Farewell, November

"If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."
~ Rabbi Harold Kushner ~

The Woman behind the Man

"Eat Santa, eat. The children expect a fat Santa."

Ode to the Rolling Pin

The time of year has come to clear the kitchen counter, preheat the oven, and get to work. Flour, sugar, butter. You'll see the damage in my cheeks in no time. But heck, I love to bake!

The season began with the annual lefse fest with the Nephew's. The 3 of us each make a batch of lefse dough and gather for a day of lefse baking. I can't help but think of relatives from both my side and Nick's doing the same thing for generations. It's fun to hear what people like to stuff their lefse with - butter, jam, meatballs, mashed potatoes, or just plain. No matter how you dice it, lefse seems to mark the beginning of the holiday preparations.

Shortly afterwards, I decided to pull some more butter out and get crackin on some holiday cookie baking. I try to have an assortment for the holidays and I've truly been inspired by Nick's mom, as her assortment is so impressive each year. It makes for a festive plate of caloric craziness that can be shared with neighbors, co-workers, friends. And it's just nice to turn on the oven cause Nick likes to keep the house at a cool 62. Crazy man. Ok perhaps I'm exaggeratting a little.

The first batch I've named 'Pistachio Nutmeg Moonbeams'. My own title, someone else's recipe. I just didn't have the cookie cutter to name them 'Nutmeg Squares'. Tasty. Hidden in the freezer. Do Not Sneak! (I tell myself.)

Free to Be

Perhaps you are familiar with the album and illustrated children's songbook 'Free to Be You and Me'. I remember as a kid being in the musical... several of you readers were up on that stage singing those catchy songs right along with me. It wasn't until our old friend Maren bought Brynn an updated copy of the book and CD a few weeks ago, that I thought of those songs once again. It has been such a treat to share this with Brynn, and will be even more so in years ahead when teaching her the importance of individuality and that anyone can achieve anything they want. At this moment I'm proud to raise my child in this country, where the children are free. Thank you Maren for the wonderful gift.

movie monday

Iron Man. Seriously? Many of you are thinking, hmm... that doesn't seem like Sara. I bet Nick forced her to watch it. And yes, you're right. He did force me upon this comic book super hero adaptation. And I fought it for about 2.5 minutes. Then I was hooked.

Robert Downey Jr. rocks as Tony Stark. How fitting he plays a character who finds a second chance at life and uses his talent towards humanitarian efforts. Stark inherits his fathers military weapon business. While visiting Afghanistan, he is captured by the enemy who forces Stark to make the biggest, baddest weapon for him. This is when Stark secretly designs himself a new outfit, his escape - Iron Man. He comes home with a new direction for the business and puts halt on any new military weapon engagement. Forget about the "ya right's" and just enjoy the film. A stellar cast also includes Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Terrence Howard. Pop some popcorn and sit back for an evening of entertainment.

America needs our own Iron Man. Vote for Change.