Welcome back to Simple Joys on this Tuesday following Memorial Day Monday. This week my Simple Joys do revolve around this most solemn holiday. Even during somber occasions I am able to identify the Simple Joys around me now. That wasn’t always the case and for this I am most grateful. Now, without further ado, is this week’s Simple Joys.
Memorial Day Parade. Since my oldest child joined the Cub Scouts in the end of his Kindergarten year, we, as a family, have taken part in our town’s Memorial Day Parade. The boys dress in their handsome Class A uniforms, march holding American flags, and stay at the conclusion of the parade for the program that follows honoring those who have fallen. They, young boys, seem to understand the gravity of the situation, and, although they can get a bit squirmy, can pull it together to sit or stand quietly while ceremonial wreaths are laid in honor of fallen heroes. This year the boys were dressed in their Webelos uniforms, akin to the Boy Scout uniform they will wear in two short years. At the conclusion of this year’s parade a crowd of hundreds gathered in Veteran’s Field to honor two men from our town who had died in battle. The families of these men were the guests of honor, and their memories of their loved ones, their son and brother, were spoken eloquently and emotionally. One man had died in battle during the Vietnam War in 1968. The other man was killed in October 2010 while serving in Afghanistan. His military brothers came to show respect and honor one of their own. It was incredibly moving and left me overwhelmed with emotion. I stood shoulder to shoulder with these soldiers, and, in front of me, were my son and his Den brothers. Both groups looked so young to me; the soldiers clearly men but many with boyish faces. My Webelos, in various gawky stages of youth, are closer in age to the soldiers than I care to acknowledge. Looking at the soldiers and listening to family members reminisce about sweet young boys who loved their mothers was simply too much for me. The tears fell unabashedly. I held my son tightly and made sure to tell him, as I do anyway, how much I love him. It was a Simple Joy to be a part of this community that circled around to offer support of these two native families, be a part of something bigger than a barbeque over the holiday weekend, and truly remember the reason we celebrate Memorial Day Weekend. God Bless America and God Bless all of the families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms.
Dr. Rus. I joined Twitter in October 2010 to little fanfare and even fewer followers. It wasn’t until several months later that I found and followed a man named “DrRus” that my Twitter world expanded. His profile intrigued me and we seemed to have a bit in common. I finally gathered my courage and sent Dr. Rus a direct message to assess my career path. To my surprise and delight Dr. Rus replied almost immediately with good advice. Over the weeks I kept doing my thing, posting my links, and commenting on Dr. Rus’ tweets. We forged an acquaintance then a friendship. We’ve never met, but we are indeed friends. From movies to music, our love of people and our positive way we approach life, Dr. Rus and I are cut from the same cloth. When I got a “RT” (retweet) from Dr. Rus it was like receiving the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. I am in awe of him, Dr. Rus is even more than a friend, he is a mentor and someone I look up to in awe. Dr. Rus has three children like I do, and out of his three sons two serve in the military. In an effort to support his boys and the many military families in our country, Dr. Rus works tirelessly to keep them in the forefront of people’s minds. He has developed and implemented several programs that help families stay connected while their family member serves. It would be a great service to all military families if you would check out the programs Dr. Rus created and supports. Please take a moment to read the information on the following links:
About General Sarge - http://generalsarge.com/about/
Familes First Campaign - http://generalsarge.com/families-first-campaign/
Dr. Rus is an inspiration and a true friend. He is a man who, along with his lovely wife, has raised three wonderful young men, two of whom serve in the military. His light, dedication, and life are why I am proud to be one of his friends. I believe in Dr. Rus and his selfless projects that support our military families. Knowing and talking to Dr. Rus is a richly rewarding Simple Joy.
Working Together. The holiday weekend brought with it time off for my husband. He and I often find it difficult to spend quality time when our three children require so much of it, but we do try… and succeed. This weekend found us in our local Lowe’s with a laundry list of needs, the last of which was a new storm/screen door. We bought the door, brought it home, and my husband started to work on hanging it. Shortly after beginning the project my husband asked for some quick help. With our baby daughter napping and our two young sons safely playing under our supervision, we set to work together on the chore at hand. It took a few hours from start to finish, but we successfully hung the door without fighting, bickering, or swearing (at one another) which is wonderful! Completing a project together strengthens our relationship like little else can. Once again we proved to ourselves that working together as a team makes us far more successful than working alone. Completing a task with my husband is a huge and satisfying Simple Joy.
I hope you all enjoyed another fine week, found some time to reflect over the long Memorial Day weekend, and will make time to check out Dr. Rus’ links. One way to find and appreciate the Simple Joys in life is to help those who need it. Thank you for taking the time to make my Simple Joys a part of your day/week. I look forward to reading your Simple Joys!
Please join me tomorrow when I wax poetic about a totally new topic!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday Movie Blog
Welcome back to the Monday Movie Blog at Chief 187 Chatter. Today is Memorial Day, a day for reflection, being thankful and grateful, and honoring those who fought and died serving our country. In addition to the prayers being offered up, remember to actively do something in honor of this day.
Memorial Day Weekend has also been the unofficial start to summer for decades! Hollywood, fully understanding that people have more time off thus more time to spend money to sit in a cool, darkened theater, offer up their Summer Blockbusters. Others stay home to catch up on the many movies they had intended to see in the theater but for countless reasons, could not. This is a resource being created, alphabetically, that provides those who wish it, movie titles to rent, select, watch, and rewatch whenever the mood strikes.
This week’s focus is movies that begin with the letter “U”. A more difficult prompt than other letters, “U” definitely has made a mark in moviedom. Please list the movie title that begins with “U” as well as a brief synopsis or review of the film. Also, remember to list the stars if pertinent.
To add a theme to this week’s topic, along with any movies that begin with the letter “U”, include your favorite patriotic/war movie. Same guidelines apply. There have been several subtopics introduced throughout the months that provide yet another cross-reference for hardcore movie lovers.
I look forward to seeing the responses to “U” movies as well as patriotic/war movies. I check often to read comments, posts, and selections. Please consider joining me tomorrow for the most uplifting post of the week, Simple Joys.
Happy Memorial Day everybody! Thank you to the valiant men and women who have served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to their families who still grieve. God Bless America.
Memorial Day Weekend has also been the unofficial start to summer for decades! Hollywood, fully understanding that people have more time off thus more time to spend money to sit in a cool, darkened theater, offer up their Summer Blockbusters. Others stay home to catch up on the many movies they had intended to see in the theater but for countless reasons, could not. This is a resource being created, alphabetically, that provides those who wish it, movie titles to rent, select, watch, and rewatch whenever the mood strikes.
This week’s focus is movies that begin with the letter “U”. A more difficult prompt than other letters, “U” definitely has made a mark in moviedom. Please list the movie title that begins with “U” as well as a brief synopsis or review of the film. Also, remember to list the stars if pertinent.
To add a theme to this week’s topic, along with any movies that begin with the letter “U”, include your favorite patriotic/war movie. Same guidelines apply. There have been several subtopics introduced throughout the months that provide yet another cross-reference for hardcore movie lovers.
I look forward to seeing the responses to “U” movies as well as patriotic/war movies. I check often to read comments, posts, and selections. Please consider joining me tomorrow for the most uplifting post of the week, Simple Joys.
Happy Memorial Day everybody! Thank you to the valiant men and women who have served our country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you to their families who still grieve. God Bless America.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Chuck "Cold Steel" O'Neil for Real
Here is a sample of some of the writing I do for my other sites. This kid is phenomenal, loyal, and hardcore. Enjoy!
Instantly engaging, ruggedly sexy, intelligent, dedicated, relentless, strong and intimidating are some of the words to describe Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil, contestant on the wildly popular The Ultimate Fighter Season 13 on Spike cable television. Brought on the show as an alternate, O’Neil has taken a bumpy road to reach the spot he is now, including lucking into a fight, losing to fellow contestant Zach Davis, and securing the wild card position that allowed him to fight another day after that loss! A win during the week of May 11th secured his rightful place of prospective champions for this season.
Chuck O’Neil’s story, however, starts long before the start of Season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter. Born in 1985 in Bourne, Massachusetts, a community near Cape Cod, O’Neil was an active child engaged in several recreational sports. Although interested in wrestling, the Bourne High School didn’t even offer the sport so O’Neil was unable to train in this discipline, a crucial part of any MMA program. Interested in nutrition, strength training, and conditioning, O’Neil graduated high school, enrolled in the exercise science program first at Cape Cod Community College and then on to nearby Bridgewater State. O’Neil earned his degree but realized he needed to follow his dream. At nineteen, after watching the first episode of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, O’Neil knew he wanted to be on the show and be an MMA fighter. Always a doer, he not only “talked the talk” but “walked the walk” and began training in earnest. For most teenagers, the task would have been too daunting to follow through, but that was never a problem for O’Neil. Once his mind is set, he doesn’t rest until the goal is met. An MMA career was launched in earnest from that point forward.
It was a close friend who gave O’Neil his moniker “Cold Steel”, a reference to his fighting style and “powerful punch”. O’Neil explained, “I like to throw the first punch and take control of the fight”. In fact, before he goes into the cage O’Neil makes sure to play the entire fight he’s about to enter in his head over and over again. By doing this he feels there are “no surprises”. O’Neil comes out strong and is relentless until the fight is over and he is the victor. The first fight O’Neil entered was a disappointing loss for him and showed the gym he trained in that perhaps he was not ready. O’Neil recalled that he came into the cage a bit too early in his training. This loss slowed his momentum and forced O’Neil to reconfigure his fight plan. Displeased with his performance, O’Neil laid low, continued to train, and resolved to dedicate himself to winning. His training picked up, his work ethic became stauncher, and the wins began. O’Neil supplied that it took four fights before he completely committed to his fighting career. Once he wrapped his brain around fixing his fight style and strengthening his resolve to win, the wins began to happen. When asked what O’Neil’s strength in the cage is he offers up, “good conditioning and I’m well-rounded”. O’Neil continued by stating, “In fights I’m not worried what they’re going to do, I’m thinking about what I’m going to do. I like to set the tempo.”
Early in his career, after his first loss, an opportunity arose for O’Neil to take a charity fight against a 40-year-old private investigator named Mark Chauppetta who was training and stepping into the cage to raise money and awareness for his twin sons’ Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). It was a charitable fight that brought exposure to both fighters and DMD. When asked if he was concerned about the fight O’Neil replied that he had reservations because he wasn’t at peak condition; he had gotten the call to fight about nineteen hours before the event and was chowing down on pizza and training only two times per week! Within a few short hours O’Neil lost the excess weight for weigh in and formulated a fight plan. It paid off and O’Neil earned his first win.
Along the way O’Neil’s career shaped up nicely. In addition to his MMA life, O’Neil continued to work as a personal trainer and feels helping the “general population” is always going to be a part of his life. With a record of 8-3-0, a charismatic personality, and a no-fail attitude, it wasn’t long before O’Neil began to realize his teenage dream.
Fast-forward to the fall of 2010 and Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil was commanding attention of the producers of the Spike reality program The Ultimate Fighter Season 13. By the premiere of the show this winter, O’Neil was bursting to share the news of his being cast! Finally he was able to broadcast the news at a viewing party in his favorite haunt The Charlie Horse in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, where O’Neil has been throwing similar events ever since. O’Neil gushes about the experience he is having on The Ultimate Fighter Season 13. When asked about some of his cast mates he responds, “Charlie (Rader) and I are like brothers. Zach is one of my favorite guys. When the show progressed I realized, ‘I’m going to have to fight Zach, this sucks!’” It’s obvious these guys’ friendships will long outlast the show, as O’Neil is just that way, loyal, staunch, passionate, and unaccustomed to loss. O’Neil is characteristically gracious and loyal to those who have supported him. He enthusiastically named the following for standing by him and helping him: Scivation Vitamins/Supplements, Impact Fighter for his clothing, and training partner Jimmy Quinlan. In addition, O’Neil wanted to shout out to the gyms he trains in, Sityodtong Boston, South Shore Sport Fighting, Gracie Barra, NH and Mass BJJ.
O’Neil won’t be denied nor turned away. Once he makes up his mind he wants something, he goes after it whole hog and won’t rest until he attains it. Whatever the outcome of Season 13 The Ultimate Fighter, Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil will forever more be a household name. Upon parting, when asked what his long-term goal was, O’Neil responded without hesitation, “to be UFC champion”. I have no doubt he’ll do it.
Instantly engaging, ruggedly sexy, intelligent, dedicated, relentless, strong and intimidating are some of the words to describe Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil, contestant on the wildly popular The Ultimate Fighter Season 13 on Spike cable television. Brought on the show as an alternate, O’Neil has taken a bumpy road to reach the spot he is now, including lucking into a fight, losing to fellow contestant Zach Davis, and securing the wild card position that allowed him to fight another day after that loss! A win during the week of May 11th secured his rightful place of prospective champions for this season.
Chuck O’Neil’s story, however, starts long before the start of Season 13 of The Ultimate Fighter. Born in 1985 in Bourne, Massachusetts, a community near Cape Cod, O’Neil was an active child engaged in several recreational sports. Although interested in wrestling, the Bourne High School didn’t even offer the sport so O’Neil was unable to train in this discipline, a crucial part of any MMA program. Interested in nutrition, strength training, and conditioning, O’Neil graduated high school, enrolled in the exercise science program first at Cape Cod Community College and then on to nearby Bridgewater State. O’Neil earned his degree but realized he needed to follow his dream. At nineteen, after watching the first episode of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, O’Neil knew he wanted to be on the show and be an MMA fighter. Always a doer, he not only “talked the talk” but “walked the walk” and began training in earnest. For most teenagers, the task would have been too daunting to follow through, but that was never a problem for O’Neil. Once his mind is set, he doesn’t rest until the goal is met. An MMA career was launched in earnest from that point forward.
It was a close friend who gave O’Neil his moniker “Cold Steel”, a reference to his fighting style and “powerful punch”. O’Neil explained, “I like to throw the first punch and take control of the fight”. In fact, before he goes into the cage O’Neil makes sure to play the entire fight he’s about to enter in his head over and over again. By doing this he feels there are “no surprises”. O’Neil comes out strong and is relentless until the fight is over and he is the victor. The first fight O’Neil entered was a disappointing loss for him and showed the gym he trained in that perhaps he was not ready. O’Neil recalled that he came into the cage a bit too early in his training. This loss slowed his momentum and forced O’Neil to reconfigure his fight plan. Displeased with his performance, O’Neil laid low, continued to train, and resolved to dedicate himself to winning. His training picked up, his work ethic became stauncher, and the wins began. O’Neil supplied that it took four fights before he completely committed to his fighting career. Once he wrapped his brain around fixing his fight style and strengthening his resolve to win, the wins began to happen. When asked what O’Neil’s strength in the cage is he offers up, “good conditioning and I’m well-rounded”. O’Neil continued by stating, “In fights I’m not worried what they’re going to do, I’m thinking about what I’m going to do. I like to set the tempo.”
Early in his career, after his first loss, an opportunity arose for O’Neil to take a charity fight against a 40-year-old private investigator named Mark Chauppetta who was training and stepping into the cage to raise money and awareness for his twin sons’ Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). It was a charitable fight that brought exposure to both fighters and DMD. When asked if he was concerned about the fight O’Neil replied that he had reservations because he wasn’t at peak condition; he had gotten the call to fight about nineteen hours before the event and was chowing down on pizza and training only two times per week! Within a few short hours O’Neil lost the excess weight for weigh in and formulated a fight plan. It paid off and O’Neil earned his first win.
Along the way O’Neil’s career shaped up nicely. In addition to his MMA life, O’Neil continued to work as a personal trainer and feels helping the “general population” is always going to be a part of his life. With a record of 8-3-0, a charismatic personality, and a no-fail attitude, it wasn’t long before O’Neil began to realize his teenage dream.
Fast-forward to the fall of 2010 and Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil was commanding attention of the producers of the Spike reality program The Ultimate Fighter Season 13. By the premiere of the show this winter, O’Neil was bursting to share the news of his being cast! Finally he was able to broadcast the news at a viewing party in his favorite haunt The Charlie Horse in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, where O’Neil has been throwing similar events ever since. O’Neil gushes about the experience he is having on The Ultimate Fighter Season 13. When asked about some of his cast mates he responds, “Charlie (Rader) and I are like brothers. Zach is one of my favorite guys. When the show progressed I realized, ‘I’m going to have to fight Zach, this sucks!’” It’s obvious these guys’ friendships will long outlast the show, as O’Neil is just that way, loyal, staunch, passionate, and unaccustomed to loss. O’Neil is characteristically gracious and loyal to those who have supported him. He enthusiastically named the following for standing by him and helping him: Scivation Vitamins/Supplements, Impact Fighter for his clothing, and training partner Jimmy Quinlan. In addition, O’Neil wanted to shout out to the gyms he trains in, Sityodtong Boston, South Shore Sport Fighting, Gracie Barra, NH and Mass BJJ.
O’Neil won’t be denied nor turned away. Once he makes up his mind he wants something, he goes after it whole hog and won’t rest until he attains it. Whatever the outcome of Season 13 The Ultimate Fighter, Chuck “Cold Steel” O’Neil will forever more be a household name. Upon parting, when asked what his long-term goal was, O’Neil responded without hesitation, “to be UFC champion”. I have no doubt he’ll do it.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday Music Blog
Welcome back in to the Friday Music Blog at Chief 187 Chatter. Today marks the start of the Memorial Day Weekend and thus the unofficial start to summer. Music, the soundtrack of life, seems to be even more important during this season. As the weekends rev up each week, be sure to make a quick stop at this site to properly commence the summer weekends.
This week’s focus is songs that are patriotic. These songs can be traditional in nature, a “classic” from the early 1990s, or something that is simply patriotic in your opinion but may not be known widely. Be sure to list the artist who performs the song.
As it is Memorial Day Weekend, I request that you take a moment (or longer) to do something in honor of the brave men and women who have served our country and are no longer with us. From buying a poppy from a veteran to attending your town’s Memorial Day Parade, thanking a soldier to saying a prayer for the military family, it is important to remember and honor those who laid their life on the line in duty to our country.
Finally, it is with great pleasure and swollen pride that I announce the latest milestone at Chief 187 Chatter: yesterday the site had its 13,000th pageview! The distance from the 12,000th pageview was only a couple short weeks, the fastest the site has ever marked such a major accomplishment! I plan to continue to offer original content throughout the summer unlike the television shows whose season are now over and repeats have begun. Five days a week I will post new, original content and invite you all to read, comment, share, follow, and, most importantly, continue to come back. Thank you for your support!
I look forward to reading your responses to today’s topic of patriotic songs. I will be checking back often to read your selections and encourage you to do the same. Do not forget to utilize the search feature on the site to find recipes (Tantalizing Thursday), movie titles (Monday Movie Blog), music topics (Friday Music Blog), or Simple Joys to meander to remind you how wonderful life really is. Enjoy your weekend and I’ll see you back here on Memorial Day Monday for an all-new Monday Movie Blog to start the week.
God Bless our military and God Bless America!
This week’s focus is songs that are patriotic. These songs can be traditional in nature, a “classic” from the early 1990s, or something that is simply patriotic in your opinion but may not be known widely. Be sure to list the artist who performs the song.
As it is Memorial Day Weekend, I request that you take a moment (or longer) to do something in honor of the brave men and women who have served our country and are no longer with us. From buying a poppy from a veteran to attending your town’s Memorial Day Parade, thanking a soldier to saying a prayer for the military family, it is important to remember and honor those who laid their life on the line in duty to our country.
Finally, it is with great pleasure and swollen pride that I announce the latest milestone at Chief 187 Chatter: yesterday the site had its 13,000th pageview! The distance from the 12,000th pageview was only a couple short weeks, the fastest the site has ever marked such a major accomplishment! I plan to continue to offer original content throughout the summer unlike the television shows whose season are now over and repeats have begun. Five days a week I will post new, original content and invite you all to read, comment, share, follow, and, most importantly, continue to come back. Thank you for your support!
I look forward to reading your responses to today’s topic of patriotic songs. I will be checking back often to read your selections and encourage you to do the same. Do not forget to utilize the search feature on the site to find recipes (Tantalizing Thursday), movie titles (Monday Movie Blog), music topics (Friday Music Blog), or Simple Joys to meander to remind you how wonderful life really is. Enjoy your weekend and I’ll see you back here on Memorial Day Monday for an all-new Monday Movie Blog to start the week.
God Bless our military and God Bless America!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Tantalizing Thursday
Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187 Chatter. This week I’m continuing the focus on healthy, filling, and delicious meals for the warmer weather. The salads have brought many readers to the site and that inspired me to offer other meals that are easy, healthy, colorful, and quick. Inspiration struck at the grocery store leading to the development of the following recipe. It was a huge success with my husband who is painfully honest; if he doesn’t like something he’ll let me know. This meal he ate heartily and asked for more so I equate that to a “winner”. I hope you are encouraged to try the meal and let me know what you thought of it!
Chief’s Champion Sandwich
Recipe by Chief 187
Ingredients
1-2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, enough to lightly coat the pan
2 Vidalia or sweet onions, sliced
2 containers mushrooms, sliced
peppers (green, yellow, orange, red), cored and deseeded, sliced
mayonnaise (homemade or store bought)
prepared basil (or your favorite) pesto (homemade or store bought)
Portuguese or other large sandwich Roll, split open
Smoke Gouda, sliced thinly
Directions
1. In a large skillet heat oil and add sliced onions to medium high heat to begin caramelization. Allow 5 minutes stirring regularly for the onions to begin to cook.
2. Add peppers, roughly the same thickness, to the onions for the same process. Allow another 5 minutes of cook time. Continue to stir, incorporating the onions and peppers.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and mix the ingredients. Several more minutes (10-25) are appropriate for the mixture to reach the right softened, brown, caramelized consistency. Smelling the mixture is a good way to indicate if the concoction is ready.
4. Meanwhile, in between stirring the mixture, slice rolls in half lengthwise to create sandwich halves.
5. In a small bowl combine 2 parts mayonnaise to one part prepared basil pesto to make a pesto mayonnaise to spread on the roll.
6. Slice the smoked gouda into thin slices for adding to the sandwich. Place on the side of the roll with the pesto mayonnaise.
7. When the vegetable mixture has cooked down, looks browned and smells scrumptious, pull it from the heat and spoon a heaping pile onto one side of the roll. Place the dressed half of the roll on top making sure to have the cheese touch the veggies so it will start to melt.
Serve hot. Makes 8 small or 4 large sandwiches.
Vegetarians will love this meal for obvious reasons; there is no meat! Meat lovers will enjoy this meal because the mushrooms have a beefy flavor and the sandwich is filling. The combinations of flavor, host of fresh fibrous vegetables, and heartiness of the sandwich makes it perfect for dinner. Serve it with oven fries, potato salad, or chips. Try macaroni salad, 3 bean salad, or cole slaw. Any way you present this sandwich with its sweet aroma, huge presence, and delectable taste, will keep your dinner mates happy and full. I look forward to reading your reviews of this recipe after you’ve tried it!
Please utilize the search feature for any of the preceding Tantalizing Thursday articles at this site. I encourage you to check out the archives for everything from holiday meals to scrumptious desserts. The recipes are easy, quick, and delicious and there are several menus for consideration.
I hope you can return tomorrow when we close the week with the popular Friday Music Blog.
Chief’s Champion Sandwich
Recipe by Chief 187
Ingredients
1-2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, enough to lightly coat the pan
2 Vidalia or sweet onions, sliced
2 containers mushrooms, sliced
peppers (green, yellow, orange, red), cored and deseeded, sliced
mayonnaise (homemade or store bought)
prepared basil (or your favorite) pesto (homemade or store bought)
Portuguese or other large sandwich Roll, split open
Smoke Gouda, sliced thinly
Directions
1. In a large skillet heat oil and add sliced onions to medium high heat to begin caramelization. Allow 5 minutes stirring regularly for the onions to begin to cook.
2. Add peppers, roughly the same thickness, to the onions for the same process. Allow another 5 minutes of cook time. Continue to stir, incorporating the onions and peppers.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and mix the ingredients. Several more minutes (10-25) are appropriate for the mixture to reach the right softened, brown, caramelized consistency. Smelling the mixture is a good way to indicate if the concoction is ready.
4. Meanwhile, in between stirring the mixture, slice rolls in half lengthwise to create sandwich halves.
5. In a small bowl combine 2 parts mayonnaise to one part prepared basil pesto to make a pesto mayonnaise to spread on the roll.
6. Slice the smoked gouda into thin slices for adding to the sandwich. Place on the side of the roll with the pesto mayonnaise.
7. When the vegetable mixture has cooked down, looks browned and smells scrumptious, pull it from the heat and spoon a heaping pile onto one side of the roll. Place the dressed half of the roll on top making sure to have the cheese touch the veggies so it will start to melt.
Serve hot. Makes 8 small or 4 large sandwiches.
Vegetarians will love this meal for obvious reasons; there is no meat! Meat lovers will enjoy this meal because the mushrooms have a beefy flavor and the sandwich is filling. The combinations of flavor, host of fresh fibrous vegetables, and heartiness of the sandwich makes it perfect for dinner. Serve it with oven fries, potato salad, or chips. Try macaroni salad, 3 bean salad, or cole slaw. Any way you present this sandwich with its sweet aroma, huge presence, and delectable taste, will keep your dinner mates happy and full. I look forward to reading your reviews of this recipe after you’ve tried it!
Please utilize the search feature for any of the preceding Tantalizing Thursday articles at this site. I encourage you to check out the archives for everything from holiday meals to scrumptious desserts. The recipes are easy, quick, and delicious and there are several menus for consideration.
I hope you can return tomorrow when we close the week with the popular Friday Music Blog.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Thank You, Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey closes her talk show down today, a quarter century after she began it. I was a young girl when the show premiered, always liked it, and feel a sense of loss at its ending. It’s not that I never missed an episode nor would I even qualify myself as a fanatic, but The Oprah Winfrey Show was definitely a part of my life over the last twenty-five years. I learned, laughed, grew, and, yes, cried, while watching the program. Even though I am not an authority on all things Oprah, I do want to offer my tribute to the dynamic woman who I will sorely miss at four in the afternoon.
My mother raised me on Phil Donahue. He’d be on while she began dinner and I was underfoot either playing or, later, doing homework. I loved Phil Donahue because he was personable, warm, funny, engaging, and ‘worked the room’ effortlessly. I probably didn’t understand most of the topics he discussed, but I knew it was entertaining and I adored when he had celebrities to his show. By the time Oprah Winfrey started her show Phil Donahue was being phased out. Times were changing and Phil Donahue was considered “old school”. I seamlessly switched my allegiance from Donahue to Oprah without any regret. When Phil Donahue retired from doing his show, it was with interest I watched, but felt no loss as I had Oprah’s show to fill the void.
Oprah had celebrities, interesting social topics, and pushed the envelope of what was once taboo in society. From her weight to abuse suffered by the hands of family members, Oprah shined a bright light on the dirty little secrets society was hiding for far too long. Not only did she shine the light, but, through her own strength, hope, and guidance, continued to shine the light to a path of health and freedom. Oprah was not mired in problem, but steered toward solution. Oprah was not beaten down by her circumstances; she stood tall on the rubble given to her. Oprah made her own fortune, fame, and empire through good old-fashioned hard works, education, and networking. I admire her for her continuous struggle with weight and dealing with it on television year after year. I supported her when she found herself in legal trouble over a statement about beef, and was fascinated by the lessons she learned and consequently shared after the affair was over. I relied on Oprah’s wit and wisdom in a time of my life when I thought I wouldn’t make it another day… another hour. Distraught, scared, overwhelmed, and uncertain of my future, I opened myself up to an Oprah suggestion, and found my first step on a path to wellness. Oprah reignited a passion for reading among her fans; as a lifelong reader and educator, I rejoiced! Oprah celebrated women, raised good men to the light, and consistently found ways to push her viewers to be more active, physically, mentally, emotionally, charitably, and reasonably. Oprah values teachers and mothers, my two careers, as well as writers, my newest vocation. While I missed far more episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show than I ever saw, I loved knowing that when I was home and starting dinner, I could turn on the kitchen television set and see what Oprah was discussing. Sometimes the hard-hitting topics were too deep for me, other times I reveled in the feel good shows like her “Favorite Things” episodes or makeover shows. Her celebrity connections run far and wide so A-listers always stopped by to promote a movie, discuss a pet project, jump on couches about their love life, or show off their hours old Oscar award! I will miss all of that. The following list is comprised of the wonderful things about The Oprah Winfrey Show that enhanced(s) my life, gave me courage, saw me through, and entertained me.
Gratitude Journal. Always I writer, I had kept a diary and later a journal since I was seven. Throwing my innermost thoughts on paper, writing the secrets of my heart, and even gossiping on the pages to entertain myself. By the time I was twenty-five my life was in turmoil and my writing had all but stopped as the content of my entries were too painful, scary, and terrifying to secure on paper daily. Finally, when my world seemingly fell apart, I felt lost and alone, and seeing myself to the next minute was excruciatingly painful, I remembered Oprah had done a show about a gratitude journal. She explained that finding the things in life you are grateful for helps keep life in perspective and keeps your heart able to accept goodness. I tried making one previously, but I was so negative I couldn’t get passed “blue cheese dressing” and “chocolate”. After I reached a bottom and was unsure if there was any strength or wherewithal left, I took out a blank book and labeled it “Gratitude Journal”. It was ironic; I was at my lowest, yet I knew that I had to find my way out of my pit. I put pen to paper and wrote one entry that first day, “I’m grateful I’m breathing”. That was it. But that was enough. From that moment forward I gathered my senses, my hope, my character, and my chutzpah, and made a decision to get out of my sad circumstances and do better. I continued writing in that gratitude journal. My entries got longer, my outlook more positive, and my life, thankfully, truly did improve. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. I do believe Oprah’s “Gratitude Journal” idea helped save me and shaped me into the woman I am now with a positive vibe.
Talking. Phil Donahue was a master at it, but not until Oprah Winfrey admitted on air to such problems as childhood abuse, low self-esteem, and weight issues, did those topics become powerful conduits to change. Whether therapy or talking with a trusted friend/adult/clergy/teacher, the act of talking, admitting, and dealing with the problems one faces, allowed for society to have a say in their mental health and well-being. Stigmas were released, ownership was explained, and change occurred. There is always work to be done when self-improvement is at hand, but talking, the way Oprah Winfrey fearlessly did through her show, modeled the way change could happen positively. It wasn’t about blaming, finger pointing, or accepting one’s circumstances; it was a lifting up of social mores that swept disturbing topics under the rug. By talking about anything and everything, people… I… could make their situation better. They could become healthier, stronger, more confident, and better for having talked. I am not afraid to be honest about who I am. I tell my children about honest talk. I thank Oprah Winfrey for tearing down the walls of social taboos for talk shows. Again, I am the better for it.
Book Club. Increasingly more and more people I came in contact with categorized themselves as “non-readers”. They were “too busy” “too uninterested” or “too bored” to read. I, a life-long reader and educator, was always disheartened to hear this, whether it was from my peers or my students. Oprah’s Book Club launched a revolution that saw books become popular media! Classics, modern stories, well-known authors or rookies were given props by Oprah. I didn’t join the Book Club per say, but I have read several selections and always enjoyed them. Among my most favorite I read at Oprah’s suggestion was The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I knew I’d seen the book when I was growing up (my parents had each read it) but I had never picked it up. It was a beautiful, action-packed, sweeping novel that truly captured my imagination and transported me to another time. I’ve keep book journals, recommended books to friends, and taken recommendations as well. I thank Oprah for bringing reading back into vogue. I plan to never let it go “out” again!
Feel Good. As much as Oprah inspired change, good works (Oprah’s Angel Network), education, and hard work, she also loved to simply have fun. She enjoyed sharing her “Favorite Things” with her audiences and left them with everything on her list. She enjoyed providing makeovers for all kinds of people and allowed them to keep the clothes. She had a knack of making those shows so magical and enticing to watch. I usually laughed and cried. Good for ratings, sure, but Oprah seemed to be turned on by just making people feel good. I can totally get behind that! I think these shows I will miss most of all.
There must be so much more that can be attributed to Oprah over the last twenty-five years. I could write for days and not cover it all, but these topics speak to the Best of The Oprah Winfrey Show for me. I am thrilled Oprah Winfrey will still have a presence on television (OWN on cable), but I will sorely miss the five-day a week treat that was The Oprah Winfrey Show. I simply feel fortuitous that I was able to be under her indirect tutelage low this quarter century. I can only hope that what I have learned in my life shows through in what I do here at Chief 187 Chatter. I am a student of Oprah Winfrey. Thank you, Oprah, for giving me a front row seat in your classroom and for enriching my life in myriad ways. Good luck and Godspeed.
My mother raised me on Phil Donahue. He’d be on while she began dinner and I was underfoot either playing or, later, doing homework. I loved Phil Donahue because he was personable, warm, funny, engaging, and ‘worked the room’ effortlessly. I probably didn’t understand most of the topics he discussed, but I knew it was entertaining and I adored when he had celebrities to his show. By the time Oprah Winfrey started her show Phil Donahue was being phased out. Times were changing and Phil Donahue was considered “old school”. I seamlessly switched my allegiance from Donahue to Oprah without any regret. When Phil Donahue retired from doing his show, it was with interest I watched, but felt no loss as I had Oprah’s show to fill the void.
Oprah had celebrities, interesting social topics, and pushed the envelope of what was once taboo in society. From her weight to abuse suffered by the hands of family members, Oprah shined a bright light on the dirty little secrets society was hiding for far too long. Not only did she shine the light, but, through her own strength, hope, and guidance, continued to shine the light to a path of health and freedom. Oprah was not mired in problem, but steered toward solution. Oprah was not beaten down by her circumstances; she stood tall on the rubble given to her. Oprah made her own fortune, fame, and empire through good old-fashioned hard works, education, and networking. I admire her for her continuous struggle with weight and dealing with it on television year after year. I supported her when she found herself in legal trouble over a statement about beef, and was fascinated by the lessons she learned and consequently shared after the affair was over. I relied on Oprah’s wit and wisdom in a time of my life when I thought I wouldn’t make it another day… another hour. Distraught, scared, overwhelmed, and uncertain of my future, I opened myself up to an Oprah suggestion, and found my first step on a path to wellness. Oprah reignited a passion for reading among her fans; as a lifelong reader and educator, I rejoiced! Oprah celebrated women, raised good men to the light, and consistently found ways to push her viewers to be more active, physically, mentally, emotionally, charitably, and reasonably. Oprah values teachers and mothers, my two careers, as well as writers, my newest vocation. While I missed far more episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show than I ever saw, I loved knowing that when I was home and starting dinner, I could turn on the kitchen television set and see what Oprah was discussing. Sometimes the hard-hitting topics were too deep for me, other times I reveled in the feel good shows like her “Favorite Things” episodes or makeover shows. Her celebrity connections run far and wide so A-listers always stopped by to promote a movie, discuss a pet project, jump on couches about their love life, or show off their hours old Oscar award! I will miss all of that. The following list is comprised of the wonderful things about The Oprah Winfrey Show that enhanced(s) my life, gave me courage, saw me through, and entertained me.
Gratitude Journal. Always I writer, I had kept a diary and later a journal since I was seven. Throwing my innermost thoughts on paper, writing the secrets of my heart, and even gossiping on the pages to entertain myself. By the time I was twenty-five my life was in turmoil and my writing had all but stopped as the content of my entries were too painful, scary, and terrifying to secure on paper daily. Finally, when my world seemingly fell apart, I felt lost and alone, and seeing myself to the next minute was excruciatingly painful, I remembered Oprah had done a show about a gratitude journal. She explained that finding the things in life you are grateful for helps keep life in perspective and keeps your heart able to accept goodness. I tried making one previously, but I was so negative I couldn’t get passed “blue cheese dressing” and “chocolate”. After I reached a bottom and was unsure if there was any strength or wherewithal left, I took out a blank book and labeled it “Gratitude Journal”. It was ironic; I was at my lowest, yet I knew that I had to find my way out of my pit. I put pen to paper and wrote one entry that first day, “I’m grateful I’m breathing”. That was it. But that was enough. From that moment forward I gathered my senses, my hope, my character, and my chutzpah, and made a decision to get out of my sad circumstances and do better. I continued writing in that gratitude journal. My entries got longer, my outlook more positive, and my life, thankfully, truly did improve. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen. I do believe Oprah’s “Gratitude Journal” idea helped save me and shaped me into the woman I am now with a positive vibe.
Talking. Phil Donahue was a master at it, but not until Oprah Winfrey admitted on air to such problems as childhood abuse, low self-esteem, and weight issues, did those topics become powerful conduits to change. Whether therapy or talking with a trusted friend/adult/clergy/teacher, the act of talking, admitting, and dealing with the problems one faces, allowed for society to have a say in their mental health and well-being. Stigmas were released, ownership was explained, and change occurred. There is always work to be done when self-improvement is at hand, but talking, the way Oprah Winfrey fearlessly did through her show, modeled the way change could happen positively. It wasn’t about blaming, finger pointing, or accepting one’s circumstances; it was a lifting up of social mores that swept disturbing topics under the rug. By talking about anything and everything, people… I… could make their situation better. They could become healthier, stronger, more confident, and better for having talked. I am not afraid to be honest about who I am. I tell my children about honest talk. I thank Oprah Winfrey for tearing down the walls of social taboos for talk shows. Again, I am the better for it.
Book Club. Increasingly more and more people I came in contact with categorized themselves as “non-readers”. They were “too busy” “too uninterested” or “too bored” to read. I, a life-long reader and educator, was always disheartened to hear this, whether it was from my peers or my students. Oprah’s Book Club launched a revolution that saw books become popular media! Classics, modern stories, well-known authors or rookies were given props by Oprah. I didn’t join the Book Club per say, but I have read several selections and always enjoyed them. Among my most favorite I read at Oprah’s suggestion was The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. I knew I’d seen the book when I was growing up (my parents had each read it) but I had never picked it up. It was a beautiful, action-packed, sweeping novel that truly captured my imagination and transported me to another time. I’ve keep book journals, recommended books to friends, and taken recommendations as well. I thank Oprah for bringing reading back into vogue. I plan to never let it go “out” again!
Feel Good. As much as Oprah inspired change, good works (Oprah’s Angel Network), education, and hard work, she also loved to simply have fun. She enjoyed sharing her “Favorite Things” with her audiences and left them with everything on her list. She enjoyed providing makeovers for all kinds of people and allowed them to keep the clothes. She had a knack of making those shows so magical and enticing to watch. I usually laughed and cried. Good for ratings, sure, but Oprah seemed to be turned on by just making people feel good. I can totally get behind that! I think these shows I will miss most of all.
There must be so much more that can be attributed to Oprah over the last twenty-five years. I could write for days and not cover it all, but these topics speak to the Best of The Oprah Winfrey Show for me. I am thrilled Oprah Winfrey will still have a presence on television (OWN on cable), but I will sorely miss the five-day a week treat that was The Oprah Winfrey Show. I simply feel fortuitous that I was able to be under her indirect tutelage low this quarter century. I can only hope that what I have learned in my life shows through in what I do here at Chief 187 Chatter. I am a student of Oprah Winfrey. Thank you, Oprah, for giving me a front row seat in your classroom and for enriching my life in myriad ways. Good luck and Godspeed.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Simple Joys
Simple Joys have become my signature post at Chief 187 Chatter. What started out as a one off earlier this year has become the weekly favorite among my readers. I am so pleased that focusing on the daily pleasures all around has resonated so deeply. Stresses are real, frustrations can occur, and resentments can fester, but a dip in the Simple Joys pool refreshes and reinvigorates one soul. I urge you to join me in creating your own Simple Joys list. Whether written or thought about, shared or concealed, the act of focusing on the good in life is powerful enough to offset the bad. And, as I find out weekly, Simple Joys beget Simple Joys. Once you allow the consciousness of the Simple Joys all around, you identify more and more of them. Now, without further ado, here is this week’s Simple Joys.
My Daughter’s Kiss. I was struck within the same week with the enormity of tenderness my children can convey with a touch. It left me breathless with each individual encounter, and hyper aware how quickly these special moments will be faint memories. My daughter, still at a frustratingly high-maintenance age (19 months) is constantly wiggling away from me to explore her tiny world. She is unaware of the dangers that lurk and outraged when I try to corral her. This week, however, she showed signs of ‘settling down’ a bit. She was seeking my comforting arms and, after an exciting tour of the Wal*Mart toy aisle where she kissed each baby doll in their box lovingly, she wanted to kiss her momma in the same way. She craned her neck to me, pursed her sweet, full, little lips, made the “mwa” noise, and kissed me on the lips. She had a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her lips afterwards. She was the baby girl of a mama’s dream. Those instances are neither consistent nor trackable. I have no idea when they will happen again, but what I experienced is enough to keep me going until this emotional Neanderthal evolves some more. In the meantime, I’m staying near enough that I might be gifted another one of my daughter’s kisses, truly a magical Simple Joy.
Holding Hands. My eight, almost nine, year old still walks to the bus stop with me. Although the stop is visible from the house, it is on a main road that is a highly trafficked area. For this reason I continue to take him to and from the bus stop. We’re both not sure when this function of my job description ends, but it bothers neither of us so we continue. Since Day 1 in Kindergarten, I have held my hand out to my son as we walked the short distance to the stop. He always reaches for my hand and we talk, or not. Once at the stop we drop hands and he plays, I quiz him on spelling words or math figures, or we plan our upcoming weekend. As we took our stroll to the bus stop one day this week, I reached my hand out as usual, he accepted, and, without knowing it was happening I said, “You know, I’m going to miss doing this when you decide to stop holding my hand,” to which he replied softly, “I know.” He never let go, but I knew then and there that my little boy had taken another step toward manhood. It made me proud… and inwardly sad. He seems to really understand that as much as it is his job to grow up and away from me, that I am always here for him. I must be doing something right for him to trust that. And my son held my hand the rest of the week, too. I don’t think either one of us is quite ready for that ritual to end… yet. A very priceless Simple Joy.
Touch. My four year old has been the less demonstrative child. Happier to run, play, and explore, cuddling on the couch was nearly torture for him. He has settled down nicely, but he still is an active child. This week rain was the scene every day keeping us tied to the house searching for entertainment. We did numerous activities to fill the hours and keep him occupied. By the week’s end we had exhausted our ideas and retreated to the Lego Room in our home. The four year old, who is a very talented Lego designer, usually whittles the hours away creating cars, houses, and scenes, but took a wholly different approach this past Friday. He took a longer Lego element and began styling my hair. He spent an inordinate amount of time coiffing me while I simply closed my eyes and enjoyed not only the relaxing feeling of being attended to, but the close proximity to my son who would stop and allow me to hug and kiss him. Perhaps he was simply in a short-lived phase of needing reassurement that he was indeed loved and valued or perhaps he simply has settled into the style that his mother shows love. Either way, it was an absolute and complete Simple Joy to be handled so lovingly by my truly amazing four-year-old son.
I am surrounded by good fortune, incredible blessings, and, thankfully, enough wisdom to be grateful for it all. My daily life is filled with conflict, deadlines, and uncomfortable situations, but taking the opportunity to spend quality time with my children, ignore the more pressing needs of the laundry, a phone call, or a television show, I am able to find the inspiration to keep going, continue trying, and never give up. My children provide a plethora of Simple Joys and the clarity to seek every opportunity to find them. I hope whatever brings Simple Joys into your life you can identify and accept it. Life is full of Simple Joys, we just need to be aware.
My Daughter’s Kiss. I was struck within the same week with the enormity of tenderness my children can convey with a touch. It left me breathless with each individual encounter, and hyper aware how quickly these special moments will be faint memories. My daughter, still at a frustratingly high-maintenance age (19 months) is constantly wiggling away from me to explore her tiny world. She is unaware of the dangers that lurk and outraged when I try to corral her. This week, however, she showed signs of ‘settling down’ a bit. She was seeking my comforting arms and, after an exciting tour of the Wal*Mart toy aisle where she kissed each baby doll in their box lovingly, she wanted to kiss her momma in the same way. She craned her neck to me, pursed her sweet, full, little lips, made the “mwa” noise, and kissed me on the lips. She had a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her lips afterwards. She was the baby girl of a mama’s dream. Those instances are neither consistent nor trackable. I have no idea when they will happen again, but what I experienced is enough to keep me going until this emotional Neanderthal evolves some more. In the meantime, I’m staying near enough that I might be gifted another one of my daughter’s kisses, truly a magical Simple Joy.
Holding Hands. My eight, almost nine, year old still walks to the bus stop with me. Although the stop is visible from the house, it is on a main road that is a highly trafficked area. For this reason I continue to take him to and from the bus stop. We’re both not sure when this function of my job description ends, but it bothers neither of us so we continue. Since Day 1 in Kindergarten, I have held my hand out to my son as we walked the short distance to the stop. He always reaches for my hand and we talk, or not. Once at the stop we drop hands and he plays, I quiz him on spelling words or math figures, or we plan our upcoming weekend. As we took our stroll to the bus stop one day this week, I reached my hand out as usual, he accepted, and, without knowing it was happening I said, “You know, I’m going to miss doing this when you decide to stop holding my hand,” to which he replied softly, “I know.” He never let go, but I knew then and there that my little boy had taken another step toward manhood. It made me proud… and inwardly sad. He seems to really understand that as much as it is his job to grow up and away from me, that I am always here for him. I must be doing something right for him to trust that. And my son held my hand the rest of the week, too. I don’t think either one of us is quite ready for that ritual to end… yet. A very priceless Simple Joy.
Touch. My four year old has been the less demonstrative child. Happier to run, play, and explore, cuddling on the couch was nearly torture for him. He has settled down nicely, but he still is an active child. This week rain was the scene every day keeping us tied to the house searching for entertainment. We did numerous activities to fill the hours and keep him occupied. By the week’s end we had exhausted our ideas and retreated to the Lego Room in our home. The four year old, who is a very talented Lego designer, usually whittles the hours away creating cars, houses, and scenes, but took a wholly different approach this past Friday. He took a longer Lego element and began styling my hair. He spent an inordinate amount of time coiffing me while I simply closed my eyes and enjoyed not only the relaxing feeling of being attended to, but the close proximity to my son who would stop and allow me to hug and kiss him. Perhaps he was simply in a short-lived phase of needing reassurement that he was indeed loved and valued or perhaps he simply has settled into the style that his mother shows love. Either way, it was an absolute and complete Simple Joy to be handled so lovingly by my truly amazing four-year-old son.
I am surrounded by good fortune, incredible blessings, and, thankfully, enough wisdom to be grateful for it all. My daily life is filled with conflict, deadlines, and uncomfortable situations, but taking the opportunity to spend quality time with my children, ignore the more pressing needs of the laundry, a phone call, or a television show, I am able to find the inspiration to keep going, continue trying, and never give up. My children provide a plethora of Simple Joys and the clarity to seek every opportunity to find them. I hope whatever brings Simple Joys into your life you can identify and accept it. Life is full of Simple Joys, we just need to be aware.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)