Back by Popular Demand...

...and just in time for Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin Pie Crunch

16 oz. can pumpkin
12 oz. evaporated milk
3 lg. eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 t. salt
4 t. pumpkin pie spice
2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ginger & cloves
1/2 t. nutmeg
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 cup chopped nuts (opt.)
1 cup melted butter

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9"x13" pan. Combine pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, salt and spices in bowl. Pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Top with pecans. Drizzle with melted butter.

Bake for 50-55 minutes or until golden and firm. Cool completely. Serve with whip cream. Refrigerate leftovers.

Spiced Praline Pecans

Looking for a delicious new treat for the holidays?
Over on Crazibeautiful Women
my friend Julie will show you how to make
Spiced Praline Pecans.

Click here for the recipe and how-to photos.

Thanks, Julie!

Got Bluegrass?

Growing up I loved to listen to my grandfather's country and western record collection. Sprinkled among his favorite albums I found something a little different--Bluegrass. And, from the comedic hillbilly-styled offerings of Homer and Jethro, to Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, to Dolly Parton, I quite unintentionally developed a fondness for the stuff.

Yesterday when my family was afforded the opportunity to hear the band Cherryholmes in concert I jumped at the chance. The music preformed by this group--comprised of a father, mother, and their four children--is described at Bluegrass on steroids. From heart warming vocals to stirring instrumentals, Cherryholmes also made fans of my husband and youngest daughter. On the road for only a few years now, the group has garnered numerous awards and Grammy nominations. Their story is raw and touching: after the death of their oldest daughter in 1999 they decided to draw the family closer through music. In 2002 they sold their house and began touring.


Take a listen here.

Hearts and Paws: Don't Worry be Happy

I love our dog Tawny. She is happy, determined, and passionate.
She loves life.
She is who she is. No pretense. Just the pure joy of living.

She's taught me a lot.

Three Cups of Tea

Last week my youngest and I had the honor of hearing New York Times bestselling author Greg Mortenson speak about peace and changing lives for the better. From his website:

In July 1992, Mortenson’s sister, Christa, died from a massive seizure after a lifelong struggle with epilepsy on the eve of a trip to visit Dysersville, Iowa, where the baseball movie, ‘Field of Dreams’, was filmed in a cornfield.

To honor his sister’s memory, in 1993, Mortenson climbed Pakistan’s K2, the world’s second highest mountain in the Karakoram range.

While recovering from the climb in a village called Korphe, Mortenson met a group of children sitting in the dirt writing with sticks in the sand, and made a promise to help them build a school.

From that rash promise, grew a remarkable humanitarian campaign, in which Mortenson has dedicated his life to promote education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

As of 2009, Mortenson has established or significantly supports 131 schools in rural and often volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, which provide education to over 58,000 children, including 44,000 girls, where few education opportunities existed before.

His work has not been without difficulty. In 1996, he survived an eight day armed kidnapping by the Taliban in Pakistan’ Northwest Frontier Province tribal areas, escaped a 2003 firefight with feuding Afghan warlords by hiding for eight hours under putrid animal hides in a truck going to a leather-tanning factory. He has overcome fatwehs from enraged Islamic mullahs, endured CIA investigations, and also received threats from fellow Americans after 9/11, for helping Muslim children with education.

TV newscaster, Tom Brokaw, calls Mortenson, “one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, who is really changing the world”.

To read more about Greg and the book click here.

Inner Strength

It’s a wonderful feeling when we discover the kind of inner strength that allows up to stand for what we believe in.

It could be something simple like finding out a checker at the local market made a mistake and over charged us. We realize we have a right to set things straight and so we return and ask that the error be corrected. It could be that we finally gain courage to confront a friend who has repeatedly wronged us, intentionally or unintentionally. Maybe she’s always made light of the way we dress. We reach a point where we’ve had enough and we politely tell her so. Or maybe a serious offense has taken place. Maybe we’ve forever been a doormat; we’ve let others walk on us, leaving their footprints on our soul with their rude comments, or manipulative behavior, or abusive mistreatment. Something in us cries out that enough is enough. We come to the sure knowledge that others are responsible for their own happiness, that we are responsible for our own, and so we make the decision to end a relationship. We walk away.

What then?

When courage is gained to stand up to any measure of injustice we feel we’ve been dealt, how do we react to the inevitable fact that more injustice is sure to come? Do we walk through life with our guard up—waiting to put the next person and the next in their place—determined we will never be victimized again?

If so we’re missing out on a lot.

This morning I read a wonderful quote by author Wayne Dyer: “"Loving people live in a loving world. Hostile people live in a hostile world... Same world."

Not so long ago I wouldn’t have fully understood the implication of those words.

I was raised to believe the glass is always half empty—not only half empty, but that someone deliberately emptied it to be unkind. As I made my way through my adult life I carried the belief that there must always be someone to bear the blame for my heartache or misfortune. Sadly, I distanced myself from opportunities to know good and loving people who had good and loving intentions. It was a blessing to discover that such people indeed exist—in abundance.

I’ve also discovered that people who suffer great emotional distress at the hands of others sometimes walk around with boxing gloves on. In their determination to never be hurt again they can, in the extreme, go from victim to victimizer.

Why?

I’ve thought about this a lot. Once you find the courage to stand up for yourself, once you find you have the strength to pull yourself up from where you’ve fallen or been thrust, how do you stay in a place of peace and sureness without falling prey to manipulation and/or abuse again? Without becoming so callous you become the one who is prone to hurt others?

My personal belief is that it’s as simple, and as complex, as forgiveness. If you harbor ill feelings, if you extend any measure of energy to carry a grudge, over time those feelings snowball, hostility can set in. Forgiveness doesn’t mean acceptance. Forgiveness doesn’t mean a return to mistreatment—there are some people, even in our own families, who because of their hostilities and unwillingness to accept personal responsibility need to be loved from a distance.

Whether the circumstances are emotional or physical, there will always be times when we must chose to take a stand to protect ourselves and what we believe in. Times when just a few words will suffice. Times when we have to fight tooth and nail for what is right, both in our own behalf and in behalf of others that we love and respect. But like so many other things in our lives forgiveness is a choice. To live life to its fullest we can’t go around with boxing gloves on. If we did how could we use our hands to effectively comfort those in need of encouragement, touch lives for the better, and uphold what is good and true? Our hands would become atrophied in their ability to effect positive outcomes. Likewise, if we use our voices to frequently condemn they become dulled in their ability to praise, extend love, and express gratitude.

What do you think?

How do you listen and communicate--relate to those around you when you’re under fire--and maintain your emotional equilibrium as you strive to protect your personal rights and stand for what you believe in?

Finalist!

Valerie and I just received word that What Are You Thinking? has been chosen as an award-winning finalist in the 2009 National Best Books Awards. According to a press release winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, Penguin, W.W. Norton, Revell, McGraw-Hill, Thomas Nelson, American Cancer Society, and many more.

Finalists and winners in the competition will garner national media coverage for the upcoming holiday retail season.

We are so excited!

Trust and Wisdom

I know God will not give me anything I can't handle.
I just wish he wouldn't trust me so much.
Mother Teresa

Just keep swimming.
Dory

Misery loves company; it's also fond of entertaining fools.
Me

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.
William Shakespeare

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.
David Star Jordan

Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking.
There are too many people who think that the
only thing that's right is to get by,
and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught.
J.C. Watts

Are right and wrong convertible terms,
dependant upon popular opinion?
William Lloyd Garrison

I thank Thee first because I was never robbed before;
second, because although they took my purse
they did not take my life;
third, because although they took my all,
it was not much;
and fourth because it was I who was robbed,
and not I who robbed.
Matthew Henry

Pirates for a Day

It was the perfect fall day. Perfect for pumpkins and pirates, baby goats, and dreams

What Are You Thinking?

I can't believe almost a year has passed since I met with talented author Valerie Ackley. The sister of New York Best Times selling author Leslie Householder, Valerie was determined to
portray the power of positive thinking in a fun and interesting way that would appeal to kids. A busy mom herself she spent a lot of time and energy on a manuscript she hoped would convey
her message. I was honored to meet her last fall and discuss the possibilities.

Now I've completed the illustrations and the book will soon go to print under Leslie's label of ThoughtsAlive Books. Look for What Are You Thinking? in stores and online by Christmas.

Home is Where the Heart Is

I woke up Sunday morning and realized how blessed I am.
I wasn't home. I was here:

Somehow summer got away from us, along with any semblance of vacation. So we decided to start driving and see where we ended up.

Fresh perspective can heal a lot of things.

But when I woke up I wished I was home. I missed the sound of the chickens cackling and the rabbits tossing their dishes around as they wait for Mags to go out and tell them all good morning. I missed the dogs waiting to greet us with a wag of their tails and a coaxing bark, wanting to play. I missed the scent of pumpkin and spice wafting from my candle warmers this time of year. And I missed the feeling of the house on chilly fall mornings: the warmth of memories past and new memories ready to be made over steaming cups of cider or hot chocolate.

Then I listened to the sounds of Mag stirring and my husband's rhythmic breaths and realized home is where the heart is. And right then, though we were a long way from home, I knew my heart was there and everything was bliss.

Peaches: They're Not Just for Dessert!

Peaches: They're Not Just for Dessert!




Most folks think of peaches as a fruit to stick into a pie or cobbler. But the fact is you can use them in all kinds of dishes, even soups and salads. Here's a recipe for a very nontraditional peach pie, and a recipe for a dish you might not have thought of adding peaches to--grilled shrimp--plus a yummy peach salad!


Brigham City Peach Jumble Pie

2 cups fresh sliced rhubarb
1 1/3 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 package (3 ounces) strawberry kiwi flavored gelatin
2 cups canned peaches, cut into bite sized pieces
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced into quarters

Place rhubarb in a medium sauce pan with sugar and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat. Stew rhubarb until just tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in gelatin until dissolved. Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly before adding peaches and strawberries. Pour mixture into two 9 inch pie plates. Chill overnight, or until firmly set.

Topping:

1 cup peach juice 1 egg, well beaten
2 tablespoons flour 1/2 pint whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar Wheat germ
1/3 cup granulated sugar

Over medium heat stir together juice, flour, sugars, and egg until smooth. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil. Boil one minute or until thickened. Remove and cool thoroughly. Whip cream. Fold into cooled mixture. Divide and spread over both pies. Sprinkle each pie with 1 tablespoon wheat germ. Chill pies before serving.


Grilled Shrimp and Peaches with Coconut Sauce

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup canned peach juice
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup almond milk
1/3 cup honey
1 fresh ripe peach
1 ripe banana
1 cup shredded coconut
3-4 pounds raw peeled shrimp
2-3 large fresh ripe peaches, sliced

In a small sauce pan combine brown sugar, peach juice, and butter. Stir over medium heat until butter is melted and brown sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat. In blender combine almond milk, honey, peach, and banana. Blend until smooth.

In large bowl, combine brown sugar mixture and mixture from blender. Stir until well mixed. Fold in coconut. Add shrimp and peaches, coat well. Grill shrimp and peaches over medium heat until shrimp is cooked through. If desired garnish with extra coconut.


Turkey Spinach Salad

7 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
3/4 cup cooked chicken or turkey, cut into thin strips
2 cups fresh ripe peaches cut into bite sized pieces
Peach Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

Toss spinach and almonds. Place on plates and top with chicken (or turkey) strips and peaches. Drizzle with Peach Poppy seed Vinaigrette.

Peach Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

1/3 cup peach jam
1/3 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon honey, warmed
1 teaspoon poppy seeds
Combine all ingredients in a jar. Chill. Shake well, serve on Turkey Spinach Salad.


— From "Peach 101: Recipes Your Mother Never Told You About," by Lori Nawyn

Regarded by some as a simpleton -- a lowly ingredient in cobblers and pies --the peach makes a break for the big-time in soups, salads, main dishes, and more!

Nick Vujicic

I love Nick. He is my hero. One day I hope to be able to
meet him in person.

Click here for another Nick video.

Love, Gram

read the story on

forethought and purpose

Peach Days

peach days

favorite find
jewelry by DiTri designs

Good Things Utah

Mags adores Good Things Utah co-hosts Nicea, Angie, Marti,

and Regan. They were kind enough to take a minute to

pose with her on the set this morning when I did a

cooking segment.

Author GG Vandagriff: The Hidden Branch

GG Vandagriff's novel of mystery, romance, and comedy, The Hidden Branch, will be released on or before September 16th. Set in Huntington Beach, CA, the book is the fifth in the Alex and Briggie Mystery Series, but can also be read as an introduction to the series. For more information please see: http://www.ggvandagriff.com.

From now now until September 17th anyone who buys the book on line or in a store will qualify for an Alex and Briggie gift package and a chance to win an autographed set of the entire series. Simply e-mail GG your name and address (ggvan1@gmail.com ) and tell her where you bought the book.

My Heroes

Alex and Brian
Our neighbor, Alex,
is fighting a life-threatening disease.
Recently I had the privilege
of accompanying him on
his first-ever ride in a fire truck . . .
along with two of my heroes
(besides Alex)
my husband, Brian,
and Alex's angel
grandma.

























Please, remember Alex in your prayers.

From the Heart

I've been gone for awhile. Summer didn't lend me much break or vacation, life pushing from behind the way it does. So I appointed myself time to sit by the wayside, watch from the wings as it was, for a couple of weeks. And while I discovered with surety that each day seems to be passing more quickly than the last the greatest blessing I unearthed was knowledge that what I'm learning during my life seems to be keeping pace. Most of the time. Here are a couple of lessons gleaned:

What people say about you says more about them than it does you. Over and again I've heard author Wayne Dyer recite these words but there's nothing like seeing it play out, the discovery that doing the right thing consistently, amid opposition, can be challenging, yet ultimately has its rewards. How then does the same logic play out in reverse? If what you say about others constructs your reality? Who you are? Indeed if you look for the bad you will find it, and if you look for the good you will find that as well. Dwelling on the shortcomings of others is a fast track to misery.

Critics abound. I've always believed that things happen for a reason, but seeing that reason--the silver lining within the cloud--doesn't always come easy. When that cause manifests itself, when you see the path chosen, the one less taken that must be traveled with more care, and find something greater going on it gives pause. The people who work hard to keep others down are themselves fighting a lonely battle. But you can learn from them. Learn what you don't want to become.

Your children will teach you more than you ever teach them. Nothing new here. This is a lesson I learn over and over with frequency. It comes wrapped in packages of varying sizes--the wisdom of my eleven year old when she's perceives the needs of another, an epiphany from my oldest who for her heartaches is kind and giving beyond the measure most ever achieve in life--and sometimes it comes at the least opportune of times, but should always be embraced.

Each day can be wonderful because it's designed to be that way. Woven into the fabric of each second is at least one small miracle in your immediate vicinity. More--many more--if you choose to look outside yourself and your circumstances. Enjoy the small stuff because angels wait on every corner and God doesn't own a megaphone, at least if he does he doesn't use it often. The best things come whispered on a gentle breeze.

With that said I'll add that these past few weeks of introspection have been far from idle. Productive to almost exhaustion I've learned I can write through crisis. Around or over it if necessary. And as I continue to savor the last bits of summer the emotional metamorphosis I've experienced of late is helping me to develop wings that can help me fly where new opportunity abounds.

Today, though, I'm going to enjoy my artistic daughter, her pencil and watercolor rendition of a 1939 Chevy packed full of peaches, and her excitement as she exhibits her work at the fair.