Paper Piecing: Acorn

These paper piecings are 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" and made from scrapbook-safe products.
$1.50
To order, contact scrap.master.pam@rogers.com

Lottery

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Lottery

Imagine you won $500,000 in the lottery. How would things change in your life? Is that enough to quit your job, pay off your debt, or do what you want?

I would like to say that I would give all my money to my family and charities . . . but I wouldn't.  They would get some . . . but . . . 

I would like to fulfill a dream my hubby and I have had for as long as I can remember to buy a motor home and travel.  I don't want a big fancy motor home.  I want one like we rented a few years ago that slept 6 but would still fit in the drive thru of most Tim Hortons.  We would travel Canada and the northern U.S. in the summer and fall and the southern US. in the winter and spring.  We would stay as long as we enjoyed where we were and then we would move on.  We would blog, write articles, take photos, letterbox and just enjoy.

My Tiny WalMart Photo Centre Protest

I have used WalMart's Photo Centre for photo processing for as long as I can remember until one day when I went to process an order and there was a new policy.  You have to pay for the photos in advance with a credit card.  Now let me just say I do understand having to pay for really large orders in advance . . . but . . . that wasn't the case here.  So I had a little protest . . . 

I generally pay for online purchases with prepaid credit cards (gift cards or whatever you want to call them) and I had a few lying around with small amounts of money left on them so I placed multiple orders of anywhere from 5 to 25 photos and gradually used up all the money on the gift cards.  

Here's what I picked up the next day . . . 

I order my photos from Superstore's Photolab now.  They only request a credit card on orders over $75.00 and they are just across the parking lot from WalMart.

Downtown

TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2014

Tanka Tuesday: Downtown

It's time for the next installment of Tanka Tuesday!

Tanka is a form of poetry similar to haiku. It's short, and the lines don't need to rhyme. The just must have a set number of syllables: 5/7/5/7/7.

For more about tanka, see the original post here.

Today's tanka prompt is: downtown.

like Cinderella 

and not a moment too soon 

big change is coming 

a historic part of our 

town will rise from the rubble

Forrest Gump (1994)

A while back I took a "quiz" on Facebook to determine how many of the top 250 movies of all time. I had actually seen. I scored 100 out of the 250 movies that were listed. If I was unsure about seeing a movie I didn't check it off so my score could possibly be much higher.

And then I started thinking that perhaps instead of binge watching old TV series I should binge watch movies. I decided just to take on the top 100 movies for a starter. Now I'm very sure I am going to agree with quite a few of the entries on this list but I already know I'm going to argue about a few as well.

So here is #7 of the top 100 Movies of all time according to IMDB:

Forrest Gump (1994)

Who doesn't love Tom Hanks?




In fact, some days I'd like to be Forrest Gump. 

Forrest Gump, is considered slow-witted, but thanks to his Mother he was never left out of anything.  In fact, he had many adventures including being a college football star, a soldier in Vietnam, the captain of a fishing boat, and a ping pong champion, These adventures have allowed him to be part of many historic moments.  It is an awesome story.

Academy Awards, USA 1995 Won

Best Picture
Wendy Finerman
Steve Starkey
Steve Tisch

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Tom Hanks

Best Director
Robert Zemeckis

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Eric Roth

Best Film Editing
Arthur Schmidt

Best Effects, Visual Effects
Ken Ralston
George Murphy
Stephen Rosenbaum
Allen Hall

Nominated

Oscar Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Gary Sinise

Best Cinematography
Don Burgess

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Rick Carter
Nancy Haigh

Best Sound
Randy Thom
Tom Johnson
Dennis S. Sands
William B. Kaplan

Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing
Gloria S. Borders
Randy Thom

Best Makeup
Daniel C. Striepeke
Hallie D'Amore
Judith A. Cory

Best Music, Original Score
Alan Silvestri

Artwork

MONDAY, AUGUST 4, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Artwork

Do you own any pieces of art? Tell me about them?

Hal was working in a customer's basement many many years ago and spotted this painting.  He loved it and mentioned that to the customer . . . who gave it to him.

We contacted the artist, Gaston Petridis, at some point and were told our painting could be valued as much as $2000.  That was exciting.  No, Hal has no interest in selling it.  He still loves it.

If you would like to see a few more of Petridis' works, check out this link.

To clear or not to clear?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/06/23/no-you-may-not-clear-my-plate-the-most-annoying-restaurant-trend-happening-today/?tid=sm_fb


So anyway . . . this article shows up in my Facebook news feed the other day and it got me thinking. My usual pet peeve in restaurants is that they don't clear the dishes away quickly enough but this article got me looking at the whole thing from a different angle.

Without my permission, restaurants have abandoned, or simply overlooked, a classic tenet of service etiquette (I'm talking about entrees, not the ubiquitous small plates, which demand a different etiquette). Rather than clear plates once everyone at the table has finished the meal, which has long been the custom, servers instead hover over diners, fingers twitching, until the very instant someone puts down a fork. Like vultures, they then promptly snatch up the silverware -- along with everything else in front of the customer. If you're lucky, they might ask permission before stealing your plate.
When a server clears a plate before everyone is finished, he or she leaves the table with a mess of subtle but important signals. Those who are still eating are made to feel as though they are holding others up; those who are not are made to feel as though they have rushed the meal. What was originally a group dining experience becomes a group exercise in guilt.

Here's an article on table clearing etiquette:


Silent Serving code
This just shows the waiters whether or not you are done with your meal.
If between the meal you need to leave the table for any reason, criss cross the fork and knife to show you are not done with your food to avoid the waiter clearing away your plate.

When you are done with your meal, your knife and fork should be placed diagonally from upper left to lower right. (imagine the plate as the face of a clock 11 to 5 position) The knife stay untop while the fork stays down. This will tell the waiter to clear up your plate.

http://bodylinebyella.blogspot.ca/2015/03/dinning-etiquette.html

So now I'm wondering which is worse . . . not clearing or clearing too soon. I'd like to hear your opinions.

Procrastination

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Procrastination

What are you procrastinating on right now?

(Procrastinating on? Procrastinating about? Procrastinating over? How do you say that, anyway?)

I admit it.  I am the world's greatest procrastinator when I really really really don't want to do something . . . but my biggest problem is that I want to do too many things and I run out of time . . . to do the thing I don't want to do . . .

Dinosaur #2

This paper piecing is 4.5" x 6" and made from scrapbook-safe materials.
$3.50
To order, contact scrap.master.pam@rogers.com

The Birth House by Ami McKay

You may have noticed once or twice that I am a huge fan of lists. So here is another interesting list, 100 Novels the Make You Proud to be Canadian. I've only read 5 of the 100 novels. That`s rather sad. The books I have read from this list are all in my Amazing category.

The Birth House by Ami McKay

I do believe my sister Nancy gave me this book to read.  I really enjoyed it.  It was a good solid read and I personally like historical fiction, even when it isn't set far in the past.

I'm almost scared to get into any sort of serious discussion about this book after reading a few reviews and seeing the lines in the sand drawn between the I-don't-get-it-I'm-confused group vs. the scary-feminist-agenda-making-women-who-give-birth-in-hospital-feel-bad group vs. . . . blah blah blah.

Let me tell you this . . . it is a well written story, there appears to be a great attention to the details, and it is hard to put down once you start reading it.  If the author did have a hidden agenda I don't really care.  I will leave the high-brow discussions to others.

Enjoy.

Six Word . . . Tuesday . . .

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2014

Six Word Saturday

Describe your life or current situation using exactly six words.

resting up for crazy busy ahead

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

A while back I took a "quiz" on Facebook to determine how many of the top 250 movies of all time. I had actually seen. I scored 100 out of the 250 movies that were listed. If I was unsure about seeing a movie I didn't check it off so my score could possibly be much higher.

And then I started thinking that perhaps instead of binge watching old TV series I should binge watch movies. I decided just to take on the top 100 movies for a starter. Now I'm very sure I am going to agree with quite a few of the entries on this list but I already know I'm going to argue about a few as well.

So here is #5 of the top 100 Movies of all time according to IMDB:

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

I loved loved loved this movie. Of course I don't think I've ever seen a Morgan Freeman movie I didn't love.



Tim Robbins plays a man who is found guilty of murdering his wife and her lover. He is innocent but I guess that doesn't matter. The movie is about his life in prison and his friendship with Red, played by Morgan Freeman.



I really love the ending but I'm not going to give it away in case you've never seen the movie yet.

I can't believe they didn't win any Oscars. The movie was nominated for:

Best Picture
Niki Marvin

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Morgan Freeman

Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Frank Darabont

Best Cinematography
Roger Deakins

Best Sound
Robert J. Litt
Elliot Tyson
Michael Herbick
Willie D. Burton

Best Film Editing
Richard Francis-Bruce

Best Music, Original Score
Thomas Newman

Acceptable Addictions

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Acceptable Addictions

There are many addictions, such as drug addiction, that are judged harshly in our society. Are there any addictions that are considered acceptable or even healthy?

I think an addiction to a healthy lifestyle or hiking or learning . . . things like that . . . could be considered acceptable or even healthy.  I'm not sure what to say about my crafting addiction.



Try this quiz to see if you are a scrapbooking addict?



Are You a Scrapbooking Addict?

Results:  Scrapbooking Addict

You're officially over the edge. You know just about all the paper-arts manufacturers, and probably visit their blogs and websites to see pictures of their new releases months before products ship to your local scrapbooking store. You most likely have a scrapbooking room (or dream about it) that's maximized for efficiency and creativity. Your tool collection is so impressive that your husband often sneaks a peek when he's working on home repairs. You've spent a small fortune over the years on scrapbooking supplies, but hope that realizing your dream of teaching and designing will one day offset expenses.

Diploma

These 1.5" x 4.5" paper piecings are made with scrapbook-safe materials.
$2.00
To order, contact scrap.master.pam@rogers.com

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The book is narrated in free indirect speech following the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with matters of upbringing, marriage, moral rightness and education in her aristocratic society. Though the book's setting is uniquely turn of the 19th century, it remains a fascination of modern readership, continuing to remain at the top of lists titled "most loved books of all time", and receiving considerable attention from literary critics. This modern interest has resulted in a number of dramatic adaptations and a plethora of books developing Austen's memorable characters further.
- Wikipedia

The 20th greatest fiction book of all time according to The Greatest Books.

The first time I remember reading Pride & Prejudice was for a first year English class at Western.  I have read this book several times since and enjoyed it more each time.

Definitely a winner on my list of great reads.

This book is on the following lists:

- 1st on The 100 Favorite Novels of Librarians (Bookman.com)
- 2nd on Harvard Book Store Staff's Favorite 100 Books (Harvard Book Store)
- 3rd on Entertainment Weekly's Top 100 Novels (Entertainment Weekly)
- 11th on The Telegraph’s 100 Novels Everyone Should Read (Telegraph)
- 13th on El Pais Favorite Books of 100 Spanish Authors (El Pais)
- 16th on The 100 Greatest Novels (greatbooksguide.com)
- 22nd on The Top 10: The Greatest Books of All Time (The Top 10 (Book))
- 40th on The Novel 100: A Ranking of the Greatest Novels of All Time (The Novel 100)
- 48th on 100 Best Books (Montana State University)
- 87th on 100 Essential Books (Bravo! Magazine)
- Great Books (The Learning Channel)
- Finest Works of Fiction (Martin Seymour-Smith and Editors)
- Best Books Ever (bookdepository.com)
- 100 Life-Changing Books (National Book Award)
- The Graphic Canon (Book)
- How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Reading List (Thomas C. Foster)
- The 100 Greatest Books Ever Written (Easton Press)
- Select 100 (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)
- 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime (Amazon.com (UK))
- The Great Books Reader (Book)
- 110 Best Books: The Perfect Library (The Telegraph)
- 50 Books to Read Before You Die (Barnes and Noble)
- Top 100 Works in World Literature (Norwegian Book Clubs, with the Norwegian Nobel Institute)
- 50 Greatest Books of All Time (Globe and Mail)
- 100 Books to Read in a Lifetime (Amazon.com (USA))
- W. Somerset Maugham’s Ten Greatest Novels of All Time (Great Novelists and Their Novels)
- Books That Changed the World: The 50 Most Influential Books in Human History (Book)
- The New Lifetime Reading Plan (The New Lifetime Reading Plan)
- Masterpieces of World Literature (Frank N. Magill)
- The Book of Great Books: A Guide to 100 World Classics (Book)
- From Zero to Well-Read in 100 Books (Jeff O'Neal at Bookriot.com)

Cooking

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Cooking

What was the last thing you cooked?

Does it count as cooking if I grill hamburgers on my electric grill?  They were good with a little chili sauce.

Canadian Flag

These paper piecings are 3" x 4" and made from scrapbook safe materials.
$2.00
To order, contact scrap.master.pam@rogers.com

Canada Heart

These paper piecings are 3" x 4" and made with scrapbook-safe materials.
$2.00
To order, contact scrap.master.pam@rogers.com

Alias Grace

You may have noticed once or twice that I am a huge fan of lists. So here is another interesting list, 100 Novels the Make You Proud to be Canadian. I've only read 5 of the 100 novels. That`s rather sad. The books I have read from this list are all in my Amazing category.


Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

I cannot believe I've never posted about this book.  I loved it.  More twists and turns than a mountain road.  

Alias Grace is a historical fiction based on the true life case of Grace Marks, a young maid who murdered her employer and possibly the housekeeper.  Atwood fleshes out the story and takes the reader on quite the ride while trying to decide on Grace's guilt or innocence.  Grace's life including her time in an asylum and prison is well told.  

I recommend this book highly.

Environmentalism

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Environmentalism

Do you take any steps to protect your environment, such as recycling, helping wildlife, or planting local plants?

Sadly, I am not as active in protecting our environment as I wish.  I do try and think twice about my actions that might leave a "footprint" on the environment.  Recycling is not available in our apartment building but I do use the recycling bins when I am someplace where they are available.  

The Godfather Part II

A while back I took a "quiz" on Facebook to determine how many of the top 250 movies of all time. I had actually seen. I scored 100 out of the 250 movies that were listed. If I was unsure about seeing a movie I didn't check it off so my score could possibly be much higher.

And then I started thinking that perhaps instead of binge watching old TV series I should binge watch movies. I decided just to take on the top 100 movies for a starter. Now I'm very sure I am going to agree with quite a few of the entries on this list but I already know I'm going to argue about a few as well.

So here is #4 of the top 100 Movies of all time according to IMDB:

The Godfather:  Part II (1974)

The adventures, trials and tribulations of the Corleone family continue.  Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton.

The two Roberts are still on my list of favourite actors today.

At the Oscars . . . 

Won

Best Picture
Francis Ford Coppola
Gray Frederickson
Fred Roos
The movie became the first sequel to win the best picture award.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro was not present at the awards ceremony. Francis Ford Coppola accepted the award on  his behalf

Best Director
Francis Ford Coppola

Best Writing, Screenplay Adapted From Other Material
Francis Ford Coppola
Mario Puzo

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Dean Tavoularis
Angelo P. Graham
George R. Nelson

Best Music, Original Dramatic Score
Nino Rota
Carmine Coppola
Nino Rota was not present at the awards ceremony.

Nominated

Best Actor in a Leading Role
Al Pacino

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Michael V. Gazzo

Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Lee Strasberg

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Talia Shire

Best Costume Design
Theadora Van Runkle

Change

TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2014

Tanka Tuesday: Change

It's time for the next installment of Tanka Tuesday!

Tanka is a form of poetry similar to haiku. It's short, and the lines don't need to rhyme. The just must have a set number of syllables: 5/7/5/7/7.

For more about tanka, see the original post here.

Today's tanka prompt is change.

pennies nickels dimes 

quarters that's what change was when 

I was growing up 

the penny is gone but we 

now have loonies and twonies

Mortarboard and Diploma #1

This paper piecing is 3 pieces made from scrapbook-safe materials.
$3.50
To order, contact scrap.master.pam@rogers.com

Titanic (1997)

A while back I took a "quiz" on Facebook to determine how many of the top 250 movies of all time. I had actually seen. I scored 100 out of the 250 movies that were listed. If I was unsure about seeing a movie I didn't check it off so my score could possibly be much higher.

And then I started thinking that perhaps instead of binge watching old TV series I should binge watch movies. I decided just to take on the top 100 movies for a starter. Now I'm very sure I am going to agree with quite a few of the entries on this list but I already know I'm going to argue about a few as well.

So here is #3 of the top 100 Movies of all time according to IMDB:

Titanic (1997)




I love this movie . . . for a couple of reasons you might find really strange.

#1  It is an epic movie.  It just is.  Big boat.  Big love story.  Big adventure.  Big finish.

#2  Rose isn't your usual helpless female character counting on the man to save her from everything.  She fights as hard as Jack does to save themselves and those around them. 

#3  Okay, admit it.  What "old" Rose does at the end of the movie is perfect.  Just perfect.




Academy Awards, USA 1998

Won

Oscar Best Picture
James Cameron
Jon Landau

Best Director
James Cameron

Best Cinematography
Russell Carpenter

Best Art Direction-Set Decoration
Peter Lamont (art director)
Michael Ford (set decorator)

Best Costume Design
Deborah Lynn Scott

Best Sound
Gary Rydstrom
Tom Johnson
Gary Summers
Mark Ulano

Best Film Editing
Conrad Buff IV
James Cameron
Richard A. Harris

Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing
Tom Bellfort
Christopher Boyes

Best Effects, Visual Effects
Robert Legato
Mark A. Lasoff
Thomas L. Fisher
Michael Kanfer

Best Music, Original Song
James Horner (music)
Will Jennings (lyrics)

For the song "My Heart Will Go On", performed by Céline Dion.
Best Music, Original Dramatic Score
James Horner

Nominated

Oscar Best Actress in a Leading Role
Kate Winslet

Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Gloria Stuart

Best Makeup
Tina Earnshaw
Greg Cannom

Fancy

MONDAY, JULY 28, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Fancy

When was the last time you dressed up / got into formal wear?

The last time I got all fancied up was when Hal and I participated in a Valentine's Day Vow Renewal sponsored by our local radio station.  It was so much fun getting my hair done and make up and the fancy new dress.  Even Hal went out and got a new suit.  

Here's what we looked like at the vow renewal before the reception . . . 

Hamlet

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, or more simply Hamlet, is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1599 and 1601. The play, set in Denmark, recounts how Prince Hamlet exacts revenge on his uncle Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet's father, the King, and then taken the throne and married Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. The play vividly charts the course of real and feigned madness—from overwhelming grief to seething rage—and explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption.
- Wikipedia


I've read this book more than once. Didn't we all have to read it in high school? My favourite part was the ending. Hamlet and Laertles duel. Laertes sword, which is poisoned, pricks Hamlet so he is going to die. Hamlet's mother drinks poisoned wine and dies. Hamlet makes the King drink the wine and he dies. Hamlet dies.

This is the 5th greatest fiction book of all time according to http://thegreatestbooks.org/items/481

This book is also on the following lists:
- 3rd on 100 Essential Books (Bravo! Magazine)
- 10th on The Top 10: The Greatest Books of All Time (The Top 10 (Book))
- 11th on El Pais Favorite Books of 100 Spanish Authors (El Pais)
- 88th on Harvard Book Store Staff's Favorite 100 Books (Harvard Book Store)
- How to Read and Why (Harold Bloom)
- The Graphic Canon (Book)
- How to Read Literature Like a Professor: A Reading List (Thomas C. Foster)
- The 100 Greatest Books Ever Written (Easton Press)
- Great Books (Anthony O'Hear)
- Top 100 Works in World Literature (Norwegian Book Clubs, with the Norwegian Nobel Institute)
- 50 Books to Read Before You Die (Barnes and Noble)
- 50 Books to (Re-)Read at 50 (nextavenue)
- The Book of Great Books: A Guide to 100 World Classics (Book)
- From Zero to Well-Read in 100 Books (Jeff O'Neal at Bookriot.com)

Weekend

SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Weekend

What does an ideal weekend morning look like to you?

My ideal Saturday morning involves sleeping in . . . but not too late . . . maybe 10ish.  Shower and comfy clothes . . . maybe a red lipstick and sunglasses.  Stroll through the Horton Farmer's Market enjoying an apple fritter and buying fresh produce, meat and anything else that appeals to me.  I wish they would stay open until 1 pm just so I would have more time to meander without the horror of having to get up earlier.

. . . and now for the rest of the day . . . 

Home for nice simple lunch involving some of the market purchases and then in the afternoon I would like to have an adventure.  That part doesn't often happen . . . but I keep hoping.  I don't care if it is visiting someone, a car ride, letterboxing, a photo op, time with the kids and grandkids . . . just something.

Supper should be homemade and then a quiet evening watching a movie . . . 

How's that for pretty darned ideal?

419 by Will Ferguson

1. You may have noticed once or twice that I am a huge fan of lists. So here is another interesting list, 100 Novels the Make You Proud to be Canadian. I've only read 5 of the 100 novels. That`s rather sad. The books I have read from this list are all in my Amazing category.
2. 
   
3. 419 scams are a type of fraud and one of the most common types of confidence trick. The scam typically involves promising the victim a significant share of a large sum of money, which the fraudster requires a small up-front payment to obtain.

The last Will Ferguson book I read was Canadian Pie.  419 is so completely different and it is "genius" just as the cover says.

This book is about the effects of a 419 scam on a family and it also tells no much about life on the other side of the world where the scam that caused a Canadian father to take his own life originates. 

The writing is absorbing and cinematic.  This is one of those books you won't want to put down until the very last page.

Six Word . . . Wednesday

SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2014

Six Word Saturday!

Describe your life or current situation using exactly six words.

In My World it is actually Wednesday . . . so here's my six word Wednesday . . . 

Working Wednesday Dreaded To Do List

Mouse

This paper piecing is made from scrapbook-safe materials.
2.5" x 3.5"
$3.00
To order, scrap.master.pam@rogers.com

Spy (2015)

You must go see Spy . . . because it is awesome and it stars Melissa McCarthy who I absolutely love.

I just came home from cheap night at the movies and this is the movie we saw . . . and it was hysterically funny!!!!!



. . . and the best part is that only a couple of funny bits are in the trailer . . . there is so much more to see.



. . . and it has my favourite Call the Midwife actor, Miranda Hart . . . Chummy!!!!

Weirdo

FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Weirdo

Who's the weirdest person - family member, roommate - you ever lived with?

weird·o
ˈwirdō/
noun
informal
a person whose dress or behavior seems strange or eccentric.

I know so many weirdos that I'm not sure where to start. I think I will just give you a few quick examples.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

A while back I took a "quiz" on Facebook to determine how many of the top 250 movies of all time. I had actually seen. I scored 100 out of the 250 movies that were listed. If I was unsure about seeing a movie I didn't check it off so my score could possibly be much higher.

And then I started thinking that perhaps instead of binge watching old TV series I should binge watch movies. I decided just to take on the top 100 movies for a starter. Now I'm very sure I am going to agree with quite a few of the entries on this list but I already know I'm going to argue about a few as well.

So here is #2 of the top 100 Movies of all time according to IMDB:

Star Wars:  Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)



I can't say I am a huge fan of the Star Wars franchise . . . but I do like it quite a bit.  I think it is very clever.  And I can't believe I never questioned why the first movie was called Episode IV.

It has a great and swashbuckling story line and great special effects, especially for the times.  "Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."  I stole this from IMDB because I couldn't have said it better myself.

I think a steamy summer day should be devoted to watching all the Star Wars movies while hugging your air conditioner and eating ice cream.



I like that . . . the story of a boy, a girl and a universe . . . 

Caught Dead

THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: Caught Dead

What item would you simply not be caught dead owning, wearing, or using?



So my imagination must be short  circuiting this morning because I couldn't think of an answer to this question.  And then I made the mistake of Google-ing "things I would not be caught dead with".  That was a mistake.  Wow . . . there sure is a lot of strange and ugly out there and chances are I wouldn't be caught dead with any of them.

Frog with Daisy #2

This paper piecing is 2" x 4.5" and made with scrapbook-safe materials.
$3.50
To order, contact scrap.master.pam@rogers.com

Frog with Daisy #1

This paper piecing is 2.5" x 4.5" and made with scrapbook-safe materials.
$3.50
To order, contact scrap.master.pam@rogers.com

Recipe - Roasted Asparagus

Recipe - Roasted Asparagus

4 servings Preparation 10 min  Cooking 10 min 100 calories per serving  Ingredients 40 asparagus, average size 800 g 3 tbsp olive oil 45 mL 1 pinch salt [optional] 0.1 g Method Preheat the oven to 230ºC/450ºF. Clean the asparagus, then lay them on an oiled baking tray. Coat thoroughly with oil, then season with salt. Cook in the middle of the oven until the asparagus change colour, about 8-10 min, depending on their size. Shake the tray a couple times during cooking, so that the asparagus will grill evenly. Alternatively, asparagus may be wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked on an outdoor grill at 'medium-high'. For small quantities, asparagus may also be sautéed in a pan on the stovetop. Serve.

License Plate

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2014

Today's Writing Prompt: License Plate

If you had a personalized license plate, what would it say?



OOO OOO OOO . . . this one is easy . . . 

THAS NIS

Recipe - Brined Salmon with Maple Syrup

Recipe - Brined Salmon with Maple Syrup

4 servings Brining 4 h  Preparation 10 min  Cooking 10 min 210 calories per serving  Ingredients 3 cups water 750 mL 3 tbsp coarse salt 55 g 1 pinch peppercorns 1 g 3/4 tsp lemon zest, finely grated 1/4 lemon 1/3 cup maple syrup 85 mL 600 g salmon fillet 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil 23 mL Before you start Be sure to precisely measure the salt amount and not to exceed the brining time, otherwise the final result may be too salty. Keep the serving plates in the oven at the lowest setting so they are warm when you serve. Method Pour the water and salt in a bowl or shallow mould, then mix well until the salt is dissolved. Lightly crush the peppercorns then add them to the brine. Add the grated zest and maple syrup. Remove and discard the skin of the salmon, then put the salmon in the brine. Cover the salmon completely with the brine (Depending on the size of the bowl, it may be necessary to add some additional brine to cover the salmon: you will need 1 tablespoon of salt for every cup of water). Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 h (maximum overnight). Take the salmon out of the brine, pat it dry using paper towels, then cut it into serving size pieces. Discard the brine. Heat the oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Sear the salmon, 2 min per side, until a light gold crust is formed. Lower the heat to 'low' and cook an additional 4-5 min. Check with a fork to see if the fish is cooked through. Serve on the warmed plate