tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20844386229563227952024-03-05T01:37:10.195-08:00Coffee and Black Ink...more than watchmen for the Morning.Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-58086734872580773392016-09-30T11:14:00.000-07:002016-09-30T11:14:05.614-07:00Hi people.<br />
So this is crazy. I still have a blog. But I never write any more. Don't know whether to delete it or start a new one, or what.<br />
<br />
This morning I discovered God has an ironic sense of humor.<br />
In praying for patience over breakfast, I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting. Needless to say it wasn't the unexpected powering on of the vacuuming cleaner, by my 3 year old, just as I was approaching a gripping part in my book. Nor the self same 3 year old bumping up against my arm, repeatedly - and with increasing volume - asking me for a hug, just as a well-loved character in the same book was meeting an emotional end!<br />
Yet these are the ways the Lord "teaches you patience." Not by magically giving you a Patience Potion that makes you respond sweetly to all comers and interruptions. No. More like by dropping your pet peeves on you at the most inconvenient times, and offering you His patience to respond righteously.<br />
This week my study of the book of James has me finding practical ways to apply verses 19-20 of chapter 1. "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." This, being an area I have struggled with my whole life, is brought home now that I have little ones to whom I must be an example.<br />
The next verse in James 1, verse 21, says "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls."<br />
I know this sounds like he's speaking to the utmost depraved souls. Murderers, adulterers, drunkards, and the like. But no, he is speaking to the moms like me, who just want a moment of quiet to read this paragraph! Easy enough to tell one to put away the thing that comes naturally (getting what one wants even at the cost of the bruising of our children's hearts) but he also gives us the way to do it. "Receive with meekness the implanted word..." Meekness in the ESV is replaced with Humility in the KJV. So to receive with meekness would mean to accept it as right, and as leading to salvation, knowing I (my wish at that moment for peace to finish my book or whatever) am not as important as to show the patient love of Christ to my son. Which is able not only to save my soul, but to save his as well.Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-57026009066585517162014-07-17T20:32:00.001-07:002014-07-17T20:32:30.885-07:00Oregon<p dir="ltr">Tears won't come.<br>
Rain won't fall.<br>
Heart ache.<br>
Smile fake.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Take me home.<br>
Give me air.<br>
Let me go.<br>
Take me there.<br>
Home is where the heart is.</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-18178453641742788712014-06-08T20:14:00.001-07:002014-06-08T20:14:11.292-07:00Dear Friend<p dir="ltr">I think you are a wonderful person. You seem so brave. I don't <u>know</u> much about you, though I love your very visible love for your children.<br>
You have no idea how much I want to be your friend, but you are like a book with a dust cover that has that brief description of the contents. It's just the littlest blip of your life, and I long to open the book. Only it has a lock, and takes a very special key, and a particular technique to turn the key. It's like a puzzle lock.<br>
You are so sweet! You seem so young to have such a big hurt on your heart! I have no idea what that hurt might be, but I want to take it off!<br>
I hope you somehow see how much I would love to be your friend. When you asked me for help, I thought, maybe this is a first step to being a friend! Steps are small and slow, however, so I need to remember that all in God's time.<br>
But! I am praying for you. And I do not begrudge this time spent in learning this or that about you.<br>
Love in Christ!<br>
Your Friend,<br>
Me =)</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-53461689549012246732014-04-09T21:11:00.001-07:002014-04-10T16:20:40.128-07:00YOLO<p dir="ltr">Life is short.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Does it ever grip you how short life really is? What do you do with the time that is given to you?</p>
<p dir="ltr">YOLO<br>
You Only Live Once</p>
<p dir="ltr">How cliché that expression is. And yet at the same time, how true. You DO only live once. How can I use my time wisely? Because I will never get it back. I'm a mommie, and a wife. I have one tiny life to guide, and one greater life to accompany. As each of these things, how can I be the best that I can be?<br>
Does it ever sweep over you and terrify you to think that you only have just a little time to be here? Mother, wife. Even father, husband.<br>
As I keep growing up, time keeps speeding up. How can I slow it down??</p>
<p dir="ltr">My son is already 7 months old. Wasn't it just yesterday that he was born? How did I miss the time passing? How is he already crawling? Standing? How does he suddenly weigh so much? Where did the time go? What did I do wrong that made me miss so much?</p>
<p dir="ltr">And yet, I realize I didn't miss it. I was there for all of it. He grew and changed right before my very eyes. I watched all of it. Except for those vitally important seconds where I blinked.<br>
I think I must glue my eyes open, and never look away, so as to catch every single instant. Otherwise he will be all grown up before I have a chance to turn around.<br>
I pray not to miss a single moment that the Lord gives to me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-4ikWubLsBsjI_04hPuXnm_YJQwYz2C8fPLHSJcz_i_hv_HUBtovOb0AXZp-UQYgkPiohGGV7OQCd3CJ6ywIzgfyIxXCcCFut7owLDO5X1aqF7k6vUrCoyZLW4lLic8Pr1ldl-W_MYVl/s1600/20140406_155423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-4ikWubLsBsjI_04hPuXnm_YJQwYz2C8fPLHSJcz_i_hv_HUBtovOb0AXZp-UQYgkPiohGGV7OQCd3CJ6ywIzgfyIxXCcCFut7owLDO5X1aqF7k6vUrCoyZLW4lLic8Pr1ldl-W_MYVl/s640/20140406_155423.jpg"></a></p>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-57275248080660309782014-01-06T16:23:00.001-08:002014-01-06T16:23:50.472-08:00Hold On: An Excerpt of My Overwhelmed Thoughts<p dir="ltr">Blinded and torn I turn and turn,<br>
Seeking a respite from the bitter winds that buffet me about.<br>
But no relief.<br>
No calm.<br>
Only the storm.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Only the storm stripping me bare.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In the storm I stand<br>
Until I can stand no more.<br>
I fall to my knees.<br>
I fall to my face.<br>
Scarred.<br>
Scared.<br>
Helpless.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Nothing to hold onto.<br>
No light to push toward.<br>
Only darkness screaming all around me.<br>
Numbing.<br>
Breaking.<br>
Slipping.</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-67812660437858465522014-01-03T15:10:00.001-08:002014-01-03T15:11:24.650-08:00Hello 2014<p dir="ltr">Well a very challenging year is behind us, and let me guess, another very challenging year ahead?<br>
Most likely.<br>
Can't say I'm really enjoying all these trials and tests of my faith, (which *doesn't* seem to be getting stronger through everything.)<br>
That's not to imply that nothing enjoyable has been/is happening. Indeed, there is plenty to cheer me.<br>
Christopher Charles for one. =)<br>
My dear husband of course, for two. ♥<br>
That is to imply that I am weak and don't have a clue what one earth I am doing or how to do it. So this year I have made two resolutions, the most important being to read once through the Bible.<br>
Do you realize I have never actually done that?<br>
Surprised?<br>
Me neither.<br>
I have penciled in a few sub-resolutions which I should very much like to accomplish along with reading through the Bible, such as: write in my journal every day, write a blog post at least every week, read x number of books this year; but those are all, as I mentioned, sub. If none of them get accomplished but the completion of the first does, I shall be satisfied.<br>
My second resolution is to show love to my husband in a way that will be most meaningful to him. Which of course means that I must study him and get to know him better, which, in the long run, will mean a stronger marriage for the both of us. Win!<br>
We have been married just over a year now, and while it wasn't a perfect year, it also wasn't a bad year at all. However I know that a lot of our ease of passage has come from being newlyweds, and I know we cannot float on that forever. Also with the advent of a child it is even harder to give my husband the attention he needs.<br>
So! Solid things to begin my new year on eh? Let us hope so.<br>
My daily prayer is for perseverance.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Happy New Year Everybody!<br>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk48C-SQ5K6MfShmFDIBwD7jyTVsJseMnKllRMONTlVao0DpCUJ6hmjopNVroJqL_VMjUatndOtV9ytxCGCcOCaYbXVpgrV7x1LVXMmRWSAQjdtORzpO0mnYXU_v4rcul_uC6zBG33On5/s1600/2014-01-03%25252018.10.04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk48C-SQ5K6MfShmFDIBwD7jyTVsJseMnKllRMONTlVao0DpCUJ6hmjopNVroJqL_VMjUatndOtV9ytxCGCcOCaYbXVpgrV7x1LVXMmRWSAQjdtORzpO0mnYXU_v4rcul_uC6zBG33On5/s640/2014-01-03%25252018.10.04.png"> </a> </div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-48584222086210872662013-07-21T19:34:00.001-07:002013-07-21T19:34:01.852-07:005-1/2 Weeks Left, & Good Food<p dir=ltr>Basically I love anything having to do with tomatoes and avocados.<br>
I have discovered roasted tomatoes are the BOMB!<br>
And just perfectly ripe avocados are the BOMB!<br>
I have also discovered dark red, juicy raw tomatoes are the BOMB!<br>
Avocados and eggs are the BOMB!<br>
Add a freshly grown tomato and you have DOUBLE BOMB!<br>
Frankly, I'm feeling explosively happy right now! Yes, tomatoes and avocados have something to do with my current state of being.</p>
<p dir=ltr>One of my favourite creations is my Almost-Famous Tuna Salad. If you've been around me for awhile I've probably made this Tuna Salad for you. That's what I mean by "almost famous", my family and friends <b>probably</b> know about it.<br>
I never make it the same way twice. But basically, there are a few things I always like to put in it.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Tuna, for starters,<br>
Fresh Apples, chopped<br>
Dried Cranberries, be generous<br>
Fresh Cilantro, cannot have too much cilantro!<br>
Green Onions, don't go too far overboard, but don't be shy<br>
Mustard, as much or as little as you like<br>
Mayo, only enough to bind everything together, too much and you lose everything else<br>
Salt and pepper to taste.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I usually like to add grated carrots, finely chopped celery, fresh dill, chopped up, a little fresh, chopped rosemary (though I am trying to figure out a way to get the oils out of the rosemary without the strange sensation that I'm eating an evergreen tree...rosemary oil? Muddle the rosemary? I don't know...still experimenting), fresh thyme! If you have lemon thyme, even better! Boiled eggs from pastured hens make a fantastic addition, and are especially great for extra protein if you find your Tuna is getting lost amongst all your other fantastic veggies and herbs and stuff. If you're like me you like things to have a very awesome, full mix of flavours; so I add horseradish if I have it available. Hot horseradish. It gets hidden very nicely in the salad so you don't really have to worry about it overpowering anything.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Now I used to put this on a sandwich and feed it to my dad and brothers. As far as I know, they all liked it, but you know how men can be, basically non-commital if they like something.<br>
More recently I discovered that putting it on a bed of salad greens makes it epic! Also if you decide to take it to work for lunch, your bread doesn't get soggy. (I have had this problem, it is not wonderful).<br>
Now, if you are going to put it on a bed of salad greens, why not make an all-out salad out of it? Cut up some fresh tomatoes and it's the BOMB! Add an avocado and *bang!* DOUBLE BOMB!!<br>
Other fun things I'll add if I'm in the mood and have them on hand are cooked white rice mixed with olive oil and herbs, chick peas, grapes, more cilantro (I'm a fan), cucumbers, grated cheese of choice (I especially like Sharp Cheddar, Smoked Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, cubed, or a little freshly grated Parmesan, easy to go overboard on Parm though), basically if you like it, add it!<br>
Today the only fruits or veggies I had to add to my tuna salad were apples. This made me sad. But I was extra generous with the mustard and substituted dried dill for fresh. Alas, also no cilantro or dried cranberries. I did, however, have a perfectly ripe avocado and a fresh red tomato! So I tore up some fresh Romaine lettuce, dumped my Tuna Salad on top of it and topped that with my Tomato and Avocado.<br>
Now I usually like to add some kind of dressing, but creamy dressings don't work. Usually I'll just end up squeezing a fresh lemon over it all and it turns out pretty good. Today I drizzled Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and fresh lemon juice on the top, sprinkled a little dried dill on top of that with some grated Parm, and sat down to enjoy my BOMB-licious salad.</p>
<p dir=ltr>In the midst of making my BOMB-licious salad, I decided to look up what kind of squash it was that I had in my fridge, and how to cook it.<br>
Found a fantastic <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/buttery-patty-pan-squash-with-basil-recipe/">recipe</a> on my favourite Real Food blog and discovered that I have pattypan squashes. Unfortunately I didn't have fresh basil, or dried for that matter, so I put some kale in it and roasted it in my tiny new toaster oven with the last half of a zucchini squash I had in the fridge too.<br>
Toaster oven worked like a little miracle, and my kitchen did <b>not</b> start melting! Even turning on a burner and cooking something on the stovetop makes my kitchen hotter than that tiny toaster oven did!<br>
Ha ha! So now I think I need a name for my tiny toaster oven!</p>
<p dir=ltr>And so on to other subjects:<br>
Being almost 35 weeks along means I'm not sleeping as well as I would like. It is highly difficult to get comfortable. And then, whether I drink before bed or not, I still have to get up twice to 3 times in the night to go to the bathroom. I guess that is something I will just have to get used to. Babies wake up in the night a lot I've heard.<br>
However, even being this much pregnant I find myself able to keep up with the worst of my household chores, the kitchen! I cook at least every other day, and I clean something in my kitchen at least once a day. Even if it is just what I used to make lunch that day.<br>
I feel good about that. Now I really need to take on the enormous task of cleaning and organizing my bedroom to prepare for the advent of my tiny little man! That, however, is a bit more daunting. **sigh**<br>
I need my mommy!</p>
<p dir=ltr>And I want to make a peach pie, and sticky buns.<br>
But I need a rolling pin.<br>
**sigh**</p>
<p dir=ltr>Well TTFN my friends and blog readers!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Hopefully more awesome will come out of my brain in the next week. Tomorrow I am going shopping! Must get coconut oil. And eggs. And milk. And butter.</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-10824098647763982912013-07-17T17:23:00.001-07:002013-07-17T17:23:35.045-07:006 Weeks Left, & Tiny Red Crock Pot At It Again<p dir=ltr>So yesterday marked 34 weeks, for strict counting purposes. But who knows for sure when a baby will ever come? He seems content enough to stay put, which I am glad of. Though he likes to give me the run-around with plenty of Braxton Hicks contractions! Especially in the most inconvenient places and times. Usually informs me that I have to go to the bathroom i<b>mmediately!</b> It is definitely getting cramped in there for him though!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Today I have been able to accomplish yet more in my journey to a cleaner house. I think I may have discovered my cure for naps right after breakfast! Sleep in <b>forever</b><b>!!</b><br>
Both Jeremy and I had the day off today, so we slept in till sometime after 11. His first words on waking and rolling over were, "Bacon and eggs and toast for breakfast?" To which I replied, "I'd have to thaw the bacon." And he returned with, "Just put it in hot water and it will thaw in no time. And while you're waiting you could make a fruit salad."<br>
Hehe, he does make me smile. He's an excellent cook himself, but working a full time job as a cook has effectively turned off any motivation or desire to cook at home for him. At least it saved me the trouble of having to lay in bed for the next half hour trying to decide what to make for breakfast, kind of like how I do when I'm trying to decide what to wear for the day.<br>
So I made bacon and eggs and toast for breakfast. And fruit salad. And the first thing he did upon receiving his was to sandwich the eggs and bacon between his two slices of toast and proceed to eat it with his fingers. =)<br>
Am I the only woman who has a husband who tries to turn his meal into a sandwich if he has an opportunity? Is it something about the dislike of silverware? Or does that mean he can eat it before it gets cold better? I'm really not sure. I'll have to ask him.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So now, while my husband is away helping his parents clean up the property for the new winery, I pretend to further my goal of a clean house before baby arrives. When he left the thermometer in the Mazda read 104º! This would certainly be a nice day to have central air! Buutt, my house is not so blessed to have AC, so I have set up a box fan and it bloweth on me as I work, and somehow my house has managed to stay at a semi decent temperature of about 78º-ish I think.<br>
I had a serious desire for some baked potatoes today, but turning on the oven means risking burning down the house (I am only partially kidding here.) And even if the house doesn't burn down I will melt, because the indoor temperature will instantly rise to at least 90º! So I am testing the capabilites of my fond friend, the Tiny Red Crock Pot. Will she bake potatoes? If so, in how much time? (I still have not lit on the right name for this little red friend of mothers around the world.)<br>
Also, I'm testing my own capabilities! Can I put together a delicious chili without all the ingredients in the particular recipe I'm taking inspiration from? Is it ok to <b>not</b> have tomatoes in it? What about green chilies? I certainly have onions! Which is unusual. My onions normally disappear by the time I decide to make a recipe which actually calls for them. And I found a special looking package of chili spice mix in my pantry from the Tea & Spice Exchange in Portland! I have no idea how long it has been in my pantry, but upon tasting my concoction after I had added all the ingredients I had for it, plus this mysterious spice mix, it seems to be doing alright! I hope Jeremy likes it!<br>
Well I must be going! My husband is coming home! And there is still more work I could be doing!<br>
Go, Tiny Red Crock Pot! Go!</p>
<p dir=ltr>I seriously need a name for it!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t7PUSBKRjSFk6Wkh5jeHOAUzfmeLmXS_5FrCxrbwZr_LFnlKrdS2hMTUDqoanoWGFngRJVmO77DPxbbSbgrUXYuIAMKeM5XAkAm3UyUxOKblej1Bpl_ueNSR_FzT056E34brT0bzua6f/s1600/1374106567154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3t7PUSBKRjSFk6Wkh5jeHOAUzfmeLmXS_5FrCxrbwZr_LFnlKrdS2hMTUDqoanoWGFngRJVmO77DPxbbSbgrUXYuIAMKeM5XAkAm3UyUxOKblej1Bpl_ueNSR_FzT056E34brT0bzua6f/s640/1374106567154.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_lS27ChhlZjnePzdpg0P58JYGPN4gmM0PhzcWOqWyhumjjaiF9VXk9hVLTFouFB3RcjFfKblEe2j9x-U_cIOThiTK28Ua8wyFRGIVPxOwzy1c1i2DEG6KwIteecietGaAuEufsqzdx8j/s1600/1374106606742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_lS27ChhlZjnePzdpg0P58JYGPN4gmM0PhzcWOqWyhumjjaiF9VXk9hVLTFouFB3RcjFfKblEe2j9x-U_cIOThiTK28Ua8wyFRGIVPxOwzy1c1i2DEG6KwIteecietGaAuEufsqzdx8j/s640/1374106606742.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqMqK4i8ZFnEetwX-I5QTnm2GomVrKjDqFsd4u_4VwfnIe4FDdlByra7-VS9zRysFsuOKkAuH8xA9DrWof-_L0NYb0L_gVa5p5Vsrtq9OfLE1L_We3EpqJmE5giwFWKH9-iZBXp2lgDb9/s1600/1374106735871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqMqK4i8ZFnEetwX-I5QTnm2GomVrKjDqFsd4u_4VwfnIe4FDdlByra7-VS9zRysFsuOKkAuH8xA9DrWof-_L0NYb0L_gVa5p5Vsrtq9OfLE1L_We3EpqJmE5giwFWKH9-iZBXp2lgDb9/s640/1374106735871.jpg"> </a> </div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-18500830428835209272013-07-15T16:25:00.001-07:002013-07-15T16:25:54.420-07:007-1/2 Months Pregnant, & Nesting.<p dir=ltr>Well for the past several days, since I got back from my 3-day vacation in the beginning of July in fact, I have been gradually trying to pull my house together. It takes a lot more work than I really had estimated, and even with a carefully written out "schedule", allowing for plenty of rest time, I find myself napping far more frequently than I had expected. My body basically says, "ok nap time!" as soon as breakfast is over! In an effort to accomplish <b>something</b> before I end up sleeping the day away, I at least clean up my breakfast mess, or fill the dish drainer with clean dishes, depending on which is more pressing in my eyes.<br>
Yesterday I managed to do some dishes <b>and</b> clean my tiny downstairs bathroom before my body said "rest!" This morning I started cleaning <b>before</b> I made breakfast,  and had to laugh at myself. (Tip: don't clean up the existing splattered bacon grease on your stove and counters before cooking more bacon!) Maybe I just like the watching the progression of my clean white stove top turning kind of amber coloured while my bacon splatters happily on the griddle. =P<br>
I had a delicious iced coffee with my bacon, eggs and toast this morning, and had to resist the urge to make a second glass immediately afterwards. After all, Christopher doesn't need <b>too</b> much stimulation just yet; Braxton Hicks are already uncomfortable enough!<br>
I did take the liberty of making a second glass later in the afternoon after Jeremy got home and wanted one too.<br>
Just fyi, if you can avoid eating a whole or even half a package of bacon all by yourself (very difficult for me!) refridgerating the remaining bacon means you can have a delicious BLT for lunch, or if you manage to sleep through lunch and you wake up craving fruit and yogurt (made by the local farmer you get your raw milk from) your husband can have a painlessly easy dinner when he gets home from work! And if there's still a little left, bacon keeps nicely for a day or two so you can take lunch to work and not BUY OUT!</p>
<p dir=ltr>So my goals for the next month and a half are to clean my house very thoroughly, (which means sorting through a LOT of stuff that is just piled in my bedroom), and making a LOT of food and filling my freezer so that Jeremy and Mama (particularly Jeremy) don't have as much of an issue making sure they get fed while I'm out of commission with a brand new baby.<br>
While I haven't been able to make a ton of extra when I make dinners these days, I have been able to ensure my husband has had some nice dinners waiting for him when he gets off work, thanks to my tiny red crock pot, my heat-wave of an oven, and some excellent recipes from some seriously good Real Food blogs and websites I've recently come across like <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com">Food Renegade</a>, <a href="http://www.butterbeliever.com">Butter Believer</a>, and <a href="http://www.mommypotamus.com">The Mommypotamus</a>, to name a few of my favourites. Pinterest is also an excellent source for must-try recipes.</p>
<p dir=ltr>On a side note: Christopher has discovered my ribs now! Oomph! And he has decided it's getting cramped in there, and tries to stretch his full length out sideways! I have an odd feeling he might be a big baby! He's certainly strong! Haha! Can't wait to meet him!<br>
Mama arrives in 17 days! My baby shower is in 20 days, and my baby should be arriving in about 43-ish days!<br>
Can't wait until I have something to put in my nursery!</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-33538872498570106262013-04-26T20:56:00.001-07:002013-04-26T20:56:48.308-07:00Christopher<p dir=ltr>Please join me in preparing to welcome our little BOY into this world!</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ451vYnRLhr8ebNStKcg5GNbhda3uIeEajBlPa00bnk3Lc3KezKjvSBoeJ8-SSKZqDQ1g9hYgJKyUiwKQa0isSJYAzM83v_zx-nziF0T63qPZ3cEBnqg4bYI_lNUcywyvIN6U47lzz2R/s1600/20130424_135946.jpg' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ451vYnRLhr8ebNStKcg5GNbhda3uIeEajBlPa00bnk3Lc3KezKjvSBoeJ8-SSKZqDQ1g9hYgJKyUiwKQa0isSJYAzM83v_zx-nziF0T63qPZ3cEBnqg4bYI_lNUcywyvIN6U47lzz2R/s640/20130424_135946.jpg' /> </a> </div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-39539943246712952762013-04-23T16:29:00.001-07:002013-04-23T16:29:16.860-07:00Hi Again!<p dir=ltr>(See title.)</p>
<p dir=ltr>Feeling pathetically uninteresting. It's no wonder I'm not a piblished author, I never write anything!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Well I have a little something to write.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Jeremy and I have been happily married just under 6 months. And we find ourselves 4-1/2 months in expecting our first little Smith. =)</p>
<p dir=ltr>Tomorrow I have an ultrasound to discover what exactly is brewing in here, and also to determine why my midwife says I'm "measuring big". She says there's a possibility of twins going on....eesh!<br>
Hoping there's only one, and praying it's our Christopher, not our Guinevere.<br>
But, as God wills! Maybe it's both!</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-50299298550843416492012-12-16T10:53:00.001-08:002012-12-17T10:47:38.118-08:00More prince Street<p dir=ltr>Rooibos tea with lavender and something else...I forget what it was. But it was good.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Peaceful, relaxing. Very nice.</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUgFvRyFiR5xDmwHOfKzdt3HJeXNjU6OBylTkblvh_hb9Y0aSJqtDMeWSzn1ItSE_EB_jRKc4AROIePnvdZW3rrXbf4fyfpY2NYMQcPga7LMzjGOfnaVSz1I5PNmoGM2lcdPlRbTOoV6P/s1600/2012-12-16%25252013.28.42.png' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUgFvRyFiR5xDmwHOfKzdt3HJeXNjU6OBylTkblvh_hb9Y0aSJqtDMeWSzn1ItSE_EB_jRKc4AROIePnvdZW3rrXbf4fyfpY2NYMQcPga7LMzjGOfnaVSz1I5PNmoGM2lcdPlRbTOoV6P/s640/2012-12-16%25252013.28.42.png' /> </a> </div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-35771209878445386082012-12-10T15:01:00.001-08:002012-12-10T15:01:32.246-08:00Coffee Shop Series 1: Prince Street Café<p dir=ltr>Christmas is coming to Prince Street.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So many good memories surrounding this little coffee shop. The first coffee shop I visited when I moved to Pennsylvania.<br>
This is where we say "meet me there."<br>
This is the "hub" of town.<br>
We don't say, "I'm going to Prince Street Cafe." Even though it's ON Prince Street, we say, "I'm going to Prince Street." And everyone knows where you mean.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Always busy. Especially on Friday night. Good luck ever getting a table.</p>
<p dir=ltr>They recently renovated in a big way, making better use of the crunched, downtown Lancaster space they have, and in my opinion, though I wish they had kept the original round sign out front, I like the renovations.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So here I chill with my husband and Jake.</p>
<p dir=ltr>And Boots.<br>
And Red Gloves.<br>
And Coffee.<br></p>
<p dir=ltr>MERRY CHRISTMAS! </p>
<p dir=ltr>♡</p>
<div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1IpEJIi6u7W5-oyPRIVNhKspON8CfOnAU2sxGKjCcWd1FSMZWvs5_Ik3KquyO_iFxr0vJJY1edVgy19UwtdeE5-Ae5j7-GQGCgHdC8WGetK9LMjjqBUfpAwoECsuqEqrBno0M9JPlZEU/s1600/2012-12-10%25252017.51.30.png' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1IpEJIi6u7W5-oyPRIVNhKspON8CfOnAU2sxGKjCcWd1FSMZWvs5_Ik3KquyO_iFxr0vJJY1edVgy19UwtdeE5-Ae5j7-GQGCgHdC8WGetK9LMjjqBUfpAwoECsuqEqrBno0M9JPlZEU/s640/2012-12-10%25252017.51.30.png' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkZxl2yMGRKfJpb1i0DjxRiK5fQB4ZKTWPt3DhRWARbr6clPGJ1pAZ0gcBkdpNyAAb6GrHenNhQ7NUo7JZiVJxHSCH_sr8qolr2bOfnpho2GFsARygzq7GZwOEUeCwHFY7PxKGyL-qQ7g/s1600/2012-12-10%25252017.56.33.png' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkZxl2yMGRKfJpb1i0DjxRiK5fQB4ZKTWPt3DhRWARbr6clPGJ1pAZ0gcBkdpNyAAb6GrHenNhQ7NUo7JZiVJxHSCH_sr8qolr2bOfnpho2GFsARygzq7GZwOEUeCwHFY7PxKGyL-qQ7g/s640/2012-12-10%25252017.56.33.png' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQQwOmBQoxRlWeyIdwONx6UOSLtyHWhuooYq9PNXxPP6fNAxPEdgm1Q_H-dk4VJeHCOZ9HPSd8zklZI2nBCA0weUPXDocDVpPn78svGd4sYn7na8oZhDkUnXaac-PWZouVanxKbFcpQb1/s1600/2012-12-10%25252016.54.51.png' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQQwOmBQoxRlWeyIdwONx6UOSLtyHWhuooYq9PNXxPP6fNAxPEdgm1Q_H-dk4VJeHCOZ9HPSd8zklZI2nBCA0weUPXDocDVpPn78svGd4sYn7na8oZhDkUnXaac-PWZouVanxKbFcpQb1/s640/2012-12-10%25252016.54.51.png' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho26SiY55eCkm6PE6-PETvswvhFMnuNPORM6ViSJcLLW0RGkMroPd15W9N1pnbaetJh6LxvYPaU21kru6sVKSZ0slgsQWL5WPmyUbJLdCy6FdpI9w3FTXI-9SyQvViZBBNpVZ904TI1jGu/s1600/2012-12-10%25252017.53.13.png' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho26SiY55eCkm6PE6-PETvswvhFMnuNPORM6ViSJcLLW0RGkMroPd15W9N1pnbaetJh6LxvYPaU21kru6sVKSZ0slgsQWL5WPmyUbJLdCy6FdpI9w3FTXI-9SyQvViZBBNpVZ904TI1jGu/s640/2012-12-10%25252017.53.13.png' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5svDpTA2Ij8tE43eTQ7ygoPDASdnULMQcrGm110Ex2TRQjmkayPCpvGbqBXjeY0knNgfpW6Ps81y3paESOkyCukiIt2qzHYjpDcCpXhyphenhyphen2rZc4L5o8LL0wqCeZMvGF3OK2FqN5KKTe7utz/s1600/2012-12-10%25252017.50.38.png' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5svDpTA2Ij8tE43eTQ7ygoPDASdnULMQcrGm110Ex2TRQjmkayPCpvGbqBXjeY0knNgfpW6Ps81y3paESOkyCukiIt2qzHYjpDcCpXhyphenhyphen2rZc4L5o8LL0wqCeZMvGF3OK2FqN5KKTe7utz/s640/2012-12-10%25252017.50.38.png' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiPpnVk0vJULce9FvcuwWVEfsIV7a1Bd3JyyWXpFylRRJQwst3qGEMuiqCO6KOyexNz0nA6fSv-4Ivks7zSGn0d_31A0XyGiX1F-Y8E2ukIt1CQl1VWJDEhQc2gnUbEEk3eghok7eLKad/s1600/2012-12-10%25252017.12.55.png' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCiPpnVk0vJULce9FvcuwWVEfsIV7a1Bd3JyyWXpFylRRJQwst3qGEMuiqCO6KOyexNz0nA6fSv-4Ivks7zSGn0d_31A0XyGiX1F-Y8E2ukIt1CQl1VWJDEhQc2gnUbEEk3eghok7eLKad/s640/2012-12-10%25252017.12.55.png' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUXyzHWnKZYi8-paiSCBGJsKyi4XmyGLCgD5us-s20yg7JIvAovKA_TBB5gg35sjXe8c5wt4aM1W5jKbPOtFgIS56qJjEsCW8yvRaODL6UUt6sPgZWF1ajfVyLRSPfxLy8LKkLhnrh-In/s1600/2012-12-10%25252017.18.38.png' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUXyzHWnKZYi8-paiSCBGJsKyi4XmyGLCgD5us-s20yg7JIvAovKA_TBB5gg35sjXe8c5wt4aM1W5jKbPOtFgIS56qJjEsCW8yvRaODL6UUt6sPgZWF1ajfVyLRSPfxLy8LKkLhnrh-In/s640/2012-12-10%25252017.18.38.png' /> </a> </div><div class='separator' style='clear: both; text-align: center;'> <a href='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdNh6-G7s6kdUFPbm2TIizRFoNxg5cTFqzyFmFcybnbOspUwzyhqe5jh_GGLi5MpgHLD00FsMD8D22z7GgY7At-ANH8eCoYbUMz_pilhYgYwBma6bjiXerUfJ8aVYD90evXYhh-rybDdl/s1600/2012-12-10%25252016.53.46.png' imageanchor='1' style='margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;'> <img border='0' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdNh6-G7s6kdUFPbm2TIizRFoNxg5cTFqzyFmFcybnbOspUwzyhqe5jh_GGLi5MpgHLD00FsMD8D22z7GgY7At-ANH8eCoYbUMz_pilhYgYwBma6bjiXerUfJ8aVYD90evXYhh-rybDdl/s640/2012-12-10%25252016.53.46.png' /> </a> </div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-15157274683822846382012-12-07T17:01:00.001-08:002012-12-07T17:01:07.810-08:00Name changed. And boring blogness.<p dir=ltr>So I have changed my name. I'm very pleased about this state of affairs.</p>
<p dir=ltr>However,  I find that simply writing the interesting things that happen in my life sometimes leaves me with little to write about. Perhaps it has been a particularly boring week. Perhaps my eyes are closed to the awesomeness around me. Perhaps I'm just tired and don't want to take the time to think of something groundbreaking. Whatever the case, my blog needs some kind of regular life deposited into it.</p>
<p dir=ltr>I think a cup of coffee should start things off nicely.</p>
<p dir=ltr>TTYAC!<br>
(Talk To You After Coffee!)</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-76763249206731801432012-12-04T11:29:00.001-08:002012-12-05T22:21:46.290-08:00Driving Stick<p dir=ltr>We just got a new car. It's a '94, 5-speed Honda Accord, and I finally get to learn how to drive it. Jeremy is an expert, and you should see how excited he is to teach me. Last night he took me to a parking lot and I got to practice on a level surface. Today he's going to find some uphills for me so that I can be prepared for anything. I'm kind of nervous. I don't want to kill this thing too much. I'm an expert at stalling a car.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So wish me luck!</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-86853419210004325062012-12-01T17:55:00.001-08:002012-12-02T20:23:21.436-08:00Saturday Night<p dir=ltr>It's been a very memorable night. Don't think I've ever had so much fun on a crazy busy night at work. So many things that are really so stupid or aggravating that they're funny!</p>
<p dir=ltr>There's Larry, the trigger happy manager. His favourite thing to do is make you feel like you're in trouble, or imply that you're going to be fired. Or he makes you believe you've done something wrong, without actually telling you what you did.<br>
Then at the end of the night, when he's letting you out, he tells you something he appreciates about you. The other night he said to me,<br>
"Well Aisha, as much as you annoy me, you have a very beautiful singing voice. You should be on American Idol or something."</p>
<p dir=ltr>There's Jim, the 10-year waiter, who has lately been having a hard time of it. Last night he came up to me and asked me to check if he had a fever. He said, "I must be sick, I think I'm enjoying myself!"</p>
<p dir=ltr>AJ. A really good server who started out with a bang and did really well. I think he likes the steady, kinda slow days. Busybusy is not his style. Last night he came back to the kitchen 3 different times saying, "I am so over this place." With more grumbling.</p>
<p dir=ltr>By the third time I had to laugh.<br>
I questioned myself. What does it mean to be "over" something? Typically that would mean one has recovered from something, or one has had enough and is done dealing with it. Or one is done caring about it.<br>
I think neither of these options is the case with AJ. I think his statement, is, in fact, a bluff. And I cannot help but laugh. At least that was last night. Today may be a different story.</p>
<p dir=ltr>There's Tri, (pronounced 'tree,') the Chinese manager who is silent until he likes you, at which point he likes to cuss you out and urge you to "get to work" when you're already busting your back.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Alegra, the new girl, who every day has new hair style or colour, and a new amusement.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So many characters and attitudes and methods of dealing with things. Half the time I want to lose my head and scream at someone. The other half I want to laugh it off. Whatever's left over, I want to just sit down. Sometimes I would love to just walk out.<br>
Praise the Lord for his mercy in making me capable of continuing to deal with all of the pain and trial (sore feet and sore back, aching head and aching arms) which comes with this particular job.</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-88986813353887507002012-11-30T22:02:00.001-08:002012-11-30T22:02:53.416-08:00Trial. And Grace.<p dir=ltr>I overheard a conversation today between a young woman and a wise man.</p>
<p dir=ltr>The woman said: </p>
<p dir=ltr>"What does this mean? Every time. Something new. Something hard. Something so discouraging.<br>
Once you've stepped onto a path, does Stability ever meet you? Does Balance ever walk with you?</p>
<p dir=ltr>It doesn't walk with my husband and me.<br>
We cannot sit down and have coffee with Ease. We do not chat lightly with Carelessness.<br>
Instead, Need barges through our door, and we board Uncertainty in the back bedroom. Struggle sits at our table and Insecurity eats our food.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Is it always like this? Or do you come to a point where Want turns away and Treat lounges on the sofa?<br>
No pinched faces, no rigid backs. But rather, hands that are still, feet that aren't sore, and neck rubs aplenty."</p>
<p dir=ltr>The wise man said:</p>
<p dir=ltr>"That would depend on your perspective."</p>
<p dir=ltr>Grace is still surrounding us, even in this difficulty.</p>
<p dir=ltr>Mama once said, "God has brought yoy this far, He isn't going to give up on you now."</p>
<p dir=ltr>He brought us through our wedding, yes, and to our new home, less than perfect though it be. He had given us the strength to work, and the mercy of understanding bosses. He has given me guests who tip well, and generous family and friends. He had planted us firmly in a church which holds onto us and supports us in everything. And He's kind of made it impossible for us to move away from it.</p>
<p dir=ltr>He has given us enough to pay the first month's rent here; why would I think He would suddenly cease His abounding mercy now, just as my husband is going in for surgery and will be unable to work for next month?</p>
<p dir=ltr>I smile a little smile to myself. 'He wouldn't, silly.'</p>
<p dir=ltr>Mama, thank you so much for your insight. You've made me laugh at myself a couple times since that day I was freaking out about getting my wedding dress altered.</p>
<p dir=ltr>God is ALWAYS there.<br>
But not just *there*.<br>
He is supporting. Holding. Relieving. Saving. Helping. Reassuring.</p>
<p dir=ltr>He has brought us this far: He will not let us down now.</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-41537130843638251582012-11-28T14:06:00.001-08:002012-11-28T14:06:24.845-08:00Married<p dir=ltr>Hey all!</p>
<p dir=ltr>So this crazy lady has been married for a month plus one day.</p>
<p dir=ltr>!!!!!!!!!!!</p>
<p dir=ltr>And I keep trying to write something on this blog. I get these brilliant ideas and I think, "Oh! I need to write about that!" So I get wherever I'm going and open the app on my phone.....aaaand it's gone.</p>
<p dir=ltr>This time. I don't care. I'm writing anways. That's how you maintain inspiration, right? Write even if there's nothing to write about. <br>
Well, there is definitely stuff to write about in my life these days.</p>
<p dir=ltr>For starters, I'm married.</p>
<p dir=ltr>!!!!!!!!</p>
<p dir=ltr>For continuance, I love my husband. ♡</p>
<p dir=ltr>Further. Jeremy is distracting me from writing by flipping about his favourite team and the possibility of watching it tonight at his parents' house on their big screen TV.<br>
He is so cute. He's like a little kid.<br>
He and I also just started our own phone plan, acquiring brand new Samsung Galaxy SIII's with the plan. Apparently Jeremy has never had a brand new phone in his whole life, and never one with data coverage, so he runs his phone dead 3 and 4 times a day playing games and watching games and watching movies and playing with his phone in general. He's crazy with that thing!<br>
Here's hoping I get my dearly beloved back soon! Hehe.</p>
<p dir=ltr>So today we are hanging out with my in-laws.<br>
I love these people. They're funny and sweet and generous and have a very sincere outlook on life. I'm so glad to be a part of this family!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Can't think of anything while sitting here between my husband and his father. So I'll talk to you later!</p>
<p dir=ltr>Sincerely,</p>
<p dir=ltr>Aisha Smith</p>
<p dir=ltr>♡</p>
Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-74893554290223589232012-09-16T13:20:00.001-07:002012-09-16T13:20:32.951-07:0041 Days! We Moved It!Dear Friends,<br />
<br />
Title says it all!<br />
<br />
We moved it up!<br />
<br />
Jeremy and I are getting married on the 27th of October!!!!<br />
<br />
I'm completely bonkers with excitement!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I thought this was going to be a very long and excited entry, but I can think of no more to say! And I have to get ready for work!<br />
<br />
#nearlygiddymeCoffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-27567416418828267112012-08-13T16:14:00.001-07:002012-08-13T16:21:39.528-07:00Dinner, and I don't feel like turning on the oven.<div><p>Hanging out at home on a finally quiet evening, reading a Bon Appetit magazine, and wondering how on earth to make anything as scrumptious as what's in the pictures, and remember some chicken thighs I had in the freezer. Also have some onions, olive oil, and cooking sherry. Add a dash of Kirkland's Organic No-salt Seasoning and a little freshly ground pepper and Mediteranean sea salt and cook it (covered) in a fry pan until outsides are kinda charred, and inside are cooked, and then serve it with hot buttered rice, fresh, cut-up tomatoes garnish with fresh cilantro. Splash fresh lemon juice over it all and add a glass of lemon water and you have a "nearly-gourmet", very delicious dinner. That cooking sherry simmered nicely into the meat, adding a bit of a WOW experience.<br>
Looks kind of like this:</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXEuUUVuu5KGw2pZRLH3nvPU5lrcd6PWSNuMHQ2AwRzDDKuH6g9xrXojCpw8r0J6eyN91H9o5Qly5ql7b7KHl7pvwQO-kQYBvM8UT_A7C9maY7BUs4Bteau-rPwTXM7dx6baR1QNqOND3/' /></div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-55597064682087475202012-07-26T09:38:00.001-07:002012-07-30T08:46:59.704-07:00Holy Ground<div><p>This is where God is.<br>
This is Holy ground.</p>
<p>It's hard.<br>
Living between walls.<br>
Taking neither door.<br>
Loving the hard-words hearts.<br>
Holding hands with both.<br>
The connecting link.<br>
Stretched.<br>
Twisted.<br>
Pulled apart.<br>
What answer do I give?</p>
<p>This is Holy Ground.</p>
<p>Cherish even the moments that rip you apart?<br>
Tears push at your throat, all you can cry is whispered,<br>
"Please...."</p>
<p>This is Holy Ground.</p>
<p>Knees scarred. Hands cold. Heart shaking.<br>
"Please...."</p>
<p>Eyes flooded. Feet still. Head aching.<br>
"Please...."</p>
<p>Shoulders weary. Skin shivered. Stomach quaking.<br>
"Please...."</p>
<p>This is Holy Ground.</p>
<p>Eyes blank.</p>
<p>Heart still.</p>
<p>No waking.</p>
<p>"Please.........."<br></p>
<p>THIS IS HOLY GROUND!<br>
God is here.<br>
</p>
</div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-2038959603592912522012-03-24T06:57:00.001-07:002012-03-24T07:55:42.252-07:00Day 426, 3000 Miles From Home<div><p>I came I in to work this morning, andg stepping out of my car I took a deep breath, like I always do. Only this time it didn't smell like farmland: the breeze was blowing from a different direction. It smelled fresh, rosy pinkness. Looking at the eastern sky from whence the fragrant breezes came, I saw the rose and gold freshness that it carried to me. A little distance away, on the lawn next the road, was a flowering Magnolia tree, dropping its white-pink petals on the grass beneath it. Behind the Magnolia was a row of young cedars, and a little to the right, a grove of magnificent pines, all hemming in the green lawn with its solitary tree laying down its blanket of rosy sweetness.<br>
For a moment I was taken home on the breezes blowing west. <br>
It was beautifully chilling and breathtaking and heart-breaking all at the same time. <br>
Now it is raining, and the gold has gone, but the freshness and the essence of Oregon are stronger than ever. And I ache to be home again.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxzZ_349HyQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player">Home</a></p>
</div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-85227929296822885012012-03-09T18:50:00.000-08:002012-03-09T18:50:37.492-08:00Day 441. Farewell My Faithful Friend.<div>
Hello Dear Friends,<br />
I thought it would be easy to write this. It was easy to think it up. And I wrote it out in preparation. But after the fact, I read it over and it was just all wrong.<br />
I've had many sad and horrible things happen in my life, but Monday was truly the worst day ever.<br />
Some of you know or have heard of our dog Willy. He has been "The Pet" for the past 12 years, and we have all grown to love him so very much. When I was just a little girl we had a cat I loved...but that was childish affection, not understanding. Willy was a part of our family. He could make us laugh, or just be there when there was no other shoulder to cry on. We could bury our faces in his soft fur and he'd be totally fine with that. His big brown puppy eyes always knew when something was wrong, and he'd sympathetically lick our noses or our hands just to let us know everything was ok, and he was there for us. He responded to our joy with little wiggles of excitement and happy little dog barks.<br />
We used to call him "Willy of the Mile-Long Tongue" because when he got excited he would jump on our lap and no matter how we tried to escape he would lick us wherever his tongue would reach.<br />
The sad part of this remembrance is: for the last couple years he'd been sick, and getting worse. We tried many different things, but while they would help for a little while, in the end there was more digression than improvement; and finally, on Sunday, we knew it was time to let him go when he refused to eat a thing, and randomly threw up several times for no reason.<br />
We knew he'd been suffering, so we tried to make life easier for him, but he'd whimper every time he got up, he never took more than a few tiny steps at a time.<br />
He was afflicted with arthritis and Lymes Disease, and putting both such things in such a tiny package must have been terrible for him.<br />
On Monday we cherished him with tears and every ounce of affection we could pour into him, and then in the evening we took him to our vet's house and mercifully put an end to his sufferings. The whole day, before we went, and even in the car on the trip, he was his sympathetic, cuddly, adorable puppy self, and he tried so very hard to let us know everything was ok, but without understanding why everything was so all wrong.<br />
At the very last he never showed on ounce of hate or anger, except when he was given the anesthetic. The needle hurt him painfully, and he cried for a few seconds. But then he watched Mama with puppy worship in his eyes until he fell asleep. After that the drug was adminstered and a few minutes later he was gone.<br />
Now it is like there is a black hole in our home. Little bundles of shadows, or something dark lying on the floor, I'll think it's him and turn to greet him, but in reality it's just a black shoe, or someone's sweater that fell off the back of the chair.<br />
Mama left for work early this morning, and normally when she does that she leaves Willy still sleeping, with her bedroom door closed so the cats don't bother him, so when I get up I let him out of her room and take him downstairs. But today I moved to open her door when it hit me that he wasn't there.<br />
My heart sank to my shoes. If this is what losing a pet feels like, I don't ever want to feel the loss of a family member or friend.<br />
<br />
All dogs go to heaven, right?<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqfStUQYpi6yHGSa4QDxQsZwxYt6AOudtnVeDxvQW92jIm1yh5jVSfqRe0qZON2Wg4BpmWNWcRnzW9HWA826WjbQKjO2TpfPF2THHAcNbybj6tT8IG8opQ2Q8MUn6PwctGpKeky981eRE/" /></div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-40450057075787439302012-03-02T04:56:00.001-08:002012-03-02T05:01:01.299-08:00Day 448, and a picture.<div><p>Greetings and a pleasant morning to you, neighbors.<br>
Christy did take a picture for me of Eve doing her presentation, and as promised, here it is. I'm sad that you can't properly see the whole thing, but it's cute anyways. The best part is Eve looks perfectly confident and unafraid.<br>
This girl is a marvel.<br>
She has 2 cats named Clementine and KC, and almost every time I go to babysit her and her siblings she regales me with a new "Tales of Clementine and KC" which she made up on the spot, and more often than not I'm laughing my head off! I've never known a smarter girl of only 9 years old.<br>
So! As time passes and I babysit more for them I'll see if I can't get a better picture.<br>
Thanks for reading!<br>
-me</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DSdlyi8mlIw/T1DDjDbTSaI/AAAAAAAAAOc/JG3lP6aDdL4/2012-03-019514.33.39.png' /></div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2084438622956322795.post-63255466216297813942012-03-01T10:46:00.001-08:002012-03-01T11:21:45.305-08:00Day 449. Pictures coming soon.<div><p>Well I got the dress done. I don't have a picture of the finished product, or of any more of the work in between, because my photographer was busy elsewhere. I took the dress to Eve and her mother last night, and Christy promised to take a picture and send it to me when Eve does her presentation. When that happens I will be sure to post a picture promptly!<br>
As of right now Jeremy and I are at the bank, and we're putting my name on his account. I think in a previous post I mentioned Jeremy opening the account and I'd forgotten my ID; well, I remembered it this time. <br>
After this we're heading to the car repair shop to pick up the minivan, which we just had inspected yesterday. You know it's mildly nerve-wracking to drive a vehicle whose inspection has been expired for 3 months. Haha. Every time a cop comes in sight you check everything just to make sure you're doing everything right, even though you know you haven't done anything wrong ever since you found out about the expiration, and you get tense and try not to look at the cop lest he thinks you look guilty, and you pray with all your heart the something hasn't randomly gone wrong that you can't see but the cop can.<br>
Haha, that's what you do when you can't afford the repairs to a very well-used vehicle in order for it pass inspection.</p>
<p>Oh by the way, I just changed my phone over from my equally well-used Blackberry to Mama's old, 1st generation Android, and I just installed the blogger app, so I can take it with me everywhere. It's super cool having a touch-screen phone <b>with</b> the slide-out keyboard as well.</p>
<p>Anyways. Must be going now!<br>
Thanks for readink!<br>
Xoxo-me</p>
</div>Coffee and Black Inkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298455049748562768noreply@blogger.com1