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Gratitude in Tough Times
In this blog post, Ann and I are reflecting on things that make us grateful.
Susan: Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is almost upon us. I don’t know about you, but COVID or not, the year has flown for me. Maybe it’s because I’ve been working hard to finish projects I kept putting off. Staying close to home has paid off in that respect.
Another thing I’ve noticed. I find myself paying a lot more attention to the small things that happen when the seasons change. The first hint of green that signals spring is coming, the blooms on the crabapple tree in my yard, the crisp fall air when the leaves begin to fall. I always notice it. But this year, I appreciate it like never before.
The same thing can be said for the kindness of people. We’re all having to deal with inconveniences. Shortages. Delays. And the list goes on. We can complain, or we can make the best of things. We can feel sorry for ourselves, or we can be grateful.
I’m grateful for my family. And those special friends I know I can count on. My health and my home. My life isn’t perfect, but hey, I’m not either. The good thing is, I wake up to a fresh new day every day. And I can make it any kind of day I want.
A great cold weather meal that will make the kitchen smell heavenly.
Hearty Navy-Bean Soup
3 cups (1 ½ lb. dried navy beans)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup diced ham or bacon
2 cups chicken brother
2 ½ cups water
Salt-pepper-parsley to taste
Soak beans in the remainder of the ingredients overnight. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until tender. 1 ½ to 2 hours.
Serve with Broccoli Bread
Servings Prep Time
20 5minutes
Cook Time
30minutes
Ingredients
• 10 oz. Pkg. frozen broccoli chopped & thawed
• 2 sticks melted butter (1 cup)
• 16oz. cottage cheese
• 2 t salt
• 4 large beaten eggs
• 2 boxes Jiffy Corn Mix
• 1/3 cup diced onion
Instructions
1. Mix well with a wooden spoon and pour into greased pan (9X13”).
2. Bake at 400°, 30-45 minutes or until lightly brown.
3. Cool slightly before cutting.
*can be put in freezer
Ann: One of my favorite quotes is below. The first time I read it, it made me stop and reflect on all the things I’m grateful for.
I agree with Susan. During this difficult time, we all need to pause…take a breath…and concentrate on what’s good in our lives. Even if it’s just having a good night’s sleep, or that first cup of coffee, or maybe it’s looking back through photo albums of our children and grandchildren.
Nothing remains the same…and someday soon, these challenging times will be behind us…because in the words of Mrs. Waylon Jennings… storms never last…. bad times all pass with the wind.
Susan’s cornbread recipe sounds delicious. I recently ‘doctored’ a cornbread mix and it turned out pretty dang good.
Use the cornbread mix of your choice and make according to package directions.
Add ½ to ¾ Cup of whole kernel corn (drained)
Also add a small can of chopped green chilis OR 1-2 chopped fresh jalapeños. (remove the seeds unless you want the bread to have a kick)
Bake according to directions.
So yummy!
For more information about Susan and her books: https://www.susanaroyal.com
Three Little Pigs
With all that’s going on in the world, today Susan and I thought we all needed a laugh. So here’s the story of the Three Little Pigs like you’ve never heard before. As writers, we found it hilarious!!! Hope you do to. Be sure and watch until the end…and enjoy!!
For more about Susan and her books, be sure and check out her website: https://wwwsusanaroyal.com
Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins, Please!
About books, movies, cooking, and advice
Decorating, shopping, and finding the best price
Life, love and raising kids
Along with do-hickeys, what-cha-ma-call-its, and thing-a-ma-jigs
We’re just two Texas girls
Straight from the sticks
The only thing we won’t gab about
Is religion and politics!
SUSAN: October is my favorite time of the year. From crisp mornings to sunny afternoons. From unexpected rain showers to chilly evenings. I love to pull out my extra blankets, sweaters, and warm pajamas. Indulge in some pretty mums and put out the fall decorations. Get out my Autumn candles. And start looking for new recipes to try out.
This time of year, I love to watch some of my favorite scary movies. Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, Silver Bullet, to name a few, along with some oldies like The Uninvited, Murder, He Says, and The Ghost Breakers. The ominous music and the dark, gloomy scenes never fail to put me in the mood for Halloween. What are some of your favorites?
This month is National Book Month, a time for us to celebrate and expand our love of reading. When that first norther blows in, it’s the perfect time to pull on some cozy slippers, have a hot cup of something and curl up on the couch with a good book, especially if it’s raining! I’ve read some outstanding books lately. What The Wind Knows by Amy Harmon, Paula Brackston’s witch series, Deborah Harkness All Souls Series, to name a few. With fewer new shows coming out because of COVID, now’s the time to start that book you’ve been wanting to read!
Like most of you, I spend my summers looking for the easiest, quickest dishes to prepare, preferably without using the oven if at all possible. I find myself eating a lot of salads and sandwiches. Don’t get me wrong. I love to cook, but I don’t like to sweat. So, when the temps cool off, I reach for my cookbook and dig out some of my favorites, like these two recipes.
Mush Muffins
2 c. water
½ c. instant grits
1 c. milk
2 t butter
1 t salt
2 T warm water
1 1/8 t active dry yeast
5 ½ to 6 c flour
Bring water to boil in medium saucepan. Add grits. Reduce heat. Cook on low 5-7 minutes until water is absorbed. Transfer to large bowl. Stir in milk, butter and salt. Set aside. Cool to lukewarm. Combine 2 T water with yeast in small bowl. Let stand until dissolved. Stir into grits mixture. Mix with as much flour as possible using a wooden spoon. Turn out and knead in remaining flour for about 10 minutes. Let rise until doubled (1½ hours) Punch down. Let rest 15 minutes. Roll out dough. Cut with biscuit cutter and place in shallow baking dish. Brush the top with melted butter
Tomato Soup
2 T butter
1 c chopped onion
8 oz fresh mushroom, cleaned
2 T flour
1 14 ½ oz can whole tomatoes drained and chopped
1 cup hot water
1 16 oz can tomato sauce
Two beef bouillon cubes dissolved in ¼ c water
½ t white pepper
1 t sugar
1 pint heavy cream
Sauté onion and mushrooms in butter. Add flour and stir till bubbly. Add hot water, tomato sauce, bouillon, tomatoes, and pepper. Simmer about ten minutes. Remove from heat, add sugar and cream. Mix well until heated.
These go great together and make the house smell heavenly.
ANN: Those sound like great recipes…even though I don’t like tomato soup!! However, I LUV (I sang that in opera for effect) any kind of bread. I’ll definitely be making some of those muffins. Besides, nothing makes the house smell better than fresh bread baking.
I have a couple of recipes I’ll share in the next post on November 9, 2020.
By then, maybe some of you readers will have tried these two shared by Susan. If you do, then leave a comment on her blog site or mine. We’d love to hear if you liked them or not.
For more info about Susan and her books, go to https://www.susanaroyal.com
Arresting Jeremiah by Amber Daulton
I’m pleased to welcome Amber Daulton in celebration of her new steamy, romantic, suspense, Arresting Jeremiah. I love her cover!! You’ll find where to buy it at the links listed below—along with her social media links where you can follow her to get info about new releases, contests, tours, and giveaways. To find out more about Amber and her books, visit her website.
When threats escalate, will Jim and Calista succumb, or fight for a love they can’t deny?
Injured Parole Officer Jeremiah “Jim” Borden never expected Calista Barlow, the sassy blonde waitress he’s craved for months, to ring his doorbell. She slips into his heart—and his bed—but he’s obsessed with a gangland investigation that threatens his career and maybe even his life.
Calista doesn’t trust easily, not with a daughter to protect and the stalker who keeps calling her. After her violent ex-boyfriend returns, she finds solace in Jim’s arms.
Jim may have to forego his need for answers to protect the ready-made family he adores, but how will he and Calista escape an unseen enemy that is always one step ahead of them?
Excerpt
He hated to upset Calista all over again, but he had to know. “What were you thinking when you tried on the necklace?”
Air whizzed through her teeth. Silence stretched between them as they walked toward the diner. She sighed, her voice soft. “No offense, but I don’t know or trust you enough to let you in that much. I’ve made some mistakes—things I don’t want to talk about. Give me some time.”
Trust? He couldn’t blame her for that. If he demanded to know her secrets, he had to tear down the barbwire he’d erected around his.
No. That couldn’t happen. His life depended on his silence. Did her private thoughts and memories hinge on life and death too? His stomach twisted. Nothing bad would happen to her, not if he was around to stop it.
“What can you tell me?” Hell, only an asshole would ask something like that without opening up in return.
“The necklace reminded me of something I once wanted more than anything. Not the pearls itself, but what it represented. I couldn’t have it because I wasn’t good enough.” She pulled from his grasp and wrapped her arms around her middle.
“I’m sorry I forced you to try on the necklace. I thought you liked it. All women deserve something that makes them feel pretty.” The stench of oil filled his nose and he sneezed. He glanced at the noisy passing cars and pulled Calista farther back along the sidewalk, away from a puddle in the road, before a vehicle splashed them. “I understand about lack of trust and the need for secrecy. I hope someday you can tell me what happened, but I do know one thing, even if you never tell me. You were good enough. You always have been and will always be.”
Her blue-green eyes widened. She traced her fingertips over his smooth jaw, leaving sparks in her wake.
“You’re so kind. I almost believe it when you say it. God, I wish I’d met you years ago, Jeremiah.”
“Why do you call me Jeremiah? Everyone else calls me Jim.”
“It feels more personal, as though you belong only to me. I may have to share Jim with the rest of the world, but Jeremiah—the strong, kind man I’ve admired over the past several months—is all mine.”
Her admission branded him like a fire poker to his skin. If he were alone, he’d beat his chest and roar. No woman had ever wanted to claim him. No one but her ever called him Jeremiah.
He coughed, clearing his throat. “Friday is only two days away, but I can’t wait that long. Let’s get in my car and go to a park, somewhere private, to talk.”
“Talk? Is that code for necking like teenagers?”
“I’m game if you are, but I don’t want to be rushed. We’ll have time for kissing and touching later.”
She pecked his cheek. “We better go before the rain starts again.”
He grasped her hand and they hurried back to the diner.
Add to Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55223686-arresting-jeremiah
Check it out on BookBub – https://www.bookbub.com/books/arresting-jeremiah-arresting-onyx-book-2-by-amber-daulton
Purchase Links
Amazon – https://amzn.to/32vAlqu
Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/2E4eJYO
Apple – https://apple.co/35BOuo1
Universal link – https://books2read.com/u/mVKvMP
Official Book Trailer
Link: https://youtu.be/jIsVXB1B_Pg
Now Taking Sign Ups for my Newsletter, Amber Daulton Romance
https://emailoctopus.com/lists/9d60a166-f2ea-11ea-a3d0-06b4694bee2a/forms/subscribe
Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through The Wild Rose Press, Books to Go Now, and Daulton Publishing, and are available in eBook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
Social Media Links
Website – https://amberdaulton.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/amber.daulton.author
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AmberDaulton1
Street Team – https://www.facebook.com/groups/572204316296198/
Pinterest – https://pinterest.com/amberdaulton5/
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6624921.Amber_Daulton
Amazon Author Page – https://amzn.to/14JoZff
Book Bub – https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amber-daulton
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/amberdaultonauthor1/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/pub/amber-daulton/87/538/368
The Wild Rose Press – https://www.thewildrosepress.com/authors/amber-daulton
What Are We Searching For?
About books, movies, cooking, and advice
Decorating, shopping, and gettin’ the best price
Life, love and raising kids
Along with do-hickeys, what-cha-ma-call-its, and thing-a-ma-jigs
We’re just two Texas gals
Straight from the sticks
The only things we won’t gab about
Are religion and politics!
ANN: Today, the Gabbin’ Gals, Susan and Ann ask the question: Have you ever wondered what people might think if they knew what you were googling? As writers, Susan and I google all sorts of weird stuff. For my mystery series, I google things like—what kind of poison could I use to kill someone without it showing up in a standard autopsy…or what could I use so the victim will die within fifteen minutes!
So, if someone looked at my search history, they just might call the cops!!
SUSAN: I’m with you! The latest thing I googled was about the Viking’s lifestyle. What they wore, what they ate, and how they lived. I had a mental picture (from some movie, I’m sure) about people eating large quantities of Pork cooked over an open fire and chasing it down with alcohol. While they did drink beer or mead, they ate a lot of mutton, whole grains, and vegetables.
I’ve googled whether or not you can kill a man wearing chainmail with an ax, time travel, ley lines, and standing stones
ANN: I thought it might be interesting to share some Google statistics.
According to https://searchengineland.com
Google receives over 63,000 searches per second on any given day. That’s the average figure of how many people use Google a day, which translates into at least 2 trillion searches per year, 3.8 million searches per minute, 228 million searches per hour, and 5.6 billion searches per day. Holy Moly!!
To find out more about Google search statistics, see this article: https://seotribunal.com/blog/google-stats-and-facts
Now that we know how many searches are going on, less take a look at what people are searching for.
From March through April, the 9 most googled recipes according to https://www.chowhound.com
9. Cheesecake
8. Lasagna
7. French toast
6. Meat loaf
5. Brownies
4. Pizza Dough
3. Chicken
2. Pancakes
And the NUMBER ONE googled recipe is, BANANA BREAD!!
The following statistics were taken from https://www.mentalfloss.com visit their site for much more info.
Since we’ve been staying home more, many of us have taken up new hobbies. Some have been learning a new language, while others have been binge-watching Netflix…me included. Just so you know, the top three programs watched so far on Netflix are Tiger King, Ozark, and Outer Banks. I’ve watched one of those.
The most googled searches for hobbies by state: Texas/TV and Films…so there, I’m not the only couch potato in the state!
Folks on the East Coast are googling home workouts. Most of the Mid-west is looking up video games.
DIY dominated Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Hawaii.
Some of the most interesting searches are: While Texans are having trouble sleeping, Floridians want to know how to sleep at work.
Colorado wants to know how to stop drinking and New Mexico searched to find out about day drinking. Ohio searched for how to dye my hair blonde at home and folks in Pennsylvania need to know why their plants are dying. And then there’s Maine—they want to know how to build a chicken coop!
Now for the top “How to” searches:
10.How to lose belly fat
9. How to make French toast
8. How to write a cover letter
7. How to make pancakes
6. How to make money
5. How to draw
4. How to lose weight
3. How to get pregnant
2. How to Kiss
1. How to tie a tie
Since Halloween is right around the corner, I thought you might enjoy knowing the most searched costumes from last year. The source for this information came from https://www.vogue.com.
From 1-10 they are: It, Witch, Spiderman, Dinosaur, Descendants, Clown, Fortnite, Chucky, 1980s, and Unicorn.
ANN: My husband says, he’s waiting for the day he can google ‘where are my glasses’ and get an answer!
SUSAN: Amen to that!
For more about Susan and her books, visit https://www.susanaroyal.com
My Momma Always Said
About books, movies, cooking, and advice
Decorating, shopping, and gettin’ the best price
Life, love and raising kids
Along with do-hickeys, what-cha-ma-call-its, and thing-a-ma-jigs
We’re just two Texas gals
Straight from the sticks
The only things we won’t gab about
Are religion and politics!
Advice—an opinion someone offers you about what you should do or how you should act in a particular situation.
When you were a kid, remember how you turned up your nose when an adult offered words of wisdom? Then you got older and found yourself using the same guidance with your kids!
Yeah, well, good advice is good advice, no matter the century. I mean, the Ten Commandments have been around a while and they’re still relative! Okay, maybe I’m stretching it a little because they’re considered more than just advice, but you get my drift. Today, the Gabbin’ Gals and some friends want to share some of the best advice they’ve received.
We’d love to hear some ‘pearls of wisdom’ you’ve received. So let us know by commenting here in the comment section at the end of this post.
Love/marriage/relationships
“You can get married anytime—all you have to do is lower your standards.” (Ann’s momma)
“A man never leaves unless he has another woman.” (Ann’s momma)
“You can tell the minute a man touches you if it’s for his benefit or yours.” (Ann’s momma)
Friendships/morals
“Use your brain. That’s why God gave it to you.” (Susan’s Daddy)
“Clean don’t rub off on dirty.” (Ann’s momma)
“Pretty is as pretty does.” (Ann’s grandma) (Susan’s grandma). I heard those words many times when I was growing up.
“Nothing good happens after midnight.” (Ann’s daddy)
“If you saw someone jump off a cliff, would you do the same thing?” (Something Susan’s Daddy always used to say when she got in trouble for following the crowd)
Fashion and Beauty
“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” (TNBW member, Lauren shares her mother’s advice referring to women in Spandex)
“Never wear a pair of new shoes on a shopping trip.” (Susan’s mother)
Finance
“Put something back for a rainy day.” (Susan’s mother)
“Borrow money from a pessimist, they don’t expect to be paid back.” (TNBW member, Memphis Trace. I’ve credited his penname because he’s still borrowing money using his real name)
I’ve always heard time flies when you’re having fun…but I say—”time flies when you’re making payments!” (Ann)
Everyday Life
“Tomorrow is another day.” Scarlett O’Hara.
“Don’t believe everything you read.” (TNBW member, John Hamler, quoting Abe Lincoln)
“Reality is never as good or bad as people claim. (Ann’s friend, Dagny)
“A job isn’t done when you’re tired of it. It’s done when you finish what you said you were going to do.” (Susan’s friend, Robbi)
“When you’re talking, you’re probably saying something you already know. If you shut up and listen, you might learn something new.” (TNBW member, Tai Baker)
“Nothing in life stays the same, so treasure the good times and accept the bad, knowing that this too will pass.” (Susan’s friend, Sheryl)
“The good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth…listen twice as much as you speak.” (TNBW member, Don)
“There’s no reason not to stay clean. Soap is cheap.” (Susan’s grandma)
“Wherever you go, there you are.” (TNBW member, Dirk B.)
“Every day starts fresh and new. You get to decide what kind of day it’s going to be.” (Susan)
Ann: I think that last quote is a great way to end this posting. Good advice for sure!
For more information about Susan, check out her website: https://www.susanaroyal.com
Ann Everett, Best Selling Author
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{I hope you enjoy this sweet, short-story romance!}