Author Archives: Cathy Burnham Martin

About Cathy Burnham Martin

Author of 20+ books, and counting! A professional voice-over artist, dedicated foodie, and lifelong corporate communications geek, Cathy Burnham Martin has enjoyed a highly eclectic career, ranging from the arts and journalism to finance, telecommunications, and publishing. Along with her husband, Ron Martin, she has passions for entertaining, gardening, volunteering, active and visual arts, GREAT food, and traveling. Cathy often says, "I believe that we all should live with as much contagious enthusiasm as possible... Whether we're with friends or family, taking people along for the ride is more than half the fun."

Courage, Strength, and Patience

In these post-Hurricane Ian days, weeks, and months, many hearts, souls, and lives will be tested. Many prayers for courage, strength, and patience are going out to all who are suffering and have suffered devastating losses. “What lies behind us … Continue reading

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National Cookbook Month

I live to eat. I love food. Thus, I love cookbooks. I read them as many people read novels. I started creating my own recipes when I was barely in elementary school and was cooking family dinners by the 6th … Continue reading

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National Hot Mulled Cider Day

Apple cider and apple juice are not the same thing, although they are both made with pressed apples. Juice is filtered and pasteurized, giving it a clearer texture and longer shelf life. Apple cider is definitely thicker, as it is … Continue reading

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Invest Wisely

  “Happiness is a stock that doubles in a year.” — Ira U. Cobleigh American author and financial consultant (Photo by Helena Lopes)

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National North Carolina Day

Since we now call North Carolina our home, I must salute this day properly. As a child, I knew of North Carolina as “First in Flight” thanks to the Wright brothers making history in Kitty Hawk. As the years passed, … Continue reading

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Ancestor Appreciation Day

Every year on September 27th, we can celebrate our heritage. Ancestor Appreciation Day reminds us that regardless of where we were born, where we were raised, or where we may live currently, we all have ancestors. Our histories are richly … Continue reading

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National Dumpling Day

Pick a culture or pick a dumpling! In America, I must admit that our dumplings are pretty boring… typically baked filled pastry or pieces of dough added to a dish & usually boiled, as for soup. That likely harkens back … Continue reading

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National Lobster Day & National Quesadilla Day

When two of my favorite foods enjoy the same “national” celebration day, I simply must combine my thinking. I mean, to my tastebuds, there is very little as delectable as the sweet tender meat from a freshly steamed lobster simply … Continue reading

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Let Hope Live

    “Of all ills that one endures, hope is a cheap and universal cure.” — Abraham Cowley (1618-1667) English poet (Photo by Sarah Richter)

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Fall In!

So, it’s officially Autumn. Kiss Summer a fond farewell and look forward to Mother Nature’s magic. The leaves turning wild, fiery yellow, orange, and red make me smile. Shuffling and kicking through crispy fallen leaves makes me young again… if … Continue reading

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National Ice Cream Cone Day

Yum!  I do love that so many of the “national” days celebrate wonderful foods. Ice cream cones have always held a special place in my little world. As a child, I struggled to finish even a small portion, so Dad … Continue reading

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National Pecan Cookie Day

I am quite sure that nearly every traditionally favorite cookie variety has an official day by this point. Pecans work fabulously in cookies and bars, delivering nutty goodness without any bitterness. I love a pecan cookie that borders on shortbread… … Continue reading

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National Pepperoni Pizza Day

So, this is the official day to eat pepperoni pizza. As if we need a special day!!?! Make mine a double pepperoni, please. I love a crust that’s on the thin side, but not all the way to “cracker.” I … Continue reading

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Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Yo ho ho! ‘Tis the day to add some swagger to yer step and an “aaaarrrrr-some” growl to your tone as we hail, “Ahoy, mateys!” Whether we be scallywags or seadogs, we know that “shiver me timbers” and a Jolly … Continue reading

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Locate an Old Friend Day

Hmmmm…. In our hectic, day-to-day lives, it becomes far too simple to lose track of people from our pasts. And yet, our hearts are warmed when someone from whom we have not heard in a long time suddenly appears or … Continue reading

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National Monte Cristo Day

Warning! If you are dieting, stop reading now. Just look away. I am a sucker for fabulous local eats when we travel. Thus, in France, a Croque-Monsieur always lands on our plate at some roadside bistro… along with a glass … Continue reading

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National Stepfamily Day

I say it often, and yet not nearly enough. I feel especially blessed. One of my great blessings is to be part of an incredible blended family.  When I officially became a stepparent, I had no idea how it would … Continue reading

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International Day of Democracy

On this, the International Day of Democracy, I thought it might be interesting to take a brief look at the term and some thoughts on it. The term comes from the Greek words “demos” (the people) and “kratia” (power or … Continue reading

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National Live Creative Day

“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.” — Albert Einstein  (1879 – 1955) German-born theoretical physicist; developed the theory of relativity Everyone has a spirit of creativity! Some put more or less effort … Continue reading

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International Chocolate Day

Cacao beans are native to Central and South America. However, chocolate is easily one of the world’s favorite flavors. Thus, there’s no surprise that chocolate ranks its own international day of celebration. From chocolate bars (invented in England and perfected … Continue reading

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National Day of Encouragement

September 12th marks the day that is annually dedicated to uplifting people around us and making a positive impact. Yes! We can all do this. Encouragement is FREE! Let’s give some away!!! President George W. Bush signed the documents making … Continue reading

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Grandparents Day

Yes, this is a real holiday. It was initially proposed back in the 1950s and finally became a federal holiday by proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. Celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day each year, there … Continue reading

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Yummy!

On this day I celebrate the simple, but always endearing crab cake. I prefer them meaty and moist, with barely a touch of breading. They always go like hot cakes! Serve them as appetizers, entrees, or atop salads, jazzing up … Continue reading

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Renewal

“Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach (1947 – ) American author  (Photo by Steven … Continue reading

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Happy Anniversary!

  Today I celebrate 22 years of marriage with Sir Ronald. We complete each other. As with all couples, we’ve been through a lot together. I am delighted that we are very much in love and are still each other’s … Continue reading

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YOU! The Artist Extraordinaire!

  “There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” — Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890) Dutch Post-Impressionist painter (Image by Rheo)

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National Read a Book Day

Pick a book… any book! Serious nonfiction or comic book, romance novel or mystery thriller… your choice. Sometimes when I read, I like to be entertained with something light and fun. Most times I find myself reading nonfiction works that … Continue reading

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Never Give Up

“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win.” — Margaret Thatcher (1925 – 2013) Prime Minister of the  United Kingdom 1979 – 1990; first female British prime minister & longest serving in the 20th century (Image … Continue reading

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Keep Hope Alive

“When hope is taken away from a people, moral degeneration follows swiftly thereafter.” — Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973) Pulitzer Prize-winning American author (Photo by Schaferle)

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National Welsh Rarebit Day

One legend says that this cheesy dish was first developed by Welsh peasants seeking a substitute for expensive meat. There are records of the dish in Wales dating back to the 1500s under the name “caws pobi,” meaning toasted cheese … Continue reading

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Two Month Countdown to “Destiny 2”

Quiet Thunder Publishing releases Book 2 in the Destiny Trilogy in just 2 months!! The paperback edition of Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family will sell for $15.99 and the digital edition for $5.99. But Amazon is offering a pre-sale … Continue reading

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Let Freedom Ring

Two hundred and seventy years ago today… on September 1, 1752, the Liberty Bell arrived in Philadelphia. Ordered from the Whitechapel Foundry in London, it was originally the bell for the Pennsylvania State House, which is now called Independence Hall. … Continue reading

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Farewell to August

“Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American essayist, philosopher, & poet (Photo by Sharon Ang)

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Freedom of Opinion

  “Freedom of opinion can only exist when a government thinks itself secure.” — Bertrand Russell (1872 – 1970) British philosopher (Photo by Andrew Martin)

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National Lemon Juice Day

Ah, yes! When life hands you lemons, make lemonade! I love citrus fruit, including lemons, so lemonade is a fave beverage. And yet, it must be true lemon juice, and not the sugary substitutes. Same goes when making anything from … Continue reading

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Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

When one of us shares that a beloved 4-legged family member has crossed the Rainbow Bridge, each of us who has been loved by a special critter feels the pang of pain and loss. Whether your loss happened years ago … Continue reading

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Sunshine and Storms

If something wonderful is starting or happening in your life, bravo!!!! Relish the time… the sharing… the marvelous memories you are making. On the other hand, if something not-so-wonderful is happening… or something wonderful has ended, please do not lose … Continue reading

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Women’s Equality Day

First recognized in 1973 by the U.S. Congress, this day commemorates the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote.   “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”  —Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) First … Continue reading

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Go For It!

    “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” — Edmund Burke (1729-1797) Irish-born British statesman & philosopher

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Vesuvius Day

Each year, this day pays tribute to the most well-known eruption of one of history’s deadliest volcanoes, Mount Vesuvius, still active today. From August 24-25, 79 AD, the mountain violently spewed 1.5 million tons per second of molten rock and … Continue reading

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