My Own Orange Punchbowl Cake: A Keeper from the Recipe Box

There are many variations on the Punchbowl Cake recipe idea. I have a large clear salad bowl I usually use for mine. I made a smaller version of the cake in the trifle bowl above for a church potluck today. This recipe usually serves about 30. After trying different variations, I created this one myself. Trust me... this is easy!
Inland Empire Girl's Orange Punchbowl Cake
a 2 layer package orange cake mix
1 6 oz. and a 4 oz. package cheesecake or vanilla instant pudding mix, prepared
1 20 oz. can juice packed crushed pineapple
small can mandarin oranges, drained
16 oz. whipped topping
1/3 cup orange liqueur ( optional)

Bake the cake in a 9x13 pan according to mix directions. Let cool. Cut cake into 1 inch cubes. Layer cake, pudding, undrained pineapple, and whipped topping. Repeat layers until bowl is full, having whipped topping on top. Place the mandarin oranges on top of the cake. If using liqueur sprinkle it on top of the cake on each layer and drain the pineapple. Refrigerate until serving time. Prepare a day ahead to enhance flavor. Serves 30.

Just google punchbowl cake recipes and you will see many other recipe ideas.

Photo Hunt: Hands

We raised a toast to the beginning of spring break yesterday. JEJ and I celebrated sunshine and a bit of spring warmth with a a cup of cheer. Nothing like spring weather to bring out the sophistication of green plastic Solo cups filled with a favorite drink on the rocks. To see other photo hunts about Hands go here.

Finally... Time To Spend in the Greenhouse

I was fortunate to get home earlier today. Spring break has begun and the first thing I did was grab my camera and tour around in the sunshine. The second thing I did was tour the greenhouse. It was such a delight to catch photo images with the sunlight streaming through the windows.
I was amazed to see petunias that were in a planter from the deck have rebloomed for spring!
This Martha Washington geranium has also rebloomed and reminded me why it was a favorite last summer.
It is hard not to yearn for sunnier days after photographing these beautiful plants.
I know now why Annie followed me into the greenhouse. She loves to eat on this ornamental grass when I give her chance. You can see between Annie and Shelby they have mowed it down!

First Crocus

Spring Flowers ~ Crocus

Crocus flowers daring tiny warriors Fighting their way up through The winter ice Crocus darling early Spring harbingers Promising days will soon Be turning nice Tiny Crocus flowers grow in close groups Strength in numbers seeking Where winter snows still may lie Encircled encampment of floral troupes “We march onward to spring” They raise this brave battle cry Bold strength contained in Crocus so small Should winter challenge again They simply refuse to die Delicate blossoms possess such wherewithal I cannot help but wonder then Should not likewise you and I? Mary Havra

Third Spring Walk: It is Beginning to Look Like Spring

As I walked through the gardens with camera in hand today I saw more things that hinted toward spring. The flowers above remind me of spring, but I bought those! The garden gate greeting me with the weathered chicken sign.
I finally found the raised beds. They looked eager to be filled with steer manure and seeds!
It is nice to see the shrubs greening up, but the snow does still linger in some places.
In other places it is still covering everything living, but I know there are things growing below!
Shelby still likes to stand on the snowbank, but she is no longer queen of the mountain. Now it is just a tiny hill!

Naming the World

I always love getting a new book in the mail, especially one that I bought used for a fraction of the cost. The book that arrived last week was Naming the World and other Exercises for the Creative Writer
edited by Bret Anthony Johnston.

" A delicious book. Imagine yourself at a cocktail party crammed with literary lions. You have the
chance to spend a few moments with each of them. Wit and wisdom abound."
Julia Cameron, author of The Artist's Way

It is like spending a few moments with great writers. This book includes exercises from Dorothy Allison, Joyce Carol Oates, Tom Robbins, and Elizabeth Strout. It is divided into sections such as Getting Started, Point of View and Tone, Revision, and Daily Warm-Ups.

The chapter I just digested was entitled" Untold Stories: An Exercise To Generate Fiction" by Dorothy Allison. She introduces an exercise where you write a piece beginning with the line, " I never told anyone..."
Here is my rough draft.
" I never told anyone, but sometimes I wanted to hang out in Room 222. It made school look cool.
I never told anyone that I wished I was a boy so my dad would come and watch me do something.
Once when I was on a date when our raft capsized and we were swept into the river. I was terrified, but I never told anyone.
When I took lifesaving lessons in the old YMCA pool, the basement was creepy, but I never told anyone.

You can also shift to the line " I never told anyone, but I'll tell you..."

I never told anyone, but I'll tell you Mom that you showed amazing grace during your fight with cancer.
I never told anyone, but I'll tell you Sherri that I miss you when I need a recipe with 'secret ingredients'.
I never told anyone, but I'll tell you DR that you have helped me through a dark tunnel with your words of wisdom, listening ear, chocolate, a safe place, and a standing appointment.

I think exercises like these can help to begin a story or a memoir piece. I look forward to moving through other chapters in the book and practicing some other parts of the written word.