saturday hike

Went to a favorite hiking spot over the weekend. Hadn't been there since fall--it was great to be there again! First we walked through the woods.

Then to the top of the dune.

The looked down on what can be seen of the beach, the lake and the fascinating build up of ice along the shore.

Kinda looked like another planet. I fit right in!

The object on the left is a chunk of ice mixed with sand that must have broken away and washed up higher on the beach. Sort of looks like a buffalo head.

amazing women

Both of my Grandmothers were amazing women. Both inspired me.

Grandma K showed me the value of learning new things, creating new things, and the importance of not allowing age or gender be an obstacle in one's life.

Grandma L showed me the value of hospitality and homekeeping, to think before one speaks, and the importance of balancing quieter times with the busy pace that often comes with today's world.

On the CatchBlue blog today, I wrote about one unforgettable summer evening with Grandma L. Please click here to check it out.

Beady update: There's a new beady idea over at the by C Boutique blog. Please click here to check it out.

ta da!

January 16th January 23

January 30

February 6

And they smell so good.

what's for supper

Cheese enchiladas on their way into the oven.

I first posted this recipe about a year ago. We have this at our house...a lot! Thought I'd post it again in case you are looking for an easy supper idea this weekend.

Cheese Enchiladas
Serves 4 - 6

2-cup bag of shredded cheddar cheese
14 oz can enchilada sauce
4.5 oz can chopped green chilis
10 pack of tortillas

Prepare a 9 x 13 glass baking dish with cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, combine the green chilis and the shredded cheese. Spoon cheese mixture into a tortilla, roll it up and place it in the baking dish. Repeat until baking dish is full. Pour the enchilada sauce over all, and sprinkle any remaining cheese mixture on top. Bake, covered with foil, 35 - 45 minutes at 350 degrees. Uncover and bake 10 - 15 minutes more until the cheese is melted throughout. (Overbaked, they can be a bit too chewy.)

I really like this dish because I can make it ahead, and it keeps well in the fridge until time to bake it.

Beady update: There is some fun new scenery and other info on the by C Boutique blog. Please click here to check it out.

exercise equipment or clothes rack?

I hesitate to purchase excercise equipment. Other than my beloved bicycle, my track record with such things is hit and miss. I've been in many a household where a treadmill, stationary bike or other such thing is relegated to the basement and piled high with clothes bound for the thrift shop. I confess to having previously owned a treadmill and a stationary bike. Both went with the clothes to the thrift shop.

I do like to stay physically active though, and given the amount of ice in our neighborhood this time of year, getting out and walking isn't always the way to go. Joining a gym is a non starter for me for so many reasons. I've always liked rowing machines--J says it has something to with my Norwegian heritage. So, not long ago, I bought one.

And you know what? I like it. It was easy to assemble, and doesn't take a lot of space. When it arrived, I worried that I might only be able to do 20 - 30 reps, not my goal of 20 - 30 minutes. Then I discovered that the smarty pants at the factory had it set for the highest level of difficulty. With that adjusted, I keep happily rowing away.

Wonder how long it will last. They say three weeks of continuous activity creates a habit....we shall see.

Happy Friday!

Updates:

There is a new necklace to see over at the by C Boutique blog

A new post appeared yesterday on the CatchBlue blog

keep moving

In a recent issue of an e-newsletter I receive, there was an interview with a woman who makes her living from a creativity-based business. While her comments were specific about her type of business, it can apply to about anything.

She essentially said, when the going gets slow, keep moving. When a project is stalled, find constructive things to do while you wait. As in the newsletter article writer's case, if a person sells for a living and sales are quieter for a period of time, use that time to refresh your promotional materials and get yourself and your products organized. Maybe you're waiting for a new job opportunity. Brush up on important skills until you find that ideal job. Use waiting time to your advantage, the writer suggests. Catch up on neglected tasks, make plans so you are ready to rock and roll the minute the waiting is over.

I've had to learn and re-learn that when I use waiting time, whatever it is I'm waiting for (like spring?) to handle neglected tasks, and put a polish on what I'm already doing, the waiting time seems to end sooner. I think it is tempting to coast while I'm waiting, yet I've learned that waiting time is when I need to be working the hardest. Whether the time passed faster by keeping myself occupied, or the acts of moving forward and staying constructive inspired good things to come sooner, the waiting seemed to end faster.

Keep moving.

Notes and Updates:

I wrote about one of my favorite books. To check it out, click here.

To read the article I've been talking about in this post, click here.

To see a fun and easy earring idea, click here.

joe cool and alexio

If you've been reading for awhile, you may remember my pumpkin folk art pin that I purchased on Etsy last fall. Click here to see him.

Pam of FolkArtTree, the same artist who created my funky pumpkin pin, created these two dapper gentlemen. While primitives and folk art are not everyone's taste, the simplicity and whimsy of the styles make me smile. One of these super-suave snow guys will be taking a journey soon--Alexio, the smiling Greek fisherman (or maybe he is smiling because he is a fishing boat mogul billionaire) is a birthday gift for a dear friend.

To see more by this delightful artist from the northwoods of Maine, click here.

Speaking of Etsy, yesterday, I received an email update for sellers on Etsy like me. There was an article that was especially good. The main idea applies to any project, whether at work or a personal goal, and I found it very inspiring. I'll tell you more about "Keep Moving" tomorrow.