Making Stuff in the Kitchen Meme and Green Stuff Recipe

This meme (rhymes with dream) has 3 questions about making stuff in the kitchen. Dig

7th Self-Portrait Photo. Don’t these jars of apple pie filling look tasty? I will let you know how it tastes. I will also let you know if the crust was tender and cooked in the middle.

into your memory banks and write your answers. Here are mine . . .

1. SOMETHING I MAKE WELL . . . Two things I get asked to bring to family dinners are green stuff (recipe below) and potato salad. The secret ingredient in the potato salad is the peanuts. That recipe is here.

My mom introduced us to the fruity salad-type dessert that we called Green Stuff. Green Stuff, also known as Watergate Salad or Pistachio Pineapple Delight, was on the table at family holidays.

And now I continue that tradition minus the maraschino cherries. My mom always put in a jar of chopped maraschino cherries. I don’t because I don’t like how the cherries stain things like clothes, tablecloths, counters, fingers, etc. Plus I don’t like ingesting red dye.

Read on for the directions . . .

Dump the following 4 ingredients into a bowl and mix well. Chill at least an hour before serving.

1. Pistachio instant vanilla pudding: 1  box (3-oz.) of the powder – do NOT make it with milk.
2. Cool Whip: 1 carton – thawed (8-oz.)
3. Cottage cheese: 1 carton (16-oz.)
4. Crushed pineapple: 1 can (20-oz.)  (drained)

Apparently the Original Green Stuff Recipe called for marshmallows and pecans and NO cottage cheese or maraschino cherries.

Now I also make Orange Stuff for family dinners. It is similar to Green Stuff.  I first read the recipe here at Recipe Shoebox. My Orange Stuff recipe is here and is slightly different.

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2. SOMETHING I’VE TAUGHT OTHERS TO MAKE . . . I had my kiddos help me in the kitchen while they were growing up. So I am sure I taught them to make many things.

But I am having a brain fade and the only thing that comes to mind is rice. Because as you know, rice is a staple and one of those foods that everyone should know how to cook.

Hopefully one of my kiddos will read this post and leave a comment.

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3. SOMETHING I WANT TO LEARN TO MAKE . . . Well I have a whole list of things I want to learn food-wise at this post, a cooking-type bucket list.

But at this slice of time, I want to master pie making. I want to create and bake a pie that has a tender crust that is cooked even in the middle. I want to be skilled in different fillings from fluffy lemon meringue to hearty chicken pot pie.

NOTE: I found these questions online, but now can’t remember where. If you are the originator of them, please let me know so I can give proper attribution. And thanks.

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During November I am writing or posting a photo about something for which I am grateful. This explains why. 

Gratitude for November 10: I am grateful for Facebook. It allows me to send birthday greetings, post my own status reports (lots of times things I want to look up later), learn some new things, and see how folks are doing. It clues me in as to who could use a phone call today.

Related Post . . . 11 Ways to Use Facebook in Your Ministry

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Your Turn . . .

1. It was fun answering these questions. Why don’t you answer these 3 Questions too? Write them here, on your own blog, or on your Facebook Home Page.
2. Tell us something on your Gratitude List.

NOTE: This is the 7th photo in the series, A Fall of Self Portraits, from my Fall Bucket List.

• Photo 1: Hair & Memorizing
• Photo 2: Love in a Box (an Operation Christmas Child shoe box that is)
• Photo 3: Cell Phone Replaces Many Gadgets
• Photo 4: Done is Better Than Perfect
• Photo 5: 10 Things to do When Your Energy is Low
• Photo 6: Knowing How to Help Makes Me Grateful

I am Choosing to Follow My Daughter’s Idea

Taped to my daughter’s laptop is the below yellow piece of paper. She is enforcing new behaviours through the use of questions.

What questions and answers would you write?

The questions are as follows:

Would I rather . . .

• Be on FB or practicing kung fu?
• Be blogging or going for a bike ride?
• Be checking email or having dinner with friends?
• Be surfing or reading a good book?

Should I be on the computer OR Should I be doing something else?

Sooooo, after some thought, I realized . . .  I REALLY do want to be on Facebook, blogging, checking email and surfing!!!! Okay – I am not enamoured with checking email.

But, what is in my best interest? What can I learn by asking myself questions?

• If I would rather be on Facebook than anything else, why? Some time on FB is not a bad thing. It is a connecting tool. At night I am on FB for connection. But there are other ways and maybe even better ways of connecting. Instead of FB I can call someone (if it’s not too late). I can write a note, pray for them, or work on a scrapbook page.
• If I would rather be blogging than anything else, why? I recently learned that I like to blog because that is one way I sort out my thoughts. Also it is a way to satisfy my need to learn. And I like to share. These seem like good goals and I think I’d like to still pursue them. However, maybe instead of starting new posts, I could finish up some I’ve already started or work on the post, 19 Things I Learned From My Dog.
• If I would rather be checking email than anything else, why? Procrastination, pure and simple. Over-checking email is not usually a problem for me. But when I do, it is because I am procrastinating doing something. So when this urge hits me, I want to figure out what I am procrastinating on. Then do that thing  at least for 10-20 minutes.
• If I would rather be surfing than anything else, why? Easy to answer this – it is FUN, interesting, gives me new things to think about, relaxes me, and the time zooms by. Unfortunately, my brain gets overstimulated when I surf at night. Then I have a HARD time getting to sleep at a decent hour. So instead of surfing, I could read a physical book.

My revised questions and answers are  . . . Would I Rather . . .

• Be on FB or writing a letter?
• Be blogging aimlessly or blogging with a purpose?
• Be checking email or busting procrastination?
• Be surfing or reading a good book?

Should I be on the computer OR Should I be doing something else?

Your Turn . . . Does the computer take up a lot of your time? How would you answer the above questions?

NOTE: This is the 1st photo in my series, A Spring of Self Portraits. This is an item from my Spring Bucket List.

As you see, sometimes I take great license as to what composes a self-portrait.

The list of the portraits is after the (more…) button. Just click on it.

I am a Saver

I like to save for projects, events, trips, things. I like to save in a physical place I can immediately access, like in piggy banks. I currently have 2 plastic banks.

The pink pig is savings for a trip to Disneyland. The white plastic container has $ for car payments. Once I get a year's worth, I will look into getting a new (to me) car.

I like the pleasure of plopping the money into the bank. I don’t know why I put a dollar bill into the pink piggy bank. I imagine it will be tough to get out.

And in the case of the car payment jug, I like drawing a black sharpied “X” when I accumulate a month’s car payment. Every time I get 2 months worth of car payments, I  put that $ into a specified savings account in my bank. (Otherwise I am too tempted to spend it.) So in reality the car bank is empty, but the “X’s” sure tell a lovely story. Maybe I should get some car stickers to use instead of exes.

Penny by quarter and “X” by “X” I am getting closer to my goals.

Your Turn . . .

1. Do you save up for special items? 
2. Do you use a piggy bank or a real bank? 
3. What are you saving for?

NOTE: This is the 11th photo in my series, A Winter of Self Portraits. When I was brainstorming a list of items for my Winter Bucket List, I came up with the idea of taking 12 self-portraits.

I Talk Scripture to Myself

I go through periods of time where I use a dry erase pen to write on my mirrors. It might be a to-do list, quotes, or goals.

But for now, it is Scripture: “So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty,” (Zechariah 4:6)

God’s Spirit is within me.

I need this reminder right now. There are things in my life I have tried to do in my own might and power.

I need this MPS reminder: (not Might nor Power, BUT Spirit).

As a consequence of pondering this verse (which is given to Zerubbabel during a vision about the rebuilding of the Temple), I have been . . .

• Praying more as a first resort.
• Asking what God will is in my life, not dictating what I will.
• Using HIS divine enablement (tools, motivation, people, and energy) He gives to accomplish His will.
• Living like the outcome belongs to the Lord.

One commentary states: “Note that these words are directed to Zerubbabel, who has been charged with the leadership in the rebuilding program.

“There is here both encouragement and admonition.

“Zerubbabel need not fear the size or difficulty of the task. God’s supply of power is sufficient for any and every situation.

“But Zerubbabel needs to rely on God rather than personal skill, strength, or ingenuity.

“The word translated “might” is frequently used of armies, wealth, or influence. But God’s work is accomplished by the power of his Spirit.”

Elwell, W. A. (1996, c1989). Evangelical Commentary on the Bible . (electronic ed.) (Zec 4:1). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

NOTE: This is the 1oth photo in my series, A Winter of Self Portraits. When I was brainstorming a list of items for my Winter Bucket List, I came up with the idea of taking 12 self-portraits.

poisoned perfume

Asthma straining ill-breathing lungs.

Back aching between pinched shoulders.

Tress mobbed by pink or white blossoms

.  .  .  scattering their scent.

The sweet scent floods the nostrils with pleasure

.  .  .  while the poisoned respiratory system struggles.

I am a chocoholic!

“Chocolate is a perfect food, as wholesome as it is delicious, a beneficent restorer of exhausted power. It is the best friend of those engaged in literary pursuits.” – Baron Justus von Liebig

I agree. Chocolate is a necessity in life especially when you are tired (like I am here).

I added miniature chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and orange extract to the brownie batter. YUMM!

NOTE: This is the 9th photo in my series, A Winter of Self Portraits. When I was brainstorming a list of items for my Winter Bucket List, I came up with the idea of taking 12 self-portraits.

Raised from the Grave of Exile

During Lent I am reading/writing my way through writing to God: 40 Days of Praying With My Pen by Rachel G. Hackenberg. Sometimes I will post my prayers.

This is my response to Ezekiel 37: 1-14 (Day 1)

Raised from the Grave of Exile

Our lives laid waste

•      scattered bones in a valley
•      disobedience defiled our birthright, Your plan

Disconnected from life, function, ourselves

Then . . .

Your Messenger Lived Scripture

•      encased in the skin of love

Your truth powerfully erupts in our stony hearts

Raising us from the grave of exile

Spirit-power saturating the assembling frameworks of who we are to become

Baby-fresh skin erecting a boundary between what is inner and outer

Your Breath of Life connecting us to You

• the source of All
• the source of nourishment, unity, rest

Our lives becoming who You planned

• functioning body of Christ

Holy now because of the Cross

Connected, eternally alive, knowing You are the sovereign God of All

Amen . . . so be it . . . gratitude dripping from my dry bones turning into purpose-filled flesh

Related Posts

• Ash Wednesday Quiz
• Ash Wednesday & Lent in Two Minutes a Youtube presentation by Busted Halo.com
• 3 Reasons to Celebrate Lent
• I Missed Shrove Tuesday but I Didn’t Miss Ash Wednesday (2008)
• Slowing Down & Getting Back to Essentials for Lent (2008)
• Two Sentences About Lent

NOTE: I have the good fortune to partner with Fawnda from Fireflies and Jellybeans for a giveaway of her tote pattern to a Fruitfulwords reader. (I was one of her pattern testers.)  Go to this link for the details. The deadline to enter is February 26, 2012.

Two Month Winter Bucket List Check Up

Here’s an update on my Winter Bucket List since December 22, 2012. This post will cover what I’ve done from January 22-February 21.To see what I specifically accomplished the first month, (December 22-January 21) go to this link. 

No frosting for these sit-on-the-rim cookies because I mistook chicken stock for almond milk. The cartons look similar and I didn’t read the label. And for some reason I didn’t want to put chicken-flavoured frosting on my cookies. 🙂

Baking. Made cookies that sit on the rim of a mug. Yesterday I saw these cookie cutters mentioned (regrettably I don’t remember which blog) and immediately asked on Facebook if anyone knew whether our local Cost Plus carried them.

One reply said “Yes” and another reply said, “Let’s go shopping.” So, we went shopping!

In the afternoon I made a batch of gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free ginger cookies and let them chill for several hours. Last night my daughter and I cut out and baked them. Very delicious.

Health. I’ve been drinking green smoothies every day. I have only missed two days of smoothie drinking. I haven’t lost any more weight, but I am sure that I am getting healthier. How could I not going from very few veggies and some fruits to 6ish veggies and fruits per day just at breakfast.

Movies.  I have watched 8/9 Oscar movies. I am hoping to watch The Artist this week.

Photos.  I have taken a weekly self-portrait. It is harder than I thought it would be to come up with a “subject” for each week. I like the journal aspect of it. I will put this on my Spring bucket list.

Spontaneous Trip. I’ve visited my daughter twice in this 4 week period.

UFP’s. Post family portrait. See last photo.

Volunteer. Teach craft class (with 1 student). I love to check out the blogs which have art projects for kiddos. I do this for the Sunday school and for my nieces. Okay, I do this for me, too.

I came across a post for making a clay owl. One of my nieces had her birthday this month and I knew that her youngest sister (Em) would like to make the owl as a pressie.

I gave my owl to my daughter. 

Here is the original clay owl post from the 4 Crazy Kings blog.

Em and I had a blast. And I learned from my 10 year-old niece that it’s okay to go with your own creative touches.

Last family photo with our beloved dog, Chip (2012)

Writing. Blog. I posted 18 times on my blog. This does not count the advertising I did on my blog for small groups and women’s events. My goal was 25 times in the 3 month period.

Make 2012 resolutions. I actually wrote these in January, but have not posted them. There are only 3 resolutions, but they are complicated because they contain many steps. I might do a review post on them at the end of the year. Here is a helpful printable checklist for writing resolutions.

I have not accomplished so much this month. This is due to Chip’s ill health and then death (January 29, 2012). I have been grieving for my room-mate, cuddler, and precious fur-friend. I do have precious memories of him. And is probably typical, I have some regrets.

We will see how productive I can be this last month of winter.

Your Turn . . . 

• Do you have a Winter Bucket List?
• If yes, what have you done so far?
• Or, what winter-related activities have you accomplished?

Related Posts

6 Ways to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

One Month Winter Bucket List Check Up

Final Winter Bucket List Check Up

Winter Bucket List

 NOTE: I have the good fortune to partner with Fawnda from Fireflies and Jellybeans for a giveaway of her tote pattern to a Fruitfulwords reader. (I was one of her pattern testers.)  Go to this link for the details. The deadline to enter is February 26th, 2012.

Regret at Grave Over the Undone

“The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.” Harriet Beecher Stowe

“]

Looking down into the graveyard in Jerusalem. I believe this is the Mount of Olives Cemetery. There are about 150,000 graves here.

Rocks were on top of many of the tombs.

My dog of 20 years passed away January 29, 2012. So I have been thinking about how fragile and fleeting life and relationships are.

I will never again have an opportunity to show my appreciation and love to my fine dog, Chip. I have some regrets. I wish I could do some things differently and do more of other things.

But I have been taking special care to let people know what they mean to me these last few weeks. When they pass away I don’t want to be plagued by “I wish I would have said this or done that.” What do you do to show people that you appreciate them?

Burial plots waiting for the sarcophagus

Photos from 2009 Trip

“Many Jews have wanted to be buried on the Mount of Olives “since antiquity,” based on the Jewish tradition (from the Biblical verse Zechariah 14:4) that when the Messiah comes, the resurrection of the dead will begin there.”.^[19]

Flat Bryce and Flat Theresa Show Their Respect by Leaving a Stone

Rocks on Tombs

Pastor Mike told us it is like placing flowers at a grave (as is common in many religions). You place a rock there to show that the deceased is still remembered. This person had a lot of visitors.

Related Posts . . .

• Going to a Jewish Funeral 
• Grief Fas a Face, Mine, Because of Chip
• Israelis Mapping Every Grave in 3,000-Year-Old Mount of Olives Necropolis
• Regret Over the Closed Door
• Why are Stones Laid on Jewish Graves?

I am linking this to the WordPress photo challenge regret.

NOTE: I have the good fortune to partner with Fawnda from Fireflies and Jellybeans for a giveaway of her tote pattern to a Fruitfulwords reader. (I was one of her pattern testers.)  Go to this link for the details. The deadline to enter is February 26, 2012.

Regret Over the Closed Door

These closed doors are in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. There are no stairs going to the doors. What a mystery. There was no-one around who spoke English that I could ask to explain.

This week’s Wordpress photo challenge is about regret. Below are three quotes about regret that can help us move along in our life’s journey.

This closed door has burn marks. Another mystery at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem.

“When someone you love says goodbye you can stare long and hard at the door they closed and forget to see all the doors God has open in front of you.” Shannon L. Alder

“Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.” Alexander Graham Bell 

“People have to face regrets.

“Becoming mature means . . .

• learning to accept what you cannot change,
• facing unresolved sorrows and
•  learning to love life as it really happens, not as you would have it happen.

This was the coolest closed door at the Church of the Sepulchre, Jerusalem. I have this photo, blown up, hanging in my office.

“When someone attaches unkindness to criticism, she’s angry. Angry people need to criticize as an outlet for their anger.

• That’s why you must reject unkind criticism.
• Unkind criticism is never part of a meaningful critique of you.
• Its purpose is not to teach or to help, its purpose is to punish.

“Life isn’t supposed to be an all or nothing battle between misery and bliss.

“Life isn’t supposed to be a battle at all.

“And when it comes to happiness, well,  . . .

• Sometimes life is just okay
• Sometimes it’s comfortable
• Sometimes wonderful
• Sometimes boring
• Sometimes unpleasant

When your day’s not perfect, it’s not a failure or a terrible loss. It’s just another day.”Barbara Sher

I am linking this post to whimsical windows and delirious doors. I am also linking it to the WordPress weekly photo challenge. This week it is “regret.”

Related post . . . 40 ways to live life without regrets

NOTE: I have the good fortune to partner with Fawnda from Fireflies and Jellybeans for a giveaway of her tote pattern to a Fruitfulwords reader. (I was one of her pattern testers.)  Go to this link for the details. The deadline to enter is February 26, 2012.

Ready or Not, Here Life Comes

This camel is waiting alongside other camels. S/He and the others are ready to obey their master’s bidding. They are ready to pick up their burdens (people) and saunter along the path that leads out of the canyon of Petra.

In July of 2009, I almost didn’t ride my first camel.

Before going to Jordan to teach English with 3 other people from my church (Michelle, Mike, and Sydney), Michelle and I had planned on riding a camel. But when it came down to making the transaction, I almost said “No.” The ride cost more than I thought it would and I was afraid. They are very BIG animals.

I am glad I listened to Michelle and said “Yes.”

Michelle’s camel was enamoured with mine. S/He kept bumping into and nuzzling my camel. I was afraid s/he would bite me.

At one point our camels started running. I held on for dear life. It probably wasn’t that fast, but I am no rider, and unlike my camel, I was not ready was for this.

Sometimes advance planning does not help us (me) do what we (I) had planned.

It does not make us (me) ready.

What helped in this case was a friend’s intervention. First, she listened to my objections. She let me speak my fears. Then she helped me to follow our plan.

I am grateful for those types of people in my life. People who listen without an agenda. People who let me speak what’s on my mind and heart. And then after I’ve been heard, they speak truth into the situation. They help me be READY for the events in my life.

I am grateful for Michelle. Do you have a “Michelle” in your life?

I am linking this to the WordPress weekly photo challenge. This week’s word is Ready.

Whimsical Windows or Delirious Doors

Are these Whimsical Windows or Delirious Doors?! This is one of my favourite photos I took at Petra. The lines on the bottom right door remind me of  Edvard Munch’s “The Scream.” We were not allowed into these caves.

It was a hot day and a challenging walk into the historical, archaeological city of Petra. So, for part of the way back, Michelle and I rode a camel.

Here is another “door” picture from Petra. The Treasury is one of the most photographed places in this city. Can you believe it wasn’t discovered until 1814?

I am linking this post to a photo meme hosted by I Wish I Were a Photographer. The subject matter: doors and windows or anything architectural.

Check it out to see what others have posted. Or link up your own photo.

Hat tip to Willow. I saw her photo and link to the Whimsical Windows or Delirious Doors meme. After reading what this is all about, I had to join in the fun.

Why don’t you join us by posting your own window or door photos?