to wish all of you a happy, healthy, peaceful and blessing-filled 2013! Here’s to the best for all. My prayers and heart go out to all those whose hearts are heavy tonight. May you feel God’s peace and comfort!
At least the kitchen’s clean and the hair behaved today 
I’ll take it!
Be safe!
Joanna
Joanna sat long enough to greet her friends and followers!
Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas! We’ve had a packed last few days over here: last minute shopping; party at sis-in-law’s Saturday and at my brother’s on Christmas eve and we hosted four on Christmas Day. I was so excited when I rediscovered my counter top and dining room table around 10:30 Christmas night, lol. It’s all good and made for another year of beautiful memories.
So, for those of you who engaged in the festivities, care to share?
I inadvertently walked into an ‘ugly sweater’ contest at school. Heard I garnered a few votes and wound up adding myself to the running at sis-in-law’s party. (Only hubby voted for me at that one. And he cheated: voted twice. Amanda really deserved the prize–and she got it.)
What say you? Should I have won?
Tried getting a little creative with the fresh mozzarella platter. Other than that, I got lazy with food prep this year. (KISS worked for me. 
) Just too much going on and not enough time. Thank God my younger son was so into decorating and wrapping. Not sure I would have enjoyed this particular Christmas season as much w/o his input.
I normally do this dish with tomatoes but went with roasted peppers and basil pesto this time.
So that’s it, I guess. How did you all spend your Christmas? And do you observe the twelve days of Christmas in any way? (I usually pick up a small gift for each family member for the Epiphany–a.k.a. the 12th day.) Not sure about other cultures, but the Italians observe it.
Tune in tomorrow for my thoughts on an excellent weekend read!
Have a wonderful day, folks!
Joanna
Good day, everyone. Hope everyone is getting caught up with their holiday goings-on AND doing better than the NY Giants’ football team did this past Sunday. They were positively pulverized by the Falcons. I tuned out at 0-27 in the 4th quarter. Final score: 0-34. (They should have saved some of their points from last week’s game against the Saints, whom the Giants beat 52-27.)
Then there were last Friday’s heart-wrenching events—as recent superstorms hadn’t devastated people in the northeast enough. I keep trying to process the horrific happening and praying throughout the day for those impacted. Gratitude somehow keeps moving further front in the consciousness department.
That brings me to something I’m particularly thankful for: the opportunity to live out the traditions we’ve established as a family as time wears on. Rather than go into every one, I was thinking about those I never imagined I’d have. Of course I’ll illustrate then pass the blog wand for you to take a turn at sharing.
My family celebrates Christmas. As Italians, we’d do the fish dinner on Christmas Eve. (Can you believe, until last year, I didn’t know that tradition requires seven types of fish to be served? Obviously, we did not have that many types at my house. Most likely cost too much $$, lol.) Christmas Day included a pretty large dinner with immediate family—which most of the time is now held at my home—and a trip to my aunt’s afterward.
Pretty basic stuff, huh?
Here’s the one I could never have conceived as a kid. I am the oldest of three children. In May 1987, the older of my brothers died of leukemia, three weeks shy of his 22nd birthday.
My mom wore black for the following six years. (A tradition I dislike tremendously. Her friend’s son died three years earlier. She’s in mourning garb to this day.) Mom refused to do anything Christmas-related that year. Not sure she did a dinner. No decorations. In the tradition of Italian mourning, no music was allowed (someone might think we weren’t unhappy), so I’d wait until she was at the other end of the house to turn on my stereo and play it so softly I had to sit next to the speaker to hear it.
Of course there was no Christmas tree either.
I insisted we have one and put up a traditional-style one (a Charlie Browner)—at the cemetery.
I’ve done so ever since. Hubby and my stepsons worked with me when they were young. Now me, hubby and my guys give my brother his ‘gift’ together.
This year, my mom bought a small artificial one for my uncle’s grave.
So, what unlikely tradition has become a regular part of your holiday season?
Have a great day, friends! Thanks for stopping by!
Joanna
Hi all,
Hope all is well with everyone! If I don’t get these posts into place the weekend before, life on the day-to-day gets so busy-nutty, I can’t make the time to catch up! Just last night, hubby-the-hero-not-a-plumber-but-gets-the-job-done (and I, the assistant) wound up making an unscheduled trip to my mom’s to do an unexpected faucet installation. And seems every night something else is going on. It is what it is, right? (Though I offer no complaints. There are those in serious and dire situations. I am inconvenienced.)
But, that does tie nicely into…
Wow. As a kid there was no way I could understand why adults found the holiday season so stressful. Christmas is only a small part of the pressure-I’m-feeling deal; all credit, too, to my younger son (14 y/o) who loves the decorating (inside and out), tree-trimming and gift-wrapping enough to take over most of it! Hubby handled lights inside so the place has a loverly glow in the evenings. They’ve done a phenomenal job and taken a lot of the work load off of me! Thanks, men!
I love Jack Henry, the rabbit. My first Christmas with hubby, my sisters-in-law (to be at the time) dumped JH on my lap and told me not to expect gifts in the future, lol.
This one is my favorite. My older guy was two and painted this creation. When I asked him what it was, he told me, “Santa’s Footprints.” It is now one of my standard Christmas decorations and will be until the day I pass it on to him.
Back to the original reason for this post! I’m sharing my dear friend Diane Lang’s article on handling the holiday season in a more peaceful, positive way. Here is the link to her most recent article! If it speaks to you, please feel free to share and possibly come back here to share your thoughts on her timely tips!
Have a wonderful day, everyone!
Joanna
As I put away the decorations and slowly return my home to it’s normal state of being, I ask you this:
Is there a gift you received from which you know you’ll get major mileage? Does it have special significance?
I did:
Hubby got me this incredible necklace–totally my taste.
The crazy part? Read this:
“A heart-shaped locket fell into her lap. Tiny, glittering silver-black marquasite encrusted it, surrounding an oval amethyst on an intricate silver chain.”
My hero gave this to his heroine in No Matter Why. Hubby never read the book yet I end up with this necklace that is so ridiculously close to the one I wrote about it’s scary. AND it’s an estate piece. My heroine’s was an antique–go figure.
Your turn–what was your favorite gift or memory this past holiday season?
See you later this week,
Joanna
Merry second day of Christmas, friends. Unless you’re out with the 12/26 shopping crowds, I’m thinking the commercial peace of Christmas starts about now. (Though I’m a tad tempted to hit Kohl’s–mom-in-law gave me her Kohl’s cash since she has no intention of using it. 
)
My house is in relative order after Christmas dinner here—only my mom, hubby’s mom and hubby’s friend joined us; some of my son’s friends later shared dessert. Everyone is asleep—shh!—and I’m now enjoying a very quiet moment alone with my laptop, looking around at the seasonal décor and loving it.
I also started thinking about that special gift that stood out from the others and why. Hubby gave me a gorgeous antique sterling silver necklace with an amethyst pendant—perfect for my taste. My younger son’s greatest gift started immediately after Thanksgiving and continued through Christmas Eve: that 13-year-old pretty much decorated the house and handled all the wrapping as awesomely as any Macy’s employee (and for no charge, either ). He also had a hard time with some of the choices hubby and I made regarding his gifts but seems to be taking some very mature steps toward the positive—another blessing that can’t be ensconced in paper and bows.
My older son couldn’t wait to give me his gift. (He made it in woodshop at school and seems to have a nice little knack for the craft.) He was sure I’d love it b/c (1) it’s handcrafted; (2) he altered the original design to put his spin on it; (3) I’d pick up on the theme and the ‘love’ that went into it. Not sure he realized it also symbolizes the most important intangible to me: peace in my world that comes from peace in my spirit.
As per memorable moments, my 8-year-old nephew gets the honors. We spent Christmas Eve at my brother’s along with twenty or so other guests. Long story short, we were among the last to leave, circa 10PM. My nephew started fretting about ‘missing Santa’ if the house didn’t clear so he and his siblings could get to bed. (In other words as he sort of said, to my brother’s chagrin: “Take your coats, gloves, gifts and go–now.”)
So there it is. Your turn: what will you remember best about this year?
Here’s to a day of enjoying the peace (or at least a few dedicated moments). Expanding on the slowing-down theme a bit, I’ll be joining my very dear, freshly pubbed author-friend Calisa Rhose this Wednesday (12/28–debut day for her debut novel HOME) at her Chit Chat page for a virtual cup of coffee and discussing why no one seems to be able to just sit down and chat over one anymore.
TTYL,
Joanna
Just taking a moment to share a few photos and wishes for a wonderful Christmas to all of you. May each of you be blessed with the joy you bring to me! Best wishes for health, happiness and safety during all the festivities, whether they’re rooted in Christian, Jewish and other traditions! Thanks so much for being there!
Peace,
Joanna
Hello friends!
We’re winding down to Christmas and getting close to cooking time. Because life does things its way–and today I’m blessed with the ability to take what it brings and make the best of it–I wasn’t able to post the recipe I wanted to share. Here, though, are two I’ve run before: my super-easy stuffed mushrooms and make-ahead rosemary-wine chicken. And fans of pumpkin, check out this page at my website: you’ll find recipes for creamy pumpkin pie, cheesecake and cookies, too.
Now here are the easiest stuffed mushrooms ever: simple, elegant and absolutely delicious! Makes a great appetizer or side dish. (Stuff a Portobello and you have an instant meal!)
Ingredients:
10-oz package white mushrooms (not sliced)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1½-2 cups seasoned bread crumbs (add more as needed)
grated cheese (I use Parmesan)
fresh or frozen parsley (optional)
canola and/or olive oil
¼-½ cup white wine (or to taste; optional)
salt and pepper to taste
Remove stems from mushrooms and set aside. Under gently running water* wash the stems, carefully rubbing off any dirt by hand or using a mushroom brush. (Those can be purchased anywhere cooking gadgets are sold, but more easily found in a store like Bed Bath and Beyond. The brushes look like surgical brushes—a great substitute for those who have access to them . I simply wash them by hand.)
*Some folks don’t wash mushrooms—they simply brush off the dirt so that the mushroom doesn’t get mushy. I can’t go for that. Moving the cap or stem in/out of gently running water wets the flesh enough to loosen the dirt. The underside of the cap is occluded by the stem and can only have so much dirt in it. Soaking that part will make your mushroom soggy; keeping the round part of the cap upright under the water will easily eliminate this problem. Air dry each piece on a wire rack while making the stuffing. BTW, you can stuff them slightly damp.
Okay, the stuffing:
In a mini-food processor (or by hand) mince all the mushroom stems; add the garlic and continue processing until finely chopped. (It will look like a lot. Don’t worry—mushrooms really shrink when you cook them.) Transfer to a mixing bowl and stir in bread crumbs, cheese and parsley.
Coat a 10- or 12-inch frying pan (preferably non-stick) with cooking spray then with enough oil to coat the bottom. Heat the oil (and the wine) over medium heat. Add the contents of the bowl, stirring to coat everything and moisten it. Saute for a minute or two and remove from heat.
Using a regular teaspoon (not a measuring spoon) stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture. You can level off the stuffing or mound it—your choice; depends on how much stuffing you have.
Coat a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Place caps (stuffing side up), if necessary, layer them across the spaces formed by the bottom layer (or get another pan). Cover with foil** and bake for approximately 30 minutes at 375˚F, or until mushrooms are tender. Serve immediately.
**At this point, you can refrigerate and bake the next day. Leftovers can also be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave.
As always, I thank you all for stopping by. Please keep someone (or two) very near and dear to my heart in your prayers–have a great day!
Joanna
Twas the week before Christmas and all over my blog, we’re slowing down long enough to talk holiday traditions unique to us!
I goofed with size (my brain fritzed out and had me convinced my ceilings were seven feet instead of eight. My kids and their friends swooped down on it–kind of like at the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas–and did a great job making it a respectable representative of the season (or so I think). Thanks guys!
Back to traditions. Mine started out twenty-four years ago, Christmas 1987. One of my two brothers had passed away in May of that year. Leukemia won out after nine months of him being sick more off than on, beginning the August prior and kicking up its efforts the following March. My mom, being a rather old-school Italian immigrant, wouldn’t allow any type of Christmas decorations that year.
Guess I really wanted a tree. I bought a small real one, took it to the cemetery and decorated it. Every year since then I’ve brought my brother a tree; it’s my family’s gift to him. As time passed my mom became part of the decorating team—nothing spectacular: just dollar-store decorations that wind up spending the rest of the year in her car’s trunk. (Her Italian ways dictate that nothing from the cemetery ever enters one’s home.)
Once I got married, hubby and my stepsons became part of the tradition and today, my boys and I put up the perfect little Charlie-Browner yet. (Should have had my son, Ace-Joe-I-Phone Photographer–who gets credit for the above shot–snap a shot to post here.)
Your turn, friends: I’d love to read about the special thing you do that sets apart as yours one of the current holidays. And I’ll check in later this week with…whatever I can come up with that’s fun! (Maybe a simple but yummy recipe that would serve as nice but different appetizer at get-togethers? Hmm. That might just work! )
Have a wonderful day,
Joanna
Happy Black Friday, friends! (I mean, good day after Thanksgiving! Anyone want to bet on when BF will become our next national holiday?)
Spent a fantastic day with my immediate family, my brother and his (which included four kids ranging in age from nine to four years); my mom, mom-in-law and a friend of hubby’s. Amazingly, no drop-ins. Food abounded (as did noise and the mess) but all is cleaned up and back to baseline. Leftovers mean little or no cooking today. Works for me.
Thanksgiving 2011
So who is into the shopping madness? I never was and most likely never will be (even though online deals can catch my attention…)
Having said that, I thought we might have some fun and share a few Black Friday memories. Mine fit me: often totally clueless until I’m in the middle of something before I realize I’m enmeshed.
These are my stories:
BF #1: I was old enough to have a driver’s license. Mom and I decide to take a ride to the mall. We were kind of surprised at the lack of parking but scouted for a spot and eventually made our way inside. Of course, folks were traipsing everywhere, but what really got me is how the second floor of the mall literally bounced under my feet. We probably stopped in a store or two, then skedaddled out of there. Haven’t been to the mall on BF since.
BF# 2: Fast forward minimum ten years. I’m married and my older son has just celebrated his first birthday. My stepsons are five, seven and eleven and still regulars at my house. A now-defunct department store chain had a really great special on comforters; figured I’d get some for the boys’ room. Popped my son into the car and then into the shopping cart’s seat and headed into the shopper mix over in the bedding department.
Folks were piled in front of an oversized box and frantically digging through it for the BF deal comforters; others were mashed against a set of double doors waiting for workers to bring out more. Guess I must have been standing there, taking this in and wondering how I’d get a couple without leaving my son unattended. Some lady looked at him, then at me and told me I shouldn’t really bring my baby in there—it’s not safe or he could get hurt or something like that. I remember being taken aback—and still not fully getting what was going on—but had enough sense to decide some on-sale quilts were not worth bringing harm to a one-year-old (or to myself, lol).
BF #3 (2010): Ventured out to Target or Kohl’s (or somewhere) for the first time since BF #2 but around 7 PM. Surprised to find relative shopping calm that late in the day. I suppose that’s what happens once the doorbuster deals are done and the all-night crowd peters out.
I now turn over the comment box: here’s a chance to share your Black Friday story! Are you among those willing to give up a night’s sleep among the shopper masses? Do you venture out at all? Is the internet your BF stomping ground?
Have a wonderful day, everyone! (And get ready for Cyber-Monday! )
Be safe,
Joanna
Author of Middle Grade Fantasy Adventure Novels
Life in a flash - a weekly blog on daily living
the journey of a writer mama & all things creative
Charmed, I'm sure.
Schrodinger's Cat is Alive
Dancing, laughing, smiling, loving! Freedom of spirit!
More Cowbell
Social Media & Me
The joy of God's design for wives and marriage.
Faith~Driven Fiction
~ pursuing God's peace, contentment and joy in everyday living ~
From One Life Chapter To The Next
Welcome to my ongoing journal of my journey with God!
Meditations on the journey
Where The End is just the Beginning
In your light, I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest, where no one sees you.
