tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-248461282024-03-26T04:47:29.260-04:00Growing, Writing, CreatingTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comBlogger838125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-21056602997390603532017-11-22T14:05:00.000-05:002017-11-22T14:05:36.845-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2017 is the Year of the Rooster and I had much to crow about!</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Getting the call</span></u></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I had fallen into a slump in 2015 when my former agent couldn’t sell any of my stories and then suddenly quit the business. Nothing went right for a while and I was sliding into a “learned helplessness” state where I didn’t believe anything I did made a difference. Because of that, I almost didn’t apply for the <a href="http://weneeddiversebooks.org/aboutapply/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">We Need Diverse Books (WNDB™) Mentorship Program</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But two things spurred me to:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1) <a href="http://www.salinayoon.com/HOME.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Salina Yoon</a>, superstar author-illustrator and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, predicted good things happening for me in 2016, and</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2) my picture book critique group, the <a href="https://penguinpossewriters.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Penguin Posse</a>, kicked my butt (in the best possible way).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I entered and put it out of my mind because I couldn’t bear another disappointment. I watched November and December tick away, and had just resigned myself to the fact that 2016 was another bust when just before Christmas…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I received a call from <a href="http://mirandapaul.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Miranda Paul</a>, the creator of the Mentorship Program and , telling me that I won the nonfiction category, chosen by none other than <a href="http://janeyolen.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jane Yolen--yeah, THE JANE YOLEN</a>!!!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="FullSizeRender (11)" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5116" height="369" src="https://teresarobeson.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/fullsizerender-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Some of my old favorites of Jane's books. I still bawl when I re-read Owl Moon and Encounter.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Best. Christmas. Present. Ever!</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Getting the ball rolling</span></u></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After the call from Miranda, I think I was in a state of disbelief for a while. Surely something that good couldn’t be happening, could it? Then it all became very real--and very surreal, too--when Jane emailed in the middle of January to introduce herself to me, as if a lifelong speculative fiction and children’s literature fan such as myself wouldn’t know who she is and didn’t already worship the chair she BICs on!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="FullSizeRender (12)" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5117" height="358" src="https://teresarobeson.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/fullsizerender-12.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Some of my <em style="text-align: start;"><strong>new</strong></em><span style="text-align: start;"> favorites of Jane's book.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jane became the icon she is by working hard (along with colossal talent) and expected her mentee to do the same. While I don’t think anyone could work as hard as Jane does, I am more than willing to roll up my sleeves and put in the time and sweat to hone my writing skills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I think Jane was pleased to hear it.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Getting down to business</span></u></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The WNDB program allows for each mentor-mentee pairing to work out their own schedules and rhythms. Jane is not a helicopter mentor. She expected me to be an adult and keep track of my progress, asking her for help when I need it, and essentially take charge of the process. She wasn’t going to baby me and change my literary diaper, but she always made time to teach me how to change it on my own, so to speak. I truly believe that is the best way a mentor, or a parent, can help you grow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's how we proceeded:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To begin with, Jane gave me very thorough feedback on my manuscript. I revised based on her comments, rewriting the areas where I felt her advice was spot on. She never pressured me to take her recommendations as the final word, always reminding me to heed only what felt right for my vision.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For the first half of 2017, we went back and forth like that, going over my story initially with a broad brush, making sure the story had structural integrity and the right tone and palette. Then we narrowed in on specific sections, going tighter and tighter into the fine details. I was lucky enough to meet with Jane in person at the spring NESCBWI conference to talk over the progress of the manuscript.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="IMG_5516" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5118" height="480" src="https://teresarobeson.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/img_5516.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Jane, her lovely and equally talented author daughter, Heidi Stemple, and me.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The NESCBWI Conference was also notable because I won the <a href="https://thebookdoctors.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pitchapalooza</a> event there, beating out the 12-14 other people who were called up to pitch their story ideas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jane coached and I refined and polished until we had exhausted every possible adjustment we could think of.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Getting out into the world</span></u></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At that point, I felt like my baby, with Jane’s blessing and a promise to write a blurb for the book, was ready to be sent out to face the critical eyes of agents and editors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Everyone tells you that the publishing world is subjective. It is 100% true. Even though THE JANE YOLEN had put her stamp of approval on a story doesn’t mean it will be universally loved. Some agents and editors thought the story wonderful, others gave a resounding “meh.”</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Getting…an agent!</span></u></h3>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Even though WNDB says not to expect to get an agent or a publishing contract out of our mentorships--that it is purely for improving your craft with a dedicated and experienced personal teacher, after all--I was very lucky to have found (again, serendipitously, but that’s another blog post), and signed with, <a href="http://bookendsliterary.com/about-us/#Morris" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Natascha Morris of BookEnds Literary Agency</a>, who is as savvy and hardworking as she is fun and clever!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is a decent chance that I might get a publishing contract, too, but I won’t think about it until I actually see it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As we near Thanksgiving and the mentorship year comes to a close, I want to express my deep gratitude to those who have made the past eleven months unforgettable:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">* Salina Yoon, for being a dear friend who publically predicted my success</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aS7qVYOkeow/WhXDT_rfYzI/AAAAAAAAEnA/gyTObOdh0fAK5aOEgKARhR75nGOC0DmfACLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aS7qVYOkeow/WhXDT_rfYzI/AAAAAAAAEnA/gyTObOdh0fAK5aOEgKARhR75nGOC0DmfACLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%252813%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are a few of Salina's books that I own and love.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">* Miranda Paul, for her brilliant mentorship program idea, and the entire We Need Diverse Books team</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">* Jane Yolen, for being my inimitable mentor and guiding star</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">* Natascha Morris, for being a tireless agent who saw my potential</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">* my critique groups, the Penguin Posse, the <a href="http://minnowsliterarygroup.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1abc9c; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Minnows</a>, and the Scribblers, for always being there to support me in every way</span></div>
"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-48054202885178801322017-10-25T08:30:00.000-04:002017-10-25T08:30:13.736-04:00Chicken and dumplings, east coast style<span style="font-size: small;">There are a couple of different version of chickens and dumplings that I know of. One has a biscuit-like topping (biscuit in the American sense, not the British sense), and the other is sometimes called "slippery dumpling" and is really pretty a noodle. The latter is the one I grew familiar with when I lived in DE for three years. This is the recipe hubby grew up with since he's from DE.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The recipe is super simple but oh so tasty!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7l2wHx0gkY/Wd_bnWGaOyI/AAAAAAAAEl0/EKjWKs1SX2I9z1Pxj3MUUaqyuNicspDjACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7l2wHx0gkY/Wd_bnWGaOyI/AAAAAAAAEl0/EKjWKs1SX2I9z1Pxj3MUUaqyuNicspDjACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7157.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><u><span style="font-size: small;">Dumpling noodles</span></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 C flour<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 t salt<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 T shortening<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">2/3 C water<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mix flour and salt together. Add shortening and mix with fingers
until crumbly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add water a bit at a time until the dough turns into a ball.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Roll out into 1/8" thickness and cut into one inch wide
strips and those strips into 2.5" long noodles. Slip those into the
boiling broth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: small;">We like to add peas into the chicken broth with
the noodles for a bit of veggies and color. Mmmm!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxJHOH4u62s/Wd_bneL4zSI/AAAAAAAAEl4/T6VsjIjGQbETUv94Kl_a6s8zgSOhmJMbwCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252811%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="566" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxJHOH4u62s/Wd_bneL4zSI/AAAAAAAAEl4/T6VsjIjGQbETUv94Kl_a6s8zgSOhmJMbwCLcBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%252811%2529.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas Adams</span>Teresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-66159576944786458902017-10-18T09:00:00.000-04:002017-10-18T09:00:06.785-04:00Before there was bubble teaTapioca pudding has long been a "thing." For whatever reason, the tapioca rounds have a very pleasant mouth-feel for me (and my older son who is a fussbudget about food sometimes...he never used to be as a little kid).<br />
<br />
It's not hard to make but does involve an extra step of whipping up egg whites which always seems like a pain in the butt to me, so I don't make it often. But when we have 12 dozen eggs in the fridge, I break down and make some tapioca pudding.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8R153M5rDg/Wck2fDyhyAI/AAAAAAAAEiY/Bh_DFpEVWxASSg0k1G45RDQvPvJi7CC6ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_8R153M5rDg/Wck2fDyhyAI/AAAAAAAAEiY/Bh_DFpEVWxASSg0k1G45RDQvPvJi7CC6ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6976.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">whisking egg whites</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeD6K3Y7GUs/Wck2fFjCjlI/AAAAAAAAEic/gKrv4uBOvUwTT3Wyq1QoT8Yx0n8q8xYrwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6977.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the main mixture with tapioca pearls, milk, and egg yolks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeD6K3Y7GUs/Wck2fFjCjlI/AAAAAAAAEic/gKrv4uBOvUwTT3Wyq1QoT8Yx0n8q8xYrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ved_DzWEgpk/Wck2fBqLxTI/AAAAAAAAEiU/qxKS-WXjc5EyHrLHzFvU-wExPrWVAAMigCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ved_DzWEgpk/Wck2fBqLxTI/AAAAAAAAEiU/qxKS-WXjc5EyHrLHzFvU-wExPrWVAAMigCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6978.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">folding yolks mixture with egg whites makes for a fluffy pudding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We get Bob's Red Mill tapioca which has a recipe on the back of the package but I imagine there are tapioca recipes elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Do you like tapioca pudding? If so, do you have a favorite recipe?<br />
<br />
"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-87702115433310657212017-10-11T09:00:00.000-04:002017-10-11T09:00:31.782-04:00Soap talkI first got obsessed with making soaps about 10 years ago. Back then, the kids were younger (and cuter and sweeter, possibly...but I digress), and I didn't want to get into lye and hot oils. So, I started with melt and pour soaps, and made some pretty cool soaps if I say so myself.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLZgQ4YtHqg/Wck40Qq5kWI/AAAAAAAAEig/1da2TKSPT8w8C_9fJnFWdKs3NCB9sXS8ACLcBGAs/s1600/sushi3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="612" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RLZgQ4YtHqg/Wck40Qq5kWI/AAAAAAAAEig/1da2TKSPT8w8C_9fJnFWdKs3NCB9sXS8ACLcBGAs/s400/sushi3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sushi soap with ginger and wasabi soap...you should see the cute nori pattern!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But recently, after the kids have grown (it happens so fast...waaah), I decided to make good old-fashioned lye soap. It's a bit of work but I love the results. Most of all, I love the different scents I can try out when making my own soaps.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP9X5Usg6DY/Wck54wiV9MI/AAAAAAAAEik/MOmBnz4wQ401bKL6szRNOBAxu6FbFGOCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YP9X5Usg6DY/Wck54wiV9MI/AAAAAAAAEik/MOmBnz4wQ401bKL6szRNOBAxu6FbFGOCACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6992.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a mess on my table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAZo5_VDVUI/Wck55WXeZtI/AAAAAAAAEiw/AX5DaFWT43ARgvmu-pp8u9GvIhcPgZtmgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xAZo5_VDVUI/Wck55WXeZtI/AAAAAAAAEiw/AX5DaFWT43ARgvmu-pp8u9GvIhcPgZtmgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6994.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Spice scent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIb21EGxuOw/Wck55CeeW_I/AAAAAAAAEis/aGsLZFbiNl0G9Y9IeH00pbtEjx7feavuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIb21EGxuOw/Wck55CeeW_I/AAAAAAAAEis/aGsLZFbiNl0G9Y9IeH00pbtEjx7feavuQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6995.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djvrXL2xNYM/Wck55P6TePI/AAAAAAAAEio/Zs0yALu7WNU2AHEJxaOvBTlIJtVN4mnQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djvrXL2xNYM/Wck55P6TePI/AAAAAAAAEio/Zs0yALu7WNU2AHEJxaOvBTlIJtVN4mnQwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7004.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jade scent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoI15xOyd5w/Wck555TNW7I/AAAAAAAAEi0/5mQXlYEirHILDnLQEgwRPaf2rhrSMvIXgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoI15xOyd5w/Wck555TNW7I/AAAAAAAAEi0/5mQXlYEirHILDnLQEgwRPaf2rhrSMvIXgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTPf0BXx4eo/Wck56UbfGKI/AAAAAAAAEi4/n9I9Pie5CTksP_3zznAx47lEq0bWrxxNgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTPf0BXx4eo/Wck56UbfGKI/AAAAAAAAEi4/n9I9Pie5CTksP_3zznAx47lEq0bWrxxNgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7020.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">soaps I made in the spring</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzEBeCcm1q0/Wck56wqx4cI/AAAAAAAAEi8/8sSiagKbqSYDZD0J0S_84-iAAqYVAPUpgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BzEBeCcm1q0/Wck56wqx4cI/AAAAAAAAEi8/8sSiagKbqSYDZD0J0S_84-iAAqYVAPUpgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of the cut Christmas Spice soap</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPHmFItKvV8/WclCOg_mqAI/AAAAAAAAEjc/0cQKEp-oIaY_HndqQiG44lpXv8LpivMpACLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="640" height="270" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FPHmFItKvV8/WclCOg_mqAI/AAAAAAAAEjc/0cQKEp-oIaY_HndqQiG44lpXv8LpivMpACLcBGAs/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%252812%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">top rack has the 3 recent batches of soaps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're interested in making old-fashioned soaps, there are a lot of YouTube videos to follow. I also recommend the products from <a href="https://www.brambleberry.com/" target="_blank">Bramble Berry</a> (and their <a href="https://www.soapqueen.com/" target="_blank">Soap Queen</a> blog). Their products are reliable and excellent quality. The micas and glitter I used in the soaps are from <a href="https://www.madmicas.com/" target="_blank">Mad Mica</a>, another company I highly recommend for great service and quality.<br />
<br />
Would you try making soaps if you don't already?<br />
<br />
"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-72548505064780099752017-10-04T08:30:00.000-04:002017-10-04T08:30:24.141-04:00The fall gardenFor some people, the fall garden signals a time of winding down, when they're done with growing and nearly done with harvesting.<br />
<br />
These people have obviously not read any <a href="http://fourseasonfarm.com/" target="_blank">Eliot Coleman</a> books! Duuuude. Stop reading this blog Right Now and check out Mr. Coleman's books. Okay, no; finish reading this blog first.<br />
<br />
Hubby is a Coleman fan and while he's not quite gotten into the whole 4-season harvest thing completey, he has extended his growing season. He just planted spinach, choi sum, and other cool weather crops, for instance.<br />
<br />
The garden may look a little yellow<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1PrwbsxfPI/WclNm7jlArI/AAAAAAAAEkE/x69zZS0Q2A0XM4ZtnafiaZJALA_JsSnzwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1PrwbsxfPI/WclNm7jlArI/AAAAAAAAEkE/x69zZS0Q2A0XM4ZtnafiaZJALA_JsSnzwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_7073.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the garden, looking west</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7DKQlhuomo/WclNm0SNvWI/AAAAAAAAEj8/GIdXvhucmQIS7Wx_ifFUnQQ-QxoP8VhqwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7DKQlhuomo/WclNm0SNvWI/AAAAAAAAEj8/GIdXvhucmQIS7Wx_ifFUnQQ-QxoP8VhqwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_7072.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">looking south-west</td></tr>
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<br />
and some plants are dying (the wussy summer ones)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mlmUFXKDNno/WclNmV5TcHI/AAAAAAAAEjw/k0Ux3f2i05YcugJkgZlfMyyFY1yIifBegCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mlmUFXKDNno/WclNmV5TcHI/AAAAAAAAEjw/k0Ux3f2i05YcugJkgZlfMyyFY1yIifBegCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_7044.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the eggplant that has seen better days</td></tr>
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<br />
but things are still very pretty<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uC-yTrKDowI/WclNm3I5pUI/AAAAAAAAEkA/JhAALGurMy0eobk8-3so8jPUi1fp96UyQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uC-yTrKDowI/WclNm3I5pUI/AAAAAAAAEkA/JhAALGurMy0eobk8-3so8jPUi1fp96UyQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_7074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the south garden with squash and melons still holding on</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKnrRWRZJjk/WclNmcPtyQI/AAAAAAAAEj0/E-Eak1hhzPcv4Gavm4_InkXqTAg8E9SRgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_7043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gKnrRWRZJjk/WclNmcPtyQI/AAAAAAAAEj0/E-Eak1hhzPcv4Gavm4_InkXqTAg8E9SRgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_7043.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">okras are not that tasty but are sure beautiful</td></tr>
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<br />
much like our chickens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDOjm4eVWH8/WclP7goE7FI/AAAAAAAAEkI/li8tOdj7nPoUpnRbNhBhd42mjhMdUDCTACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDOjm4eVWH8/WclP7goE7FI/AAAAAAAAEkI/li8tOdj7nPoUpnRbNhBhd42mjhMdUDCTACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7068.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the chickens get our food scraps</td></tr>
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<br />
And we're still harvesting a lot of goodies.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ-_vpCiVwg/WclNmT0l5WI/AAAAAAAAEj4/02YwQdufofQsulR0GlGcZU2FrAsHrzXlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252813%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="640" height="289" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ-_vpCiVwg/WclNmT0l5WI/AAAAAAAAEj4/02YwQdufofQsulR0GlGcZU2FrAsHrzXlQCEwYBhgL/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%252813%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I look forward to eating spinach well into January...or at least the <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1370492" target="_blank">mashe</a> (even though I don't look forward to washing mashe). Plus, even if nothing came out of the garden by February, we have lots of canned and frozen beans and canned tomatoes to remind us of summer.<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-22274824213107862972017-09-27T08:30:00.000-04:002017-09-27T08:30:01.464-04:00Indiana bananaSeems like every year I post about our pawpaw harvest, I get into the same conversations with my friends. They usually say they've not heard of it, or know the song (I don't know the song) but haven't had the fruit, or think it's a papaya.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X-OKrYKlhEU/WcleXY-An-I/AAAAAAAAEks/HYL69DS2AxQvtTIoDUpq9L4VnPveXZxPQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X-OKrYKlhEU/WcleXY-An-I/AAAAAAAAEks/HYL69DS2AxQvtTIoDUpq9L4VnPveXZxPQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7024.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our harvest this year</td></tr>
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So, here's the write up of the fruit we know as the pawpaw:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgCvfs-UMzY/WcleWxUJdBI/AAAAAAAAEkk/a49YGQmA2ME5DLY_2pTIKlKGRvj2FU-tACLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252814%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgCvfs-UMzY/WcleWxUJdBI/AAAAAAAAEkk/a49YGQmA2ME5DLY_2pTIKlKGRvj2FU-tACLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%252814%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
not to be confused with a papaya:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJNAarnh5fI/WcleW9tswdI/AAAAAAAAEko/DYyAXJLw4w4YJLpaSn_QO3bYXl_ws59bwCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252815%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJNAarnh5fI/WcleW9tswdI/AAAAAAAAEko/DYyAXJLw4w4YJLpaSn_QO3bYXl_ws59bwCLcBGAs/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%252815%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
taken from this really neat book:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xRReGzWi0/WcleXgBKb-I/AAAAAAAAEk0/FLFlQrHBnZIMQ4zoqJptx0RFwJZ2yfuogCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252816%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7xRReGzWi0/WcleXgBKb-I/AAAAAAAAEk0/FLFlQrHBnZIMQ4zoqJptx0RFwJZ2yfuogCLcBGAs/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%252816%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
This year, I went to the Kentucky State University site where they had some interesting recipes for pawpaws to try something different. I made this pawpaw meringue pie and it wasn't half bad. Tastes a lot like a banana custard pie (hence one of its nicknames of "Indiana banana").<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT94pDG9NN8/WcleXqoQXoI/AAAAAAAAEkw/v76bQFrvVgEBJBI29uvzpuKLb1PvMAkGwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT94pDG9NN8/WcleXqoQXoI/AAAAAAAAEkw/v76bQFrvVgEBJBI29uvzpuKLb1PvMAkGwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_7080.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Have you ever tried pawpaw? If so, do you like them?<br />
<br />
"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-43270191072000724692017-09-22T20:55:00.000-04:002017-09-22T20:55:01.129-04:00Sour grapes...make good jellyA dear friend of ours, Carol, gave us a grape plant that she had an extra of. We had previously planted grapes but between the deer and possibly too-wet soil, they all died off with nothing to show for our efforts.<br />
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This new plant did surprisingly well this year. They were so cute on the vine:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZY69oXHBoY/WaQtmtAxTWI/AAAAAAAAEgw/GZfcKs2vAQAz2LcPYMCS-OAwBYvYEZ72gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6334%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KZY69oXHBoY/WaQtmtAxTWI/AAAAAAAAEgw/GZfcKs2vAQAz2LcPYMCS-OAwBYvYEZ72gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6334%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
All 3 pounds of it picked:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwMB9opCJVM/WaQtrD2oAWI/AAAAAAAAEg0/bLWf9bKrb_oGzvEB208O_b9zRUbTII5vACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SwMB9opCJVM/WaQtrD2oAWI/AAAAAAAAEg0/bLWf9bKrb_oGzvEB208O_b9zRUbTII5vACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6627.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
The messy juicing process...the is the remainder that we fed to the chickens:<br />
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I forgot to take a photo of the juice before popping it into the freezer...to wait until cooler weather to make jelly.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TgwxSJR010/WcWwIQP7F-I/AAAAAAAAEiA/UiYcqR9KAvgTskMuMVI1hDyN-IBDTt1JQCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252810%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2TgwxSJR010/WcWwIQP7F-I/AAAAAAAAEiA/UiYcqR9KAvgTskMuMVI1hDyN-IBDTt1JQCLcBGAs/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%252810%2529.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
So far this year, I've made many jars of marmalade, one batch of strawberry jam, and one batch of Autumn Olive jelly. I'm waiting until late fall to make grape and blackberry jellies. What is your favorite jam or jelly?<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-37454498335846331732017-09-13T09:00:00.000-04:002017-09-13T09:00:13.254-04:00Love takes timeDid I give you an ear worm?<br />
<br />
Sometimes falling in love with something takes a while. I'd seen this bowl that my dad had for several years now. He tried to have me take it home with me, but I while I liked it well enough, I never thought I loved it. So, I always made the excuse that it'd be hard to take home on the plane. I said it might break, even though it was packaged in a padded box.<br />
<br />
Well, as my sister and I went through Dad's junky basement this last visit, I saw the bowl again. This time, I decided to take it with me.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2Wzn691R0M/WY4eWne0QZI/AAAAAAAAEe4/yLJ8CYDKa1glv0vHTSY6xDkoXsoMRtTfwCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="640" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2Wzn691R0M/WY4eWne0QZI/AAAAAAAAEe4/yLJ8CYDKa1glv0vHTSY6xDkoXsoMRtTfwCLcBGAs/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%25286%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish is a common motif.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKpZgGcsfgI/WY4eWjZCj2I/AAAAAAAAEe8/p7CuDqYJ3QE9rQtdxPET7ZmIsFw2AjZxQCLcBGAs/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25287%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="640" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kKpZgGcsfgI/WY4eWjZCj2I/AAAAAAAAEe8/p7CuDqYJ3QE9rQtdxPET7ZmIsFw2AjZxQCLcBGAs/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%25287%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sadly, I only recognize the words "fish" and "longevity." Not sure what the other words are. Do you know?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qXJORwHjoE/WY4eW9x9VNI/AAAAAAAAEfA/NESDeTtFWUIBbwvSlWbqOdOLrZYFRW4hQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3qXJORwHjoE/WY4eW9x9VNI/AAAAAAAAEfA/NESDeTtFWUIBbwvSlWbqOdOLrZYFRW4hQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6470.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the outside design from the inside!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I set up up on the bookcase behind my standing desk and I pick it up to marvel at its beauty daily...the art and calligraphy on it, the translucency of the porcelain...and I am glad that I finally fell in love with it and brought it home.<br />
<br />
What about you? Have you ever resisted something and then finally falling for it after many years?<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-63815597269653094722017-09-06T09:00:00.001-04:002017-09-06T09:00:12.735-04:00Winter pursuitsIn the winter when there is no garden to tend to (and nothing to process and can, thank goodness!), I like to do other things, like make jewelry. Here are some I made when my sister visited this past Christmas holiday.<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-5716505334359415352017-08-30T13:44:00.000-04:002017-08-30T13:44:06.725-04:00No salt but lots of peppah!These are the 4 types of peppers we're growing this year.<br />
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And they make for a beautiful dinner!<br />
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Another dinner made with all of our own vegetables...<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-86263697109671514552017-08-23T09:00:00.000-04:002017-08-23T09:00:24.548-04:00The green bean scene<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canning 7 quart jars of the beans.</td></tr>
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Hubby has grown green beans (and yellow beans) as well as long beans again this year. They are incredibly prolific. We must pick about 10 pounds every couple of days (thank goodness hubby and Son2 do all the picking). And then there is the processing on top of that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The remainder to be frozen.</td></tr>
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It takes me about an hour to wash 10 pounds of beans and another hour or so for us to snap them. Then hubby freezes or cans them, which can take another 1-2 hours.<br />
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Time consuming, but come winter, we forget the hard work and savor the flavor with satisfaction. :)<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-74718410902489603652017-08-16T09:00:00.001-04:002017-08-16T09:00:29.855-04:00Tomato season...hunting the trophy fruitOnce upon a time, the arrival of fall* was heralded by the imminence of school. These days, I know fall is coming when we start to get the full onslaught of ripe tomatoes.<br />
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And so it begins once again: the tomato processing cycle:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son2 used to have to kneel on a stool to reach the strainer; now he towers over it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The juice cooking down into sauce.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One batch done; the other still in the steam-canner.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauties.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wixi3dCAELc/WY4cZ-qtnHI/AAAAAAAAEeo/m5Mqyy5Ggn04zwhLNs7npyRfP4mRkXT4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wixi3dCAELc/WY4cZ-qtnHI/AAAAAAAAEeo/m5Mqyy5Ggn04zwhLNs7npyRfP4mRkXT4ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6497.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then, there are the smaller tomatoes...cherry, grape...that we dehydrate.</td></tr>
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Exhausting work but worth it come winter.<br />
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* meteorological fall which starts September 1st<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-65905835129267090892017-08-09T09:00:00.000-04:002017-08-10T10:48:39.387-04:00Peach-y keenI have a special fondness of peaches. Not only do they taste amazing (especially the ones from Pearson Farms in Georgia), but they have a long, symbolic history in Chinese myth and lore (think Quan Yin and the Monkey King!).<br />
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Most years, we don't get enough peaches to have any after the wildlife have had their fill, the danged freeloaders. But this year, we got a bumper crop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIIkstodwiA/WYIgR-E34XI/AAAAAAAAEb0/3CrvV1spzfgJTQGRSBYKlyBOftBhq5wCACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vIIkstodwiA/WYIgR-E34XI/AAAAAAAAEb0/3CrvV1spzfgJTQGRSBYKlyBOftBhq5wCACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6395.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I picked 5 basketfuls on my own. Egg carton placed there for scale.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHjMoh4kya0/WYI9skt-TEI/AAAAAAAAEcM/rZSt7exSwpQDNre-W8Kfgx-jLF7X4SZrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HHjMoh4kya0/WYI9skt-TEI/AAAAAAAAEcM/rZSt7exSwpQDNre-W8Kfgx-jLF7X4SZrQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6406.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pretty, even butterflies want to be near them! Okay, it just wants the juice.</td></tr>
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And when you have that many peaches, you spend a lot of time processing<br />
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to come up with pies (I always have to make a pecan pie whenever I whip up pie crusts...I never make just one pie crust either)...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_AKqeUM8EI/WYIgSO5loWI/AAAAAAAAEb4/7geK2TgdrAooGQ7k_JxSgonDPLzRPPF0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B_AKqeUM8EI/WYIgSO5loWI/AAAAAAAAEb4/7geK2TgdrAooGQ7k_JxSgonDPLzRPPF0wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6428.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
and canned the rest for later use.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeT05hRqyIQ/WYIgSBOTBuI/AAAAAAAAEb8/ljXtBxTVaYsw1JYl80QDZQNRrpUx--odACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeT05hRqyIQ/WYIgSBOTBuI/AAAAAAAAEb8/ljXtBxTVaYsw1JYl80QDZQNRrpUx--odACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_6442.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 solid hours of work for me and hubby just to get 3 lousy quarts of canned peaches. No wonder people just go to the store to buy their food.</td></tr>
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We'd also frozen some peaches from this picking. When cold weather comes, I'll make more pies and maybe peach butter.<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-46501229767571052432017-08-02T14:27:00.000-04:002017-08-02T15:35:35.275-04:00Garden glory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Because it takes an extra step for me to share photos on this blog versus sharing straight to Facebook, I'd not posted here in a long time. But, since I'm in town with wifi and nothing better to do (a complete lie), I thought I'd share some gardening pictures because even though I haven't posted in a year and a half, we are still mostly small-scale homesteading.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYj2Rxn-O14/WYIX2CYLLiI/AAAAAAAAEa4/_PLTqgs3S-gnhjx4yZnW3zzkg6ppN7JpwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HYj2Rxn-O14/WYIX2CYLLiI/AAAAAAAAEa4/_PLTqgs3S-gnhjx4yZnW3zzkg6ppN7JpwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6332.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hubby among the okras.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6x-76feR3U/WYIX2a0SeSI/AAAAAAAAEbI/_zj9DpR8jZw8NS7crg-0BLdTqZhpPaTvQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h6x-76feR3U/WYIX2a0SeSI/AAAAAAAAEbI/_zj9DpR8jZw8NS7crg-0BLdTqZhpPaTvQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6334.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our grapes finally did something this year! It's because, for some strange reason, the vermin you call deer haven't mowed it to the ground like they usually do.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ay9ULTr9KM/WYIX2cS5VUI/AAAAAAAAEbA/FzLFXIn8cfMTT_oZqV7sJCNuamYvMVVtgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3ay9ULTr9KM/WYIX2cS5VUI/AAAAAAAAEbA/FzLFXIn8cfMTT_oZqV7sJCNuamYvMVVtgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6335.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peek-a-book, winter squash!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqXUII4W80k/WYIX2RBO1PI/AAAAAAAAEbE/7-icHaSDey4fMRIhIvwQ2tKZ-GeCkgrWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sqXUII4W80k/WYIX2RBO1PI/AAAAAAAAEbE/7-icHaSDey4fMRIhIvwQ2tKZ-GeCkgrWgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some sunny summer squash.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEdGpiog07Q/WYIX2nTukvI/AAAAAAAAEbM/v8D_K5KypskGEb5g4P2o17Tuu83BX7hSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEdGpiog07Q/WYIX2nTukvI/AAAAAAAAEbM/v8D_K5KypskGEb5g4P2o17Tuu83BX7hSwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6337.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn! I get so excited about corn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0RsJ_29oYY/WYIX2k4JWKI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/2NjHnDkBkY0TwpOGrATJha3Kq9l8HhIjQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0RsJ_29oYY/WYIX2k4JWKI/AAAAAAAAEbQ/2NjHnDkBkY0TwpOGrATJha3Kq9l8HhIjQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6338.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The requisite zucchini</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1o7jLMFDZVo/WYIX2j6XiHI/AAAAAAAAEbU/RCGYmD2R9q8eRld4JPF0e12HoPNyt4Q4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1o7jLMFDZVo/WYIX2j6XiHI/AAAAAAAAEbU/RCGYmD2R9q8eRld4JPF0e12HoPNyt4Q4gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6343.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have had really nice potatoes this year so far. No vole or insect damage.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FyVr0IuIj_0/WYIX20tHyoI/AAAAAAAAEbY/WBgZ9CYIynUo-Lo79WQ76ABKSi5_mCUOgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FyVr0IuIj_0/WYIX20tHyoI/AAAAAAAAEbY/WBgZ9CYIynUo-Lo79WQ76ABKSi5_mCUOgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6350.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical harvest: mostly grown, some scavenged (chanterelles).</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9gWa4-TujI/WYIX2AZixjI/AAAAAAAAEbg/6QeSwbagrzEuC_gmsMIfe_tXgItUUe_UQCEwYBhgL/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9gWa4-TujI/WYIX2AZixjI/AAAAAAAAEbg/6QeSwbagrzEuC_gmsMIfe_tXgItUUe_UQCEwYBhgL/s400/FullSizeRender%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner is served!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IFlgUC9HdM/WYIX22Auf9I/AAAAAAAAEbc/8b3aCU3VRE0tzxiuO8KHyQPxkdkiFzlxACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IFlgUC9HdM/WYIX22Auf9I/AAAAAAAAEbc/8b3aCU3VRE0tzxiuO8KHyQPxkdkiFzlxACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_6370.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And where you find zucchinis, you can find zucchini products. This was a particularly tasty muffin recipe. Very moist. I didn't need to smother them with butter like I usually do with muffins (because, IMO, the only good muffin is one that has been thoroughly killed by butter). </td></tr>
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Most things have been growing well for us this summer...except maybe tomatoes...even the peaches, which is the next post.<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-2310348105484091442016-01-11T17:28:00.000-05:002016-01-11T17:28:04.863-05:00Off to a good start!<i>When life hands you lemons, make a lovely painting with them.</i>
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That’s what I wrote in this journal, my 2016 gratitude journal. 2015 was, overall, not the best year, but I’m determined to make 2016 much better.
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I decluttered my art room workspace (symbolic of decluttering my brain), and had a productive first week of January writing-wise. I also started the year with a course on <a href="http://gotstorycountdown.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Illustrating Children’s Books taught by the marvelous Joy Chu</a> through UCSD Extension and am, once again, part of the incredible 12x12 community of picture book writers.
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I’ve signed up to go to a renowned writing workshop called <a href="http://bigsuroncapecod.com/" target="_blank">Big Sur on Cape Cod</a> for May that I’m excited about, and also plan to take advantage of the fun and helpful writing challenges like <a href="http://paulayoo.com/category/napibo/" target="_blank">NaPiBoWriWee</a> (brainchild of the multi-talented <a href="http://paulayoo.com/" target="_blank">Paula Yoo</a>) and <a href="http://taralazar.com/" target="_blank">PiBoIdMo (started by super funny and prolifc Tara Lazar</a>) that will help me focus and hone my craft.
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As well, I’ve decided that I will stop blogging here. While there are things I love about Blogger, Wordpress has improved much over the past few years, making it easier for bloggers to follow each other, “Like” posts without having to comment, post via my phone, and offering much cleaner looks/templates. So, if you’re interested in continuing to follow my blog, please pop over to <a href="http://teresarobeson.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">One Good Thing</a>. Would love to see you there!
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Ultimately, unless there is a good reason for me to keep a blog, I may, in the foreseeable future, move completely over to <a href="https://instagram.com/tmrobeson/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> whose platform I much prefer.
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-59640560810646313362016-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:002016-01-04T11:19:25.093-05:00Happy 2016!Due to my taking time off while my sister was visiting (she left for home yesterday), I don't have an actual post ready for today. But, here is a wonderful thought from my sweet friend and uber talented author, <a href="http://www.salinayoon.com/" target="_blank">Salina Yoon</a>, that I wanted to share with you.<br />
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I've promised to be bold, be brave, and to shine this year. Will you?<br />
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Be sure to check out Salina's new book in which this character is featured:<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=24846128" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vx0sjFBZFk/VoqZEg_NeUI/AAAAAAAAELs/FbeyWjuG3U8/s1600/FullSizeRender%252812%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0vx0sjFBZFk/VoqZEg_NeUI/AAAAAAAAELs/FbeyWjuG3U8/s320/FullSizeRender%252812%2529.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
Happy New Year!<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-32669565716126558532015-12-21T09:00:00.000-05:002015-12-21T09:00:01.177-05:00Do a good deed, enjoy a good read for a chance to win!Want a chance to win this awesome Millennium Falcon soap or the equally awesome <a href="http://soapsudsations.blogspot.com/2015/12/get-your-geek-on.html" target="_blank">Death Star soap</a> made by <a href="http://soapsudsations.ca/" target="_blank">Soapsudsations</a>?<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cG_cmzNjcU/VnLY1xdt_5I/AAAAAAAAELM/3XVLhY-LV-Q/s1600/Falcon.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cG_cmzNjcU/VnLY1xdt_5I/AAAAAAAAELM/3XVLhY-LV-Q/s400/Falcon.JPG" /></a><br />
Go to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TeresaRobesonAuthor/posts/10156251851605328" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>TeresaRobesonAuthor/posts/<wbr></wbr>10156251851605328</a> for details! <br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-73136483391422259102015-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:002015-11-30T09:00:03.796-05:00Daikon "cakes"Hubby grows root vegetables in the fall because the cooling days help to sweeten them up. So, this is the time of year when our daikons are harvested and he makes one of my favorite Chinese dishes, <span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class="">蘿蔔</span></span><span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="zh-TW"><span class="hps">糕 . </span></span><br />
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Many people call them "turnip cakes" but they're not made from turnips (nor are they cakes in the Western sense of the word). They're actually made with daikon. While turnips and daikons belong to the same family (Brassicaceae), they differ in genus and species. Turnips are <i>Brassica rapa</i> while daikons are <i>Raphanus sativus</i>. <br />
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We got our recipe from my aunt who made excellent daikon cakes. Ours tastes even better because our daikons are homegrown.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZmO62CST9Q/Vlu61iovhCI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/FM69LO7BuL8/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZmO62CST9Q/Vlu61iovhCI/AAAAAAAAEJ8/FM69LO7BuL8/s400/IMG_0782.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">daikon, washed and ready to be peeled</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8c0LXbsLntQ/Vlu7UGtFevI/AAAAAAAAEKE/uTXiUka7RKU/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8c0LXbsLntQ/Vlu7UGtFevI/AAAAAAAAEKE/uTXiUka7RKU/s400/IMG_0783.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hubby chopping up shiitake mushrooms and Chinese sausage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dishes of "cake" - the one in the back is raw, while the one in the front is cooked</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFG3b9PdWIU/Vlu9xLNCxWI/AAAAAAAAEKY/iETAgcVrtBw/s1600/IMG_0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFG3b9PdWIU/Vlu9xLNCxWI/AAAAAAAAEKY/iETAgcVrtBw/s400/IMG_0787.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the cakes are cooked by steaming in the wok</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBmdI4JnlF4/Vlu-IrS_zhI/AAAAAAAAEKg/RML3K3oo1P8/s1600/IMG_0792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XBmdI4JnlF4/Vlu-IrS_zhI/AAAAAAAAEKg/RML3K3oo1P8/s400/IMG_0792.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hubby likes to slice the cooked "cakes" and pan fry them so they look like ones you can get at dim sum...see picture below</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">from a little book I have on dim sum dishes</td></tr>
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We usually put hoisin and XO sauce on it before eating. That's probably the most authentic Hong Kong style to have daikon cake. Now if we can perfect rice rolls and find out how to make black sesame gelatin rolls, I can happily re-live my childhood without having to go out to eat.<br />
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Have you ever tried dim sum before? If so, what is your favorite dish?<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-56377153163967419752015-11-23T09:00:00.000-05:002015-11-23T09:00:02.945-05:00How did time go by so fast?My baby turned 18 this past week. How on earth did 18 years fly by?? I have not aged a day.<br />
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We celebrated with a chocolate coconut cake (his pick) and no fanfare, per our family tradition of no fanfare.<br />
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I miss those cute baby days somewhat, but I don't miss poopy diapers or not knowing what he was trying to communicate. Most people my age are grandparents, but I'm glad I'm not. It was exhausting being an older parents but I wouldn't do it differently if I had to re-live my life. <br />
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Have you celebrated some milestone this week? Do tell!<br />
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And a happy Thanksgiving to my American friends!<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-31129598174928405462015-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:002015-11-16T09:00:00.828-05:00That's how I rollI've made sponge cake a number of times to use in place of store-bought ladyfingers for tiramisus, but I'd never attempted a jellyroll before. I was inspired by watching The Great British Baking Show (I am so in love with that show) to try making one. Although it started out fine, it turned out...just okay.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">folding meringue into yolk mixture</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shiny, captain!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pulling a Cleopatra</td></tr>
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I put Costco's orange-mango jelly in the center and it tastes fine, but the roll wasn't tight enough and the skin had stuck to the towel it was rolled in (not enough icing sugar, I suppose), so it looked like it was recovering from a bad sunburn. *sigh*<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MgZ4MAxYpg/VkTrSVbKYEI/AAAAAAAAEJE/C-GI6K2P_P0/s1600/FullSizeRender%252820%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3MgZ4MAxYpg/VkTrSVbKYEI/AAAAAAAAEJE/C-GI6K2P_P0/s400/FullSizeRender%252820%2529.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">less than picture perfect</td></tr>
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If I make this again, I'm going to make cream roll so I can put chocolate frosting all over the outside to hide the ugly parts. Hah.<br />
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Have you ever made jellyroll before? Do you have a favorite recipe?<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-74385286294017196142015-11-02T09:00:00.000-05:002015-11-02T09:00:03.123-05:00A weekend at Better Books Marin beats Bernie'sLast weekend, I went to my last writing-related event of the year (unless our local SCBWI chapter has another autograph party this year) - <a href="http://betterbooksmarin.com/" target="_blank">Better Books Marin</a>, organized by the fabulous, indefatigable Darcey Rosenblatt. The wonderful things about this event fell into three categories:<br />
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1) The landscape<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0DOKqoyUU8/VjI9CCDJ-II/AAAAAAAAEG4/Wgzju24TFWg/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z0DOKqoyUU8/VjI9CCDJ-II/AAAAAAAAEG4/Wgzju24TFWg/s400/IMG_0508.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunrise near Las Vegas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdaLc5tQcTI/VjI9licb9nI/AAAAAAAAEHA/vhXR84qrtxA/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdaLc5tQcTI/VjI9licb9nI/AAAAAAAAEHA/vhXR84qrtxA/s400/IMG_0516.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">en route to Oakland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eijqtc94vmU/VjI-q07ISeI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/k6pAL43Cn0Y/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eijqtc94vmU/VjI-q07ISeI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/k6pAL43Cn0Y/s400/IMG_0525.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my good friend Sylvia in a rock maze at the retreat center near Petaluma</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYFm_iuUK3k/VjI-uOPl9eI/AAAAAAAAEHY/O9ioVt_2j-4/s1600/IMG_0537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYFm_iuUK3k/VjI-uOPl9eI/AAAAAAAAEHY/O9ioVt_2j-4/s400/IMG_0537.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a gorgeous layer of fog over the land at retreat center, Petaluma</td></tr>
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2) The food</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RO3Hp7Uolgg/VjI-7_sqXbI/AAAAAAAAEHg/aXSXJ-QqDkw/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RO3Hp7Uolgg/VjI-7_sqXbI/AAAAAAAAEHg/aXSXJ-QqDkw/s400/IMG_0519.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the authentic Chinese meal that Sylvia's mother cooked for us the one night we stayed there</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVgdWUduORA/VjI_KleWDOI/AAAAAAAAEHo/cPOqGwX4FZs/s1600/IMG_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVgdWUduORA/VjI_KleWDOI/AAAAAAAAEHo/cPOqGwX4FZs/s320/IMG_0549.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the buffet table at the retreat center, full of fresh, locally-grown foods</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFVWkgUv0Zg/VjI_N9zOeeI/AAAAAAAAEHw/P1Lf5XDwCRc/s1600/IMG_0550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFVWkgUv0Zg/VjI_N9zOeeI/AAAAAAAAEHw/P1Lf5XDwCRc/s400/IMG_0550.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">breakfast fare with eggs, fried potatoes, and lots of berries</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_h9og3tQrZ4/VjI_SKbLtMI/AAAAAAAAEH4/H58wbbqELg4/s1600/IMG_0536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_h9og3tQrZ4/VjI_SKbLtMI/AAAAAAAAEH4/H58wbbqELg4/s400/IMG_0536.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I kept wolfing down my meals before I remembered to take a photo</td></tr>
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3) The workshop itself and the fun folks there<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOCPLDtBmWU/VjJCKKDykxI/AAAAAAAAEIE/MwxvfO1q9oc/s1600/IMG_0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOCPLDtBmWU/VjJCKKDykxI/AAAAAAAAEIE/MwxvfO1q9oc/s400/IMG_0541.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">last night together, playing Cards Against Humanity...ensuing hilarity</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FloSvgBd7AY/VjJCNNLoyTI/AAAAAAAAEIM/ft7v5GAr4aU/s1600/IMG_0551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FloSvgBd7AY/VjJCNNLoyTI/AAAAAAAAEIM/ft7v5GAr4aU/s400/IMG_0551.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the amazing and insightful critique group I was in</td></tr>
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The only category that I still have after returning home is the food. Thanks to hubby's gardening and cooking skills, I rarely go somewhere where the food is better than at home. I just don't have to wash dishes when I'm elsewhere. <br />
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What was your best trip of the year, and what did you like the most about it?<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-57999120097187423832015-10-26T09:20:00.000-04:002015-10-26T09:20:00.054-04:00Yes, I am crazy; thanks for noticingBecause <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a> may not take up enough of my time (heavy on the sarcasm), I also plan to work on <a href="http://taralazar.com/2015/10/25/piboidmo-2015-registration-is-open/" target="_blank">PiBoIdMo</a>. One can't have enough acronyms in one's life, I suppose.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mlj09_EtDU/Vizj28A_t_I/AAAAAAAAEGo/DbqxCbu77H8/s1600/piboidmo2015participant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Mlj09_EtDU/Vizj28A_t_I/AAAAAAAAEGo/DbqxCbu77H8/s400/piboidmo2015participant.png" width="400" /></a></div>
I sort of feel like I have to because <a href="http://taralazar.com/" target="_blank">Tara Lazar</a> is fabulous and the logo this year is designed by my super-talented buddy <a href="http://www.troycummings.net/" target="_blank">Troy Cummings</a>.<br /><br />
Plus, you know: prizes! Check it out if you write or want to write picture books. <br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-31373430136147127842015-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:002015-10-19T08:00:12.672-04:00Because I'm a sucker for punishmentGuess what I'm doing this year?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z12O7ul0f7w/ViFndpefWAI/AAAAAAAAEGM/CIPs0OAXuaA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-16%2Bat%2B12.01.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z12O7ul0f7w/ViFndpefWAI/AAAAAAAAEGM/CIPs0OAXuaA/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-16%2Bat%2B12.01.51%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you ever tried <a href="http://nanowrimo.org/" target="_blank">NaNoWriMo</a>? Are you doing it this year? Buddy me if you are!<br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-16975768696305177222015-10-12T07:30:00.000-04:002015-10-12T07:30:02.823-04:00Is it too early for resolutions?Maybe it's because I'm old(er), or maybe it's because it's close to the end of the year (with more downs than ups), but I'm already thinking about making resolutions.<br />
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For 2016, I vow not to take any more classes or workshops. I plan to limit myself to one conference only...one where I will meet up with some writing friends who live far from me so we can have our little annual social gathering.<br />
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I spent way too much on classes, workshops, and conferences this past year. I'd say that it was about a 30% yield on my investment, though I will admit that it was partly my fault.<br />
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Next year, I will just stay home and write, do art, and indulge in hobbies such as baking things like this: <br />
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I will get back to doing creative things because I love to do them, not because I want to be published or sell my art. I've put this out in a blog post because I want you all to hold me accountable. :)<br />
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Did you have a nice 2015 or are you also looking back with some regrets and have already started planning for a better 2016? <br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24846128.post-48999709382395480932015-09-28T16:30:00.003-04:002015-09-28T16:30:34.919-04:00You know what bugs me?Remember this critter?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ0svpcM3sw/VgmdCb5T_-I/AAAAAAAAEDY/bI5j67rRkeE/s1600/IMG_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JJ0svpcM3sw/VgmdCb5T_-I/AAAAAAAAEDY/bI5j67rRkeE/s320/IMG_0187.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, that's not the only creepy crawly (or fascinating crawly, depending on your outlook) around our place.<br />
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There's also:<br />
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And this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUD-hO6BD6E/VgmgqwnpAZI/AAAAAAAAEDs/psYpxi46ZwE/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUD-hO6BD6E/VgmgqwnpAZI/AAAAAAAAEDs/psYpxi46ZwE/s400/IMG_0283.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crowned slug caterpilla</td></tr>
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As well as this unfortunate katydid:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djBrzWOD7iw/Vgmg0hotRzI/AAAAAAAAED0/WfW6omd2H9M/s1600/IMG_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-djBrzWOD7iw/Vgmg0hotRzI/AAAAAAAAED0/WfW6omd2H9M/s400/IMG_0216.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
suffered its demise at the hands (all 8 of them) of this muscle-bound monster"<br />
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This freaky thing ^ has now moved over to cover our front door. Dang...it's almost as big as bird-eating spiders in Australia! I hope nobody tries to knock on our front door.<br />
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What is the weirdest insect you've seen in and around your home? <br />
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"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." ~ Douglas AdamsTeresa Robesonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848939225552527941noreply@blogger.com