Tweet Tweet

I've become a certified member of the Twitter-verse. Not that I really wanted to or anything, but because I felt like it was in my professional best interest to do so. Granted, I could certainly be hitting the Tweet button more often than I do, since I only do it about once a day, if that. But I really don't think I have that much to Tweet about, and I refuse to be one of those nut-jobs who Tweets about everything, from what they ate for breakfast to how many times they blew their nose. Who cares? If you have a valid opinion about something or see something truly interesting, sure, by all means, Tweet away. Tweet to your heart's content. But if you'r just spewing random things just to feel important, keep your fingers to yourself and stop the Twitter-feed!

Admittedly, it does get a little addictive to see how many followers you have (I currently have 31!!!), but don't abuse the system. Make use of it. Use it wisely, or else you'll find yourself either Unfollowed or Followed simply because you're like a train-wreck: people just can't look away and are fascinated by your complete and total idiocy. Yes, there are those. Plenty of those.

Make yourself stand out. Use your 140 characters to your very best advantage, and you won't be just another bird on the wire.

Getting Raw

Making raw dishes may seem like it would take forever, if you really want to find unique flavors and recipes that appeal to more than your teenie tiny handful of friends who are embracing the whole movement. Fear not! The new cookbook Raw, Quick, & Delicious! by Douglas McNish (Robert Rose Publishing) is full of more than 175 recipes for fun, tasty dishes that take only five ingredients and 15 minutes or less to whip up. Fun desserts like Mini Chocolate Banana Flax Cakes, silky smoothies, hearty breakfasts like Date Muesli, savory entrees including Mushroom Tarts, fresh drinks and juices,
tasty snacks, crunchy salads, dressings––even pasta and noodle dishes. You'll be absolutely blown away by all the possibilities and the colorful photos that bring the mouthwatering recipes to life. The book is informative and easy-to-follow, sure to make its way onto your favorite cookbook list. (www.robertrose.ca)

Just One of Those Days...

I stare into the face of another weekend, as it's Friday afternoon; and the end of the workday creeps ever closer. My e-mail inbox remains frustratingly clear of the messages I need––the ones that answer missives I've sent today and over the week that now slides into the past, the ones that will reassure me that I'm doing my job properly, the ones that will affirm that I am doing what I was meant to do. It's amazing, isn't it, what little things can upend your mood in a day? What minor detail can either make your spirit soar to drag you into oblivion? Maybe, being a writer and a creative type, I'm especially vulnerable to such highs and lows. One word of praise from someone can make me feel like I've been given the moon, while the slightest bit of criticism––or sometimes even simply silence––can leave me feeling incompetent and inconsequential.

It's days like this that I find myself praying hard for some sign, some un-ignorable and undeniable message that I am, in fact, going to make it. Going to thrive and prosper where I've planted myself. That I'm being a good steward of the gifts I've been given and am not idly squandering them.

As I sit here in my "office," tapping away the hours on my keyboard and making the occasional trip to the coffee pot, the bathroom, the counter to request a refill of hot water for my tea or more pickles to feed my soul, I can only wait and pray. Wait and pray. 

And say thank you that this is another day that I have made it, that this is another day that I am doing what I love to do. And maybe one day soon, that really big sign will come. In the mean time, the occasional little one is nice to have––and so I savor those along with my pickles.

Sermon on the Server

It's Sunday again (Already?!?!?!)...which means several things:
The weekend is THIIIIIS close to being O.Ver.
Monday is THIIIIIS close to being here.
And I'm sitting here feeling half-guilty for playing hookey from church for the second week in a row. 
Yes, it's confessional time. 
I'm not Catholic, so I don't mean that in the light-a-candle-and-confess-my-sins type way; but I mean I'm laying it out there. Getting honest and saying, yes, I was less than ideal in my pursuit of Christian fellowship this morning and didn't attend a service. 
To my credit, though, I did attend a virtual one. Today is one of the (many) days that I am thanking God for the invention of the internet and the geniuses of the techies who put sermons online for all of us who have been less than vigilant about physical church attendance.
Today I am thanking God for His provisions for me, for the blessings He has given me in doing work that I love. Today I'm sitting in a sanctuary where the pews are replaced by pleather boots, the church members are a mish-mosh, and the elements of my communion are pickles and hot tea. Despite the fact that my feet did not cross the threshold of a traditional church, today I have had a connection to my God and heard Him speak. 
Today, I plugged in to meet with my Lord, and He was––as always––waiting for me to listen. 

Something's Cookin' in the Kitchen

If you're looking for a way to work healthy foods into your lifestyle, check out a new cookbook from David Cote and Mathieu Gallant, co-founders of the Crudessence restaurants of Canada. Raw Essence: 165 Delicious Recipes for Raw Living (Robert Rose books) is packed with gorgeous, mouthwatering photos and recipes for healthful, easy dishes that embody the raw food philosophy...without being overly complicated. The recipes are supplemented by useful information and advice on how to embrace the raw lifestyle and the benefits it will bring. This is one inspiring book! (www.robertrose.ca)



Ah, pie...Who doesn't love a pie? In a cupcake and cake pop crazed society, pies can seem a bit...uncool? Flip through 175 Best Mini-Pie Recipes: Sweet to Savory, and pull out the napkins...your pie hole is fixin' to start watering! This colorful, inventive cookbook by Julie Anne Hession (Robert Rose books) proves that pies can not only be wickedly tasty, but also fun and portable. Traditional recipes are repackaged into mini versions, packed into smaller, turn-over style delights that make great additions to any party, lunchbox, or meal. Or maybe just because you're really craving pie...Whatever the reason, take a bite out of one of these great recipes, which range from traditionally sweet to more inventive new takes and flavor combinations––there are savory recipes as well as vegan and gluten-free versions. Try out Lemon Meringue Tartlets, New England Lobster Pies, and Classic Apple Pies. Get crusty! (www.robertrose.ca)


There's a reason you have that stand mixer...sometimes you just forget exactly why that is. Especially when you're having to dust around it as it sits, hulking and unused on your countertop. Re-discover your love for the mixer and become a Mixer Maven! A new cookbook from Meredith Deeds and Carla Snyder called The Mixer Bible (3rd Edition): 300 Recipes for Your Stand Mixer (Robert Rose books) includes user-friendly, scrumptious recipes with 125 step-by-step photos to aid you in your quest to conquer the kitchen by way of the mixer. This great book will walk you through each recipe and familiarize you with the various applications of that tried and true kitchen appliance. Mix things up a little! (www.robertrose.ca)