Six Ways to Feel Instantly Happy

The week has been marred by wildfire smoke, hot temperatures, and dry air. 

It is time to find instant happiness. Here are my tips for instant happiness on this last Friday in July:

1. Cuddle with your dog. My dog Riley can bring me happiness just by looking at me. He is so lovable and brings me joy every single day. If you don't have a dog, go visit a friend that has one!

2. Pick a bouquet of flowers. I am instantly happy when I have a bouquet sitting on the table. If you can't pick a bouquet, check out the flowers in the grocery store.

3. Find a good book, good coffee, and a comfortable spot and read. 

4. Walk through a flower garden. I am blessed to have my own flower garden to walk through every day. Visit a friend with a flower garden or find a park with flowers. Instant happiness!

5. Talk to a friend. 

6. Bring people together for a meal. Enjoying food, drink, and good conversation is certainly a recipe for instant happiness.

What makes you instantly happy?

The Journey of Grief

 

If you have followed this blog for awhile you know I have a deep passion for poetry. I remember the sadness I felt when I learned Mary Oliver had died. It was hard to imagine I would never read a new poem she had composed.

When I read her poems I can relate to her experiences, subjects, and beautiful images. Often her poems read more like a conversation. I picture myself sitting on a bench with her listening to her well-chosen words.

The poem above is one of my favorites of hers. Because of events and changes in our lives, we sometimes begin a new journey. Like the line in the poem says, 

"determined to do the only thing you could do- determined to save the only life you could save. "

I am going to work on saving my life. I am ready to embark on the journey of understanding my grief. My husband has now been gone for eight months and I miss him every day. Thanks to Hospice of North Idaho I have found someone to help me mend my life.

Keepers From the Recipe Box: Favorite Summer Salads and a Refreshing Cocktail

 During hot weather I am always looking for salad recipes that don't heat up the kitchen and are refreshing to eat. Here are a few of my favorite salad recipes. I hope you try one.

My first favorite is Pineapple Cucumber Salad. When I looked at the ingredients I just didn't know how all those ingredients would go together. They do and it is so refreshing and delicious. Every time I have served it, it has been a huge hit. It pairs well with a grilled protein. 

For the full recipe go here: https://www.momontimeout.com/pineapple-cucumber-salad/

Pineapple Cucumber Lime Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pineapple chopped
• 1 English cucumber chopped
• 2 limes zested and juiced
• 1/3 cup cilantro roughly chopped
• salt and pepper optional

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients and toss lightly to distribute the lime juice and zest evenly.
• Season with salt and pepper if desired.
• Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve.

Another salad recipe I just love it Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad. What is not to like?

Here is the whole recipe: https://www.skinnytaste.com/mexican-shrimp-cobb-salad#more

Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad

INGREDIENTS

For the Shrimp:

• 16 oz cooked large shrimp, peeled
• chipotle chili powder to taste
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• salt to taste

For the Salad:

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
• 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup grilled corn kernels, I used Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn
• 2 tbsp red onion, divided
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 seedless cucumber, diced
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 ripe hass avocado, diced
• 1 cup reduced fat Sargento Mexican Blend shredded cheese

We all need a refreshing cocktail. Here is White Cucumber Sangria.... so yummy and refreshing.

Here is the recipe:https://www.bhg.com/recipe/cucumber-sangria/

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

• 1 small honeydew melon
• 1 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced 
• 1 lime, thinly sliced 
• 12 fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 750 milliliter bottle Sauvignon blanc or other semi-dry white wine, chilled
• 1 1 liter bottle carbonated water, chilled
• Fresh mint sprigs and/or leaves (optional)

Directions

Instructions Checklist

• Step 1

  Cut the melon in half; remove and discard seeds and rind. Cut melon into thin slices. In a large pitcher* combine melon, cucumber, lime slices, and the 12 mint leaves. In a small bowl stir together lime juice and honey until combined; pour over melon mixture. Add wine, stirring gently. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

• Step 2

  To serve, stir in carbonated water. Ladle or pour into glasses. If desired, garnish with additional mint.

Ten Ways to Cope With Summer Heat

 I remembered today why I have had difficulty enjoying summer the last few years. It has been too hot. I can live with a few days of weather above ninety degree, but day after day after day? Then add the smoke and hot wind. Ugh. Here are some ways that might help you cope with the heat this summer:

1. Take the Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014 again in your recliner with a fan blowing on your face.

2. Lay in front of the air conditioner and watch Frozen for the twentieth time.

3. Hide in the basement until summer is over.

4. Build an igloo in your yard and sit in it until it melts. I am hoping for at least 24 hours.

5.  Buy one of those big ice machines like they have in restaurants and sleep in it all day.

6.  Do your gardening, deadheading, and weeding when the weather cools down after midnight. Use a head lamp. When I tried it in the dark, I pulled up all my sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias by mistake.

7. Cool off Zooming in the kiddie pool instead of the makeshift home office with no A.C.

8. Take a cold shower for three days.

9. Eat only snow cones, ice cream, and Mr. Freezes. Oh... and maybe an icy adult beverage.

10. Move to  Antarctica.

A Quote That Speaks to Me

 I just love quotes. I used to read them and type them on an old typewriter in my bedroom in high school.  I would then paste them on my bedroom wall for inspiration. 

I often introduced quotes in lessons with my students. Now I can search for quotes online any day and find ones that speak to whatever is happening in my life. The one below is a perfect example.

There have been a few bumps in the road for me lately. I am ready to look forward and believe this quote. Something amazing is about to happen. I am ready.

Do you have a quote that speaks to you?

My Dream Vacation

 

One favorite on the outskirts of Harrison, Idaho.

When I was a child my family didn't go on vacations that required staying in motels and eating in restaurants. When dad had time off we went to my grandma's house in Spokane or my grandma's house in Orofino. That was a vacation to us. We did fun stuff while at both places. I have fond memories of those summer vacations.

I am not much of a traveler to faraway places. The only foreign country I have visited is Canada. I only flew in a plane with my husband once, and it was only to Portland, Oregon. I still want to travel to the northern coast of Washington and see more of the Washington and Oregon coasts. I always thought I would like a cruise to Alaska, but never convinced my husband it was a good idea. Our favorite vacations were traveling in a car or RV.  The photos throughout this post are some favorite vacation rentals we discovered.

This is a perfect getaway on the Clark Fork River south of Hope,Idaho.

I wanted to stay there this fall , but is was already booked.

This was our favorite spot in Mazama. We rented it twice.

What is my dream vacation?

First I find a vacation rental in the Pacific Northwest. I prefer a cabin or beach house. If it is near water that is a plus, but not a requirement. A dog friendly home is a must. A bedroom on the first floor is a must also. It helps if the house is fully stocked. If I am traveling during cold weather I love having a fireplace or wood stove. I bring my favorite foods and beverages, but love trying restaurants if they are close.

A favorite in Montana between St. Regis and Quinn's on the Clark Fork River.

I think of a dream vacation as a retreat. I take books, my journal, my laptop for writing, my camera, and Riley my dog. I sleep in, go for walks, drive to close places and take pictures, read, write, dream, and think. I have a retreat like this planned in early fall. I can't wait!

That is my dream vacation. What is your dream vacation? 

Here is a room in the cabin I am traveling to in September.

Garden Stories: Mom's Memory Garden

 

I had a friend visit my backyard for the first time this week. Showing her my gardens and decor I realized that my gardens hold stories. The gardens tell stories of people, stories of special furniture that traveled with us, and a whole collection of gifts from friends and family that are placed all over the yard.

After my mom died in the summer of 2017 I knew I wanted to do something to honor her in my backyard. We had a strip of space between my house and my brother's that Everett suggested he add another flower bed. Mom's Memory Garden was born. I moved plants from her gardens, decor she treasured, and added gifts from friends and family. 

Lady's Mantle from her garden.

Mom loved lilies.

A rose planted in her memory.

It has been a joy to watch this garden flourish in the last four years. I have added other plants and flowers to the garden. I picked flowers that Mom loved. 

Year one

recently

Women Who Inspire Me: Katie Daisy

One of my favorites.

This is my second installment of the series women that inspire me. I learned last week that Mary Engelbreit also inspired many of my readers. This week I am going to share why I am inspired by Katie Daisy. You may say, " Who is Katie Daisy?" I will let you know. Once you see her artistic work, you won't forget her. 

I probably discovered Katie Daisy's work at Target or on Etsy, or in a card shop, but once I discovered her work,  I never forgot it.  Katie does artwork that captures prairie flowers, the woods, and all things nature. I recently read this by her, "The enchantment of my prairie town stays with me always. I weave that rosy magic into everything I paint and still see the world through my childhood eyes." She does that , and does it beautifully. 

The colors and flowers blend beautifully

I admire Katie Daisy because she does what she loves. Most of her inspiration is captured in a portfolio that contains what she remembers from her childhood in Illinois. A lilac bush, hummingbirds buzzing around, cherry and apple trees, and a giant yellow rosebush. She made art as long as she can remember. Her mom carried art supplies, she did art on placemats in restaurants, and doodled on her homework. She took her first art class in high school and the rest is history.She began her career on Etsy in 2010 and has freelanced ever since. 

such a beautiful message.

I love her work because it connects with nature and she uses quotes that speak to me. She now resides in Bend, Oregon and has embraces the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. If you haven't seen her work check it out on Etsy or check out her website. You will want a journal, calendar, or art print as soon as you see her work. Please share who inspires you.

She was featured on Oprah's Super Sunday Project. Check her out.

https://www.oprah.com/own-steepyoursoul/steep-your-soul-the-beauty-and-power-of-katie-daisys-art-video

https://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/illustrator-katie-daisy-on-the-transformative-power-of-art-video

Summer Play List 2

 Last week I wrote a post about songs that brought back memories of summers past. Thanks to my readers, I have a second list of suggestions. It was so hard to just choose ten. Here is list 2:

"Hot Fun in the Summertime" by Sly and the Family Stone

"Groovin" by The Rascals

" In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry

"In the Year 2525"  by Zager and Evans

"Even the Nights Are Better" by Air Supply

"This Magic Moment" by Jay and the Americans

"Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters

"With a Little Help From My Friends" by The Beatles

"Brandy, You're a Fine Girl", by Looking Glass

"You've Got a Friend" James Taylor

and the one they always played on KWAL....

"Rock the Boat" by The Hues Corporation

Here is my first list: https://gatheringaroundthetable.blogspot.com/2021/07/summer-play-list.html

Childhood Favorite Foods Revisited

 The other day a friend of mine asked how people felt about  Franco American Spaghetti Os. The reviews were mixed. It reminded me of last spring when foods were jumping off the shelves into shoppers' carts during the pandemic. People were purchasing foods they hadn't eaten since they were ten years old. Was it nostalgia?Was it the fear of having all the food disappear from the shelves? I have to admit when I stocked up last year I did purchase a few items I usually wouldn't buy.

Spaghetti Os: Yes, I did buy one can. They were okay. I didn't love them as much as I did when I was ten years old, but if it was all that was left in the grocery store, I could eat them.

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese: Yes, I bought it, Yes, I loved it, Yes, I wanted more. Why? I have no idea!!

Ice Cream Sandwiches: I just don't buy novelty ice cream treats often, but when we had money and went to Don's Market as kids I loved to buy an ice cream sandwich. Were they still good? Yes. Would I buy them again? Yes.

Campbell's Vegetable Beef Soup: This has always been a comfort food for me. It is a requirement to serve the soup with buttered saltines on the side. Would I eat this again? I always have it on the shelf. Too much sodium? Yes! It is all about balance.

Swanson's Meat Pie: These are not the same as they were when I was a kid. Maybe because then they seemed like this huge, warm, delicious dinner. Now they are different. They are salty. The crust isn't as good.  I only bought one and that was enough. 

Nalley's Original Chili: My husband had lost his appetite during the pandemic. This is one thing he just loved. Go figure. I think it reminded him of camping. We always had some stocked in the RV when we went camping.

Banana Bread: I following the Instagram/ Pinterest trend of making banana bread. The silver lining was that I discovered new recipes I hadn't tried. Now none of these recipes were as good as my Grandma Woolum's, but they were a close second. Now I haven't tasted one piece in about six months.

Cinnamon Raisin Bread made into toast: I hadn't had a loaf of this in the house for a long time. Again, something my husband liked.  It made the house smell wonderful and it was good!

Did you return to any childhood favorites during the pandemic?

Summer Flower Winner: Portulaca

 

They thrive in containers in the hot sun.

During this hot, smoky month the portulacas have been a winner in my gardens. Mom and I never could say the name right so we used the common name moss roses. 

I love the colors.

"A truly beautiful, low-growing groundcover type plant is called the portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora), sometimes known as the sun rose or moss rose. Portulaca plants are native to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. Portulaca flowers are easy to grow and enjoy. "

This one is growing in a window box. It is the only plant that has thrived there.

Last year I discovered if you didn't buy them early, they were hard to find. I bought them early this year and I am glad I did. They are hardy, tolerate hot sun, bloom nonstop, don't require watering twice a day, and they spread quickly. You can plant them in containers or in the ground. My favorite thing about them is the variety of colors. One plant can have multiple colors. They photograph well also.

I got a tip from SP recently that they were available at WalMart. I was pleased to find some to fill in some places other plants had dried up. The only disadvantage with the plant is it's an annual, but a very hardy one at that. Add these to your list for next year if you have never purchased them. You will love them.

What plants have you been successful with in this hot,smoky weather we are having? 

Read more at Gardening Know How: Portulaca Flower: Tips For Portulaca Care https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/portulaca/portulaca-plants.htm

Keepers From the Recipe Box

I collect cookbooks and recipes. I still have a recipe box with all my favorites written on recipe cards. I also have many of Mom's recipes in that box. Pinterest has provided an excellent tool for me to organize recipes I find online. 

At the top of my blog I have a page that links you to favorite recipes. I haven't updated this for awhile, so that is my goal now is to add more recent recipes. 

I love the combination of lemon and chicken and am always using for a recipe that combines both. This  recipe was a big hit. It has been added to my keeper list. 

https://everydayannie.com/2010/04/15/lemon-chicken/

Another recent recipe I really loved was Sunny Anderson's Spring Goddess Salad. I watched her make it on The Kitchen and tried it right after. It is delicious and makes lots of extra dressing for another dish.

 https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/spring-goddess-salad-recipe-1946696?soc=sharepin

The last recipe was a favorite at a birthday party for a friend in March. It is called Lemon Lush and it is really easy and and delicious. 

https://spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/lemon-lush/

Stay tuned. I will be sharing more of my favorite recipes.