Grandma Jesse's Real "Scotch" Shortbread

Scottish Shortbread…I’ve always called it Scotch shortbread because that was what my grandma called it.  At least that's what I thought she said through her thick brogue.



Ever since I can remember, shortbread has not only been a holiday tradition, but a family favorite year round. My grandma Jesse brought her family recipe with her from Scotland many years ago. She prepared it with her magic touch year after year, using the purest of ingredients, including caster sugar and rice flour. She mixed the ingredients gently with her hands, careful not to overwork the dough, then baked it at a low temperature until just slightly golden.        

While our family recipe is a classic recipe

consisting of flour, sugar and butter,  

(I like to add vanilla)...there are several variations of shortbread and shortcakes form different regions of Scotland, going back to medieval times. Refined shortbread is said to be accredited to Mary, queen of Scots in the 16th century ~

she named the most traditional, triangular shaped wedges “petticoat tails".  Shortbread was expensive then so it was reserved for special occasions such as Christmas, New Years Eve, and weddings.



My first kilt



As a wee lassie,

I was very excited to wear the kilt Grandma Jesse brought back for me when she went back to Scotland for a visit!



I’m intrigued by my Scottish heritage and fascinated at the history of our cote of arms (family crest) and tartan (plaid). I’m also delightfully amused by men in kilts ~ and thankful that I was never a “Scottish Bride” as Grandma told me that it was a tradition to break a decorated shortbread cake over the head of a bride at the entrance of her new house for good luck!



my Mom and Grandma Jesse...
playing for the camera!
maybe grandma was trying to drag her to the traditional shortbread ceremony?!



I loved listening to Grandma Jesse’s stories as she reminisced about (what she called) “the old country”! I listened carefully to discern her every word through her thick Scottish brogue…and watched as she magically mixed her dough to perfection. I now prepare this traditional shortbread every Christmas in her memory and I savor every buttery bite of my favorite “Scotch” cookie!  

Here is my version of this buttery family favorite:

Grandma Jesse’s Real Scotch Shortbread

One stick unsalted butter, softened

One stick salted butter, softened

½ cup caster sugar or granulated sugar ***(see explanation below) ***

8 oz. all purpose flour

4 oz. rice flour
*(if you do not have rice flour, you can use 12 oz. of all purpose flour.)

1 tsp. vanilla (optional…my preference)

1)  Blend sugar and butter together on a board or large bowl ...

(grandma worked these together with her magic hands on a large board until incorporated).

~ This is where I add my vanilla ~

2)  Add flour and work into the butter/sugar mixture until it becomes a crumbly dough...

*(careful not to over mix….(for a nice crisp result)*

Press with your hands into parchment lined pan (I used a 9 inch square).

(a 9 in round  is also nice , and can be cut into triangles (petticoat tails).

Press the dough firmly into pan to ¾ inch thickness.

Prick with a fork to prevent bubbling.

Bake at 275 degrees, approx. 20 – 30 minutes. Oven temperatures vary, so it might take longer…it is important to keep an eye on it and bake until just slightly golden but not brown. 

Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly (approx. 5 minutes) then with a sharp knife, score into squares or small rectangles, then cut through to bottom.  Dust with sugar.  Cool completely before removing cookies to platter or tin. 

the parchment liner

makes it quite easy to simply lift the cookies out at once

*** "Caster sugar" is what they call superfine granulated sugar in Britain.  It was given this name because its grains are smaller and can fit through a "sugar caster" or "sprinkler".  Regular granulated sugar works just fine in this recipe...my choice... because caster sugar is quite expensive - (on occasion, I've actually placed regular sugar in a blender and pulsed it, allowing it to become more fine -
resulting in home-made caster sugar).  So if you ever feel that caster sugar is absolutely necessary, this tip is a great way to go!)...I just don't feel that the extra work in this particular recipe is really needed.*** (just my opinion though)!

I hope you enjoy this quick and easy recipe with its rich, buttery flavor and heavenly melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Three weeks….

Stood still like a moment in time,

Yet so much changed,

Lives re-arranged...

“Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.”

(James 4:13-14)

~

Three weeks ago, my father in law was fine (or so we all thought); Then we received news that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer of the esophagus. It was too late to stop this aggressive cancer. This began a steady decline and before we knew it, three weeks passed by in a flash and he was gone.


On the one hand, we believe that God was merciful in taking him quickly. He did not suffer long. He did not linger. On the other hand, we wish, oh how we wish, we had more time.


Despite our grief over our loss, we have no regrets because we had a loving relationship. For years, every single visit, every conversation ended with “God bless you and I love you”. He was a gentle man who was tender toward all; a good listener; an encourager; a faithful man; strong, yet highly sensitive; wise and confident, yet humble.


He was a wonderful father and a friend to many who were grateful to have known and loved him. He will be sorely missed, yet we are confident that we will see him again...



On Glory's Side

No tears appear on glory's side,
Nothing to fear; no reason to hide,
For glory is a safe and wondrous home,

All cares are vanished like a vapor,
And fears are swept off with the wind,
All questions now are being answered,
No more doubts and no more sin...

How beautiful is this sweet sweet glory,
How bright and full of life,
Love surrounds us pure and holy,
No more pain and no more strife,

Oh glory how I ached for you,
Before I really understood,
That glory is a wondrous home
Of peace and brotherhood.

And so dear friends there is a plan,
Don't fear what lies on glory's side.
But grab hold of glory's hand,
And in God's care and love abide.

For tears are gone and joy remains,
On the side of glory,
The celebration can't be explained
Or written in a story.

It's only when you've crossed the line
Into glory's care,
That you'll finally understand
How perfect it is there.

So grab hold of glory's hand,
And in God's care and love abide,
And trust the master's perfect plan,
To find your home on glory's side.

(written by Lorraine Brown/copyright 2006)

~

On our journey from the funeral home to the cemetery, a gentle snow began. The large, puffy flakes were like feathers floating before our windshield. Snowflakes continued to slowly dance before our faces throughout our final goodbye at the grave-site. It was peaceful. I remarked at how pure it was and we reflected on the scriptures and how snow symbolizes purity.

“Has thou entered into the treasures of the snow” Job 38:22

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” Isaiah 1:18

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean, wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

We also reflected on how God provides these moments as gentle reminders that His grace flows freely and His loving hand is upon us through it all.

~

Three weeks have come and gone…  

Like a flash;  a blink of an eye; a vapor…

and so much has changed...

~

THREE WEEKS

~


  “the years of our lives pass quickly, like a sigh.”
(Psalm 90:9)

“So teach us to consider our mortality, so that we might live wisely.”
(Psalm 90:12)

~

“That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord,"and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” (Romans 8: 9-10)

 



R   O   M   A   N   C   E  

"For you have set my heart free"

How do you describe it?   What makes you pursue it? 

Where do we find it?

How do we make it last?







D E S I R E

"So now the stage is set,
feel your own heart beating in your chest"

I M A G I N A T I O N

                                                           

    "this life's not over yet"

H O P E 
     
"so get up on our feet and do our best"

C O U R A G E

"we play against the fear"

T R I U M P H

"we play against the reasons not to try"

G L O R Y

"we're playing for the tears burning in the happy angel's eyes" *

~

B R E A T H L E S S    E X P E C T A T I O N

~

 

THE SCENT OF A FLOWER

 NOT YET FOUND

~

“True Love” in persistent pursuit of our hearts

~

THE ECHO OF A TUNE NOT YET HEARD

whispering softly in our ears

~

THE NEWS FROM A COUNTRY

NOT YET VISITED

~

An invitation...

FROM  THE  ROMANCER  OF OUR  SOUL…

TO EXPERIENCE HIS UNFATHOMABLE LOVE!

~

WOOING   US   INTO   A   ROMANCE   LIKE   NO   OTHER...

 T H E

  S A C R E D

   R O M A N C E

~

“Delight yourself in the Lord

and He will give you the desires of your heart”

(Psalm 37:4)

“O GOD, YOU ARE MY GOD,

EARNESTLY  I  SEEK YOU;

MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU,

MY BODY LONGS FOR YOU

IN A DRY AND WEARY LAND,

    WHERE THERE IS NO WATER.”

     (Psalm 63:1)

A book?  Yes!  

Friends, if you haven't read "The Sacred Romance" and you want to experience the intensity and reality of  true love...
I encourage you to pick up a copy of   
"The Sacred Romance"  by John Eldredge and Brent Curtis!
Get ready to be swept off your feet ~

Their words glide effortlessly 
and flow like silk across each page. 


This is a book for those who long for romance and 
desire a deeper realization of 

UNCONDITIONAL   LOVE! 




"So now the stage is set, feel your own heart beating in your chest"

*quotes and inspiration from "The Sacred Romance" by John Eldredge and Brent Curtis;

lyrics from "Show the Way" by David Wilcox; Bible verses, NIV

Super Bowl Sunday Fiesta!

The menu this year is Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders; Chicken and Black Bean Chili; Guacamole; and for the sweet tooth: brownies and cookies...

~ ~

'

              

And Lorraine's Fiesta Cheese Loaf

(recipe below)

A room divided....half cheering for the Steelers and half cheering for the Packers!  Who will I sit with today?!

First of all ...

I love the state of Wisconsin!

Not only do some of our dearest friends reside in the beautiful state of Wisconsin, but some of the most precious memories we carry with us were made in the picturesque surroundings of Door County!

  

old pic...taken before the turn of the century!

with hiking, cycling and mo-ped riding through

Peninsula State Park ...                    

Boat rides and glorious romantic sunset cruises on Lake Michigan;

Wisconsin's Peninsula State Park Players and their amazing outdoor theatre performances under the stars...

Oh, and yes...

The best outdoor

drive-in movie theater

which brings back memories of my

very early childhood where,

for some reason,

whenever we go, I do exactly what I did

as a little girl...fall asleep halfway through

the movie!  I guess it just brings a sense of comfort which comes from the simple pleasures in life, allowing me to relax like nothing else!  So, I hang on to these...

Treasured memories...captured in a photo and in my heart!

-------------------------

I probably should have ended with this beautiful memory.

---------

I got so carried away reminiscing, I almost forgot about game day!

---------

Now I digress..........and I admit.........

Regardless of my affection for Wisconsin an all that comes with it...I will have to offer a polite apology to my dear friends of this great state, because on Super Bowl Sunday, I just can't bring myself to cheer for the Packers.  No offense, dear friends...but we are Bears fans on this side of the state line!  Plus, being a "fashionista" of sorts, there is just... something...visually incorrect...about the color of those uniforms... green and gold???!!! ... well, it just kind of resembles ...mold on cheese!  Oh, please forgive me...you know I love you all!  Please don't banish me from future visits to your amazing state and wondrous lake shore! 

If I can redeem myself, I will be honest...when it comes to football, I like the excitement of the game, but I'm mostly there for the party. I don't even scream and shout...I like using the plastic hands we place on the table which make a loud clapping sound! I can pick them up with one hand and make some noise while keeping my other hand free for eating!  I'm not even sure I'll get "into" the half-time performance this year, but with the amount of people and conversations taking place, it's difficult to hear much of the performance anyway.  So, I'll be hanging out with those who are also filling their plates with second helpings! 

Yes, smoked pulled pork sliders; chicken and black bean chili; guacamole; and...

My contribution to this year's southwest style menu... my fiesta cheese loaf. 

(I came up with this recipe during a recipe contest.  It is actually adapted from a similar recipe which a friend introduced me to called "Tony's provolone loaf" (consisting of layers of provolone, cream cheese w/ garlic and pesto, and assembled in a loaf pan). I loved it so much, I decided to invent a southwest version and this is what I came up with):

This Mexican Inspired Cheese Loaf is always a hit at parties, with it's beautiful presentation and zesty blend of flavors!

FIESTA CHEESE LOAF (with cilantro pesto)

2 eight oz. Pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese

4 cloves garlic

1-2 dash finely ground black pepper to taste

2 eight oz. pkg. pepper jack cheese slices

1 2 oz. jar diced pimentos (drained well)

1 4 oz. can fire roasted diced green chiles (drained well)

2 cups fresh cilantro

¼ cup olive oil (approx.)

½ tsp. fresh lime juice

½ cup walnut halves or pieces

1 -2 pinches sea salt

1 ripe avocado

For Cilantro Pesto:

Place cilantro into food processor and process until finely chopped (just a few seconds)

Add 2 cloves garlic and while processing, stream in olive oil; squeeze in fresh lime juice;

Add a pinch or two of sea salt and a pinch of black pepper; add walnuts and process just until mixture forms a paste. Set aside.

For Cream Cheese Mixture:

Combine 2 eight oz. pkg. cream cheese with 2 garlic cloves (pressed or crushed);

Add pepper to taste.

For Assembly:

Dampen a piece of cheese cloth and place in 8 oz. loaf pan allowing cloth to drape over the sides of pan;

Start the layering with approx. 8 squares of pepper jack (on the diagonal);

Add 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture; 1/3 pesto; ½ jar of pimentos; layer of pepper jack.

Another 1/3 of the cream cheese; entire can of green chiles; 1/3 pesto; layer of pepper jack; last layer of cream cheese; last layer of pesto; last layer of pepper jack.

Bring sides of cheese cloth up and over to cover the loaf.

Refrigerate ( for at least 1 hr. and up to 24 hrs). Slowly invert onto platter and remove cheese cloth.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and remaining pimentos;

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips or fresh vegi’s. Enjoy!!!

***

A couple of tips:

If you don’t have cheese cloth, you can line the pan with waxed paper (tape the excess to the outside of pan to avoid slipping.)

- - - - - - - -

This can also be made earlier in the day or the evening before your party and chilled overnight.

 

----------



IT'S GAME TIME....

AND FOR ME....THAT MEANS....

IT'S TIME FOR SOME GREAT FOOD!

ENJOY!

And Chicken Noodle with Popovers!

With single digit temps and roaring winds whipping blizzard snow into drifts several feet high outside my door, it seems the best solution is to snuggle inside with a steaming hot bowl of soup.

Today...

Chicken Noodle...

another one of our favorites...

Along with Piping Hot Popovers

fresh out of the oven!

 Chicken noodle soup...

food for the soul,

fills my tummy, tastes so yummy,

think I'll have a second bowl :)


!

This soup is another quick and easy recipe and it is my favorite chicken soup recipe.  I decided that I would use a rotisserie chicken.  Costco sells a great organic, gluten free rotisserie chicken, cooked and ready to eat and the price is right! 

Here's the recipe:

In a large soup pot, in approx. 3 TBSP. olive oil,
One small onion (chopped);
3-4 cloves garlic(minced or pressed);
4 stalks of celery (chopped);
2 large carrots (sliced in rounds);
Saute just until the onions appear slightly translucent.  Then add a splash of white wine to remove bits from bottom of pan;
to this, add approx. 1 tsp. dried oregano;
2 tsp. poultry seasoning;
1/2 tsp. dried sweet basil; 
1/2 tsp. black pepper;
then pour in one large container (48 oz.) low sodium all natural organic chicken broth; 
place the entire chicken into the broth (making sure to remove trussing strings first);
add about a cup of water (or a bit more if needed...just enough to cover the chicken. (you can add more broth instead of water if desired)
Finally, add two sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into small pieces); 
then cover pot and simmer for about 20 minutes. This will allow for great flavor. * (remember the secret is in the cracker ~ or in this case, the spoon - I always taste as I go, adding more of the seasonings if needed) 

After about 20 minutes, turn off heat, remove chicken to platter then discard bones and skin, returning only the meat back to the stock. 
Over medium heat, bring stock to a slight boil, then add approx. half of a 12 oz. pkg. "no yolk" egg noodles. 
Reduce heat to low and simmer until noodles are tender. 

Ladle hot chicken soup for the soul into cup or bowl ~

My husband loves to sprinkle a bit of parmesan on top...and I love this with warm sourdough or asiago bread, but today I made popovers...

Simple but so good Popovers:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Lightly grease and flour popover tins (or muffin tins)

Ingredients:

1 TBSP. Unsalted Butter, melted

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

2 large eggs

1 1/4 cup milk 

• Combine flour with salt in a large bowl and in a separate bowl, whisk eggs with butter and milk...then fold into flour mixture until just blended (careful not to over mix).  Pour into tins (about 3/4 filled)
• Bake for 15 minutes....then reduce heat to 350 degrees for an additional 20 minutes or until they puff up and turn a nice golden brown.  Remove from oven and pop them out onto a rack or platter.  Using a small, sharp knife, make a small slit in the side of each so that the steam escapes, and serve!   Best when eaten immediately.

Baby it's cold outside....but no-one will know....serve up some hot chicken soup...forget about snow!



But he does eat my chili!

The way to my man's heart is ....

CHILI

No squash in this soup, darling husband...just a bowl of spicy LOVE! :)

As I said before, he does like my cooking and most of the soups I make...but his favorite is my chili.

He doesn't scrunch up his cute nose or click his heels and run,

 and chili is not even junk...especially this one.

It's my lighter version of a flavorful bowl of spicy goodness!

Chili Con Carné!

1 lb. package lean (or extra lean) ground turkey
(I like extra lean for several reasons, one being I don't have to drain off any fat)

3- 4 cloves fresh garlic, pressed or minced
1 small yellow onion, chopped

1 small green pepper, chopped  (optional)

1 (4 oz.) can diced green chile’s (medium)
1 (28 oz.) can fire roasted tomatoes

1 can rotel w/ green chile’s  (original)

2 (14 oz.) cans diced organic tomatoes  (low sodium)

2 (14 oz.) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1/2  cup white wine (or beer) 

1- 2 tsp. chili powder (according to taste)

2 TBSP. cumin*

Dash of black pepper

• In  large sauce pot, over medium heat, with approx. 1 – 2 TBSP. olive oil
• Brown ground turkey. When almost brown, add garlic and green pepper and continue cooking. 
• When turkey is browned, reduce heat and add wine (or beer), scraping bits from the bottom of pot. (allows for more flavor and the alcohol cooks off). 
• Add all remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer for at least 20 minutes. Taste and if needed, more cumin or chili powder can be added (I use a generous amount of cumin).  
• Spoon chili into soup bowls, sprinkle with shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, an optional dab of sour cream and your favorite tortilla chips or bread. ~ enjoy!

Honestly, I make this without measuring and after the meat is cooked and it all simmers for a while, a taste test tells me if I need to add anything. My above list of ingredients is pretty close to what I use, but alterations are according to taste. Same goes for the green chile's...some might like to use mild chile's or even hot.

Our uncle has a favorite saying when making his sloppy joes...."the secret is in the cracker", as he tweaks then dips a small cracker into his concoction to make sure it's just right. I'm in total agreement with that. I love to taste as I go; adding a pinch more of this and a sprinkle more of that.
But I'll leave you with this word of wisdom: 

Too many crackers can spoil dinner  :)



Lovely Day!

"The road to a friend's house is never long."

~ Danish Proverb

    

* can you spot the deer in my neighbor's driveway? *

 What a lovely day it is!  It's twentish outside, snow is falling, I'm dreaming of spring as a pot of chili simmers on the stove, and I'm thinking about the friends I am fortunate to visit with today without even stepping outside my door!

 

I'm excited to finally have the time to slow down a bit and pass along a very "lovely" and pretty award!

Just before Christmas, my sweet and talented friend, themomchef gifted me with this:

One Lovely Blog Award

I'm amazed at the amount of recipes Christiane (themomchef) whips up. The theme of her blog is literally "taking on magazines one recipe at a time"! Not only is she an amazing cook, talented and entertaining writer, but she has an intriguing bio! I know you'll love her too... http://themomchef.blogspot.com/.  Thank you, Christiane!  I'm still smiling about the way our paths crossed! ;)

I've been wanting to gift the lovely blog award back to themomchef and pass it on to other lovely bloggers but the holidays caused a brief interruption. As delighted as I was to receive this sweet reward, I am also delighted to gift it to some of the friends I've been blessed with throughout the past year:

• Here are the rules for accepting this award:
• Acknowledge and thank the person that gave it to you;
• Pass it along to fifteen (or so) other bloggers that you like and enjoy;
• Then let those folks know that you've given them an award.
• Click on the link and copy and paste this "lovely" award to your blog.

"A joy shared is a joy made double."

~ English Proverb

• My friend, Amy is an amazing cook and her blog is a delight to the senses. I'm a huge fan and I always look forward to seeing what she is cooking up! http://utry.it/  p.s...Happy Birthday Amy!
• My dear friend Shannon never ceases to amaze me with her ability to design magnificent tablescapes and floral designs as well as gifts and crafts. Her blog has an elegant feel with a vintage romance...beautiful on the inside as well, Shannon is a mom to a precious son with autism, and a daughter who is in college, which she says : "are by and far, my best work" : http://shannonsshanonigins.blogspot.com/
• Elaine at "peace for the journey" inspires! Elaine's testimony through life lessons always encourages and teaches me. She is an amazing, strong woman of God and she currently shares her journey through cancer treatment. Her blog is (in her words) "a shared road for those of us whose hearts gather in one accord to take hold of the one and only God who can be known and who promises his companioned peace for the pilgrimage ahead. Peace isn’t a concept. Peace is a person." Experience more at http://www.peaceforthejourney.com/
• I just met Kim and love the way she shares daily life and leads the way from "doing to being". Kim is a wife and mother and talented writer an gentle spirit with a creative nature and love for God.  http://kimturnage.blogspot.com/
• Joy at simply bloom has been given the perfect name...She is a joy and I've been so blessed by the words of this beautiful woman.  I'm grateful for the way our paths have intersected.  Beauty; pure beauty is how I describe: http://www.simplybloomblog.com/
• Sierra, and "ocean dreamer" is enthralled with the ocean and its mysteries; passionate; a Christ follower; a hopeless romantic; a creative blog filled with dreams, hopes, beauty and depth. I'm so glad I met you, Sierra! http://oceandreams4sierra.blogspot.com/
• Another beauty that I'm grateful to have met is Toyin at "He Lives".  Toyin, you are one of the most talented writers and passionate believers I've met and I'm always inspired by your words. I'm drawn in to each post and intrigued by your daily encounters and adventures! Vistit Toyin at her lovely blog...  http://youcanfacetodaybecausehelives.blogspot.com/
• Don't  you just love this title: "Splashin'Glory"! Not only do I love the title, but the content is a beautiful testimony to God's love and constant presence...Sarah describes her blog as "desiring to bring God's kingdom to earth and learning to hear the heartbeat of heaven." Be sure to splash around at http://justsarahdawn.blogspot.com/
• Stacy was diagnosed with Stage IIB Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer and is currently sharing her journey through treatment with the utmost of bravery and faith. But this does not define her. She is a beautiful woman, inside and out, mother of 6 (5 are boys); wife; sister; daughter; and friend with a passion for what really matters...God!  She inspires!  http://hiswaynotmine.blogspot.com/
• Janette ~  always brings a smile to my face.  I love her sense of humor as well as her sensitive heart! I delight in her writing style and gain inspiration from her words of encouragement and I'm so glad to have met this beautiful Texas girl! http://janettessage.blogspot.com/
• Meridith is sharing her chronicles of a touch and go situation with the birth and fight for survival by her newborn.  Little Immy has shown us God's miracles at work. Immy is a beauty and her mom and dad and are towers of strength and a witness of faith in action http://mdancause.blogspot.com/
• You know I love food...and Monet is a wonderful cook and a beautiful writer. She exudes grace and genuine tenderness. Her blog is inspirational and happy http://anecdotesandapples.weebly.com/
• More food from  http://www.morethanamountfull.com/ ...if anyone can inspire you to cook, chef Dennis can!  His recipes are mouth-watering. He shares not only recipes, but  holds nothing back in reaching out to others, sharing insight into the blogging world with his generous spirit of giving.
• and my friend, ally, and warrior princess, Jaime:  http://mangia-bella.blogspot.com/  shares her recipes for food and life with her eloquent words and delightful style. Her love for God is her foundation and her joy is ever present. Bella, you constantly bring goodness and light into my life!
• The title of this blog says it all... http://poweruplove.blogspot.com/  Still wondering what it is about? ...Joe Rodriguez says: ("This blog isn’t about me…it's about our awesome God!")  Check it out!
• Another title I love is "a glass of sweet tea"...ahhh, how refreshing....the title as well as the blog.  I just met Karen and I have already seen that her spirit and kindness is also refreshing... Karen shares just how God IS in the miracle business...you'll find her here ...  http://glassofsweettea.blogspot.com/
• Anne, at  http://lessonsthrulife.com/ is another faithful beauty!  She shares what she "has learned and is learning" on the road God has her on.  Her story is inspirational and has a testimony that "through God all things are possible".
• Marie, recently diagnosed with CLL, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia shares so openly and honestly. Marie is strength and dignity and humor! She shares her faith beautifully during this challenging time. Please stop by to encourage and be encouraged. Marie, you are a beautiful soul!  http://prayerfaithandhope.blogspot.com/

I realize that some of you have already received this award and maybe multiple times, so you might not need to grab the button. However, I didn't want that to stop me from sharing you with the world.  I've grown deeply fond of each of you and just wanted you to know it!

I wish I could have given it to even more lovely bloggers, as I'm continuing to meet the most fascinating people on this journey.  I'm encouraged as well as entertained by each of you ~ and  to my foodie friends...every time I visit you, I get inspired... and hungry!  Thank you so much for sharing your talents and gifts with your readers and for making my life a brighter place ~

"I would thank you from the bottom of my heart,

but for you my heart has no bottom"!