"Autumn" 2014

I've been visiting family and the weather's so much nicer compared to MN.  Due to the mild weather here, it's like autumn despite it being the middle of winter.  I'm loving the beautiful foliage and am so grateful for being able to experience autumn again.  Even though the skies are not as blue, the colorful leaves are just as spectacular.

It was nice and sunny the first day I got here, but a steady rain has taken over and decided to stay.  I'm okay with the rain.  I know that this area really needs rain.  It doesn't diminish the beautiful colors.

I hope you get a chance to enjoy your surroundings, regardless if it's autumn or not.

Friday's Quote: Mark Twain

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."---Mark Twain

I live far from my family members.  As much as I miss them and wish to see them often, I also know that there's never peace and quiet when we all get together.  There are loud voices, loud opinions, and sometimes loud fights.  We are all so opinionated and we each have so much character that we have such a hard time getting along.  Sometimes, I think it's best to just stay away rather than come home.

Lately, in learning to better deal with my family, I've decided that my family members and I must have wanted to be born into the same family because we all love each other so much.  So, rather than be frustrated and focus on the negativity of my family's inherent incompatibility, I'm trying to see it in a more positive light.  I've told myself and my siblings that maybe we continue to challenge one another and it's through our challenges that we each can try to learn patience, compassion, humility, and forgiveness.

I don't think my siblings are embracing this.  It's okay.  I know that  dealing with my family and family turmoil is definitely a work in progress.  So is forgiveness.  I know it will come.

How do you forgive when you are "crushed?"

California Winter

Paj Ntaub (Continued)

I'm continuing with the paj ntaub that I started earlier in the year.  I've realized winter is the best time for me to start and finish these type of projects.  With the landscape looking like a frozen tundra, these types of projects are perfect for the cold season.  Plus, there are just way too many things to do and worry about in the spring and summer; hence, the unfinished project.

I know I'll finish this project by the end of the year (yes, I really will).  Despite the many other things to worry about and the upcoming festivities to partake, I will finish this project by the end of the year. I promise I'll give an update when I actually finish this.  I only wish my sister was participating in a joint project with me (although, we are both enjoying the same books).

How are you doing?  What project are you finishing up?

Friday's Quote: Mary Kay Ash

"Give yourself something to work toward - constantly."---Mary Kay Ash

My family and very very close friends will tell you that I have way too many hobbies.  Hobbies that keep me working constantly toward something but hardly ever finishing a project.  I don't know if I should even remind anyone of all my hobbies and unfinished projects (e.g. semi-pieced quilts, furniture need to be reupholstered, Hmong clothes that need to be made).  I'm recognizing I need to stop picking up new hobbies or starting new projects.  I'm also telling myself that I will finish MOST of my projects this winter, and try not to pick up anything new (I can't help it, I'm a naturally curious person). 

 

If there's anything that I'll keep constantly working toward, it will be my writing.  I've not given up on it, but I haven't been working as hard on it as I should be.  Lately, I'm finding it hard to find inspiration, but I've realized that it may just be a blessing in disguise - I need to focus and work on what I already have.  My writing (becoming a better writer, being published, being successful at writing) is definitely something I'm working towards.

 

What are you giving yourself to work towards - constantly?

Cheesy Hashbrowns and Rye

Tuesday's Tune: Freshman

This song takes me back to the mid-1990s when I was in college.  This song really reminds me of a particular time and place, and it really reminds me of certain people.  Once more, I don't know why I've been hearing this song, "Freshman" by The Verve Pipe, on the radio lately, but I thought that I'd share it today for Tuesday's Tune.

As tragic as this song is - apparently the song is about the singer's girlfriend who has an abortion and then commits suicide - it is quite catchy.  I also find an element of innocence in this song mirrors the innocence going on in my life at the time I heard the song.  So, each time I hear this song, it brings up fond memories from my life (despite somber lyrics).

I'm curious to know what you think of this song.  Have you heard this song before?  What do you think of this song?

First Snow Fall

This morning I woke up to snow.  Not a sprinkling of snow, but to several inches of snow.  I was warned yesterday that it going to snow.  Yet, I thought that it would snow today in the afternoon, not some time during the night.

Well, the mild autumn has been quite nice.  I'm a bit sad to say good bye to it, although I've been anticipating the snow for some time (I only live in Minnesota where it's equated with snow).  Even if the snow melts in the next few days, the first new fall really signifies that winter is here.  For me, it really is time to hunker down and get on with my indoor projects (e.g. hmoob paj ntaub, hmoob clothes, sock monkeys, crocheting hats).

How is the weather in your neck of the woods?  Are you already hunkering down too?  Or still waiting?

Friday's Quote: Louisa May Alcott

"Do the things you know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know."---Louisa May Alcott

I've been journaling.  Other than talking to myself to work through my personal issues, I'm doing the other thing that I know best: expressing myself in writing.  I found this website, www.penzu.com, where I created a free account.  I've been typing to my heart's content and in the process, learning more about myself.

I hope that you get a chance to check out Penzu.  I really think it's worth creating an account and trying it out.   You can pay to upgrade your account.  Yet, the free version is still great.  It totally reminds me of a diary, but in cloud form.  Even better, the content is kept private (unless you decide to share your password with someone else or make your content public). 

If you do open an account with Penzu, please let me know what you think of it. 

Lake Mille Lacs

[Sunrise, taken on November 2, 2014.]

New England Clam Chowder

I love clam chowder, the New England type.  I especially like my clam chowder on the thinner side, definitely not super thick and chunky.  I know a "chowder" isn't suppose to be thin, but I can't help it. Unfortunately, I find that almost all canned clam chowder and most clam chowder from restaurants are too thick.  

So, several years ago, I came up with the following recipe (after lots of internet research).  So far, it's the only recipe I use to make clam chowder.  I love how flavorful the soup is.  I also like how it doesn't have that really odd "white" look that most store bought soup has.  Also, since I don't puree the aromatic vegetables (the onions, celery, and carrots are also known as the "trinity" vegetables), it adds a nice and not too noticeable texture to the soup.  I think if the aromatics were pureed, the soup might become a bit thicker.  More potatoes can also be added and then broken up to thicken the soup.

New England Clam Chowder Recipe

2 TBL olive oil or butter

1 C diced onion

1 C diced celery

1 C diced carrots

3 medium red potatoes, cubed

3 cans of clams (1 chopped, 2 minced)--can use just 2 cans

2 C water

2 vegetable bouillon cubes (you can also use fish bouillon cubes)

1 C of milk

1/2 C of cream

2 tsp chopped up parsley (optional)

1.  In a pot, heat oil (melt butter).  Saute onion, celery, and carrots for about 5-10 minutes.

2.  Pour in water and the juice from the cans of clam.  (If you want to puree the aromatic vegetables, this would be the time to do it.)

3.  Put in the bouillon cubes.  Put in potatoes.  Stir, cover and gently boil on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes.  Potatoes should be tender but still firm.

4.  Use a spoon to break up some of the potatoes to create a thicker soup, but it is not required.

5.  Add milk, cream and clams.  Heat thoroughly, about 10 minutes, but do not boil.  (If it boils, the cream and milk will curdle.)
6.  Serve.

If you try this recipe, let me know what you think.  It's perfect on those cold wintery days.