Good Living 123 | Articles in this blog focus on good living, from pets and travel, to family and perception, with lots of free recipes and helpful ideas and tips.

Destiny of Dreams Coming August 31st!

Posted on July 6, 2021 by Cathy Burnham Martin

The “buzzzz” is true! Though noted for my non-fiction works, my first novel is now ready to go! Quiet Thunder Publishing will release Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear on August 31, 2021.

This historical fiction, set in the early and mid-20^th Century, serves up a very difficult slice of my family history “pie.” It tells my grandfather’s story, my family’s story of faith and fortitude.

While the spirited Armenian boy sings and dances passionately, danger swells, threatening his family, friends, and future. Set amidst religious intolerance, political instability, and social injustice in the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear links past and present with mystifying clarity. In this painfully poignant, true story, young Hrant and his family struggle to withstand unthinkable circumstances and survive extraordinary chaos and violence. Love and courage must prevail, or all will be both lost and forgotten.

Written for Young Adult and Adult audiences, this historical fiction contains some explicit descriptions and a couple disturbing, though not graphic, violent scenes. While not gratuitous, the depictions may be unsuitable for young readers, even though the budding protagonist is a Middle Grade youngster himself. Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear would be apt to get a PG-13-type rating.

Regardless, Dr. David Green, Chief Medical Officer (retired) at Concord (NH) Hospital read an advanced copy. He shared his belief that the book should be required reading for every high school student! Well, I won’t argue that. Especially during modern times of intolerance and political divisiveness, I believe shining a spotlight on the importance of accepting differences is vital.

The Kindle edition is available for Pre-Order on Amazon. Both the digital and paperback formats will be available August 31^st.

Posted in Write Again! | 1 Comment

Life Goes On

Posted on June 27, 2021 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Life deals us some mighty strange cards from time to time. Sometimes “bad hands” all seem to land at the same time. Yes, for me, too. The pandemic lockdown, the death of a close loved one, shattered family trust, cancer diagnosis in a spouse, etc., etc., etc. I coped by prayer, thinking positively, focusing introspectively, and facing each day hour by hour much of the time.

Yes, 2020 proved to be a tumultuous year for us all. What started with a pandemic exploded into the most divisively destructive cancel culture ever seen.

We are changed by it, most assuredly. I am no exception. As with all things, I try to seek the positive fallout. What have we learned? How have we grown? What can we now do better? What improved vision do we vow to employ going forward. If we look closely, there may well be some silver linings in the storm.

For example, I slipped away from social media… and survived. We learned to appreciate good health as we crawl through the quagmire of treatments and recovery in my husband’s cancer toward a good prognosis. I note that I am blessed with a healthy 91-year-old mother. I grew closer to my sister who lives thousands of miles away. Our first grandchild and great nephew were born, along with lots of other friends’ babies. More babies than ever before are getting the previously rare experience of babyhood with two parents at home and available to share the magical miracles of helping their babies grow. I took time to finish writing my first novel, which I had started more than ten years ago. I learned to cook some new foods. I appreciated the blessing of living in a beautiful setting with an abundance of marvelous nature and beauty. The list goes on and on!

I also learned a great way to deal with hideous negativity. Try, if you like, to point out a way the negative person can do better, but have zero expectations that they will actually see things differently. Despite current wanna-be “woke” thinking to the contrary, differing opinions make us smarter people and a healthier society. Beware of all who want to “cancel” someone for believing differently. There truly is more than one “right” way to get things done. Always remember, only weak people and unhealthy leaders try to squash dissention. If someone’s attitude proves to be unbearable, don’t let your positivity be thwarted. Simply hit flush. Let it go. You do not have to join their negative thinking.

All in all, in these past 15-16 months, our comfortable complacency cracked. For better or worse, we’ve tumbled out anew. Let this be a good thing.

I toast to your safety, happiness, and improved coping skills! “Here’s looking at you, kid!”

Posted in To Our Health & Fitness! | Leave a comment

May Hope Blossom for Us All

Posted on April 19, 2020 by Cathy Burnham Martin

My first delicate iris of 2020 has blossomed in my garden. I share it as a perfect expression of hope.

Thank you to all of you who have reached out to me to express how grateful you are for my book, “Encouragement… How to Be and Find the Best.” When I wrote it, none of us saw the coronavirus pandemic coming.

In the book (paperback, digital, and Audiobook), hope is a powerful theme. So, here are a few comments and quotes from the book that may just give you a bit of a boost today.

We may feel down-trodden or hopeless, exhausted or helpless. These are the times we must focus on the need to persist. We must pick ourselves up and try again.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.
— Helen Keller (1880 – 1968)
American Author, Activist & Lecturer

When we are encouraged to do something, there is a strengthening of our resolve or a boosting of our confidence. Encouragement endorses our purpose and builds our hope that we can continue despite challenges and difficulties. It instills courage to persevere.

Trade in our cynical hopelessness for cynical hopefulness.
If we must be cynical, choose hopeful over hopeless.

While many are struggling mightily during these weeks of social distancing and quarantine, we must not lose hope. Sometimes the brightest lights come out of the darkest corners.

You’ve GOT this.

Posted in Audiobooks, To Our Health & Fitness! | Tagged coronavirus, encouragement, hope | Leave a comment

Happier New Year

Posted on January 4, 2020 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Do you know someone for whom the holidays are not merry, and a new year does not inspire hope nor a fresh start? Several recent incidents reminded me of how enormous a role despair and sadness play in the hearts and lives of many, many people. They often see little or nothing to celebrate. They may even cling to desperation.

We mustn’t presume that because we may have a supportive family or close friends or strong faith that others do also. Especially in these times of insane divisiveness, we all do better when we take even a moment to encourage someone else.

In my book “Encouragement: How to Be and Find the Best” I remind readers (and Audiobook listeners) that lives are greatly improved when we “trade in our cynical hopelessness for cynical hopefulness. If we must be cynical, choose hopeful over hopeless.” Interesting thought since hard knocks throughout our lives impact us whether we recognize it or not.

Fairness in Life is rarely dealt out fairly. I strongly believe we were all born to be what I call Encouragers. What we un-learned as we grew up can be relearned.

In 2020, I hope all of us feel confident enough to take ourselves on as worthy projects. Let’s all commit to doing all we can to be more encouraging and to surround ourselves with Encouragers.

For anyone who has not yet seen the “Encouragement” book, Amazon is letting me do a special Kindle Countdown Deal on the ebook edition. (Sorry, but I couldn’t discount the paperback or Audiobook editions, but they’re all on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Encouragement-How-Be-Find-Best/dp/1939220475) Anyone who buys the ebook edition on Monday, January 6, 2020 will save 84%! True! The book will only cost $.99 on that day. Then, as the week continues, it will inch up, $1 per day back to the full retail price of $5.99. So, Monday is the BIG savings day.

If you know anyone who could benefit by a little or a lot of encouragement, please share the word before the Countdown begins!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Cathy Burnham Martin, Cathy Martin, divisiveness, encouragement, Happy New Year | Leave a comment

Concern Over Censorship

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Cathy Burnham Martin

I do not like politics. However, it does necessarily exist, despite my distaste for it. Thus, I rarely write a letter to any media outlet to share a complaint. In fact, I cannot recall the last time I did so… until today, that is.

Whether or not you watch particular programs, personalities, or networks, I hope that we John or Jane Q. Public types always hope for fairness. After looking into the fact that Fox News bounced their Saturday night program featuring former judge, Jeannine Pirro, I grew concerned over growing censorship.

It’s not just in media outlets, but we are seeing more and more attempts to squelch anyone, anywhere who does not express the opinions we happen to share. I find that both sad and unhealthy.

In the spirit of transparency, here is the letter I sent to management at Fox News.

Dear Fox News Management,

I write to share my concerns of “Justice” being pulled from the air last Saturday. Highly disappointed in Fox News management just begins to describe my feelings. My thoughts on the matter run far deeper.

Reporters who shift to analysis surrender reporter status. Reporters who offer opinions on discussion panels surrender reporter status. Such reporters become opinion brokers. This is not a bad thing. Fox News has a long reputation for supporting opinion brokers ranting on a wide array of opinions, many of which are highly controversial. I need not agree with them. That gets ratings. Fine.

When an opinion broker is criticized for spewing a controversial opinion, I do not expect the source to be Fox News management. That reflects the antithesis of the entire platform.

There tends to be a sad popularity to “knee-jerk” reactions to controversy lately, but I have come to expect no less from the mainstream media. Pulling Jeannine Pirro off the air in response to her comments may well fall within that category, which I had not expected from Fox News.

I immediately thought of the Kentucky student, Nick Sandmann, who garnered so much harsh criticism from the video of the confrontation in front of the Lincoln Memorial in January, 2019. Many in the mainstream media quickly attacked Sandmann and the other students, since many wore MAGA hats and shirts. It turned out that the native American elder, Nathan Phillips, turned out to be the one confronting Sandmann. However, the many knees that jerked after seeing just a “snippet of information” could not be un-jerked.

When Judge Jeannine Pirro posed her questions about Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D) Minnesota, she did so as an opinion broker, not a reporter. That is her job. For those of the Muslim faith to take offense is their right, just as conservatives take offense when their positions are criticized or questioned. However, when moving beyond the snippet of information, one learns that Omar does indeed fully support the laws of Islam, also known as Sharia Law.

Are we supposed to be so “politically correct” that we must not comment, question, or have a differing opinion from someone else, especially if they happen to be Islamic? If that is true, most of your opinion-brokering personalities on Fox News would have to be taken off the air.

It is my deepest hope that last Saturday’s action does not reflect some new censorship direction for Fox News. Keep “fair and balanced” alive in your news room. Keep opinion brokers feeling supported, rather than skating on thin ice if they offend the wrong person.

When you bring back Judge Jeannine Pirro, which I sincerely hope happens immediately, I strongly believe it should be with an apology. That apology should not come from her to anyone she may have offended, but it should come to her from those in management who made the sadly unworthy, knee-jerk decision to squelch her in the first place.

If not, how will others on your strong team of opinion brokers ever feel “safe” again? How will their opinions not start to get watered down simply to avoid stepping on someone else’s toes?

I am not one to rush to judgment or negatively mouth off on social media. I am one to write a thoughtful letter. I am one to hope we can all do better next time.

Most sincerely,

Cathy Burnham Martin

Okay, friends and readers, as the author of “The Bimbo Has MORE Brains… Surviving Political Correctness,” you know that I simply had to speak up. I believe in supporting what I believe is right and protesting against what I believe is wrong. Jeannine Pirro has a powerful reputation for standing up for “the little guy,” the underdog. I feel obligated to stand up for her when the powers that be made her the underdog.

Posted in The Gripes of Cath, Write Again! | Tagged censorship, Fox News, Jeannine Pirro, Justice, Political Correctness | Leave a comment

“Encouragement” Trailer on YouTube!

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Check it out! The 90-second trailer for the book “Encouragement: How to Be and Find the Best” is on YouTube now! You’ll find the paperback and digital format editions everywhere quality books are sold… from Amazon to Barnes & Noble and beyond.

Posted in Write Again! | Leave a comment

“Encouragement” Review Sparkles!

Posted on February 3, 2019 by Cathy Burnham Martin

In her extraordinary book, Encouragement: How to Be and Find the Best, author Cathy Burnham Martin exudes an enthusiasm for life unmatched in other self-help books that claim to boost your spirit and world view.

This articulate narrative examines expertly the reasons why we should surround ourselves with cheerleaders — people who either “call out from the sidelines, ‘You can do it!’” Or those that “may stand quietly in front of us and look us in the eyes, as they calmly infirm, ‘You’ve got this.’”

Burnham goes on to provide a wealth of lists, tips and inspirational quotes to bolster her assertions that anyone can attain — and keep — a winning attitude.

On the flip side, she also warns against extensive association with negative individuals whom she calls “Discouragers,” who carry with them each day an abundance of negativity which they bestow freely upon anyone who is finally getting the upper hand on things.

“Discouragers see the gloom in every room, the cloud on every silver lining, and the problem in front of every solution,” Burnham reports.

Next, she marches confidently through the book, touching briefly on such vital topics as how to deal effectively with despair by quoting a no less venerable source than the Bible: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” — Proverbs 17:22

And then she follows that helpful admonition by citing the profound observation of a man who truly outlasted more opportunities for despair than most of us will ever know: Nelson Mandela, who said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.”

Really, the book is one remarkable observation after another — many of them Burnham’s own, bubbling up from her deep well of sincere belief that every day and every hour gives us a chance to excel, and to be, as the old advertisement used to say, “All that (we) can be.”

“Sometimes the brightest lights come out of the darkest corners,” she intones during a brief discussion on the value of not giving up.

Space limitations on this review require us to fall back on the timeworn saying that you’re just going to have to get this incredible new book and read it cover to cover in order to get the maximum impact from it.

Five-plus stars to Encouragement: How to Be and Find the Best. Get it for yourself or as a special gift to anyone who has issues with self-esteem or is dealing with hard times. It might not cure their lifelong feelings of inadequacy, or be a cure-all for their current circumstances, but it could definitely provide lifesaving inspiration and a firm footstep toward a more meaningful tomorrow.

We’ll close with this inspirational advice from someone who left a legacy befitting her quiet dedication to excellence. Marie Curie, first woman to win the Nobel Prize, said, “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.”

This book is available for instant download or delivery as a paperback keepsake gift from Amazon today. – Publishers Daily Reviews

Posted in Write Again! | Tagged Cathy Burnham Martin, encouragement, hope, positive thinking, self-esteem, success | Leave a comment

Am I Encouraging?

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Cathy Burnham Martin

I ask myself that question any time I catch myself wondering why some other person does not seem more supportive or positive. We all may wonder such things from time to time, particularly when the naysayer lives in our inner circle of close friends or loved ones.

That’s when I try to say, “Woah!” Am I supportive of them? I truly only have control over my own thoughts, words, and actions. It sure helps me when I stop focusing on someone else’s negative.

Instead, I look inward. I ask myself, “Am I being an Encourager or a Discourager for them?”

Did I listen when they spoke?

Did I genuinely try to see the situation from their perspective?

Did I deliver building blocks or stumbling stones?

Did I speak words that revealed compassion and encouragement?

Did I do anything to make them feel worthy or capable?

Did I recognize their achievement, even small steps toward their goal?

Did I leave them with strengthened resolve and boosted self-confidence?

I try to ask myself such questions whenever I catch myself thinking or speaking or even feeling negative toward someone. I know. I know. Sometimes that someone may have been sucking the air out of the room, squelching my creativity, diminishing my dreams, directly or indirectly putting me down. They may well have been highly discouraging.

Step one for me is trying to not absorb their negativity. I don’t want to accept pity party invitations.

Encouragement just may be one of our most vital personal and professional Life skills. So, it thrills me to say that encouragement is the theme of my newest book.

Encouragement: How to Be and Find the Best is now available in paperback and digital formats. The Audiobook is in production!

Posted in Audiobooks, Write Again! | 1 Comment

Encouragement is Here!

Posted on January 17, 2019 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Who do you know who is feeling stifled or unheard? Who may be needing a morale boost or a little light on the horizon?

We all go through times in Life with challenges and despair. However, this new book offers a fast read packed with easily usable tips and tools to overcome discouragement and build solid foundations on which to grow personal and professional success.

“Encouragement: How to Be and Find the Best” better prepares us to weather Life’s woes with greater grace and courage. Now we can allre-discover the natural confidence, self-esteem, and poise with which we were all born.

It’s available now in both paperback and Kindle eBook formats. The Audiobook is coming soon!

Posted in Write Again! | Leave a comment

Crazy for Cranberries

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Cathy Burnham Martin

‘Tis the season for the crazy, crunchy little fruit that will pucker your sucker. The historic cranberry is now used in an endless array of yummy dishes. If you like to make your own cranberry sauce to accompany a Thanksgiving turkey, consider this Super Simple gem. I call it “What a Pear Cranberry Sauce.”

What a Pear Cranberry Sauce

1 orange

½ c sugar

1 star anise (or ¾ tsp anise seeds)

1 (3”) cinnamon stick

½ c raw honey

2-3 pears, peeled & cored, cut in ½” cubes

4 c fresh or frozen cranberries (16 oz)

Grate zest from the orange to make 1 tablespoon. Squeeze the juice into a measuring cup, adding water or cranberry juice, if needed, to make ½ cup. In med saucepan over high heat, stir oj, grated zest, sugar, anise & cinnamon stick, until sugar is dissolved, 1-2 min. Stir in honey & pears; bring to boil. Then reduce heat to med and stir occasionally till edges of pears are barely tender, just 1-2 min. Stir in cranberries. Cook, stirring occasionally, till cranberries start to pop & pears are tender, 5-6 min. Let cool. Pour into serving bowl. Serve cool or cold. Makes up to 4 cups.

KISS Tip: Make this up to 3 in advance. Cover and store in refrigerator.

I love cranberries at any season of the year, so much so that I wrote an entire cookbook dedicated to this historic little fruit. Check out “Cranberry Cooking” by Cathy Burnham Martin for more than 130 Keep It Super Simple recipes using cranberries… from beverages, sauces, side dishes and snacks to desserts, entrees, appetizers, and soups! Try the following appetizer that is both marvelously easy and jaw-droppingly delicious! The cranberry-crab combination surprised me and became a go-to favorite.

Cranberry Crab Tarts

8 oz cream cheese (plain or with chives), softened

1 can crab meat, drained

2-3 green onions (green portions), thinly sliced

45 mini phyllo tart shells

1 can whole berry cranberry sauce

Combine cheese, crab and onions; push into one corner of a large plastic food storage bag. Snip off the tip of the bag’s corner to create a pastry bag. Squeeze the bag to push some crab combo into each tart shell. Spoon some cranberry on top. Bake 10 min at 350°F and serve hot.

KISS Tips: You can make the crab cheese combo ahead and store in the refrigerator until needed. You can even fill the tarts up to 2 hours ahead of time without losing their crispiness. Keep this Super Simple by purchasing pre-made phyllo tarts. I find them in boxes of 15 in the frozen dessert section of the supermarket. To add some zestiness to the flavor, add a couple tablespoons of prepared horseradish to the crab-cheese mixture.

Posted in Super Simple Is Key! | Leave a comment

Of Grief & Glory

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Cathy Burnham Martin

As we approach an Election Day, could we all try to remember our sanity and decency? If our preferred candidates win, try to accept victory with humility and grace. If our preferred candidates lose, try to accept defeat with courage and compassion.

We can expect and accept victors’ cheers and losers’ jeers. That’s all fine. I do not accept the ranting and rioting of losers, especially under the guise of peaceful protest. That is just plain embarrassing.

We must do better. If you are an American citizen, cast your vote at the ballot box. Encourage others to do the same.

If mainstream politicians win, so be it. If political outsiders and newcomers prevail, so be it. Black, white, male, female, conservative, liberal, whatever! Vote for good people. Vote for those you believe will make our country strong. Perfect. I hope that those who cast their votes differently also believe they are voting for good people, not just party politics.

Regardless of election outcomes, I hope we all will try to spare others the sarcasm and cynicism and arrogance of feigned superiority. None of us is so special that we have all the right answers.

If our preferred candidates win, may we gloat not with self-satisfaction. If our candidates lose, may we cling not to denial and anger.

May we remember, we all want a strong nation, a booming economy, a safe place to live. We may not all recognize multiple “right” ways to achieve similar goals.

Whenever we lose, we must remember that we are not alone. Millions of others lost also. We all must go through a process of grief and great sadness.

Whenever we win, we must remember that we will not always win. We can breathe a momentary sigh of relief, and count our blessings, but we should appreciate that many of our dear friends and family members may be sad, heartbroken, and not celebrating.

In each election comes grief and glory. Sometimes we’re the bug, and sometimes we’re the windshield. Disrespecting people we believe are disrespectful is counterproductive, at best.

Posted in The Gripes of Cath | Tagged Cathy Burnham, Cathy Burnham Martin, Election Day, Political Correctness, Politics, The Bimbo Has MORE Brains | Leave a comment

Florida Book Signing

Posted on October 24, 2018 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Saturday, November 10, 2018

11am – 4pm

I am pleased to announce that I was selected to have my books featured at the upcoming Author Book Fair at the Collier County South Regional Library on 8065 Lely Cultural Parkway in Naples, Florida. I’ll be with some 3 dozen authors, so there will surely be some great books and fellow authors!

If you are in Southwest Florida at the time, we’d love to see you!

Several of my titles and cookbooks will be available… including both books in “The Bimbo Has Brains” series, “A Dangerous Book for Dogs… How to Train Your Human,” “Healthy Thinking Habits… Seven Attitude Skills Simplified,” and many more. Half a dozen different titles in my array of cookbooks will also be featured, from the 3-part “Dockside Dining” series to “Champagne! Facts, Fizz, Food, and Fun.”

We’ll also be raffling off a free copy of my latest, full-color cookbook, “Lobacious Lobster… Decadently Super Simple Recipes.”

Posted in Bubbly Makes the World Go 'Round, Martin on Marco, Taste Bud Travels, Write Again! | Leave a comment

Feel Yourself Truly Living

Posted on October 20, 2018 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Sometimes Life is gleeful. Other times? Not so much. However, I believe there is nothing wrong with feeling, even through the difficult times. Someone lovingly pointed out to me recently that our blessings can even overwhelm grief. That is not to say that sadness can be obliterated, but it surely can be overshadowed.

Life is rather like a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows, from times that move slowly to those that zoom and scream along, seemingly out of control. And it is a very short ride, although most of us have a tendency at times to live as if we have countless years.

Whatever “it” is for us, we fare better when we stop putting it off as if we have all the time in the world. We don’t.

As I espouse in “The Bimbo Has MORE Brains… Surviving Political Correctness,” we can enjoy the feeling of living far more when we learn to live without regret. Too often things are said or left unsaid. We may have expressed harsh bitterness or relentless intolerance. We may have treated someone harshly. We may have been unfair.

Our quiet regrets pile up in some corner of our mind. We never come clean. We never sincerely apologize. My Dad always set a great example in this area. Poppy always shared and said it all. Thus, when he passed, no one needed to feel the ache of words left unsaid. Harsh words were never the last ones spoken. Loving words were never left unsaid. Forgiveness seemed an almost automatic outpouring of love.

This is so important, because all too often, we don’t get another chance. The person or people we may have hurt are gone. We do not have as much time as we may have thought.

That said, I do not believe the souls of the departed hold any ill will. Only we living beasts harbor regrets and ill will.

I couldn’t help but wonder what I might wish to say to people left behind if I was suddenly gone tomorrow. I’d thought about that a lot… Perhaps because we’d suffered some difficult personal losses. For that same second “Bimbo” book I wrote and shared my thoughts and words. Literally, I include my list of things that, as the departed soul, I would like to say to friends and loved ones left behind.

Give it a try. I found it fascinating to see how easily we forgive those who’ve hurt us or caused pain and hardship for people we love. I loved feeling how happy it made me to recognize the hope and encouragement I relished giving to others.

While Life brings us laughter and love, it also brings heartbreak and tears. Sad times make us better able to flourish and appreciate happy times. Feeling the whole spectrum makes us stronger and more compassionate people. Though I often say that living on this place called Earth is not for sissies, it is also an amazing ride.

Let your heart flow. Relish and cherish. Believe and forgive. Learn and teach. Fall down and get back up. Through it all, feel yourself truly living.

Posted in Family -- Says It All, Write Again! | Leave a comment

What Kind of Man?

Posted on October 10, 2018 by Cathy Burnham Martin

What kind of man spends his entire life serving others? Being kind and generous, true and loving? What kind of man is hardworking, resourceful, and an ahead-of-his-time thinker? Steadfast and persistent? With the patience of Job? What kind of man assigns himself the “on-call” work duties for every Thanksgiving and Christmas so his team can be with their families? What kind of man exudes tirelessness, delightful humor, and vivid imagination to fill his children’s lives with glee and exceptional experiences, while encouraging them to strive to be their very best? What kind of man is loyal to his high school sweetheart and best friend for more than 70 years? And near the end merely wishes for more time together? What kind of man walks the walk as a superbly encouraging and supportive father, uncle, and grandfather? Active in his church and community and neighborhood? Both a great listener and a terrific teacher, leading by example?

It’s the kind of man we all dream about as a partner, father, friend or relative. He listens. He is humble and humorous. He is kind. He is strong. It’s the very special kind of man I have been privileged to call Poppy.

My Dad, Robert Burnham, survived two previous cancers, only to be diagnosed this past winter with pancreatic cancer. His successful surgery this spring, inspired great hope, but infections have been challenging, and he has endured 2 returns to the hospital. This past week was the toughest. All seemed well as he enjoyed dinner in the dining room on Tuesday, but Wednesday, he was back to the hospital. Pneumonia had settled in his lungs. By Friday night at 9pm, they moved my Poppy into hospice. He passed peacefully in his sleep Saturday afternoon at 1:30. There’s one more angel in heaven.

That’s the kind of man my dear Poppy was. An angel on earth. His spirit will always live with all of us who knew him. Prayers please for my Mom, for at age 88, though healthy physically, she has now lost the love of her life.

God speed, my dearest Poppy.

Robert Bishop Burnham, November 2, 1931 – October 6, 2018

Posted in Family -- Says It All | Leave a comment

Must We Tolerate Intolerance?

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Cathy Burnham Martin

A lot of years passed as I developed the strength to both determine and stand up for what I could and would put up with in life. What is acceptable or unacceptable? The answers are different for each of us. Our tolerance levels also vary from person to person.

Some things are simple. For example, I reached my threshold for people yelling at me. I decided I didn’t need to take it anymore. If someone is yelling at me now, it better be to save my life from an oncoming truck… not because they lack the personal control to talk at an acceptable volume level. Fair.

When we think, feel, speak, or believe differently from someone else, I believe that is fine. However, we all know people who are not interested in tolerating different perspectives or ideas. That in and of itself doesn’t make either side more right or wrong.

Where my interest disintegrates is when someone believes they can and should shout down others just to squelch a dissenting thought, voice, or opinion from being heard. I tune out the screamers and “ranters.” Their voracious volume levels and rabid rantings do not add validity to their opinions, no matter how frequently they repeat them.

I get into this BIG time in “The Bimbo Has MORE Brains… Surviving Political Correctness.” I do not believe in suppressing dissenting voices. I believe in true dialogue, which includes speaking AND listening. I am grateful for having grown up with parents and educators who believed in us learning all sides of issues. They taught us how to think, not what to think. I feel most fortunate for that, among many other blessings.

Saddening, if not maddening is the feeling when I learn of free speech getting squelched purely because someone else values a different philosophy or opinion. Phooey. As I state in the book, repressing or shutting down voices we may not care to hear dos not remove the thoughts, feelings, or opinions they wanted to share.

The 44^th President of the United States, Barack Obama, expressed it well. He said, “The strongest weapon against hateful speech is not repression. It is more speech.”

I believe our differences give us balance. Intolerance of our differences throws us off balance. To tolerate someone else’s intolerance requires a great deal of patience, confidence, and persistence. We sometimes need to stop and remember that there just may be a lot of right in what seems wrong and a lot of wrong in what seems right.

Cathy Burnham Martin is an award-winning journalist, published author, creative foodie, and communications geek. Her books and Audiobooks are available through all major book retailers, Amazon, and Audible.

Posted in The Gripes of Cath, Write Again! | Tagged Cathy Burnham Martin, Free Speech, Freedom of Speech, Intolerance, The Bimbo Has MORE Brains, Tolerance | Leave a comment

People Can Be So Mean

Posted on October 4, 2018 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Like all of us, I know we should use social media safely. More importantly, I wish we would all use it responsibly and not as a weapon to hurt others. Yet, we all know people, with increasing frequency, who have expressed the need to unfriend or block someone who just can’t stop their negative rant.

When nastiness and volume levels go up, up, up, sanity levels seem to go down, down, down. Social media seems more like anti-social media. I don’t care how different our opinions are. I care about how we treat each other, especially when we differ.

We can and should do better. We must if we are to survive as a civilized group.

In my book, “The Bimbo Has MORE Brains… Surviving Political Correctness,” I calmly note that there is no law against ignorance. The best we can do is to keep educating people. We need not waste one drop of anger on ignorance.

That said, my heart aches when I read painful expressions from someone who has been railed against, especially on sites like Facebook. “Nastigrams” from naysayers and buffoons are bullying. Cyber-bullying is hideously ugly and cowardly.

I like to remind my readers and friends that when someone else is being bitterly sour, we don’t have to drink from their cup. We must try not to let someone else’s lemons sour our hearts.

Little supportive quips can help remind us, too. Devices and people work better when we turn them on, not off. Do not ever feel trivialized by someone else’s opinions.

People who think that screaming louder makes their way of thinking more valid and profound should think again. They merely sound mean, belligerent, and intolerant… at best.

Cathy Burnham Martin is an award-winning journalist, published author, creative foodie, and communications geek. Her books and Audiobooks are available through all major book retailers, Amazon, and Audible.

Posted in The Gripes of Cath, Write Again! | Leave a comment

Just Released: “Bastions of Blood” — My Latest Audiobook!

Posted on September 19, 2018 by Cathy Burnham Martin

“Bastions of Blood” (Kremlins 2) is the sequel to “Citadels of Fire.” As the 2^nd book in a 3-book series, I do suggest listening to “Citadels of Fire” (Kremlins 1) first. This is a powerful (and rather graphically violent) historical romance novel by a learned Russian history major.

I am thoroughly enjoying producing and narrating these books and bringing the characters created by author L. K. Hill (writing her historical novels now under the name K.L. Conger) to life! Check them out on Audible.com

Here’s a little sample:

“Bastions of Blood” Sample

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Survive and Thrive Political Correctness

Posted on March 14, 2018 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Want to thrive, not just survive, in this whacky world that demands political correctness? (Or what I call political quackiness!) My latest book slams the bullies and counter-bullies, examines political spectacles, reflects on the great American opioid epidemic of the 21^st century, calls for Testosterone Toddlers to behave better, and much more. I’m advocating for respect, attitude checks, and personal responsibility on many levels, along with empowering the independent spirit in all of us.

Recognizing friends and fiends on both sides of the political aisle, I am an equal opportunity offender… and mender. Thus, The Bimbo Has MORE Brains delivers the secrets for us all to lighten up, to be more tolerant and less easily offended.

It’s out now in paperback and digital formats… at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and everywhere else. Yahooo! (On Audible and iTunes by April 1^st.)

If you read it, please serve up a review online… via Amazon, Good Reads, Pinterest, or anywhere else. Good or bad, love it or hate it… ink is ink and talk is talk. I love it all. Thanks!!

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Enjoying Paradise and Helping People

Posted on December 6, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

If you like island living… or vacationing… Antigua offers a beautiful and relaxing escape. We just returned from a week of sun, fun, and superb dining, even a scrumptious grilled Caribbean lobster-stuffed lobster.

This came as a big of a surprise. Consider this. 2017’s destructive hurricane season wreaked havoc throughout the Caribbean and U.S. mainland. We’d seen Southwest Florida looking far too much like a war zone after Irma left town. Islands in the Caribbean are still working to put basic life back together.

The Antiguan Paradise group of islands is bouncing back, but it will take much more time. For example, their island of Barbuda suffered 90% damage to its buildings and totally lost all infrastructure, like water and power. After the September storm, Antigua had to completely evacuate Barbuda’s population, bringing everyone to Antigua. These families are still nowhere near going home!

English Harbor from Shirley Heights

Regardless, Antigua is firing on all cylinders. Famous ports like English Harbor and Falmouth Harbor, are full of action and mega-yachts. Festivals and regattas are all a full forward “Go!” Roads were horrid before the hurricane, so they’re more bizarre now, but don’t let it hold you back. Select a resort and go relax in the sun.

How beautiful is that??!!?

We can enjoy a vacation in paradise. In the process, help so many hard-working people and their entire economy at the same time.

Verandah Resort & Spa

Go for it and enjoy… with love and laughter.

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Add Lobaciousness to Your Life!

Posted on November 24, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

My latest cookbook has just been released in paperback and digital formats. “Lobacious Lobster” is packed with 200 decadently delicious and super simple recipes, plus more than 100 color photographs.

I literally could not help but create a new word to aptly describe lobster. “Lobacious” says it all!

Enjoy this recipe from the collection!

Bodacious Bacon Lobster Bites

Bodacious Bacon Lobster Bites

12 (1-1 ½”) squares of cooked bacon

12 buttery crackers (such as Ritz or Pepperidge Farm)

12 slices (½“-thick medallions) fresh, warm lobster tail meat

¼ c favorite bottled “con queso” sauce, heated (or make your own by blending cream cheese, Jack cheese, & diced jalapeños)

At serving time, place a piece of bacon on each cracker; top with a piece of lobster, followed by a drizzle of warmed con queso. Serve immediately. Makes 12 bites.

Lobacious Lobster is available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and more.

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Cranberry Capers

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Cranberry Bellini

‘Tis the season to add the tartness of cranberries to the menu. While I offer the Cranberry Cooking cookbook full of super simple recipes, I share here a yummy way to start a day with the zing of cranberries.

For a holiday brunch, a Mimosa is popular, but the Bellini is even yummier, featuring peach puree and prosecco sparkling Italian wine, plus a touch of raspberry, which is actually a formerly “secret ingredient.”

We’re bringing it forward now for the holidays as a Cranberry Bellini. Be sure to start with well-chilled ingredients.

Cranberry Bellini

½ c cranberry juice

1 c peach nectar

1 bottle prosecco (or other sparkling white wine)

Combine cranberry and peach; keep chilled till needed. Pour into tall flutes or martini glasses till just ¼ full. Top with prosecco; garnish as desired. Serve immediately. Makes 6-8 servings.

KISS Notes: I sometimes like to rim the glass with cinnamon sugar. Garnish

Cranberry Pearrini

with a wedge of lime, a slice of fresh peach, or “shrub”-style with a couple tiny scoops of raspberry (and peach) sorbet or sherbet. A nice variation for this drink is the Cranberry Pearrini. Make as above but replace the peach nectar with pear nectar. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a large fresh raspberry.

For other great cranberry recipes to take you from appetizers and tapas to entrées, side dishes, and desserts, check out Cranberry Cooking. It’s part of a series of 8 pocket cookbooks, all featuring easy recipes to help you star in the kitchen. They’re all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and more. (If you buy one on Amazon, you can also get the digital edition FREE!) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Posted in Bubbly Makes the World Go 'Round, Family -- Says It All, Party Themes & Schemes, Super Simple Is Key! | Leave a comment

Sweet Thank You!

Posted on May 21, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Our Maltipoo, Bandit, received the most lovely thank you note… from another dog, no less. Mr. Casey had just read Bandit’s book, “A Dangerous Book for Dogs.”

He said:

“Hi Bandit. The best book ever! You can tell, my humans, Judy & Ken wrote this for me. We loved reading your story and all your helpful information. I, too, am a Maltipoo, and my name is “Mr. Casey.” I weigh 16 pounds, and I have champagne color fur. I hope you don’t mind; I let my human Mom and Dad read your training methods so they would know what to do with me. I hope you can come visit me someday. I thank you again.”

Well, Bandit, with all his 7 pounds of fun, fur, and fury, is very happy to have gotten that missive. He says he is planning a visit with his newest fan very soon… even though Mr. Casey ignored Bandit’s warning to NOT share his secret tips for training your humans with ANY humans. Sigh.

Such is a dog’s life. Love, cookies, and belly rubs.

You can find Bandit’s “A Dangerous Book for Dogs” in paperback and digital (Kindle) formats on sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as in Audiobook from Audible.com.

Posted in Must Love Dogs (& Other Wonderful Pets) | Leave a comment

Thank you!

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

I have received sooo many fabulous comments and positive reviews for my latest book, “The Bimbo Has Brains!” I am humbled and honored.

However, I must thank YOU for supporting or contributing to my life’s journey to not only learn how to survive and thrive, but to then become able to share the many life lessons I gleaned with others. I had no idea that so many people would find this book as helpful in their / your personal journey through life’s stereotypes, double standards, and relationship mazes.

Your feedback inspires me!

Please enjoy this code UP3LM59T which can be applied at “check out” directly from the printer by following this link: https://www.createspace.com/6497205

This scores a 25% discount for $5 off when you purchase the paperback edition of “The Bimbo Has Brains” from the printer! (Sorry, but neither Amazon nor Barnes and Noble give me any discount options.) This UP3LM59T code does not expire and can be used multiple times and shared with as many people as you’d like.

Enjoy! And thanks again!

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“Bimbo” Rocking!

Posted on March 28, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

My latest book, “The Bimbo Has Brains,” made the Uncaged Book Reviews!

Okay… it’s on the last page of the March, 2017 edition, but it IS a 5-star review, so I am pleased to have been chosen as one of reviewer Amy Shannon’s favorite reviews.

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God Speed

Posted on February 16, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Christopher Martin

Life is a very difficult place to live.

The telephone rings. A loved one has passed. At 39, he is too young… and gone way too soon. He is Christopher Martin, my husband’s first born and #1 eldest son. Please say an extra prayer for his Dad, his Mom, and his siblings.

His passing turns the world surreal for everyone who knows and loves him. Christopher was brilliant. His creativity flowed like a 10-lane super-highway with the Flying Angels soaring overhead.

His laughter and passion for living will dance in our hearts forever. His genuine interest in people and what makes us tick touched countless people who passed through his life. The trail of his footprints will be missed, as his path was cut short too suddenly.

Hug everyone you love a little more closely. Take nothing for granted… not one single day.

God bless you, Christopher.

Posted in Family -- Says It All | Leave a comment

Link of Love!

Posted on February 11, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Use this link to my newest book, The Bimbo Has Brains, for a $5 discount (25% off) by using this code: UP3LM59T

That’s straight from the printer and has NO expiration date! Enjoy!!!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Super Simple Sweetheart Goodies

Posted on February 8, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

For Valentines Day and beyond, look for easy recipes. They can be assembled quickly with few ingredients. You can find yummy ideas in some unexpected places.

For example, in the Dockside Dining… Back for Thirds cookbook, recipes were designed for backyard barbequing, tailgating, and simplicity for travelers, particularly on board on on the shore for boaters. But these recipes are easy to do indoors in a traditional kitchen, too!

So many of them are perfect for pairing with your favorite wines or bubbly, too! For example, here’s a recipe from the Appetizers section.

Super Simple Surfside Crabmeat

Super Simple Surfside Crabmeat

¼ c butter

1 c chopped sweet onion

1 tsp minced garlic

¼ c white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)

1 lb fresh lump crabmeat (drained)

3 T mayonnaise

¼ tsp paprika plus a dash or 2 cayenne pepper

3 T chopped fresh parsley

1-2 green onions, thinly sliced (green portions)

Melt butter in grill-safe skillet or heavy foil pan over med heat. Add onion & garlic; sauté 2-3 min till onions are tender. Add wine; stir for 1 min. Gently stir in crabmeat; remove from heat. Stir in mayo, seasonings, and parsley. Serve directly from the skillet or foil pan with buttery crackers, pita crisps, tortilla chips or melba toasts. Or spoon into mini phyllo pastry cups. Makes about 2½ cups.

KISS Tips: Try sprinkling a bit of shredded coconut, chopped or sliced almonds, or some panko bread crumbs on top. Or turn this into a brunch or lunch entrée by spooning over warm rice.

Serve some of this to your sweetheart!

Check Dockside Dining out. It’s available in both paperback and digital formats. More than 200 Super Simple recipes are packed into the sweet little 5×8″ size!

There are salads like Orange You Glad You Like Melon and Far Out Far Eastern Chicken Salad. Brunch delights include French Toast Timboo Tavern, the Egg McMushroom Sandwich, and Berried Bacon Waffle Treasures. Other appetizers range from Crabby Bon Bons, Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms, and Pears in a Blanket to Peachy Brie Bites and Roasted Pecan Crystals. There’s also an amazing Seafood Crisp a la Kretch’s Marco Island and a Sassy Super Hero Dip. Among the stellar entrees is the Sail Away Salmon, Riviera Rack of Lamb, and Cathy’s Lime Pepper Shrimp and Scallops. There are plenty of veggies and sides, soups, lunch ideas,and some saucy condiments. Of course, there are more than 30 sweet treats for dessert… or whenever. Some favorites are the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dip, Super Simple Peach Cobbler, and a cake treat called For the Love of Eclair. Oh, yeah!!!

Posted in Super Simple Is Key!, Taste Bud Travels, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Bimbo’s First 5-Star Review

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

So psyched. The Bimbo Has Brains just got our first review on Barnes & Noble.com and earned 5 stars! That is an exciting way to start.

Also, Author Amy Shannon’s Bookshelf Reviews has now honored me as one of her featured authors and posted a lengthy interview about the book and me on her blog. Click to read.

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Thank you!

Posted on February 2, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

The Bimbo Has Brains has now officially launched! I feel so very blessed to have already heard from so many of you! I do so appreciate the well-wishes. Some have asked how long it took me to write this book. Most honestly, I must answer with “a combination of a few months and a few decades.” That’s what Life Lessons do for us.

I truly do seek honest reviews on any sites from Amazon to Goodreads. If you will, please share the announcement of this new book with your circles of influence. Read on!

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20 Days to Bimbo!

Posted on January 11, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

The countdown continues!!! The official release of my next book is February 1st. The Bimbo Has Brains is making waves and getting some delightful early comments. Here are a couple:

“The Bimbo Has Brains—and insight and compassion and empathy and outreach and bubbling-over humor. Cathy Burnham Martin’s book is so human and so immensely caring that it will change lives.”

-Richard Lederer, best-selling author of Anguished English and other books about language and humor

“Cathy Burnham Martin’s voice is bold, beautiful and pregnant with emotion, integrity, humour and honesty. Brilliant ‘bimbo’ indeed! She stands up for past and future generations of women and shows our sisters that there is hope through understanding and that communication is the message for all involved. “

-Beverly Read Moody, Toronto Area Book Club

Needless to say, we are quite excited! Details are on the QTPublishing.com website, along with info on the companion book by John A. Gehrisch, The Golf Pro Has Heart.

Posted in Uncategorized, Write Again! | Leave a comment

Happy New Year!

Posted on January 1, 2017 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Today begins the official countdown to the release of my next book: “The Bimbo Has Brains… and Other Freaky Facts.” 31 Days to go!

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Love Dogs – Must Read

Posted on November 10, 2016 by Cathy Burnham Martin

‘Tis the season to make treats… AND protect our furry friends from them. In the book released by our dog, Bandit, this year, he includes a long list of items that we humans might not realize are poisonous for our dogs and cats.

As I was preparing dinner last evening, I was reminded of this. While chopping some onions, a piece flew onto the floor. As is usual for Bandit, he quickly scurried toward the morsel. He knows this as “Clean Up, Aisle 4.” However, on this occasion, I had not called out, “Clean Up, Aisle 4.” In fact, knowing that onions are on the very serious Oh-No list, I had already made my move to quickly reach the onion chunk first.

Bandit gave me quite the disappointed look. But, it’s all about keeping them safe. With more than 100,000 cases of pet poisoning just last year, we can’t be too careful.

“A Dangerous Book for Dogs” is truly a riotous romp for dogs on how to train their humans. Naturally, Bandit felt he should include some free bonus goodies… because you’ve been good. One of them focuses on food and treat safety.

As the list is several pages long, and goes into a great deal of detail, I will just give a few important highlights here. The list goes well beyond foods. For example, while I won’t list every specific detail here, in general, keep all human and pet medications, as well as chemical treatments away from your animals. Household cleaners and personal care items are also big no-no’s. The list of harmful plants should also be considered, including the likes of aloe, daisies, marijuana, and tobacco, for just a few.

It’s the foods we consume that cause the most common angst. In a nutshell, keep alcohol and caffeine away from dogs and cats, along with chocolate, grapes, raisins, fruit pits, citrus peels, garlic, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, yeast dough, nuts, and avocado. While there are some specifics and varietal details within categories, these form a pretty important starting point. Despite the popularity for humans right now, don’t even let them get at coconut water, as it’s too high in potassium for dogs. Also avoid sharing dairy treats, as they are difficult for them to digest.

Sigh. ‘Tis the season to enjoy goodies, but we all need to remember that to be good to our beloved pets, we need to protect them.

For more information on Bandit’s “A Dangerous Book for Dogs,” (despite his warning to keep it OUT of human hands), check out the list of books at the blog, GoodLiving123.com. It’s available in paperback, digital, and Audiobook formats.

Posted in Must Love Dogs (& Other Wonderful Pets) | 8 Comments

Yayyyyy Cubbies!

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Sorry, but being a lifelong Red Sox fan has also made me aware of other team’s sufferings from various “curse” experiences. I only wish the World Series could have been Cubs v Red Sox.
All good. SOOOOOO happy for Cubs fans everywhere. (Sorry Cleveland. It is not easy to be playing against the year of Destiny.)

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

A Dangerous Book for Dogs

Posted on February 21, 2016 by Cathy Burnham Martin

WARNING!!! Don’t let this book fall into human hands!!!! That’s Bandit’s strong advice regarding his new book. A Dangerous Book for Dogs is filled with insider tips and secret strategies to help canines get and keep their humans in line. Some wonderful advice was also shared by his various canine pals, too.

You’ll find many chuckles along the way as you recognize how some of your own human friends try to understand and cope with their own paws-itively wonderful friends. Bandit… sometimes known as 7 Pounds of Fun, Fur, and Fury… serves up some superb FREE Bonus treats as well.

If you are a big fan, you can also get the full, unabridged text in a full-color edition by the same title. Only the cover photographs differ. The regular paperback (with Bandit lounging on a striped pillow on the cover) contains the same nearly 150 photographs inside as the full-color edition, although they are in black-and-white.

For the full-color edition, look for Bandit propped up on a white pillow. Always the Pillow Puppy… helping him rest as he shares his wisdom. Now Bandit will start producing the full, unabridged edition as an Audiobook. That is scheduled for release this Spring!

Posted in Must Love Dogs (& Other Wonderful Pets) | Tagged dangerous book for dogs, dog, dog training, funny dog story, humor | Leave a comment

Where was THIS book when I NEEDED it?

Posted on February 1, 2016 by Cathy Burnham Martin

The latest book, narrated by Cathy Burnham Martin, is entitled “The Hormone Fix: Naturally Rebalance Your System in 10 Weeks.”

While it may sound wild, hormonal imbalance affects more people than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined! Yikes! Written by Dr. Julius Herrera, “The Hormone Fix” explains the reality of the science within us AND delivers a natural approach to feeling healthy and balanced, regardless of the “time of the month” OR the time of your life.

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Timely Fat Loss Tips on Audiobook

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Check the new Audiobooks page on my blog www.GoodLiving123.com to see how I’m celebrating my new career twist in the New Year. After doing voiceover work for decades, I am a Johnny-Come-Lately to narrating Audiobooks, and I am loving it!!!! I will keep updating the list as I complete works… I am narrating my own books as well as those by other authors. They’re available on sites like Audible.com, Amazon, iTunes, and such.

I’m learning a lot as I narrate nonfiction works, but I’m also having a blast portraying so many characters in novels. Oh, and I was told to try romance, so I did. OMG! Hubby suggested that I simply “pant” a lot, but I found that was not necessary. He’s such a wise guy. 🙂

Anyway, one of the books may be most appealing this winter as so many of us try to include good health habits and weight loss among the New Year’s resolutions we hope not to break. I recorded “Fat Loss Tips 3,” the 3^rd book in The Fat Loss Series. Book 3 in the 7-volume series focuses on food. It packs a lot of eating tips, along with the real “skinny” on low carb, high fiber, trans fats, and more. Also in the 90-minute Audiobook, you’ll get fat loss meals and a nutrition plan, including weight loss breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks.

Check out the whole list of books I’ve finished narrating at this point. If you’d like to do an Audiobook review on any of the titles, email me at QTPub123@aol.com and I’ll try to get you a code for a comp copy.

Meanwhile, enjoy 2016… with love and laughter.

Posted in To Our Health & Fitness! | Leave a comment

Cheese Crisps Have Hit the Stores!

Posted on January 1, 2016 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Since I first made these gems in the late 1970’s, folks have asked why I didn’t sell them. That’s not my focus, but I figured someone else would… someday. That day is now.

“Fresh Gourmet” is the name under which they are manufactured. I’ve now seen them in supermarkets in both the North and South. They offer two varieties… Parmesan and Asiago.

I bought a bag of each. (Beware… the price approaches $5 for a small bag.)

The contents match my simple one-ingredient approach. Cheese. Just cheese. 100% real, gluten-free, dairy-rich cheese. Nothing else. Nada. Bupkiss.

While the supermarket variety is a small 1” size disk, I advocate making them in a variety of sizes, to suit your needs. Small ones to replace crackers. Large disks to top a salad. I also do some other “shape” treatments for visual interest when placing my Cheese Crisps out with cocktails and other tapas items. You can “crinkle” each disk a bit or roll them into tubes, but you must do this while they are still fresh and hot from the oven, since they cool very quickly to a nice crispy texture.

Before I give you the recipe again, let me answer the questions I have already gotten from personal friends. No, I have no plans to buy them again. They are just too super simple to make. I could imagine myself buying a bag if I was traveling and wanted a cheesy snack for the road. If you want a zero carb snack with all the crunch of a cracker, these babies deliver!

Plus, I make them in lots of flavor varieties, beyond Parmesan and Asiago. Favorites include Pepper Jack and Muenster, by the way. The original idea came from picking at cheese that had melted off my nachos and gotten crispy on the foil-covered baking pan. Oh, yeah!

So, here’s the recipe for you.

Super Simple Cheese Crisps

Sandwich-size deli square slices of cheese, such as Muenster, cut in 4 squares

Space 4 pieces of cheese in a Pyrex pie dish or 8” square baking dish. Microwave on high 1 minute (or up to 90 seconds depending on your microwave. (It helps to start with a warm plate, or you may need to flip the first batch of cheese over and cook 15-30 sec more.) Cool on paper towels. Make as many as you like! Store in airtight containers at room temperature or they will lose their crispness.

KISS Notes: A popular restaurant at a Sheraton hotel started serving my Parmesan version of these beauties atop their Caesar salads in 1976. While such crisps pop up frequently in restaurants now, they were quite the novelty in the 1970’s and even ‘80’s. I refined them in 1980 to this microwaved technique & with more varieties to serve as AWESOME carb-free crackers for friends trying the Atkins Diet long before carb-free items appeared in stores. I also served them as a super snack with wine… I still do.

This recipe appears in a couple of my cookbooks, including Volume 1 of “Fifty Years of Fabulous Family Favorites” along with the recipe for my original baked version. The cookbook “Dockside Dining – Round One” also gives some clever tips on turning these into Cheese Crisp Canapes. Enjoy on this New Year’s Day… with love and laughter.

Posted in Super Simple Is Key!, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Cranberry Capers

Posted on October 21, 2015 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Fresh Cranberries

‘Tis the season to start savoring the tartly delectable cranberry! My Cranberry Cooking cookbook (in paperback and digital formats) celebrates one of America’s most under-rated fruits. Whether you enjoy them in breads or desserts, sweetened in a sassy sauce, nestled into a perfect pork or poultry entree, or sprinkled over a sweet potato casserole, “yum” comes to mind with all these recipes, more than 100 in categories from breakfast to dessert, and this is the time of year when we can enjoy them with all their popping crisp freshness. Naturally I love giving a couple of the recipes free, because while we don’t mind paying for good cookbooks, FREE is always appreciated, I know.

We just had some friends over for a rack of lamb dinner party, so lamb is on my mind right now. While most folks typically think of cranberries in sauces, desserts, breads, or beverages, their entrée applications are marvelous.

Lamb with Cranberry Chutney
2 T olive oil
¾ c sweet onion, diced
1 c fresh or frozen cranberries
1/3 – ½ c orange marmalade
2 T brown sugar
2 T orange juice
Salt
6 lamb rib chops
In the olive oil in a heavy sauce pan, sauté onion 3-5 min over med heat, stirring frequently. Stir in cranberries, marmalade, brown sugar & orange juice; salt to suit your taste. Cook over med heat 5 min, stirring frequently, till sugar dissolves & cranberries pop. Remove from heat; set aside. Arrange lamb chops on cooking-spray coated grilling rack in foil-lined, shallow roasting pan. Broil 6” below heat source for 2-4 min per side, or until desired degree of doneness. Serve chops with chutney. Makes 2 servings of 3 ribs each.

KISS Tip: Broil 2 min per side for med-rare, 3 min per side for medium, and 4 min per side for med-well.

Now, I realize that lamb may or may not be a favorite of yours, so I also include a poultry entrée to tantalize your tastebuds.

Cathy’s Crocked Cranberry Chicken
I created this recipe in 2007, inspired by a childhood favorite that used apricot preserves.
4 boneless chicken breasts, pounded flat & folded around your favorite stuffing with ½ c dried cranberries & ½ c chopped apple added
Paprika
1 env dry onion soup mix
16 oz whole berry cranberry sauce
1 bottle cranberry vinaigrette
¼ c cranberry liquor, peach schnapps, or Grand Marnier

Place stuffed breasts in bottom of slow cooker. Sprinkle liberally with paprika & soup mix. Spread cranberry sauce over them; pour on the vinaigrette. Cover the cooker; cook on low for 4-5 hrs. Pour liquor over top & stir a bit. Cook 5 more min & serve with long grain & wild rice and a green vegetable.

To further entice you, here is a list with a few of the other recipes from Cranberry Cooking:

Appetizers: Cranberry Orange Hazelnut Dip, Turkey Cranberry Brie Quesadillas, Cranberry Crab Rangoon

Baked Non-Dessert: Cranberry Kissed Cinnamon Rolls, Spiced Cranberry Muffins, Sweet Potato Praline Coffee Cake

Beverages: Frozen Cranberry Margarita, Hot Percolator Punch, Smooooth Cape Cod

Desserts: Chocolate Cranberry Cupcakes, Cranberry Streusel Bars, Crumbling Cranberry Peach, Baked Cranberry Apples, Peachy Pecan Foster, Cranberry Mousse, White Chocolate Cranberry Tart

Entrees: Maple Cranberry BBQ Sauce, Cathy’s Cranberry Stuffed Chicken Rolls, Spirited Pork Chops, Cranberry Turkey Burgers

Fruits: Blushing Cranberry Pears, Cranberry Apple Dumplings

Salads: Cranberry Waldorf Salad, Cranberry Orange Spinach Salad, Cranberried Broccoli Salad, Cranberry Wild Rice Salad, Cranberry Vinaigrette

Sandwiches: Caramelized Cranberry Apple Peanut Butter, Zippy Cranberry Turkey Wraps

Sauces and Condiments: Honey Cranberry Barbeque Sauce, Mushroom Cranberry Sauce, Chunky Cranberry Apple Rhubarb Sauce, Tex Mex Cranberry Salsa

Side Dishes: Roast Turkey and Cranberry Sausage Stuffing, Spiced Sweet Potato and Cranberry Couscous, Wild Rice Cranberry Pilaf

Snacks: Nutty Snack Mix, Spiced Cranberry Popcorn

Soups: Cran-Apple Turkey Stew, Cranberried Turkey a la King

The Keep It Super Simple kitchens delighted in compiling this collection of scrumptious cranberry recipes… from appetizers and sauces to salads and entrees… for the KISS™ cookbook Super Series from Quiet Thunder Publishing. Cranberry Cooking, plus all the other books in the Super Series are conveniently bound in a handy 5×8” format. If you prefer digital editions, you will also find them on Kindle.

Cranberry Cooking is a special book of Super Simple recipes to help make Good Living as easy as 1-2-3. Enjoy… with love and laughter!

Posted in Super Simple Is Key! | Leave a comment

Tonight! Music, Merriment & Memories

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Cathy Burnham Martin

It’s a first for the Manchester Community Music School… tonight’s swinging 1940’s style USO-type show, packed with music and guest stars…. All performing on a volunteer basis to support the great work being done at the school. Fifty of New Hampshire’s most celebrated and professional musicians serve as faculty for more than 1200 students from throughout the region and our neighboring states. Tonight we celebrate!

Enjoy air-conditioned comfort, free refreshments & free raffle tickets… along with great entertainment! My hubby (The Ronald aka Ron Martin) is one of the hosts, alongside Mike Reed… playing his rendition of Bob Hope… or Bob “Hoop” as I call him… with a little “Bling” Crosby and friends.

You’ll catch the famed 48+ piece Summer Band, the Capital Jazz Orchestra Trio, the sensational NH Youth Jazz Combo, plus a couple star numbers from Dance Visions Network. And vocalists? Boston recording artist Bill Andrews, former Miss New Hampshire Michelle Lamontagne, musical theatre buff Paul Padfield, superb Manchester Community Music School voice student Megan Jurnak, and the buttery baritone stylings of Lloyd Owens.

Doors open at 6pm for the 7pm show at the school on 2291 Elm Street in Manchester’s north end. General admission tickets will be sold at the door.

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My 1000th Recipe!

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Cathy Burnham Martin

When the 3-volume set “Fifty Years of Fabulous Family Favorites” came out in April, it included the 1,000^th recipe that I have published! (It’s been a very busy two years!) I actually first developed this dish in 1979; I just hadn’t started writing the books yet. This gem has stood the test of time beautifully.

Appropriately, for my taste buds, my 1000th recipe features lobster! So, in my traditional GoodLiving123.com blog fashion, I must give you that dish as a yummy freebie.

Café Martin Shrimp with Spinach and Alfredo Sauce

4 T butter

6-8 green onions, sliced, including 2-4” of green portions

2 lbs med to large raw shrimp, peeled & deveined

1 T minced garlic

1 bunch fresh spinach (or baby) or 10 oz thawed & dried

1 – 2 c Alfredo sauce, warmed

¼ – ½ c light cream or half-and-half cream (or white wine)

Freshly ground black pepper, to suit your taste

Melt butter over med-low heat in large skillet or Dutch oven; sauté green onions 1 min. Add shrimp; sauté 1 min, till turning pink. Remove shrimp & onions with slotted spoon; set aside. Add garlic & spinach to pan; stir 1 min, just to start turning spinach limp. Stir shrimp mixture back into pan; stir in Alfredo sauce & cream (or wine) till mixture is your desired consistency. Season with pepper. Serve as is or over hot pasta of your choice. Makes 4-6 servings.

Now… to the lobster. THIS makes the best variation… substitute large fresh lobster meat chunks for the shrimp. Ooooh la la!!!

Yum, yum, yum! Enjoy… with love and laughter!

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