Meet the Author

This past week at work I attended professional development workshops at the School Board Office. They were by the way very informative. The most delightful part was the presenter. Her bubbling New Orleans flair and great personality made the long days fly by. The presenter who prefers to be called Pam had everyone interested and responding with her "Yes, of course, Pam"prompt cards and easy to answer questions. More presenters should model after Pam. Pam is also a published writer which to all who know me well know that I aspire to become the same some day. When I told her that, she simply said "Just WRITE!" Pam had door prizes each day and on the second day, I actually won and was able to get a copy of her book entitled "Storm." It is a romance novel set in the recent historical event of "Katrina." I will say that on lunch break, I read the first chapter and was drawn and hooked by the book instantly. More fuel for my new mantra..."Just WRITE!"

Check this out: Storm by Pamela Leigh Starr, Published by Genesis Press

Recipe of the Month

Well I have totally failed to post "Recipes of the Week" this summer. So this one will have to work for the month. I purchased frozen talapia fillets at Sam's so I was looking for a recipe that looked yummo and easy. The cool thing about the fillets is that they are individually packaged inside the pack so you can defrost just the number you want.

Almond-Crusted Talapia

1/4 cup whole natural almonds
2 tablespoons dry breadcumbs
1 teaspoon Emerril's Essence seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
2(6oz) talapia fillets

Place first 4 ingredients in a food proccessor: process for 45 seconds until finely ground Place crumb mixture in a shallow dish.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Brush mustard over both sides of fillets: dredge(coat) in crumb mixture. Add fish to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.

Talk about fast...easy...and yummy! It is a great dish to cook when you don't feel like cooking!

Carol's Wednesday Creations

Today I felt creative when I got home from school. I used two of my favorite avenues: cooking and sewing. I made a tiny pair of felt shoes for Olivia...the first of many I'm sure. This was a easy fun project for a weeknight.

I cooked almond crusted talapia...it was yummo! Then I added sides of cheese grits, green beans and fresh strawberries.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

A day of flooding memories.

My mom's birthday.

I miss her so much...

Tears hitting the keyboard as I type.

She was so important to me and to our whole family.

It feels sometimes like the glue is gone.

Words escape as my feelings roll over me.

Family and friends please know how inadequate I feel to be what she was to us.

I used to say "If I could be half the mom she was I'd be happy."

Now I know I am me...

only...

different...

less.....

A loving daughter missing her mother...

missing words............

sad.

Two of my girls!

Sara and Lilly Came to Play

Sara and Lilly brought their parents over to eat supper with us last night. Sara tried on her new outfit I made for her to make sure it fits...I have to take up the elastic. The first thing she said was, "I'm going to wear this to my birthday party." I guess that means she likes it!!!!! Lilly had a great time playing at her little table. We found out that she likes chocolate rice cakes. She even made her daddy wear part of one on the side of his face...but he was a good sport about it!

I wanted to sew today part 4

I also finished this outfit for Baby P. I had the leggings already made. I finished the ruffled diaper cover and added a ruffle to a premade kimono shirt. So cute...I love sewing for my grandkids!!!

I wanted to sew today part 3

Look at this cute trim. Vickie and I found it in St Petersburg in June. It was perfect for Sara's outfit

Wanted to Sew Today part 1

I made myself a deal this morning as I surveyed my messy house knowing I really wanted to sew. I decided that I'd clean the kitchen and however long it took me then I could sew for that same amount of time. So that is just what I did! Now I have a clean kitchen and I made this.

I wanted to sew today part 2

I made this for my granddaughter Sara

New School Year

Well, another school year has started. Teachers have been readying their classrooms. Students return to Caddo Parish classrooms on Monday. I feel so blessed to have my job. I went to an Interventionist meeting this a.m. and found out that many Reading Coaches and Reading Interventionists lost their jobs and have been scrambling to be placed somewhere...some even returning to 1st grade classrooms. I am so blessed that this did not happen to me. Keep teachers and students in your prayers as a new school year begins.

40 Years Later

This is a picture of me taken exactly 40 years later in Jackson Hole Wyoming Aug, 2009.

Jackson Hole 40 Years Earlier

This is a picture of my dad taken in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, June 1969.

The Tetons

Don and I just returned from our vacation to the Tetons and Yellowstone. I've been wanting to take him there for 20 years. It has been exactly 40 years since I've been there. We had a great time and wish everyone would take the time to visit those national parks to see some of God's best art work!