Good Morning, Cast Iron and Kisses

After grabbing the first cup of coffee, start the day right by making breakfast together.

I cook with beloved cast iron pans and tips from Gram. She told me of an easy and simple meal to prepare with your honey.

Begin cooking grits before everything else because slow cooking is better. I like to add smoked salt and half n half  to mine.

Drop a dollop of bacon fat into a warm pan. Add a variety of vegitables. Let cook for a couple of minutes. Season - we use a New Orleans flavor.

 Add a precooked meat (or may be served as a side). Whip an egg with half n half then pour onto veggies. Lower temp and cover. Add cheese. When cheese has melted and egg is cooked, cut into pieces and serve ontop of hot grits in a bowl. 

While doing food prep with your honey, enjoy sipping coffee, sample the fresh veggies, and maybe nibble on each other.

 Enjoy your morning!

Monday Mojo - Spirit of the Crow

Seth Crowe, a crow shifter and Keeper of the Spiritual Law.

He considers himself to be a carrier of souls from darkness to light and enjoys using his body to accomplish his magic. 

Seth is a Native American Crow shifter.

The crow is a spirit animal associated with life mysteries and magic.  The power of this bird as totem and spirit guide is provide insight and means of supporting intentions. Sign of luck, it is also associated with the archetype of the trickster; be aware of deceiving appearances.  If the crow has chosen you as your spirit or totem animal, it supports you in developing the power of sight, transformation, and connection with life’s magic.

The crow knows the unknowable mysteries of creation and is the keep of all sacred law. The medicine he practices gives him mastery of illusion. It is the power of the unknown at work, and always guarantees something special is about to happen.

The crow is also the guardian of ceremonial magic and healing. In any healing circle, a Crow is present. He guides the magic of healing and the change in consciousness that will bring about a new reality. The crow can give you the courage to enter the darkness of the void, which is the home of all that is not yet in form. Read CROW MAGIC to learn about Seth's magical power.

Grandma's Chicken Soup

When Mom would get sick, Grandma would move in with her homemade chicken soup and cure the entire household from the common cold. Ironically, studies show that Gram was right. Chicken soup really can help you get over a cold! Those miserable symptoms of the cold usually include coughing, sneezing, and a stuffy nose. Actual university studies have proven ingredients in chicken soup have anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit certain white blood cells from traveling into airways that contribute to the inflammation that causes cold symptoms. Chicken soup contains compounds that also help inhibit mucus production. In addition to the soup's anti-inflammatory effects, the heat and steam may help open nasal passages especially if you add some garlic or cayenne pepper! Always drink the broth, researchers determined most of the help comes from the liquid. 

  Here's Grandma's recipe: 

3-4 lb stewing chicken 

1 onion 

2 -3 qts water 

1 Tbsp chopped parsley 

1/2 tsp salt, dash pepper 

1 Tbsp butter 

1/2 cup diced celery 

1/4 cup diced carrots 

2 cups noodles or 1/4 cup rice 

Heat to boiling then simmer until meat is tender. Gram would simmer hers all day. She also said you could always add lemon juice to "help cut a thick throat" or garlic for a stuffed up nose. 

Grandam always thought ahead and would prepare batches of soup so she'd be ready at a moment's notice to aid her ailing family. 

The Magic of Crows

  "The crow represents change or transformation. But much more than that, it refers more to a spiritual or emotional change. These intelligent birds give us valuable insight into situations around us and help us adapt as needed". - Crow Symbolism & Meaning

I grew up listening to legends and tales of animals from a neighbor who was a member of the local Chippewa tribe. The intelligence as well as the beauty of the crow always drew me in. Perhaps the attraction led me to write Crow Magic, where the hero is a Native American Crow Shifter. He uses his body and mind to cleanse a person’s soul; taking it from darkness to light.

Available on Amazon 

 Some cultures think of the crow as a bad omen. It has been said this idea came from the wars during the Dark Ages when crows would be seen after a battle picking at the dead. The Vikings believed it was the spirit of a raven that escorted the souls of the dead warriors to Valhalla. Story tellers simply put a dark spin on the tale.

The Native Americans consider a crow to be a sign of good fortune. Crows are cleansers of both the land and the mind. My Chippewa friends hold steadfast to this belief and always express joy when they see crows visit their feeders.

Since moving into the woods, we've attracted a variety of critters. For several years we were blessed with a family of crows. Seeing their antics and family dynamic up close was amazing. The hawks moved in for a couple years chasing the small murder away. However, the hawks moved out and by fall the crows were cautiously returning.

This spring brought two handsome couples into my office view. My building is located along the Flint River. A pair of eagles nest not far from here as well, but they haven't disturbed the crows. I'm not sure where the crows roost, but they come to our yard to feed. 

Do you have some unique critters visit your yard?

#Thursday13 - Autumn Date Ideas

I love FALL.  Everything about the season is wonderful! Acorn squash smothered with butter and brown sugar cooks in the stove while a hot apple pie cools. Burning leaves and then enjoying a glass of wine with friends. Here are a few ideas for you and your honey to have some time to yourselves.

1. Visit a local orchard or pumpkin patch.

2. Go apple picking then make caramel apples.

3. Bake an apple or pumpkin pie together then eat it before it gets cold. Have fun with the left over whipping cream. Enjoy a glass of local wine or brew.

4. Find your inner child and go on a corn maze and hayride. Rake leaves into a pile and jump in!

5. Make Apple Cider Floats and snuggle in front of a fire.

Apple Cider Float

1 cup of real apple cider

½ cup ginger ale

1-2 scoops vanilla ice cream or a seasonal flavor such as cinnamon or apple pie

Ground cinnamon and nutmeg for sprinkling

1-2 TBSP caramel sauce

Pour apple cider and ginger ale into a glass. Add vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle on nutmeg and cinnamon to taste and drizzle caramel sauce on top. Serve with straw and spoon.

 

6. If you are in a warmer climate, take your lap top and a bowl of popcorn to the backyard and watch a movie.

7. Have a thermos picnic at the park. Pack soup and hot cocoa.

8. Go on a Fall Foliage Drive. Pick up some pumpkin spice coffee and enjoy the ride.

9. Visit a local book store. Many offer special autumn displays and events.

10. Hop in the car and go for a drive to find a coffee shop or a local pub to visit.

11. Go on a Sunset Date. Grab a thermos of cocoa and a blanket then head off to a park to watch the sunset. If a park isn't in the cards, simply step onto your porch or back deck.  Weather permitting, do some star gazing too. Super romantic!

12. Have a “Power Outage” Date. Turn all the lights off, light some candles and have some fun.

13. Try a Spa Night. Take a bath together, give each other massages and put on your comfy-cozies.

What word do you use to describe this season? Autumn or Fall?

Click HERE for more super cool Thursday 13 lists.

Don't Throw Away Old Canning Jars

Fall is the time when many folks can produce collected from their gardens. When I had a big garden, I canned salsa and tomato sauce. I shared an extremely large collection of canning jars with my neighbor. The jars ranged in shape and size; some were even considered antique! (Look for colored Ball or Mason jars at yard sales!) Now that I live in the woods, my canning days are gone. However, instead of throwing out all those wonderful canning jars, I found a new use for them. Candles! I love the jars with some cut or pattern to them. Pick up some candle inserts that hold tea lights(I find mine at craft shops for around .40 each). Gently place the insert into a narrow mouth jar. I like to add items to the jar... changing with the season or my mood. If you are crafty, paint the jar before adding the insert. These make wonderful gifts! Take the larger sized, wide mouth jars - place a little sand or dirt on the bottom of the inside then add a brightly colored candle. I use a three of different heights placed on a silver tray with greens and metallic balls or ribbon as a decoration on my porch for the holidays. When they are lit, I find them to be very warm and welcoming to my guests. Get creative and have a great week!

#TastyTuesday - Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

I always say to take advantage of cooking up a batch of romance in the kitchen. 

It's a great opportunity for some fun "couple time". 

Enjoy a glass of chardonnay while making this recipe.

If you're a beer lover, 

try Screamin' Pumpkin from the Griffin Claw Brewing Co 

Here's a tasty little sweet you and your honey can make in advance to your Thanksgiving dinner.

Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

Filling
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3 eggs

Topping

2 cups sour cream
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1.    Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch pan with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Using pastry blender, cut in butter until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in oats and walnuts. Press in bottom of pan; bake 15 minutes.

2.    In large bowl, beat filling ingredients with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Pour over hot base. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until set and dry in center.

3.    Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix topping ingredients. Drop mixture by the spoonful over the pumpkin layer; spread evenly over hot filling. Bake about 5 minutes or until topping is set. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Makes 16 bars

 Screamin' Pumpkin captures the essence of a Michigan Fall with smooth taste. Cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, roasted pumpkin and a dab of molasses makes it perfect for an autumn day or night. Griffin Claw Brewing is located in the Rail District of Birmingham, MI.

Photo by 365 Days, 365 Beers

This year, the brewery took the Screamin' Pumpkin and aged it in bourbon barrels for 10 months. It has a bit of a vanilla, oak and spice flavor. I can't wait to try a Bourbon Imperial Screamin' Pumpkin!

Hot Apple Cider For Cool Autumn Nights

A lovely fall day is perfect for you and your honey to visit a local orchard. 

Go on a hayride, nibble on some pumpkin doughnuts and drink fresh cider. 

Enjoy hot cider under the stars at night.

I picked up some fresh apple cider during a recent visit to my local orchard (Montrose Orchards). Mulled Cider is a perfect warm autumn drink to enjoy while snuggling under a blanket on the porch.  This hottie toddy gives a quiet opportunity to warm up with some spice and romance. 

 

Ingredients

1 apple

2 teaspoons whole cloves

1 orange, thinly sliced

2 quarts apple cider

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon allspice

Pinch grated nutmeg

1 cup dark rum

Cinnamon sticks, garnish

Directions

Stud the apple with the cloves. In a medium pot, combine the studded apple and remaining ingredients except the rum. Slowly bring to a simmer over low heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and add the rum. Discard the apple. Ladle into mugs and garnish each with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately.

Check with local orchards regarding current covid restrictions.

JM Madden Gave Me A Book Hangover

I LOVE JM Madden. 

She's the queen of Military Romance. 

I LOVE her Lost and Found series.

Hot heroes and amazing stories.

BUT...

I'm mad at her right now.

Last night I thought I'd read a couple chapters to relax in bed before lights out. I figured, I'd pick a book I've read before so I wouldn't "get sucked in" to the story and not be able to put it down.

So I opened my Kindle to the Lost and Found story Embattled SEAL.

When Harper Preston finds himself flat in a hospital bed after a botched op, he’s okay with dealing with the fallout. If he dies, he’s lived well past his expiration date. The only people that will notice his passing are the guys he works with at Lost and Found Investigative Service. 

Then his estranged wife arrives. 

Cat Preston is thankful and horrified when she’s called to her husband’s side. He’s been shot. Again. But now that she’s found him she’s going to make the most of the opportunity. If it were up to Harper, she would be out of his life completely because he thinks it's the best thing for the family. 

With a little SEAL abduction (for his own good of course) maybe she can convince him otherwise...

The book is AWESOME!!!!

I didn't stop reading until 3am!

I didn't even take a potty break!

Now I'm suffering a major Book Hangover AGAIN!

My eyes are all buggy and my brain is fried with need to read more!

Please, PLEASE... pick up this book...

I got mine on Amazon.

Pick up all of the books in the Lost and Found series for that matter.

When you sit down to read, make sure you have a snack and a bottle of water handy.

Use the bathroom before opening the cover.

Put a friend or loved one on guard duty, a bomb could go off and you wouldn't know.

I GUARENTEE you won't be able to put it down once you start.

Visit JM Madden's website

Visit JM Madden's Amazon Author Page

Check out the books on Goodreads

Thanks for another sleepless night JM Madden. 

It was worth it.

Colors of Autumn Romance

 My artist's eye loves the colors of Autumn. The rich golds of leaves, dark red berries left on bushes and all the glorious colors of produce.

Fall flowers add color and fragrance.

Look at the gorgeous color of this red onion harvested from my son's garden.
It matches my nail polish! LOL

The color of autumn wines match the season.
I like to celebrate the beauty of fall with
spiced apple wine and my sweet Flyboy.

Grab your honey and make a trip to your local produce stand or better yet, visit the orchard. Go on a hayride or simply enjoy wandering about. Take in all the wonderful colors and scents of the season. Take time to sip some cider and nibble on doughnuts or caramel apples. Romance is all around you in beautiful color!