Hands Down!--CHOCOLATE Wins!

Homemade Chocolate pie--the favorite of our crowd

"Let me bring dessert," I offered. 

"Chocolate pie?"my friend quizzed. 

"Will that compliment your entree?" I asked. 

Glazed, almost serious eyes looked back at me. "How could chocolate pie NOT fit my entree?"he laughed.

I knew immediately-- no other dessert options, chocolate pie was THE choice. So it is and ever shall me. Our family (and many of our friends) think of me making only one fitting dessert for every occasion, what they call Alice's chocolate pie.

I'm not sure how the tradition began. Mom made chocolate pie from her mother's recipe. We loved it. Then when I became the matriarch of the family kitchen the chocolate pie expectations strengthened. 

At every occasion  my husband, relatives or friends tease each other about the size of the pie slices. And George, who prides himself regarding his daily diet, looses all discipline when chocolate pie is still in the kitchen after company has departed. 

Over the years I've customized our favorite pie, combining mom's recipe with Better Homes and Gardens and the classic recipes I acquired in college foods classes. I still enjoy reviewing and comparing a yummy chocolate pie in a magazine to our family favorite. To play with tradition by adding espresso or rum extract is fun, partly to question the family's palette. And I've learned, through lots of experimentation--quality DARK chocolate and homemade crust make the difference.  

Regardless of the occasional variations, the family chocolate pie is THE favorite, maybe the only pie that is always welcome at our dessert table.

First, mix dry ingredients thoroughly; add milk 1/2 at a time.
Stir until completely mixed and while the heat thickens the pudding.

Stirring and low heat make a great pudding. - Add butter and vanilla after thickened. 

Homemade pie crust is the best. I use Hodgson's Mill 50/50 flour  &  real butter-yum!

To baked and cooled crust pour the chocolate filling

Beat egg whites to frothy peaks--a beautiful final addition

Not a crumb will be left--I promise.

Our family's FAVORITE CHOCOLATE PIE

CHOCOLATE PUDDING

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

4 1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch OR 1/3+1/6 cup of flour 

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 squares of unsweetened dark chocolate (I use Ghirardelli)

1 Tablespoon of high quality cocoa (again, Ghirardelli)

Mix all dry ingredients until totally blended. (cornstarch or flour MUST BE blended into the sugar to avoid lumps)
Chocolate squares are added with milk.

3 cups milk (I use 2%, whole and/or canned milk)

Pour 1/2 of milk into dry mixture and stir until well blended. Cook on low temperature, thickening the mixture.

As it thickens add the last amount of milk, continue cooking, stirring until pudding consistency. Next, add

3 egg yolks--Break yolks into custard cup. QUICKLY add some hot chocolate mixture, stirring fast to blend the ingredients. Pour the egg yolk/chocolate mixture into the main mixture.

2 Tablespoons butter

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Stir into the cooked pudding. Set aside to cool

PIE CRUST (variation on a KitchenAid mixer recipe)

Hot oven - 450 degrees

1 9 inch pie plate

2 1/4 cups of mixed 50/50 wheat/unbleached flour (I use Hodgson Mills)

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup real butter (1 1/2 sticks cut in narrow chunks)

4-6 tablespoons COLD water

Pour  and mix flour and salt into mixing bowl. Add chunks of butter while the mixer is turning. Mix the flour and butter until it looks like small peas. Add 1 Tablespoon of water at a time until the dough "cleans" the bowl. (amount of water varies, but usually about 4-5 tablespoons is perfect). Take dough from bowl, form into a ball.

Flour a work surface. Lightly flour the dough ball. Roll out in a circle shape, about 2 inches larger than the pie plate. Lift and center over plate and form the shell to fit the plate. Bake at 450 degrees about 8-10 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

MERINGUE

3 egg whites

6 Tablespoons sugar

pinch salt /cream of tartar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Pour egg whites into mixing bowl. Add salt and cream of tartar. Begin whipping and add two tablespoons 

sugar at a time until all is used. Whip to stiff, but not dry. Add vanilla. (I like to add the sugar as the whites are whipping to avoid a grainy texture.)

Pour pudding into baked  9 inch shell; Spread meringue over pudding, touching the crust edges with meringue so it will not shrink. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. Cool and ENJOY!

Happy cooking,

Alice

And a favorite scripture: I Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality up to one another without grumbling.

And a favorite cookbook: Helen Corbitt's red book titled Helen Corbitt's Cookbook, dated 1957.

(I used my first one so long that the pages fell from the spine. I found another in an antique store and see it often in book stacks in antique or half/price book sales.

PRETTY IS...

"I'm pretty. Kate is funny" said little two year old Kate, smiling toward her mom with a sincere look of pleasure. And why not? She had been told since day one, "you are so pretty...Kate, you are funny."

Truer words could not be spoken. She has airy little curls, a turned up nose, tiny little hands and feet and a smile that communicates love and mischief --all in the same breath. After all, who else do I know that sings Old MacDonald "e-i-e-i-e" from the top of her lungs to a family joyfully laughing? Yes, pretty and funny fit little Kate.

Pretty is....

Oh, did I say MISCHIEF??

So, I began thinking about this word pretty. When do we as women first learn about pretty? What does it mean? It reaches for us everywhere and with different definitions amid our "raisin". But in connection to our childhood influence about pretty,  our western culture also stacks the rules--size, shape, style, age--the definition as established by magazines, movies and television, mom and sister, girlfriends, spouse, neighborhood and school. It grabs us young and sometimes has the strength to make or break us. Self confidence built partly on looks is rarely escaped as the toddler moves through adolescence into womanhood.



so you can find pretty...the BOLD signage is EVERYWHERE

I've noticed (and I suspect you have also) that I haven't fit pretty rules (if ever) for many years. When did you first notice crow's feet at the outer edge of your eyes? Crooked teeth? Less than a perfect nose or neck?A sagging body? Thighs that changed size overnight? Hmmm. And for me, the struggle against the rules seems harder with passing years. The wrinkles, the pants that fit perfectly a few weeks ago...what happened? So I admit, in accord with the beauty sign, a moderate concession and striving to pretty...a good haircut and lipstick does wonders for my self esteem and sense of pretty.

Reminds me of a delightful series of books by Judith Viorst. A favorite writer (well known for her children's book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible,No Good, Very Bad Day), she has done a series of short prose books based on each decade, beginning about age 40. Each short book is titled Suddenly I'm 40 or 50 or whatever decade. I love her because she hasn't forgotten us and our core being, even at age 80. ...Find them in your library or look them up on your reader. You'll see yourself and laugh out loud. Plus, they make wonderful birthday gifts.

But back to these imposed rules for beauty. Don't you recall your best friend that hated her boobs or her nose? Is that r-e-a-l-l-y what she was about? Was/is that really her essence, the bond of your friendship? Of course not. You loved her for her insight, her loyalty, her humor. You loved her because she loved you and you shared your very beings. .. your inside pretty.  Perhaps mom said it best when she guided us, "Be careful how you make other people feel."

           mom--glowing in her happy 1940's pretty

So, as my outer pretty fades with age, I ask what can I do to be pretty-- inside? Experts tell us it is all about happy. It is about inner contentment. It is giving away a part of our self. Simply identified I believe inside pretty comes when we obey God's word "Do unto others as you would do unto yourself." A straightforward message

for pretty insides--not

o-u-t-s-i-d-e-s.

It's the talent of giving--a bit of self. Maybe it is the phone call that asks, "How are you?" Maybe it is the good pot of soup with friends in the kitchen? Maybe it is the card, the visit to the hurting soul or

merely listening.

 With age, one thing seems obvious. It is NOT the recipe card of outward pretty by advertising standards. Unfailing pretty comes from the inside of us. And how thankful I am that we have pretty that doesn't fade away and can be enhanced money free, day after day.

How do we make other's feel? Yea, that good feelin' makes all the pretty friends I know.

Share a pretty week,

Alice

A favorite scripture: " For you created my inmost being. you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalms 139: 13-14

A favorite book: POEMS and SKETCHES of E.B. White, Harper and Row, 1981 (Charlotte's Web fame).  I love to frequent the $1.00 boxes of books outside book stores--find this there, on-line or in your local library.



IT'S ALL ABOUT BEGINNING...

Memorial Day--a reflection of thanksgiving and a delightful beginning of summer. The doors are open on this surprisingly cool summer morning; the breeze is blowing through the house. Breakfast brought fresh berries to the table; the morning walk was in capris and my favorite old big shirt so the wind could blow around my torso.  Ah...the joy of newness, the joy of beginning.

And can it be, almost three weeks ago our family had an awesome beginning. Baby David blessed us with his birth on May 11. ...what a beginning!

 From two "babies" to three and God made the heart big enough to love all without thinking about it. Our family felt as if he had always been. Michael (age 4) and Kate (age 21 months) accepted their little brother as if to say "Finally, he's here.What's the big deal?" And surprisingly, (except for sleep depreviation) we felt the same.

And then, influenced by my daughter's creative cooking skills, I tried my first homemade pizza....a true beginning. I've cooked for years and bought countless pizzas. Why, oh why, had I never tackled my own?

I covered it in artichoke hearts, sliced red pepper, small green onions, tiny cuts of zuchinni, slender tomato slices, lots of spices and three cheeses--mozarella, parmesan and feta.  Yum-yum! Wish we had left-overs.

Yes, today is all about beginnings and this beginning of summer brings out another dimension of my personality. I love theme decorations. So, at this summer's beginning and the celebration of the birth of our great country, the red, white and blue gives me simple decorating ideas. Why not put Uncle Sam and some flags on the table and honor this great country?

                           isn't this a great Americana quilt from IQA show?--artist unidentified
 For me, it is a perfect opportunity to stitch a new pillow and make a small table topper quilt. It's fun to mindlessly embroidery while listening to G tell his family history stories. It's fun to flip through quilt magazines and adapt a design to my stash--such pleasure with so little stress.--and it feels as if I've spent no money. (of course, I know better).

Speaking of beginnings. Last Saturday our lab dog, N.D. (new dog) found himself in the land of beginnings. We decided to give him his annual cut to help him survive the heavy summer heat. Not overly experienced in the role of grooming dogs, (actually, totally inexperienced) G and I looked at each other and said "yea, to save $50.00, let's give N.D. his summer do," So, a bath and cut he got. I was amazed at his patience at our beginnings....G calls him "waffle" now, because his trim is so uneven.

But guess what, N.D. loved it and is definitely cooler. Thanks, N.D., for your patience!

And neighbor friends in their beginnings...Susan is competing in her first triatheloin today. Swim, run, etc. until she proves to herself that she can do it. Quiet impressive.

Annie is enjoying the beginning of her summer in Idaho, away from this Texas heat. Oh my, she describes her day with a 26 degree morning while we are begging to not hit 100 degrees. Our beautiful part of the country is suffering in heat and dryness. We are praying for rain. Enjoy your cool weather, Annie.

So, it is the first day of summer at the last of May. The beginning of firsts can only mean a great summer.

Let's go for it. Let's help those who have lost so much; let's enjoy those we love that mean so much and thank God for giving so much. Share your beginnings. I can't wait to hear.

Love, 'til later,

ALICE 

SCRIPTURE I LOVE: Genesis 1:1 IN THE BEGINNING God created the heavens and the earth.

BOOKS to enjoy: A LINEAGE OF GRACE by Francine Rivers. "Five stories of unlikely women who changed eternity." ...an awesome book of God's women--a reflection of their lives and how they met their tasks. Lis gave me this book and it is a fabulous read. Find it...you will love it.

Life circles entertwined???

Last week my daughter made a delicious sweet potato pizza. Perfect rounds of orange potato covered the top. I looked at the homemade delics' and thought about the life circles I've covered in the last six weeks. My favorite weekly writing exercise, my blog, fell behind and one circle fell on top of another. Sometimes I didn't know if it was Tuesday or Wednesday--the blurred schedule entertwined.

For those of you that follow me, you know my annual Quilting Adventures seminars fall in early March. That meant, for me, airline schedules, room maps, Power Point presentations and last minute endless details pulled on almost every hour from January through mid-March. In-between were big family b-days (Michael turned 4!) , snow days and cold days that altered the daily planned schedule, even one or two "ill" days that caused the blood energy level to drop much below normal for a much needed rest.

And, at the top of the list was Barbara's and my plan to announce the closing (and hopefully, passing of the torch) of QA after our spring event. We had to keep our plans a secret for over a year, so it was welcome relief and emotion to finally talk about it.

Now, five weeks past QA I am thrilled to announce the joyful transfer of QA ownership to a perfect mother-daughter team, Debby and Kim. We are so-o excited! They are awesome and will carry the annual quilt seminar forward in full style. I can't wait to attend next year's event. They will soon post the dates and teachers for 2012. If you love to quilt I highly recommend you give this learning experience to yourself.
You deserve it! --five days of fabulous food, lodging and instruction in a comfortable, campus-style setting. Check it out-- www.quilting-adventures.com

Almost immediately after the spring sessions of QA I flew to Berkeley and enjoyed a teaching weekend with East Bay Heritage Quilters. Delightful hosts and students, a good visit with friends Mary Mashuta and Roberta Horton, and the most fun classes. Thanks, friends. And your lemon trees--oh my, so gorgeous!

Next, and none too soon, was a trek to OKC. I had not held my grandkids since December! Kate is singing, Michael is painting and they both are "all kid."  --meaning 24/7. Yes, my life has embraced a four year old, a 21 month old and very soon, baby # 3. My daughter and I visited, "nested", and cooked for her freezer, all in anticipation of Baby David, due in only 3 weeks. Mercy! Wow! I can't believe it! Really??!!--all of these sentiments fit my emotions. As the mother of one, I realize what I missed and what Lis missed by not having siblings. These little ones are so in love with one another, even as they pull and tug (as all kids do). I stand amazed at the energy and intensity of everyday. At home, I must NEVER think I'm busy again!

My adult kids are the best parents and I am convinced--there is a reason to be  YOUNG PARENTS. The energy requirement; the continuous act of self denial is endless. The discipline requirements (to mold the child) are off the chart. Indeed, the challenges never end. And thankfully, neither do the laughs and love.

Tomorrow, after almost two months of constant activity, is my drive home day. I'm ready. I'm young at heart, but the body needs a day or two of a different schedule. I'm not too old to play, just maybe too old to play--full time. And I must get reved up for baby # 3, less than three weeks away!

I'm back on track--one blog a week. I promise. I love to hear from you.

TIL THEN,

ALI

And on this beautiful EASTER SUNDAY:
                                          
 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall have everlasting life. AMEN!

Remember the old story...

on the way ...can I focus on one?

You have heard the old story. "I went to get the mail. On the way, I saw the ficus needed water so I went to the kitchen to fill a water pitcher. Then the phone rang. Julie, my neighbor, had a car problem. "Will I take her to town?" The beans are cooking, but not done, from my early-morning efficiency plan." How soon can I leave the house?....you know the rest of the story.

Isn't that how we live? It seems to be a woman's way. I guess it goes with another favorite saying,"the best laid plans."Today is one of those days. I started the day with my favorite breakfast --one egg, one dry multi-grain toast, orange slices and one cup of fresh black coffee. Simple and delicious enough... I planned the day between bites.

Then, I took the mail to the mailbox. I noticed the wind had blown down some tree branches. I picked them up to declutter the yard and yep!, I saw a bush that needed the frozen limbs cut away. Yep! Just one, maybe two, but what about those weeds? Thistles...oh, they are so annoying and if we don't get them while they are babies. Yep! Three hours later...you know the rest of the story.

Everyday evolves the same. My rescue dog chases his tail before he lies down. I've always laughed at his nap-order predictability, and yet, I find some of the "chase the tail" traits visible in my everyday. So, here's a NEW plan.. for tomorrow, taken from a summary of some the best efficiency books.

1. Make a Wednesday (or Thursday,etc.) plan. What won't budge off the calendar? Food prep for family, shower and grooming, have to's for business commitments, thoughtfulness in food, card or call to a friend that is hurting or needing, and a haircut appointment.These are non-negotiable.





Multiple random lists...tie together...simplify

2. Next, make a flexible plan. What do I want to do today? Town trip, studio time for the jacket needed/wanted at end of month, reading of the magazine that came in the mail and one/two phone visits. A magazine query for hopeful work and income in late spring? Oh, I must add email/blog reading time.

3. Grid the calendar. Mark the get-up time, then divide the day by hour segments and slot in the have-to-do's. What and where is the time left? Add the want-to-dos. Leave one space open for the daily unexpected.

I remember learning the concept of "dove-tailing" in a college class taken years ago. The principle of baking a potato but doing multiple other tasks while the one-hour lapse of baking takes place is dove-tailing. It was useful at age 19; it is useful many years later. Laundry--what is possible while it is happening? Baking--what is possible while it is happening? Looking at every task helps me squeeze in my "want-to-do's" and some of the "have-to-do's" that are urging me even though they are a month away.

As the kids say "sounds like a plan." Go for it; I'll go for it too (after all, it is the first day of the month--i.e.plan) and let's make an effort to get a handle on the day-plan. Good luck! amid your best laid day...have and give a "happy" day.  Let me know how your plan goes.

My best, to my organized readers,

Alice

my favorite scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:---v. 14...everything God does will endure forever.

Thank you, our blessed God for this wisdom.

a good read: Aunt Erma's Cope Book by Erma Bombeck, 1979.

(check it out from your library--you'll laugh until your sides hurt--a feel good laugh!)

ESSENTIAL, KEYS to the daily...

KEYS to the daily...

The books have set on my bookshelf for weeks. Today, for an unknown reason,, I chose to read the titles of all of the somewhat dusty covers. First, the worn cover of Roget's Thesaurus (sentimentally remembered as a gift from mom), a soft-bound Synonym Finder, next The Brief Holt Handbook and then two that caught my attention. ESSENTIAL English Grammar and KEYS to Great Writing. I could  forever discover new lessons  if I read both daily.. But today my mind is all over the map.  

I deviate from the books intent--writing. My mind thinks of essential and keys as applied to our daily walk. Since childhood the word essential has been in  my vocabulary. Rules like "get enough sleep, eat your peas, say thank-you and respect others"...ESSENTIAL. Next, from early years I observed, studied and tried to learn the KEYS to a good marriage, KEYS to a better job, KEYS to growing old gracefully... 

Some of the essentials, some of the keys seem to stay within, others are a daily struggle. The daily says...Walk for health, Study and meditate, Be kind and pray without ceasing. 


The Seven ESSENTIA...again, as the old country song addresses, "what part of NO" or essential "do we not understand?" Why did the "L" fall off of essential? Perhaps it is because of the daily battle of self- discipline.The self-discipline of life never ends. We always want the second cookie while we struggle with loosing five pounds. 

And my eyes scan more book covers. Words like Walking, the Vein, the Guide, the Faith, Fire... even a book beginning with If You Want To... fill my writing book shelf. Each and every cover deals with motivation to push down the road; to be more than we are, with the help of Essential and Key.

I'm glad I found Essential and Key today. They are useful vocabulary to help me, and may I hope, to all in achieving dreams and  goals. Look back at the New Years resolutions we stated only eight weeks ago. Loose weight? Exercise daily? Write a book? Or a chapter? Visit and love someone, anyone, everyone? Meditate and focus on scripture. Plant a garden. Make $$ in free-lancing? Learn to stitch, paint or knit? Finish or start a quilt? Clean the closet? Pretty unending isn't it? 

But, you know what? If it is ESSENTIAL or KEY, we can do it. We can even do it this afternoon.


til later,


alice


GREAT READS:
God's scripture:  ALWAYS give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. I Corinthians 15:58


Writing Skills: Keys to Great Writing by Stephen Wilbers
Take time to empower your writing skills with Wilber's tips to develop and strengthen your signature.

Girlfriends --ah, the best

Girlfriends--what a concept! Girls (children) and girls (adults) that connect in spirit and personality and share everything from dolls to recipes. I think fondly not only of my girlfriends but friends that wear that title and belong to my daughter, sister and yes, even girlfriends of my girlfriends.

Do you remember your first girlfriend? What games did you play? Was she a neighbor, school friend or maybe a cousin? My first girlfriend was a neighbor named Lois. Lois had a big sister, Elizabeth, and our primary play was dress up. We wore our mom's old clothes and insisted my younger sister and other little neighbor kids play the roll of "baby." We played mama, as in grown-up tasks. (I'm the mom, you be the baby).  We called the orders and issued the rules. For some reason, the little sister and neighbors played along, pretending to cry when we told them, or sit still for time out. (minor punishment) Many years have passed since Lois and I crisscrossed our neighborhood yards, but indeed, I'll always remember her as a special girlfriend--even at our early ages of five and six.

And what about the Scouting or Campfire Girl years? Do you remember the badges you worked to achieve? And the girlfriend that aspired to the same goals? Linda was my friend in the fifth grade. I remember going to her house to work on one of our badges. Her mom worked and we loved to preview her closet (unbeknown to her mom). We wanted to look at her mom's beautiful clothes because she hung her clothes wrong side out in the closet--to avoid dust. Such I had never seen. Yes, Linda and I worked on badges together, but never without a peek into her mom's closet. That secret girlfriend bond--I trust you and you trust me.

Junior High years came and I found sewing and my forever friend, Martha. Oh, those fun years with our favorite teacher, Mrs. Alexander, who gave us confidence with needle and thread. In those years the "sack" dress was in high style. Martha and I eagerly shopped for our favorite 79 cent/yard cotton and cut/sewed two dresses, almost alike, all in one night of a sleepover. I cut and stitched; she pressed or visa-versa until two dresses were finished. We wore them with pride and couldn't wait to get to the next pattern and the next sew-in sleepover--almost every weekend during that freshman year of high school. Bonding in girlfriend sharing--equal loads, equal rewards.

And do you remember our "laugh til we drop" moments? Remember the times we looked at each other and started laughing? Sometimes it was about a private joke, others--well, it was fun to laugh together, be it over spilled milk or a silly boyfriend encounter.


College days found new comrades. One of my dear girlfriends was named Linda. We had food lab classes together and mastered the seriousness of the perfect meal, formulating even the cost of the hollandiase sauce and setting the perfect table for the perfect score. Such a kinship was felt together that we eagerly exchanged our first choice of classes to be sure we had the common schedule in upcoming semesters. Later we worked in the same testing kitchen for Pioneer Natural Gas, demonstrated the latest in superb gas cookery, shared a company car and even bought precious little schnauzer puppies from the same litter. Girlfriend bonding...laughter, sharing, trust, co-dependency, connection.

Marriage took me to the next stage of girlfriends. How can we possibly forget our first couple friends --(the husband and wife sought out friendships that matched the other couple equally). We shared meals, played games and took care of each other's children. And the dear girlfriends in early jobs? Mary taught me how to teach (and quilt). I loved Jan at TCU (working on her PH.D and birthing her children in the school holidays), my dear Christian church friends, Betty, Delpha, Suzanne and Linda. Again, more shared meals and children with the addition of prayer and study. And the connections of favorite friends in the community--Shirley who owned a fabulous fabric shop and gave me every opportunity, Mrs. Engleman (named Dottie) that I could NEVER call by her given name --she was just too special.

Remember the friends that loved your kids? The teachers, the neighbors, the community leaders? Remember the friends that shared discussions regarding "the best for your kids?" The piano teacher? The art teacher? Or the chicken pox spreading across the school?-- and years later, even the college of choice. Friendships to match the life window...girlfriends to match the heart and soul.

And somehow, middle age came to be. Our work associations and their value increased. Remember  Bonnie, Judy, Nancy, Betty, Ann, Chris, Carolyn, Marty, Debra, and endless favorites, all relative to the daily walk.The time of life when there were too many dear friends to name? 

Remember the friendships formed after the horrid empty nest? For years, we imagined how life would be when we had "our time" and then it happened? The house was empty and lonely. Where were our dear children? Young adults, yes, with girlfriends in their life. Bonding, sharing, laughing and finding their way.

And those first-in-years lunches--just you and a friend? No carpool to run; no clock to watch, except for the early retired husband that asked, "when will you be home?" Girlfriends with the first gray hair, the first wrinkle and the first...maybe the first of many...lunches. And the first of many girlfriend trips or retreats or...bees or writing groups and ALWAYS more new friends??

Must I remind you of our girlfriend bond during the hard times? Our sadness or loss about a child or parent  or husband or even ourselves--no words describe the pain; our heart is cut in half. Girlfriends appear, sometime for no apparent reason--only to hold us up. Thanks, we mutter, because the words can't come. A hug, a tight hand grip, tears wiped from the cheek and a casserole in the oven...girlfriends, yea, we understand.

Ah, girlfriends. One of life's blessings. As noted author Gail Sheehy wrote several years ago in her book, Passages, the retirement years provide time to fulfill the desire to redefine oneself. Perhaps that is the last identifying moment of girlfriend-ing. It is almost the best. It is the sharing of laughs that relate to years of living, the sharing of "remember when", the "I have the funniest grandson story", the freedom to play golf, cards, quilt, take a class or watch a movie with a girlfriend--just because. It is the combination of dear, dear history friends and the friends we have just made that live down the road. It is girlfriend time in full circle.

The seasons come and go--in a flash. The seasons are shorter now. They aren't defined by years; instead we relate to months, maybe even events. But one thing for sure...girlfriends, I'll call you. Please call me.

BECAUSE girlfriend, we are special to each other. I couldn't make it without you. And I hope you feel the same.

Enjoy the best, share the best, be the best,

alice

a wonderful scripture:
A friend loves at all times..." Proverbs 17:7

and a favorite book:

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts, 2004.
...the stories of the women who raised our nation.

Eleven favorite things on 1-11-11

Fascination with this date inspired this post. Think how cool it would be to have this birthday or anniversary. And it happens again in a slightly different way, come November. Try 11-1-11. I haven't researched the odds of numbers connecting like this (and for certain, I am not a math talent), but I enjoyed thinking of eleven things that make my heart smile. Actually, since I began this on 1-11-11 and I'm closing in on 1-17-11 I've added a few. Think of your smiles--what makes you happy? It is d-i-f-i-c-u-l-t to narrow it down. My list is in no specific order. They are all smiles.

FRED, my neighbor's pretend cow.

He's a smile everyday--even dresses up for special occasions!

FABRICS --and threads

Patterns and stitches--a big smile!

My grands! I love their journey, their funny stories

and the richness they provide each day

My writing group--never gets better than when we

are learning and laughing together. All smiles

My hubby and the memories of happiness

we make together--Thanks and smiles

Artists that stretch my abilities. Here,

Sue Spargo--a real treasure and big smile!

My dear daughter and grands--Thanks and four smiles!

My sister--always pushes me through--

Thanks and smiles

Friends, friends, friends--all smiles

Sunsets and the glory of God's promise--

Thank you--BIG smile

Delicious bounty of food --YUM!--and smiles

BOOKS, BOOKS and more--

a smile for every volume



QUILTS -old and new--rich with smiles

CREATIVITY --in multiple venues
WOW--BLESSINGS AND SMILES

And in addition......

BLOGS-------EMAILS--------LETTERS-------PHONE VISITS---------ALONE TIME---------STUDY TIME

A-L-L SMILES. LIFE IS GOOD.

THANK YOU.

and your smiles--send me yours,

Best,until next time,

alice

and God's word: Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.

                                   Philippians 4:8