Sibling Assignment #203: The Corner Book Club: Lasting Happiness

Brother Bill gave the last sibling assignment of 2018.

"Write about a discovery you made in 2018 that brought you temporary or lasting happiness and, if is has, how this discovery helped change your thinking or our feelings about something in your life". Brother Bill's is here and siter Carol's is here.

Before I moved back to Kellogg I had been involved in two different adult book clubs, I led online book clubs for educators, book clubs as part of staff development at school, and book clubs with students. I really like to the idea of getting a group of people together for purpose of discussing the same book.  It is stimulating to get ideas, themes, opinions, and new thinking through this format of book reading and sharing.

When I decided to start The Corner Book Club in 2018 it was for many reasons, One reason was I wanted to open myself up to books that I might not normally read and genres that had been left unread. Also, I love being involved in discussion about a book that may stay just with the book, but may open up dialogue about life experiences, other books, and world events. I  also like to have a purpose for reading. I keep a notebook and take notes so I can remember quotes and ideas to bring up in discussion. Another reason for a book club is to swap book titles so your list of books to read before you die get longer and longer.

I wanted The Corner Book Club to be easy, not fussy. I wanted the club to be flexible so it worked for the members and their schedules. We meet in public places around the Silver Valley. Most of the time we meet for lunch.  We try to choose books that are available at the library or inexpensive to purchase. People are welcome when they can come, but we are trying now to have it a certain time each month so people can plan accordingly. We encourage members to come even if they haven't had time to complete the book.

I keep an ongoing list of books that we may want to read. Members of the group suggest books also. This group has brought me lasting happiness because I discovered that readers from completely different backgrounds and belief systems can come together and find common ground in a book discussion.

Here is the list of books we have read this year:
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance
Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
book of choice with discussion
A Cry from the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks
Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik
Educated by Tara Westover
Refuge by Terry Tempest Williams
Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford
The Baker's Secret by Stephen Kiernan
Gift of the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg

We read nonfiction, memoir, travel,historical fiction, and essays. Some of us traveled to Moscow, Idaho in September to hear Tara Westover speak. Carrie Stuart Parks is a local author and she spoke at our gathering the month we read her book. I can't wait for next year dbooksiving into the books we choose. I know I will continue to experience lasting happiness.

Sibling Assignment #202 : Advice From Anne Lamott: Let It Be

Sister Carol gave the sibling assignment this week:

"Think back over the last year, and write about something you have either read, listened to or watched that has made a tremendous impact on your life.  Share about it, and why it impacted your life." Brother Bill's is here. Sister Carol's is here.

I had the privilege of hearing Anne Lamott speak in Spokane last April. It had a tremendous impact on my life. I have written two other blog posts about her and her talk and I will link them at the bottom. There are many reasons why this talk impacted my life. I will share a few:

She is very down-to-earth. She could have joined my summer writing group or sat down for coffee with my book group and fit right in. She has this ability to take big ideas and break them down into prose that makes more sense, yet carries a big punch. She makes you believe that being a good writer isn't as difficult to attain as many think. Here is an example:

“Gorgeous, amazing things come into our lives when we are paying attention: mangoes, grandnieces, Bach, ponds. This happens more often when we have as little expectation as possible. If you say, ‘Well, that’s pretty much what I thought I’d see,’ you are in trouble. At that point you have to ask yourself why you are even here. Astonishing material and revelation appear in our lives all the time. Let it be. Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business.”

All writers want to be better at their craft, even if  the writing is a personal journal every day or jottings on a blog.  Lamott guides us gently into the writing process and helps us understand you need to keep "the butt to the chair" and there are lots of "shitty first drafts". There are lots of starts and stops. Writing is messy. Here she explains why writing matters: 

“So why does our writing matter, again?" they ask.

Because of the spirit, I say. Because of the heart. Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: they feed the soul. When writers make us shake our heads with the exactness of their prose and their truths, and even make us laugh about ourselves or life, our buoyancy is restored. We are given a shot at dancing with, or at least clapping along with, the absurdity of life, instead of being squashed by it over and over again.” 

 Her journey of faith, though unconventional, guides ua to see that faith isn't a cookie cutter way of believing.  She has struggled with addiction, body image issues, depression, and failure. Her faith has carried her through many valleys and mountaintops and her series of books on faith illustrate how prayer, God, spirituality,and grace can be understood and viewed differently by each individual, and that is okay.

I have a few more of her books on my stack to read. I love to read her quotes on Twitter every day. If  you haven't read any of her books, I highly recommend them. Here are the links to my other two posts about Anne Lamott.

http://gatheringaroundthetable.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-shed-notebook-bird-by-bird.html

http://gatheringaroundthetable.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-shed-notebook-anne-lamott-and.html

Sibling Assignment #201: 717 E. Bridgeport

I gave this writing assignment. “Grandma Woolum's birthday is in early November. Write about good memories with our grandmother.” Brother Bill's is here and sister Carol's is here.

Grandma Woolum lived at 717 E. Bridgeport in Spokane, WA frome before I was born until she died. That house held memories of a fire in the fireplace in summer, the cellar in the basement that smelled like dill, the snowball bush out front that bloomed every spring, the aroma of fried chicken in the kitchen, and the sweet smell of Jergen's hand lotion. Grandma had an apartment upstairs that was rented out often when we were young. I think the picture above it Bill and I upstairs at her renter's apartment. (I learned this picture was not taken upstairs, but I love the picture so I am keeping it in.)When the apartment wasn't rented, we loved to go upstairs and play house or just hang out.

Grandma Woolum was a strong woman that raised her childen almost by herself. She loved to garden, to can, to bake and prepare meals, and shop at The Crescent. She didn't drive, but learned the bus system in Spokane and was able to go to Fairchild, downtown, or Northtown easily.

 Even though Grandma only lived in Spokane, it seemed like a journey for our family.  I loved to review old pictures and remember fun times there. Above I guess I was trying to hide from brother Bill behind the furnace in the dining room.

 One year we celebrated Bill's birthday after Christmas as Grandma's house. I loved the drapes behind us and never knew anyone else that had venetian blinds.

 This is one of my favorite pictures of Grandma Woolum. It shows her row of beautiful roses by the shed and it also shows my sister Carol with Grandma. Grandma loved her children, grandchildren, and other family members so much. She loved it when we came to visit.

This is another favorite picture of mine. Grandma's kitchen was my favorite room in her house. She had African violets blooming on the counter, she had a trash burner that warmed up the kitchen on cold mornings, and she had an old wringer washing machine by the back door. I was too young to remember this picture of myself and my parents, but I love how Dad is helping with the dishes. I don't remember him doing that too often when I was older.

I still drive by 717 E. Bridgeport often when I am in Spokane. The neighborhood looks a bit worn out now. The house has changed in some ways, but it isfull of memories for me. I would love to knock on the door and go inside and visit.

Sibling Assignment #200: Apple Bundt Cake Recipe Revised

Carol gave sibling assignment #200. "Since we all enjoy spending time in the kitchen, it is time share some of our creativity.  Share your own variation of an already published recipe that is a good fall offering. Share the recipe, share why you made the changes you did, and your critique of the dish you created.  Share photos as well." Sister Carol's is here and brother Bill's is here.

When my neighbor Jane gave us a bag of apples I quickly searched for an apple cake recipe to use the apples and to serve for Sunday dinner. I love the blog Sally's Baking Addiction so I was pleased when I found the recipe below there. There were a few changes I made in the recipe. The first change I made was replacing stevia with the white sugar. I couldn't find my vanilla so I used almond extract. All I had was vanilla yogurt, and it worked great. I also added some bourban to the recipe.

I didn't make the glaze. That was the hardest part because the glaze sounded so yummy. I did heavy whipped cream with stevia and bourban added. Even though it was a cake, I think I made it a bit more healthy. I added my changes below in yellow. If you are looking for delicious baking recipes, check out the link above.

(p.s. I found my vanilla later in the refrigerator... go figure.)

Glazed Apple Bundt Cake

yield: SERVES 10-12

prep time: 30 MINUTES

cook time: 1 HOUR

total time: 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES PLUS COOLING

Tender and moist homemade apple bundt cake smothered in a buttery brown sugar glaze. Your new favorite cake for the crisp fall weather.

Ingredients:

APPLE BUNDT CAKE

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/4 cups (300ml) canola or vegetable oil (I used olive oil)
• 1/2 cup (120g) plain yogurt or sour cream, at room temperature (I used vanilla yogurt)
• 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar ( I used stevia)
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract (yes, 1 full Tablespoon) ( I used almond extract)
• 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped into small chunks (about 3 cups) (I left peelings on the apples)
• I added three tablespoons bourbon because I didn't have rum.
• I added a cup of  chopped pecans

I didn't make the glaze but whipped heavy cream and added stevia and bourbon to taste

I didnBROWN SUGAR GLAZE

• 1 cup (190g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (62g) confectioners' sugar, sifted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Spray a 10-12 cup bundt pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together until combined. Set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the oil, yogurt, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla together until combined and creamy. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and slowly whisk until no large lumps remain. Try to avoid overmixing. Using a rubber spatula, carefully fold in the apple chunks. If you feel 3 large apples is too much, feel free to cut down to 2 apples. I like a lot of apple chunks in my cake.
3. Spoon/pour the thick batter into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 55-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean. The baking times may vary depending on your oven, if you used a 10 cup bundt pan or 12 cup, or if you used less apple chunks. Keep your eye on the cake after 55 minutes. Feel free to cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil about halfway through to prevent heavy browning on top.
4. Allow the cake to cool in the pan set on a wire rack, then invert onto a serving plate once cooled and ready to serve. As it cools, however, you may prepare the brown sugar glaze. Combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring the mixture often. Allow to boil for 1 minute (without stirring), then turn the heat down to low and allow to simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in the confectioners' sugar. Allow glaze to cool and slightly thicken for at least 5 minutes. Spoon glaze over the cake right before serving. If your glaze thickens up too much before serving the cake, warm in the microwave for 15 seconds and stir until smooth.
5. I like this cake warm, at room temperature, and even cold. Cover leftovers and store at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Flavor is outstanding on day 2!

Make ahead tip: Cake freezes well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Sibling Assignment #199: A Piece of Heaven: Priest Lake

Brother Bill gave this assignment. "  I’m thinking about Christy’s recent trip to Priest Lake, Carol’s recent  trip to Seattle, and my recent trip to Eugene. Let’s all describe and write about an unexpected pleasure each of us experienced on these trips. " You can find sister Carol's post here and brother Bill's post here

 I love to call Priest Lake a piece of heaven. Growing up we were so close to Priest Lake, but had never gone there. In northern Idaho there are so many lakes that we often visited ones that were closer to home. About ten years ago we decided to take a week-end getaway to Hill's Resort on Priest and have continued to visit since then, moving up the lake to stay at Elkin's Resort.

There are always unexpected pleasures each time we take a trip to Elkin's Resort. That is why we continue to visit at least once a year. This year the first unexpected pleasure was the weather. It was sunny, warm, and just the right temperature to sit on the sand by the water, or take a hike to Hanna Flats.

The second unexpected pleasure was the cabin we stayed in. I had always looked at the cabin across a little bridge from the rest of the cabins and wanted to stay there. Our other favorite cabins were booked this time, so it worked out perfectly. The cabin was off by itself, it was full of beautiful furniture, and it even had a washer and dryer. We learned later that this cabin had been a home to the owners son while he was building a house, We could have stayed a week!

The third unexpected pleasure was the trail outside the cabin that led to a deserted beach. We had warm sunshine, lovely red chairs, the lakeshore for the dogs to romp in the water, and peace and quiet. I love these pictures of that beach enjoying quality time with Everett and the dogs. 

I spent time journaling, reading, sipping adult beverages, taking lots of photos, taking each dog for walks, and and spending quality time with Everett. The resturant was a short walk across the parking lot so we had it made.

I can't wait for our next trip to Elkin's Resort at Priest Lake.

Sibling Assignment #198: Autumn Rituals With Mom

I gave the following assignment:  " The one year anniversary of Mom's Celebration of Life

happened recently. Reflect on life with our mother." You can find sister Carol's post is here
and brother Bill's post here

Whether it was when I lived in Kettle Falls or when I moved next door, we had a autumn ritutual
every year at Mom's house. It was that week-end when we "put her gardens to bed" for winter.
We tried to schedule it when Carol and Paul could join us if possible. I always enjoyed this week-end.
It was in October when I was ready to take a week-end off from schoolwork. It was usually sunny, but cold.

Mom always had her list of tasks that needed done. We all usually knew what to do. We empties plant pots, deadheaded spent flowers, cut back perennials, added to the compost bin, and raked leaves. I loved the smells of the rich dirt in her raised beds, wet leaves in a pile, and the remaining aroma of lavendar and dill.

When Mom was able she was right there with us helping with the tasks. Later, she used her ATV walker and kept up with us. Later she stayed in the house, but watched from the kitchen window. All of us worked hard, but it was a labor of love. We all felt a sense of accomplishment when the day was over. With sore muscles, tired feet, and dirty hands we sat on the deck and looked over what we completed.

The best part of the day was the meal Mom prepared at the end of the day. Wine was uncorked, cold beer was opened, and Mom usually had a homey comfort meal that satisfied our hunger. Mom was such a good cook and on those days I think we were also treated to apple crisp or some other fall dessert favorite.

We live next door now and do the same rituals, but it is not the same. We rest more, we don't have Mom montioring our progress, and we don't have as delicious of a meal at the end of the day. This is one of the many reasons I miss Mom in the season of autumn.