even when you don’t understand him.”
—Leslie Vernick, counselor, coach, speaker, and author of How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong and The Emotionally Destructive Relationship

About Poppy Smith:

With her fun personality and passion for communicating life-changing truths, Poppy Smith inspires believers to thrive spiritually and personally. Poppy’s practical how-to messages (in print or in person) uses colorful examples from her own struggles to be more like Jesus. She encourages others to grow in every kind of situation—whether joyful or painful! Poppy is British, married to an American, and has lived in many countries. She brings an international flair seasoned with humorous honesty as she illustrates Bible truths. A former Bible Study Fellowship lecturer, Poppy’s teaching challenges women to look at their choices, attitudes and self-talk. As a result, God’s speaks, changing hearts, changing minds, and changing lives. Watch for Poppy's upcoming book release,

Why Can't He Be More Like Me?: 9 Secrets to Understanding Your Husband

Do you have a favorite book on marriage? I haven't read Poppy's book yet but in the past, I blogged about three books on marriage that I highly recommend:

Review: Love and Respect by Dr. Eggerichs

Love and War

Book Review: This Is Your Brain In Love

A big thank you to Kathy Carlton for providing this guest post!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

The Real Deal

2012-01-31T10:29:00.001-08:00

My Kindergarten picture!

Today is my birthday!

Wedding Day!

It is also our anniversary. We've been together 40 years!

For Rednesday, I wanted to share with you this very cute photo.

My grandson's first karaoke!

For me, blogging isn't just an online business. Yes, I'm a piano teacher and I sell affiliate products. I'm also a book reviewer and have met some wonderful authors, illustrators and publishers. I'm also a Christian and have been so blessed with a wonderful family, 4 special grandchildren and wonderful online friends. I think it is about relationships, celebrating life. It's so nice to meet you and getting to know you. Today, I'm Double Happy!

I'll be gone tomorrow, so I'm celebrating Wednesday today.

InLinkz.com

Love,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Birthday Party

2012-01-28T06:17:00.000-08:00

Little "me" walking down a country road.

So, I'm heading up north for the weekend because I have a birthday coming up on Tuesday. Thought it would be nice to leave the ranch for awhile since the weather has been so lovely here in southern California, especially for January. How I love to celebrate life!

Do you remember your first birthday? What about that party dress? Mom always turned my hair into pretty ringlets. Maybe that's why I grew up and wanted to be like Cher! :=)

Remember all the prep work? There were birthday invitations to purchase and send out. You had to make or purchase some birthday decorations. Then there was that gorgeous cake. Someone had to bake or cake for you or else one was ordered.

Fun times to read birthday cards and now we receive ecards. There were pretty packages to open. Some lovely birthday presents you received or perhaps you found a coupon inside that said "Free car wash!" How nice that people love giving and think you're special... and you are. (me, too!)

As each birthday came around, did you have a party theme? Were you just so pleased to have a sleepover or perhaps go to Jack-in-the-Box and a movie with some friends?

"Huggin' Cousins!"

I am so fortunate to have a loving, supportive family. (daughters and son and in-laws). I think you already know how much I enjoy being a "YaYa" and go absolutely bonkers being a grandmother of four. Indeed I am blessed to be with the same handsome man for 40 years. My gosh, where does the time go? Speaking of the journey through all the seasons, I sincerely hope you will slow down, reflect and then grow some more... as I plan to do. After all, we are created for a purpose.

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks so much for being the special online friends that you are.

Love,

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Cooking The South American Way

2012-01-27T04:27:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like watching the sunset along the shore, whether it's Mexico or Hawaii. The view is beautiful, peaceful and serene in "manana land." Viva Mexico!

I'm linking up to SkyWatch Friday.

Book Beginnings
http://mixedbookbag.blogspot.com/2012/01/book-beginnings-on-friday-january-27_27.html

"If you were to create a meal featuring a dish from each country in South America, you'd be savoring some of the best food in the world. The variety of spices, tropical fruits and vegetables, and international influences in South American cooking makes it difficult to label as one cuisine. Each region offers its own special foods to the mix."

-- I love how the book introduces you to Turnovers at the very beginning because they are so popular in South America and quite delicious. They can be filled with beef, chicken or fruit!

Cooking the South American Way (Easy Menu Ethnic Cookbooks)

Page 56

"These tiny tidbits can be as much fun to make as they are to eat. You can garnish them with almost anything you like, so use your imagination."

-- From Cooking The South American Way (easy menu ethnic cookbooks, revised and expanded to include new low-fat and vegetarian recipes) by Helga Parnell

I'm linking up with The Page 56

Here is an easy 30 min. prep recipe that serves 6 from the book, found on page 56.

Finger Sandwiches/Bocaditos (Argentina)

12 thin slices French bread
1 3-oz. container whipped cream cheese with chives
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
4 to 6 precooked shrimp
4 cherry tomatoes
4 pimento-stuffed olives, sliced

1. Trim crusts from bread.
2. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on bread.
3. Garnish with cucumber slices, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and/or olives.

Looking for South American crafts? You'll find some here.

Plus, you might be interested in some South America songs.

The homemade kazoos were received well by the kindergarten class. The children loved to hear the sounds of their voiced being altered. I can't wait to bring them some rainsticks made with an empty paper towel roll, aluminum foil inside and a little bit of rice. Be sure and seal off the ends. I used duck tape!

Follow Friday

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all cost and why?
A: Murder Mystery... just too darn scary and I have a wild imagination, so it's better for me to stay in the land of children's picture books! lol

Happy Friday! LadyD Books is linking to the following sites,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

While We Were Shopping

2012-01-25T07:53:00.000-08:00


Wordless Wednesday

Casa Azul Barrio Nuevo for REDnesday

While some of my family were south of the border( it's so pretty there), having a little rest and relaxation, plus doing a little shopping in beautiful Puerta Vallarta, we were waiting for the announcement of the Newberry Awards. I was delighted to receive this note from Kristen Lemire of Open Road Media:

"Because you cover children's and young adult literature we're sure you are anxiously awaiting the announcements from the American Library Association on Monday, January 23rd, designating who will be the next winners of the Newbery Award and so many other awards that can change the lives of the recipients.

This video from Open Road Integrated Media captures Newbery Award-Winning authors Virginia Hamilton and Jean Craighead George talking about how those awards (for Julie of the Wolves and M.C. Higgins The Great respectively) changed their lives. Hamilton was the first African American to win the award and George saw the view of children's literature change to "something important instead of something second-rate.”

For the past 90 years, the ALA has awarded the Newbery Medal, sometimes called the "Oscar" of children’s literature, to an author in recognition of the year’s most distinguished children’s book. Open Road Media proudly presents eight Newbery Award winning and Honor Books in its growing catalog of children’s books."

Please feel free to share with your readers this honest, insightful video from two of the greats in children's literature:

http://www.openroadmedia.com/authors/virginia-hamilton.aspx

The American Library Association announced the top books, video and audiobooks for children and young adults at its Midwinter Meeting in Dallas. Here are the winners:

John Newbery Medal

Dead End in Norvelt

Newbery Honor Books

Inside Out and Back Again

Breaking Stalin's Nose

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
“A Ball for Daisy," illustrated and written by Chris Raschka, is the 2012 Caldecott Medal winner.

There's much more on the list! Go see! http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/archive/2012/01/yma

Congratulations to all the winners. I have some great reading to look forward to this year!

Have you read some of these books? A Ball For Daisy, a children's picture book of course, is the only one I know about.

I'm off to the library now. Happy Wednesday!
Today LadyD Books is linking up with,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Squirrel Day in Paradise

2012-01-21T05:23:00.000-08:00

Today is National Squirrel Day! I have a blogger friend who is really into squirrels. Her nickname is SquirrelQueen and honestly, I go nuts over her blog, Thru Squirrel Eyes.

Quote It Saturday at Freda's Blog

A squirrel is just a rat with a cuter outfit!
Sarah Jessica Parker

If we had a keen vision of all that is ordinary in human life, it would be like hearing the grass grow or the squirrel's heart beat, and we should die of that roar which is the other side of silence.
George Eliot

Living is no laughing matter: you must live with great seriousness like a squirrel for example - I mean without looking for something beyond and above living, I mean living must be your whole occupation.
Nazim Hikmet

The idea is that there is a kind of memory in nature. Each kind of thing has a collective memory. So, take a squirrel living in New York now. That squirrel is being influenced by all past squirrels.
Rupert Sheldrake

Birds of Paradise

Flowers on Saturday at Ewa's Blog

Also known as Crane Flowers, these exotic plants grow everywhere on my property. They definitely represent a brightly colored bird. They are fan-like, take lots of sunshine and they have banana shaped leaves. Birds of Paradise are native to South Africa. I'm so lucky to step outdoors and see them. Perhaps I'll cut some today and put in an elegant glass vase.

InLinkz.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Rhino in the Sky

2012-01-20T04:43:00.004-08:00

SkyWatch Friday

Over in the upper left hand corner, I see a rhino in the sky! Perhaps one is roaming in the valley down below. You can listen to rhino voices at www.thewildones.org/Conflict/rhino.html

With the storm clouds heading eastward towards Arizona, it looks like Southern California will be getting some "free water" from a little storm heading down our way from the Bay area.

Oops! I'm so in the habit of writing the old year instead of the new one! lol You definitely can see the storm is moving away from us. As avocado growers, we welcome the next storm, estimated for Saturday. After all, it is January and our rainy season but it still looks pretty dry out there. Oh, Ireland with all its wearing of the green. How I am longing to see green hills!

For more spectacular sky shots, head on over to SkyWatch Friday.

For ages 10 an up, by Mary Kay Carson, a hardcover book.

Book Beginnings (Katy)

"A group of people crowded around a tall woman with long hair. She was dressed in scrubs, like a surgeon, and stood next to a computer. Everyone moved in for a closer look when the woman pointed to the screen. On it was a fuzzy picture called a sonogram. the blurry black-and-white image was of a baby still inside its mother. It wasn't yet ready to be born."

EMI and the Rhino Scientist [EMI & THE RHINO SCIENTIST] [Hardcover]
(affiliate link)

What I love about this children's picture book is that Dr. Terri Roth is working with a small rhino named Emi at the Cincinnati Zoo to help save Sumatran rhinos from extinction!

Page 56 (Freda's Voice)

"Take part in the International Rhino Foundation's North American Save the Rhinos campaign. This campaign will aid the three most critically endangered rhino species - Sumatran, black, and Indian rhinos - by protecting their wild habitat and supporting captive breeding."

Learn more about rhinos from visiting these websites:

International Rhino Foundation

SOS Rhino

Asian Rhino Project

Rhino Resource Center

Follow Friday (Alison)

Q: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to get your hands on any particular book?

A: I am fortunate to have a book store right next to our local library. So, all I have to do is squat down to the bottom shelf where the children's books are located. You'll find me on the floor, if not oredering books online.

I'll be stopping by some friends today. Won't you join me? Happy Friday!

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Photo Punctuation

2012-01-18T04:15:00.002-08:00

A picture really is worth a thousand words! I remember using this fun activity. First cut out and laminate a high-interest magazine picture (or use a personal photograph). Attach the picture to the top of poster board. At the left end of each line, write a punctuation mark. Challenge each student to write a sentence that relates to the picture and contains the punctuation mark. Use the sentences to write your own story about the photograph. This is a great review of punctuation usage and writing complete sentences! Ready to give it a try?

Hey buddy, got any fish?

There is a cute children's book called "Pelican Pete" and more Pelican photos that you can read from an older post of mine here.

What a beautiful day!

"A young boy, who has never seen the sea, asks his mother to describe it. From there, Zolotow carefully chooses her words to create a poem full of the colors, sounds, and sights of a day at the beach. Minor's softly detailed renderings reinforce the gentle mood."

The Seashore Book


"Folks, we have reached our cruisin' altitude now, so I am going to switch the seat belt sign off."

Gweneth Paltrow & Huey Lewis - Cruisin

Visit my friends, by clicking on the logos below, who are hosting the Wordless Wednesday meme, Rednesday and Outdoor Wednesday!

InLinkz.com

I have met 80 nice folks who have taken the time to read what I share and I just want to say, "Thank you, dear readers!"

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Quote It Saturday: C. Drew Lamm

2012-01-14T07:48:00.002-08:00

Flowers on Saturday (meme)

Wish I knew the name of this plant. I found it heartily growing outside my neighbor's property while taking a brisk walk yesterday. I want to call it a sword plant because that's what it looks like to me. I don't think it's a rubber plant because the leaves are not thick and green. Plus, I'm wondering if this particular species ever flowers. So, inquiring minds want to know. Any help from my gardening friends is deeply appreciated.


Author, C. Drew Lamm

This plant reminded me of this darling children's book that my Grandson loves, Woodchuck at Blackberry Road. Are you familiar with the author?

Quote It Saturday (meme)

“But we made a pact that night to try. To stay true to ourselves and each other. It's what you have to do when you're a girl. Stick together. Remember what you love. And stay true.”

― C. Drew Lamm

LadyD Books is linking up with the following sites,

InLinkz.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Fire Dragon Sky

2012-01-13T06:20:00.003-08:00

Fire Dragon Sunrise

How quickly the sky changes

Photography Meme
SkyWatch Friday

I took these photos with my D200 @ 5:00 a.m. looking towards the south east... amazing! What a contrast with the palm trees and overhead power lines.

For ages 5 and up

Book Memes:

Book Beginnings

My Mom Is a Dragon

How cool is this title?!! I love this book. I went to our local library yesterday and found this sweet, little hardcover book written by Tricia Morrissey, called "My Mom Is A Dragon And My Dad Is A Boar." The calligraphy featured in this book are created by calligrapher and artist Kong Lee. The pictures and descriptions are celestial and majestic, so perfect for introducing children, (and adults) to Chinese traditions about the zodiac. (Twelve Lunar Animals)

Page 56

Year of the Dragon (2012)

"Explosion and excitement follow the Dragon wherever she goes. With a hasty temper and shrewd confidence, she throws caution to the wind. The dragon is whimsical, wild and unstoppable. She pays no attention to mistakes, but blazes forward with mighty enthusiasm. Do not get in her way, but enjoy her from afar with wide open eyes."

For more information about Asia and Asia-related activities for kids, visit ThingsAsian.com

You'll find a friendly coloring page dragon, here. Plus Chinese New Year Craft Books.

So when does Chinese New Year begin? January 23, 2012

I love learning about other cultures. How about you?

Please click on the buttons below to follow great memes!

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday: Wheels on the Bus

2012-01-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

Bus in Mexico

My contribution to Rednesday is a photo that my daughter took while on vacation in Barre de Navidad, Mexico while enjoying their Christmas break from work and school. I'm new to Rednesday but I understand they are celebrating their third anniversary here.

One of my favorite songs that is a hit with the Kindergarten Music Class and my Grandkids, is "The Wheels on the Bus." The piano chords can be found on my other blog here.

If you're looking for books and activities centered around the bus, (I know these are mostly for September), visit my Barefoot Books site here.

LadyD Books will be visiting these wonderful blogs today!

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Rafflecopter Launch Party Giveaway: Win an iPad & Kindle Fire

2012-01-10T06:26:00.001-08:00

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Happy New Year from Rafflecopter HQ! To start 2012, you’ll have a chance at winning an iPad2 or one of two Kindle Fires in what we’re calling the ‘Rafflecopter Launch Party Giveaway’! This giveaway is open for the US and Canadian residents and will close February 9th at 12:01 a.m. EST.

It can be a bit intimidating to host a giveaway, especially if you're new at blogging and hosting giveaways. I used Rafflecopter on my Collageit-photo-collage-maker Giveaway. When I first signed up, they required approval to get a membership.

Well, Rafflecopter is going live now. It's a free service and they have a great giveaway going on for the launch party! The prizes are an iPad and a Kindle Fire You can enter the giveaway right from this post. Good luck everyone!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Winter Paper Whites

2012-01-06T18:30:00.001-08:00

A happy patch of Paper Whites in Winter.

Flowers for Saturday

These clustered flowers, springing up in my front yard are powerfully fragrant and last for quite awhile indoors.

I often reflect on the purity of the color, along with the sweet smell of this flower and focus on being 'other-centered' (instead of its original meaning of self centered).

Have you found a new, refreshing release within, knowing that it truly is a blessing to give to others? Tell me about it and please, dear women, stay away from those narcissistic men!

“If a man finds himself with bread in both hands, he should exchange one loaf for some flowers of the narcissus, because the loaf feeds the body, but the the flowers feed the soul”

-- Muhammed

© Photographer Jakezc | Agency: Dreamstime.com
http://www.dreamstime.com

Quote It Saturday

"Encircled by her arms as by a shell,
she hears her being murmur,
while forever he endures
the outrage of his too pure image...

Wistfully following their example,
nature re-enters herself;
contemplating its own sap, the flower
becomes too soft, and the boulder hardens...

It's the return of all desire that enters
toward all life embracing itself from afar...
Where does it fall? Under the dwindling
surface, does it hope to renew a center?"

-- Rainer Maria Rilke

© Photographer Barbara Van De Velde | Agency: Dreamstime.com
Free Stock Images

Narcissus is a category of mainly hardy, mostly spring-flowering, bulbs in the Amaryllis family, native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. There are also several Narcissus species that bloom in the autumn. For more information, visit Wikipedia.org

“Narcissus does not fall in love with his reflection because it is beautiful, but because it is his. If it were his beauty that enthralled him, he would be set free in a few years by its fading.”

-- W.H. Auden

The word Narcissus is derived from the Greek word narke, meaning numbness or stupor. To learn more about this and facts where Narcissus grow best, stop by The Flower Expert.

There are two derivations of the name. One is that of the youth of Greek mythology called Narcissus, who, in at least one of many variations of the tale, became so obsessed with his own reflection as he kneeled and gazed into a pool of water that he fell into the water and drowned. In some variations, he died of starvation and thirst from just sitting by the edge of the pool until he gave out, gazing at his reflection until he died. In both versions, the Narcissus plant first sprang from where he died.

Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/narcissus#ixzz1ijWRYytb

“Narcissus so himself himself forsook,

And died to kiss his shadow in the brook.”
-- William Shakespeare

John Williams Waterhouse: Narcissus -1912

"Narcissus is another example among several of a beautiful young man who spurned sex and died as a result. As such, his myth has much in common with those of Adonis and Hippolytus. In the Roman poet Ovid's retelling of the myth, Narcissus is the son of the river god Cephissus and the nymph Liriope. Tiresias, the seer, told his parents that the child "would live to an old age if it did not look at itself." Many nymphs and girls fell in love with him but he rejected them. One of these nymphs, Echo, was so distraught over this rejection that she withdrew into a lonely spot and faded until all that was left was a plaintive whisper. The goddess Nemesis heard the rejected girls prayers for vengeance and arranged for Narcissus to fall in love with his own reflection. He stayed watching his reflection and let himself die. It is quite possible, however, that the connection between Echo and Narcissus was entirely Ovid's own invention, for there is no earlier witness to it.
An important and earlier variation of this tale originates in the region in Greek known as Boeotia (to the north and west of Athens). Narcissus lived in the city of Thespiae. A young man, Ameinias, was in love with Narcissus, but he rejected Ameinias' love. He grew tired of Ameinias' affections and sent him a present of a sword. Ameinias killed himself with the sword in front of Narcissus' door and as he died, he called curses upon Narcissus. One day Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection in a spring and, in desperation, killed himself.
Both of these stories give an origin to the narcissus flower, which grew where Narcissus died." Encyclopedia Mythica

Narcissus stationary can be found here, Free Download

LadyD Books is linking up with,

InLinkz.com

Have a wonderful weekend!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Ribbon in the Sky

2012-01-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Ribbon in the Sky

Host: Skyley

Does this look like a ribbon in the sky or a 7 layered cake?!

Camera: Nikon D200
Location: My View

I took this photo around 5:00 a.m. and I'm learning about dusk and dawn lighting. A friend mentioned that one should focus on the ground before aiming up at the sky and the same with taking pictures at the beach, mostly water shots.

So, I wanted to ask, why? Could someone explain the reason behind this... thank you!

I love the color orange. Feast your eyes with gorgeous photos from Luna Miranda

I also love Stevie Wonder! Do you have a favorite song of his? There's too many to choose from... so talented and a great artist!

Ribbon In The Sky lyrics
Songwriters: Stevie Wonder

Oh, so long before this night I prayed
That a star would guide you my way
To share with me this special day

Well, ribbon's in the sky for our love

If allowed, may I touch your hand
And if pleased may I once again?
So that you too will understand

There's a ribbon in the sky for our love

Do do
Do do do do do
Hmm hmm

This is not a coincidence
And far more than a lucky chance
But what it is that was always meant

Is our ribbon in the sky for our love, love

We can't lose with God on our side
We'll find strength in each tear we cry
From now on it will be you and I

And our ribbon in the sky
Ribbon in the sky
A ribbon in the sky for our love

Do do
Do do do do do
Hmm hmm

There's a ribbon in the sky for our love
Lyrics

Book Beginnings
Hostess: A Few More Pages

Hardcover Book, Publisher: Thomas Nelson

"Come in, come in and make yourself at home. I'd like to invite you to walk with me through the rooms of a very special house-a house designed to embrace your heart, comfort your soul, challenge your mind, and delight your eye."

This book is encouraging, refreshing and inspiring. I love this one and the illustrations are so charming!

Page 56
Hostess: Freda's Voice

"Remember to welcome strangers, you just might welcome an angel."

Love In Every Room (The Heartbeat of the Home)

LadyD Books is linking with,

InLinkz.com

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Wordless Wednesday: Family

2012-01-03T19:14:00.002-08:00

Lovely mommy and daughter

Rednesday

Cousins meet for the first time

After having a wonderful, cozy Christmas with family (there were 14 of us this time and some were in Mexico), I reflected on all the videos I took, along with 300+ photos. The thought crossed my mind on having a back up plan. You know, some type of storage. Thinking about it and having my computer crash on me once, I was hurrying to get all my photos on discs. Where do you upload or download your photos to save them?

Here's some ideas:

1. http://www.savemymemories.org/

2. Scan old photos before they fade and copy them onto a disc.

3. http://www.picnik.com/

4. http://www.flickr.com/

5. http://www.facebook.com/

6. http://picasa.google.com/

7. http://www.shutterfly.com

8. http://picturetrail.com/

9. http://www.winkflash.com/

10. http://www.shutterfly.com/photoworks/landingpage.jsp

LadyD Books is linking up with the following blogs,

InLinkz.com

A favorite site for free downloads regarding family books to
make with children, can be found at
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/books/familyandfriends/

Happy New Year! I really hope you had a great time and are already enjoying 2012 which is going to be full of exciting news... stay tuned!

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

Book Review: The Master of Kelmar

2012-01-02T05:39:00.000-08:00

Book III The Master of Kelmar (Description)

With a victory in the Worlds Triad War, Carmen Fox and her Souls of Destiny have brought Kelmar and the worlds of the afterlife back into harmony with one another. But soon after the war’s end, a vengeful dark sorcerer returns to power in the Kelmarian Parliament, and his reign threatens the very existence of the realm, and all who inhabit it.

Carmen’s oath to protect her world is put to the ultimate test, as she leads a massive rebellion to overthrow the Head of State, and prepares for a new role in the leadership of Kelmar. Her duties as Guardian take her on an epic journey across the realm, where friends and enemies ultimately collide in the greatest conflict in magical history--and the stakes have never been higher.

Can Carmen discover the courage and power she needs to lead her allies over their strongest opponents yet, and conquer the last challenge standing in her way of securing her destiny? The final battle to save Kelmar brings the young sorcerer’s adventure to an extraordinary conclusion.

My Review

People are celebrated in our culture for accomplishing something special, like George Washington winning the Revolution. In the world of fantasy, Laura Sepesi, the author of the Kelmar Trilogy, creates a spectacular conclusion for the main character, Carmen Fox, whose destiny and purpose is fulfilled in saving magical Kelmar from the forces of evil. If you like powerful battle scenes with dynamic spells and charms, plus a brilliant story line woven around parliaments, pyramid cities and interaction with unicorns, dragons and the souls of destiny, add this one to your library because you won't be able to put it down. Book 3 is a real page turner, highly imaginative, where you visit another place and time. I am a huge fan of good over evil, reunions taking place in heaven and on earth. Laura Sepesi's writing will leave you speechless because this is not your typical "The Good Knight" and "The Evil Dragon" fantasy.

Wow... Courageous and Impressive! ***** stars!

I look forward to reading more from this brilliant, young author.

The Master of Kelmar (Volume 3)

My other reviews, you may be interested in, can be found here:

1. Guardian-of-Kelmar

2. Secrets-of-Kelmar

“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me." C. S. Lewis

LadyD Books

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A. I do believe one never gets tired of quality books or movies, for that matter. Sometimes I like to have a variety of books on had to choose from. Follow My Book Blog Friday

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