Sunday Meditation - From The Music of Fernando Ortega

Fernando Ortega - Official Website

http://www.fernandoortega.com/

Sometimes when we have no words, we borrow the words of others.

The words and music of Fernando Ortega are often impactful and encouraging.

The Journey of Life is never simple. When we can't speak for ourselves, we pray that others will do for us what we can't do what ourselves.

Sing Allelu

No One Else

Lyrics of No One Else

I look for you in the middle of the night
Savior and guardian of my soul
From highest heaven You hear my call
And in my trouble You comfort and hold me
I long for You when I cannot hear Your voice
And my heart is dry as the dust
Oh Lord, be near me if I should fall
And show me how to believe and to trust
You alone

There is no one else beside you
In the darkest night
In the wilderness
There is no one else beside you
At Your feet I cry
In Your arms I rest

I hope in You and Your promise to return
With angels and dark clouds of thunder
When death and evil and sorrow flee away
And all creation will bow and proclaim
You alone

There is no one else beside You
You will fill the sky
When You come again
There is no one else beside You
Heaven's only light
Burning without end

Tragedy - Always Un-timely

Heard some sad sad news today.

When someone died suddenly, there are no words that would be appropriate.  I never know what to say, personally or professionally.

All the persons related to the deceased will suddenly be wrapped into a whirlwind of activities.  Many a times, they are still in shock, numb and feeling stunted.  They will go through the motions, because these activities are expected.  I have often thought, when do they get to grief?  After the funeral, the memorial service, or when all the activities slow down?

Yet, by then, the grieving will be done alone.  They have already lost their loved one, then they have to feel the grief and the loss alone?

The most popularly theory on the Stages of Grief comes from Elizabeth Kubler-Ross.
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance


I have been using this at work for many years, yet I continue to feel a sense of "incompleteness."

Where is the Hope?

What will happen after Acceptance?

Many in the field continue to utilize these 5 Stages of Grief and Loss, and add their own work to it.
For me, experiences showed me that the first few stages are often intermingled; people are often already depressed, even non-functional.


More times than not, what I see in my office look a bit more like this.


Denial ~ Anger ~ Bargaining ~ Depression
These go in a spiraling pattern. Sometimes, the spiral goes up; other times, it spiral down. This is the longest stage(s) of the process.


Then come Acceptance...hopefully in open gesture.


And what is most important in my work is to see the "truly" final stage of grief and loss


Transformation

Whether it be moving forward or making changes, may it be find the new life' direction or even a new purpose. That is the Hope of, "A Life After The Loss."

The Odes Project - The First Christian Hymnal

Occasionally, I catch something interesting on the radio that I can't get off my mind.  Was driving a distance to watch the my son learn how to surf.

An introduction to The Odes Project was on one of the Christian radio station.  

The Odes of Solomon, which some scholars have called “The First Christian Hymnal,” is in fact a worship anthology from one of the earliest Christian communities. The poems it contains were composed sometime before 125 C.E., and may have been used as chants in a church or synagogue.

As soon as I got the chance I looked it up.

The Odes Project Official Website:

http://theodesproject.net/

Here are a couple of samplers

Odes of Solomon - 13

Odes - 3

History is very Fascinating.

History that brings Hope is Compelling!

Fun Thursday: A Little Harry Potter in L.A.

Whimsic Alley in Los Angeles:  http://www.whimsicalley.com/

Virtual Tour of Whimsic Alley:  http://www.whimsicalley.com/VT01.htm

If you are a Big Harry Potter fan...This post is For you!!!

The Whimsic Alley is your one stop shop for all your Harry Potter merchandise and special event venue! They host "High Tea" events for fans of all ages.  Tea Time at the Great Hall...

http://www.goldstar.com/events/los-angeles-ca/tea-time-in-the-great-hall

Parties, Magic shows, special events with Look-a-likes roaming the hallways and sit among the fans.

I have been encouraging my older one to read the books so that we can go pay Whimsic Alley a visit.  So far, I am still the only fan at my house. My hope may lie with the younger kiddie. It won't be too long until she is no longer too young for the genre. Guess, I can always plan my own Birthday Party...wink wink!

Apps Discovery Day

Thousands...Hundreds of Thousands...
Of Apps for your phones!

There are so many out there...I am not even sure where and how to begin.

Be specific...very specific was the best suggestion I received.

Needed a grocery and meal helper...
Food On The Table
I am impressed.
The app linked to the top 3 grocery stores in your area.  You can change them any time.
Almost instantly...all the weekly sale items are listed and right at your finger tips.  + grocery list + recipes + menu suggestions = wow...good help for meal planning for the family.

Needed a calories counter - food diary...
myfitnesspal
It has all the basic. Calories counter, food diary, progress charts, BUT
what was stunting was the label scanner.
Even Nerdy Hubby was eager to test it out.  Scanning every food in the house!
Aside from the international food items, it pretty much log everything within seconds.

Needed Chinese Food Recipes...
Chef Panda
From the easy to the most complicated.
Many recipes for items from my early childhood...But in English and U.S. measurement, not metric.
The 1st thing that caught my eyes was "Fried Devils."
Literal translation of a breakfast item.  Basically, twin fried dough about a foot long, eaten with rice porridge.
Cracked Me Up!!!

I'm the second class citizen of the cell phone world.  I own an Android and not an iphone.
I'm sure that iphone would have a million apps by now...as we speak, multiplying exponentially.

So go on an apps discovery day,

and hopefully, 

your life will be simpler by the end of it. 

Movie Night - The Great Buck Howard

I used to hang on to movie reviews for my movie choices.
Then I grew up.

Individual tastes, phases of life, interests, curiosities, etc etc. are so much more than box office hype.

With Netflix, Amazon or Blockbuster, you can stream movies all day and all night...Nerdy Hubby said that the insomniac will never be lonely.

So the latest adventure at the (home) movie is The Great Buck Howard (2008).

I will watch anything with John Malkovich.  It's a great character film, as with all of his filmography. Directed by Sean McGinly who wrote the screenplay based on his observations as road manager for magician, the Amazing Kreskin.

Regardless of ages and circumstances, we all want to believe in "magic." There are no special effects, nothing got blown up, no 3D glasses.  Yet, it's still magical to believe (in someone or something).

Ok...I give...the Review from Roger Ebert...Just for fun.
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090318/REVIEWS/903189993

It's like when my kiddies ask me, "Mommy, do you believe in Santa?"
My answer is still, "Babies, I believe in Santa for you!"

Seriously Ethnic Eats Monday - Bitter Melon

Changed the Name from Good Eats Monday because...

The Secret Ingredient is Bitter Melon.

This is Not for the faint of heart.  It's Bitter!

Every Chinese (Asian) family has its own recipe for making it less bitter.  The truth is, no matter what you do...it's bitter...it's supposed to be.

It's Definitely an acquired taste; If you choose to?!

As children, no kids would touch the stuff.  Now that we are adults, for whatever strange reason, occasionally, we would crave it.  Crazy Hah!  For those who might just be a little curious.  Here it is.

Bitter Melon with Black Bean Sauce

Ingredients:

2 bitter melons, preferable light green, yellow or whiter in color

Ground Pork Mixture: Stir Fry and set aside

1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced

3 ounces ground pork

1 tsp rice wine

1/2 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp corn starch

1 tbsp of water

1 tbsp of oil for stir frying

Stir Frying the Bitter Melons:

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp minced ginger

1 tablespoons black beans garlic sauce

Asian chili sauce to taste (optional)

1 tbsp sugar

2 tablespoons oil, for stir-frying

Sesame oil to taste

Preparation:

To prepare the bitter melon, cut in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and cut into ¼ inch thin slices. Place into colander, sprinkle salt over the slices, wait for 15 minutes. Then Raise and drain.  (This is where Nerdy Hubby and I disagreed.  His family usually add the next step of blanching the bitter melon and dunking in ice-water, before stir frying. Feel free to try it either way and decide for yourself.)

Heat wok over medium high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, ginger and black bean sauce (chili). Stir-fry briefly until aromatic (about 30 seconds).

Add the bitter melon. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes, stir in the sugar. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until the bitter melon is browning and beginning to soften. Add in the prepared ground pork. Stir in a few drops sesame oil if desired. Serve hot.

This Is At Least Educational (chuckle...chuckle)!

Sunday Meditation - In Christ Alone

Growing up in a traditional church in the East Coast, singing hymns was very much a part of our lifestyle.

By the time I was in college, the movement toward contemporary worship music was in full swing.  Of course I was swept away with it just like every other young person.

Now that Hymns are no longer the norm in churches, I have to say that I miss them...a lot.

Maybe I am getting older and seek a balance between the contemporary and the traditional. Maybe, I am just getting more nostalgic.  I do think it is a growing appreciation of the hearts and souls behind them.

I get very excited when I hear the more contemporary artists putting their interpretation on the old hymns.

In Christ Alone - Newsboys

Paint A Wall...Or A Few

Summer Home Projects...

Every Summer we plan on doing Home Projects. The intentions are always good...the results...not so much.

But the human will is resilient (chuckle...chuckle), so here we go again.We will paint the kiddies' rooms before the end of summer.  The two of them have been collecting paint chips for so long that we can have our own booth at Home Depot.

Pink...all shades of it, for the girly.  A collection of beach/ocean colors, sandy tan, ocean blue, sunny yellow and so on for the big boy.

I love the many blogs out there that inspire beautiful yet do-able home decor. Looking at these can almost transport me to different places.

The French Tangerine

http://www.thefrenchtangerine.com/2011/06/hot-pink-and-orange.html

The Inspired Room

http://theinspiredroom.net/2011/07/15/5-decorating-ideas-from-sarahs-cottage/

The Lettered Cottage

http://theletteredcottage.net/dining-room-ideas-pick-my-presto-2

Now...got to go...paint a room...ok...not really.

Will go buy the paint.

Anaheim Ballet - More Than Dance

Anaheim Ballet - I'm a Fan.

Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/anaheimballet
Official Website
http://www.anaheimballet.org/

Someone had said that Classical Ballet is about the Form
Contemporary Ballet is the Movement of the Form

I am sure these are over simplifications and just to make a general point.

I don't know much about dance aside from enjoyment and appreciation.  I am constantly amazed and in awe of what the human body is capable of. Dance is where the human body speaks to me.

Anaheim Ballet has its own YouTube Channel with a ton of videos.  Here are just a few examples.

Put A Skip In Your Steps Today

Fun Thursday - Surfs Up

For all my friends out in the East Coast...Sorry about the Heat Wave...Stay Cool!

Every Summer, my kiddies are like fish.  They live in the water.  This year, the older one begged me to sign him up for Surf Camp.  Wow, what an interesting concept!  I have always thought surfing was for other people, and other people's kids.  Being from the East Coast, surfing was never on my radar of things to do or to learn.

Guess my kiddies are truly Californians.  First day out in the water, the instructors got the campers to stand on the board. By the end of the week, all the kids were talking about wiped out and the type of waves they would like to ride.  A whole different language to me...but no one can deny the smiles on their faces.

In Southern California, when you google "Surf Lesson or Instruction," you might be surprised how many Surf Schools are around.  They teach children and adults. If you ever get curious, try it out, you might get hooked.

Here are some suggestions:

Ventura Makos
http://www.venturamakossurfcamp.com/Ventura_Makos_Surf_Camp/Contact_Location.html
Santa Barbara Adventure Company
http://www.sbadventureco.com/adventures/surf-lessons/?gclid=CL-orZG7k6oCFQMPbAod0WtVwg
Newport Beach Surfing Lessons
http://newportbeachsurfinglessons.com/
Pacific Surf School - San Diego
http://www.pacificsurf.org/

It's Never Too Late To Learn Something New.

Embracing Otherness

Many a times scenarios at work continue to heighten the importance of Attachment Theory in Relationship Therapy for me.

The balancing of "the other" and "the self" is still the key to a successful and satisfying relationship (of any kind).

In Individual psychotherapy, the emphasis on the self can dominate and over-shadow the important role others play in a person's life.

Overstating "independence" can actually create isolation and detachment (IMHO).

Surprisingly to me, the point was made clearly, eloquently and beautifully not by any famous psychotherapists, but uttered passionately and movingly by an actor...Thandie Newton.

Thandie Newton:  Embracing Otherness, Embracing Myself

This brought tears to my eyes and moved me deeply in so many ways.  

Hope this will inspire you to allow "Awareness" into your life.

Elizabeth Gilbert On Creative Process

A Book...A Movie...A Woman Went On A Journey...

Then What???

Elizabeth Gilbert on Nurturing Creativity on TED.com

Hope This Will Inspire the Creative Process in All of Us.

Good Eats Monday - Arroyo Chop House - Pasadena

We decided to go for a hunk of meat on our date night.

We like our old stumping ground of Pasadena, CA.  Always something to do, something to see and lots of good restaurants.

A 40-minute drive later, most of the kiddies related talk was out of the way. We stepped into this dark wood, old Pasadena style sophisticated setting.  We could almost forget that we are middle age suburbians.

Arroyo Chop House - Pasadena

http://www.arroyochophouse.com/

Starter:  1/2 and 1/2 - House Sour Dough & Garlic Bread

Pancetta Wrapped Diver Scallops was on the menu

Filet Mignon was a very generous cut

Ribeye seemed to melt in the mouth

A glass of Argentina  Melbec complimented the chucks of hunk

It's interesting that all the "finer" steak houses only serve the hunk by itself.  Then you will have to order the sides separately (to share).

Mushrooms were a must...especially "Sauteed Mountain Mushrooms" (so, who climbed the mountain for my dish?)

Almost every table had the Mac&Cheese with black forest ham

But onto my favorite part of any meal...Dessert!

Souffle:  Chocolate and Grand Marnier (why does one have to choose?)

Light and Airy...not overly sweet and just the right amount of intensity in the mouth feel.

Sorry if this is making you Hungry...

I did say "Good Eats Monday."

Sunday Meditation - It Is Well (With My Soul) by Kutless

Kutless is pretty much always on my playlist...
Their take on the old hymn "It Is Well" is their cover track and it takes on a certain intensity and conviction.  For me, It's almost like a urging reminder that it is "The Turth."

It Is Well (Kutless)

I got to know them a little more with their personal

reflections on the making of this album.

May You Be "Well" This Day!

Popular Summer Vacation Spots

Summer Vacation - 2011

Finalized the plans for our summer vacation this week.
Now is the count down. Because of one reason or another, we won't take a week long vacation until the end of summer.  For us, that's mid-August.

As the economic is slowly...ever so slowly recovering, we decided on a fairly local spot so to keep to our budget.

As I was looking through different resources, I came across
"America's 10 Most Popular Summer Vacation Destinations." 
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/07/15/americas-10-most-popular-summer-vacation-destinations/

I have happy to find out that 4 out of 10 of these are "drive-able" from where we live.
To tell the truth, if it is up to me, I would just check into a hotel somewhere with a pool and free breakfast, then park myself on a lounge chair and call it the day! (Nowadays, with so many things to juggle with, I am pretty easy to please.)

Hope your Summer is Fun and Relaxing!

Carmageddon - Los Angeles 2011

Carmageddon
Los Angesles will close out portion of the 405 Fwy, about 10 miles for 53 hours, starting 7 pm tonight.

Is it really the end of the world?

This of course made it onto the local news, then the regional news, then the national news.
During this last week, this 53 hours closure made it on to the Today's Show and even CNN!

Just google the word and you will get hundreds of results.
Can Los Angeles, the biggest car culture city, get out of their cars?
That's a good question.

The Mayor of Los Angeles said to get out of your car, walk, bike, do something different.  Jetblue offered flights from Burbank to Long Beach...The distant is about 35 miles. And, these are sold out!

I can go on and on...

Honestly, I don't know what to make of it...Just hope it's good for the economy.

Now I have to go detox from Carmageddon...

Wherever you are today, 

your news is most likely more interesting than this...

But For Today...

This is my Reality.

Fun Thursday - Plan Ahead For A Concert In The Park

City Of Santa Clarita - Concert In The Park - Summer 2011

http://arts.santa-clarita.com/Index.aspx?page=42

So this weekend is "Carmageddon." 

Portion of The 405 Freeway in Los Angeles will be closed for 53 hours. Listening to all the media, one is led to believe that this is almost as scary as the end of the world.

The biggest recommendation is to "stay in your town."  

As I laugh at all the hype, I realized that it is not a bad suggestion to stay in town.  There are many fun and entertaining options in the summer for almost every town and city in the summer.  

Every Friday and Saturday evenings in Santa Clarita, there are free concerts happening.  The city encourages us to come out and "meet our neighbors," get together with friends and stay in town (it's good for the city...mainly the revenue). 

So we decided...why not...we will go to a free concert this Saturday.  Meet up with Friends and stay in town.  Pack a Picnic and Enjoy the Evening with "Stevie's music."  This weekend is Stevie Wonder night.

It will be a night filled with...You are the Sunshine, Isn't She Lovely, Calling Say I Love You, etc etc.

Find The Beat of Your Town and Enjoy a Little Night Music!

Took The Day Off

Took The Day Off

Went To Santa Barbara with The Kiddies

Walked the Streets when It Wasn't Crowded

Went To The Beach

Drove the Wrong Way...And It Was OK

Took The Long Way Home

Felt Stress Melted Away (at least some)

Conclusion:  Need More Days Like These.

Wishing You A Day Off...Find It...Don't Wait For It

Encouraging Healthy Competition

When the Kiddies were younger, we did not emphasize the concept of winning and losing.  We focused on the values of "Doing Your Very Best" & "Never Giving Up."

We provided different opportunities for the kiddies to try out activities, interests and hobbies.  Both have their distinct innate talents and mental and physical tendencies.

While the younger is quieter, she is physically inclined and enjoys performing.
The older one has a more diverse interest range; he likes to try out different things.
Contact sports are not his passion.  He is very empathetic, so at times, he's overly concerned for others (while in the game).

As he has gotten older, now 10 y.o., we have noticed that there is a natural longing to "win."

This got me thinking about the reality of competition.
The world as we know it, does make distinctions and determinations of "The Best," "The Winner."

Children do need to have a sense of success.  They do need to feel the feeling of success.  No matter what the activity is, piano, dance, team sports, swimming, or even online contests, it feels good to win, to receive the concrete recognition of an award.

An Article on Parenting and Encouraging Healthy Competition 
http://www.more4kids.info/2303/parenting-tips-for-encouraging-healthy-competition/

Provided 7 Tips on Encouraging Healthy Competition.  Click on the Link for the full article.

Tip One: Explain the Importance of Doing their Best

Tip Two: Lead by Example

Tip Three: Discuss Family Values

Tip Four: Focus on Their Effort Not the Outcome

Tip Five: Thou Shall Not Judge

Tip Six: Encourage Training/Practice

Tip 7: Accept Your Child for Who they Are

The 7 y.o. is dancing her heart out on a weekly basis.  She performs twice a year with her dance studio.  

The 10 y.o. just won his first swim meet competition for Freestyle within his age category at his level.

The excitement in his voice tells me that he is feeling that sense of success and we are meeting his developmental needs.

Good Eats Monday - Recchiuti Confections

Recchiuti Confections...
At the Ferry Building Market Place in San Francisco

For me, A trip to the Bay Area will not be completed without a visit to the Ferry Building Market Place.

I Love Everything about this place.  The smell, the sound, the sight, the taste, even the hustle and bustle, all are welcoming, to my senses.

One of a Must Stop is Recchiuti.  Michael Recchiuti's confections shop.

Welcome to Recchiuti Confections! 

Spoil yourself with some flavorful chocolate treats from confectioner Michael Recchiuti!  Make your chocolate pilgrimage to our shop in the beautifully restored San Francisco Ferry Building. There you'll discover our entire selection of handmade chocolates and confections as well as several Ferry Building exclusives and flavors from Michael's test kitchen. This is the place where Recchiuti devotees can create their own carefully selected assortment of chocolates for gifting or personal indulgence. 

Here is a sampling of my indulgence!

Recchiuti - San Francisco

http://www.recchiuti.com/index.html

Sunday's Loving Reminder - Love Never Fails

Love Never Fails...

I Corinthian 13 has often been used for weddings & loving gestures between couples. Yet, understanding it only through that lens will be missing out on the depth of the love it is describing.

Because of the holiday, it was a short week for me.  But for some reasons, it felt so much longer.  I'm not sure if it was because I had to be at a different place every day this week, or the fact that the kiddies are experiencing some "growing pains" emotionally, or I think, I overdosed on Vitamin D without knowing it was already a high dose in my new multi.

Nonetheless, it was not an easy week.  I needed comfort and re-assurance of every form.  This song has genuinely been a God-sent. And I don't use this term likely.

Hope this brings Comfort and Assurance to you also.

Brandon Heath - Love Never Fails

Love Never Fails - Brandon Heath (Live)

(I was very moved and touch by this version.)

In Awe of Social Media

The World of "The Cloud"

That is where we all live and function nowadays.

I love knowing where my friends are eating, what their children are doing, where are they vacationing and what they are thinking moments ago.

What I love more than knowing is viewing.  Photos and Videos all uploaded within seconds.

Being over 40, I always feel like I am trying to catch up in this world of technology.  As with all things, the good will come with the bad. Some of us will want to debate about the world of facebook, twitter, groupon, flickr, youtube, etc etc. Yet, the reality of this world is so infused into our daily living that unless, we live under a rock, there is no denying it.

Found this on Youtube

Social Media Revolution 2011

The Insanity of Summer (For a Working Mom)

Every Summer I would say, "Next summer will be different!"

...next summer, I will be more organized
...I will be less stressed
...I will have our vacations all planned out
...I will not feel like a chauffeur
...I will have time to cook
...I will actually relax and enjoy the kids

Then "next summer" is Here...and...Sorry to Report, Not So Different.

In some way, summer can be worst for a working mom.  

I am supposed to have fun, enjoy the summer, taking in all the scenery, see how the kids have grown.

Reality so far is, everyday, I have to juggle the my clients' schedules (they have kids, on a summer schedule, and have vacations too); my kiddies' summer "fun" schedules; family vacations, and so on and on.

Everyday is different, (not in a good way), so I live by my calendar! 

Doing my best to be at the right place, the right time and on the right date! 

At times, it's harder than it sounds (at least for me).

The Soko.com has an article that tries to speak to this issue:

How To Balance Work and Family This Summer

http://www.thesoko.com/thesoko/article993.html

Someday, it will be different.  I will take the whole summer off and not worry about any of this.  But that fantasy is a long way off. So until then, I am glad that I am companions along the way.

Fun Thursday - The Goody Oldies

Two Very Different kinds of entertainment came into my inbox today.

The Monkees - 45th Anniversary 

Playing the Greek Theatre

Wow, what a shock to my system.  I can still remember them vividly and now, we are talking about their "45th" anniversary!  It would be fun to reminiscent.  BTW, my link is for 1/2 price tickets...so if you have nothing to do on July 16th and can get to the Hollywood area, have fun.

http://www.goldstar.com/e/47806

Then there is the old but endearing Shakespeare.   The Independent Shakespeare Co. presents its summer Shakespeare festival at Los Angeles Griffith Park. It's a free festival.  It lasts for 6 weekends.  They are playing Merry Wives of Windsor; Hamlet; Love's Labour's Lost.

http://www.goldstar.com/events/los-angeles-ca/griffith-park-free-shakespeare-festival-2011

These are my Oldies But Goody Recommendations.  

Go Do something different and fun this weekend!

Musical Chills for Your Hot Summer Days

Maybe it's because it has been over 100 degrees for the last 5 days.
Maybe it's because the ukulele reminds me of vacation times (the beauty of Hawaii).
Maybe it's because the ukulele is the underdog musical instrument of all times.

It's too hot for me to come up with more words or thoughts...

Hope You Will Enjoy This...

Bohemian Rhapsody

Jake Shimabukuro - Official Website

http://jakeshimabukuro.com/home/

8 Secrets To Success

Secrets To Success...

Not quite sure if any of the information I have read over the years on the topic is truly a "Secret."

Unless it is some infomerical scam, all the secrets are pretty much common sense being tested over time.

So how does one define success? ...Especially for children
I don't think I have ever been so concerned with the topic until I have children.

If I take my own advise (to parents),
I would say, we need to help children:

- Set Clear Goals
- Achievable Expectations
- Measurable Results
- Provide Desirable Rewards

As my kiddies get older, these needed to be broken down into clearer principles.  Searched the web for more help.  Partly because I (we) can get pretty high strung and intense, maybe at times unreasonably so as parents. So in seeking objectivity, Richard St. John's "8 To Be Great" popped up.

Richard St. John's "8 To Be Great"

http://www.richardstjohn.com/

Good Eats - July 4th - Grilled Steaks

Grilling - The Art, The Talent, The Skills (Of The Man of The House).

Funny how seriously men take their grills and grilling. So I would not dare to touch on the subject matter.

So for Good Eats Monday...I will offer up my "Smoky Grilled Steak Marinade." And I might as well tell you Now the secret ingredient...Liquid Smoke!

Grilling is fast and hot, so often we miss out on the smokiness BBQing would offer.  We don't want our steak to be like chewing rubber.  In comes the "Liquid Smoke."

You can marinade overnight or just for a couple of hours.  And Yes...we ladies promise to not touch "the grill."

Smoky Grilled Steak Marinade – For 4 Steaks

¼ cup olive oil (not extra virgin)

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup Worcestershire sauce

¼ cup soy sauce      

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2-3 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon Liquid Smoke (my secret ingredient)

Salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste

May Nothing Catch On Fire Except Your Appetite

Have Fun & Be Safe Watching the Fireworks. 

Sunday Meditation - Preparing To Celebrate

Preparing To Celebrate - Our Country, Our Nation, Our People.

Regardless of where, when and how we got here, We Are Here Now.

May God bless us by seeking us, seeking our hearts and so that we are a nation of His People.

May we pray and pray hard this day and always.

Toby Mac - City On Our Knees

Official Video

Missed It - Friday...Mmmm Saturday!

My First Oops (Second Oops)...Most likely won't be my last.

Did Not Blog on Friday Saturday...Not sure what happened.
We were on vacation and got back to the hotel late...oh no no no...we got TO the hotel late.
We drove from Sacramento to the Bay Area on the second half of our trip.
Such is life.

I am sure I was inspired by John Sutter & James Marshall...Eureka!, least we forget the 49ers.
If you have children in 4th grade in the California school system, then you know what I am talking about.

So I seek your pardon...and on to the next day..And Next Ooops.

Visit Your State Capitol

Road Trip is the epitome of Summer. 

Remembering the summers of my childhood, road trips were what we did.  We spend hours and hours in the car, visiting relatives close by and afar.  The first couple of cars my dad owned, did not have AC. Yes, it was hot and sticky.  Yet, I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything.

One of the best ideas for road trip with kiddies is visiting the state capitol. It's living history and basic introduction to American government all rolled up in one.  Surely, us parents will also learn something new.

In California, we have the California State Capitol Museum. Great tours are offered daily for free.  It's fun to be walking in the capitol building amidst our government representatives and their staff (as they work and run the state).

The Official Website for California State Capitol Museum

http://capitolmuseum.ca.gov/

May You Ride With The Wind This Summer!