Today is March Forth and Do Something Day!

Are we really going back to the future? Today, individual states are passing strict voter ID laws that are undoubtedly designed to disenfranchise the poor, people of color, the elderly and young people. No longer will folks be able to show utility bills and other items as a form of ID for voting. This may discourage some people from participating. Instead of making the process easier, some are working hard to find new ways to suppress the vote right before our very eyes.

On this March 4th, folks are once again marching from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, just as many did in 1965, where blood was shed and some died. They are literally marching forth and doing something today! 

The Reverend Al Sharpton/National Action Network, along with congressional leaders, activists and everyday citizens will start at the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 4th and will march at least 10 miles per day, stay in tents along Route 80, convene rallies and teach-ins along the way, and finally gather in front of the Alabama State Capitol on Friday, March 9th.

In 1965, African American men in the United States had already possessed a “theoretical” right to vote for almost a hundred years (see 15th Amendment of the US Constitution). But, by the 20th century, new constitutions were adopted disenfranchising African-American voters. Black citizens attempting to exercise their constitutional right to vote encountered many barriers that they often found insurmountable. These included poll taxes, literacy tests, clauses that limited voting to people whose ancestors had voted in the past, and party primary elections that were limited to whites.

Today’s march is to not only commemorate those marches made in 1965, which helped to rush Congress to enact the legislation called The Voting Rights Act; but to also shine a light on what is happening today with voter rights laws. The rules are changing. Some of which include: tougher voter ID requirements, getting the required ID will be harder; making it harder for groups to register others to vote; eliminating same day registration; reducing the number of days for early voting; and more. Further reading can be found at Brennan Center for Justice website “Voting Law Changes in 2012”.  

What can you do?  YOU can March forth and…

• REGISTER TO VOTE (it’s real easy to do on-line)
• Check your registration status
• Find out what the deadlines are to register and to vote
• Know where you are supposed to vote
• Find out what ID is needed to vote
• Make sure that you have the right ID to vote

Folks died for you to have this right… and most importantly, Regardless of your political affiliation, March forth and exercise your right – REGISTER and VOTE!

Always with Love!

***********************************************************

Amendment 15
United States Constitution
Ratified February 3, 1870

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

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Source: The Rev. Al Sharpton – National Action Network

Source: Selma to Montgomery – March 1965

Today is Leap Year Day (a.k.a. Ladies Day)!

Actually… this is to all the single gents out there. It’s Leap Year and February 29th is known as “Ladies day”. You know what that means don’t you? It’s the day when traditionally women can propose marriage. Back in the day when there were courtship “rules” (and when one only spoke of opposite sex marriages), the women were allowed to pop the question to a bachelor on one day only — every four years. That fateful day was February 29th. It is believed this tradition was started in 5th century Ireland when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait so long for a man to propose. According to the legend, St. Patrick said the yearning females could propose on this one day in February during the leap year. Any bachelor who declined was subjected to penalty such as buying the lady in question twelve pairs of silk stockings.

And for any of you young bucks who don’t know about… ain’t never heard of Sadie Hawkins, let me school you. There was a comic strip called Li’l Abner that ran for 43 years, (August 13, 1934 through November 13, 1977). In this comic strip, they had a fictional holiday called Sadie Hawkins Day. This too is a day that women chased after any eligible bachelor and if they caught one, they could marry him! Although the celebrations are kinda the same, Sadie Hawkins day is celebrated in November.

So, be careful out there guys… run… don’t turn around… she might be right behind you!  LOL! You better be on the look-out for those Sadie ladies!

Happy Leap Year Day / Ladies Day!

Always with Love!

Happy National Chili Day!

Boots' Bluefield Chili

I don’t know how I let National Chili Day slip by me! This year it was February 23rd. When I woke this morning and looked out the window, it had snowed… again! So I thought to myself — this is a great day for chili! And today is just as good a day as any to celebrate that down home goodness of Boots’ Bluefield Chili (“BBC”). Oh the spices, the aroma, the taste! After trekking to the grocery store in 30 degree and blustery snow (OK… I drove, and the snow was not blustering. But the wind was blowing hard and we did have a few little flurries… AND it was 30 degrees… brrrrrr… chilly), I made, with mom’s assistance, some BBC (except I used ground turkey instead of ground beef with shredded cheese on top!) — See actual picture, right before consumption.  I also recommend saltines on top, but I’ve given those up for lent.

I suggest you make some of your very own.  Or, if you live in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky or Florida, visit one of my favorite’s – y’all know what I’m talking about. It’s Skyline Time for some good ol’ 4-Way Chili! My sister has promised to bring me some from Cincinnati the next time she visits. Although I could just order it online, or buy it in the grocery store, it just wouldn’t be the same!

P.S… if you twist my arm I’ll give you the BBC recipe, with mom’s permission of course.

Anyway, Happy National Chili Day – a few days late!

What TODAY will Tomorrow be?  “Open that Bottle Night” – Hey, maybe I’ll celebrate that one a day early… A nice bottle of Riesling will go perfectly with my Chili!

Always with Love!

February 20 is Hoodie-Hoo Day!

Just in the nick of time to celebrate Hoodie-Hoo day, winter showed up!  It snowed in Bluefield, WV on February 19, 2012 — expected accumulations up to 6 inches by the time it’s all said and done. It’s not very much compared to the typical winters in the lil ol’ town of Bluefield, yet it’s the most snow seen here this winter… so far.  But, we ain’t out the woods yet!

So on this curiously warm winter, but snowy and cold 20th day of February 2012, join me outside, wherever you are, at high noon. And let’s all wave our hands over our heads and yell “HOODIE-HOO” and scare winter away. Come on spring… I’m ready for ya!

HOODIE-HOO Y’ALL!   HOODIE-HOOOOOO!

Always with Love!

You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.
(And speak from the heart to be heard.)

— WILLIAM W. PURKEY

Hold these words close to your heart, no matter where you are, no matter who you are with. Even if you’re alone, you can be your own classy Valentine. This is a time for love, yes, but it’s also a time for reflection. Remember — Love thyself most and best! 

Today as you go about, know that YOU are being thought of …

Always with Love  Never Without!

Holiday Cards can add that little “extra” something in keeping and growing your relationships (both personal and business). Maybe there’s someone you haven’t talked with in a while, or maybe it’s been years since you sent them a Christmas card. Remembering them with a special holiday greeting can break the ice. You can reconnect and let them know that they are special to you (still). Or, maybe it’s a new acquaintance and you want to make a good impression. You remember the old adage right? … you never get second chance to make a first impression.

Paper card vs. E-card? I think we all know, and it’s been well documented that people ignore more than half of the emails they receive on a daily basis. Unless we are specifically looking for an email, or something is being offered that we want or need, the email gets a glance over (if the sender is lucky)… more often it gets an “I’ll go back and read it later”. But, if you are like me (and I know you like me), we never seem to get a round to it. Where is that round-to-it by the way? Will somebody please get me one for Christmas??? And yes, sometimes it just simply gets deleted. A printed holiday card that comes in the mail, however, is always opened and enjoyed! These cards are proudly displayed in homes and offices for all to see.

What better way to convey your special message and to honor traditions that make Christmas an important part of our lives than to send a card? It’s a personal way to say to friends, family and colleagues, “I remember”! I remember the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree, I remember all of the smells… of pine, of snow in a can, and mom’s baking. I remember the parties, and I remember the music. I remember the anticipation of Christmas morn. I remember the good times. I remember the reason for the season… and, I remember you!

Although the days, hours, minutes and seconds are flying by until it’s Christmas, there’s still time have your own personalized holiday card designed just for you. It’s an easy way to express your thoughtfulness and appreciation to those you care for and value in your life, both personally and professionally. Contact AWL by December 8 and have a special card designed just for you… just in time to mail for Christmas!

Always with Love!

My Favorite Thing — Right Now This Second!

… is my Mandolin slicer! It’s the best thing since sliced… well, EVERYTHING! I am now a slicing fool! You name it… I’ll slice it (vegetables and fruit that is). Cucumbers, Potatoes (white and sweet), Peppers, Carrots, Onions, Cabbage and even Celery … and my favorite all time thing to slice (because of what I do with the slices) is Apples. I ♥ baking some Apple Chips (although baking Potato Chips (especially sweet potatoes) is a fav too!

I have never been one to do much cooking or baking, so I had never heard of (or at least paid any attention to) a “mandolin” until watching a segment on the Food Network (see my blog re: Kale Chips). None of the cooks in my family have ever used any type of slicer. They still do it the old fashioned way — with a knife (whichever one they can find in the knife drawer). Not me — never again. I like the modern life.

My slices are now identical in thickness, which I imagine is important for cooking foods evenly and consistently. The mandolin comes with attachments to slice thick, thin, medium, or julienne (which I’ve not tried yet). Most importantly, at least to me, evenly sliced items make a lovely presentation. In my book, it’s ALL about the presentation. If you make it look pretty, people will be more likely to eat it, buy it, read it, use it, etc. Last, but definitely not least, is using a mandolin takes much less skill than cutting with a knife, and slicing can be done very quickly — I ♥ saving time in the kitchen.

If you don’t have a mandolin already, I highly recommend purchasing one… and trying my simply yummy Apple Chips recipe below!

Apple Chips

Ingredients:
1 Apple per large cookie sheet (I like Fugi applies)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cinnamon to taste (no need for sugar!!)

Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 200 degrees F.
2. Wash apple(s).
3. Slice apple(s) as thin as possible (I can get them paper thin with my mandolin slicer).
4. Grease cookie sheet with Olive Oil.
5. Arrange single layer of apples onto the sheet and sprinkle generously with Cinnamon.
6. Bake @ 45 minutes, then turn.
7. Bake for another 30-40 minutes (check regularly… my oven is crazy and hot).
8. Cool and enjoy the crispy goodness!

Buying a mandolin has been a great investment — saving me money and time. No longer do I pay extra for a veggie or fruit tray. Now, I do my own slicing! How did I ever do without one?

 ♥  My Mandolin is My Favorite Thing … right now this second!  ♥

October is Eat Better, Eat Together Month

It’s a time to bring back that old tradition of sitting down with your family and eating your meals together. And it’s about choosing healthy foods to eat too.

With our fast food, smart phone / facebook / twitter filled, fast paced lifestyles, no one seems to have the time (or more likely, find the time) for this healthy tradition. I challenge you to find that time.

I searched back to my childhood to remember when and how often we sat down as a family to enjoy mom’s or grandma’s cooking. It was regular for us, and we sure did have a lot of great round table discussions during those times. With 3 brothers and 3 sisters, the “players” changed often. Sometimes it was the entire family, sometimes it included aunts, uncles, cousins and many times extended family (friends and neighbors) and sometimes just a couple of us. We would always wait until everyone arrived at the table, while mom fixed plates and cut up the meat, including daddy’s, [that's right ladies] to begin eating. And the meals included “real” food made fresh and from scratch – not “fast” food from a box or McDonalds or Burger King. Most of all, I remember the Sunday meals after church. Now those were the special meals. Even today, mom has certain foods that are just for Sundays (and of course, there are those foods that you never eat on Sundays… like spaghetti or fish – that’s for Fridays). That, however, is one tradition that did not make it into my adulthood. I’ll cook anything regardless of the day if I have the taste for it.

My point is that aside from the healthful benefits, many traditions and family values are shaped around cooking and eating together. For instance, we were not allowed to sing or dance at the meal table. And, I remember as a teenager being responsible for cooking 1 meal a week, much to the chagrin of the rest of the family. But, when it was time to eat, we sat down together. Lucky for most of my brothers and sisters, they had left the house-hold by the time I started cooking and did not have to suffer through my learning experience. While there are more traditions I could share, I would much rather read some of your family meal traditions! Please share.

Now, back to the point. There’s research* that show the effects of eating together is very beneficial, especially where children are concerned. Here are some very good reasons to Eat Better and Eat Together:

• Meals are more likely to be more nutritious.
• Children do better in school and have fewer behavior problems.
• Teenagers are less likely to use alcohol or drugs.
• Children and teenagers say they actually like having time to talk to the adults in their lives… and that improves communication between them.
• Children learn and understand their family’s values and traditions.

I believe all of this is absolutely true – especially since it was true for me.  The dinner table was one of the places I was taught, among many things, right from wrong, how to treat others with respect… and to say please and thank you.

When was the last time you sat down and ate a meal with your family? If you can’t remember, turn off the TV, put away the smart phones, stop the texting… Now is a great time to start!

Always with Love! 

*Source: http://nutrition.wsu.edu/ebet/background.html

My Favorite Thing — Right Now This Second!

Recently I was participating in one of my favorite pastimes — watching the food network, and for the first time ever, I actually tried a couple of the recipes. It’s not unusual for me to say I’m going to try a recipe, and have even gone as far as to print them, but never seemed to get around to actually trying one. Always with the greatest of intention though!

That Green Leafy Thing

Anyway, this particular segment really intrigued me because it included three things that I really love: 1) easy-to-do, 2) snacks; and 3) Kale. Now anyone who knows me knows I ♥ me some snacks… but baked kale chips? What? That green leafy thing? The kale I normally cook is something I affectionately call “Bluefield Greens” – cooked with smoked turkey (my momma’s recipe). But, in my quest to find healthier snacks, this sounded like just the ticket. Go on… do tell.

Here’s what I can tell you – I absolutely love them! Right now this second, they are the best thing ever! They are light, crispy and practically melt in your mouth and healthy too (and I hear kids like them). This snack has definitely replaced popcorn for me… for real! And that’s saying a lot!! Only one problem – I can’t seem to make enough. Here’s the recipe.

Baked Kale Chips!

Ingredients:
1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 pinch (or 2) of pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. Remove the leaves from the stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry (salad spinner or paper towel).
3. Place the kale leaves in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Massage the oil into the leaves.
4. Arrange kale onto the sheet and sprinkle Salt and Pepper.
5. Bake until the leaves are crisp to the touch and the edges are brown (but are not burnt) – about 15 minutes. (If they turn too brown, they’re a little bitter). Check at the 12-minute mark, to be sure.
6. Enjoy!

I’ve now made them three times – and they are definitely a “must make again” snack. Next time, I think I will add some garlic or make them a little spicy! If you’ve got a craving for popcorn or potato chips, try making a big batch of crispy baked kale chips instead… and let me know how they turn out!

 ♥  Baked Kale Chips are My Favorite Thing … right now this second!  ♥

Today is… National Senior Citizens Day!

In loving Memory of one Very Special Senior - "Mary P" (my grandmother)

Over twenty years ago, President Reagan declared August 21st National Senior Citizens Day.

“For all they have achieved throughout life and for all they continue to accomplish, we owe older citizens our thanks and a heartfelt salute. We can best demonstrate our gratitude and esteem by making sure that our communities are good places in which to mature and grow older.” ~ President Ronald Reagan

I am reminded of the special Birthday message my mother received from President Obama and our First Lady, just a few weeks ago. It was one of many highlights of her 80th Birthday celebration!

Senior Citizens day is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude for what seniors have achieved in their lives and their contributions to our communities.

Speaking of Senior Citizens, I recently received my first AARP information in the mail. I quickly, without hesitating (or reading) threw it away. Wait, I left out a part. I first tore it up – then I threw it away! Surely, this mail was meant for my mother and not ME. I know it’s not time for ME to receive such a thing. But alas, yes my friends, it is indeed that time. There have been many signs leading the way to this mailing. All I have to do is look in the mirror and see all the gray hair (which actually started graying when I was in my 20’s).  A big sign? Not so much.  But a sign nonetheless. It has been suggested that I embrace the gray! Hmmmm. I’m still thinking about that one. And let’s not forget about the new aches and pains. And Lord knows, I can’t eat the same things I used to. As my grandmother used to say… “the older you get, the older you get!”  I didn’t quite “get it” at the time, but I have learned no truer words have been spoken!  … But, I digress.

Today, in particular, let’s be sure to spend time with our Very Special Seniors (“VSS”). Visit them in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Get together with your older loved ones and share stories and fondly recount old memories… while you make new ones. 

And if YOU are a VSS, this is YOUR day! Enjoy it doing what ever YOU choose. And don’t forget to take advantage of all those senior citizens discounts and specials. 

Hmmmm, maybe I should have held on to that mail!! Well no, I’m not quite old enough to get the discounts yet! But, I am knocking on 50’s door. One thing I’m sure of though, and it’s that there will be more AARP information forthcoming – Lord willin’ and the crick don’t rise. Next time, I’ll be sure to read it… before I throw it away!  Afterall,  “Old age is no place for sissies.” ~Bette Davis

Happy Senior Citizens Day… Always with Love!