Sacred Harp Alto

My Dad, and an Update

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:03:00 +0000

I thank everyone who sent good wishes regarding my dad. He died on May 29 at the age of 89. We all miss him terribly, but we're glad his suffering is over.

In the meantime, I'm writing and preparing for my annual trip to the National Sacred Harp Convention in Birmingham. The convention couldn't come at a better time--I sorely need fellowship and singing to ease my grief.

I'll resume regular postings at the beginning of July. In the meantime, enjoy summer, and don't forget your sunscreen.

Sharona

A Quick Personal Note

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Wed, 28 May 2008 16:59:00 +0000

I haven't been around much, and I apologize for that. Right now my dad is in ICU and is doing very poorly. I'm home briefly, but will be driving back down there soon--I'm about three hours away.

If you would like to remember us in your prayers, we would really appreciate that.

I hope I will be able to update you on my writing and my life soon.

Thanks for your understanding.

Sharona

Upcoming Trips

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:53:00 +0000

I am definitely going to attend the GA State Sacred Harp Convention. I can't wait to sing with all my friends! This convention is one I always hate to pass up but can't always attend. This year it's on Easter Weekend (and in western GA), so it will be triply sweet to be there.

Yesterday, I finally found a cheap-enough fare to travel to Egypt to see my daughter, who's researching her dissertation until the fall (she has a ten-month fellowship). She lives in Cairo in an apartment with two other young women, and is thriving, from what I can determine. Ancient Egypt is not one of my interests, but it has been my daughter's passion since she was four--a lifelong love for her, and obviously she's doing what she's meant to be doing.

While there, she plans to take me to Luxor, which is where many of the big temples and tombs are. We've talked on the phone about it, and I'm leaving it up to her to make the reservations. Egypt is her place, and in a sense, she'll be the grownup while I visit. I know it means a lot to her for me to visit, so we said, hang the expense, let's do it. My husband will keep the home fires burning while I'm over there.

In the meantime, I'm simply glad the chore of finding a decent airfare is off my plate, so I can write, write, write. And, until I see my daughter again, I have the Ga State to keep me happy.

Sharona

Winner of the Book of the Day Contest at AI!

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:25:00 +0000

Jennifer Tower of Maine won a copy of my book, COVER ME. Congratulations, Jennifer! Your book will go in the mail in the next day or so.

Sharona

Winner of the "Read an Ebook Week" Contest!

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:46:00 +0000

Congratulations to jackie_wisherd! Jackie has won an ebook copy of my novel, "Cover Me", as part of my "Read an Ebook Week" contest. Yay, Jackie!

Sharona

Win! See Book of the Day Today at Author Island

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 16:57:00 +0000

Just a quick post to let you know that COVER ME is the Book of the Day over at Author Island. AI and I are giving away a free copy, so hop on over to the site, follow the instructions, and you'll be entered for a chance to win a copy of the book.

Sharona

How "Green" Is Your Reading Material?

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:58:00 +0000

I have to say, I never thought about the issue of "green" reading material until I ran across information about Read an eBook Week, which begins this Sunday (March 2-8). As I write ebooks, I really have no excuse not to support Read an eBook Week.

Ebooks are environmentally friendly because they don't require any paper. Did you know that over a third of all books printed are never read? I'm quoting from the Read an eBook web site here: "They are returned to the publisher and end up in landfills."

I was astonished to read that!

So, I am supporting Read an eBook Week, and I hope you do, too. Not only that, I'm giving you an incentive to support it. Simply join my announcements Yahoogroup for a chance to win an ebook copy of my novel COVER ME. (If you're already a member, you're automatically entered.)

That's all you have to do! I'll draw the winner on Sunday, March 9th. Hope to see you on my group, and good luck on winning the book!

Sharona

Frida Kahlo

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:39:00 +0000

Yesterday, I took part of the day off to see the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I even managed to use public transportation into the city and back without getting lost! Such things aren't as easy for me to deal with as they were when I was twentysomething (or even thirtysomething).

I find Kahlo's work fascinating, disturbing--and beautiful. Her life was one of pain, and she truly turned her sufferings into art. However, this post isn't really about Kahlo, her art, or the exhibit. It's about finding inspiration to do what you love.

Art museums are one of my favorite things. Almost all visual art interests me, and I find that it also inspires my muse, creating ideas and giving me energy to write new stories, or finish old ones. Especially when it's winter, I like to visit a museum in order to recharge and refresh myself. It's almost as good as an indulgent visit to a spa. Scratch that: for me, it's even better.

A friend of mine is devoting an entire year of her life to her art, so if you live in the southern California area, keep an eye on this blog for details about her first California show. I'm not going to give away anything--the concept she's working with knocks my socks off--but you might enjoy her unique artistic style. Simply visit her web site to find out more--my favorite is the mariachi snowmen. At the moment, all she has on the site are her paintings, plus photos of other works, but I know that more will be forthcoming.

Do what you love, do what makes you feel creative and vital, even if it's only during a small part of your week. We all need to create, to take a deep breath now and then, to remember who we really are. Try it.

Sharona

One More New Goodie for You

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:59:00 +0000

If you enjoy this blog (despite my lack of communication at times), and would like for each new post to arrive in your inbox automatically, as email, then use the new form that appears under my photo. Sometimes technology is wonderful.

Sharona

New Year, New Challenges, New Stuff, New Life

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:04:00 +0000

First, I've added four new items to the blog. I'm a sucker for quotations, so now I feature four different varieties in the right column. Quote of the Day runs above my photo, while below my photo are Art Quote of the Day, Funny Quote of the Day, and Love Quote of the Day. Enjoy.

This new year has had its challenges. My husband's job situation remains uncertain--it has been a source of near-constant stress. Communications with a lot of people in my life are at an all-time low--perhaps there's something to astrology after all? I think Mercury is retrograde right now (i.e., going backwards), and Mercury controls communication--that much, I know. And, my parents are not doing well.

However, the new year has had its joys, too. I couldn't ask for a harder-working muse at the moment--ideas and words have simply been pouring out of me, so instead of blogging, I've been writing stories, which is a Very Good Thing, at least for me (and, ultimately, for you, if you read my work). I've also been exercising more regularly, and eating better. And, saints be praised, I found a part-time job to help our finances that is perfect for me--it pays well, I get to work at home, and it's a high-tech job, so I could not complain, even if I wanted to. :-)

It occurs to me that tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, begins a new year for Christians, sort of. Ash Wednesday offers us a chance to rededicate ourselves to walking the walk, not just talking the talk. In past years, I've given up small pleasures, in order to keep Lent uppermost in my mind--not as a time of deprivation, but as a time of joy, and of fruitful reflection, of waiting. This year, I've decided not to give something up--the reasons are too personal to go into here--but I will be rededicating myself to acting more consistently with my beliefs, and to taking more time for reflection and prayer. I've discovered that going for my walks provides me with an excellent opportunity to talk with God.

An aside to Jeff, who commented on my post regarding Relocating for Singing. Thank you so much for your story--it moved me, and also reminded me why I need to cultivate more patience than I have. Need I add that one of my favorite sayings is, "Grant me patience, Lord, but hurry"?

By the way, Sacred Harp friends, there is a chance that I will be able to attend the GA State this year. (Yes!!!) To be singing Sacred Harp on Easter Sunday, with my friends--now, that's a party I don't want to miss! But, I must have patience, as all ducks are not quite in a row, yet.

Happy Lent,

Sharona

November Contest Winner, plus a request for YOU to read a manuscript excerpt

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:40:00 +0000

Ah, me. The holidays are over, and it's back to work. Winter, for me, becomes dreary after the holidays end. It always feels a little colder and darker after I put away the holiday lights. It doesn't help that I always feel cold in winter. Generally, it's not my favorite season.

On to brighter things, so to speak.

First, the November winner over at AuthorIsland was Carol M. in PA. She won a copy of COVER ME, plus a lovely throw to keep her warm. Congratulations to Carol!

Second, I've been looking at a full manuscript of mine that needs revision, a book that's near and dear to my heart for reasons too personal to reveal here. The ms. needs a lot of work, but it has a special spark in it, I think. So, here's how you can help me.

If you're not already a member of my Yahoogroup, I'm asking you to join, because that's where the information about the novel is posted, along with a long excerpt you can read. If you decide you don't want to remain a member of my Yahoogroup after you read the excerpt, you can leave. I won't be offended if you do. But I really need feedback from my readers regarding the ms.

I need to warn you that it's edgy, and may bother those who read more traditional romances, especially if the reader is sensitive about alternative lifestyles and a heroine's sex life. With that caveat, here's more about the story.

"Alice" (working title) is a light but edgy romance set in the mid-to-late Seventies. The edginess partially arises because the heroine has to decide between two men, but if you were in your twenties thirty years ago, such a situation might sound familiar to you. My wisecracking heroine with Sixties politics comes to Boston in 1976 to find herself, which she does--along with a boatload of troubles and dangers, as well as laughs.

I'd love it if you'd read the excerpt and share your opinion of the story. Email me at sharonanelson [at] gmail [dot] com with your thoughts. (Be sure to remove the spaces in the email address, and turn the [at] into a @ and the [dot] into a period.) I really want to know if you like it or not, or if something about it turns you off. I've heard in publishing circles that romance novels set in the Seventies don't sell. Well, here's your chance to make your voice heard, at least by me.

For taking the time to read the material and send me an email, I'll put your name in the pot for a nice giveaway, so let me know what you think! If you unsubscribe from my group, I'll still keep you in the prize pot, not to worry. (Normally, the contests I run are only for members of my Yahoogroup.)

Well, it's the time of night when I want to curl up with some chocolate (or maybe a piping-hot "English muffin with butter and jam," as the gecko in one of the GEICO commercials says) and a good book in front of my space heater. I hope you enjoyed your holiday season, and that new delights await you in 2008!

Sharona
P.S. Next post, I'll tell you what Santa gave this Sacred Harper for Christmas...

Why I've Been Away--and Great News!

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:29:00 +0000

The last month has slipped away, for a number of good reasons.

One, my daughter came home from Egypt with a broken bone (can you say, freaking out Mom? Hello?). None of us knew it was any more than a bad sprain until she kept her regular doctor's appointment back here, and the doctor ordered x-rays "just to be on the safe side". She fractured her fibula right above the ankle, the result of a nasty fall in Luxor on some stone steps. Fortunately, the bone had already begun to knit properly, so they didn't have to re-break it and set it (oh, ick, ick, major ick!).

Two, we decided to celebrate both Christmas and Thanksgiving in mid-November, when her boyfriend (unofficially her fiance) was visiting. I threw together two holidays (cleaning, decorating--including the tree, gift shopping, gift wrapping, food shopping, and cooking!) in eight days flat. Needless to say, I did very little else during that eight days. But it turned out wonderfully! We had the best time.

We held it as early as we did because we originally thought she would leave on Dec. 3, but she ended up staying home till the 10th. She returned this past Monday to Egypt for her ten-month research fellowship, so she can do the research she needs to write her dissertation.

My poor muse is feeling somewhat ignored right now. I haven't done a lot of writing in the past few weeks. But today I received word that my novel, COVER ME, has finalled in the annual ebook competition called the EPPIEs. I am absolutely thrilled! I'm up against three other writers in my category (contemporary romance), and I plan to attend the convention in March, just in case I should win.

Oh, yes, something like this inspires me to create afresh. So it's back to writing for me!

Sharona

November Contest on Author Island! Win a Free Book & Cozy Throw!

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:49:00 +0000

My November contest is on Author Island. Hop on over there (scroll about one-third of the way down the Contests page) and enter for your chance to win! If you're the winner, you will receive a paperback copy of COVER ME, plus a warm and fuzzy throw to keep you covered! Remember to answer the question posed in the contest information (read the excerpt on my Web site for the answer), and you'll be entered!

Stay warm as we move into wintry weather!

Sharona

Dia de los Muertos

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:43:00 +0000

Cool image, si?

I love Dia de los Muertos, which is a Mexican holiday that honors those who have passed on. It also mocks death and celebrates life.

My California friend and I both love the holiday. My affection for it originated in an appreciation of skulls, which first arose from my love of Warren Zevon and his music. Zevon always had a skull somewhere on his album covers. In fact, one picture seemed to have been used repeatedly on most (if not all) of his covers. It even has a name--"Old Velvet Nose." I'm sure Zevon knew what that meant. I sure don't.

Many of Zevon's songs are about death, usually in a thumb-your-nose fashion. In WZ's case, however, death had the last laugh--he died much too soon, of mesothelioma, a lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure, at home on September 7, 2003. He was 56.

Today, I celebrate life, as well as remember loved ones who are now gone. And don't flinch the next time you see a skull. It's merely a memento mori--a reminder that death always lurks behind life.

The Warren understood that.

Sharona

BOO!

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:03:00 +0000

Happy Halloween to All from Sharona!!!

A Fascinating and Funny Book

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:41:00 +0000

I recently finished reading The Year of Living Biblically by A. J. Jacobs. The subtitle (which appropriately gives away the point of the book) is, "One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible". In other words, Jacobs read the entire Bible, recording all the laws or commands he found in order to follow all of them, if possible, during one year.

The book's not what you'd think. For starters, it's funny. Very funny. He tried to keep all the laws and commands (even the strangest ones) at least once during the year. That in itself leads to more humorous situations than you might imagine.

Jacobs was raised a secular Jew, meaning his parents didn't teach him any religion. He didn't even have a bar mitzvah. And every year, his parents put up a Christmas tree with a Star of David on top.

So, Jacobs is, at best, agnostic when he begins his quest. I don't want to give away the ending, but I will tell you he doesn't convert to anything or become super-religious.

Just read the book. It's that good. And, if your own faith is tattered (or even nonexistent), you may be able to identify more with some chapters than others.

Sharona

The Unexpected

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 17:46:00 +0000

I spent five days at my parents' home recently and attended their 60th anniversary dinner, along with other family members. When I returned home Tuesday evening, I discovered my daughter was returning from Egypt a day early so that she and her friends could attend a memorial service for a former dig cohort who died in a freak accident. (The accident was so weird and sad that the story made headlines in Boston.) So, after arriving here Wednesday evening, she left early Thursday morning for Boston with her friends.

One happy aspect of the situation is that she and her friends (and boyfriend, who changed his plans to fly into Boston and not Philly) are sleeping at her dad and stepmother's home, thereby gaining an unexpected visit with them.

My family has been chock-full of unexpected changes in the past week, so how to handle such changes has preoccupied me. When you're a control freak, handling the unexpected is... challenging.

Somehow, we have all managed to pull together and ride the waves of change, rising above the petty to cohere, as family should. In fact, the past week has reinforced the lesson that the only constant in life is change.

Wishing you strength to find your way through the changes of life,

Sharona

Ghost from the Past

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 22:43:00 +0000

As it's only a couple of weeks until Halloween, the topic of ghosts came to mind. I don't mean the scary-haunted-house type of ghost. The ghost, for me, is someone I knew long ago. Really long ago.

I had not thought of the man literally in years, but last night I did, so I Googled him out of curiosity. What I found surprised me. I never expected to discover he's a muckety-muck in a historical association, and I certainly never expected to find an email address. (This guy was such a Luddite when I knew him, he didn't even have a phone.)

He's someone I was once unhealthily attracted to who hurt me repeatedly over the course of several years. We're talking deliberate emotional cruelty. And I wondered if the old, bad attraction for him would rise in me once more.

It didn't.

What arose in me instead was a profound anger. I found myself wanting to email him so I could finally tell him off, using blunt Anglo-Saxon words. But the impulse quickly died. Cussing the man out would solve nothing, and might even create new problems.

I found something else inside me that's much better: I no longer care about him, positively or negatively. And I am so, so happy to discover this fact, and about my ability to let the past remain in the past.

I feel so free!

Sharona

What Cats Want

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 18:17:00 +0000

Freud was supposed to have asked, "What do women want?"

Today I ask, "What do cats want?" Specifically, "What do our cats want?"

I'm sure it's not easy to be a pet. You're much smaller than your owners, they never understand when you ask for more food/whatever, and you don't have much control over your life. It must be frustrating.

But, for the life of me, I have no idea what our cats seem to want.

We're taking care of our daughter's cat while she's in Egypt. Though loveable, he is driving me bonkers. The cat follows me around whenever I'm downstairs (kitchen, daughter's room, and family room/TV are there), pawing my legs when I stand still long enough for him to do so. He has water and food in all his bowls--three different kinds, I might add, because of his health problems. He doesn't want to be picked up. He doesn't want to be brushed (a favorite thing), he doesn't want me to pet him, he doesn't want to go out in the yard, and he doesn't want to play. Near as I can figure, he wants me to follow him around the house until he tires of it--to what end, I've no idea. Probably it amuses him to manipulate the human into doing what he wants.

I should mention that Tapper (the solid black cat in the pictures at the bottom of the right column) is an incredibly needy cat. He's extremely attached to our daughter, and when she's not home, he loudly demands that we focus all our attention on him and his needs, unfathomable as they are. He really, really wants attention from people most of his waking moments. And it's driving me crazy!

Our cat, Scritters (the muted calico), is a needy and demanding cat, too. However, what she usually wants is petting and rubbing. If not that, then it's food. If not that, play, but this happens not so often. So I have a thirty-three percent chance of guessing what she wants. She does, however, crave petting and attention almost as much as Tapper.

Additionally, the cats loathe each other, so Scritters basically lives upstairs (our bedrooms and offices are there), while Tapper lives downstairs, where our daughter's room is. Neither of them enjoys skirmishes, so they usually keep to their own levels--but become very jealous when one smells the other on us. Sigh.

I have never, ever had cats this needy, who want humans to amuse them 24/7. I'm used to cats who amuse themselves, but show up for petting occasionally and food often. And I've had a lot of experience with cats. But these days, we have two cats who act like whiny three-year-olds.

I love them both to death, but I just don't have enough hours in the day to suit this pair. I will be so glad when our daughter comes home and I don't have Tapper demanding attention every time I venture to the first floor. I can only deal with one needy cat at a time.

Sharona

Changes in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 16:50:00 +0000

There's a change in the air today. Here in the Philadelphia area, it finally feels like fall--crisp air that nips you enough to make you find a sweatshirt or light jacket. With the wind, it feels even colder--more like forties than fifties. For me, that's hats and glove weather.

I enjoy walking, and I especially enjoy it on cool but sunny days, so I'll take a nice, long jaunt today. I'll probably walk to a park I like, where I'll loop around it, then walk back home.

I walk for lots of reasons, many of them health-related, but I also walk because it helps me untangle whatever's in my head. It worked when I was a technical writer with a problem I didn't know how to solve, when I would walk at lunchtime and come back with a solution. It works now when I get "stuck" in a story. Walking also releases stress and helps me deal with jumbles of contradictory feelings.

My dad's getting two pints of blood today, in an effort to stave off his weakness and improve his appetite, because he's been not eating and rapidly losing weight. While the transfusion won't cure anything, it is supposed to make him feel better. My youngest sister took them to the hospital this morning. When they found out he'd be at the hospital all day, she took my mom out to breakfast, then home. My mom will call me later today once the transfusion is done and my dad's back home.

So, lots to think about today.

A week from yesterday will be their sixtieth wedding anniversary. A week from tomorrow we're all going to celebrate it. I plan to visit for several days. But for now, all I can do is wait.

Sharona

Guest Blogging Today/Friend Me at MySpace!

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:42:00 +0000

I'm guest-blogging today--go see.

Also, I've just joined MySpace and I would love for you to "friend" me.

For those in the USA, hope you are enjoying a pleasant three-day weekend.

TV alert: A new and very funny show, if you find computer/math/science geeks endearing (as I do), is on CBS tonight at 8:30 Eastern--"The Big Bang Theory". The wit and comebacks are sharply honed and simply hilarious. I think I used to work with Sheldon and Leonard. I may have even dated them. At any rate, a lot of laughs based on intelligence and real-life cluelessness.

Sharona

I'm Guest Blogging on Monday, October 8; Whimsical Show

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:42:00 +0000

If you are a writer, or enjoy reading about the writing process, I'm guest blogging on Catherine Stang's blog on Monday, October 8. I'll be commenting on "binge writing." If you don't know what that is, drop by Cathy's blog and find out.

I watched a new TV show Wednesday night that I fear won't last because of its uniqueness. Pushing Daisies is about a guy who has a gift--he can bring dead things back to life--as long as he never touches them again (if he does, they die again, and for good). It is marvelous--whimsical and magical with lots of heart and humor. The colors in it are eye-popping--they're using an extra-bright palette--they positively *glow*. The actors are appealing, and the writing is superb. You can learn more, and watch the first episode on the Internet, or see it tonight on ABC at 8 PM Eastern time. Do watch Pushing Daisies before it disappears--I really doubt this one will last.

Sharona

Thankfulness

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:55:00 +0000

Today seemed like a good day to remind myself of what I'm thankful for. They are listed in no particular order, just as they came to mind.

1. A nice home and furnishings.
2. Plenty of tasty food to eat.
3. Enough money to own a car and pay for the gas.
4. Both my parents and all my sisters are alive.
5. A good husband and his love.
6. A fantastic daughter.
7. Many wonderful, loving friends.
8. Sacred Harp.
9. Plenty of time for recreation and favorite hobbies (besides singing, of course).
10. Last, but certainly not least, God's love and presence in my life.

I learned many years ago that life is easier if you cultivate an "attitude of gratitude." In this way, we concentrate on the good things we have instead of feeling sorry for ourselves for not having the things we want.

I don't mean this to be simplistic, or to ignore real problems we all face. But I know I've been much happier since I consciously decided to be thankful rather than moan about things I want but don't have. (Seems like most of them were material, anyway...)

One more thing for which I am thankful: I (and the rest of my family, too) thank everyone who has prayed, sung, and sent good thoughts out for my father. He has decided he will undergo some palliative treatment that he had previously said he didn't want to do. Palliative treatment won't cure anything, but it makes you feel better while you are still alive--it's what hospices do for the dying, to make them comfortable. So I am very happy that my father has agreed to a blood transfusion. I know he will feel better once he receives some new blood. This means he has hope and has not yet given up, which is a good thing, too.

Before I close this post, I want to mention that my daughter has been keeping a blog since she went to Egypt for her dig. If you are interested in what it's like to live and work on a dig in remote Egypt, please take a look at her blog. In the photos, she's the tall, thin redhead, usually with a scarf on her head. :-) Except for God, she is what I am most thankful for in life.

May you have a day full of blessings and reasons to be thankful.

Sharona

Winter Vegetable Stew

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:48:00 +0000

Today I finally put together my first "veggie stew" since early spring. I don't know how many years I've been making it--probably close to twenty. Originally, it was from a recipe in a magazine, but I've modified it so many times that the recipe is now truly my own.

This stew/soup is delicious with some grated Parmesan on top and a big piece of crusty bread. Or with cornbread. It's just good, period. Even my meat-loving husband likes it--a lot. And, for the meat eaters, you could easily add beef or chicken or pork to the recipe, and use broth instead of water.

The amounts of various vegetables can be varied to suit your preferences and veggie supply in your home. This recipe makes a lot of stew/soup--you'll need a large stew pot--but you can always freeze it! I often freeze leftovers in plastic containers. Use within one month for best flavor. It's great to have on hand for a last-minute meal.

Vegetables should be cut into roughly one-inch cubes or chunks. Nothing fancy--just not too big to fit in your mouth!

Winter Vegetable Stew

1 med. to large sweet potato, peeled and diced
2-3 large carrots, peeled or scraped, and cut into rounds
1 med. to large onion, diced
1 small rutabaga, or portion of larger one, peeled and diced (optional, depending on your tastes and the season--personally, I love it)
1 med. to large potato, peeled and diced (also optional--I often leave it out)
1 can of vegetarian baked beans
1 can of chickpeas (optional)
1 large (28 oz.?) can of crushed tomatoes--must be crushed tomatoes
1 10 oz. box frozen spinach (you can substitute greens for spinach, if you like--I've used canned turnip greens and they were great)
1 10 oz. box/bag frozen peas
Salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning blend, and pepper, all to taste (I never measure these!)

1. Combine sweet potato, carrots, onion, rutabaga, and potato in large soup/stew pot. Add enough water to cover vegetables. Bring to boil and cook until veggies are fork-tender (not mushy).

2. Add the frozen spinach and peas, and more water if needed. Bring to boil and cook for about five minutes. Stir often.

3. Add vegetarian baked beans, chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and spices. Bring back to boil, then turn down low to simmer for five minutes--this will blend the flavors. Stir frequently so it doesn't stick to the bottom!

4. Turn heat off and let sit for ten minutes, stirring occasioally. If desired, serve with grated cheese on top of each bowl, with hearty bread or cornbread.

"Veggie Stew" is perfect for football watching!

Sharona

The Kindness of Singers

noreply@blogger.com (Boomer Angst) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 03:34:00 +0000

Earlier today I posted on the Fasola list that I'd hoped to attend the NE Convention this weekend, but amid the worries of the past few days, I failed to plan for it. I mentioned that my father is pretty sick, and asked for good thoughts and a prayer or two, if anyone wished.

I further said that my father has been very brave. He's dying of cancer, and he hasn't felt well in a very long time. But he is facing the situation head-on, with dignity. I don't know if I could possibly be that brave.

The compassionate, loving outpouring of concern I've received via email moves me to tears. I will thank each one of you individually, but for now, I say thank you here.

It's late, and I need to go to bed, but I'll leave you with the words of Isaac Watts. These words are not for my father--he is ready to pass on. They're for me. I'm the "tim'rous worm", and that's why I say I don't know if I could ever be as brave as my father has been, and is.

"Why should we start and fear to die:
What tim’rous worms we mortals are!
Death is the gate of endless joy,
And yet we dread to enter there."
--Isaac Watts, 1707

Sharona