Easter Cross Backdrop

We are already working on the backdrop for the cross for Easter. The frames are 12' x 7'. Pat and I painted the boards. Pat, Bill and Jim built the frames and nailed hundreds of nails (One every inch). There are three of these panels. Each one will take about twelve hours.

The first one is red and orange. I finished it today.  The next one will be yellow and orange. The third one green and yellow. The Art and Environment committee will work together on the last two. The thread is neon which makes it shimmers in the light.

The inspiration for these came from online pictures of art by Gabriel Dawe.

French Silk Chocolate Pie

Crust
1 Cup flour
pinch salt
1 stick unsalted butter cut into small pieces

process until small pieces, add water while processing until it comes together

refrigerate

roll out, prick sides and bottom, refrigerate again

Double piece of foil, fit in crust, fill with dry beans. Put on cookie sheet in oven. Bake 400 for 10 minutes. Take out, take foil and beans out, put back in oven for 10 minutes or golden brown.

Cool

For The Filling
* 1 stick salted butter, room temperature
* 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
* 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
* 3 large eggs
* Whipped cream, for serving


Make the filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter, cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. With machine running, gradually add melted chocolate and the vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating at medium speed for five minutes after each addition. Pour filling into cooled pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap, and transfer to the refrigerator to cool for at least 4 hours and up to overnight.

Having Fun with Sheala

She's been trying on clothes for a half hour! Looking for college clothes! Can't believe I just typed that!

Oh Yum

Amy and Jan, this is going to be our camping breakfast on my day to cook - a sweet and savory pancake. We tried it for breakfast this morning - we both really liked it.

I found the recipe on Pinterest. Of course I tried it with syrup as they said to serve it and Pat wouldn't hear of putting syrup on it. No matter, we both loved them.

I can't wait for our annual trek North.

Lent 2012 - SS Peter and Paul, Saginaw

May we begin our Lenten journey filled with resolve to follow through on our Lenten promises.

Remember George Washington Sales?

My Mom and her best friend, Patsy would come home from shopping on February 22nd with bags of fabulous finds. Wiechmans, Seitners and in later years, Jacobsons had so many items for. 22¢ or $2.22.

My sister Kathy went all through college with the cutest shirtwaist dresses from those sales. I imagine many of our Christmas presents were purchased in February, too. One year they came home with crazy green afro wigs.

I loved those shopping trips, I couldn't wait for Mom to come home.

A Big Day

Book One, Saginaw Series: Webber House, is in the mail to the publishers! I thought I had it ready yesterday, but when I went to the post office it was closed for President's Day. So, I kept thinking maybe there was a reason I couldn't send it out.

God gives a multitude of opportunities to us, some we take, some we reject and some we don't even realize we have until it is too late.

I opened the envelope and started reading the manuscript one more time. Sure enough I made about a dozen minor changes. Then I found the box with my Mom's class lists and finally found one with Mr. Roennecke's name so I could triple check that it was spelled correctly!

Jane and her daughter, Sarah and my cousin Mary Lynn helped with the editing. I really appreciate all they did for me. When Mary Lynn was done I felt as if I was back in school relearning all that Sr. Marie Ida taught me about writing.

Anyway, keep me in your prayers.

Wickes Park

We were driving through Wickes Park and had to drive around this pothole. About 18" across, I think. Who knows how deep, possibly large enough to lose a small child?

The World According to Javier

Javier took pictures last Sunday. It reminded me of Robbie loving to take pictures at every opportunity! Time goes by so quickly.

Writing

I love writing - it just takes me away to another world! My first series have characters I love - I don't describe my characters because when I read I like to make pictures in my head of each character. When I was a senior in high school I read Gone with the Wind. It took me years to go see reruns of the film because I loved what I pictured when I read that book.

The teens in my books are nice people. I like nice stories - I wonder if that is what teens will want to read - I hope there is room with murder mysteries, wizards and vampires for a bunch of good, sweet friends.

I have been blessed to know and love so many people the characters are based on. The Saginaw Series main characters: Jen, Katy, Colleen, James, Adam, Sarah, Joseph, Diane, Charles, Mike, Elinor, Janet, Tom. The stories are fun to write and it's dificult to let these characters go.

Sunday Dinner

Oh yum, Joanna made delicious food for dinner at the Jacklin house! Yeah Pinterest for being major inspiration.

Dumplings filled with squash (How did I not get a picture!?!)

Chicken with Asian flavors

Beans with ham

Salad

Cannoli tarts

Such a great time!

Dr. Suess Quote

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” 

MLIVE Picture

Michigan drivers usually drive better than this! North I75 was closed down from Birch Run to Bay City for about four hours late this afternoon. Over 65 accidents.

Hello Winter!

Michigan Girl

Watch ""Michigan Girl"" on YouTube

Thanks Fran for sending this link!

Fandangles

Jim, Cindy, Kathy, Mary Lynn, Pat and I went to Fandangles for dinner on Saturday. We had such a nice time. We got to see Tom and Steve and our waitress was a gem. This is our second annual dinner.

I had the special, sea bass, oh it was buttery delicious. All of us got dessert, mine was a slice of heaven, dark chocolate fudge something or other. I would do just about amything for that dessert!

It's Going to Work!

I get inspired and quickly realize I am in over my head! The string art just wasn't working in my head. Yesterday at church I realized the art needed to be floor to ceiling in a rectangle. Originally I was thinking large hoops behind the cross but it was bothering me that most of it would not be seen and in my mind I think it should look like sun rays behind the cross. I talked it over with Bill and Pat and came home and put together a prototype - It is going to work!

I love finding art that inspires - Gabriel Dawe has done that and I can't wait to get started!

A Nice Visit with Cathy

Pat's sister spent the night, it was so nice to visit with her. We never get to just sit and talk - it was fun. She already left to go to a class at SVSU. So dishes are done, house is clean, sounds like a day to write!

Quick Trip to Lansing

We decided to go to Roma's yesterday for pizza crusts. I know, I know, it is crazy to drive to Lansing for pizza crusts. But, they are the best. Light and airy, just pull them out of the freezer and Javier and Ayva love to put different toppings on them. Everyone loves them.

We stopped at a few thrift stores and I found some dishes and a whole bag of seafood forks! I can't wait to wrap them in beads.

Before we left I dropped off the auction item for the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum Arts from the Heart. This is the 5th annual event and I have donated something every year - I look all year long for a cake plate and this year I found a beautiful Mikasa one. Click on the right column of the blog under the contruction zone and go to the 1st serving site to see a picture!