Spoiled With The Most Delicious Culinary Wonders For Mother’s Day Weekend

I was spoiled with good food over the weekend! Saturday eve we sat down to a really nice BBQ place called Lucille’s. Delicious brisket, garlic mashed potatos and cole slaw was my meal of choice. I chose the icecream pie for dessert. The presentation was beautiful. My daughter chose the Banana Pudding. Absolutely delicious… 

  Snickers Icecream Pie. This was beyond delicious and the presentation, just beautiful!

  Banana Pudding- light, airy and flavorful. A true delight! I thought the warm towels they presented up with to clean up with were a very nice touch!
Around 11 AM this morning I was served a lovely brunch. My husband and daughter made this lovely brunch, it took them a few hours to prepare all of this. It was delicious and very appreciated. We all pitched in after to do the dishes and that was a welcome help!

  
   
   

Alissa gave many compliments to the chefs as well. I often think my husband would have really enjoyed a career in culinary had he gone that route. I remind him that it isn’t too late should he change his mind. I so appreciated the lovely cusine and the patio atmoshpere. I was enchanted by this impromptu guest…

   
 

This Mom  probably didn’t count on us using the patio when she built her nest there! What a wonderful low key quiet weekend it has been. Nice!

Tea And Downton Abbey A Relaxing Mother’s Day Retreat

  

I’m trying to rejuvenate and remotiveate.  I got a new haircut/ do for Mother’s Day. It was nice to spend a few hours relaxing and feeling pampered.  It’s always fun to reinvent yourself!

Yesterday I spent a few hours trying to improve on these covers. These are my latest SoundCloud uploads…  C

Click here ➡️Silent Lucidity written by Queensryche (my keyboard and vocal cover)

Click here ➡️Fool’s Overtutre written by Roger Hodgson ( my piano cover )
I hope you spend some quality time with Mom this weekend. If you can’t then call!  I’m going to watch a marathon of Season 5, Downton Abbey with my youngest. We shall sip tea and eat cookies while we watch. It’s “our” thing!

I Want A Win

A month ago a woman who shall remain nameless told me that she could get my music looked at by one of the biggest names in the music biz. Knowing I’m a small small fish in a very big sea I was thrilled at the possibility. She dropped a name so huge that I couldn’t think past the name. She told me that I would know where I stood and that I wouldn’t have to wonder any more. This was a scary thought because if I didn’t try, I would always kick myself. If I let fear keep me from trying than I would for sure lose. The possibility of what if this person happened to like me also came to the forefront of my mind. This person could really make my career if they thought me good enough. I tortued myself with the thoughts that came flying from my mind. Both negative and positive thoughts.

What ended up being the reality of whatever this review of my music talent was beyond a disapointment. First of all I never dealt directly with whomever looked at and evaluated me. They never acknowledged me through my contact info. The “preliminary notes” that came to me via email were from the woman who told me she could get my stuff looked at. She is an in-law…I thought maybe I could trust her to be credible

 in what she was saying. Maybe she was? Regardless what came back was mostly constructive criticism of my vocals. I believe it’s probably accurate. Gave me pointers sort of ? Didn’t tell me that I suck… said my originals were solid and that I should copyright  them…I was told too much melancholy would send the club goers running for the door. Was told to incorporate jazz and uptempo songs in my set list. Open my mouth wider when I sing. Drink tea with honey. Don’t huddle over my keyboard and sing often and apart from my keyboard. I was told their is a reason that people stand when they sing… So, I declared that I would try all of these things! Here is an example of standing lol… I hadn’t tried this before…

I took the critique in and I had hoped for some kind words of real encouragement that I didn’t get. I assume this person didn’t like me that much. What was even harder to take was this woman then felt it was her place to elaborate on the obvious…she said ” So sorry their is no golden ticket to a recording studio in LA. in your near future.” A few days later a letter from her telling me that she kept worrying that I must be so crestfallen by the comments. It became clear that this woman had no intention of providing me with encouragement. I could tell by her choice of words that she wanted to embarrass/shame me with attempt at trying. This really made me sad…

I wrote to her as if I would have had the real, true experience. I thanked her for taking her time to be the go between for me. I asked her to thank her friend and the big name producer for their time and consideration as well. I told her that  although it wasn’t all I’d hoped for it was great to have the opportunity to try. I also explained that I would work on improving by trying all of the suggestions that were made in the comments.  I explained that I would keep plugging away at it even if it never takes me anywhere because It’s personal to me. I wished her well.

I tried to not take it all to heart…after all, I’ll never know who really looked at my music other than her lol. I was sad that I made/ allowed myself to be so vulnerable. I still don’t know what I think about the whole thing… Wow, just wow…OUCH! I suppose I should be greatful I didn’t have to endure the scathing and torturous critique of Simon Cowell!! Still, this was humbling enough…

Not long after this my Granddaughter caught the stomach flu. I did also, it was a horrible bug for more than a week leaving me just ravaged. This flu went from gut to sore throat exiting with a temp. of 103! Dr. said it was a really bad Influenza B.

I have this to say about it.

I am NOT a gracious host, hit the road influenza type B! You have not been fun, you’re outta here!

The flu on the heels of this unfortunate supposed critique…left a bad taste to say the least.

I’m ready for a personal  

 Win!

 

 

Balloons For My Grad

  

This gal works so hard you wouldn’t believe it. She should be given a master’s degree in time management! She works full time, has four great kids, has been taking a full course load of classes. She still managed to volunteer in her children’s classrooms and attend field trips with them. Everyone is fed well, clean and loved a bunch…she really is SuperMom. I am thrilled and amazed at my daughter Brittany’s accomplishments. 

She graduated with her AS degree in Paralegal with distinction! I couldn’t believe that she maintained and graduated with a 3.5 GPA!  She is going on to ASU in the fall. We just attended her graduation Tuesday eve. I wanted to have a family friendly party to celebrate this momentous occassion. I opted for the easy way out food wise! Rather than make a big meal, I decided to buy a party sized frozen lasagne. I also purchased frozen garlic texas toast, a package of salad. I made a big batch of punch with fruit. I bought a really delicious bakery cake. Our local bakery dept. at Safeway always makes great cakes!  

I’m not to proud to tell you that I bought my Grad decorations from DollarTree. I embellished and made my own decorations from them …

   
  

Of course balloons always make a party more fun. Balloons for my Grad…

  

I put together a small kids table which, is always nessicary and fun around here during family parties

  
Here was our quick little dinner since we had to run across town to Comerica Theater in downtown Phoenix…

   
 On to the Graduation…

   
   

    

Back to the house for cake and icecream…

   
 

I love this talented daughter of mine so much. I am one proud Mom! It was a heck of busy evening but I was thrilled to honor my daughter’s accomplishment! “God speed” kid!

Where’s My PhD?

Where’s My PhD (The School Of Hard Knocks)

I get the biggest kick out of watching them succeed! This you will always have my dears the beginning of your dream. Life’s triumphs are but far and few between- and all that is coming, of yet, remains to be seen.

What I am wondering is where’s my PhD ? A life of hard knocks has been the life for me.. I’ve earned it and I’d like to know which University, hands out diplomas ,to people just like me? Life experience and plenty of hard places…I found my way out of many tight spaces. In retrospect I can see, the wisdom in all thats come to be but I still want that PhD!

That frame-able reminder of all that I’ve been through. Knowing it’s been worth something and that others see it to. The work it’s been to get here and the sense of pride I feel. It might sound silly to you, but to me it’s a big deal! I want that piece of paper that acknowledgement to me, a handshake and a nod from alumni and faculty… The accomplishment that comes after all the hard works done…I want my second act now, it’s time to have some fun!

Be a mover and a shaker and really kick some ass but do it with dignity and hopefully with class. Be a world beater but be kind to those you meet, be the best that you can be and don’t feel you have to compete. For the world has plenty of room for those with PhD’s in life experience, this I tell myself when I’m tired and delirious.

For those who have taken care of others and been the overseers, I want to impart kudos to you for you really are great leaders! For teaching the world that it’s ok to help others accomplish a goal. Makes you instrumental in the world,as a whole! For it takes a village as one wise woman proclaimed. You can take that knowledge and hopefully no shame, that you have helped the greater good and probably overcame- obstacles in abundance, frustration and some blame.

So this I have to say, Congratulations on earning this degree! The School Of Hard Knocks acknowledges your hard work and tenacity! I give to you this honorary degree of PhD in Applied Life Science of Hard Knocks and Misery. Now go out there and make this ole world a better place to be! The possibilities are endless for those with this degree.

Philosophers, life coaches and writers all take heed, their are no greater teachers than our lives that we all must lead. The education comes to us all in different ways, the hows and whys differ but the result is all the same. Whatever our misfortune, our plight to overcome, we look upon our history, this is what we draw from. We find a way to make “it” work whatever “it”, may be and this is how we navigate life’s harsh adversity.

So when you gaze upon my plaque and question my credentials, I’ll have you look into my soul and show you my life’s hurdles. That got me to this place of honor that I hold today . This I will always look upon, cherish and display! For I have knowledge and wisdom that only life can teach. I feel accomplished and confident that I have truly reached, a level worthy of excepting this prestigious PhD, and I’m so glad Ive had the chance to learn all that I can be! Now here’s to fun and happiness for all eternity! Learnings done and funs begun and maybe I will see, the journey that I took, didn’t come from a book…It came from me!

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* This is just thoughts that came to me one lazy Sunday morning while I was drinking my coffee. I commend all of you have taken your time and great effort to achieve true education and a degree!

Hurry Up To Wait ,More Wishing On Stars

So now I wait. I wait for an artist consult with someone in the music biz that has the power to make something of me if he likes me well enough. My contact person who has set this review of my work up just sent me an email. Explaining to me the probability of my not making the grade. She tells me in no uncertain terms about my age being a factor. She says the music biz is a young persons game…she spoke of my lack of experience and whatever she could think of to prepare me for possible failure. Oh geez! Wonder why she even thought that we should try to do this. It’s hard enough to realize that I’m throwing myself into the lions cage. I have the audacity to think myself good enough to go before this major heavy hitting star maker?  This icon has the ability to change my whole life though!  Scary! If I think about it too much I will find excuses to think myself not worthy of the chance to try… The man is after all, just a man who puts his pants on one leg at a time…never mind he is who he is?! Huh? Is this really my reality, somebody pinch me! My Mom would be do the dance of joy in the street for me with just the possibility to go before this guy…too bad I can’t share this with her!

I don’t want to jinx this by giving you a name. I will share the who info. whenI am through with this process. You would flip if I dopped the name. I still can’t believe the opportunity. I must be crazy or just so ready to try to get something going right for myself!  This trying bit is a test of bravery or stupidity , take your pick.

I’ll believe any and all of this when I see it. Right now it’s all just a daydream of endless possibilities with a huge chance of heartache depended on which way the pendulum swings. Regardless of the outcome, the sun will rise and set. The tide will come in and go out…The dishes, laundry, dogs and kids will all need to be tended to. My husband will want dinner and clean house to come home to…so my daydreams just have to wait lol…

My Morning Cup Of “Silent Lucidity”

I start my day with a cup of coffee. The kids in the house occasionally are spoiled with a cup of kid coffee. This is kid coffee…no matter the beverage, it’s always great to start off with a little Silent Lucidity..,

Click here ➡️My cover of Silent Lucidity written by Queensryche.

I learned the music the other day. Had a great afternoon with this! I play by ear aka (savant style). So it’s a matter of really listening and hearing a song. This is a song near and dear to my heart. Lyrics will be next to learn and put with it. This is an awesome original! The lyrics grab and tug at your heart strings. The melody is hauntingly beautiful.

This is the song that I equate with my mother’s passing. It makes me think of her and tear up like no other! I listen to this song when I want to feel close to her. It must  be an amazing ephinany to write a composition like this. I’m sure the writers cried tears of profound accomplishment upon the completion of this. Just beautiful!

 

 

 

Yes, I Call This Working

 This is the prettiest balloon I think I’ve ever seen. I love this! It was given to Zoe by her father for a job well done. She was excepted into the National Junior Honors Society. So proud of this kid! We took her out for her favorite, Boba.

  

Zoe loves the House special at Tea And Snow in the Mekong Plaza. The House special has various fruits, and lots of Basil Seeds. 

This is my favorite, Mango smoothie with honey flavored Boba. I order this every time we visit Tea And Snow.

When I’m not wearing my Mom and Gram hat, and I have some time to myself, this is how I choose to relax…

Click here ➡️Pieces Of Songs That I Could Just Play As A Kid

Click here➡️My cover of Fool’s Overture written by Rodger Hodgson.

Yes, I consider this work. It would be if I was getting paid to do it! For now, it’s just fun. Till then I’ll keep wishing on stars and hoping for my big break …

 

Apricot Jello Salad, My Gram’s Recipe

  

My Gram made this at Easter when I was a child. I know seems strange with the sharp cheddar cheese. Trust me the sharp cheddar makes this great!

Easy to make too.

1 lrg box of orange jello

1 small can of apricot halves

1 small can of crushed pineapple

1 cup of mini marshmallows

Topping

1 small tub of Cool Whip

Grated sharp cheddar cheese

Open cans of fruit and drain into a measuring cup. Add water to make 2 cups of liquid.

Bring liquid to a boil.

Add liquid to the packaged orange jello and stir well. About two minute.

Cut up the apricot halves into medium chunks. Combine with the crushed pineapple

Add both fruits to the jello.

Add mini marshmallows, they will float to the top and thats fine!

Chill for several hours in the fridge.

Top with a generous amount of Cool Whip

Sprinkle the sharp cheddar on top.

Return to fridge for a few hours

Serve and enjoy! 

This salad pairs well with ham. I have even served this at Thanksgiving with turkey!

Trying to keep family traditions alive even if they seem strange. The strange ones are the best!

#bring jello salads back!

  

Sometimes A Little Thought Is All That Is Required

Having seven G-kids and raising one of those along with our twelve year old, I need to budget holiday spending. Along with Christmas and birthdays I like to give the G-kids a little thought at Easter. I had fun putting these small gifts together. I made little name tags with lots of blingy glitter glue to attach to these bunny lollipops. I’m hoping that these are enjoyable to the kids

   

  

This year I have Alissa with me. It has been so much fun sharing holidays with her. She gets so excited and enjoys participating in all of the activites we do. I am enjoying this time with her! 

   

 

We have all really been enjoying Spring in Phoenix. The weather has been a bit warm but pretty darned nice overall.

   

 I’m sad that yesterday in broad daylight a javelina came into to my yard and ate all of my flowers! I mean all of them! I had planted snapdragons and pansys in my tree circle as well as all of my potted plants! Living in the desert is a challenge for gardeners. I’m not sure if I will try to replace what was lost.

 

   

I made this centerpiece for fun last Easter. It isn’t fancy but I love the punch of color it gives my dining room table.

    

The Cadbury eggs and candy dish were left by my door with a sweet little note from a couple of my friends. Such a sweet little Easter thought. I will enjoy this candy dish every Easter.

 

I made this wreath with Dollar Store items. Everything on this wreath was from the Dollar Store…

Sometimes it’s just some effort and thought that makes holidays memorable and special. It’s the little things!

 

                                                                                   Happy Easter!