Ch-ch-ch-changes

Posted on August 19, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

“What if I told you 10 years from now your life would be exactly the same? Doubt you’d be happy. So, why are you afraid of change?”

— Karen Salmansohn

American self-help author

(Image by Gerd Altmann)

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Love!

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

“The human heart, at whatever age, opens only to the heart that opens in return.”

— Maria Edgeworth (1767-1849)

British writer

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Baby Boomers Recognition Day

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

I am in the demographic group known as the Baby Boomers. We are those born between the end of World War II (1946) and 1964. Baby Boomers are known for “rejecting and redefining traditional values.” So true…  I mean, the Flower Children live here. We took pride in being informed citizens and questioning government.

While being very capable, we do now feel the pinch of age discrimination. A bizarre slice of poetic justice for the generation that said not to trust anyone over 30… and now we are all well over 30.

While we are often cast as the scapegoats for political jousting and social ills, some fine accomplishments are credited to the Baby Boomers coming of age.  For example, safer driving evolved with seatbelt laws. We are the generation of crazy road trips, dedication to public service and volunteerism, and standing up for gender equality. We protested against war, ended the Cold War, ushered in an era of freedom, and we worked for environmental protection. We launched Saturday Night Live and turned movies into culturally iconic series.

Baby Boomers invented the Internet (noooooo…. It was not Al Gore), personal computers, the USB port, screen time, the Flex-Foot prosthesis, text-to-speech technology, the automated external defibrillator, the disposable cell phone, and Viagra. Baby Boomers also made great advances in areas such as forensic science, including DNA fingerprinting. And New York-born and New Hampshire’s own “Einstein,” better known as Dean Kamen, racked up a number of important inventions. From the ambulatory infusion pump and the portable dialysis machine to the Segway and the iBot, I believe he will be easily recognized and remembered as the greatest inventor of our time.

We Baby Boomers also became the American “sandwich” generation, caring for both youngsters and elders. We have a legacy in social attitudes. And, oh, yes! Baby Boomers put the “rock” in rock & roll music, as it became central to our teen subculture.

See it all as good, bad, or indifferent. That is fine. But with life expectancy dramatically increased, we are not done yet!

(Image by Christian Dorn)

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National Tell a Joke Day

Posted on August 16, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Smile, laugh, scoff, or awwww… but tell a joke… or two.

 

A man went into a seafood restaurant and asked for a lobster tail.

The waitress smiled sweetly and said, “Once upon a time there was this handsome lobster…”

 

“Doc, I can’t stop singing the ‘Green, Green Grass of Home.”

The Doctor replied, “That sounds like Tom Jones syndrome.”

I asked, “Is it common?”

He answered, “It’s not unusual.”

 

Why don’t pirates take a shower before they walk the plank? They just wash up on shore.

 

According to unofficial sources, the new, simplified income tax form has only 4 lines.

What was your income for the year?

What were your expenses?

How much do you have left?

Send it in.

(Though it sounds like it could have been told now, that ditty appeared in Readers Digest back in 1945.)

 

A grasshopper walks into a bar. The bartender says, “Hey! Did you know there’s a drink named after you?”

The grasshopper replies, “Really? There’s a drink named Stan?”

 

And just to prove that I’m an equal-opportunity-insulter:

 

A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says, “Ugh! That’s the ugliest baby I’ve ever seen!”

Fuming, the woman walks to the rear of the bus and sits down. She says to a man next to her, “The drive just rudely insulted me.”

The man says, “You go up there and tell him off. Go on, I’ll hold your monkey for you.”

 

Laugh or cringe… I’ll be here all week!

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And Your Little Dog, Too!

Posted on August 15, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

The classic film “Wizard of Oz” debuted in Hollywood, California on this date in 1939. It opened across the United States on August 25th. While she started as a fictional character in L. Frank Baum’s children’s novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” in 1900, it was actress Margaret Hamilton who breathed life into her in the film. Actress Gale Sondergaard was originally cast as the Wicked Witch of the West, but withdrew when the sly role turned sinister, the green glamour gown was replaced by black, and her skin would be green.

The character had terrified me greatly as a child. However, I also found Hamilton’s portrayal to inspire something I call a rather dark side of human nature. When she would come on the screen, I would cover my eyes with my hands. BUT, I would leave one little crack so I could peak. That translates into so many times in our human existence when we say that we can’t look! And yet, we also cannot quite look away.

As primarily a musical and comedy actress, I have been blessed to play all my favorite roles, and all my favorite “witches.” This includes good ones like the Fairy Godmother in “Cinderella” and nasty ones like Rosina Dainty Mouth (English translation) in the Engelbert Humperdinck (no, not the British singer) opera “Hansel and Gretel.”

When cast with one of the only 2 Equity contracts in Manchester’s Palace Theatre production in the 2000s, some actor friends were shocked. They thought I was “too nice” to play her in the Margaret Hamilton manner. No way! “I was born to play this role,” I recall telling them. As a Margaret Hamilton devotee, this was the one missing role from my repertoire.

I remember the director imploring, “Please tell me that you don’t get along with children or dogs.” Sorry, but I do. (Um…. That’s why they call it acting.) The children playing the munchkins made large, colorful paper flowers and decorated the walls of my dressing room with them. They also changed the name on my dressing room to read WWW, rather than Witch. On Opening Night, they added the words “and Toto, too.” The dog portraying Toto had no space in which to rest backstage, so I invited her owner to share my room.

(Ah, yes… the photo is backstage at The Palace, where we actresses playing the wicked one and the good one could be friends.)

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Respect

Posted on August 14, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

 

 

“Whoever does not respect confidence will never find happiness in their path.”

— Proverb

(Photo by Alysha Rosly)

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Yes, I Am Listening, But…

Posted on August 13, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

“Listening does not require agreement. Understanding does not necessitate compliance.”

— Cathy Burnham Martin

American author, voiceover artist & dedicated foodie

(Photo by Stefan Keller)

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National Vinyl Record Day

Posted on August 12, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

This date was chosen as it commemorates the date on which Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877. It’s funny how what’s old is new again. Vinyl records are back. After nearly vanishing in the early 1990s, vinyl records outsold CDs in 2020.

Do you remember your first album? For those of us of a certain age, buying our first record likely happened several decades ago. For Millennials, it could have happened last week.

Was it the Beatles? Guy Lombardo? Elvis Presley? Louis Armstrong? Johnny Cash? My first albums were Dave Clark Five’s “Greatest Hits” and Herman’s Hermits “On Tour.”

Of course, we also had 45s… often a huge collection! I recall buying my first 45 at a Woolworth’s store. “Red Rubber Ball” sung by The Cyrkle hit the charts in 1966.

My funny tale of the day hails from a Strawberries Record store in the mid-1980s. As my videographer Lidia Pedro and I walked past a couple of young teenage girls, we overheard part of their conversation. “Uh-huhhhh! Paul McCartney was too in a band before Wings.”

Well, I couldn’t help myself… I simply had to ask. Nope. They could not name that band. (Yikes! Bring me my walker!)

So, spin your vinyl memories today. Great times shared with lots of great friends!

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National Presidential Joke Day

Posted on August 11, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

There are countless jokes told about every single U.S. President, but even Presidents can be funny, too.

As guests consumed a rather hearty amount of alcohol at the 1974 Radio and Television Correspondents’ Association dinner, Gerald Ford delivered a beauty. He said, “At a time when funds for the defense budget may be cut, it’s comforting to see some of the big guns in your industry still getting loaded.”

Our 4th President, James Madison, was known as a jokester right to the end, as evidenced by his quipping on his death bed, “I always talk better lying down.”

Known for straight talking, Harry S. Truman said, “My choice early in life was either to be a piano player in a  whorehouse or a politician. And to tell the truth, there’s hardly any difference.”

Naturally, there are plenty of speech writers working diligently to spin out great lines and timely “punny” bits to help the President wax eloquently, even when they need some humor. But President Ronald Reagan’s natural sense of humor was legendary. Even as they wheeled him into emergency surgery after the failed assassination attempt, he famously joked with the surgeons, saying, “Please tell me you’re Republicans.”

Enjoyed for his dry, self-deprecating style, President George H.W. Bush told the 1989 Gridiron Club dinner attendees, “I’m known for being indecisive, but I don’t know about that.”

President Barack Obama wrapped up his comments at the 2012 White House correspondents’ dinner with, “I have a lot more material prepared, but I have to get the Secret Service home in time for their new curfew.”

And I’ll close with 17th U.S. President Andrew Johnson’s quip still rings clearly today. “Washington, D.C. is 12 square miles bordered by reality.”

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Be Realistic

Posted on August 10, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

 

“Anyone who does not believe in miracles is not a realist.”

— David Ben-Gurion (1886 – 1973)

First Prime Minister of Israel

(Photo by Jimmy Conover)

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National Book Lovers Day

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Attention bibliophiles everywhere! Today has been proclaimed to be your special day!

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”

— Mason Cooley (1927 – 2002)

American aphorist

 

“There are many ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”

— Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929 – 1994)

First lady of the United States, 1961 – 1963

“If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”

— Haruki Murakami (1949 – )

Japanese writer

If I’m not writing, recording, or editing, I love to read. I always end up with a very large collection of books, many of which get eventually given away or donated. Hubby likes action novels. I tend more toward nonfiction books… those I can read with a highlighter in one hand. (I am a notorious note-taker and like to stay in the learning mode.) But I also like humor, travel, and books about food. Sometimes a memoir or two crosses my path.

I just finished reading a cute little book called “Outnumbered: How an Average Super Mom Raised Five Professional Athletes.” It was written by Diane Gronkowski, Rob’s mother. She shares a number of adventures and misadventures that occurred in the course of raising 5 rambunctious little boys who all grew up to become professional athletes… one in baseball and four in football. All 5 started out playing hockey. While the next to youngest, Gronk #87, is the most famous, it was delightful to hear his mother sing everyone’s praises. Personally, the fact that all five of her children played either MLB or in the NFL strikes me as downright remarkable, easily qualifying her for Super Mom status.

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National Sneak Some Zucchini onto your Neighbor’s Porch Day

Posted on August 8, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

If you have a vegetable garden, you inevitably have faced the dilemma of what to do with the plethora of zucchini that hits right about now. I never before knew there was an official day to sneak zucchini onto your neighbor’s porch. Go figure. Just remember, they are apt to do the same thing. LOL. Many of us have been able to bless co-workers with an abundance of various freshly picked veggies. Plus, everyone has favorite recipes to share. From zoodles to stuffed zucchini boats, if you’re a fan, you’re a fan! I like this little gem that my notes showed I’d pulled from Mom’s recipe box on September 30, 2007. By then, of course, we’d already been enjoying these crispy beauties for a great many years.

Zucchini Rounds

These remain a timeless favorite, served plain, with salt & pepper, or even with a little warmed marinara sauce.

1 c Bisquick or other baking mix

½ c shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/8 tsp salt

2 eggs, beaten

¼ c chopped onion

2 c shredded thin zucchini (including skins)

Butter, for frying

Combine ingredients, mixing well. Melt butter in large skillet over med to med-high heat. Drop heaping spoonfuls of mixture into the hot skillet, pressing mounds down with back of the spoon. Fry 3-4 minutes per side till golden brown. Serve hot.

Okay, go ahead. Make a double batch. That way, a few might actually make it to the dinner table!

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National Sister Day

Posted on August 7, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

I have been deeply blessed with one sister by birth, many sisters through the sisterhood of the ZTA sorority, and countless more through friendship. A sister sees the best and worst in us and loves us anyway. A sister is there for us when we need them… and even when we don’t know that we need them.

My grandmother often called me Phyllis, which was the name of Mom’s younger sister. I took it as a compliment. My sister, Deborah, taught me so much. We shared amazingly wonderful times… playing games, pillow fighting, listening to music, swimming, skiing, skating, weeding gardens, and enjoying countless adventures through the years… even though she and I seemed to have little in common. The photo is from 1954 at Mom’s vanity, which later became the site of many fun hours playing “dress up.” To this day I call Deborah an angel living on this earth. She is a kind, gentle, healing soul. We all could use a little more “Deborah” in our hearts.

Thank you to Deborah and all the other wonderful women who are or have been like sisters to me. You have my love and respect on National Sister Day and always.

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National Root Beer Float Day

Posted on August 6, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Dad loved root beer floats…. A&W or made at home. Scoop that rich, creamy vanilla ice cream into a tall glass. Pour in the bubbly root beer. Insert straw. Go crazy with happy flavors and fizziness!

A favorite memory of making root beer hails from my childhood. Dad’s Mom made her own root beer in a variety of bottles, all carefully corked and resting on her side porch… until that day when the corks started popping out of the bottles. And I mean they all popped… with root beer spraying wildly all over the porch, side of the house, and ceiling. Ooooh! Picture the sticky mess! Ah, these are the prices we pay sometimes when home brewing!

But. Silly stories aside… I must share another twist on the classic root beer float. Talk about Super Simple!!!

Root Beer Float Pie

Strawberries, seedless mandarin orange sections, peach slices, or chocolate shavings or chips also make yummy garnishing options. Also, the root beer extract is not essential, but it adds a nice intensity to the flavor. And if you like to make fresh whipped cream, rather than using Cool Whip, by all means… THAT is the very best, in fact.

3/4 c cold root beer (diet or high test)

2 tsp root beer extract

½ c milk (regular, 2%, or skim)

1 (1-oz) pkg instant vanilla pudding mix (sugar free is AOK)

1 (8-oz) Cool Whip, thawed (1/2 c set aside in refrigerator for garnish)

1 (9”) graham cracker crust

8 maraschino cherries, garnish

In large bowl, combine root beer, extract, milk, & pudding mix, whisking very well. Use a rubber spatula to then fold in half the Cool Whip. Spread evenly in crust. Spread remaining Cool Whip on top of pie and freeze overnight. Use the reserved ½ c of Cool Whip to place 8 dollops around edges of pie, one on each of what will be 8 slices. Top each with a cherry and serve cold.

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Equality

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

“There can be no doubt that our Nation has had a long and unfortunate history of sex discrimination.  Traditionally, such discrimination was rationalized by an attitude of “romantic paternalism” which, in practical effect, put women, not on a pedestal, but in a cage.”

— William J. Brennan (1906-1997)

US Supreme Court Justice 1956-1990; justice in NJ Supreme Court from 1952-56

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Daily Choices

Posted on August 4, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

 

It’s been said many times in many ways. Our true character is reflected in our integrity.

 

 

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.”

— C. S. Lewis (1898 – 1963)

British writer

“A little integrity is better than any career.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1892)

American essayist, philosopher & abolitionist; aka The Sage of Concord

 

“Character is what you are in the dark.” 

— Dwight L. Moody (1837 – 1899)

American evangelist & publisher

“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”

— John Wooden (1910 – 2010)

American basketball coach & player

(Photo by Trimisu)

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Nice View

Posted on August 3, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Nic“Begin challenging your own assumptions.  Your assumptions are your windows on the world.  Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.”

— Alan Alda (1936 – )

American actor

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“Destiny of Determination” Now on PreSale

Posted on August 2, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

I deeply appreciate all the inquiries regarding the release of Book 2 in my historical fiction Destiny Trilogy. Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family is set for release on my Dad’s birthday… November 2… in both paperback and eBook formats, with the audiobook to follow. Yes, it is written! Books 1 and 2 tell the true story of the Armenian side of my family, my Mom’s side. (The Destiny Trilogy will conclude next year.)

I invite anyone who wishes to read the book to please send me your email address via personal message. I will then keep you posted on its release. If you would like to review the book, please let me know which format you prefer… pdf, mobi, or epub… and I will forward one to you now via email. Once the book is officially released, I will provide you with potential links for posting your comments. Honest reviews are vital to book positioning online, but, most importantly, they help me to write better books!

While having read Book 1 Destiny of Dreams… Time Is Dear provides a powerfully haunting foundation, it is not essential. That said, the digital format of Book 1 is marked down from $5.99 to just $2.99 on Amazon to make starting there Super Simple, if you so wish! PLEASE note that Destiny of Dreams… Time Is Dear carries a warning for violent content. While there is nothing gory, nor gratuitous, it is most assuredly adult material.

Book 2… Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family is also available with a Pre-Sale discounted price of $3.99 for everyone placing an order for the digital version prior to the November 2nd release.

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Catch the Wind!

Posted on August 1, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

“To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor.”

— Oliver Wendell Holmes (1841 – 1935)

Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court 1902 – 1931

(Photo by Renan Brun)

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Politics

Posted on July 31, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Those of you who know me best, also know that I am far from being a fan of politics. Now and then, however, a few sage tidbits pique my interest. For example, as you likely know, Barbara Bush and Abigail Adams have the distinction of being the only two women to be married to a U.S. President and be the mother of another U.S. President. Barbara Bush was married to George H.W. Bush, the 41st U.S. President, and was the mother of George W. Bush, the 43rd U.S. President. Anyone who met Barbara Bush loved her and her ability to relate to anyone with the utmost honesty and wit. I was blessed to meet and interview her several times, including when she gave the commencement address at Wellesley College in Massachusetts on June 1, 1990. Always a powerful advocate for children and families, she offered up plenty of sage words for the graduates, including this tidbit.

“You must read to your children, and you must hug your children, and you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your home.”

— Barbara Bush (1925 – 2018)

Abigail Adams, now referred to as the 2nd First Lady of the United States, although that title had not yet been established during her tenure, was also the mother of John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the United States. Further, she was not only the wife of John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States… She also served as his closest advisor. Even prior to the American Revolution she was utterly unimpressed with political “talk,” as indicated in the following quote from a letter she wrote to John Adams in 1774.

“We have too many high-sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them.”

— Abigail Adams (1744 – 1818)

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Paperback Book Day

Posted on July 30, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

I didn’t set out to be any sort of paperback writer, but some things simply happen! #22 is set for release on November 2nd. What!!??! (Yup… Book 2 in the historical fiction Destiny trilogy continues telling my family’s Armenian story. Following “Destiny of Dreams: Time Is Dear,” this one is entitled “Destiny of Determination: Faith and Family.”)

But writing books started with a funny, family-friendly book that was not meant to be a book at all. I started writing letters from Miles, our Newfie, to Ron’s youngest daughter while she was away at school. Then it occurred to me that all his silly stories and adventures were like little chapters. “Dog Days in the Life of the Miles-Mannered Man” soon followed. It is a collection of tall tales, wagging tails, and tantalizing treats, all penned by Miles himself, of course. (I merely held the pen for him.) Oh, and Miles insists his book is non-fiction… because he swears every word is true. (Hmmmm….)

Naturally, Bandit then wrote his own riotous romp with “A Dangerous Book for Dogs: Train Your Human.” I particularly liked writing a few non-fiction, life lessons books. This group started with “The Bimbo Has Brains… and Other Freaky Facts,” which was followed by “The Bimbo Has MORE Brains… Surviving Political Correctness. Then came one of my most popular works… “Encouragement: How to Be and Find the Best.”  And I followed that with “Good Living Skills: Lessons Learned from my Mother.” I also ripped “Healthy Thinking Habits: Seven Attitude Skills Simplified” from a compilation to which I had contributed along with Deepak Chopra and several other authors. There were a few others, including a book of my poems (& other ramblings) and a couple of real estate guides.

I guess that when folks ask which genre I write my books, I should simply answer, “Yes.” LOL. Of course, I have muddied the genre waters plenty by adding 9 cookbooks to my paperback list.

My first cookbook series launched as I compiled old family recipe cards. The 3-book series “Fifty Years of Fabulous Family Favorites” was born. This was quickly followed by several more:

“Champagne: Facts, Fizz, Food, and Fun”

“Cranberry Cooking”

“Dockside Dining: Round One”

“Dockside Dining: A Second Helping”

“Dockside Dining: Back for Thirds”

Then came my first larger format and full-color paperback cookbook:

“Lobacious Lobster: Decadently Super Simple Recipes”

Yes, food fans… several more are in the works! But so far, though I publish in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats, these are my contributions to Paperback Book Day. HUGE thanks to all of you who have read any of my titles… and even reviewed!!! You add light and sparkle to my life!

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Let Freedom Ring

Posted on July 29, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

 

“It is easy to take liberty for granted when you have never had it taken from you.” 

Richard “Dick” Cheney (1941 – )

46th Vice President of the United States

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“Kindsight”

Posted on July 28, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

 

Hindsight feeds our clarity, but “kindsight” feeds our souls.

— Cathy Burnham Martin

American author, voiceover artist & dedicated foodie

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

Success and/or Happiness!

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

 

“Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.”

— Dale Carnegie (1888 – 1955)

American writer & lecturer

Hmmmmm… Yes, we can enjoy both success and happiness!!!

 

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National One Voice Day

Posted on July 26, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Today is a day that’s all about forgetting our differences… race, religion, culture, language, politics, boundaries, and so much more.  On National One Voice Day, may we speak with one voice and commit to the cause of world peace.

Naturally, this wish has echoed for decade after decade and century after century. We continually envision a calm world so future generations do not have to experience war.

Hmmm…  I know. I know. With human nature involved, I recognize this is highly unlikely… even impossible, beyond improbable. But a girl can dream, can’t she?

(Photo by Christian Dorn)

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Happy First Date Anniversary

Posted on July 25, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

This day marks the 22nd anniversary of my first date with Sir Ronald. For several years, we “returned to the scene of the crime” for lunch on the anniversary of that date. (I’d even wear the same outfit… just me being silly me.) Of course, we now celebrate our wedding anniversary… with the 21st fast approaching in September. But as I have been focusing on special family-oriented days of celebration, I thought it nice to recall this very special day. Happy First Date Anniversary to Sir Ronald… and to everyone who loves to celebrate such happy occasions. (The photo is from 2002 on the 2nd anniversary of that first date. Yes… we were in Manchester, New Hampshire at Cotton, although for our first date it was still Cafe Pavone.) Fun memories!

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National Cousins Day

Posted on July 24, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

When we are very lucky, we grow up enjoying beautiful and loving siblings… our sisters and brothers. Sometimes we also get Bonus Siblings in the form of cousins. I enjoyed a blessed childhood with wonderful siblings AND cousins. On this National Cousins Day, we recognize and thank our cousins for being perfectly marvelous parts of our lives. Some we may still enjoy relationships with as adults. Others may have slipped off into their own busy worlds and away from our embrace. Today, I enjoy a moment to pause and feel loving gratitude for each and every cousin… David, Marcia, Barb, Marilyn, Bill, Rick, and more! Don’t even get me started with my second and third cousins! Each and every one is precious!!! Love to you all!

 

I must include a photo with a favorite cousin… aka Bonus Sister… Barbara Cracraft Cote at one of my books signing events in Concord, New Hampshire in 2017. Since we were children, she has exuded all the love and compassion of the Bonus Sister she truly is. Thank you!

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National Gorgeous Grandma Day

Posted on July 23, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Since 1984, today is the day set aside annually to recognize women “of a certain age” whether they are Grandmothers or not. Thanks to all Nana, Grammies, and Grannies by any name for passing down traditions, wit, and wisdom… for loving and nurturing people as if it was the only thing you had to do that day or any day. So, I share my little collection of photos to celebrate the footsteps of those who lead us as we walk on this official National Gorgeous Grandma Day.

The first photo is from our wedding. I am with my Gorgeous Grandma… plus my Mom, another Gorgeous Grandma, along with my sister and her daughter… the one who first turned Mom into a Gorgeous Grandma, and my Grandmother into a Gorgeous Great Grandmother. Of course, my Mom is now not only a Gorgeous Grandma, but this October she is set to become a Gorgeous GREAT Grandma for the third time. And she remains Gorgeous Glenna Burnham forever and ever!

Another picture is of daughter-in-law Caiti… taken with all 4 Moms and Stepmoms (pre-Grandmas) at Adam and Caiti’s wedding rehearsal dinner in Savannah, Georgia in 2017.

Then in November 2021, we got the other shot with all four of us… now officially Grandmas… but always officially “Gorgeous Grandmas” regardless.

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National Hammock Day

Posted on July 22, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Sigh. Just imagine drifting off to blissful sleep while swaying gently in a hammock between a couple of shade trees. “They” say that we can fall asleep more quickly in a hammock, while also enjoying better quality sleep and improved blood circulation. Hammocks also ease muscle aches and provide great stress relief.

Hammocks were originally woven by Mayans from the Hamack tree, native to Latin America. While Christopher Columbus most certainly did not discover America, he did introduce the hammock to Europe in the 15th century.

While I have not (yet) personally located it, “they” say the world’s largest hammock is in North Carolina, spanning 42 feet and woven from 10,000 feet of rope! Bring lots of friends, because it can hold 8,000 lbs. While that could be fun, the other hammock oddity I learned about sounds anything BUT restful to me. That would be the world’s highest hammock. Strung up over a canyon in Utah, it sways a cool 492 feet high. (No, thank you.)

Posted in Super Simple Is Key!, To Our Health & Fitness! | Leave a comment

Making Room in my Brain

Posted on July 21, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

 

 

“I write down what I want to remember, which opens space in my mind for new thoughts.”

— Cathy Burnham Martin

American author, voiceover artist & dedicated foodie

(Image by Mohamed Hassan)

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Moonwalk, Armstrong Style

Posted on July 20, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Neil Armstrong served as a naval aviator from 1949 – 1952 and served in the Korean War. He then earned his Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University and became a test pilot for what later became known as NASA. Most of us think of him as the first man to walk on the moon, which happened 53 years ago today. The Apollo 11 Lunar Module “Eagle” landed on the moon with just 25 seconds of fuel left on July 20, 1969. Commander Neil Armstrong then transmitted, “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed.” Everyone in the control room could finally breathe again!

Unable to sleep, Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin prepared to leave the craft. As he stepped onto the moon’s surface 6 hours and 39 minutes later at 10:56 pm Eastern Daylight Time, Armstrong said, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Yes, he is famously misquoted without the little “a” article, due to a static crackle.) Armstrong and Aldrin explored the moon’s surface and collected samples for 2½ hours. Ahhhh, explorers!

 

(Photo by Mario Azzi)

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National Stick Out Your Tongue Day

Posted on July 19, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

Raspberries!!! Rude or sassy, playful or perky, today is the official day for celebrating our human act of sticking out our tongue. Perhaps it’s just to score a taste of that choice dill pickle from your plate, as our granddaughter, sweet Adaline demonstrates in the photo! But just go ahead… be silly… stick your tongue out at someone today.

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World Listening Day

Posted on July 18, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

 

Shhhhh…

 

 

(photo by Robin Higgins)

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National Ice Cream Day

Posted on July 17, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

In 1984 President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the 3rd Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. He cited ice cream as the “perfect dessert and snack food.”

Since his passion for jellybeans… specifically Jelly Belly jellybeans… was openly touted, I couldn’t help but wonder if a jellybean ice cream would be good (or just crazy sweet). I have never made ice cream with jellybeans, but I was laughing when I saw how many such recipes exist online. (In case you simply must indulge, I share a link to one with you here: https://wearenotmartha.com/jelly-bean-ice-cream/ )

Usually, the closest thing I have seen is to see mini jellybeans offered as “sprinkle” topping extras. Still, I could not help but picture President Reagan gobbling up jellybean ice cream. Since his favorite Jelly Belly flavor was licorice, I figured a Black Licorice Ice Cream must exist. OMG! Yes, it does. So, if you are a fan of the sweet, bitter, salty & sour twangs in licorice, go for it! If not, choose your favorite flavor. My fave in recent years is any spin on the Almond Joy bar, but my all-time favorite ice cream has no rival for my tastebuds. My Dad made the very best true Lemon Ice Cream in the old-time ice cream maker. The Common Man’s walk-up ice cream window at the Town Docks in Meredith, New Hampshire comes close enough to make me smile!!!

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National Corn Fritter Day

Posted on July 16, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

You either love corn fritters or you don’t, but today is their official day! Fritters, for me, are best when they are fresh and hot and served with soft honey butter. Hellloooo! As my many musical friends have taught me, it’s all about “theme and variation.” So, in my 2017 full-color cookbook Lobacious Lobster: Decadently Super Simple Recipes, I took corn fritters to a new (and definitely decadent) level when I created a crazy spin on friend Wendy Tirollo’s celebrated Triple Cornbread Pudding recipe. In tribute to her original recipe, I called this gem “Wendifully Orgasmic Triple Cornbread Pudding. And yes! It is made with lobster. And yes again! It’s delicious at any hour of the day.

Wendifully Orgasmic Triple Cornbread Pudding

16-oz sour cream

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp pure vanilla extract

2 x-lg eggs, beaten well

2 c Mexicali corn kernels (or 2 c corn & ½ – ¾ c finely diced sweet pepper)

1 can (14.5-oz) creamed corn

½ – 1 c finely diced red onion

2-3 c diced or coarsely chopped lobster meat

7 T melted butter

1 box (8.5-oz) Jiffy corn muffin or bread mix

Whisk sour cream, nutmeg & vanilla into the eggs. Stir in all corn, onion & lobster, followed by butter and then the corn muffin mix. Pour into a well-buttered 9×13” baking dish; bake at 350°F for 40-45 min (for creamy, “spoonable” bread pudding) or 60 min for melt-in-your-mouth squares. Serve hot with softened butter. Makes 12 servings. (Or make 18 in buttered muffin tins, baked 20 min for spoon pudding or 30-40 min for muffins.)

Tips: Try this as a perfectly Lobacious side dish for entrees like salmon, chicken, pork, ribs, or steak. Turn this sweetness to savory by adding any of all of the following:

½ – 1 c crumbled, cooked bacon

1 or 2 T dried onion soup mix

½ c finely diced green bell pepper

And/or top with 1½ c shredded Cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese for the last 5 min of baking time.

Need more variations: For a sweet treat “Peachy Lobster Bread Pudding” replace Mexicali corn with 2 c diced or sliced sweet peaches and add 2 packets Stevia (or other) sweetener and 1 c coarsely chopped pecans. Serve with whipped cream. Any unlikely leftover spoon pudding (sweet or savory) can be refrigerated and then formed into “Breakfast Pudding Cakes.” Simply brown spoonfuls quickly in butter in a hot skillet. And these freeze beautifully. With or without the kernels, you can also use the raw batter to slowly brow in butter some mini or regular “Lobster Cornbread Pancakes” that caramelize beautifully on the edges.

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Try, Fail, Succeed!

Posted on July 15, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

“The more we try, the more we fail. The more we fail, the more we succeed.”

— Cathy Burnham Martin

American author, voiceover artist & dedicated foodie

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National Mac and Cheese Day

Posted on July 14, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

We all have our favorite renditions of this all-American classic. But for the summer, I go for gooey, cheesy, and yet light, by replacing pasta with cauliflower florets. Feel free to use macaroni instead. You can also add a super crunchy topping of toasty, buttered breadcrumbs.

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Extraordinaire

1 large head cauliflower, cut in florets (5-6 c)

2 T olive oil

½ tsp garlic powder & salt & pepper, to suit your taste

1 c heavy cream

6 oz (½ c) cream cheese, softened & cut in chunks

4 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ tsp sweet paprika

1 T Frank’s Red-Hot Sauce (regular, not Buffalo), optional

Topping: ¼ c shredded Parmesan cheese & 2-3 T crushed pork rinds (any flavor)

Garnish: 2 T chopped fresh, flat-leaf parsley

Toss florets with oil; season with garlic powder, salt & pepper. Spread in single layer on parchment- or foil-lined baking sheets; roast 15-20 min at 450°F. Meanwhile, warm cream over medium heat in large pot. Reduce heat & stir in cream cheese and cheddar till melted. Remove from heat and stir in paprika & hot sauce, if using.  Stir in any mix-ins, as desired.) Then gently stir in roasted florets and transfer to well-buttered 9×13” baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan and crushed pork rinds. Bake 15-20 min at 375°F. Let stand 10 min at room temp, garnish with parsley, and serve. Makes 4-6 servings.

Mix-in ideas (choose 1 or a combo):

½ c chunky salsa

1 c raw, trimmed baby spinach leaves

½ c chopped, cooked bacon

½ c baby peas

½ – 1 c sliced mushrooms, sautéed mushrooms

½ c chopped onion, caramelized or microwaved till crisp-tender

2 c coarsely diced lobster (or shrimp)

2 c shredded rotisserie chicken

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Happiness Flutters

Posted on July 13, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

“Happiness is a butterfly, which, when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”

— Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 – 1864)

American novelist

(Photo by Frank Winkler)

Posted in Notable Quotables, So Silly! | Leave a comment

Vigilance!

Posted on July 12, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

“When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail.”

— Pearl S. Buck (1892 – 1973)

American writer & novelist

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

All American Pet Photo Day

Posted on July 11, 2022 by Cathy Burnham Martin

(As if there is possibly some day when it’s NOT Pet Photo Day!)

Sooooo… share a fave photo of your pet or a dear friend’s pet. Our photo for All American Pet Photo Day is none other than Bandit. Yup… the “famous” author of A Dangerous Book for Dogs: Train Your Human. (And he recorded an audiobook as well as a full-color edition of his paperback.) He remains a favorite furrrr-ever dog for us and so many of his human and canine and feline friends.

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