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| Georgia O’Keeffe Cottonwood III (1944) Oil on canvas (49.53 x 74.30 cm.) Unsigned, The Butler Institute of American Art. |
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Unfinished stories
She woke to the sound of a harsh wind through the cottonwoods. Grayness enveloped her and a tingle of ice crept up her spine. The dream, still present in her minds eye, punching her in her gut. The scream, the deafening sound of hooves beating against dirt, the acrid smell of smoke and the lingering taste of ashes caught in her throat. The familiar name formed on her lips, "Cole." It was always that way. The dreams were always there, time after time since she was small girl. She'd never told anyone about them. As much as the dreams made her weep, they were hers and hers alone.
As she lay in bed, somewhere in that nether region that is dreaming and being awake, her lips formed the name again, "Cole," this time a warmth rose in her stomach and she closed her eyes again to bring the dream back.
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Where's the party?
The party was at my brother-in-law's last weekend for a combination celebration of my nieces 30th birthday and Father's day and it was a perfect time to have a Cognac Party! Ever have one?
Miss Sophi sent me a very nice bottle of Camus' Cognac Borderies XO to try and review* and that's just what we did as we all enjoyed the warm, sunny day in my BIL's backyard.
If you know a bit about cognac, then you know that it is exclusively produced in the cognac region of France. Think medieval town, cobblestone streets, beautiful Renaissance facades. Five generations of the Camus family, back to 1863 have been producing in the Cognac region. They have a worldwide presence and have won several awards including the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in March 2011 with a score of 93 points and achieving the "Excellent, Highly Recommended" category
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Try a .....
CAMUS-Rita
This is different!
I like this ...
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Miss Sophi sent me a very nice bottle of Camus' Cognac Borderies XO to try and review* and that's just what we did as we all enjoyed the warm, sunny day in my BIL's backyard.
If you know a bit about cognac, then you know that it is exclusively produced in the cognac region of France. Think medieval town, cobblestone streets, beautiful Renaissance facades. Five generations of the Camus family, back to 1863 have been producing in the Cognac region. They have a worldwide presence and have won several awards including the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in March 2011 with a score of 93 points and achieving the "Excellent, Highly Recommended" category
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| It is (in Cognac) that the fabled nectar has been created since the 17" century and that the very air one breathes is permeated by the heavy scent of spirits evaporating from oak casks held in storage: this aroma is referred to as the "angels's share'. http://www.westernfrancetouristboard.com/cognac.html . |
Cognac can be enjoyed in cocktails, on the rocks or sipped neat. Although, we had cocktail recipes to try and there are several listed below, it was a unanimous decision to try the cognac sipped neat. This was a good idea because everyone took time to savor and think about the taste in their mouth. They swirled the cognac in their glasses, watched the legs drip, looked at the color, savored the finish. Personally, the thing I thought very interesting was the difference between the genders. The men were so impressed with the physical bottle. It is lovely, large and commanding. The woman were more interested in the drink itself. I would have thought just the opposite.
The Camus Cognac Borderies XO was elegant. The flavor refined and smooth. The men spoke about "bite." Some said there was a bite and they felt that was a good thing, most said there was no bite and they also felt that was a good thing. Ahhh! The human palate, so distinct, so individualized. I personally enjoyed the cognac. I thought it had a very buttery taste and quite nice for sipping and a cognac that I will certainly have and serve again ... and I'm interested in several of their other products.
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| Nice color! |
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| The birthday girl! This little lady and her baby to be could not participate** in the cognac tasting but enjoyed the party just as well. |
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| Good friends! |
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| Cheers!! |
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| I enjoyed mine and I love my new nail polish! |
Try a .....
CAMUS-Rita
2 oz CAMUS VS Elegance Cognac
1 oz sweet & sour Mix
1 oz Grand Marnier
1 oz sweet & sour Mix
1 oz Grand Marnier
Combine all in a shaker with ice; strain into a small
rocks glass with salted rim. Garnish with a lime wedge
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This sounds like a delicious drink to have:
CAMUS Cosmo
1.5 oz CAMUS VS Elegance Cognac
0.75 oz Cointreau
0.75 oz cranberry juice
0.25 oz lime juice
Combine ingredients with ice and shake..Strain into a
cocktail glass and garnish with a lime twist
CAMUS Honey
2 oz CAMUS VS Elegance Cognac
0.5 oz honey syrup*
1 oz grapefruit juice
Combine ingredients with ice and shake with ice. Strain into a short rocks glass fresh ice.
*The honey syrup is a 3:1 ratio of honey and
water
and this one ....
CAMUS Passion Fruit Mousse
1.5 oz CAMUS Cognac
0.75 oz sweetened condensed milk
0.75 oz passion fruit concentrate
Combine all ingredients with ice and shake. Strain
into a coupe glass and garnish with an edible flower.
CAMUS Sazerac
2 oz CAMUS VSOP Elegance Cognac
1 white sugar cube
3-4 Dashes of Peychaud's Bitters
0.25 oz Lucid Absinthe
Saturate sugar cubes with bitters and gently muddle.
Add the CAMUS VSOP Elegance Cognac and stir with ice. Strain into a short rocks
glass that has been coated with absinthe. Spray the glass with the lemon peel
zest and rest the peel on the rim as garnish. 1 white sugar cube
3-4 Dashes of Peychaud's Bitters
0.25 oz Lucid Absinthe
This was a lot of fun and a great opportunity to learn more about Cognac and the region in which it's produced. We all enjoyed a little bit of the history and a very nice drink!
Next time you are out, ask to be served Camus' Cognac Borderies XO and try it for yourself. I think you will like it!
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| The host of the party ... my brother-in-law! |
What are you doing this weekend?
~Maria
* I am not paid to review products marketed by Deussen and my opinions are mine and take into consideration the opinions of those who may have also tried the products.
** “GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems” Underage drinking is prohibited.Did you like this story? Comment and Share:
A visit with our newest guest poster ... JoEllen Krauss
I would like to introduce JoEllen Krauss, our newest guest poster. JoEllen is a freelance writer for Providian Medical and a specialist in OB/GYN ultrasounds.
She loves to read and write about books she has read. In the following post she shares interesting
reads for moms who need that much-deserved break in the land of pages and
letters.
Mamas deserve to Get Lost in a Good Book
Summer is the time when many school-aged kids enjoy not having to pick up a book, but it is the complete opposite for many moms. Without the need to rush children to and from school, lessons, practices, and other late August through June obligations, summer can be a time for moms to relax with a good book or two. Whether reading from the comfort of an air conditioned home or outside on the beach, moms have many choices when it comes to what they select to read. Although every person's preferences are different, the following books are sure to entertain.
For the romantic at heart, "Crossing the Borders of Time" by LeslieMaitland is a post-war story showcasing a daughter's desire to find her mother's former love. "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by HelenSimonson takes readers back to an English village and tells a very sweet love story at the same time.
Moms looking for a bit of adventure should pick up a book like "Blonde," by Joyce Carol Oates. About the unseen life of Marilyn Monroe, this book may help those women who feel overwhelmed with their busy lives cope. Another option is "The Magus" by John Fowles. Stuck at home with their kids for the summer, women can easily lose themselves in the story of a man that simply wanted life more interesting.
At Bookworks
Those who want a bit more of a long term commitment in the form of a series of books have their choices between fantasy in the likes of "The DarkTower" series by Stephen King, which is a series of six novels that tell a continuing story, or a gratuitous series that started out as fan fiction with the "Fifty Shades of Grey" trilogy. This trilogy has gained so much popularity over the last few months that there are few who have not heard of it, but it is a quick read, perfect for a long day out by the pool - if you feel comfortable reading it in public, that is. A third trilogy, StiegLarsson's "Millennium" series includes "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," which has already been adapted into more than one successful movie.
Supernatural themes are quite popular these days, but so are autobiographies and memoirs. These exist for education, like the books written about Presidential candidates like Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Barack Obama. With an election coming up this fall, moms can stay educated during the summer months, or choose to read more frivolous and fun memoirs, like any of comedienne Chelsea Handler's works, Jenny McCarthy's book, or even that of Ellen Degeneres.
Spending the day outside and relaxing does not mean that a mom has to neglect her duties around the home, because there are books that can provide ideas for crafts, projects, and recipes that can be used in the home long after the summer months have passed. Although cookbooks by The Food Network stars like Guy Fieri and Giada De Laurentiis aren't exactly something that can be read end to end, and "Dress Your Best" by Clinton Kelly and Stacy London may only provide some helpful tips and advice, they can keep even the busiest moms intrigued.
It simply depends on personal preference, but there are books out there to suit every taste. From fantasy novels to tell-all works about the lives of celebrities, the choices are endless, and with the ease of portable e-readers, books have become as portable as cell phones. Despite having kids home for three months, moms deserve a summer break as well. Though this list is by no means exhaustive, sometimes all it takes is picking one title, and going from there. The subject of one book may be similar to that of another, and moving from book to book can provide entertainment as well as define tastes. Whether falling in love with Christian Grey or learning more about the tragic life of Marilyn Monroe this summer, mamas definitely deserve the right to lose themselves in a good book.
~
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Do NOT feed the Trolls ...
Today, after almost four years of blogging, a "troll" showed up on the blog. If you don't know, a troll is someone who comments in an inflammatory way, is completely off topic, their claims make no sense to the posting and who's purpose is ... well, I don't really know what their purpose is at all. Oh! and they are most always anonymous, as this one was today.
This troll commented about how awful (say what?) this blog was and then wrote "Check out my website at blahblah dot com" ... it was one of those loan companies that charge crazy interest to people in dire need.
~Maria
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| The "trollface", first appearing in 2008, is often used to indicate trolling in contemporary internet culture.[1] Modern usage of the word itself dates from 1980s. From Wikipedia |
Are you kidding me! This is not even a smart troll!
I'm sure the whole purpose was to incite me to open the link and most likely be smacked with a nasty virus.
The nice thing about the blog moderation feature is that I don't have to include that comment. I can and do approve comments that contribute something to me, to the post or the blog in general.
After all, it is my party, so to speak!
I write this blog because I like to write, because it's a record of what interests me. It's not a serious or intellectual blog ... it's for fun, easy reading. Sure, I want people to read it and if they have constructive criticism, I'd be happy to hear it but I don't have to accept hateful comments.
Not on my blog, not in my life!
...And this is the max amount of time I will give to this subject ... my "This is Spam" button took care of the problem and now on to fun stuff like my post about our weekend Cognac party coming up soon!
~Maria
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Books now ... let's chat!
What books are you reading now?
I recently read Wild Penance by Sandi Ault. I've read a few of her books and the stories are always good, always set in New Mexico, always a mystery that takes in a bit of the New Mexico landscape, culture and folklore. Wild Penance, while good was missing something. The book dragged in parts, some subplots and characters could have been expanded upon, and the end was a "hurry up and finish" plus it was obvious who the villain was early on. If I had to rate this book on a 1 ~ 5 scale, I'd give it a 2.5.
Now that won't stop me from reading this author, she does have a style that is engaging and her subjects are always interesting.
I also read Agony of the Leaves by a favorite author Laura Childs. I adore her Tea Shop Mystery books, have read every single one, all set in Charleston SC, and the beautiful Lowcountry, an area of which I am very familiar. Loved the story! The protagonist of the Tea Shop Mystery books always surrounds herself with interesting characters, my favorite is Drayton, and generally places herself in gracious social situations. There is a cast of potential villains that you would least suspect and a typical mystery cozy climax. However, I was thrown for a loop with the twist at the end of this book which was very abrupt ... so unlike the authors usual style. However, I highly recommend this author and in particular this series. On a 1 ~ 5 scale, I'd give it a 4.75.
Not batting a hundred here ... haven't hit any "love, love, love this book" fuzzy feelings but I don't give up on authors easily.
Just finished Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark, a new author for me. I picked it up because how can you not love the title of the book. I liked the story, it was easy and fun, a fast, cozy read. The characters were engaging though not deep and the main characters traits were a bit overdone but overall, a good southern chick-lit read. I don't think you can truly judge an author by one book so I'll probably read more from this author. It's a 4 on my scale.
In my hands now is Sea Change by Karen White. I truly enjoy her books and am always engaged by her style of writing. Her characters are always deeply defined, always working something out, which makes it so easy to identify with the individual characters in some way. The stories are nicely climactic and thus far, I've never been let down. I've met the author several times at book signings and she is a very delightful person, incredibly interesting and engaging. I've only just started the book so I'll have to report later but I expect it will be as good as all her others and I might just get the "love, love, love fuzzy feelings!
On my TBR (to be read) list, I have:
Unbroke Horses by D.B Jackson
Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank
Unbridled Cowboy by Joseph B. Fussell
And ... Hard Country by Michael McGarrity
Leave a comment and let us know what you are reading so we can all add to our TBR list!
* All photos are from Amazon.com
~Maria
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I recently read Wild Penance by Sandi Ault. I've read a few of her books and the stories are always good, always set in New Mexico, always a mystery that takes in a bit of the New Mexico landscape, culture and folklore. Wild Penance, while good was missing something. The book dragged in parts, some subplots and characters could have been expanded upon, and the end was a "hurry up and finish" plus it was obvious who the villain was early on. If I had to rate this book on a 1 ~ 5 scale, I'd give it a 2.5.
Now that won't stop me from reading this author, she does have a style that is engaging and her subjects are always interesting.
I also read Agony of the Leaves by a favorite author Laura Childs. I adore her Tea Shop Mystery books, have read every single one, all set in Charleston SC, and the beautiful Lowcountry, an area of which I am very familiar. Loved the story! The protagonist of the Tea Shop Mystery books always surrounds herself with interesting characters, my favorite is Drayton, and generally places herself in gracious social situations. There is a cast of potential villains that you would least suspect and a typical mystery cozy climax. However, I was thrown for a loop with the twist at the end of this book which was very abrupt ... so unlike the authors usual style. However, I highly recommend this author and in particular this series. On a 1 ~ 5 scale, I'd give it a 4.75.
Not batting a hundred here ... haven't hit any "love, love, love this book" fuzzy feelings but I don't give up on authors easily.
Just finished Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark, a new author for me. I picked it up because how can you not love the title of the book. I liked the story, it was easy and fun, a fast, cozy read. The characters were engaging though not deep and the main characters traits were a bit overdone but overall, a good southern chick-lit read. I don't think you can truly judge an author by one book so I'll probably read more from this author. It's a 4 on my scale.
In my hands now is Sea Change by Karen White. I truly enjoy her books and am always engaged by her style of writing. Her characters are always deeply defined, always working something out, which makes it so easy to identify with the individual characters in some way. The stories are nicely climactic and thus far, I've never been let down. I've met the author several times at book signings and she is a very delightful person, incredibly interesting and engaging. I've only just started the book so I'll have to report later but I expect it will be as good as all her others and I might just get the "love, love, love fuzzy feelings!
On my TBR (to be read) list, I have:
Unbroke Horses by D.B Jackson
Porch Lights by Dorothea Benton Frank
Unbridled Cowboy by Joseph B. Fussell
And ... Hard Country by Michael McGarrity
Leave a comment and let us know what you are reading so we can all add to our TBR list!
* All photos are from Amazon.com
~Maria
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A proper note for a proper time ...
If you have been following this blog for a while, you have probably figured out that I like to hand write notes and I like all sorts of papers and pens. Well one of my favorite paper companies, Crane & Co has just gone live with their new American collection. A lot of great designs! My favorite is the Land Of The Free Correspondence Card ... yep, it's a rifle!!! and yes, I'll purchase these correspondence cards!
And for those who like to make a political statement, you can hand write a note to your favorite friend who holds opposing views with the Red State Correspondence Card and Blue State Correspondence Card
Can't decide or prefer to stay politically correct? Then have a look at the Party Animals Correspondence Card
Crane & Co papers are really ideal and top my list. I worked for a fine stationer when I lived in CT, Crane & Co was a best seller in all categories. They have a fine and long history dating back to the 1700's and they continue to be the supplier of currency paper for the US Government having been awarded the contract for more than 130 years. Pretty neat huh?? Do you still send hand written notes?
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And for those who like to make a political statement, you can hand write a note to your favorite friend who holds opposing views with the Red State Correspondence Card and Blue State Correspondence Card
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| Photo from http://www.crane.com/ |
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| Photo from http://www.crane.com/ |
Can't decide or prefer to stay politically correct? Then have a look at the Party Animals Correspondence Card
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| Photo from http://www.crane.com/ |
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A fond farewell ... I'll Have Another
I'm really very sad to hear that Triple Crown hopeful I'll Have Another will not be running in the Belmont Stakes. It could of / would of been the first time I'd have placed a bet on a horse race in years ... since I was in college. I attended school in NY, so a bunch of my college friends and I would get together sometimes at Yonkers where they have the Trotters and where the owners have added a casino in recent years, boy have times changed. We would also ride out to Aqueduct or Belmont, it was all just for fun.
That's when I became enamored of these beautiful sentient beings we call Horse. I once went to a horse race in St. Croix ... just a track and a few bleachers, most people stood but not by choice and the local ladies would sell cokes and chips. So much fun!
Even so, with so many potential bets on I'll Have Another, the purse would have been pretty small and that would have been okay, it's about the fun and the anticipation.
I'll Have Another developed swelling in his left front tendon which looks to be the beginning of tendinitis. Confirmed by the Vet, the owners felt it best to side with caution. I am actually happy the owners cared enough to consider the welfare of the horse and not just run him into the ground for the chance at fast money.
It will be nice to watch when I'll Have Another leads the post parade today at Belmont ... sort of a fond farewell. I just loved it when his Jockey, Mario Gutierrez said "He'll be my hero forever." I'm sure its hard for everyone involved with this horse to accept he won't be running and won't have the chance at the Triple Crown. It will all be well though, I'm sure. I'll Have Another will head to a nice grassy ranch where there are plenty of good snacks, people who love him and a stable of fine fillies to keep him engaged.
He really was something in the stretch!
~Maria
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That's when I became enamored of these beautiful sentient beings we call Horse. I once went to a horse race in St. Croix ... just a track and a few bleachers, most people stood but not by choice and the local ladies would sell cokes and chips. So much fun!
Even so, with so many potential bets on I'll Have Another, the purse would have been pretty small and that would have been okay, it's about the fun and the anticipation.
I'll Have Another developed swelling in his left front tendon which looks to be the beginning of tendinitis. Confirmed by the Vet, the owners felt it best to side with caution. I am actually happy the owners cared enough to consider the welfare of the horse and not just run him into the ground for the chance at fast money.
It will be nice to watch when I'll Have Another leads the post parade today at Belmont ... sort of a fond farewell. I just loved it when his Jockey, Mario Gutierrez said "He'll be my hero forever." I'm sure its hard for everyone involved with this horse to accept he won't be running and won't have the chance at the Triple Crown. It will all be well though, I'm sure. I'll Have Another will head to a nice grassy ranch where there are plenty of good snacks, people who love him and a stable of fine fillies to keep him engaged.
He really was something in the stretch!
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| USA Today |
~Maria
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Lowcountry life ... gorgeous is not optional!
Ahhh! The lowcountry captured so beautifully in this young person's advertisment for Sperry Topsider. Compliments of Charleston Grit, a very good blog by the equally good Charleston Magazine.
For all of you who did not get a chance to take a holiday with us when we lived in Mt.P ... enjoy!
~Maria
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~Maria
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OKL ... Napa Home & Garden Products Highlight
Napa Home & Garden Sale
Napa Home & Garden Products Highlight
Napa Home & Garden is a favorite among One Kings Lane shoppers. With a variety of high-quality decorative accents at low price points, this sale is always a hit. Sale end Fri. 06.08
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Napa Home & Garden Products Highlight
Napa Home & Garden is a favorite among One Kings Lane shoppers. With a variety of high-quality decorative accents at low price points, this sale is always a hit. Sale end Fri. 06.08
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Baked Parmesan Tomatoes ... Delicious!
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| From Eating Well Magazine |
This is absolutely delicious and less than 100 calories per serving. A perfect side to a burger, or just as a great toaster oven treat.
INGREDIENTS
4 tomatoes, halved horizontally
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (I used Loccatelli Brand, my favorite!)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste ( I used Red pepper flakes to give it a hint of heat)
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 450° F.
Place tomatoes cut-side up on a baking sheet. Top with Parmesan, oregano, salt and pepper. Drizzle with oil and bake until the tomatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
~Maria
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Do your remember the night ...
I wish I knew who wrote this piece ... it's beautiful!
~Maria
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do you remember
the night we drove
out into the inked darkness
until the hum of the city
evaporated into contrails streaked above us
like some pollock canvas
that night i looked up at the sky
and its infinite display and i said
"doesn't it make you feel better
to know you're made of star dust"
and you laughed quietly and replied
"you'd rather be up there, wouldn't you?"
and i think that's when you first knew
i would always be tripping over things
because the ground didn't interest me
in the slightest
~~Author Unknown
| Source: Internet |
~Maria
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