A Poem is a Choice

What a treat for me yesterday to watch three episodes in a row of Hallmark’s “Signed, Sealed and Delivered”.  With a hubby this is not the norm but there was no football and he gladly said “Watch what you want. It’s fine with me.”  Unless it is the news or football he rarely has an opinion and I generally prefer reading to most TV options.  Oh dear, I am digressing from the topic. 

The programming referenced had so many great lines that I could not do them justice on this blog.  That being said a casual remark in the show caught me quite at odds in my thoughts.  It was spoken in a cavalier way about the possible ending of her marriage. She asked her husband what he wanted and he said “Peace.... Ending a marriage shouldn’t be an easy thing to do.”  With a few additional words between them she responded “I think that I'll write a poem about this.”, or something similar.  

How does writing a poem solve or clarify anything?  At first my thought was how silly was that remark. Thankfully I had a second thought.  How is a poem different from my writing letters to myself, journaling or blogging? The answer is that there is no difference at all.  It is just another choice among many of expressing one’s self. 

For me my writing efforts are a form of expression, being direct and straight with myself. It allows me to process unclear thoughts, situations, make acknowledgements, voice an opinion, and make book reviews without interruption. My way works for me and many times includes prayer, sometimes lots of it. 

Write yourself a poem whether it rhymes or not, whatever the mood and whether you feel you have a reason or not.  It is your poem anyway and your choice of expression. It is not silly at all.  It is only silly to avoid your way of written expression. A word of advice: Be kind. 

Interviews and Ignorance

As a young girl and many years to follow I was quite shy and easily embarrassed.  Upon graduation the many job interviews were torture for me. All of those questions on the application and then the actual interview.  It would be hard to say which was worse.

While completing the applications I was so nervous to answer correctly that a few blonde moments come to mind.  For some reason when the question of being handicapped was on the application I wrote that I wore glasses.  How stupid is that??? No wonder the interviews were short or I received the comment “We will review the application and get back with you.” which of course did not happen. 

While going through the process of becoming a City of Houston employee it was required that I go the Houston Police Dept. for a photo, minimal background check and to answer a few more questions. I was sked about any moles that I might have and my response was “on my chest?” and said it in a squeaky and questioning voice.  He looked up, smiled, stamped the form and asked no more questions. However, I was offered a job and started to work the following week. 

I have been known to stay on jobs that I did not enjoy because of not having the nerve to resign hence another conversation could be avoided.  This changed when I became a single parent. 

Becoming a single parent made me realize that changes must be made if I was going to be able to support my two young sons.  I decided to face my fears of talking to those to whom I was not related or known all through school or church, driving Loop 610 until I stopped perspiring, riding a roller coaster until the terror passed (it only took twice thankfully) and leaving a secure but low paying job to take a chance on an opportunity not just for more money but professional growth which was my heart’s desire.  I felt successful for the first in my life on the emotional level and beyond.

This propelled me into a future that I could not have imagined, one full of happiness, fulfillment, security, and remarriage, another story all by itself.  All along the way it was God and some great mentors that kept me moving.  I am thankful.

Handicapped: No. 

My favorite quotes. Why?

The blog from favored author DiAnn Mills included some of her favorite quotes and why she favored them.  She asked that we share ours to her blog.  This really got me to thinking.  

While rearing my sons, I told them “Things aren’t important but people are. Be kind. ” People get so caught up in making a living, collecting things that they value (however temporary) that they forget to experience their life with memory making moments and sacrifice their family in the process.  Including kindness in one’s day adds such value to each life that experiences your smile, a kind word or deed, and lightens our hearts in the process. 

Being fond of Mark Twain, Oswald Chambers and C. S. Lewis it would be remiss of me not to include my favorites from them.
• “Men who don’t read good books have no advantage over the man who can’t.” by Mark Twain. Reading has expanded my awareness of other cultures, ideologies, history, motivational, self-help and of course biblical.
• “Never let the sense of failure corrupt your new action.” by Oswald Chambers. My survival mode as a single included a huge sense of failure with my failed marriage.  This quote along with my mentors afforded forgiveness and propelled my career in a positive direction.  
• “Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.”  by C. S. Lewis.  This quote actually speaks for itself.  However it does speak to many a professional or political figure that chose or chooses to forsake their values, God given and God inspired beliefs for fame and fortune.  In the name of progress much has regressed. 

Each of these quotes has fed me at different points or parts of my life both personally and professionally. I have many other quotes that are favored but these speak to my essence and who I am. 

Having said that, they pale in comparison to one of my favorite, most supportive, encouraging verses in the Bible which is my ultimate guide book and book of instructions: Philippians 4:13 (KJV)  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 

Memories and Biscuits

Today I saw a picture and recipe for buttermilk biscuits on Facebook that reminded me of a much beloved aunt and grandmother who taught me the "palm method" for baking.  No one could cook better than these two women, true southern cooking.  

My Grandma Buck showed me by using her palm to measure the shortening, baking soda and salt. For the salt she had me cup my hand and use the little rectangle formed by the lines in my hand. Grandma also told me to add a little sugar to give it a yeast flavor which I still do. When we got home after that visit I tested the teaspoon measurement and she was exactly right. 

She and my aunt assured me that a recipe should be made my own and not to get so caught up on using exact measurements or even using a biscuit cutter or rolling them out (again the palm). 

My cooking, particularly the pies on New Year's Day, reflect what was learned from two of the most remarkable cooks that I was blessed to know. The last pie recipe that my aunt shared with me was what I call the Berry Mallow since she didn't recall the exact name. I make that pie often and just about every holiday. 

Memories are a blessing and comfort....

Here are recipes.

 Buttermilk Biscuits

Preheat oven to 450*

Mix together 

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

Use a fork or whisk to mix dry ingredients together.

Cut in
1/4 cup shortening

Add just enough buttermilk to moisten the dough.
Using a wooden spoon, or your hand, mix together until all dry ingredients are moistened.

Pour dough out on to the counter that has been dusted with flour.
Dust your hands with flour.
Knead the dough until it has thickened and easy to handle.
Pinch off about 3 inches of dough, dip end in flour, then roll between your hands.
I do it like Ma did and juggle it between both hands, turning the ball of dough each time.

Place biscuit dough ball in a greased cast iron skillet.
Pinch off another 3 inches and repeat.

Brush tops of biscuits with bacon grease, shortening or butter. 

Place biscuits in the oven for 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Berry Mallow pie from Aunt Dude

Bag frozen berries (strawberry, blueberry or mixed berries)

Large bag of marshmallows

Can of evaporated milk

2-Graham cracker pie shells

Combine frozen berries and marshmallows into large cooking pot and cook over low-medium flame, stirring constantly, until marshmallows break down and berries are fully incorporated into the marshmallow fluff. Remove from burner and set aside.

In large mixing bowl add the can of evaporated milk and whip on high until stiff peaks are formed.

Slowly stir the berry marshmallow mixture into the whipped evaporated milk mixture, until well mixed. 

Once combined well pour into the pie shells and chill until firm. The pies freeze well for future use.

National Opposites Day 2016 January 25

Today is National Opposites Day which naturally calls to mind the hubby and I. Our differences include(d) with Weldon McAdams on the left side and yours truly on the right:

• blue collar vs white collar
• moderate vs conservative
• beef and pork vs chicken and fish
• cornbread vs biscuits
• grits vs oatmeal
• brown gravy vs cream gravy (He is now neutral)
• ballpoint vs fountain pen
• home body vs social
• one of the youngest vs oldest child in birth order
• Assembly of God vs Baptist (he is now Baptist but I am not responsible) Thank you Don McAdams for making the introduction in our Sunday School class. 
• Democrat vs Republican until eight years ago when he changed parties.
• Our communication style is much different as well.

You get the picture and this post is done in jest however factual. Of special note is that we have weathered onward with God's continued grace, much prayer and forgiveness, open and even tempered dialogue, and love, love, love.