Happy Friday: # 2 Happy Internet

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So, as I mentioned last Friday, I'm going to start doing posts on Fridays about the little things that make me happy. After all, it is the little things that seem to add up to the most happiness.

#2 is the Internet and networking. I adore my Macs. I adore my Gmail. I adore Linkedin. I adore facebook. I adore all the bloggers and all the commenters on my blog (thanks lovies!). I love love love getting to know people all across the country and across the world. While I've been on the Internet since I was in middle school, it wasn't until recently that I really began networking. Maybe that's because networking doesn't have much of a purpose in middle school... maybe its because it was before networking through the net was really appreciated. Whatever the case, I am so glad I do now.

Remember my post about the art therapy ATCs? (if not please take a look-see here)

Well, in the mail today arrived my four cards. Three are from other fabulous art therapists and one is from the Art Therapy Alliance. This made me so excited, and it is ALL ABOUT networking in a really fun way (which as bloggers, we know all to well).

I lucked out with the cards I got. How cool are these?!!!

The ATC from the Art Therapy Alliance, made by Gretchen Miller.

ATC by Cathy Malchiodi.

From Carol Miles

From Megan Ashley Graf; visit her blog

Then there is networking through the blog. A little less professional and a whole lot more personal and meaningful...

I started my blog in February of this year. Mid January I became very sick due to some of my chronic illnesses. I continued to be sick for months. By February I felt isolated. When you spend most of your time in bed or on the couch - the Internet becomes your dearest friend. Somehow I have people who actually read my blog; while I am not sure why you do, I appreciate it more than I can say. Through your fabulous blogs I began to make connections, find shared stories to laugh over, and enjoy myself. Even now that I am not so sick (YAY! Thank the stars!) and am feeling very busy with too little time on the couch or bed... I adore finding the time to stop by your blogs. And I feel honored when I see people have stopped by mine and have found the time to show a little love in form of a comment or two.

Through the Internet I have found individuals who share illnesses, creative ideas, inspiration, jokes, a love for fashion, a love for food, and/or the complaint of balancing passions between fashion and food. I am reminded that I am not alone. I am reminded that I can still be extroverted even when I feel like I am forced to be introverted due to fatigue or pain. And even when I have plenty of energy to be extroverted, I can still come back and relax to all my online friends.

I dunno, maybe it is cheesy, but all of you make me so incredibly happy. Thank you!

Happy Friday!

Wee Bit Wednesday... on Thursday

errr. on a Thursday. This week has seemed overly busy.

Wee Bit Wednesday from the fabulous Leigh Ashley.

{one} if you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?Hate. Ignorance. Discrimination. I feel all these things go hand in hand in causing the majority of the world's problems. {two} if you could go on vacation for the next month with an unlimited budget, where would you go?There are so many places I want to go, but I want to take my time at each. So if I only had a month I think I would want to do the Mediterranean. Maybe start in Morocco! Then off to Spain and France. I've never been to Italy so I think more time would be spent there working my way around the East and West coasts. Then off to Greece. Then to Turkey. And off to Egypt. Then maybe hitting some of the small islands before being done. Ah Yes. So... pull out your checkbooks, please. I'd love for this to really happen! haha. {three} cats or dogs?dogs. although I do love cats also, particularly those with more dog like personalities... you know, the ones that follow you around and cuddle and like to be pet without all the hissing and being off on their own.
{four} would you rather date a lot of people or be in a committed relationship?I love love love being married. It also makes me wonder why people complain about being single so much - dating a lot of people can be a lot of fun and exciting. But my husband is my solid rock of support and love and reassurance. I am in a state of sweet adoration and I wouldn't give it up for the world. {five} would you rather own a luxury yacht or a private jet?hmmm. Yacht would be nice, but a private jet could get me anywhere I wanted at anytime. So then I could fly to see friends, family, and the world. I have to say... there are a lot more airports then seaports. And it takes a lot less time. So jet it is. {six} what was the last book you read?one about gangs. I miss luxurious non-school related readings. {seven} would you rather be really hot or really cold?I'd rather be Goldie Locks and have everything be "just right". But if I had to choose. I don't know... really doesn't work as a definitive for me, so I'm having a hard time answering with a definitive. {eight} if you could change your name, what would you change it to?My name is pretty unique and awesome, but since that isn't public info... I'd change it to Bianca or Natashya. I like names that end with A.
{nine} what did you dream about last night?I was nine months pregnant and HUGE but happy. This was kinda cool because although I have had preggo dreams in the past, usually it is finding out I am pregnant or somewhere else in the first 3 months. Some of you are aware of my other blog where I discuss my chronic illnesses, and if so, you know that being pregnant isn't the most sure thing for me, and carrying full term is even more questionable. So I woke up with this wonderful sense of "it is going to happen"! I am still smiling over it. {ten} if you had to throw away either your tv or your computer, which would you throw away?Since I don't even have cable... I'd have to go with the TV. The computer can let me watch my shows anyway... plus I get to talk with all you lovies! okay, now it's your turn!

Scrumdiddlyuptious

A kiddo from work brought in Wonka's Fun Dip and gave it to all the staff.

I have never before had Wonka's Fun Dip. I was a little skeptical, but willing to give it a try. Since we can't share food at summer camp (a rule in place for the safety of the kiddos - many of whom have food allergies) and fair is fair... I waited till I got home before opening up the extremely bright wrapper. I licked the stick (yes, that's what she said) and dipped into the brightly colored sugar. I went to repeat and my husband sees me, makes a nasty face, and says "go eat a spoonful of sugar, it is less likely to rot your teeth out"... and with that appetizing thought, the package made it to the trash (plus it really wasn't that good. If it had been dark chocolate or something else wonderful, I would have simply made a face back and delighted in the ooey goodness while promising myself and my hubs to brush my teeth right after).

The point of this post, I know you are probably wondering by now, is the little message on the back of the package. "Greetings to you from Willy Wonka himself! Tremendous things are in store for you! Many tasty treats await you! Inside this Scrumdiddlyuptious package you will find MYSTIC & MARVELOUS SURPRISES that will Entrance, Intrigue, & Delight you BEYOND MEASURE. So don't just STAND THERE with your mouth open. Go on. Feed You Imagination."

And I thought to myself, wow... this should be the introduction to my blog... and so I might make it just that with a little edit here and a little edit there. :)

Happy Friday: # 1 Happy Mail

So I am feeling rather uninspired about Fashion Friday at the moment.

Instead, I just want to shout HAPPY FRIDAY from the rooftops. And maybe, a little less loudly, but still on the top of my voice, share something that makes me happy!

After the feedback on the Perspectives post about the things that make my day instantly better, I am thinking that, perhaps, you too would prefer this subject....

So #1. A happy mailbox makes me happy.

Some of the things I have received:

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From Katie R, a package of bird goodies which included

homemade bird book-markers.

an edited notebook with a handmade cover:

and some bird cutouts, which promptly made it onto my vision wall.

Some near the quote from my father's contingency letter.

Some near a nest of hope peace and joy. Over a little peaceful collage I made.

Another over a reminder to keep steady and balanced.
~~

An adorable handmade postcard from Kelly A.

She made it with old music sheets because she knows I love music and bunny's from a vintage children's book because she knows I love (a) bunnies (b) vintage goodies (c) children's book illustrations. SWEET. And of course she added just a hit of glittery goodness!

Thanks Kelly!

~~

One of my best friends wrote me a birthday card, misplaced it, and recently mailed it. It made my day! Happy Birthday to Me! (My birthday is in January)

She said that even though it was a parrot girl, that it reminded her more of a peacock, and therefore it reminded her of me. Getting this so belated, when it is totally unexpected is even more exciting than if I had gotten it around my birthday! I love it. Thanks M!

~~

Some envelopes that were as exciting as the swaps they contained....

What pretty colors. And I love the pink and green together, which is how I found them in my happy mailbox!

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Just yesterday, another AWESOME envelope arrived.

Inside, an AMAZING handmade and heartfelt card from Claire (she and her blog are both fabulous, please check her out if you haven't already!)

She decorated the back to boot
This now sits on my desk. I adore it. Thank you Claire!

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And then today, my luck continued! Another wicked envelope greeted me at the door.

Micaela (she too is an absolute doll with a lovely blog... please go take a look-see) took the time to make this card:

and inside, after a heart warming and wonderful letter, said "Forgive my attempt @ a collage!". Um... Micaela, no forgiveness as this is not an attempt, but an amazing and thoughtfully put together collage that I feel so lucky and honored to have received.

Thank you so much, and I really hope you had as much fun making it as I had discovering all its details!

~~

And outgoing:

I won't disclose to whom in case some haven't reached the receivers yet... I like these things to be unexpected!

A sweet little birdie with ribbon and card stock.

A fashionable card that I have owned for YEARs waiting for the right person to send it to. I loved it so much, it was hard to part with. But I'm pretty sure the lovely lady on the receiving end will appreciate it just as much!

A little gift for a recent blog friend. I would share what is inside, but the recipient would know right away that it was headed for her... so... I will keep you guessing as to the specifics.

A fabulously funny quote to brighten up the day of a solider serving his country in a war zone. Hopefully it makes him smile.

And last but not least, a little collaged note headed to my hometown.

Happy Friday everyone.

Name one thing that makes you happy!

Art Therapy ATCs

Gretchen Miller, an art therapist, recently hosted an ATC (artist trading card) swap for members of the Materials and Media in Art Therapy Linkedin subgroup. The theme was Art Therapy: Helping Others, Communities, and the World. This is a fun way to network with other actively creative art therapists. The rules were to create 4 ATCs. Once all members have sent in their ATCs, Gretchen will mail back 3 from other art therapists. The 4th cards are being kept for the Art Therapy Alliance. The deadline to mail them in was this Monday, so she should be organizing the swap return soon. I can't wait to find out what 3 art therapist I will receive ATCs from! I thought I would share some that I have seen online (these are just a handful; there were 53 participants and each sent in 4 ATCs):

Theresa Zip

Susan Boyes "Spirit-Stories-Courage"

Sandra Grew "Understanding"

Randall James "Digging through the layers"

Poppy Terris

Natalie Nauert "Breathe"

Molly Kohut "Art therapy is hope through pain"

Melanie Glassey "Art Wisdom Series"

Megan Ashely Graf

Maggie Simon

Lisa Miller

Kelly Dark

Kelley Brown
Gretchen Miller

Emily Parsons "Art therapy brings clarity"

Diane Menna "Art connections 3/4"

Christy Wolfram "Express Pain"

Chris Drosdick "Spread Your Wings"

Cathy Malchiodi

Carol Miles "Fragile Order"

Andrea Davis "Positive Energy"

Ali Cunningham "Re-feuling"

Annice Johnson "Making Sacred"

Annice Johnson "Creativity; Human Understanding"

3 Recipes

So this week at the grocery store I found this.

5 lbs of FRESH really good blueberries for only $8.89. I know, seriously, say WHAT?! and as a blueberry fanatic, it is my favorite food after all, I couldn't wait to come up with ways to use all 5 lbs... which isn't hard for me.

I also felt it deserved a blue ribbon award. And just last week I had a blue ribbon for being a "presenter" at the Cambodian and Filipino Heritage Camps.... so that's as good as I had on hand.

When I was recently home, I dug through my mom's family and friends recipes. One such recipe was Blueberry Kuchen. Perfect, no?! I am guessing she got this recipe while living in Germany.

3/4 Cup butter

1.5 Cup flour

Pinch of salt

3 Tablespoons sugar

1.5 Tablespoons cider vinegar

Mix together butter, flour, salt, and sugar. Add vinegar and mix well. Pat onto bottom and sides of a 9" springform pan. Freeze until firm.

2 Tablespoons flour

Dash of cinnamon

1 Cup sugar

2 Cups blueberries (*or blackberries, but then it wouldn't be a blueberry kuchen now would it? No, it would be a blackberry kuchen. Which sounds delicious, but I have FIVE POUNDS of blueberries...)

Combine all ingredients.

Pour into crust. Bake at 400 degrees F for 45 minutes to an hour. Remove from heat, add 1 cup fresh blueberries (*or blackberries) if wanted. Cool.

You have to let it cool. It will burn your mouth. However, I suggest leaving the house as it cools. I stayed. I could smell it wafting around. I was drooling all night - its not a good look on anyone.

So YAY! dessert first. A) because it is so mouth watering good. I make killer blueberry pie, and this is better than my blueberry pie. (b) as good as the following dinners are... they are not as visually appealing. I promise, they still taste good, so excuse the photos and give 'em a go anyway!

Stuffed Peppers.

(the recipe says 3 peppers serve 2. I wasn't sure about how to cut one in half... so hubby got 2 and I got 1. It was plenty and worked for us, but I don't know how you want to go about adjusting it and I thought I should warn you!)

3 medium green peppers

1/2 onion, finally chopped

1 lb hamburger

1/2 tablespoon garlic salt

1 bay leaf

1 egg

1/2 box rice

1 small can tomato sauce

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/4 cup bread crumbs

American cheese

Saute ½ onion; add hamburger and brown well. Add dash of salt and pepper. ½ Tablespoon garlic salt. Saute 1 bay leaf; cook rice; add to hamburger. Mix tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, bread crumbs, and egg. Add hamburger mix. Stuff peppers; top with strips of American cheese. Place peppers in shallow pan lined with foil. Bake 45 minutes.

So I cut the tops off (but keep them for later... not the seeded part though!) and cored the peppers.
And then I stopped following the recipe (gasp!) I decided that since I really shouldn't eat egg, bread crumbs, or cheese (Fibromyalgia has led to some funky food sensitives) that I would make a different stuffed pepper. HA! Tricked ya. But now you get two stuffed pepper recipes!

So I browned my hamburger meat. I added taco seasoning.
I then browned the onions separately. And placed the finished onions on top of the meat already stuffed into the peppers.
This was then topped with salsa. My husband does like cheese, so I put that on his. Then all the pepper tops went back onto the peppers.

These were cooked for 45 minutes!
and voila. His above and mine below. This was served with some yummy Spanish rice (make white rice with chicken broth, salsa, and onion.)
Now you can choose between meatloaf style or Mexican style stuffed peppers! (and if you choose the meatloaf style tell me how it tastes!).

The next night I tried another recipe stolen from mom's folder.

Lime Chicken with Salsa Verde.

The recipe serves 4.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 lime, thinly sliced

Juice of 1 lime

8 garlic cloves, pressed

1/2 cup dry white wine

1 cup chicken broth

This time, I follow the recipe... I swear... well, for the most part.

Sprinkle chicken evenly with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and lime slices. Cook 3-4 minutes or until lightly browned. Add 2 tablespoons of lime juice (about 1 lime worth), turn chicken and cook 3-4 minutes more. Remove chicken and lime; set aside. (I threw out the lime... but that isn't in the recipe)

Add 6 cloves garlic to skillet and cook while stirring constantly for 30 seconds. Add wine.

Add chicken broth (I would like to be Martha-y and use homemade stock, but as you can see... sometimes short cuts are luxurious in and of themselves).

Reduce wine, broth and garlic by half - about 5 minutes or so. Return reserved chicken and lime slices (if you followed the recipe and reserved them, but I figured it was the flavor that was important and they had done their job...). Drop heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile,

1 bunch cilantro

1/4 cup mint

2 scallions, minced

Zest and juice of 1 lime

1 teaspoon honey

Puree remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 garlic cloves with cilantro, mint, scallions, lime and honey in a food processor until smooth. (Okay... so I didn't mince the scallions nor did I zest and juice the lime... I figure the food processor will do all the work for me!) Oh, and I added tomatoes because the red looked pretty with all that green. I apparently have an issue with authority. Recipe, shmecipe.

Mix it up and you have Salsa Verde.
Top the chicken with the salsa verde. Serve with rice pilaf (so says the recipe, um below, you will see chips and salsa).

YUM! Enjoy!