Last Christmas time, Scott had the opportunity to participate with Squadron 144 in Wreaths Across America.  The cadets met at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery at Point Loma and placed a Christmas wreath on the headstones of those killed in action. When they found the headstone of the first name on the list, there was already someone there. It was a young soldier, and the woman was his mother. Since his headstone already had a wreath the boys moved on, but I lingered and thanked her for her service as well. She hugged me tight and we both cried.

Sometimes, paying tribute requires more than just words.

With Memorial Day just one week away, it is easy to focus on the gratitude we have for those who have given their lives in service for our country.

There are so many people who have had a positive influence on our lives. Sometimes we can thank them in person, sometimes we can’t.

Is there someone you would like to pay a tribute to?

My friend Dori is SO creative. She is always taking something she finds at a garage sale and turns it into something fabulous. One of the things she did was take an old suitcase and use chalkboard paint on one of the sides. She  writes “welcome” on it, or takes it to vintage swaps and sets it next to her display with her name on it. She sees potential in items often overlooked by others.

After being inspired by Dori and a few pictures I saw of how people could transform a platter or a flower pot into something unique I decided to give it a try. I went to Home Depot and found out that chalkboard paint comes in a small can or in a spray.  I figured I would have more control with a paintbrush so I paid the $15.00.  I can already tell I made a good choice, the paint is going to cover a lot of different things. It is thick and easy to work with, plus it is a soap and water clean up..easy breezy!  Then I picked up a few clay pots to paint and a box of chalk, just like the kind I used to make hop-scotch games on the sidewalk.

I have a platter I bought at a white elephant sale for about $2.00 that sits on my hutch.  As much as I love it, I decided to paint that as well. Now it makes the cutest “welcome” sign. I began seeing other things that could use a little creativity. A small metal tin, a the bottom of a wooden Coca-Cola case and even our cookie jar. Sometimes we overlook the possibilities and potential in things..and so many times we overlook the potential in ourselves as well.

potential (adv.) that can, but has not yet, come into being: possible; latent; unrealized; undeveloped ~ expressing possibility, capability

“Write yourself a permission slip to be surprised by someone’s potential. Who knows? One day that person could be you.”                                                    Sherri Shepard

chalkboard cookie jar, welcome sign platter and the potential to make great do-it-yourself projects.

Have you been surprised lately by things you have overlooked?

Every other week we will be pinning our interpretation of the scheduled WORD. It will be so much fun to see how a romance writer, a WWII writer, a knitter , a professional photographer and several others view the chosen topic.  Feel free to send me your ideas or interpretations of the WORD as well. We would love to hear from you!

Live INSPIRED!

Whether you are busy in the workplace,  immersed in college  or a mom on the go, everyone needs to eat a healthy lunch. This is an easy idea to take the dread out of noon meal hassle. Plan ahead and make several lunches to go in advance, or consider making a  ”salad~to~go” for play dates at the park. A little planning can go a long way, so let’s do lunch!

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1/2 teasp. oregano or dill

1/2 teasp. black pepper

1/4 cup olive oil

Press garlic into a jar or tight sealing container. Add juice, vinegar, mustard, herb, and pepper. Shake well or whisk to combine.

Add oil and whisk again. Store in refrigerator.

optional ~ Sometimes I will add a few Tbs. of Salsa to dressing for a South of the Border dressing.

Enjoy!

As much as I would love to say that we sit down for every meal, there are days when that just doesn’t happen.  Here is one of our family’s favorite meals, whether is’s dinner, or an easy to pack lunch for a trip to the beach.It is quick, easy, nutritious and so much more economical than swinging into a fast food restaurant.

These also are easy to freeze. Get creative…get baking!

From my kitchen to yours  ~ enjoy!

Quick, easy and for families on the go!

I love summer time! Fresh corn on the cob, the smell of hamburgers grilling on

a hot barbecue, wearing sundresses and flip flops!

This tutorial is an easy way to show you how to add some sass to your summer wardrobe.  Enjoy!

I thought of those who planned and carried out the attack, knowing that the damage would be lasting and even fatal. I thought of how our lives are so different, and also how they are the same. What if words left wounds you could see? What if my words, directly spoken with bomb like intensity, left gaping holes and shrapnel wounds? Have I left scars of sarcasm of those who happened to be at the right place at the wrong time? Our words leave wounds and scars that no one sees yet they are just as damaging as an explosive device detonated in a crowd.

Words shouted in anger and bitterness left unresolved and unclean often become infected and create more harm than the original wound. The impact is felt by innocent bystanders.

If we could see the fresh red flow from the wounds of our words, would we live differently? How would the lives of others be affected?  Would others who inflict wounds on us feel more than a dismissing annoyance at our cry?

If we really want make a difference in our world, it needs to be done one word at a time. Choose your weapons wisely.

Words can wound and destroy. Words can nurture and encourage.

How will you use your words today?

Peace. Hope. Love.

“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”

Proverbs 25:11   

When I got home, I put on one of my favorite aprons and gathered things I would need for this simple recipe. I cut, snipped and pressed fresh ingredients. As the olive oil coated pan heated up, I began to layer the ingredients on top of each other. There is just something about the smell of garlic browning in olive oil that makes you breathe deep and take a moment to be thankful you are not just grabbing something off a shelf or out of the microwave. Convenience comes with a price. Cooking feeds more than just your stomach.

I combined a few recipes I found on-line, and came up with what I think was a delicious Open-Face Caprese Sandwich. My family whole-heartily agreed.

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons of olive oil

3 cloves of garlic

4 thick slices of crusty french bread

thinly sliced soft mozzarella cheese ( Costco has already sliced packs )

3 – 4 tomatoes – thinly sliced

12 fresh basil leaves. Sliced into thin strands.

sea salt

Preparation:

1. Heat a deep skillet in olive oil and crushed garlic.

2. Put french bread slices in pan and heat over medium heat until lightly toasted.

3. Turn bread over and move around in the pan to absorb any extra oil .

4. Top with tomato slices, then basil strands, and finally, top with mozzarella cheese.

5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

6. Turn heat down and put lid on pan for about 4 minutes or until cheese softens.

7.  Sprinkle with sea salt  and serve.

ENJOY!

It might be the simplistic texture or the fact that my mom would sometimes wrap up a square and tuck it into my metal Yosemite Sam lunchbox when I was just a kid.  I know my kids were thrilled to see me pull a section of cellophane wrap off the roll and wrap a decorated square for their lunches today as well.

This week has been a bit busy. I have a looming book deadline and I am leaving today to teach at an amazing writer’s conference. Between balancing interviews, editing, and getting my Power Points and handouts ready I can feel myself start to get wound up, much like an old alarm clock right before the spring snaps and all the little inner workings burst out if it.

So I stop, stir, and sip, remembering that the Lord is in control and reminding myself  that it is always good to start out with a balanced breakfast… especially if it includes Rice Krispies!

“No,” he said. “It can’t be. I just saw her.”

Then silence.
“It is true,” I said. “She is gone.”

More silence

What a shock when the words… Live each day to the fullest, because you never know what tomorrow holds, becomes a reality. Even though it is said that there are only two things people can count on -death and taxes. It still catches us off guard when we assume that we will see someone the next day and they are gone.

Take five minutes to think about someone who you are thankful for..it could be the Starbucks Barista who always smiles when you come in to order a coffee, a co-worker who is quick with a smile or even someone from your past, like a high school teacher who was passionate about helping kids learn.  Then take just a moment to thank them or let them know that you hope they have a great day, and really mean it because you really don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

Keep short accounts with the people who have hurt you and apologize for your part in the hurt you may have caused someone else. You never know what tomorrow holds.

Don’t assume that you will use your good china and celebrate only on a special occasion. Make everyday special in some small way and be thankful everyday.

Live each day to the fullest because it is a choice we can make and a legacy by which we will be remembered.

   ”This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”    psalms 118:24