To Wealth of Friends

“Awards become corroded. Friends gather no dust.”

— James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens (1913 – 1980)
American athlete and Olympic track and field multi-gold medalist

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Learn, Don’t Burn

Photo by Florian Olivo

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

— Martin Luther King, Jr., (1929 – 1968)
American Baptist minister & civil rights activist

Hmmmm… Perhaps only the wisdom of time, age, experience, and hindsight helps us grow and learn to educate ourselves before blindly spewing hatred, violence, and ignorance in unwittingly random directions. Let’s be better and smarter than this. Let’s get it together, America.

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Fun in May

 

We have so greatly enjoyed the visit with my sister Deborah from Hawaii!

 

 

 

 

 

And the Bonfire Taco Party attended by 40+ friends.

 

 

 

 

Special thanks to all who helped with preps and clean up and for the delicious goodies several of you brought to share during the festivities. We had a terrific time and look forward to the next gathering!

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Growth through Friendship

 

“A friend is someone who accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”

— William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)
English playwright

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We Have the Right!

 

“Freedom is the right to be wrong, not the right to do wrong.”

— John G. Riefenbaker (1895 – 1979)
13th Prime Minister of Canada (1957 – 1963)

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Feast, if You Will

“Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you, and be silent.”

— Epictetus (55 AD – 135 AD)
Greek Stoic Philosopher

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Overcome Discouragers

Image by John Hain

“Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember… the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.”

– Zig Ziglar (1926 – 2012)
American author

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National Teachers Appreciation Day

“Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.”

— Chinese proverb

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Global Love Day

Image by Gordon Johnson

 

On the first of May, we celebrate Global Love Day. Ah, yes. We all know that we deeply need a whole lot more love, locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. Peace be with you.

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Let Hope Fly!

 

“True hope is swift, and flies with swallow’s wings.”

— From “Richard III” by William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)
English playwright

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Here’s to Your Health!

 

“I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.” 

— Joyce Meyer  (1943 – )
American author & speaker

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Ahhh, Intimacy

 

“To share intimacy with someone, maintain kindness and respect. Skip all snarling (a.k.a. bitching, whining, and order barking.) Duh!”

— Cathy Burnham Martin
Author, voiceover artist & dedicated foodie

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It’s Pageant Week in New Hampshire

October 5, 1975 in Warner, NH

Nervous, enthusiastic, and accomplished young women compete tonight in the finals for the title of Miss New Hampshire 2024. As so many of my “Forever Miss New Hampshire” sisters have done during this Pageant Week, I now share a pic of me “back in the day” in 1975. I sport the gown I made for the Miss America Parade on the famed Atlantic City boardwalk.

A warm, loving hello to all my fellow “formers” and all the best wishes tonight and always to the contenders for the 78th annual title. Always remember to wear the crown in your heart and not just on your head.

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Hope Lives

 

“From the withered tree, a flower blooms.”

— Zen saying

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The Strength to Be Strong

 

Courage is contagious.  When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.

— Billy Graham (1918 – 2018)
American evangelist

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Dream Great Dreams

 

“Great hopes make great people.”

— Thomas Fuller (1710 – 1790)
African slave and renowned mathematician

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RIP Elizabeth Carpenter

Elizabeth Carpenter

Heaven’s choir just added another angel. One of our extraordinarily talented friends, Elizabeth Carpenter, has gone to be with our heavenly Father. All I know now is that her passing was natural and sudden. Her voice and caring heart will be deeply missed. My apologies for my grainy video on YouTube. Her vocal gifts ring clear forever. Rest in peace, dear Elizabeth.

 

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Friendship Finds

Photo by Julia Gadalina

 

 

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

— Maya Angelou (1928 – 2014)
American poet & civil rights activist

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Attitude of Gratitude

 

“We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count.”

— Neal A. Maxwell (1926 – 2004)
American scholar & educator

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Freedom Is Not Free

When I wrote the “Destiny” historical fiction trilogy that tells my Armenian family’s story, I had no idea that the religious intolerance and violence themes would be emerging again. Yet, they have. Not just in the Middle East region, but here in our own nation.

For true hope, love, and faith (also powerful themes in the “Destiny” trilogy) to prevail, a great deal of education, compassion, and forgiveness are required.

Freedom must never be taken for granted. Not there. Not here. Not by anyone.

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Work… Or Not

 

“The world is full of willing people, some willing to work, the rest willing to let them.”

— Robert Frost (1874 – 1963)
American poet

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You Are Worth Strong Self Esteem

 

“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.”

— M. Scott Peck (1936 – 2005)
American psychiatrist & author

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PJ Party

Launched in 2004, National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day is celebrated every year on April 16. It’s a sort of reward for staying up nights working on your taxes. If you work from home, PJs for work may not be new. If you work away from home, well…. Use your own best judgment. (But cartoon characters would be great if you can get away with it.)

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National Tax Day

For National Tax Day, here’s a look at some quotes regarding the income tax.

“They can’t collect legal taxes from illegal money.”

— Al Capone aka “Scarface” (1899 – 1947)
American gangster & businessman

 

“A fine is a tax for doing something wrong. A tax is a fine for doing something right.”

— Anonymous

 

“The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax.”

— Albert Einstein  (1879 – 1955)
German-born theoretical physicist; developed theory of relativity

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War Is Hell

 

“It is only those who have neither fired a shot nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded who cry aloud for blood, more vengeance, more desolation. War is hell.” 

— William Tecumseh Sherman (1820 – 1891)
Union General in the American Civil War

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Succeed Happily

 

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.”

— Albert Schweitzer (1875 – 1965)
French theologian, philosopher, physician, and Nobel laureate

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National Cheese Fondue Day

 

For National Cheese Fondue Day, I gleefully share a recipe from my book: “Champagne! Facts, Fizz, Food, & Fun.” (Yes, still available in paperback and digital formats.) This timeless classic may be decades old, but it still reigns as fabulous!

 

 

1970’s Cheese Fondue
This is an early recipe creation showing the emerging Keep It Super Simple thinking.  Fondue was very “in,” and this recipe was very easy.  Both fondue and simplicity are back in vogue, so this vintage recipe, originally created by the KISS Kitchen in the 1970’s, is perfect. 

1 can cheddar cheese soup
1 single serving can (6-oz) tomato juice
1 envelope dried onion soup mix
2 c shredded Swiss cheese
1 c shredded Cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
1 c shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Heat and stir together all the ingredients until melted, thick, and stringy. Serve and keep warm in a fondue pot with large cubes of crusty French bread, whole mushroom caps, fresh broccoli florets, sweet red pepper sticks, and wedges of Granny Smith apples.

KISS Tip: Feel free to garnish your fondue with items such as, roasted pepita nuts, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of spice or pepper.

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Find Your Contentment

 

“If I can be somewhere with sunshine and have bare feet and a book, I’m happy.”

— KT Tunstall (1975 – )
Scottish singer-songwriter

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National Unicorn Day

In ancient Greek times, people believed unicorns lived in India. The magically mythical, horse-like beings have been celebrated ever since. A favorite with children, unicorns are celebrated by young and old each year on April 9th. So, here are a couple of unicorny jokes.

 

What do unicorns call their dad?

Pop corn

 

 

Why did the unicorn want to join the school band?

So he could wear a uni-form.

 

 

I could go on, but neigh… I will spare you. Just remember, never play leapfrog with a unicorn.

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Live!

 

“Don’t forget until too late that the business of life is not business, but living.”

B.C. Forbes (1880-1954)
Scottish-American journalist and author

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Calling All Beer Fans

Celebrate National Beer Day with your favorite brew. For me, I’ll take my beer in a marinade or a splendid pub cheese.  Try this beauty served up with crackers, raw veggies, or warm pretzels.

 

Beer Cheese
3 T butter
3 T flour
¾ c half-and-half (or other cream or whole milk)
2/3 c beer
1 T Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp each: smoked paprika and salt
3 c freshly shredded sharp Cheddar, Gouda, or Pepper Jack cheese (or a combo of 2)
2 T thinly sliced green onions or chopped fresh parsley

Melt butter in medium saucepan over med heat; whisk in flour to form a thick, clumpy paste. Pouring in a slow, steady stream, whisk in the milk. Continue whisking over the heat for about 1 minute until mixture thickens slightly. Then whisk in the beer thoroughly. Add the Worcestershire and mustard, followed by the garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Gradually stir in the cheese till melted. Pour into serving dish, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve.

KISS Tip: The cheese dip is quite thin when hot, but it begins to thicken as it cools. Serve it warm or at room temperature with your choice of crackers, bread chunks, raw veggies, a charcuterie board, or toasty warm pretzels. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave.

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Do It!

 

 

“Do or do not. There is no try.”

— Yoda in “Star Wars”

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Chick, Chick, Chick!

 

“The key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.”

— Arnold H. Glasow (1905 – 1998)
American businessman & humorist

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Savour the Season

“There is that in the glance of a flower which may at times control the greatest of creation’s braggart lords.”

— John Muir (1838 – 1914)
Scottish-born American naturalist and author
from his book “A Thousand-Mile Walk to the Gulf,” published in 1916

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National Chocolate Mousse Day

Celebrate National Chocolate Mousse Day with my Super Simple Triple Chocolate Mousse. Luscious layers of chocolate mousse get adorned with whipped cream and fresh berries.

 

 

 

Super Simple Triple Chocolate Mousse
This is not only Super Simple, but it can be made ahead of time!

Special Dark chocolate syrup
Chocolate mousse (instant is fine)
Whipped cream (fresh or straight out of a can)
Fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and/or strawberries
Squares of special chocolate, such as Lindt Intense Orange (1 per serving)

Start with any clear serving bowls or glasses… even champagne flutes. Drizzle chocolate syrup up and down on the inside of the glasses. Then spoon a little chocolate mousse in the center. Place 3-4 dabs of whipped cream around the outer edges and place a berry between the dabs. Add a full layer of chocolate mouse over it all and decorate around the edges and in the center, if desired, with more berries. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time. To serve, top each bowl with whipped cream and accent with a square of special chocolate. (Yeah… a big, fresh strawberry in the center would be super.)

KISS Tip: This dessert looks soooo sensational, but it is Super Simple and flexible. For example, swap out a favorite pudding for the mousse. Use any berries you like. Swap out the square of special chocolate with a rolled wafer cookie or a favorite milano.

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Loyalty

Image by Gerd Altmann

 

“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens.”

— John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892 – 1973)
English author & philosopher

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Ah, But, Of Course!

Decisions, decisions. I must announce my long-thought-out decision. I have decided to retire.

This means I will no longer write books, including fiction, nonfiction, and cookbooks. I will also not record and produce audiobooks, including my own books or those for other authors. I will also stop creating and sharing new recipes. I guess I must also stop cooking favorite foods for hubby, friends, and family. (This is okay as we enjoy dining out, too.)

I wonder if my retirement can also get me out of household chores, such as making beds, cleaning house, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Plus all those outdoor jobs like weeding and mowing the pastures.

Of course, all such talk is pure gibberish. But that’s to be expected on April Fools’ Day! As long as I am able, I will keep on keeping on! I will not truly retire until the good Lord calls me home.

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Easter Blessings

 

Happy Easter to one and all!

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Seek Positive Results

“Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes.”

— Unknown

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Ah, Wisdom

“Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the men of old; seek what they sought.”

— Matsuo Bashō (1644-1694)
Japanese poet of the Edo period

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