Ode to Nico

Such ecstasy at just a smidgen of attention

How heady to see pure worship and love in another's eyes

How long have you been so perfect

To acknowledge that his sun rises and sets on you

And it is that way with him day after day

To know that whatever you do is forgiven and forgotten

in the blink of an eye

And to think that all of this

Comes from a little bit of fluff on four legs

Who weighs in at under five pounds

True love is indeed boundless and just a little bit insane

    c/Sarah L McCormick

Wine

...just a drop or two

I inhaled the sweet aroma

And thought of you

  c/Sarah L McCormick

Togetherness

Jesus held my hand

Side by side we watched

The calming waters of the sea

Our toes playing in the sand

He whispered to me

"I am always by your side

"I am always within...you"

I looked at him

And I saw me

We smiled and as I looked around me

There was a throng, a multitude

People with all different faces

From near and distant places

I knew... They are also me

    c/Sarah L McCormick

Made in the USA?

Wow, what a concept..."Made in America."

Walmart has figured out that it's a good thing when Americans can purchase products that are produced here on our own soil. Supporting sellers whose products are made here at home will help our economy to grow because, guess what? In order for something to be produced, someone has to be employed in order to get the job done. Now, just ain't that peachy?!

It is very difficult to find products that are made in the USA, and it's difficult to acquire the habit of checking origin of manufacture, but I'm doing my very best at it in order to help Americans get back to work. Sometimes, what is cheapest is more expensive in the long run; and now is one of those times when we need to look at the long game.

Last year, I stopped shopping from my favorite catalogs (AARGH!) because 99% of their clothing were "imported." I wrote each of them a letter -- snail mail -- explaining exactly why I would no longer be spending my money with them, and asked to be removed from their mailing lists.  I know that they heard me because I received no further catalogs, but not ONE SOLITARY WORD in defense of their choice to not provide their customers with the option to buy American-made products.

Hear me loud and clear, please. I bear no ill will toward China or other countries, republics, etc.; but I strongly believe in a strong American economy, which requires j-o-b-s.

We don't need to look to the Government to create jobs. Corporations paying less than subsistence wages to those in other countries who are hungry for any amount, are the ones who need to step up to the plate and behave responsibly to their fellow human beings.  Those CEOs can choose to buy one less plane or yacht, and pay a living wage to an American who wants to work and produce a great product.  Then, invest in the global economy in a real way by working to elevate the living and working conditions across the globe. Heart payment often translates to bank account growth. Remember:  To whom much is given, much is required.

I eagerly look forward to the day when I am not surprised to find an item that states, "Made in USA."

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Sweets

Many people are on a gluten-free craze, but many of us absolutely must adhere to a gluten-free diet in order to remain healthy and/or pain-free, because our bodies can't process wheat/gluten protein.  Now, honestly, a lot of gluten-free food is either tasteless or downright nasty!

Enter the Paleo diet... and guess what? It contains recipes that are gluten-free, and the following is my fave:

Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
 Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cup Almond Flour 
1/3  Cup Tapioca Starch
1 teaspoon non-aluminum baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup raisins or chopped cranberries
3 Large eggs
1 Cup canned pumpkin (can use baked, mashed butternut squash)
1/4 to 1/3 Cup maple syrup (or honey, if your sweet tooth is as greedy as mine!)

1. Liberally grease muffin pans with virgin coconut oil
2. Combine dry ingredients and raisins or cranberries in a medium bowl. Whisk the eggs in another bowl (large). Add the pumpkin or squash and maple syrup or honey. Mix to combine.  Add the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour the mix into muffin cups.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes until muffins pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
5. Allow muffins to cool in pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then run a knife around the sides and invert over cooling rack.  When cooled, cover and store for 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for longer storage.

These muffins freeze well, and can be popped in the microwave for about 30 seconds or less to thaw and warm.

The original recipe makes jumbo muffins (8) at 187 calories each; but I use a regular sized muffin tin for 12 muffins at 125 calories each.
 

ENJOY!!

Race in Politics, 2012

What is this new clamoring for photo IDs all about? And, why now?

What is it about the upcoming election that suddenly necessitates the dire need to ensure that those seeking to vote are who they say they are? 

Some of us remember the days of the "poll tax," when people of color were required to jump through veritably impossible hoops as they sought to exercise their right to vote. The law gave them the right to vote, but those at the polls had their own ideas, and thus was born the so-called poll tax. 

Could this sudden demand for a photo ID be a way to bring back the poll tax?  When someone off-mike is heard to say that it's time to put the "white" back in White House, one can only wonder.

The historical election of a non-white man to the highest office in the land gave the false impression to the uber optimists that the United States of America had moved into a post-racial age. Nice thought, but even I didn't buy into that one, and my rose-colored glasses are the rosiest shade of rose. I am truly a glass half-full kind of gal, but I am capable of seeing that the ideal is not always what is real.

Our country has by no means become a colorblind society, nor should it become so, IMHO (in my humble opinion). In order to see me completely, you must note my skin color, eye and hair color, whether I'm tall, short, thin,  or wide.  It is totally unnecessary to try to negate a person's skin color, which is a part of an individual's identity in order for ours to become an equal society.  But I digress...

I am always hesitant to say that a particular negative situation is racially motivated, but this voter ID thing kind of smacks me in the face and says..."Sarah Louise, call a thang a thang."  

Granted, a lot of voters cast their vote for President Obama because he looks like them, but let's not try to turn the clock back due to a desire to try to unseat him. That can be the beginning of a very slippery slope and the traveling down a road that we as Americans don't want to tread.  Many of our foremothers and forefathers have already trod down that road, and we don't need to repeat that particular part of the history of America.  

I would also posit to you that the majority of people who voted for the President believed in his vision for the country.  That he happened to be bi-racial was icing on the cake for many Americans, regardless of skin color or ethnicity.

Fair and square needs to be the rule of the day.  Our democracy already has a question mark beside it because of the Bush v. Gore election; let's not put it further into question by demanding something for this election that was not a requirement for previous elections.  Let's trust in our democratic process.

God bless America.

 

Bathroom or loo?

 I watch a LOT of British television and films, and yes, I occasionally forget the American English (Am-E) translation, if you will, for a particular word; but I feel fairly certain in the moment that if I use the British word,  I will not be understood so I have to wait a few moments for my gray matter to rearrange itself.  After reading an article in the New York Times concerning the apparently huge numbers of people substituting "Briticisms" for Am-E, I was very glad to learn that I am not alone! No longer will I feel that tiny frisson of discomfort when the words of a typical Londoner rather than those of a typical American roll off my tongue. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to have a coffee and ring my mum. Cheers.

Why is "Casual Vacancy" So Pricey on Kindle?

I was looking forward to reading J.K. Rowling's new publication, but was dismayed to see that the publisher has very nearly doubled the price for the Kindle edition!  Fortunately, I can download and read a sample for free.  If I like it, I will probably borrow a copy from the library. Just my voice of protest on the publisher being so greedy.   As a consumer, vote with your pocketbook/wallet by keeping it closed until reasonableness returns to those who insist on swindling us.

The Taste of Dragon...fruit, that is

If you are a fan of kiwi fruit, then get thee to the fruit aisle at your grocer and treat yourself to dragonfruit!  It is reminiscent of kiwi and the flesh even looks like kiwi in white, but has a milder flavor.

Now, I don't know the nutritional value, specifically, but I'm thinking that it's up there. Try it; you might like it.

Losing a Child

Can you imagine losing a child; as in a child who is in your care goes missing?  
 I'm reading a novel about that very thing. It's entitled "Year of Fog," and a seven year-old girl, who is in the care of the fiancee goes missing when the attention of the fiancee is diverted for what she perceives to be only a few seconds. 

This is a fictional story, but what if..?  It would be bad enough to lose your own child like that; but somebody else's child?! Oh, hell, no. What would you do? Tell me. It is so hard for me to even go to that place.  Then, I reflect on the number of children whom I see neglected by their parents in stores on a regular basis. In a split second, a predator could swoop a little one up and be gone, while the parent is perusing the clothing racks or what-have-you. I have seen mothers try to reason with a three year-old by wheedling; i.e., "Now, what have I told you about staying by me?" And immediately after the wheedle, the kid runs off again; so out comes another wheedle. Honey, it's time to just snatch that little rascal up and let him know exactly what's what.

Parents, please stop being scared of your children and/or treating them like small adults.   are responsible for their well-being.  They are in your charge, and if you really love them, you will do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. Too many parents are afraid that their children will not love them if the child is disciplined. People, please! How will your children learn if you don't teach them? And by discipline, I don't mean that you take a big stick to them. Get out the dictionary and look up the word discipline. It is not synonymous with beating; nor is it synonymous with punishment. However, punishment should not be a bad word, because sometimes your child needs to be punished, so that she learns that actions have consequences. And if one of your kids has the audacity to threaten you with 911, then you might want to consider going Madea on their behind so that they will know not to EVER even think about uttering those words to you again. And I'm sure Madea wouldn't mind if you keep her on speed dial.