Feel...

...the sun on your face, your childs hand in yours, the frustration of too much to do, the satisfaction of paying off that credit card, the anger toward the driver who just pulled out in front of you, the renewal of Sunday morning worship, the grief of feeling your dog go to sleep for the last time in your arms.


It seems the emotion we feel and display most often is anger. And unfortunately it seems to be the most accepted. Anger absolutely has it's place...toward the child abuser, the thief, the murderer. Anger is used for walls against pain and sadness. Forgiveness and healing cannot break through the walls of anger.


Happiness...the emotion everyone strives for, many fake and few truly feel. That happiness you felt on Christmas morning as a child, the happiness you felt when you past your driving test or the happiness you felt when you saw your soon to be spouse for the first time on your wedding day.


The emotion no one wants to feel...sadness! Crushing sadness. The kind you feel when you not only have to decide to put your best friend to sleep...but hold her in your arms as life drains from her body. The sadness of a longtime marriage coming to an end or your best friend moving 2000 miles away.

Feeling is healing! Ever called up a friend and start crying at the sound of their voice? Or you're doing OK until your Mom asks "are you ok?"...then you lose it? Crying to a song on the radio or happy tears when your watching 'A Christmas Visitor'. Venting with a friend when crazy drivers, maddening bosses and unruly kids are driving us mad. We feel better when we feel...really feel!!!

Biggest Loser...

As many of you know I have become obsessed with The Biggest Loser. I started watching it last year and am in awe as I watch these people not just lose weight but change their lives. I am especially inspired by Ali Vincent. She weighed in at more than 230 pounds and when she won was a mere 112 pounds. Incredible! If she can do it...I can do it. Fortunately I don't have that much weight to lose...but if I continue on the path I am it won't be long.

I have belonged to the Community Center for about 9 months. In the beginning I was going at least 3 times a week. Then baseball, school, work, etc...got in the way. I have been going again hit and miss. I know I have to make it a priority...for me! I feel sooo much better emotionally when I go. Today I was fortunate enough to be joined my buddy Jack, who works out regularly. He kicked my butt!!! I found muscles I didn't know existed, ran farther than I thought I could and had an absolute blast!!! We were at the gym over an hour and a half and it flew by. Oh if he lived closer I would be "smokin hot" by next summer :)

If I was brave (or stupid) I would post my own "before" picture to compare to the "after". But sorry...

Patty Cake Cookies...

After being inspired by my new cookbook I thought I would try my hand at posting a recipe. I have taken pictures during preparing several different dishes but never felt comfortable posting. I enjoy baking and cooking. And think I'm pretty good at it...and I am not one to toot my own horn. I happened upon a blog called The Pioneer Woman a few years ago and instantly fell in love with the stories, pictures and recipes. After sharing it with my Mom she apparently became hooked too. She surprised me with a copy of Ree's cookbook. Downhome recipes, normal ingredients and amazing pictues. Thank you Mom!!! After reading (yes reading) her cookbook it gave me the confidence to post a favorite of mine...so here goes....

Ingredients:

2 c brown sugar

2 c granulated sugar

1 lb (4 sticks) butter/margarine

2 tsp vanilla

4 eggs

4 c flour

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

12 oz chocolate chips

1/2 c chopped pecans

2 c minute oatmeal

2 c crushed corn flakes

Cream the sugars and butter. Add vanilla and eggs. Blend flour with soda and baking powder, then add to sugar mixture. Finally add chips, pecans, oatmeal and corn flakes. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto baking sheet. Bake at 350F about 12 minutes.

These are large, yummy cookies. I am not one to follow a recipe to the letter. Therefore do not be afraid to substitute different flavored chips, nuts or cereal. I have used regular oatmeal if I was out of minute oatmeal. I think some people are afraid of cooking/baking because if they don't have the exact item in the exact quantity specified they fear the recipe will fail. While this may happen sometimes...other times that's how other great food is born. So get in the kitchen, make something yummy and have fun!!