If you haven't been to my food blog today go there now! NOW I SAY!
I'm participating in a fundraiser by baking cookies and selling them on the net from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. today only! You can bid and get superb home baked spritz cookies from me, all for a good cause!
All you have to do is bid/claim item 44, 45, 46, 47, or 48!
Bid at Landra's place!
22 September 2008
The Great NieNie Cookie Sale - Spritz Cookies for all!
18 September 2008
The Book List
The world is giving up on literature. We're all too busy. We read how-to books, cook books, self-help books, books related to our careers and a plethora of short stpries and essays pertaining to current events. However as a whole adults have dropped their literature books on the shelf. So I've got this list.
And what a list it is. You've probably seen it before. We were all forced to read during school. But how many of you have read or re-read any of these books since? I've read the bold titles. Some of them not for a long time. Others have been read in their native tongues. And by the way, where is Dumas on this list?
1. Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings-JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre-Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series-JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird-Harper Lee
6. The Bible-Have you read it cover to cover?
7. Wuthering Heights-Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four-George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials-Philip Pullman
10. Great Expectations-Charles Dickens
11. Little Women-Louisa May Alcott
12. Tess of the D’Urbervilles-Thomas Hardy
13. Catch 22-Joseph Heller
14. Complete works of Shakespere
15. Rebecca-Daphne Du Maurier
16. The Hobbit-JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong-Sebastian Faulks
18. Catcher in the Rye-JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveler's Wife-Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch-George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind-Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby-F. Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House-Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace-Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy-Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited-Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment-Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath-John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland-Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows-Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina-Leo Tolstoy
32. David Copperfield-Charles Dickens
33. Chronicles of Narnia-CS Lewis
34. Emma-Jane Austen
35. Persuasion-Jane Austen
36. The Kite Runner-Khaled Hosseini
37. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin-Louis De Bernieres
38. Memoirs of a Geisha-Arthur Golden
39. Winnie the Pooh-AA Milne
40. Animal Farm-George Orwell
41. The Da Vinci Code-Dan Brown
42. One Hundred Years of Solitude-Gabriel Garcia Marquez
43. A Prayer for Owen Meaney-John Irving
44. The Woman in White-Wilkie Collins
45. Anne of Green Gables-LM Montgomery
46. Far From The Madding Crowd-Thomas Hardy
47. The Handmaid’s Tale-Margaret Atwood
48. Lord of the Flies-William Golding
49. Atonement-Ian McEwan
50. Life of Pi-Yann Martel
51. Dune-Frank Herbert
52. Cold Comfort Farm-Stella Gibbons
53. Sense and Sensibility-Jane Austen
54. A Suitable Boy-Vikram Seth
55. The Shadow of the Wind-Carlos Ruiz Zafon
56. A Tale Of Two Cities-Charles Dickens
57. Brave New World-Aldous Huxley
58. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Mark Haddon
59. Love In The Time Of Cholera-Gabriel Garcia Marquez
60. Of Mice and Men-John Steinbeck
61. Lolita-Vladimir Nabokov
62. The Secret History-Donna Tartt
63. The Lovely Bones-Alice Sebold
64. Count of Monte Cristo-Alexandre Dumas
65. On The Road-Jack Kerouac
66. Jude the Obscure-Thomas Hardy
67. Bridget Jones's Diary-Helen Fiedling
68. Midnight’s Children-Salman Rushdi
69. Moby Dick-Herman Melville
70. Oliver Twist-Charles Dickens
71. Dracula - Bram Stoker
72. The Secret Garden-Frances Hodgson Burnett
73. Notes From A Small Island-Bill Bryson
74. Ulysses-James Joyce
75. The Bell Jar-Sylvia Plath
76. Swallows and Amazons-Arthur Ransome
77. Germinal-Emile Zola
78. Vanity Fair-William Makepeace Thackeray
79. Possession-AS Byatt
80. A Christmas Carol-Charles Dickens
81. Cloud Atlas-David Mitchell
82. The Color Purple-Alice Walker
83. The Remains of the Day-Kazuo Ishiguro
84. Madame Bovary-Gustave Flaubert
85. A Fine Balance-Rohinton Mistry
86. Charlotte’s Web-EB White
87. The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
88. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes-Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
89. The Faraway Tree Collection-Enid Blyton
90. Heart of Darkness-Joseph Conrad
91. The Little Prince-Antoine De Saint-Exupery
92. The Wasp Factory-Iain Banks
93. Watership Down-Richard Adams
94. A Confederacy of Dunces-John Kennedy Toole
95. A Town Like Alice-Nevil Shute
96. The Three Musketeers-Alexandre Dumas
97. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-Roald Dahl
98. Les Miserables-Victor Hugo
99. One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest-Ken Kesey
100. The Scarlet Letter-Nathaniel Hawthorne
As I peruse the list, there are some, I would not categorize as literature. Maybe pop literature, but not the classics I've grown to enjoy. There was an absence of books I thought for certain would be on the list like Slaughterhouse Five, Atlas Shrugged and Frankenstein. I know I've not read many of them lately. Maybe a good read in is in order for fall. Where to start?
14 September 2008
09 September 2008
Soft Glass - trials and tribulations
I was recently given a present for my birthday. I had the opportunity to go to Glass Obsessions for a class. The class was to learn to make implosion pendants from soft glass like the ones shown above. I usually work with Boro glass. Boro is Pyrex, a hard glass. You can heat it up and take your time working with it and have good success. But I really wanted to learn implosion methods and thought it would be a good experience.
Boy oh boy. It was a hot day, and I got so warm I nearly passed out! The heat combined with a nice hot summer day and the frustration of learning a new skill nearly kicked me around the block! The other class participants did well, and we had a good instructor, I couldn't handle the heat. bleh. I did learn the technique and should be able to make a few pendants with the boro glass I have. I did learn a HUGE level of respect for soft glass artists! The glass is a lot softer than boro and can only be heated to a certain level before it is dripping off your rod and falling to the table. It takes finesse and lots of practice. My hat is off to the soft glass flameworkers of the world!
25 August 2008
Farewell, BYU
In 1975 we began the journey. A journey with a 10 hour long day's drive attached to it. The I-15 leads north to first Utah and then beyond to Idaho. In 1975, we were young, newly married and not quite sure where we'd end up or what turns our life would take. We thought ourselves to be explorers. It turns out we are pretty much just like you. Having small adventures and then returning home to the familiar loving places that make up life.
We returned to California years later degree in hand and daughters to raise. Then interestingly enough each one returned to Utah or Idaho, spouse in tow, to obtain their said degrees. This year marks the year that all is done in Utah and Idaho. Degrees have been obtained, realization has surfaced that these are states that will be part of our lives forever, like them or not.
Too much heat in summer, too much snow in winter. Too few jobs, too many students competing. Relatives not close, sometimes just the right distance needed, allowing growth. The good kind. Familiar places like Provo Canyon or Monkey Rock. And Big Jud's or Stan's. Mint brownies at the creamery, a shaved ice at the corner of 8th and 9th. Walks around the temple. Weekly scenes of farewell's at the MTC. Plasma donations. Dollar movies. Family prayer under the stars. Graduations. Degrees. 4 BYU. Happy spouses. A college turn into a university before our eyes. A National Championship. Cold Fusion. Robert Jarvick. Gordon B Hinckley, Dallin Oaks, and a raft of others. Sherrie Dew, Wendy Watson (Nelson), Mary Ellen Edmunds, Jerry Mason and more.
Happy Valley has a myriad of memories. Good friends, lack of money, the church in action during hard times. We've witnessed great floods, tornadoes, lots of snow, lack of snow, and wonderful wonderful autumns in Spanish Fork canyon. Bikes in the canyon, hikes to the "Y", skating on the lake in the dead of winter.
As the last of our family pulled away from the valley Saturday morning, the small voice of a four year old loudly says "Goodbye my people!" "I'll miss my people!" followed with a question, "Will people out there love me too?"
Of course they will little one. No fear of that!
23 August 2008
21 August 2008
Momma Mia!
Went with s'mee to the movies the other day. We saw MommaMia! It was a crack up. I wasn't totally an ABBA fan when I was young, eclectic taste but it was a bit pop-ee for me. Still the movie was good.
Best line though? Exiting the theatre - Grandma says to about 11 year old granddaughter "Did you enjoy the film?" "It was okay." "Well, we enjoyed it more than you for sure!" "Yeah I know."
The ending is not to be missed. Pierce Brosnan cannot sing. Not at all. But still it is fun if you have a gaggle of girls to go with and laugh at the jokes and memories.
Blog friends and the universe we fill
Ever since I read about the tragedy at Nie's I have been drawn to her archives. Her life is illustrated for all of us to view. It is a life of gratitude, love, adventure and family. Her greatest treasure is the family inside the walls of her home. She shares them all with us with the quiet simplicity of meals and traditions, coupled with celebrations of everything family. She has reminded me of how important it is to always remember the love we share.
Her sister CJane has the task of keeping us all informed of the Nielsen's progress. And she does it with CJane style! It cracked me up to read that someone asked CJane if she was Steph's mom. hmmph! CJane is just a young woman herself! Obviously someone needed to visit an optometrist!
I have been checking three thousand times a day at CJane's to keep apprised of the Nielsen's progress. There are many opportunities for all of us in the blog world to help support them and contribute to a fund to help cover their medical costs and to take care of their precious family while they recover. There is a paypal button on CJane's website to donate, (it's right at the top in a pretty blue lacy box on the right).
Then I also thought about the many of you who don't know them or have never been to either of those wonderful blogs. Well, there is a way to help without spending anything but a bit of time. You see, each of them have chosen to participate in some form of advertising. When you click on an ad, a miniscule (because you know we've all been there!) amount of ad revenue goes to blog author. If all of us would commit to clicking on a few ads, the combined effort could make a difference. When you read through each and every post at either blog, you'll know your time is well spent; Because these Clark girls are wonderful examples of goodness in the world.
So join me please in supporting the Nielsen's, go click on a few ads, read some blog posts and feel good about the time you've spent there! If not, just keep them in your prayers!
19 August 2008
Urban ingredients
Today as I told you was spent with s'mee. We both brought our cameras and snapped our little hearts out. It was fun to watch the other pedestrians around us ogle us with strange looks wondering what was so worthy of photographs.
My theme became urban ingredients to day. The place we met up is a nice outdoor "mall". It is one of my favorite places to go as there are so many places to photograph, eat, see movies, window shop and generally have a good day. I snapped a gazillion pictures, here are some for you to enjoy:
Those are some of the neat signs hanging around this place. I saved the best for last though. I'm not sure T Mobile has even looked at the signage in front of their store:
Hmmm. California's best lemons eh?
I'm just a bit off
I have been home for a week. I'm trying to get the house organized for the influx of part-time residents. We will be hosting a bit of the family for a while and I'm trying to find enough space for them so they are comfortable here. Who downsizing was a good idea? aaack.
I am also slightly off kilter as I am trying to deal with some other stuff I'll wait to share when I have full details...
To deal with all that I decided today was a play day. I'm going to meet s'mee and see MamaMia and have lunch and take pictures and be with s'mee and take pictures and have fun. Later I may have the energy to post a pic or two!
12 August 2008
I'm back, and man have I got a lot to do now!
This one is for the family, courtesy of the Youngest One. She spent the past six months planning a party for our oldest granddaughter. She knew that, with the birth of a sister just days before her fourth birthday, it would be hard for her parents to give her the celebration she deserved. So her Auntie took care of the details and we had the very best ever Princess party! After all was said and done and cake eaten and balloons bounced and presents opened we all had the best of family times. I have some pictures to share but I can't right now as other things are pressing. Be satisfied with a family favorite that explains in song our appreciation of family and celebrations and weekends together so very seldom that they are the best of times always. If you haven't watched Meet the Robinson's lately, do yourself a favor and take the time to do so. I give you Rob Thomas, who says what we were all thinking:
30 July 2008
Nibble on they tiny feet!
It is mid morning. I am tired, but not as tired as mom and dad. We have a new little girl! She is healthy and seemingly happy with life outside the womb so far! More later!
29 July 2008
Baby Alert
I will be away from my computer for a few days. We are welcoming our newest graddaughter tomorrow morning by emergency c section. Not what we expected at all, other complications are making this a bit of a problem, therefore I may be sporadic at blogging over the next few days.
I'll see ya in a few...
With a new granddaughter and plenty of baby birthing stories!
24 July 2008
Blog friends
Long ago I signed up at Nicolette's blog in a Pay it Forward post she did. I had long forgotten that I had even signed up! Today in the mail was a post I had to sign for. Neat! What could it be? Then I noticed the familiar handwriting. It was from Nicolette. Neat!
Inside the big box I found what is pictured above. She has pampered me from every angle! Sweets, calming teas, chocolate!, some very pretty pearl head pins the are lovely, a postcard of a bicycle, some sweet smelling lotion and body gel, and a wonderful handmade notebook! I am so thrilled to receive such a generous gift! Thank you Nicolette.
If you haven't been by Nicolette's blog you simply must click on the link above. She has marvelous talents and is one of the biggest philanthropists on the net. She is always quilting for a cause and doing good all around. I am glad I have gotten to know her somewhat through our blogs and hope someday to rent a bike in the Netherlands and take a ride with her!
The postman was very generous today! He also brought me a package from Jessica of Lost Button Studio fame. Jessica is also a creative blogger! She designs jewelry and all kinds of lovely things. She is currently expecting her third son, neat! neat!, and has just done a redesign of her blog and studio site. When she did that she made some neat little magnets. I told her they were great and she sent me some!
I am looking forward to possibly meeting her when I am in Utah for the baby welcoming gig. So many wonderful people are out there in crafting blog land. It truly is a wonderful place to be!
Oh and on the dream come true thing? Go read the post at the food blog! Read More......
23 July 2008
Fortune Cookie
This was tonight's fortune cookie. How did the cookie know I would drive across the mojave desert on a ten hour drive soon?
At least it knew it would be pleasant. Well, once I get there for sure!
Come on Izabella! We're waiting on you!
21 July 2008
Blogher, Blogher, everyone's talking about Blogher
I didn't go this year. Too many other things happening right now. I would like to next year, I think it would be great to be among women with lofty goals and desires. Taking a stroll through these women bloggers has got me thinking.
The awakening of the women's movement in the early 60s has paid off big time. I grew up in the midst of the ERA. By the time I had graduated from high school real changes were being made in the way women were treated in the workplace. Yes, I'll agree many things haven't changed. However, more good has happened than bad since the 70s for women.
I was still one of those suppressed women when I graduated high school. At one point I was encourage to seek an education past high school, but it was to pursue a traditionally woman's place in society. I was not told to dream big, but to prepare myself for being married. Ugh. I didn't have a father figure in my life that was a success so I had no where to turn to see what my possibilities could be. I wanted to be a translator at the UN. (yes, I'm that old) I had a proficiency for languages in my youth and thought it would be the way to use my talent and be successful. What I was told was that it was in NYC and that being single I could never survive there. This coming from a woman who had to raise her four children, mostly by herself. Hmmmm. Not to fault mom, but I think she was heavily ingrained in traditional roles, even as a single mom.
Now I look around at women 10 to fifteen years younger than myself and am amazed. Women are doing fantastic things that women of my generation just dreamed of most of the time. I do know of a few women my age that have set out to be successful in business and accomplished their goals. However, not many. Most of us took our roles as wives and mothers and did it pretty well. I will say we also had a lot of influence over young girls, growing up a few years behind us. Not only were we telling them that they could be great moms and wives, but we were also encouraging them to get an education, to dream big, and that they could be anything they wanted to be. Even if all they wanted to be was a mom.
So all of you 30 somethings out there, you are standing on some pretty good shoulders. We're not just old women, we're the women that helped get you where you are today. We applaud your success, revel in it actually. Just remember that even with all the success, that family does come first, that home and hearth are important, and yes, you can have it all.
I picked the bloggers above because they have impressed me with their tenacity, creativity, positivity, and abilities, not because they attended BlogHer. There are so many others I could add, just check my sidebar. Just so ya know.
20 July 2008
Ingenious. Incredible. Wow.
As a mother of girls only I am amazed at this. And a bit jealous.
As an aunt of 3 infamous nephews. I say the guys in the video are lightweights. I'll let s'mee explain that.
Update: S'mee's post is up and she doesn't disappoint!
18 July 2008
Bring on the baby!
We here at Chez Cooperville, are awaiting the birth of the second granddaughter at any time now! Come on girl, your table's ready! I will be heading up to Utah, any day in the near future to help with Little Miss and the crew while Mom and Izzy get used to each other.
So while I'd love to put stuff up for sale, I'm going to take a bit of a break, while I am out of town. My only regret is that I have to leave the Big Guy here all alone with Angus (the cat). He'll join us in a few weeks to celebrate. After I get back things will return to normal and I'll have all kinds of things happening here.
On the Dream come true thing? My meeting got put off until Monday. Then I will share with you all the wonderful things happening for me!
16 July 2008
Told you about me liking scars?
Yes, they are proof that you've lived. Certain things I don't like. Bruises are some of those things. Yes, I bruise very easily. I've also told you of my love/hate relationship with dentists. Well Monday I had another appointment with the dentist. That's when two worlds collided.
There I was, quietly sitting waiting for the second of two procedures to begin. I had already had one tooth prepped for a crown and was waiting on the second. Then dentist entered the room, got his syringe out and went to work.
I now have a swollen cheek and a bruise on my face!!!!! There will be no pictures. I will just say, it is amazing how much better people treat you in public when they think someone has been smacking you around. I went back to the dentist this morning to have it evaluated. The first thing the dentist said was "Well, it's barely noticeable. You know it's a little problem, I nicked a blood vessel and that's why there is the bruising. It should clear up in about a week. There is nothing to worry about. I'm so glad it was you this happened to." Yeah me too. Adventures in dentistry I call it.
So how was your Monday? I'm working on something that might be huge for me. Fulfilling a bit of a dream. I'll know more Friday!
If you've ever sewn, read this post
This morning I meandered through the blogosphere, (do people really use that word anymore?) and stopped by my sis' place. She said I had to read the post she put up about her quest for perfection, or something like that yesterday.
If you have ever sewn, please go read this post. Oh and make sure you are not drinking anything! Or you've been to the bathroom prior to reading it! S'mee has described very well the experience of sewing in our home. And then steps it up to the purchase of a new machine.
I cannot stop laughing. If you haven't sewn it won't be nearly as funny, but still enough to get you chuckling.
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