Free-Wheeling Friday--I Know What It's Like to Not Fit In

I began Renee Swopes's book A Confident Heart this week with a load of other women in the Proverbs 31 Ministries online Bible study.  I read through the first chapter and answered the questions, and it gave me a lot to think about.  As did the other book I started--Something Inside Me by Chitoka Webb.  With all the happenings recently, I considered many things within me.  And here is what I discovered.

I have always been one who responds to challenges.  When someone says I can't do something, I set out to prove them wrong.  If "it can't be done," I will find a way to do it.  That is one of the reasons that I enjoy And blogging.  Your job is never done.  Never be satisfied with the status quo.  Keep trying to make things better.  Work with what you have.  These are important principles of my life.

Since I have been this way most of my life, you can imagine that I didn't always fit in as I was growing up.  I have never made friends easily,.  I am not an unfriendly person, but I would say I require often as much from my real friends as I do myself.  Not that I expect perfection--everyone if different.  I just mean that in order to call someone a friend, I am not interested in playing games or not being up front about things.

In elementary school, I was an individual.  I didn't dress like everyone else.  I challenged myself to be a good student.  I didn't generally get in trouble.  I often did more work than I had to.  I didn't watch the current movies or listen to the current music.  And you can imagine how I was treated.

As early as second grade, I was not well-liked in my peer groups.  Third grade was horrid--no one in my class liked me, and I'm being honest.  I was writing stories by the fourth grade, and music was my life from sixth grade on.  I was made fun of regularly.  In fact, in high school, it was the kids in my church youth group who treated me the cruelest.

I realized today that I do honestly know what it's like to not fit in.  I never have.  And as I went through school, college, and young adulthood, I was consistently put down.  It became a joke to me that once year (when I taught in a Christian school), I would get called into the principal's office to answer for what I had done wrong.  And then when I worked for a "Christian" principal in a public school in Texas, I still got in trouble.  I think I finally hit a record when I was not in trouble for my last two years there because I finally had figured out how to keep myself out of trouble.

Isn't it a shame that God's people are sometimes the cruelest people on earth?  That has never made sense to me.  I have always been more accepted and appreciated by non-Christians than Christians.  When I was married, I seemed to get along better with single people--that should have told me something.  I had to fight hard for any praise I did receive.

I realized today that this blog is the most positive thing I have ever had in my life.  I have finally been validated to a degree.  Don't get me wrong.  I don't mean that I am finding all my value and worth in this blog.  I find that only in the Lord. This blog could totally fall apart tomorrow.  I know that.  But God owns this blog, and He has chosen to bless me through it.  I remember that it was scary to step out and faith and begin this blog.  I am even stepping out in faith when I sign up for blog hop giveaways and have no sponsors.  And God is providing.  God is showing Himself  so faithful.

I am so glad I have finally found my niche.  I am not even desperate to get sub jobs like I was the past two years.  I actually miss my blog when I can't be on it as much as I would like.  It's so nice to finally fit in, and thank you, blogging world, for accepting me at last!

Free-Wheeling Friday--A Bonus Recipe Created By Me

As the years have gone on, I have become much more inventive cook.  I have been cooking since I was in first or second grade, and I have always been one who followed the recipes to the letter.  And I also am a cook who rarely makes the same dish twice.  My ex-husband always complained about that!  He wanted simple meals, and I loved to make gourmet meals.

The years have gone by, and I have become much more realistic.  I still often don't make the same thing twice, but I prefer meals that can be made quickly.  And with simple ingredients.  Occasionally I throw in something here or there, but mostly it is simple, wholesome food that can be prepared very quickly.

This week, I happened to need another quick meal.  My mom and I had just gone to the store yesterday, and we picked up some strawberries.  And we already had spinach.  We had some bagel bites left over, and so we decided to make things simple--bagel bites and salad.

First of all, I asked my daughter how many bagel bites she would like.  She said she didn't like them.  I asked her what she would like for dinner, and she said she didn't know.  I told her I would add more cheese to them, and she said she would try them.  I was relieved.

I thought about the spinach, and I thought about the strawberries.  I knew that I had made salads in the past that combined these.  And so I began to work on the following spinach strawberry salad for 2.  (My dad was at a church potluck.)

• spinach--enough for 2
• pint of strawberries, halved
• gala apple cut into little squares
• handful of craisins
• a couple handfuls of flaxseed
• a few squirts of lemon juice

That was the salad.  I now knew I needed to make a dressing that would work with this salad, and so I really got creative here.

• 1 container of strawberry Chobani Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup of milk (more or less)
• 1-2 tablespoons of oil
• 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup of poppy seeds (more or less)
• about 2 Tablespoons of honey
• scant teaspoon of bacon jam (see my review)
• a few squirts of lemon

I have to say that this salad and dressing were fantastic.  In fact, the dressing was one of the finest dressing I have ever had.  My mom especially loved this.

I will tell you more when I create my recipes for this week as to what changes I made.

Free-Wheeling Friday--Alan Jackson Concert

I will not be leaving today until tomorrow afternoon for Everett, Washington.  It's about a three-hour drive there from Yelm, and my mom and I are having a special vacation.  My dad will still be here--he gets to babysit the animals!  My daughter will be at a sleepover.

Now, why are my mom and I going?  We are going to see Alan Jackson in concert!  He is one of my favorite country singers.  I love so many of his songs, and it is exciting to realize that I will get to see him live!  I will have my phone so I can at least check e-mails, so if anyone has an issue with something, you know where to contact me.

Blessings to all of you!

Free-Wheeling Friday--10 Good Ways to" Tell Me About Yourself"

I was surfing around tonight, and I came upon an article on a website that I thought might be kind of intriguing.
It is called "10 good ways to tell  me about yourself" and it is actually addressing career interviews.  But I thought the challenge of answering these questions would be kind of fun.

1. “I can summarize who I am in three words."
2. “The quotation I live my life by is…”
3. “My personal philosophy is…” 
4. “People who know me best say that I’m…” 
5. “Well, I googled myself this morning, and here’s what I found…
6. “My passion is…”  
7. “When I was seven years old, I always wanted to be…” 
8. “If Hollywood made a move about my life, it would be called…”
9. “Can I show you, instead of tell you?” 
10. “The compliment people give me most frequently is…”

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

So, here goes:

1.  Christian Mother Teacher (I think that explains quite well who I am and what is important to me.)

2.  They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.  They shall mount up with wings as eagles.  They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31)--My Lifetime Verse

3.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  (Old, I know, but I do my best to always keep others in mind and put them first.)


4.  A person of my word (I always follow through on what I say.  Or if I don't, there is a real reason.)


5.  I found Biblical records and that many Ruth Annette Hills are writers in various fields.  (I don't see the point of this one!)


6.  Helping others realize their potential.  (That was always what I did as a teacher, and i still love being able to do this!)


7.  A teacher.  (Then I didn't want to be, and now I couldn't be anything else!)


8.  She Never Gave Up (I used to think the story of my life would be called "Sold Out to God.")

9.  

I think that shows you pretty much something about me!

10.  I hear a lot about my smile and confidence.

Well, hopefully you learned some more about me.  

Five Question Friday 7/15/11

I haven't done a blog hop like this in a while, so I thought this might be a fun way for you to find out a little about me.  And I certainly need to hope around and see what others are saying!

Questions for Friday, July 14th: (Special thanks to @katieb38,@trooppetrie, @Simply_BC,@PardonMyDust, and @RachelR77 for their question suggestions! I'd love to link YOU in a future 5QF, so head on over to my community or shout 'em out to me on Twitter, remember to@5crookedhalos me and use hashtag #5QF!)

1. If you knew your best friend's spouse was cheating on her or him, would you tell her (him)?

2. Soda in a can or a bottle?

3. What do you wash first, hair or body?

4. What advice would you give to any new mama?

5. What is your best hangover remedy?

______________________________________________________________

1.  First of all, I would have to be absolutely certain.  I would have to have proof that proved beyond the shadow of a doubt.  I would not unnecessarily upset my best friend for anything.  (Actually, my best friend in a single bachelor--I don't have a best friend who is a female and is married.)  But I would pray about it before I said anything.  But if I had proof, I would certainly share my findings with my friend.

2.  You know, I really don't care.  Soda in cans are much easier to open.  Soda in a bottle is harder to open but very nostalgic and sometimes better than what you get in a can.  I really don't think I have a preference.  

3.  I always, always, always wash my hair first.  It makes more sense.

4.  No matter how much you think you are prepared, nothing can really prepare you for the adventure of motherhood.

5.  I've never been drunk in my life.  I don't need a hangover remedy. 

Free-Wheeling Friday--My Music

Well, at  the top of this post, you will find a video of me singing.  The song is called In Heaven's Eyes.  Seriously, I was planning to sing our national anthem, but God led me in a different direction.  The sound is not the greatest, and I think my video camera is somewhat out of synchronization with the sound, but you can at least get the idea.

I shared this so you would know something more about me.  I am keeping my word concerning sharing a little about me every week.  And music is something very important.  Here is a brief history of my music career.

When I was very young, I took ballet, and I hated it.  As I entered second grade, my mom gave me a choice--ballet or piano.  I leaped at the chance to do something different.  And I loved piano.  I took it consecutively for 6 years.  My only trouble was that I have small fingers.  I can barely reach an octave, but I did fairly well.  I am so glad I had this early musical training.

In seventh grade or so, God called me to a music career.  I was enamored with Sandi Patti (that's the way she used to spell her last name).  I sang for many years with no training.  After all, Barbra Streisand needed no training, so why did I?  

As a sophomore in high school, I began voice lessons.  I was so glad I did!  I became classically trained, and as I went off to college, I was far ahead of most of the other music students.  I went on to be a music teacher--teaching everything from band to choir to music history to elementary music.  I could share a lot more in this vein, and I am sure I will, but not at present.

In those teenage years, as I developed my singing voice, I used to practice upstairs in my room.  I have a very powerful soprano voice--in fact my classification would appear to be dramatic soprano--and I can remember the neighbor kids next door mimicking my voice.  It used to bother me, but when I kept singing, they began to ignore me.  That was good.

Every time I sang, I always took it seriously.  No matter what song I was singing, it was a ministry.  In fact, as a teenager, I refused to sing a solo that was secular--even at my public high school.  I also felt that I had to "wow" the crowd almost every time I sang.  I always wanted to demonstrate my full range.  You didn't hear that on this recording, but had I sung the version of the national anthem I was going to, you would have heard it.

The song I shared with you tonight carries quite a message.  I think I will reprint the words here:

A fervent prayer rose up to heaven
A fragile soul was losing ground
Sorting through the earthly babel
Heaven heard the sound
This was a life of no distinction
No successes only tries
But gazing down on this unlovely one
There was love in heaven's eyes

In heaven's eyes there are no losers
In heaven's eyes no hopeless cause
Only people like you with feelings like me
Amazed by the grace we can find
In heaven's eyes

The orphaned child, the wayward father
The homeless traveler in the rain
When life goes by and no one bothers
Heaven feels the pain
Looking down God sees each heartache
Knows each sorrow, hears each cry
And looking up we'll see compassion's fire
Ablaze in heaven's eyes

http://lyrics.christiansunite.com/lyrics_278_9.shtml

Free-Wheeling Friday--(With a Little Bit of Fortified Thrown In)

Okay, first of all, I am sorry that it has been a crazy week for me.  I worked on Monday, tried to work on Tuesday, but missed out on a job, decided I was done Wednesday, and so I am trying to get a summer schedule together without a lot of success.  We have a big party tomorrow.  And in addition to this, I have a ton of giveaways and various requests all over for various things such as guest blogging opportunities, review opportunities--I tell you, when it rains, it pours!

I didn't plan recipes last weekend because our schedule got off, and we had a recipes I had not made yet.  So about this middle of the week, I planned out these recipes to make it easy:

http://www.5dollardinners.com/2011/06/weekly-meal-plan-with-printable-grocery-list-june-20th.html

I know, it's kind of cheating, but I picked those recipes, and I have made a couple.  When you don't have much time, it works well to just use what someone else has made up already.  And you can't beat the $5 Dinner Mom for inexpensive, easy-to-make family recipes.

I want to make sure everyone gets and opportunity to enter my giveaways.  I still have a review or two to do, and so expect to see more reviews in the days and weeks to come.

With all this "busyness", I have wondered if I lost the original reason I began blogging.  And you know what? I haven't.  My problem is trying to squeeze everything in during the school year.  Even though I am only a substitute teacher, things are pretty busy when you sub in 10 districts!  I have so many new followers, and I do feel I have a lot of stories to share.  So as I begin to share on a more personal level, I plan to share something personally and/or spiritually either on Fridays or Saturdays--whichever day I do not plan out recipes.  I think that sometimes I have forgotten and just gotten caught up in all the blog business.  So here's to reintroducing myself and going on with all the stuff you have come to expect from me.

Thank you for your patience with me, and don't forget to enter my giveaway that ends tonight!  You could win a book or two!

Free-Wheeling Friday--Tom Tom GPS Review

I don't know about you, but I have come to rely on a GPS so much that I don't honestly know what I ever did before I had one.  I can remember printing out directions and trying desperately to read the directions while I went down the road.  And goodness gracious, if I happened to miss a turn or something unexpected occurred, it was all I could do to get back on track.

I have only had one GPS before this one, and it was a Magellan.  It worked fine, but it was often a pain.  It was stolen from my vehicle earlier this year.  The school district reimbursed me, but by that time, I was  using the google maps on my phone.  I can remember having issues with that, too, if I ever lost the signal.  But I was stubborn.  I wouldn't buy a new GPS.

Then about a month or so ago, my mom's was stolen in our driveway overnight.  She wasn't in a hurry to replace it.  That is until I saw a special deal on amazon for this GPS.

This fantastic GPS arrived last week.  I got it all set up this past weekend, and as I have used it this week, I absolutely fell in love with it!  Tom Tom has created a fantastic system!

Tom Tom Product Information

I cannot get over how large the screen is and how easy it is to read.  And for the most part, the maps are accurate.  I have found it tends to be more accurate in the city rather than the country, but it has more up-to-date  maps than any other GPS I have ever used.  And it has the options of map correction (still have to try that out) and a lifetime map subscription.  You can choose the voice.  I picked the male voice tonight, and my almost-8-year-old daughter called him "romantic."  The volume is the loudest I have heard from a GPS--that is good because I prefer to play my radio somewhat loud.  

I discovered something really wonderful today as I was driving to work.  It directs you to the correct lane, and it even shows you a picture of the exit lane--I loved that!!  It seems that I learn something new about it daily.

Now you may wonder what kind of job I have that would cause me to rely so heavily on a GPS.  I am a substitute teacher in 10 districts.  I drive all over the place, and I sometimes forget where some of the schools are.  Not having a GPS does tend to cripple me.

I will say one or two things I do not like about this system (nothing is absolutely perfect, after all).  I like the fact that it is portable, but the suction cup thing does tend to separate from the clip part when you are putting it on.  But once it is up, it stays put!  I also wish that it told you which side of the street your destination will be, but I do know that sometimes those are wrong anyway.  

I can't recommend this product highly enough.  If you want a GPS at a pretty good price, check it out!

By the way, I was not compensated for this post in any way.  All views are 100 percent my own.

Fortified Friday--"Crock Potting" It This Week!

First of all, to my wonderful readers, I am so sorry that I did not post last night.  It was  rough, emotional night.  I just couldn't deal with anything.  And then on top of that, some of you are having blogger issues.  I did clear the cache on my browser like the blogger help area suggested, and it took care of the issue--I use google chrome.  I don't seem to have a problem now.

Secondly, my recipes last week were fantastic! For the most part. The oven stir fry was not so great--mainly because I could not find the shake n bake glaze, so I had to substitute.  The BBQ cheddar roll-ups will be made tomorrow.  The potatoes and ham were fantastic tonight!  And the cheesy beef corn skillet was wonderfully easy!  I highly recommend the mojito pie--the banana dessert will be made this weekend.

And finally, this week's recipes are from the following book:

I love this book.  I have just ordered her second--got tired of waiting for it from the library.   I randomly chose recipes this week--I have to remember to go back and put in desserts, if I find I need them.  But here goes.



Meal 1:  Albondigan Soup p. 170; bread

Meal 2:  Applesauce Chicken p. 239; veggies and stuffing

Meal 3:  BBQ Beef and Bean Sandwiches p. 299; quinoa

Meal 4:  Asian  Peanut Butter Pork p. 298; rice

So here's to a great week!

Fortified Friday--I Am Ready to Plan!

I am ready to plan out my meals tonight.  I am so glad the school year is winding down.  Last week's recipes  were a stretch for me at best.  Basically good if I can read how to make Thai noodles that I have never made before.  And if I did not have to chop up so many vegetables.  The fajitas were the best.  I have yet to make the dessert (the candy), but everything else was basically fine.  ea

I have decided I must make easy recipes, so that is what you will see until summer arrives!

Meal 1:  Shake 'N' Bake Quick Oven Stir Fry

Meal 2:  Cheesy Beef Corn Chip Skillet Recipe

              I plan to add beans and probably use chips that I have on hand that would be healthier.  I will probably add more veggies as well.

Meal 3:  BBQ Cheddar Chicken Roll-Ups

veggies and possibly fries--we'll see.

Meal 4:  Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Veggies

In addition to the candy, I would like to make one or two really easy desserts.  Low-calorie, low-fat.

Dessert 1:  Banana Pudding Squares

Dessert 2:  Mojito Pie

I plan to make this over to a degree, but I have some mint leaves to use since I did not make something from last week.  I actually made Pavlova from this great blog!  I lightened it up some,  and it was fantastic!  Thank, Robyn!

Free-Wheeling Friday--The Daughter's Walk by Jane Kirkpatrick Review

Summary from Goodreads:


A mother's tragedy, a daughter's desire and the 7000 mile journey that changed their lives.  
 
In 1896 Norwegian American Helga Estby accepted a wager from the fashion industry to walk from Spokane, Washington to New York City within seven months in an effort to earn $10,000. Bringing along her nineteen year-old daughter Clara, the two made their way on the 3500-mile trek by following the railroad tracks and motivated by the money they needed to save the family farm.  After returning home to the Estby farm more than a year later, Clara chose to walk on alone by leaving the family and changing her name. Her decisions initiated a more than 20-year separation from the only life she had known.
 
Historical fiction writer Jane Kirkpatrick picks up where the fact of the Estbys’ walk leaves off to explore Clara's continued journey. What motivated Clara to take such a risk in an era when many women struggled with the issues of rights and independence? And what personal revelations brought Clara to the end of her lonely road? The Daughter's Walk weaves personal history and fiction together to invite readers to consider their own journeys and family separations, to help determine what exile and forgiveness are truly about.



The Daughter's Walk: A Novel by Jane Kirkpatrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I will admit that when I began this book, I wasn't sure what I was going to think about it.  I am a fan of historical fiction, and it was neat that it was taking place in my home state--Washington. It was a slow beginning, but the story of these remarkable women and their journey intrigued me.


By the time I got to the second section of the book (it is divided into three parts), I fully realized this was a true story.  Why, you might ask?  Because sad things were happening that I did not want to have happen to the heroine.  I wanted everything to work out well for her, but (not a spoiler, I promise!) things did not always work out the way I thought they should.  Even the epilogue kept me guessing!


There were a lot of issues the author discussed in the book that Christian historical fiction authors do not usually discuss--homosexuality, female pastors, courtesans amongst other things.  I remember that as I read certain portions of the story that these issues crossed my mind, but I was totally shocked when the author handled each of these issues with great delicacy.


Telling this story in first person from our heroine's point of view was quite a smart tactic where this book was concerned.  I think that since the reader only got into Clara's head, it provides for more suspense.


I also enjoyed the fact that faith is strong but not overdone in this book.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate books that do not force the Christian message.  It makes much more sense when faith flows freely from the characters, and it does in this book.



And finally, I was enthralled with the section the author wrote at the end of the novel.  I was impressed with all the work she did in research for this book--she worked very hard to write this book, and it certainly does come across in the book.  While the book is not 100 percent true, more of what she wrote it true than not. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!


View all my reviews

About the Author:

Jane is inter-nationally recognized for her lively presentations and well-researched stories that encourage and inspire.  Her works have appeared in more than 50 publications including  Decision, Private Pilot and Daily Guideposts.  Jane is the author of 20 books including 17 historical novels. Many of her titles are based on the lives of real people or incidents set authentically in the American West.  Her first novel, A Sweetness to the Soul, won the coveted Wrangler Award from the Western Heritage Center.  Her works have been finalists for the Christy, Spur, Oregon Book Award, WILLA Literary Award and Reader’s Choice awards.  Several of her titles have been Book of the Month and Literary Guild selections. 

A Tendering in the Stormwon the 2007 WILLA Literary Award for Best Original Paperback and A Flickering Light, a story based on her grandmother’s life as a turn of the century photographer, was named to LibraryJournal’s Best Books of 2009.

Read more about her on her website here.

“I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”.

Free-Wheeling Friday--Just Dance Wii Game review

Tonight's review is inspired by my daughter. Martha is 7, and she earns things from time to time by doing what is expected and doing extra jobs around the place.  Allowance doesn't make much sense to her, so we use jars with pom poms.  She puts them in when she does what she is supposed to.  She takes  them out when she doesn't do what she is supposed to.

At her school, in P.E., the students had been doing Just Dance for Wii.  She was talking about it incessantly, and she made it clear that she wanted this Wii game for her next earned prize.  She finally earned it this past weekend.

I have to admit that I sat and watched her do the various songs.  I was pretty intrigued as I sat watching her.  It was fun to remember songs I had heard, and Martha was doing a great job following along.

Yesterday, I really wanted to do something different for my workout routine.  Martha had been imploring me all week to do Just Dance with her.  I had been too tired, but I decided last night was the perfect night.

I made sure we did the warm-up on the game--she didn't want to, but she knew she had to!  I will tell you that once we started dancing, I was worn out!  These dances will make you work.  You don't have to be good.  You just need to try your best.  And you need to put some energy into yourself.  The more energy you use, the more you will burn.  Martha won each of the "challenges."

I think my favorite still has to be M.C. Hammer's Can't Touch This.  I remember that this song was back in the early 80's, and I remember even back then that I liked this song but I figured I shouldn't.  After all, should a Christian be listening to rap?  And enjoying it!  Man, I used to be so strict.  I'm glad those days are over!

I worked out a good 30 minutes, and I couldn't tell you how many calories I burned.  But I worked out and enjoyed it!  So now between the gym, Wii Fit Plus, and  Just Dance,

Free-Wheeling Friday--Tess of the D'ubervilles by Thomas Hardy Book Review

I am not going to give a summary of this book because every summary I have seen has spoilers.  Just know that the book is well worth the read.  Read my review, and that should let you know enough about the book to decide whether you would potentially like it or not.  I will tell you that it is a tragedy, and I was completely astounded when I read the ending today!  I did not expect it!






Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think I first heard about this book as a young person, and for some reason, I always thought about this book in a negative light.  I was not even aware that it was a classic book from the late 1800's.  I also had only heard of Thomas Hardy and was mildly aware of his being a British author.


I remember seeing a blog discussion of this book, and I thought it was high time I read it. I was certain I would like it, but I had no idea just how much I would!


From the start, I was absolutely enthralled with Hardy's command of the English language. I always thought Dickens was descriptive in his books, but Hardy is just as good without being dry or dull. I always used to say that most classics (Dickens, Twain, and the like) took about 50 pages before they really got going.  This book captured my attention from the very first page.


In addition to this, I must commend Hardy for painting an intricate (and accurate) portrait of a woman. I do not believe many male authors are able to capture the true spirit of a woman--especially men of this time period. Most women in classic novels are two-dimensional at best unless written by a woman. Not so with Hardy. He captured the heart of Tess in such a way that as I neared the end, I feared for the inevitable to occur. But in all this, Tess never ceased to be a strong woman of the soil who would do whatever she must.


I can only guess that any negativism I sensed concerning this book as a child would be due to some very adult topics within the novel.  I will say that Hardy handled the issues with delicacy and decorum, but the book is certainly not intended for the naive and ingenues of the reading community.



View all my reviews

Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy was born at Higher Bockhampton, Dorset, on June 2, 1840, where his father worked as a master mason and builder. From his father he gained an appreciation of music, and from his mother an appetite for learning and the delights of the countryside about his rural home.

Hardy was frail as a child, and did not start at the village school until he was eight years old. One year later he transferred to a new school in the county town of Dorchester.

The Dorset countryside near Cheddington

At the age of 16 Hardy helped his father with the architectural drawings for a restoration of Woodsford Castle. The owner, architect James Hicks, was impressed by the younger Hardy's work, and took him on as an apprentice.

Hardy later moved to London to work for prominent architect Arthur Blomfield. He began writing, but his poems were rejected by a number of publishers. Although he enjoyed life in London, Hardy's health was poor, and he was forced to return to Dorset.

In 1870 Hardy was sent to plan a church restoration at St. Juliot in Cornwall. There he met Emma Gifford, sister-in-law of the vicar of St.Juliot. She encouraged him in his writing, and they were married in 1874.

Hardy published his first novel, Desperate Remedies in 1871, to universal disinterest. But the following year Under the Greenwood Tree brought Hardy popular acclaim for the first time. As with most of his fictional works, Greenwood Tree incorporated real places around Dorset into the plot, including the village school of Higher Bockhampton that Hardy had first attended as a child.

The success of Greenwood Tree brought Hardy a commission to write a serialized novel, A Pair of Blue Eyes, for Tinsley's Magazine. Once more Hardy drew upon real life, and the novel mirrors his own courtship of Emma.

Hardy followed this with Far From the Madding Crowd, set in Puddletown (renamed Weatherby), near his birthplace. This novel finally netted Hardy the success that enabled him to give up his architectural practice and concentrate solely on writing.

The Hardys lived in London for a short time, then in Yeovil, then in Sturminster Newton (Stourcastle), which Hardy described as "idyllic". It was at Sturminster Newton that Hardy penned Return of the Native, one of his most enduring works.

Finally the Hardys moved to Dorchester, where Thomas designed their new house, Max Gate, into which they moved in 1885. One year later Hardy published The Mayor of Casterbridge, followed in 1887 by The Woodlanders and in 1891 by one of his best works, Tess of the d'Urbervilles.

Tess provoked interest, but his next work, Jude the Obscure (1896), catapulted Hardy into the midst of a storm of controversy. Jude outraged Victoria morality and was seen as an attack upon the institution of marriage. Its publication caused a rift between Thomas and Emma, who feared readers would regard it as describing their own marriage.

Of course the publicity did no harm to book sales, but reader's hid the book behind plain brown paper wrappers, and the Bishop of Wakefield burned his copy! Hardy himself was bemused by the reaction his book caused, and he turned away from writing fiction with some disgust.

For the rest of his life Hardy focussed on poetry, producing several collections, including Wessex Poems (1898).

Emma Hardy died in November 1912, and was buried in Stinsford churchyard. Thomas was stricken with guilt and remorse, but the result was some of his best poetry, expressing his feelings for his wife of 38 years.

All was not gloom, however, for in 1914 Hardy remarried, to Florence Dugdale, his secretary since 1912. Thomas Hardy died on January 11, 1928 at his house of Max Gate in Dorchester. He had expressed the wish to be buried beside Emma, but his wishes were only partly regarded; his body was interred in Poet's Corner, Westminster Abbey, and only his heart was buried in Emma's grave at Stinsford.

Did You Know?

A rumour has persisted since Hardy's death that it is not the author's heart that was buried beside Emma. The story goes that Hardy's housekeeper placed his heart on the kitchen table, where it was promptly devoured by her cat. Apparently a pig's heart was used to replace Hardy's own. Truth? Fiction? We will probably never know.

Free-Wheeling Friday--Quick Update

Well, I have been busy entering all the book giveaways!  I am probably following a good 100 or so more blogs than I was yesterday, but it is worth it.  After all, people are joining my site, too.  I am sold!  I plan to participate in these regularly.  Don't forget to enter by tomorrow night!

I am on spring  break, and I couldn't be happier!  I am not saying you'll hear from me more, but I will say that I might get a chance to get caught up!


For those of you who have prayed for me and worried about me, thanks.  I really am doing pretty well, all things considered.  And I plan to have a good time this week!  Take care!

Free-Wheeling Friday--A Darcy Christmas Book Review

Summary from goodreads:

From Amanda Grange, the bestselling author of Mr. Darcy's Diary andMr. Darcy, Vampyre, Christmas finds the Darcy's celebrating the holiday with preparations for a ball, but the festivities are interrupted by the arrival of a very special gift... Ever sensual and romantic, Sharon Lathan highlights everything that's best and most precious in the celebrations of the holiday season. After a quarter of a century together, Darcy and Elizabeth reminisce... Jane Austen meets Charles Dickens! Carol Eberhart's Mr. Darcy's Christmas Carol finds Darcy encountering ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who show him his life if pride keeps him from his one true love.



A Darcy Christmas by Amanda Grange
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have always loved Jane Austen, and this the first time I have ever read a book inspired by her classic novel.  I was looking forward to it, but I did find that it did not meet my expectations.


The first author did almost nothing but quote Charles Dickens.  I was surprised to find that Amanda Grange has the most experience of any of the writers.  I was bored to pieces, and I would have given this storu one and a half stars at best.


In the second story, I did find the Lizzie and Darcy I knew and loved.  Sharon Lathan probably did the best of the three in keeping with Austen's original ideas.  I still would not call it the best writing, but I basically enjoyed it.


The final offering by Carolyn Eberhart was the most intriguing of the three.  It was difficult for me to imagine Lizzie and Darcy enjoying married life intimacy so much.  I was not sure if I liked it.  But they were a romantic couple after all.  Why would they not?  I enjoyed the wit and exuberance with which the author wrote and characterized the characters.  I was surprised to find that she was a debut author.  I plan to look her up.  My only complaint was that I struggled to keep the characters straight.


If you are a Jane Auste fan who fancies a light read, you may enjoy this.  For me, this was a take it or leave it sort of book.


View all my reviews

Free-Wheeling Friday--Upcoming Giveaways

Well, I have been cleared to do 3 giveaways.  I now have to get on the ball and get them posted.  You'll recognize the company,  but I won't say anything now.  I should have at least one up and running by next weekend.  Maybe all 3!  Wouldn't that be nice?  I have another lead or two on giveaways, and I am getting bolder.  I am at a point right now where I feel I can ask companies to do giveaways.  We'll see what happens there.

So have a good evening!

Fortified Friday--My Own Recipe For Chicken Noodle Soup

If you know anything about me, you would learn that I am one of those people who loves recipes.  I love to find new recipes and try them.  I don't always follow them to a tee, but I get pretty close.  I do not like to do cooking experiments.  I do much better when I have a guide.

Over the past year or two, Martin has been the one to challenge me in this area.  He only uses recipes for difficult things.  For regular meals, he does it all  in his head.  He also doesn't do a lot of varied things, but you know that what he makes will be good.

Yesterday, I got home in enough time to cook dinner.  I had planned on making the chicken with gourmet sauce recipe (I'm too lazy to post the link, but those are the only ingredients).  When I asked my mom and Martin, they said they wanted chicken noodle soup.  I inwardly groaned.  I did not want to have to make this, and I knew it would be a lot of work.  But they had worked hard and still had more work to do.  So I agreed.

I am going to explain the process--there is not a real recipe, but I will try to organize it all at the end.

I cut up the chicken breasts--I used 3.  It was hard to cut it up since it was raw.  I cut it up in the smallest pieces I could.  I threw it in a pan with some oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, semi-fresh chives, and semi-fresh parsley.  I cut up two carrots into fairly small pieces and threw that in the pot as well.  I decided that some frozen corn and peas would be pretty good as well.  I also had some frozen chopped onions--I love those!

Once this was all cooked--the chicken was completely cooked--I added 2 cans of chicken broth.  My mom was sure we had more chicken broth--no, we didn't.  So I also added a can of Healthy Choice Chicken and Rice.  I then added about half a bag of pasta--so 8 ounces, I guess.  We add to add some more water as those cooked.

I cooked all this on the stove for about 30 minutes.  I think it would be really good in the crockpot.  I think you could add any vegetables you wanted to.  Add any spices you want.  You could use rice, pasta, quinoa--use what you have.

My mom said the soup was so good that I had to share it on my blog.  So I am doing that.  Sorry I don't have any pictures, but it was good!

So here is my recipe for chicken noodle soup:

3 chicken breasts, cut up small
salt/pepper
garlic powder/salt
chives and parsley (I use freeze-dried versions of these you can find with the fresh herbs.)

Put all of that in a pan on the stove with some olive oil.  Cook it until the chicken is no longer pink.  Add cut-up carrots, frozen corn, frozen peas, cut-up onions--any veggies you fancy.  Soften the vegetables for a couple minutes.  Add about 3-5 cans of chicken broth.  Add about 8 ounces of pasta, rice, or whatever you fancy.  Let it boil on the stove for at least 30 minutes, or  cook it in a crockpot.  Make sure to watch the liquid levels.  Serve with Bisquick biscuits.   Serves about 6, I would say.

Fortified Friday #5--Good Recipes!!

Last week's meals were great!  We have bought the Make It Fast, Cook It Slow in spite of any negative amazon reviews I read.  Don't believe everything you hear.  The only recipe we haven's tried yet is the Peking Pork.  The Bean Stew was fantastic--we added some ground beef to it,  and the flavor was superb!  And those rice krispies treats--they were so easy and even become somewhat caramelized.  I highly recommend the book.

This week, we had to recycle the Peking Pork Chop recipe because some family members are coming on Sunday for dinner, and this means we cook a roast.  Just so you know, my mom is actually the one who has been cooking the recipes.  I want to give her credit.  She appreciates my planning the meals out.  I love cooking,  but when one leaves at 6 in the morning and sometimes doesn't get back till nearly 5, it makes  things tough.  So we share the cooking.  It is imperative that I plan out easy meals.

So I will only be listing 3 meals and 1 dessert.  I did make an apple crisp one evening from the Fix-It and Enjoy-It! 5-Ingredient Recipes: Quick and Easy--for Stove-top and Oven!  I got this from the library, and I plan to use it  for meals soon.  We were very pleased with the apple crisp recipe.

The three recipes come from a magazine that I waited for a long time to place a subscription.  I am a Rachael Ray fan--always have been since I first heard of her and watched her 30-minute meals show.  I wanted her magazine, but I waited till I get could get it cheaply.  And I think  I got a year's subscription for about 5 dollars or so.  Not bad.  So from "Every Day With Rachael Ray" October 2010 issue:

Meal 1:  p. 130--Dripping Roast Beef Sandwiches with Melted Provolone, veggies, chips/fries

Meal 2:  p. 36 Fiery Penne, garlic bread, salad

Meal 3:  p. 81 Turkey Strudel, veggies

Dessert:  p. 29 Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Snack:  p. 54 Halloween Chex Mix  (I have to make this for my daughter!)

All right, there you are.  Pretty easy.  I'll let you know how it goes.  I love cooking Rachael Ray!

Fortified Friday #3--Online Recipes This Week

Last week's recipes were great.  I have decided to get rid of The Depression Cookbook.  It it  just taking up space,  and I  decided that someone else can enjoy it.  It is just not my kind of cookbook.  So disregard the recipe from that book for last week.

Review of last week's recipes:

Sorry, I never got around to making the Apple Crisp from a couple weeks ago, and I'm  not  going to.  I just don't have the time.

Meal 1:  Eat Well, Save Big Cookbook (All*You) p. 51  "Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Curry"


Oh, this was so good!  If you like curry, I highly recommend this.  Not too much, not  too little.  And very easy to make.

Meal 2:  Eat Well, Save Big Cookbook (All*You) p.  90 "Maple-Glazed Ham Steak" with vegetables and some kind of bread


This couldn't have been easier to make, and I really enjoyed the flavor.  We used the ham steak from Costco, and it was so nice to have a different kind of flavor.

Meal 3:  Eat Well, Save Big Cookbook (All*You) p. 129 "Tuna Noodle Casserole"


This would not have had much flavor  if we didn't add more spices to it.  But it is good and easy to make.  Lots of leftovers!

Meal 4:  Eat Well, Save Big Cookbook (All*You) p.  99 "Monte Cristo Sandwiches"


Making it tomorrow!




Okay to online menus.  I'm going to try some different sites.


Meal 1:  Shortcut Chicken Parmesan
http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/shortcut-chicken-parmesan-76150.aspx


Meal 2:  Libby's Taco Salad
http://www.getbacktothetable.com/node/53

Meal 3:  Autumn Pancakes with Spiced Apples, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon
https://www.birdseyefoods.com/inspiration/recipes/recipe.aspx?t=l&imcmd=3&textkey=3d3edc51658b&brand=birdseye&category=entrees&ban=1

Meal 4:  Spicy Chili Bean Burgers, fries, salad
http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/spicy-chili-bean-burgers/70459729-a777-4839-8338-bb230b53ad7f

I will use some  box  I have  out  in the pantry for desserts.

So there we go!