Tamara Dawn's Daily Peace

9/30 The Good, the Bad and the Ugly...

2010-09-30T08:41:00.001-07:00

So, as you may have already assumed, I am NOT the next American Idol. Shocking isn't it? I know you all assumed I would be, right?!! Hahahaaa... Well, I didn't think so. Maybe that was half of my problem in the first place? Who knows.

The trip to Austin was awesome! First of all, as a child from a brood of 9 getting to take a vacation with my mother all alone simply can't be beat! We walked around downtown where our fantastic hotel was, found some treasures in the cutest little vintage shops, ate some great food, had a few drinks, went to the spa and of course found a mall....it was a blast!!

We showed up to get in line at 5am the morning of tryouts and sat on the sidewalk with thousands crowded around us for 2 hours with a cricket infestation until they finally let us in to find our numbered seats. It was regular weather for Texas in July, about 85 degrees already with a humid stickiness in the air that made it impossible not to sweat! We were smiling though and just having fun taking in all the entertainment around us. People had their guitars and ukulele's out, they were singing their 'showiest' songs and the smell of competition was thick in the air.

...and then it happened....

Ryan Seacrest made an appearance and judging from the complete insanity of the 15,000 people around me, this was apparently supposed to be extremely exciting! He definitely looked like ....a guy. I will say he has a lovely speaking voice, which is why he's managed to make the big bucks I'm sure. I'm serious, everything he said was very clear and fluid. He had impeccable pronunciation and great stage presence. He did the whole "THIS is American Idol!!" thing and had us clap/sing/flash our cameras on cue for about 10 takes and then said good luck and we never saw him again.

'Cowboy Casanova' by Carrie Underwood is the song of choice for Austin tryouts. They had us memorize it and sing it over and over and over and shot a bunch of footage. That will be the song contestants who made it through will sing in front of the camera to play during the Austin tryouts episode. This part was actually really fun! They had a music instructor of sorts singing with us and getting everyone all pumped and energized for our big moment...

...so on to the big moment...

On the TV, it appeared that Simon, Randy, and the other judges sat and endured all of the thousands of hopefuls and that your ticket to Hollywood was in their hands at that one audition. Right? I mean, that's what we all thought, wasn't it??

So, you can imagine the shock on every one's face when a crew came out and set up 10 tables across the floor with a curtain in between each one. Then, 15-20 judges came out and sat down and we were told how the auditions would go. We would herd down, section at a time, to the floor. At that point we'd be lined up 4 across at each judges table with 2-3 groups of 4 waiting in line behind us. We'd be pointed at, step forward, sing for approximately 10 seconds, stopped and then the next followed the same. While you were singing, so were the people at the other 9 tables. The two judges at our table would talk behind their clipboards for a few seconds and then dismiss us.

I'm telling ya, I heard the theme song from 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' in my head when I stepped forward. I wasn't nervous, just focused. I just wanted to do the very best that I could with my ten seconds. I belted out my version of Faith Hill's 'If I'm Not In Love With You' and felt(and still feel) confident with how I did. I've been singing my whole life and I'm my own worst critic. There have been times, many, when I didn't feel I did my very best. This time I did and I'm thankful for that. It leaves me with no regrets or hard feelings. What more can a person do than their best? Nothing.

There were around 50 out of ~15,000 who auditioned that were not dismissed. The crowd roared each time somebody made it through. That's when, for me, the jig was up!! I saw people with beautiful smiles and voices full of talent dismissed and the 400lb dude wearing no shirt and the Texas flag as a cape who couldn't sing allowed through! He may have been a nice fellow, but honestly I was stunned. As brilliant as I may find myself to be at times(and those times do exist:)....this time I felt like a total airhead! I realized what was happening when I found out that all the people who made it through in Austin that day, were asked to return in October to audition in front of those famous four judges we see on the show! Get it?

J-Lo, Steven Tyler and Randy will go to each audition city and see the small select group handpicked for show. This means when you watch the show in January every single one of those contestants made it through the summer auditions and were asked to return by their own means to that audition city again in the fall to appear in front of the real judges. 'The good, the bad and the ugly'. This made me feel bad for a lot of them right away. Somebody like Simon Cowell saying to a hopeful singer..."Who ever told you that you could sing should be shot" or.."You're the worst singer I've ever heard" just didn't make sense to me anymore. People spend time and money again to make a trip when those judges know very well why they picked them and that they would be wasting their time and money indeed.

I couldn't be angry. It all fit together now and honestly a show that is ranked #1 in the country needs no other explanation! It's all a genius work of art, put together by a vast, intelligent team of people who know EXACTLY what it takes to get the viewers to tune in....and I'll be one of them!! It's a fun show to watch, especially if you have an itch for singing and entertainment! You bet I'm gonna try to pick myself out in those crowd shots with Seacrest during the Austin episode and I'm happy I did it! I'm proud of myself for following through with something I've had on my bucket list for years. Now I can watch the show with a whole new set of eyes and I'm sure that will be fun in itself!

It was a crazy machine, but totally worth the ride. How can you feel bummed after a few fun days away with your mom? You can't! Life will take you where it goes and it's much more enjoyable when you don't let road blocks hold you up too much. Usually, or I guess in my experience anyway, something bigger and better is always waiting around the corner after a disappointment. I wonder what it is?? It's never what I think it is and that seems to work out for the best, so I guess you just have to keep grabbing life by the horns and hold on!!! After all, it's all these experiences, good, bad and ugly, that give us wisdom and clarity of mind.

7/23 It's almost time!!

2010-07-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well, well, well....here we are 2 weeks before Idol auditions and I haven't chickened out?! A room has been booked, plans have been made, shopping has been done, I've practiced and then practiced some more! Seems crazy, considering I've been saying I was going to do it for 10 years now!! It's time. Even if I never make it through the first round, I'll be proud of myself for trying:)
Something's gotta give though. If it's not American Idol, there are multiple avenues to explore and I'm excited to see where life will lead me next! My brain is short-circuiting because I've got too much physical and creative energy bouncing around and lack an outlet large enough to handle it!!! haha...

Really though, my life over the past months has been crazy and overloaded...and by no fault but my own! I've traveled to

Texas,

http://picasaweb.google.com/TamaraDawnsDailyPeace/TexasForTheWeekend?feat=directlink

Arizona,

http://picasaweb.google.com/TamaraDawnsDailyPeace/Arizona?feat=directlink

New Mexico, Arkansas,

http://picasaweb.google.com/TamaraDawnsDailyPeace/Arkansas?feat=directlink

Kansas,

http://picasaweb.google.com/TamaraDawnsDailyPeace/4ThOfJuLyAtGrammaAndPapaS?feat=directlink

California,

http://picasaweb.google.com/TamaraDawnsDailyPeace/SanFrancisco?feat=directlink

some of those twice or more and a few places in between. Along the way I took anybody's picture who'd let me! Snapped, downloaded and edited a ridiculous amount of photos while keeping up with my photo website. http://newdawnphotobytamara.com/

Tried to blog when I possibly could. Made time for friends. Crocheted my first blanket (which traveled to 4 of those states during it's assembly) for my new niece.

Fulfilled my regular duties of cleaning, organizing the house TO DEATH, catching frogs

http://picasaweb.google.com/TamaraDawnsDailyPeace/MomKnowsWhereAllTheGoodFrogsHangOut?feat=directlink feat=directlink,

swimming, building rocket ships,

reading books, cooking, playing, cooking, playing, repeat.... Which reminds me of the two weeks of lunches/dinners I made for my mom to get her to stop eating Nutrisystem.

Took care of/cleaned up after our brood of rabbits,

a couple of chickens, a dog, a giant bird and a fish.

Attended a family reunion dedicated to my grandmother with a gift project for everyone in hand.

Had lots of family pass in and out of town. Shopped, of course:) Offered massages gratis to family when I thought they needed it or even when they didn't. Created a family tree and turned it into 11 canvases and sent them out.

Visited Mom and Dad a few times and each time tackled some daunting task (ie: cleaning the garage, organizing the storage room (which has given people nightmares), updating and re-designing their company website, etc). Chased this guy around on a speeding dirtbike!

When I hear that somebody could use my help, my response is pretty much "sure!". If I have spare time, I fill it with the zoo, the park, a walk, a project...there's always project after project...
I just rattled off a SAMPLING of what I keep myself busy with, so do you see what I mean?! I can't stand sitting still and even when I'm sleeping my brain is at work. Like my dad, my best ideas wake me up straight out of deep sleep! Leo keeps me challenged which is a good thing and I anticipate every second of being his mommy.

I also want to show him that anything is possible and that 'gifts' are not meant to be wasted, talent is meant to be shared, time is precious, tough times are necessary to acquire wisdom, giving is a way of life and love is not an option.....and most of all, that he can always count on me. Taking advantage of every second of life is critical to accomplish those goals, so that's exactly what I intend to do! Wish me luck;)

7/7 Crazy Deams...

2010-07-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

You said to try an upbeat tune...here goes!!!

(Remember, there is no background music allowed at the audition)

6/16 Grandma Francis

2010-06-16T11:55:00.000-07:00

My grandma Francis was an amazing person, no joke. This weekend is her birthday and we continue to celebrate it even now that she's gone by having a family reunion. I put this picture together and wrote the little poem in remembrance:) The house in the pictures is in shambles there, but those of us who spent years visiting her there remember it much differently. That's Grandma on the right playing her fiddle. She played wonderfully and taught her whole family that playing an instrument and/or singing brought joy to the world. At the bottom is a small picture of her and Grandpa when they got married. These two created a family tree that goes on and on including hundreds of us. What an honor to be in their tree.

Poem:
I'm only one of hundreds you see
who make up your beautiful family tree
Missing you so and talking to you when I pray
I take comfort in your words of wisdom that help to guide my way
You taught me so much about the kind of person I want to be
and in my heart and with me always is where you'll forever be

Miss you, Grandma.

-Tamara Dawn

6/9 A Mangiare challenge!

2010-06-09T06:35:00.000-07:00

See the look on my face here...that's the look of a girl who LOVES a challenge:) I have an impulse when somebody says "you can't do that"...to say "WATCH ME!"

Take, for instance, a week ago when my mother bought my niece a large saucer style chair for her bedroom and we were all outside the store trying to figure out how to get it in the car...we tried the back seat, front seat, the trunk....it just wouldn't fit!! Everyone was ready to give up and decided we needed to drive all the way back later with a truck to get it. Considering there were a trillion other errands to be run, I WAS NOT about to waste that kind of time! My sister said, jokingly, "Somebody should just get in the trunk with the chair and hold the trunk door down! Hahahaa"......

Well, before they all stopped laughing, I was under the chair in the trunk of my mom's Lincoln Towncar asking for somebody to hand me the trunk door and saying "Let's go!"

Now that you know this about me, you'll understand why I did what I did yesterday;)

My mom, in her desire to shed a few pounds, decided to purchase Nutrisystem. I have been preaching to my family for a long time now about the importance of eating well and especially the importance of health/fitness over diet/weight loss. As you can imagine, I was not thrilled about Nutrisystem at all. However, I really understood the predicament my mom was in. She and my dad (who could use a little health/fitness makeover himself, but don't tell him I said so) own and run a large, successful corporation. They work 6 days a week and their days are long and full of hard work, both physically and mentally draining. So, the last thing she feels like doing when she gets home is think of what to make, let alone to actually cook! At this point, she needs to be eating a nice meal (that she didn't have to make), taking a nice bath and relaxing! These are all things we agree on:)

Where we disagree is how/where those warm meals should come from! I suggested to her to take a day each week or two and prepare meals with good ingredients and actual nutrients to freeze. Then she could just take it out and heat it up! She was not as excited about this as I was, because the task of coming up with a menu and preparing the food still seemed daunting. See, Nutrisystem works because it has basically no nutrition, it's not really food! For her, it seemed appealing because it comes in a box and all she had to do was eat it. She said to me "You can't just prepare food for two weeks at a reasonable price...how could you do that?....just coming up with the menu would be hard!"

I said, "WATCH ME!" :)

I don't think she thought I could do it, which made it extra enticing to me. She was paying Nutrisystem $XXX for two weeks worth of lunches and dinners for just herself. I was able to prepare and package two weeks worth of lunches and dinners for her AND my dad for 2/3 the price she was wasting on 'non-food'.

Here's how I did it:

First, I came up with a menu. I perused the Nutrisystem menu and also added some of my own easy/freezable recipes and came up with the menu below(click to enlarge). She can figure out what things she liked and what things she didn't like and change that in later menus.

Then, I compiled a master grocery list. Being mindful of cost, but mostly concerned about being sure to use FRESH ingredients and ingredients with no chemicals.

Then, I power-cooked for about 6 hours and completed all the meals in time for my nephew to take them to her in Kansas yesterday evening since he was going anyway.

The meals came together perfectly, I didn't burn anything but my arm;)

It was actually pretty fun!! I like to cook and I loved the challenge! Also, I work best under pressure so since my nephew was leaving, the time constraint worked to my advantage;)

She had two weeks of lunches and dinners delivered right to her door last night, which is exactly what Nutrisystem offered. The cool part is that it's all REAL food, prepared in a clean kitchen with fresh ingredients....and it's all enough for two! So, now dad can get healthy too!! I even sent along fresh fruit, some bakery bread, yogurt, granola, etc....things she can't easily get where they live.

and...

I was done and had a spotless kitchen before the sun set. I don't mind saying here...."dang, I'm good" Hope you enjoy it, Mom!

There are company's all over that cater to those of us who may not have the time to prepare quality food in their home. DON'T call Nutrisystem! Look up 'meals-to-go' companies that do exactly what I did for my mom. There are even places that have stations where you dish up the meals into containers yourself and then take them home and freeze! For the more frugal household...this only took me about 7 hours total, shopping included. I'm no master chef, so you can do it too I'm sure! You could take a Sunday afternoon and prepare your meals for the week or be extra adventurous and try two weeks! There are always possibilities and the point is IT CAN BE DONE!! You can find a way to be healthful that works for your home and schedule. All you have to do is try it!

6/8 Video...singing 'What a Day'

2010-06-08T06:47:00.000-07:00

So, this is my number one choice thus far for my audition song! I love it and so do my closest advisers;) I started the video in the middle of the song so it wouldn't be too long and somehow need to take the best parts of the song and turn it into a 'perfect 30 sec performance' What I want to know though, is do YOU love it?? ...or is it all wrong?! Dates and cities are finally being released and no matter the outcome, I'm eagerly anticipating the entire adventure!!

6/4 World Bank is going broke?!?!...what a joke!

2010-06-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, now I know there are many things beyond my realm of comprehension, BUT it seems to me that we might just be getting dumber as time creeps by! I sincerely believe there is life on many other planets in our universe....and I wouldn't bet against the idea that they all tune in to have a good laugh at the Silly Little Human's From Earth Show!! C'mon, civilizations/countries on our earth are crumbling and our currency is the issue?

WHO is supposed to fill the 'world bank'? I don't understand the concept we have of letting people live in poverty, in sickness, in turmoil and even letting many many people die because of money. I just don't. It's pitiful! We have this paper/coin/whatever that we trade in exchange for things we want and need. Those of us who have lots and lots of it can have everything they want and need and those who don't....well, who cares about them, right? WRONG!

Seriously, I might be an idealist of sorts because I think there IS a way for everyone to live peacefully. If we really wanted to, but I don't think we do. We'd rather have tiny, primitive little minds and fight wars over stupid things. Like children on the playground, we throw fits when people have what we don't have instead of offering to share what we have in exchange for some of theirs! We get hung up on currency, instead of working with each other towards balance.

I know this is radical and inconceivable, but is what we're doing really any better? Think about the national debts that would be out of the red if their countries didn't have war to pay for. Think of the economies that would be boosted if travel went up instead of down because we see each other as a threat instead of neighbors? 'Love thy neighbor as thyself' is a good line to live by no matter what your religion.

If I have something you need, ask me and I'll give it to you. Then hopefully, in the future if you have something I need you'll do the same....

I guess I was just raised that way. Even if we didn't have much, my dad gave it to somebody if they needed it. He always said "If you give, you'll always have enough"...and we always did. That note of wisdom sounds fantastic to me, because having 'enough' is ENOUGH for me. People don't want 'enough' though. They want more than enough and they want to watch people die of starvation while they feast.

I'm not sure if I see hope for people, for some change or enlightenment. I don't know if we're capable of change. In a way, I admire the slogan of Hope&Change that Obama driveled during his entire race to the presidency. It's an honorable dream shredded by a dishonorable society.

If we weren't fighting a war over oil in another country, would we be drilling for it too deep to repair in our own?

If we didn't have a 'we're better than you' attitude (and you know we do) would other countries hate us so much? I mean, nobody likes the conceded jerk at the party. If people practiced more empathy and compassion, would we find better solutions to our problems than war?...just asking!

Will I make many of you upset, annoyed or even angry with the things I've just said??....with a very fitting quote I'll answer, "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn!" ;)

scroll down...

2010-05-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

*After you catch up on the latest of my blogs, scroll down and catch the new Parenting Leo in the left sidebar and new photos in the slideshow!!*

5/25 Family

2010-05-25T15:29:00.000-07:00

With my sister getting ready to have her fifth little girl any minute now, it's got me thinking about family. My mother, my sister and I all have bags prepared to grab, throw in our cars and ride in like the cavalry to her rescue when we get her call...isn't that family? I've got a whole slew of props packed and prepared for the little baby's first photo shoot! My mom and I went out to help prepare the house and nursery and before that my sister went out to help her paint. We're all hanging on our phones and keeping her in our prayers, especially those of us women who've been there before.

A lot of people have 'family' that share their blood or name, but they never quite get the concept. Families are there for each other through the hard times...funerals, sickness, tragedy or any other of life's curve balls. Family is also, and just as importantly, there with you through the great times...weddings, births, graduations, promotions, etc. They are there in the calm waters....school plays, weekend bbq's, Sundays at church, summer vacations and so on.

So many times, especially in our day and age, we forget to tighten up our focus lens. Our focus seems to get all out of whack and the next thing you know your job, your boss, your friends, your hobbies are all getting in the way of what's really important. Take the time, MAKE the time for your family.

Picnic in the park

take advantage of fun events

enjoy a day at the zoo

plan weekends with extended family

and road trips to visit the ones far away

The options are endless, you don't necessarily need money to do it. It's the most important thing in the world. Family. Be there for them and they'll be there for you. They (even the 'bad ones') teach us everything we need to know if we'd just shut-up and listen!!

5/21 Trashing our country!! :(

2010-05-21T09:57:00.001-07:00

Imagine this...
You give me a gift. It's the most beautiful, unique, wondrous gift I've ever received. It's full of life, mystery and is inspiring at every glance. Imagine I take that gift and pretend to love it. I take all of it's resources and use them as I wish (never giving back as much as I take, of course) and then I proceed to simply take a giant crap on it!! Too graphic? Nope, just a perfect depiction of what we're doing to our planet. ...the pictures below are graphic, but necessary.
Seriously guys. I know I don't need to say much when it comes to this issue. We all know what's going on, we know what we can do to help reverse the problem, we know what we are doing that is contributing to the problem...yet our planet looks like this. Plastic is poison when consumed. The fish, birds and other creatures that eat it are then, accordingly, poison. So, knowing that fish is one of our healthiest food resources, why do we want to poison them. Or any other creature, edible or not!?!

Unbelievable. I cannot believe that the largest of the 5 HUGE trash swirls in our ocean is TWICE the size of Texas and deeper than you want to know!!!!! What's in them? Mostly plastic bottles and plastic bags. Pathetic.

Why?! Why are we dumping barges full of trash in the ocean?? That's right folks, the swirls are not there because of littering alone. We take barges full of trash and dump them in the ocean as if we have a giant flush handle that can be pulled.

Fact is, we don't. It can't be flushed away, it's only going to grow larger and more repulsive by the day. Killing animals and killing us in turn. Do you know how many cancers can be linked to the consumption of plastic? Educate yourself!
Use re-usable bags when you shop, so you don't have to use plastic ones. Plastic bags are actually illegal in a lot of countries and in others they charge you to use them. Why aren't we following the example? Are we 'eco-friendly' only when it's hip?...like 'green' baby clothes and fashionable 'green' home products?? I think we can do better.

RECYCLE!!! Do not throw anything away that can 1)be recycled through your city's recycling program or 2)that somebody else could get use out of. The picture above is a set of bins that a neighbor of mine had out with the trash cans (along with an un-damaged drum set and several other perfectly usable items) to be picked up, toted away to the dump and either buried or dumped in the ocean. Should I be ashamed that I saw it's potential and nabbed it, cleaned it up and used it myself? NO WAY!!! I would be far more ashamed to just carelessly throw it out, not considering for a minute where it will go or what/who it will affect once it left my curb.
Why are we so irresponsible? I mean, why are there thousands of gallons of oil spilling into the ocean?

Why are there practically new continents made from trash?! I don't know, but it makes me sad for my child and the generations to come. We've selfishly screwed the people we're supposed to be looking out for out of a healthy, happy planet to live on.

5/6 I'm boycotting the Arizona boycott!!!

2010-05-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

No, I do not think that American citizens should have to pay for those living in the country illegally. However, I DO think we're making it next to impossible for those who do want to become citizens to do so!! They have to go through a ridiculous process that entails going back to Mexico and waiting for some papers, yada yada yada....how many of you have the money to just pick up and go to Mexico for an indefinite vacation?? If you've been to Mexico and stepped off of your plush resort, you know EXACTLY why these people want to be here! Isn't America supposed to be the land of opportunity?

Yes, I realize that there are violence issues and crime rates that have been affected by illegal immigration. What I also realize is that when compared to the amount of violence our very own citizens cause and are responsible for in this country, there is no comparison! Of course, the media throws out all the stories and statistics and gets America all riled up with violence and biased opinions. Shame we aren't always so concerned about citizenship...

Are they taking American jobs? Folks you're not going to like me after this one...NO!!! They are not 'taking jobs from Americans' Check out your local unemployment lines and tell me who you see there. You'll see Americans who could be in line for a job interview, who could be asking anyone and everyone for a job or a chance to earn money in exchange for hard work...but aren't. The jobs that are being 'taken' by illegal immigrants are the jobs that AMERICANS WON'T DO!! They're the jobs that wouldn't get done unless they did them. If all illegal immigrants quit working for one day only, this country would be in a hurting place and we'd all notice the difference in some way.

We need a compromise. We need to find a fair and far more attainable way for citizens of others countries to become citizens of ours if that is their wish. We need to do so in a respectable manor that involves treating these citizens with common decency. If that happened and the peaceful law-abiding new citizens got their papers, then we would have no problem disciplining those who simply chose not to. If they do not want to be a citizen, they do not need to live here. Simple. In other countries is it just that simple. But if they do, we need to work with them, not against. "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..." is engraved at our Statue of Liberty. Are we liars or just selfish. We CAN find a compromise!!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get on the road with my hubby for a road trip. We're going to Arizona! We're boycotting the boycott. Arizona is simply trying to find something that works for them. We love it there, it's a beautiful state and a great place to vacation with plenty to do and see.... oh, and did I mention we're picking up Leo who has been there for a few days with his grandparents?!! LOVE a good road trip;)

5/5 Infant medication RECALLS?!?!!

2010-05-03T05:52:00.000-07:00

CHECK YOUR MEDICINE CABINET NOW!!! Can you believe this horrible absence of quality standards?? The 'trusted' brands, Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl have let us down once again. That's right, this has been an ongoing problem and I've never been happier that I am cheap!! Well, I'm a label reader anyway and let go of 'name brands' years ago when I turned the bottles around and found that the ingredients are exactly the same. The problem in this case is the quality standards. Large, well known companies expect the FDA to be lax with them since they are supposed to be the best. The reality here is that since the FDA stays on top of smaller store brands, their quality standards are constantly kept up to par! The concentrations in the name brands have been found to be up to three times what it is supposed to be and they've found 'chunks' and particles in the syrup. Are you kidding me??!! Unacceptable....and these are the people you trust to approve the food you eat too!

catch the whole story in this article: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,591882,00.html?test=latestnews

4/22 What we've been up to...

2010-04-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

I'm busy busy busy and I've got the pictures to prove it! I've got several personal goals I'm working very hard towards. Leo keeps me on my toes no matter what, but now he's got a motorcycle that he practically wants to sleep on. My in-laws are still in town, but are planning on bailing out in about a week. Leo and I took a trip down to Dallas to do my niece's hair and make-up for prom and had a blast! Leo had so much fun playing with my sister, Trish, and Aussie, the dog, was instant buddies with him as well:) I had the opportunity to talk shop with my niece's dad who's a professional photographer and it looks like that opened some fantastic opportunities too!! (you can check out some of his fabulous portfolio at http://rrpictures.com/) We didn't get back until Monday evening and Tuesday and Wednesday were spent unwinding, getting things done around the house and editing photos (my latest addiction). I always say I'll be back on track with this blog when I slow down, but honestly I can't complain about being busy. My busy life is full of blessings! Enjoy the pix and talk to ya sooner than later;)

P.S.-scroll down for an updated Mangiare Monday!

4/22 Mangiare Monday 'make-up'...what to bring to brunch?

2010-04-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Recently, it was my groups turn to provide brunch for all the ladies at MOPS meeting. My contribution was simple and last minute (as usual) I think we make it harder on ourselves than we need to when it comes to deciding what to bring to something like this or even what to serve in our own homes. Avoiding the ruts or your 'same ol' recipes is the first rule to making these decisions easier. If you run down a list of things you always make, they'll never sound exciting. However, deciding to replace one ingredient with something new or even more simply, just displaying the food in a different way can make it seem like something different and wonderful!

I didn't have a lot of time, so I picked an easy combination of foods and an old standard recipe.

If your going to take cut apples, make sure to cut them last minute or toss them in a bit of lemon juice so they won't turn brown. Strawberries should be cut if they are too large to eat in one bite.

I cheated a bit and went to Starbucks and bought a box of their classic coffee cake and sliced it into small slices. Delicious, trust me!

I mixed a regular jar of marshmallow cream with a regular size cream cheese and a bit of almond extract and voila!! So simple and EVERYONE loves it.

Take the time to place things nicely and use fun dishes instead of tupperware. Take things that will taste good even if they've cooled or sat for a little while. Don't take things that will wilt like waffles or french toast, etc. People are attracted to foods with color. Fresh foods and healthful foods are best, but people like to indulge so something slightly 'naughty' (like the coffee cake) keeps a smile on their faces too.

Hmmm...now I'm thinking about Starbucks...gotta go!! ;)

a peek at our trip to the circus...

2010-04-15T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Shriner's Hospitals are wonderful, beautiful places where many children and their families are able to receive the care they need and deserve. Check out the link
http://www.shrinershq.org/Hospitals/Main/

to learn more about what they do and how you can help or donate.
...then take a peek at the slideshow below!

Create a free photo slideshow

4/14 Video Vednesday...annoying commercials, 81 year old men & uni-sex bathrooms?!?!

2010-04-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

I've been gone for a while and have a lot to say!! So sit back, relax & watch out;)

Where in the world is Tamara Dawn?

2010-04-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

Well, since I never could figure out how to fit more hours into a day, I had to steal some 'Video Vednesday time' from yesterday and devote it to a self-taught lesson in web design! My photography website is now looking decent after much time spent banging my head against the computer...I'm still seeing little white boxes when I blink!! ;) I also have a family function this weekend, a three day community garage sale to prepare for, a little boy to get ready and packed for a trip with his grandparents...oh! and marathon to walk in on Saturday for a fundraiser:) Busy times, but I'll have interesting pictures to post and topics to talk about soon enough. For now, enjoy these 'Photo-Ops' I've been snapping

and of course check out my website @ http://www.newdawnphotobytamara.com/

Two posts today!!

2010-04-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

scroll down after the Norm's Perfect Apple Pie for a slideshow of our Easter 2010...

4/5 Mangiare Monday...Norm's Perfect Apple Pie!

2010-04-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

Paul's mom makes the BEST apple pie ever! So, this Saturday before Easter, I asked her to teach me how. She guided me through the steps and it was actually easier than I thought and a lot of fun:) Thanks, Norm!

First, peel 3 lbs of tart apples (like Granny Smith)

then slice them no thicker than 1/4 inch.

In a large bowl mix:

apples

2-3 T cinnamon

1 1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

Set that aside and start on your crust.

Mix:

2 cups flour

1 t salt

1 cup lard

(shortening works, but lard makes a flakier crust)

Blend with a fork until it starts to lump and then add 1/2 cup milk

and blend with your hands JUST until ingredients have

meshed together. (this is the key to a flaky crust...not 'over-working' it)

This (above) is basically what it should look like before you divide
it in half to make a top and a bottom crust.

Roll out each half to be larger than the pie pan.
See how the bottom crust is hanging over...

Pour in your apple mixture...

Fold your top crust in half and use a knife to make little
cuts along the crease to vent while cooking...

Place the folded crust over half of the pie and unfold.
Pinch the two crusts together all the way around
and cut excess dough off with a butter knife.

Cover the crusts with tin foil and bake @ 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
Remove crust foils and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes
or until apples are soft when you poke with a knife.

Let cool and serve it up!

Delicious!! Everyone loved it and since I made two,
I have some left over to enjoy today;)
It's not a sweet crust, so it works equally as well
for quiche or pot pie, trust me!!

Happy Easter!!

2010-04-05T04:45:00.000-07:00

4/2 FOX Friday...Anti-gay protesting at military funerals???????

2010-04-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

Infuriated is all I can seem to be at a story like this. Listen folks, I'm not talking about whether being gay is right or wrong. This story is about our troops and their families. What I want to make clear that I DO think is wrong is the disgusting, distasteful and disrespectful protests led by Fred Phelps at military funerals. I'm absolutely ashamed to say he is a Baptist preacher, of all things! Somebody who's supposed to represent Christians, but leads rallies full of hate?

First of all, he and the crowd who follow him don't even protest at these funerals because of specific issues with the soldiers themselves. What I mean is, it would be a slightly different story if the soldiers were gay. Not acceptable, just slightly more comprehensible. THEY AREN'T!! These soldiers and their families and friends are paying, on 'America's behalf', for being a country that accepts homosexuality. We're apparently 'damned' because of it and in turn are directly responsible for the soldiers deaths....according to Phelps. These soldiers who have given their lives to our country so that people like Fred Phelps can completely disgrace and ruin their funerals and horrify and humiliate their families on their day of grieving and get away with it, because those soldiers protected their first amendment right to do so. Because of our military we have the right to speak and be heard. Unfortunately because of ignorance, what some of us have to say is not worth hearing.

I believe in God, I call myself a Christian and it saddens me that there are people basing their opinions of my religion on these displays and protests. Disrespecting somebody's funeral in such a disgusting manor is in no way acceptable, according to MY Bible and it certainly wouldn't seem appealing to any non-believers! Take your issues somewhere beneficial, take them to your government in a civilized way. Be proactive and present yourself with a kind, compassionate attitude. I've always found that by treating everybody the same, regardless of 'who' or 'what' they are, you can better achieve the kind of results you want.

What Fred Phelps does is repulsive and inexcusable. Enough said.

Article link: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g0wPcfMT0uc47Q1LBYEvvvj5_s4w

4/1 a poem...

2010-04-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

Ode To Brown Chicken

Down to New Mexico we went

with absolutely no intent

of bringing home two baby chicks,

but when Leo asked I couldn't resist!

Everyone insisted they wouldn't last a week
so every morning with a lump in my throat, I'd go out and take a peek...
but there they were with the rabbits, growing bigger day by day
and never getting bored with Leo there to play.

Lovingly we named them White Chicken and Brown Chicken
and here we were with two more animals and mouths to feed again.
Friends, family and professionals said they'd never earn their keep,
but it wasn't long at all til we had at least 14 eggs a week!!

On a sunny spring day she ate and played
and one beautiful shade of brown egg she laid
Then she gave me a cluck, seeming fine before we left
and while we ran our errands, she laid down and took her last breath.

Apparently this is more than normal in the world of roosters and hens,
but now we had to tell Leo that he'd lost his friend.
The saddest part is with her sister never coming home
now miss White Chicken stands all alone.

She was a good chicken and laid beautiful, tasty eggs. She had plenty of sun/shade and food/water and seemed completely normal right up until she was already gone! Shocked, we found ourselves online researching what the heck happened and came to discover that this is NORMAL?! Crazy. Chickens are all but famous for dropping dead with no warning or reason and there's nothing that can prevent it. Autopsy's have been done with inconclusive results. If you've had this happen to your chickens, check out this site with tons of other people with the same crazy stories.
http://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=56681

We loved your eggs and will miss you, Brown Chicken!

Don't Miss Out!

2010-03-31T04:36:00.000-07:00

I know I've been closed for business lately, but I'm back now! So, be sure to scroll down to catch all three new posts!
Video Vednesday, I'm BAAACK! and Mangiare Monday for Dog Lovers

3/31 Video Vednesday...

2010-03-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

3/30 I'm BAAAAAAACK !!!

2010-03-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

The pic above was taken by my husband, don't I look like a BA?? :) I took a 'spring hiatus' of sorts, primarily due to my computer being out for repairs (sorry for the shotty video last week), but also because I've had a lot going on. This is a blog after all, not a job and the best part is I answer only to me!

Leo's party took a lot of preparation, my in-laws are in town for a while to visit, Paul's grandparents were here for a few days, my sister Trish was here for a couple of days after that, we have a community garage sale coming up that we're preparing for, I got my nephew to jump in the pool in his skivvies in the FREEZING cold for $10 and tipped him $10 more when he actually did it, his face really says it all below, doesn't it? ;)

our trio of 'girl bunnies' practiced immaculate conception and surprised us with 6 baby bunnies, we also got a call to come rescue 4 wild cottontail bunnies and boarded and cared for them over the weekend until we could take them to the wild rescue on Monday....

that was all mixed in with MOPS, play dates, photo shoots, household duties and life in general....and guys, that was all just within the last week!!

The PC is back in action, I'm slowly coming out of computer withdrawal and the topics have been piling up in my mind. Lucky you:) Til next time...

*SCROLL DOWN FOR YESTERDAYS LATE MANGIARE MONDAY*