2.9.10 ~ Be watching MORE Snow Fall!!!!

Yes, you read that right, more snow is falling and with the expectation of at least another foot of the white stuff falling in the next two days my county has closed schools for the week. There are people who still haven't been plowed out from the last storm on Friday/Saturday and now all the plows have to go back and re-plow the main roads again once this new foot of white fluff is done....it's a little hard to believe. But before the snow began my husband and I were invited to a mid week breakfast date with some friends - a rarity for sure!

dear pals Jennifer & Darlene

I can't help but think that in many ways this snow storm has been good - good for getting us isolated Americans out of our homes and out shoveling and chatting with our neighbors, visiting with strangers as we wait in the enormous grocery lines, getting us out for neighborhood sledding and snowball fights, and allowing for unexpected fun like a breakfast out with 6 full time working adults on a Tuesday morning. So, no matter how much I may loathe the snow shovel right now, I must admit that God knows what he's doing and what we might need, even if it's not so fun to clean up (I know, again with the shoveling...).

p.s. Our ever growing snowy adventure pictures are here. :)

2.8.10 ~ It's Not About Me Mondays - Passionate Giving

Anyone want to help shovel?!? I'm ready to be done...

Last night we were walking by a senior center in our neighborhood and saw a Red Cross Shelter Trailer unloading supplies into the building. It struck me that their were some cars in the barely plowed parking lot and then I realized that the senior center had probably become a shelter for those needing a place to go to get out of the cold, like homeless people or families that had lost power due to the storm. I was struck by watching the workers and volunteers bringing in more supplies. The whole building was lit up and seemed to be a warm inviting place. Thinking about it I am impressed by the dedication of these people to go out in the midst of this mess and storm to ensure the safety of others in such a simple but critical way. I didn't have a clue this happened right down the street from me!

Have you ever noticed how your close friends and family have different causes that they are passionate about? I have some I hold dear that are passionate about helping the troops, some who feel a burden to help the elderly, and some who work with the homeless. As I've thought about this, I have come to the (unscientific) conclusion that this is God's way of making sure the needed bases are covered, so to speak. If we all were passionate about caring for homeless animals what would happen to orphans or medical missions? God's given us each an issue or two that sparks our passion to jump in help, give of ourselves, our time, our energy, our finances. If we were all listening to what our hearts are lead maybe all of the worthy causes out there in our big wide world would find solutions to the problems they tackle daily.

Maybe you already know what cause ignites your desire to help, perhaps you don't. Today's mission is to find and connect to a cause you are passionate about. I'm not saying you need to go volunteer, give money or even get involved with this cause yet - just identify it and find some organizations that provide opportunities to get involved. This will take a little research on your part, but it will plant a seed of where you can go when you might have some time or energy or money to give to a cause that you feel drawn to. And my friends, we are too quickly tempted to spend our time, energy and money solely on ourselves (necessary at times, but not ALL the time) so if we have our connection made, we can channel towards that need when the time is right in our lives.

I believe deeply in the call to give back in the Christian faith. I know this takes on different forms and I'm not going to debate all the options. But I do know that Christians are asked to live as Jesus lived and He lived to help and serve others, thus so should we. But in God's infinite wisdom He did not create us all the same, so search your heart and find your passion. Then think about how you can make it a part of your life on a regular basis - the blessing will be given but also received. Here are some resources to begin your search:

General Search - http://www.charitynavigator.org/

Get involved in YOUR community - http://www.volunteermatch.org/ (I've used this and found it a great resource!)


Medical Missions - http://www.doctorswithoutborders.com/

Homelessness - http://www.nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/

Supporting our Troops - http://www.uso.org/whoweare/findyourlocaluso/

Orphans - Disclaimer - this is MY passion so I'm sharing my two favorite organizations to give to and work with. If this is your passion too think about which region of the world you might be drawn to and search for legitimate orphanages in that region...or use mine :)
http://www.halfthesky.org/
http://www.edengardenorphanage.info/

Animals - http://www.spcai.org/?s=spca&c=00000

International Aid Organizations - Search for CARE, ADRA, or Red Cross

Might I also suggest l0oking into: illiteracy, women's shelters, feeding the homeless, mentorship programs, homeless shelters, visiting a local nursing home, collecting and donating food to a local organization, see what your church is involved with, picking up trash in your neighborhood, tutoring programs....the list is nearly endless...spend some time thinking, praying and researching. Find your way to be one of God's "angels!"

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives.

~Tracy Chapman

2.7.10 ~ Be Shoveling and Shoveling and Shoveling....

Snowy Sunset

After a wallop of up to 40 inches in some areas, 28 for us, we are attempting to dig out...it hurts. Seriously we shoveled for way too many hours yesterday and just when we finished a plow came by and pushed a icy packed pile of snow 6 feet wide and four feet high into our driveway and sidewalk path. Happy to have a plow come through, sad to shovel more. Schools been canceled until Tuesday because they just can't get to all the neighborhoods to plow peoples roads and oh yeah, did I mention more snow, say some 4-8 inches are on their way Tuesday night?! Wow, I really do think I'm in the Arctic! Happy new week to everyone! Enjoy your freedom to go where you will without battling tons of snow. :)

2.6.10 ~ Be Covered With Snow

The shed in our back yard as of 9am this morning...

My oh my, I didn't know that so much white stuff could fall in such a short amount of time! We are at, well look...

as of 10 am

...yeah, 24 inches as of Saturday morning and the news is saying the storm has picked up and will dump another 6-10 inches by tonight....I fear we may never dig ourselves out! Just the basement steps and a little bathroom area for Mackey took quite a bit of work!

Mackey LOVES the snow!

Shoveling the basement steps...so much snow!

It's coming down so fast that we have decided to let it fall and dig out once it's done tomorrow. So I am busying myself with sewing and eating (and a little online shopping, etsy is dangerous when you're snowed in!), not a bad way to pass the time if you ask me. :)

A new strip quilt was sewn together...this was the pre-sewn shot.

tapioca for dessert last night - yum!

My prayers are going out to the some 230,000 in my area who are without power due to this storm. What a terrible time to be without power! I pray they are able to stay warm and keep their pipes from freezing. Stay warm where you are and if you are lucky enough to have some sunshine soak some in for me!

2.5.10 ~ Foodie Fridays - Ginger Fried Rice

Disclaimer: This great meal was prepared by my favorite foodie - my husband, so I can't claim any of it's yumminess!

Ginger Fried Rice

1/2 cup peanut oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced ginger
Salt
2 cups thinly sliced leeks, white and light green parts only, rinsed and dried
4 cups day-old cooked rice, preferably jasmine, at room temperature
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons sesame oil
4 teaspoons soy sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and brown. With a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels and salt lightly.
2. Reduce heat under skillet to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons oil and leeks. Cook about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very tender but not browned. Season lightly with salt.
3. Raise heat to medium and add rice. Cook, stirring well, until heated through. Season to taste with salt.
4. In a nonstick skillet, fry eggs in remaining oil, sunny-side-up, until edges are set but yolk is still runny.
5. Divide rice among four dishes. Top each with an egg and drizzle with 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil and 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Sprinkle crisped garlic and ginger over everything and serve.

Notes: Not being an egg fan my dish was adorned with grilled tofu instead. It was a great substitute. My husband had his with egg and really loved it. We used brown rice which might have altered the texture and taste slightly. We'd like to try it again with white rice to see the difference. I would also like to add some stir fried veggies next time, the color palate was too boring for me. Recipe from here.

Verdict: The ginger and garlic crunchies were SO GOOD! We will be making this dish again! (Well, actually I'm hoping HE will...) :)

On the snow front - school was canceled in anticipation of this big storm hitting mid-day. I'm sure I'll be back tomorrow with snow pictures. Stay warm and cozy where ever you might find yourself this weekend!

2.4.10 ~ Thankful Thursdays, My Body

As always, I welcome others to join in Thankful Thursdays round here...check out others in our community by clicking on their links to your left. If you want to join in the fun leave me a comment and let me know! Thankfulness is life changing....

We women really put our bodies and minds through the ringer...trying to get to some special number on a scale or in a little tag in a pair of jeans. We mistreat ourselves in countless ways, many mental just because of our bodies and how we think they "fail" us and the standards we see each day. It's so sad, and nearly every woman that I've ever met struggles with this (including me). Over and over again we tell ourselves we won't eat this or will do this or make plans to find our way to our ideal, struggling all the way. Yet, as we complain to our friends or ourselves about our thighs or tummies, do we stop to think about all that is going right in our bodies? Heart's beating - check; lung's breathing - check; intestines, stomach, kidneys, liver...all working? Hum...what's more important to have working right - our hearts or our thighs? I would love to see the media portray more authentic women, and some are (check out this and this movement) but until the media catches up with reality we each have choice to make. Value our bodies for the health and life they provide or belittle them for the numbers they might not be. I've noticed a funny thing that happens when we shift our focus to the positive... those things we didn't like before, say our thighs, become much less of an issue...somehow we can find beauty in ourselves and the lines of our unique bodies. God did not create us all to look the same, He created each of us to be unique and there is great beauty in what He has created. Embrace this message today...

The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.

Psalm 45:11

Today I am thankful for all that my body does to make my life possible and pleasant. I am blessed to be healthy and mobile. I hope I can make it a habit to be thankful for my body and all it does for me. Won't all you lovely ladies join me?

p.s. On a totally different subject we are battening down the hatches here for the season's second, yes second, HUGE snow storm hitting tomorrow. Up around 24 inches of snow between Friday afternoon and Saturday.... so I suppose I'll be posting tomorrow from the Arctic tundra - also known as the nations capital!

2.3.10 ~ Be Having a Snow Day!! Finally!

It's hard to believe that 2010 has already sped through a whole month. I don't know if it's been reflected here or not, but it's been a quiet time for me - I've been a little more introverted, sort of taking things in and processing what is going on around me. Really listening to my life more than speaking and doing, although this is sort of a one sided media. In the midst of life's waxes and wains and I find myself having a time of centering. It feels right, but quiet. I haven't sewn much at all, slowed down with my photography, quieted down my activities...not sure why, just feeling the need to take things back a bit and listen to my heart.

On a lighter note, the weekday snowfall that I have been waiting for finally occurred! Yeah, for a job that allows me to have snow days! Honestly, I really enjoyed the chance to relax and finish up a few little projects and errands (thank heaven for living within walking distance of a store, our bank and a post office!). I even took some time to do my letter writing. Oh yes, and obsessively listen to this song on YouTube. Too bad it won't be "out" for purchase until June 8. My favorite line is, "You'll find me - I'm at the point of your breaking, behind all the noise, ...because when there is nothing left, I'll be." What a promise He's given us! It's so assuring to know we are always near Him if we look and listen.

Well, I'm off to prepare for yet another BIG storm (possibly 12-24 inches of the white stuff?!?) that will be hitting... guess when? Friday night and Saturday...of course. :) At least I'm really getting good at shoveling!