Author Archives: Cathy Burnham Martin

About Cathy Burnham Martin

Author of 25+ 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."

Counting Down to Book 2 Release!!

I feel mightily blessed by all the marvelous early review comments I have been receiving for my upcoming book “Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family.” Author Anthony Avina just posted an interview he did with me on his blog. The … Continue reading

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National Seafood Bisque Day

Even the word “bisque” sounds fancy. Chefs make bisques out of all sorts of ingredients, including fruits, squash, carrots, and tomatoes. However, the original bisque was always seafood based. This is a rich soup and pricy, too. In truth, the … Continue reading

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A New Grandbaby Blessing

At 5:03 this morning, Ayla Wren was born to Caiti and Adam, making us happy Grandparents again. (Her name is pronounced with the long “I” sound for the Ay.) And making Mom a proud Great-Grandmother for the 3rd time! Ayla … Continue reading

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National Pasta Day

Caboodles of noodles! Pasta comes in all shapes and sizes. Virtually every culture has its own variations. The first recorded mention of pasta is credited to Sicily back in 1154. While we can find pasta and noodles all over the … Continue reading

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Fall Cleaning

Spring Cleaning is a standard for many of us. I also do Fall Cleaning. In all the packing and unpacking from season changes and travel adventures, I find I have… yet again… too much collected “stuff.” Fall Cleaning comes with … Continue reading

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National Mushroom Day

Yes, there’s a fungus “amungus.” If you are not a fan of shrooms, simply click delete and move on in your reading. I love mushrooms, stuffed, grilled, sautéed, fried, etc., etc., etc. However, ‘tis Autumn, which in my world signals … Continue reading

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Resist!

  “A desire to resist oppression is implanted in the nature of man.” — Tacitus (Publius Cornelius Tacitus) (58 – 120 AD) Roman historian and politician

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Family Fun to Remember!

We so enjoyed our weekend with family last week as we visited Long Island, New York. Between Adaline’s “Two Groovy” 2nd birthday party to picking out pumpkins, lots of laughter and fun surrounded us. Then, of course, she enjoyed time … Continue reading

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National Pumpkin Pie Day

As Americans prepare for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, a pumpkin pie is frequently on the menu. Pumpkins were first cultivated in Central America around 5500 B.C. and were one of the first foods that European explorers took home from the … Continue reading

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Meeting Challenges

Thank you. Thank you to the thousands of people who are helping others following Hurricane Ian’s destructive chaos. First responders of all types had their hands more than full. National Guardsmen put in long days and weeks. Utility, service, clean … Continue reading

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National Angel Food Cake Day

While we can now buy them ready-made or make cakes from mixes, Mom always made her cakes from scratch. (But, of course!) And she made a lot of them. One of her most in-demand cakes for various birthdays was one … Continue reading

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Two Groovy

That was the theme for Granddaughter Adaline’s 2nd birthday party… or perhaps I should say Toooooo Groovy. We all donned our happy hippy best. (And yes, in my costume bin I did still have a few tidbits from the 1960s … Continue reading

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National Fluffernutter Day

Sooo many wonderful textures and flavors go with peanut butter. In making sandwiches, we may opt for a straight-up toasted peanut butter sandwich (a personal favorite). Or we may choose to slather one slice of bread with a favorite jelly … Continue reading

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National Inner Beauty Day

On this day we pause to recognize what makes someone truly beautiful. It has nothing to do with looks. No make-up will help. It comes with no jealousy, bragging, or conceit. Inner beauty cannot be faked. Inner beauty reflects our … Continue reading

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Action vs. Inaction

“There are risks and costs to a program of action, but they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.” — John F. Kennedy (1917 – 1963) 35th President of the United States (Photo by Tim … Continue reading

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National Apple Betty Day

While similar to British apple crisps, Apple Brown Betty is an all-American dessert, the recipe for which was passed down from generation to generation. Unlike an apple crisp, the topping for which typically contains oats,… or an apple cobbler that … Continue reading

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Words and Actions

“Words may show a man’s wit but actions his meaning.” — Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790) Founding Father of the United States, inventor, publisher, political philosopher

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National Taco Day

Okay… in all fairness, today is also National Cinnamon Bun Day. However, just thinking about the sugar made my teeth ache, and focusing on the yumminess made me want to eat 2 or 3…. Warm and toasty with a nice … Continue reading

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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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