Through the eyes of a girl … Horse Holocaust

Miss Leigh from The Sugar & Spice Ranch in Bandera, TX just posted on Facebook about a speech her 13 year old daughter wrote for school about ‘injustice.’ I love when proud Mama’s share about their kids success and after reading this heartfelt speech I was just so impressed with her writing and her ability to share her convictions on a topic that is, at the very least, controversial. Since I am in agreement with this young lady’s opinion, I contacted Miss Leigh and asked permission to post the speech here.

Horse Holocaust
By Patricia McCourt
What’s going on? Where is my owner? What is this place? Get me out of here! I’m starving. I’m scared. Clink. Another horse just died in a slaughter house. This was what was running through her mind.
These helpless creatures’ lives are completely controlled by humans. We own them, take care of them, and are fully responsible for their fate. Horses rely on us for food, shelter, medical care, companionship and most importantly, love. There are many owners who just throw that responsibility out the window, and send their horses to slaughter. And there are also people who run these slaughter houses illegally and inhumanely in this country and all over the world.
Horse slaughter reminds me of the Holocaust in a way. Mindless killing in factories of death. These horses are killed for cruel and unnecessary reasons. Maybe their owners don’t want them anymore, or don’t find them useful because of an injury. They are killed for their meat which isn’t even that desirable or popular. You can go a whole life time without tasting horse meat. You’ll survive. Before horses are killed they are kept in horrible conditions and are given little or no food. These slaughter houses are literally the concentration camps of the 21st century.
People need to learn more about this issue. Honestly, how many of you already know about it? How many times has it crossed your mind? The importance of this problem needs to be spread. I can’t stress how crucial to remove this ugly section of our society. The people who think this is ok need to be put behind bars. The people who run these slaughter houses need to be put to death in my opinion, to justify all the innocent lives they took.
If everyone opens their eyes and looks at the hideous massacre taking place all around them we can end it once and for all. We can’t let horses be silenced even if they can’t speak. Horses would never intentionally hurt people, their natural instinct is to flee, not fight. That’s why we must fight the monsters who refuse them the right to live.
THIS IS MY SPEECH I HAD TO WRITE FOR SCHOOL.

Not long ago, our President signed a bill to re-introduce horse slaughter. I don’t always agree with what The Human Society has to say but I agree with their pitch to end horse slaughter. For more information about issues that threaten horses, check out Equine Destiny and Habitat for Horses.
…and the good people at The Sugar & Spice Ranch are doing their part to care for as many horses as they possibly can while providing wonderful bonding opportunities for Mama’s and their daughters. Wish I had a daughter but I do have a pretty cool 14 year old boy … but I digress. I appreciate what Miss Leigh had to say this morning …

“as you know...I am a business woman and my business is horses. But, I am first and foremost a horse woman. Every horse I have ever had the blessing to have come to my ranch I have made a promise to. They will never leave this place...this is their home and they are my family. They are my children and they are my heart and soul. I share my world of horses with anyone that wants to be touched by them and leave here a better person. I have rescue horses that have come here and they know they are safe...and I will continue to do this as long as there is breath in my body!!!” Leigh McCourt 05.01.12

There really isn’t a reason to slaughter horses just because they are no longer useful or for food. There are people who can and want to care for them until they reach their time naturally. Just as we fight to insure that cats and dogs are not caused pain and suffering, we should do so for horses as well.
Find out more about The Sugar & Spice Ranch at their website and check out their Facebook page too. If you get an opportunity to visit their ranch, tell ‘em I said hi and give a ‘high five’ to that sharp young lady, Miss Patricia.
      

"About

The Sugar & Spice Ranch...."Bonding Mothers & Daughters Through Horses" What an amazing way to connect with your daughter. At the ranch you will spend a week living the ranch life. You will own your own horses for the time that you are there.

Description

"Bonding Mothers and Daughters Through Horses" 

Texas Packages:The Sugar and Spice Ranch is exclusively for Mothers and daughters who want to spend a week having the best bonding experience of a lifetime. Imagine bunking with other moms and daughters in a real bunkhouse and riding your very own horse for the week. You'll learn how to care for your horse by learning to tack up, groom, bathe, feed, ...See More

Family Weekend Packages:These are either 2 day weekends or three day weekends throughout the months of September through May. 

~~Maria

Life's Little Instructions

Life's Little Instructions by William Snell circa 1993

  Sing in the shower ... Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated ...

Watch the sunrise at least once a year ...

Never refuse homemade brownies ... Strive for excellence not perfection ... Plant a tree on your birthday ... Learn three clean jokes ... Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full ... Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them ... Leave everything a little better then you found them ... Keep it simple ... Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures ... Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know ... Be forgiving of yourself and others ... Say “thank you” a lot ... Say “please” a lot ... Avoid negative people ... Wear polished shoes ... Remember other peoples birthdays ... Commit yourself to constant improvement ... Have a firm handshake ... Send lots of Valentine cards, sign them ... Look people in the eye ... Be the first to say “hello” ... Return all things you borrow ... 

Make new friends but cherish old ones ... Keep secrets ... Plant flowers every spring ... Have a dog ... Always accept an outstretched hand ... Stop blaming others ... Take responsibility for every area of your life ... Wave at kids on school buses ... Be there when people need you ... Don’t expect life to be fair ... Never underestimate the power of love ... Drink champagne for no reason at all ... 

Live you life as an exclamation, no an explanation ... Don’t be afraid to say “I made a mistake” ... Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” ... Compliment even small improvements ... Keep your promises no matter what ... Marry only for love ... Rekindle old friendships ... Count your blessings ... Call your mother ... And your dad too, if they happen to be alive ...

~~~

Follow your heart!!!

This morning I was pushing papers here and there, making calls, checking calendar dates, just getting exhausted planning my move cross country. I decided it was time to take a break and check out some online shopping at one of my favorite places, Modern Cowgirl.
Lo and behold, a post had just been written, maybe minutes before, by the owner Shana whom I’ve never met but with whom I had an email conversation with when I was bidding to do some work for the organization. Shana wrote about how she built her business and how she came to a place where she understood her loves and with her becoming a new Mom in June, decided to take a jump and realign her business. I love that kind of confidence! It’s always wonderful and so motivating to hear when a women has looked inside and chosen to follow her hearts desire.
Read how she makes it her mission to “Ride her own White Horse” ….

Ladies night!

Dinner with my buddy tonight!!!

"Knock off its horns, wipe its ass, and throw it on the plate” ~~ Pepper Lewis

(a line from one of my favorite movies)

Can’t go wrong with Whiskey and Wine …

Sooooo … I was browsing recipes on the Pioneer Woman's website. Now I don’t really buy into the whole Pioneer Woman perfect life thing because I know living on a working ranch is NOT easy … there is no way to spend a day on the ranch taking perfect pictures while preparing wonderful recipes, homeschooling the kids, trying out new gadgets, setting up giveaways, writing witty blog posts, prepping for a cooking show and whatever else the Pioneer Woman’s blog represents BUT she does have some decent recipes.  {{Well, who knows (grumble, grumble) may she can do it all}} I know I couldn't, the ranch I lived at kept me pretty busy, and pretty dusty plus there seemed to always be something to get done to keep things running  ... but I digress.
Sooooo … I was browsing recipes on the Pioneer Woman's website and I found this recipe she posted last year for Pasta with Whiskey, Wine, and Mushrooms … I like Pasta. I like Mushroom. I always enjoy Wine and I do like some Whiskey so how can I go wrong. Got this on the kitchen agenda for this weekend. I still have to go buy the pasta and mushrooms.

Recipe: Pasta with Whiskey, Wine, and Mushrooms

Prep Time: 5 Minutes  |  Cook Time: 30 Minutes  |  Difficulty: Easy  |  Servings: 8
Ingredients

• 24 ounces, weight Thickly Sliced Mushrooms (baby Portobellos Are Best)
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 whole Large Onion, Peeled And Sliced
• 1 cup Dry White Wine
• 3/4 cups Whiskey (Jack Daniels Is Good) I like Jack but I’d also suggest trying Pendleton Whiskey
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Salt And Pepper, to taste
• 12 ounces, weight Mostaciolli, Cooked Al Dente

Preparation Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Drizzle mushrooms with a little olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Set aside.
In a large pot, heat additional olive oil along with the butter over medium heat. Throw in the sliced onions and sauté for a couple of minutes, or until beginning to turn translucent. Pour in wine and whiskey and allow to bubble for a minute or two. Pour in broth and allow the liquid to reduce for a couple of minutes. Stir in cream and reduce heat to low. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper, and simmer until sauce thickens.
Toss in cooked pasta, using a little hot pasta water if sauce needs a little thinning. Taste for seasonings and add immediately.

Practice makes perfect …

Look at this card I found online …. Love it!

Ha-Ha!!!

What’s that out by the pool?

I just read a story in the Albuquerque Journal about cattle wandering around Rio Rancho. Well, knowing Rio Rancho, ‘The City of Vision’ that dates way back to the roaring 1970’s when Amrep reigned supreme, I find this to be pretty funny since Rio Rancho is a mecca for city folk from other bigger cities, namely New York. It’s no longer the arid mesa land that crooked Amrep Reps sold to unsuspecting New Yorkers in the 1970’s but a qualified city boasting the “fastest growing community in New Mexico”
Perhaps some of the Cowboys and Cowgirls from Corrales, Los Lunas and surrounding areas will find some extra work, or a bit of practice for their next event, roping and returning the cattle to their rightful owners. 
I wish they would have posted a picture …

Wandering Cattle Trouble For Rio Rancho Homeowners
By Associated Press on Fri, Apr 13, 2012
POSTED AT: 8:40 am
Cattle wandering off the open range are creating problems for residents of some Rio Rancho neighborhoods.
They’re complaining that herds of a dozen or more cows are tearing up their properties.
The suburb just north of Albuquerque is the fastest-growing city in New Mexico.
The cattle come in search of grass and water, and if the properties aren’t fenced, state law says there’s nothing homeowners can do to recover their damages.
KVOA-TV in Albuquerque reports that Rio Rancho Police Sgt. Nicholas Onken keeps a rope in his squad car because police are called to move cows off roadways about twice a week.
The only thing the homeowners can do is fence off their properties. Then they can bill the livestock’s owner for any damages.

Happy Easter

Have a blessed day!

Your journey has no beginning … it has no end

…And the truth of the matter is it is always right and you are always where you are supposed to be, and every thought and action is exactly what it should be and your journey just continues to flow! It’s what makes everything worthwhile!

To drive or not to drive … that is the question!

So that is my question of the day … drive or not drive. Although I have driven across country several times, up and down and all around, I am seriously considering letting the moving company take my vehicle and my boy and I can fly out to New Mexico. I just talked to Miss M who works for the moving company, conveniently owned by my childhood friend and who has moved me several times in the past and has always done an excellent job. I also like that I get a bit of special treatment. Miss M is my friends daughter and such a sweetie. She got the scoop from her father so she knows all about me which makes me feel very comfortable.
It’s not such an easy decision. With the cost of gas, hotels and food, it might be about the same cost as moving the vehicle. Driving would include a stop in Mount Pleasant, SC, then Mandeville LA, on to Breaux Bridge LA, Dallas TX,  Keller TX, a possible stop in Amarillo TX and finally Albuquerque, NM. 
… but it’s not about cost … it’s about the drive and the long days of being on the road. I guess I am getting old, so is my vehicle.

On the move …

Hey, Hey,

Just wanted to update everyone on what is happening in my world. J.R and I will be returning to New Mexico at the end of June. We both loved South Carolina and will always hold our time there dear, as well as all the great people we met there, <<<sweet Lisa, Linda and Charmayne ~~ to mention a few>>> And … our time in New York was also purposeful. Being near my dear friend, for forever and a day, Ginny has been my delight and enjoying the company of some very good people from an earlier time in my life has allowed me to reminisce about very good times <<<Goodie and Sal and Norma are a joy in my world>>> New York has always been about la mia famiglia, my brother and sisters, nieces and nephews. Nevertheless, I think everyone knows my heart is happiest in the west and my soul is enchanted by those rose-colored mountains of New Mex. We are both excited to be going home and picking up where we left off with our good friends.

J.R will start high school … can ya’ believe it? I’m just amazed at how the years pass. A great kid, an artist at heart, lover of music, social animal and a looooooong drink of water nearing almost 6” foot at the age of 14 and not more than 120 pounds … all muscle. I just visited with his teachers for parent-teacher conferences and it looks like he’ll finish 8th grade with fine grades and they all had nice things to say about him. <<<Curtsying; thank you, thank you! Taking all the credit, yes I am!>>>
Besides for enjoying new adventures and having good times, I’ll be working with a new client … Cowgirl Dirt Cosmetics. <<<thank you to those who were professional or personal references in the review process>>> In addition to Cowgirl Dirt, I expect to continue with at least one of my current clients and try to pick up at least one more in the Albuquerque area, so wish me luck. I approached Cowgirl Dirt after trying some of their products and loving the look. I’ll be representing the wholesale line to retailers and I’ll also have the ability to sell at retail to individuals. Sort of a unique proposition and one I really like. Brings me back to my really early days in college when I worked for a well know cosmetic company. This time, things are different; my ideas about cosmetics and beauty have changed. Cowgirl Dirt products are all 100% Natural and Organic. Ding Ding!!! It will be nice working with a fun product and with a fun and ethical company. I hope you’ll check them out, try some of the samples they sell and see what you think. Use my page link to place an order. If you are interested in carrying the product in your business, contact me at maria@cowgirldirt.com .
As for news about the family, many of you know that my Mom, who is going to be 94 in April, has had some health problems and that is to be expected at her age. Last week though, she was taken to the emergency room after suffering from three seizures, each about 20 minutes apart. Then, when she was in the hospital, she suffered another. She is home now but much weaker than she has been in the past and she is sleeping most of the day. Please remember her in your thoughts and prayers.
My niece and godchild is pregnant with her first bambino. The baby’s room is decorated with sock monkey linens and blankets … and it’s beyond cute! She is due in June, and has chosen to be surprised by the gender, I’m betting a boy.  She is staying home now to enjoy all the wonders of preparing for motherhood. She’ll be a wonderful Mom!
…And there’s good news from the FL family too. My brother-in-law has been cancer-free 18 months now. Woo-hoo!!! It looks like their move to FL has been good for them. My other niece, who is also in FL, is now the Director of Mktg & Bus Development for Simon Malls in Ocala. She’s 26, smart and beautiful. I’m so proud of her.
I’d love to hear from you about your good times and happy days, leave a comment below or email me ... and I’m wishing each of you the sweetest blessings.
~~
Alrighty then,
smile and be happy
Maria

Brenn Hill ... Wyoming Wind

Nice song on the first day of spring!

Soooooooo happy spring is here ...

I think I'd like to visit Wyoming some springtime.

What about you?

Ranching on the Rocks with Gail Steiger and Amy Hale Auker

The March issue includes an outstanding article by Senior Editor Jennifer Denison which is also the cover story, "Ranching on the Rocks," about the lives and work of Gail Steiger and Amy Hale Auker (Rightful Place by Amy Hale Auker) on Arizona's remote Spider Ranch. See my own review of Amy delightful book, Rightful Place

Related articles

• [reviewing] Rightful Places by Amy Hale Auker (beachwalkermari.blogspot.com)

Words to savor

Secrets of the Missing Crown: A Pilgrimage of Change by Sunday Larson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can not help but love Sunday Larson's use of words in this wonderfully enchanting story. Woven with magic poetry, this story is laid before us with a healthy dose of imagination, wonderful animal characters and true wisdom. If you are a desert wanderer or believer in guardian angels as I am, this book will be a delight. It's a quick read but much nicer when read slow and savored. You will truly enjoy this story and the beautiful artwork by Karen Vogel. I know you will return to it from time to time to savor the bits as I have already.

http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Missing-Cro...

View all my reviews

Kindness

Before You Know What Kindness Really Is
--by Naomi Shihab Nye (Apr 19, 2011)

Before you know what kindness really is
you must lose things,
feel the future dissolve in a moment
like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
what you counted and carefully saved,
all this must go so you know
how desolate the landscape can be
between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
thinking the bus will never stop,
the passengers eating maize and chicken
will stare out the window forever.
Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
you must travel where the Indian in a white poncho lies dead by the side
of the road.
You must see how this could be you, how he too was someone
who journeyed through the night with plans
and the simple breath that kept him alive.
Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
you must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
catches the thread of all sorrows
and you see the size of the cloth.
Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
only kindness that ties your shoes
and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread,
only kindness that raises its head
from the crowd of the world to say
it is I you have been looking for,
and then goes with you every where
like a shadow or a friend.
--Naomi Shihab Nye, from The Words Under the Words

Friends forever ...

An old cowboy was riding his trusty horse followed by his faithful 


dog along an unfamiliar road. The man was enjoying the new 


scenery, when he suddenly remembered dying, and realized that the 


dog beside him had been dead for years, as had his horse. 


Confused, he wondered what was happening, and where the trail 


was leading them.

After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall that looked like 


fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch 


topped by a golden letter “H” that glowed in the sunlight.

Standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked 


like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like 


gold.

He rode toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a 


desk to one side. Parched and tired out by his journey, he called 


out, ‘Excuse me, where are we?’ 

‘This is Heaven, sir,’ the man answered.

‘Wow! Would you happen to have some water?’ the man asked.

‘Of course, sir. Come right in, and I’ll have some ice water brought 


right up.’

As the gate began to open, the cowboy asked, ‘Can I bring my 


partners, too?’ 

‘I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t accept pets.’

The cowboy thought for a moment, then turned back to the road and 


continued riding, his dog trotting by his side.

After another long ride, at the top of another hill, he came to a dirt 


road leading through a ranch gate that looked as if it had never been 


closed. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning 


against a tree and reading a book. 

‘Excuse me,’ he called to the man. ‘Do you have any water?’

‘Sure, there’s a pump right over there. Help yourself.’

‘How about my friends here?’ the traveler gestured to the dog and 


his horse.

‘Of course! They look thirsty, too,’ said the man.

The trio went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-


fashioned hand pump with buckets beside it. The traveler filled a 


cup and the buckets with wonderfully cool water and took a long 


drink, as did his horse and dog.

When they were full, he walked back to the man who was still 


standing by the tree. ‘What do you call this place?’ the traveler 


asked. 

‘This is Heaven,’ he answered.

‘That’s confusing,’ the traveler said. ‘The man down the road said 


that was Heaven, too.’

‘Oh, you mean the place with the glitzy, gold street and fake pearly 


gates? That’s hell.’

‘Doesn’t it make you angry when they use your name like that?’

‘Not at all. Actually, we’re happy they screen out the folks who 


would leave their best friends behind.’ 




Posted on Tumblr by Homewhereheart

A pilgrimage of change, a whimsical journey

An elegant story ... delightful words ... 

"My days are spent gathering strands of light." ~ Lei Shamilly

The Well Red Coyote Bookstore - Sedona, AZ

Remembering good medicine

Every time we speak words to people




we are planting seeds. The question




is, are we planting seeds of fear or 




are we planting seeds of hope?

-


Sandra Ingerman, Medicine for the 




Earth

Laughing Pup

This pup looks like he's laughing ... how cute!

Good sounds

New Year goals and non-goals …

I’ve been reading quite a few blogs about what I’ve always called “New Years Resolutions.” Apparently, they are now called goals or non-goals, where goals are new actions to take and non-goals are what you already do well with a positive affirmation to keep doing it. I like that. It’s a new twist and seems to be healthier in nature.
I am really fascinated by the things people are listing as goals  and non-goals. They are much more encompassing, much more worldly, selfless and so much more compassionate. I’ve have not seen one goal to lose weight. Seems lose weight has transformed into ‘Eat like you matter.’ Found that one on the FearLess Blog.
I’m intrigued by this one … “To stop working for myself and start working for the world.” That’s pretty heady stuff.
I read this one on Karen Walrond’s blog CHOOKOOLOONKS, “ Keep telling Marcus and Alex how awesome they are.  Because sweet mother of Gumby, they are, and they deserve to know it.” What a perfect Mom non-goal!
But the thing is … I think there is a shift. Maybe it’s the shift the elders have been talking about that is due to occur in this very year, 2012. I keep seeing it, in writing, all over the place. people being selfless, concerned about the world and the next guy … it’s wonderful!
Maybe it is a release of ego for many people; like in The Shift, the Wayne Dyer movie that said so much about exploring your purpose.
I haven’t really put much effort into resolutions … ever. Never gave a thought to it. Perhaps this is the month and the year to do so. I can think of one non-goal and goal for me right now:

“You have always encouraged people to do their best. Well, keep doing it and while doing it, remember to encourage yourself.”

What are your goals for 2012?

Love yourself ...

"Nothing is impossible to a willing heart"

http://www.islandcowgirl.com/

“Shhhhh! Just between u & me” blog

I woke this morning to a very sweet message from Tiffany Little, owner of the Shhhhh! Just between u & me blog who had this to say:

“I love love love this!!! I am definitely going to share this post and your blog with my followers!! My goal this year is to showcase other bloggers and their posts that I like with my followers. It is scheduled to go live tomorrow 1/6/12 at 11AM EST at http://shhhhhjustbetweenume.blogspot.com I have included links to your page and your blog button. I hope it brings an increase in your readers and followers.”

It’s such a warm feeling to know others appreciate your work. Thank you again Tiffany!!!

If you get a moment, stop by her page and enter her coffee giveaway at http://shhhhhjustbetweenume.blogspot.com/2012/01/tylers-coffee-giveaway-ends-114.html You could win Tyler’s coffee!!

…and coffee is always a treat!!!

Our strength ...

Picture From MysticMama

Strong women don't wait for time, we make it. We don't wait for love, we feel it. We don't wait for money, we earn it. We don't wait for the right path to take, we make one. We don't wait for the right opportunity, we create it. We don't go for less, only the best. We don't compare ourselves to others, we are unique. We don't complain about our misfortunes, we transform them. We don't avoid failure, we welcome challenges. We don't dwell on our mistakes, we learn from them. We don't back down, we find a way around. We don't close our eyes, we open our hearts. We don't run from life, we embrace it! ~Unknown

How nice is this??

So, I'm thinking I have a lot of changes to make as I plan my return to my soul's home in July. I don't really want to take furniture that I have fallen out of love with and plan to sell or donate several things. The first will be my kitchen set and I am drooling to replace it with this luscious set, particularly those wonderful chairs … stylized after mid-20^th century varnished steel chairs. So fresh and clean!! They can be found at Sundance so you know they are much more than I would chose to afford ... but boy they sure are nice. I’m hoping I might be able to find something similar that is less expensive.

I have a feeling you’ll be seeing a good many of my plans for my move here and plenty of pictures of my fancies. Wish me luck that all works out well. 

Yummy salad recipe

I love this recipe from Southern Lady Magazine, probably because I really, really like pomegranates. They say hmmmm … they say pomegranates are very good for you. I just think they taste good and they certainly make the salad look pretty. I like pretty food. I think the prettier the food, the better it is for you. ‘Cause when you surround yourself with pretty, well you just become pretty … you are what you eat after all.

Spinach Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Makes 4 servings
1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
1 cup matchstick carrots
1/2 cup broccoli sprouts
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
3 tangerines, sectioned
1/3 cup pomegranate arils
Pomegranate Vinaigrette (recipe follows)
1. In a medium bowl, combine baby spinach, carrots, broccoli sprouts, and red onion.
2. Divide spinach mixture evenly among 4 salad plates. Top each salad with tangerine sections and pomegranate arils. Drizzle with Pomegranate Vinaigrette just before serving.

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Makes about 1 cup
1/2 cup fresh pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons pomegranate-infused balsamic vinegar*
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra light olive oil
1. In a small bowl, combine pomegranate juice, vinegar, and honey, whisking until honey dissolves. Add shallot, salt, and pepper, whisking to combine well. Gradually add olive oil, whisking to combine.
*You may substitute white balsamic vinegar for pomegranate-infused balsamic vinegar.

2011

The year is slowly passing away … to say the least 2011 was an unsettling year for many of us. Yet, the essence of unsettled experiences is what brings us to some of the most rewarding conclusions, to the roads that are meant to be crooked. I’m standing at the beginning of a crooked road, longing for 2012 to get started, anxious to just follow the dots, shed the burdens of the past, lift up into timeless wonder. My bones tell me it’s the right way to go.
Tomorrow, I will burn sage to release all that has been in 2011 and  whisper prayers for courage, for love and support, for energy and guiding light in the coming year
We are all moving into change. Embrace it and move deep into your heart … peace and love, my friend!
~M.

2012 Drink to try … with Pendleton Whisky

Pendleton Sagebrush
3 parts Pendleton Whisky
1 part triple sec
1 part fresh squeezed oj
1 part fresh squeezed lime juice
Top off with ginger ale

Muddle sage leaf with orange slice in glass; add liquids; pour into old fashioned glass; garnish with an orange slice and a sage leaf.

 

Pendleton® Whisky Launches Pendleton 1910™100% Canadian Rye Whisky
Aged 12 years, limited release premium rye whisky offers smooth flavor profile

Love this …

Check out Hint Jewlery on her blog for some very unique and pretty jewlery.

Merry Christmas my friend!

The Vault …

For hours of uninterrupted fun and in honor of everything being interesting, follow this link to The Vault. The FBI has made thousands of files available in a new online resource called The Vault.

“The Vault is our new electronic reading room, containing more than 3,000 documents that have been scanned from paper into digital copies so you can read them in the comfort of your home or office. 
Included here are many new files that have been released to the public but never added to this website; dozens of records previously posted on our site but removed as requests diminished; files from our previous electronic reading room, and new, previously unreleased files.” ~~~ from the FBI website section The Vault

Being of unsound mind and having lived in New Mexico for many a year, of course, I chose the subject … - Unexplained Phenomenon 

Walt said …

“this is what you shall do: love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning god, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body.”
—
walt whitman

Good friends are really family!

I have wonderful friends who always remember me. Without them, my life would not be complete!

Thank you for the beautiful flowers … you know who you are …

Create anyway

Image by B Tal via Flickr

I am finding so many great quotes and sayings that I just want to share with you!!! Here's another ...

‎"People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you;
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight;
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten;
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway." - Mother Teresa

Mr. Ritter said ...

Image by Coconino National Forest via Flickr

"We're all travelers in this world. From the sweet grass to the packing house. Birth 'til death. We travel between the eternities." 

~~ Prentice Ritter; From the 2006 motion picture Broken Trail.

Love

I found this on Tumblr. I don't know the origin in order to give credit for it's loveliness. It definitely brought a tears to my eyes. How beautiful a love. Enjoy ~M