movement

.........has always been easy for me....until about 2 years ago. i started experiencing pain in my left knee. i went to see an orthopedic surgeon. she said i had sciatica. i did stretching exercises~but not regularly. then, i started experiencing lower back pain. me? no, not me. the athletic minded, over-zealous, aerobics nut, can do-it-all one! yes, it hit, and it hurt. i went to my pcp, then went for numerous physical therapy sessions. it helped when i went, but i was not faithful with doing the exercises at home.

so, that brings me to the big 50~approaching fast~not to mention those extra pounds!

i had met a special person at one of my sales last October. she bought several pieces at the sale, and kept in contact, because she liked my jewelry. her name is Angela, and she teaches yoga at Yoga West in Katy. she told me that yoga, (and I did hear you Angela), would help my back. but I had tried yoga before, many years ago, and didn't think it was right for me~my back hurt~i couldn't possibly do a forward bend!

then, several months ago she invited me to the studio for the summer soltice celebration~to sell my jewelry~and~ participate in the classes that day, if i so wished.

i am so glad i wished, as after that one day, yoga has been a turning point in my physical and mental being. i have enjoyed it so much, feeling a freedom and joy in my body, that i have not felt for some time. yoga is for everyone. so much can be learned from this ancient practice, and i am in for the long haul. one of the other teachers at the studio, janaki, had suggested to the class, a couple of books that she enjoyed. i have bought one by one, reading them, digesting them, learning.

i am a born-again Christian, and nothing will take the place of that fact~pure and simple. the beauty of yoga, is, that is my choice, and there is no judgement in that choice, by the teachers, the studio or my fellow classmates.

so i say to you today......find your movement....perhaps you should find yoga!

ps.....this cookbook, Ayurvedic Cooking for Westerners, is like no other you have or will have; as it explains alot about finding the types of food that is right for you to eat-plus it has great recipes!

Signs, Shoes and A Margarita Machine?

~it saved my CASH sign~

~camp sign~

~one shoe left behind~

~ and a ~

~For Sale Sign~

~ONLY IN TEXAS~

Rapids Both Big and Small

The Guadalupe River was definately running rapid, and this is how it looked on Saturday, after the 9 inches of rain on Friday~lots of runoff from upstream. The only way some people were able to ride the river, was by guided raft trips. However, a little later in the day, the tubbers started showing up! The water was running so fast, there was never a need to pick up your tube, and walk~Nice~

But meanwhile, back at Camp Huaco Springs, the little ones were having a great time floating on the man-made rapids, which is fed by a natural spring. Two ways to float down to a great little pool, with swimming at the end~and the children were loving it!

I must say, I almost got a tube and jumped in myself!

Dutch Oven Grands

~Dutch Oven Grands~

My husband has been once again been working on perfecting his dutch oven cooking, and this past week, on the banks of the Guadalupe River, during our annual rv trip to New Braunfels; he once again proved ~ he knows his stuff!

He used his chimney to "prep" the coals, to ensure he had the desired heat needed. (This is like preheating your oven at home). He then cracked open the can, lined the biscuits inside the dutch oven, closed the lid~ and then, he methodically lined those "just right coals" on the bottom and top of the dutch oven ~ ensuring he will get the right and even amout of heat needed to bake the biscuits. He lifted the lid only a few times, just to see if the biscuits were baking as he thought~and yes they were~and yes they did! The end result~

a basket full of heavenly grands!

A Quote to Ponder

Each morning I ride the park & ride into downtown Houston. I walk 4 blocks to my office. One of the first things I do when I get into the office is turn the screen onto the Bloomberg. This piece of equipment is packed full of financial data; always changing, living and breathing information ~ tons of information for the financial world.

But it has become more to me than my "go to" for financial quotes, data and calculations; as each morning I have gotten to where I look forward to reading the quote of the day, which pops up on the opening page. Quotes are given from persons as wide spread as actors, writers, Presidents, doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs.

~~~Today's quote~~~

"Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprise." Alice Walker (writer)

New Slide Show~now will always be at the end of the page!

Rest

The rain, once more, has given me an opportunity to change my plans for today. I find myself running faster than my legs can go. I do not believe this is what I've been called to do; as my journey in life is not about me. And so today, I say to you, as it has been said to me ~

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 12:28-29

Happy 1st & 21st

I have been blogging for a year, and to say it seems like it, is well...just not true. I have enjoyed putting my thoughts down for all the world to see. If you have enjoyed reading my blog, please send me a comment, and let me know you are out there! I would love to add you to my link, and me to yours ~ if you'd like! Knowing that someone half way around the world reads my little posts is quite exciting to me.

Allen and I had a great time Saturday celebrating our 21st wedding anniversary.

He bought me

~~~a great gift~~~

and I bought him:

~~a cookbook~~

cook·book
n.
A book containing recipes and other information about the preparation of food.

However, this is not just a cookbook. It is an encyclopedia.

en·cy·clo·pe·di·a
n.
A comprehensive reference work containing articles on a wide range of subjects or on numerous aspects of a particular field, usually arranged alphabetically.

No kidding~it really is! I do not believe I have EVER seen a cookbook like this one! Allen's mother was from Louisiana, so the cajun heritage is definately "in his blood". The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine by Chef John D. Folse, CEC, AAC, (in its Fifth Printing: December 2006), is a compilation of four years of research, two years of writing and a lifetime of experience cooking and sharing Louisiana's cusine ~ and ~ is 841 pages of history, recipes, and beautiful photographs. We have one other of Chef Folse's cookbooks: Hot Beignets & Warm Boudoirs, which we bought while at T'Frere's, our favorite B&B in Lafayette, Louisiana.(BTW....Maugie and Pat Pastor are two of world's best B&B hosts).

So, next time you are in Barnes & Nobles, check this one out. You WILL be amazed!

Bone & Bars

This bracelet has also been made with the carved bone beads from NYC. I have got to have one for myself, but this one is for sale ($51). If you are interested in buying it, it is on RJ's Jewelry Shop!

The First Friday was fun, but a little soggy. The rain definately kept the crowd down. I did learn alot from Susan McEwen about her beautiful Fused Glass Jewelry-pendants, earrings, bracelets, that she sells at the gallery. You can see her pictures on the DaVinci Artists Gallery link! That is the great fun of First Friday's, as the artists are there to talk to you about their work, pictures, jewelry, pottery, and glass art.

....and these "were" there as well. These are my infamous Caramel Fudge Bars or Brownies....whatever you want to call them, they are chocolately delicious! I have been making them for over 25 years, and they are always a requested favorite!

Caramel Fudge Bars

1 package German Chocolate Cake Mix

3/4 cup margarine, softened

2/3 cup evaporated milk, divided

1 cup chopped nuts, pecans, walnuts or almonds

1 package caramels, (approx. 14 ounces-or less is okay)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Stir cake mix, softened margarine, 1/3 cup of the evaporated milk, and nuts until well mixed. Spread one half of the mixture into a greased and floured 9x13 inch pan. This is a thin layer. Bake at 350 degrees for 6-8 minutes. At this time, melt caramels with the other 1/3 cup of the evaporated milk. (I do this 1 minute at a time in the microwave, stirring as best I can after each minute). Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the baked mixture, as soon as you take it from the oven. Carefully spread (pour) the caramel mixture over the chips. (I try to avoid the sides, because it can really get tough to take out of the pan when cooled). Drop (like pats of butter) the remaining cake mixture over the top, and return to the oven to bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. Let them completely cool, then cut into approximately 24 large brownies. (I cut mine smaller because they are rich).

Enjoy!