My journey to find the sour dough that I really like and adore is at a peak of utmost and glorious fulfillment. I am so excited!
Bread...quite possibly is the key to the universe and all wonderful things...
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Chow Mein
I used the recipe below.... it was incredible and somewhat healthy.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chow-mein-2495687.amp
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/chow-mein-2495687.amp
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Season to knit again...
Just like gardening, soap making or cooking...there are times when I just want to knit. But for some unknown reason, it left my desire for a while, and now it's the time, it's the season.
There is something completely therapeutic about feeling the wool on my hands and the movement warming up my hands with busy activity. The familiar repetition and muscle memory is soothing to me in many ways and the gentle calm distraction is welcome to my busy mind.
I thought for sure that I would just delve into something simple and circular. But I found myself seeking out simple lace and cables. I started a shawl a year or so ago. This wool... Alpaca and Lace - Blue Sky Fibers is delicious. How is this wool laying around and not becoming the beautiful wrap it was meant to be? Tomorrow I resume this wrap.
II also returned to my many project bags and ran my fingers over many projects . I was drawn to the the cables on this cable sweater Fulmar. It calls to me, and yet the California Sun is a reality of my life in the oh-so -warm Northern California Valley and there is probably never a time that I would wear this and not melt. And I wonder if that is why the project became abandoned (NO, not abandoned, it was merely marinating).
I have it sitting out now, I believe it will call me back soon. Working on the many cables is an invigorating challenge. I seem to welcome that right now. For some reason my hands are relaxed with the cables instead of tense. Perhaps it IS only knitting and I have nothing to loose and everything to gain. Especially when it has sat in a project bag for over five years.
All apologies for the not very stellar photography on this post. I guess the focus is on the knitting and how happy I am to have busy hands again. I just need to make the time because I already bought the new chair, and took a day off.
So picture this.....A chair by a big window, close to the kitchen with bread baking and a Hound Dog at my feet. (who am I kidding, he will be across the room on his own private loveseat). What music music will play?
Then I will get out and do some running on the side of mountains because that IS everything too.
Have a beautiful week.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Soapy News
Hello!
Soapy news. The family soap business found sometime to open up shop, the first soaps Theme was honey. However, we have moved into some other favorites with Lavender, Eucalyptus and pretty soon and exciting new scent, or should I say flavor? Just kidding.
These are little half bars for use on the face with 33% coconut oil, double raw unfiltered honey and an super light essential oil scent of Orange. These actually haven't been released yet. SHHHHHHHH.
These are some Lavender Honey Bars curing and they turned
out beautiful.
These are Orange Honey Bars with a touch of clove.
We are a double back operation now. :)
The soap loaves.
Pretty bars of Eucalyptus Spearment.
More Eucalyptus bars curing.
Batches of soaps from our family to yours.
To buy soap visit us on Facebook. HomegoodsbyToni and there
is a PayPal link to order soap. Most of the time you need to message us to find out
what we have, as this soap is hard to keep in stock. For all of our customers that waited
so long, I am so pleased we had a great start up and most of you all got your soap...Your
loyalty and patience is in our hearts.
Cheers Toni & Jess
(Jess is out tearing up the Trails on the Ruck a Chuck 50K today...my hero)
Soapy news. The family soap business found sometime to open up shop, the first soaps Theme was honey. However, we have moved into some other favorites with Lavender, Eucalyptus and pretty soon and exciting new scent, or should I say flavor? Just kidding.
These are little half bars for use on the face with 33% coconut oil, double raw unfiltered honey and an super light essential oil scent of Orange. These actually haven't been released yet. SHHHHHHHH.
These are some Lavender Honey Bars curing and they turned
out beautiful.
These are Orange Honey Bars with a touch of clove.
We are a double back operation now. :)
The soap loaves.
Pretty bars of Eucalyptus Spearment.
More Eucalyptus bars curing.
Batches of soaps from our family to yours.
To buy soap visit us on Facebook. HomegoodsbyToni and there
is a PayPal link to order soap. Most of the time you need to message us to find out
what we have, as this soap is hard to keep in stock. For all of our customers that waited
so long, I am so pleased we had a great start up and most of you all got your soap...Your
loyalty and patience is in our hearts.
Cheers Toni & Jess
(Jess is out tearing up the Trails on the Ruck a Chuck 50K today...my hero)
Double Days ...part two
This was last week. So, after the previous days trip on the pavement out to Folsom, the next day there was a need to NOT hear traffic, to NOT see many humans, and to get my shoes dirty.
The choice was the top part of the "Meat Grinder" going towards Beals. The day was supposed to be cold and rainy but I think it was about 70 degrees. Perfection.
We left the parking lot off trail and trekked up to the Pioneer Express Trail. It was a short trip 1. because I got my have to miles the day before and 2. there was a special little birthday party for my littlest, newest angel. #mylove
The goal was a two day 10 mile total, so this 3.8 did the trick And then the next day I completed my 3 day 1/2 marathon miles by a long 3.1 mile walk after work on Monday.
After the bright sun, it was so fun to begin to run into the covered
cozy, mossy trail.
Below is the off trail view of a very depleted lake on a warm
spring day. The sun felt so good on my back and neck.
As always.. if you climb, you will get a view. The rewards of
a blue sky and a little footwork.
There were many many butterflies this day, even though the
section of the trail was dry, there were some flowers to feed
them.
Wild Flowers always remind me of strength. They remind
me to be a flower even if the surroundings are dry and depleted
...rise and shine and be beautiful towards heaven.
Have a blessed week and be beautiful in all things no matter what
you are given or choose for surroundings.
The choice was the top part of the "Meat Grinder" going towards Beals. The day was supposed to be cold and rainy but I think it was about 70 degrees. Perfection.
We left the parking lot off trail and trekked up to the Pioneer Express Trail. It was a short trip 1. because I got my have to miles the day before and 2. there was a special little birthday party for my littlest, newest angel. #mylove
The goal was a two day 10 mile total, so this 3.8 did the trick And then the next day I completed my 3 day 1/2 marathon miles by a long 3.1 mile walk after work on Monday.
After the bright sun, it was so fun to begin to run into the covered
cozy, mossy trail.
Below is the off trail view of a very depleted lake on a warm
spring day. The sun felt so good on my back and neck.
As always.. if you climb, you will get a view. The rewards of
a blue sky and a little footwork.
There were many many butterflies this day, even though the
section of the trail was dry, there were some flowers to feed
them.
Wild Flowers always remind me of strength. They remind
me to be a flower even if the surroundings are dry and depleted
...rise and shine and be beautiful towards heaven.
Have a blessed week and be beautiful in all things no matter what
you are given or choose for surroundings.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Double Days of trails.. part one
Saturday’s trails were fantastic after work and the end to a long stint at work.... it was not my usual jam of nature without people. And yet, there were not many people on foot this day on the American River Bike Trail. There were serious bikers going fast, and plenty of room for all.
To warm up, it was a rocky sandy hike at the small point of Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. At the waters edge.. scavenging and examining the lake’s bottom. Then a trek towards Folsom Dam and Folsom Prison.
My legs hated the pavement, but there were side trails that provided a limited view and a temporary cushion. I hated when the trail popped out in traffic in five ‘o’clock Folsom traffic, but that’s life.!
Cement, wires, trails, graffiti, traffic.... it was all good. Then when arriving back to Beal’s nature's overcast sky would open up from the West and shimmer on the late winter, early spring views of a depleted lake.
My heart and mind was rewarded and gifted.
The sunset provided gifts and rewards. I am reminded of all things given to humans and I feel grateful in my heart. Our planet, our life...our beautiful strong bodies...and the gift of eyesight.
The memory lingers and I am thankful for pictures.
I feel the awe of my heart and the muscles in my face remember the smiles and I still feel the glory of that sunset that kissed the lake.
To warm up, it was a rocky sandy hike at the small point of Beal’s Point at Folsom Lake. At the waters edge.. scavenging and examining the lake’s bottom. Then a trek towards Folsom Dam and Folsom Prison.
My legs hated the pavement, but there were side trails that provided a limited view and a temporary cushion. I hated when the trail popped out in traffic in five ‘o’clock Folsom traffic, but that’s life.!
Cement, wires, trails, graffiti, traffic.... it was all good. Then when arriving back to Beal’s nature's overcast sky would open up from the West and shimmer on the late winter, early spring views of a depleted lake.
My heart and mind was rewarded and gifted.
The sunset provided gifts and rewards. I am reminded of all things given to humans and I feel grateful in my heart. Our planet, our life...our beautiful strong bodies...and the gift of eyesight.
The memory lingers and I am thankful for pictures.
I feel the awe of my heart and the muscles in my face remember the smiles and I still feel the glory of that sunset that kissed the lake.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Louisiana Catch by Sweta Srivastava Vikram - A reivew by Toni
I enjoyed this book!
I did not know what to expect from the book. I don't read alot of fiction books anymore. So personally for me the beginning of the book was dramatic and I was very emotional. I felt compelled to read more of it from the beginning circumstance that literally hurt my heart and evoked tears. I found the mother/daughter theme that runs throughout the book to be of special interest to me. I was interested in the mother's wisdom and voice through out the story and found it to be moving. I was often motivated to write down some of the mother's thoughts and sayings.
The struggle with grief and the pain that Ahana is coping and surviving through out the book was at times difficult for me to handle, but with her own words and thoughts, I found courage in her character to keep reading and to know her story. I felt strength in her day to day growth and her paths. She keeps going on with her "safe" living, but she lives, grows and settles into reality and her true self. I truly enjoy and relate to many of Ahana's coping methods. Many are tried and true for me (running, yoga and wine).
I confess to knowing nothing of life in New Delhi, whether it be the social elite or the people living in the streets. I was much more familiar with the story when it came to New Orleans. I found the early references to the similarities intriguing.
There was much in the way of living and lifestyles that I could not relate with, but I did enjoy reading about it. I enjoyed the very modern day writing with the social media aspects. I was and continue to be fascinated with the facets of online personalities vs a persons real self. Do they blend? Is the online presence a part of that person? or is it all fake? Are we what we represent online? Can you make a true blue friend online, in this big scary world in this decade?
Then book has a lot to offer with the cultural, social media, modern living, family life, global, and new relationship aspects. It does have "all the things." I am happily surprised with how much I enjoyed the book. The narrative voice was just right as I enjoy Ahana as a character. I believe in her journey and I believe with the trauma in the book being so heavy, it was the exact balancing way to tell the story.
I read it in a few days and only just put it down to write this review. I might have more thoughts in the days to come. I hope to share them as comments on some of the other blog tour stops. (See below).
Thanks for reading. Thank you Serena (Poetic Blog Tours) for inviting me.
All the details below.
Book Synopsis:
PUBLISHER: Modern History Press April 2018
About the Author:Sweta Srivastava Vikram is a best-selling author of 11 books, a wellness columnist, and a mindfulness writing coach. Featured by Asian Fusion as “one of the most influential Asians of our time,” Sweta writes about women, multiculturalism, and identity. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and other publications across nice countries and three continents. Louisiana Catch (Modern History Press 2018) is her debut U.S. novel. Born in India, Sweta grew up between the Indian Himalayas, Northern Africa, and the United States collecting and sharing stories. Exposure to this vast societal spectrum inspired her to become an advocate for social issues and also to get certified as a Holistic Health Counselor. In this avatar, Sweta is the CEO-Founder of NimmiLife through which she helps people elevate their productivity and creativity using Ayurveda and yoga. A certified yoga teacher, Sweta also teaches yoga and mindfulness to female survivors of rape and domestic violence. She lives with her husband in New York City.
I did not know what to expect from the book. I don't read alot of fiction books anymore. So personally for me the beginning of the book was dramatic and I was very emotional. I felt compelled to read more of it from the beginning circumstance that literally hurt my heart and evoked tears. I found the mother/daughter theme that runs throughout the book to be of special interest to me. I was interested in the mother's wisdom and voice through out the story and found it to be moving. I was often motivated to write down some of the mother's thoughts and sayings.
The struggle with grief and the pain that Ahana is coping and surviving through out the book was at times difficult for me to handle, but with her own words and thoughts, I found courage in her character to keep reading and to know her story. I felt strength in her day to day growth and her paths. She keeps going on with her "safe" living, but she lives, grows and settles into reality and her true self. I truly enjoy and relate to many of Ahana's coping methods. Many are tried and true for me (running, yoga and wine).
I confess to knowing nothing of life in New Delhi, whether it be the social elite or the people living in the streets. I was much more familiar with the story when it came to New Orleans. I found the early references to the similarities intriguing.
There was much in the way of living and lifestyles that I could not relate with, but I did enjoy reading about it. I enjoyed the very modern day writing with the social media aspects. I was and continue to be fascinated with the facets of online personalities vs a persons real self. Do they blend? Is the online presence a part of that person? or is it all fake? Are we what we represent online? Can you make a true blue friend online, in this big scary world in this decade?
Then book has a lot to offer with the cultural, social media, modern living, family life, global, and new relationship aspects. It does have "all the things." I am happily surprised with how much I enjoyed the book. The narrative voice was just right as I enjoy Ahana as a character. I believe in her journey and I believe with the trauma in the book being so heavy, it was the exact balancing way to tell the story.
I read it in a few days and only just put it down to write this review. I might have more thoughts in the days to come. I hope to share them as comments on some of the other blog tour stops. (See below).
Thanks for reading. Thank you Serena (Poetic Blog Tours) for inviting me.
All the details below.
Book Synopsis:
Ahana, a wealthy thirty-three-year-old New Delhi woman, flees the pain of her mother’s death and her dark past by accepting a huge project in New Orleans, where she’ll coordinate the Annual Women’s Conference to raise awareness around violence against women. Her half-Indian, half-Irish colleague and public relations guru, Rohan Brady, who helps Ahana develop her online presence, offends her prim sensibilities with his raunchy humor. She is convinced that he’s a womanizer. Meanwhile, she seeks relief from her pain in an online support group, where she makes a good friend: the mercurial Jay Dubois, who is also grieving the loss of his mother. Her work in the U.S. and the online medium brings the two men into her life, and Ahana learns that neither is what he seems. With their differing sensibilities on a collision course, Ahana finds herself in a dangerous situation—and she discovers a side of herself that she never realized she had.
Louisiana Catch is an emotionally immersive novel about trust and who we project ourselves to be in the world. It’s a book about Ahana’s unreliable instincts and her ongoing battle to determine whom to place her faith in as she, Rohan, and Jay shed layers of their identities.
As Ahana matures from a victim of domestic sexual abuse into a global feminist leader, she must confront her issues: both with the men in her life and, ultimately, with her own instincts. Whom can she rely on to have her best interests at heart?
About the Author:Sweta Srivastava Vikram is a best-selling author of 11 books, a wellness columnist, and a mindfulness writing coach. Featured by Asian Fusion as “one of the most influential Asians of our time,” Sweta writes about women, multiculturalism, and identity. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and other publications across nice countries and three continents. Louisiana Catch (Modern History Press 2018) is her debut U.S. novel. Born in India, Sweta grew up between the Indian Himalayas, Northern Africa, and the United States collecting and sharing stories. Exposure to this vast societal spectrum inspired her to become an advocate for social issues and also to get certified as a Holistic Health Counselor. In this avatar, Sweta is the CEO-Founder of NimmiLife through which she helps people elevate their productivity and creativity using Ayurveda and yoga. A certified yoga teacher, Sweta also teaches yoga and mindfulness to female survivors of rape and domestic violence. She lives with her husband in New York City.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Words
Instagram: @swetavikram
To follow the book Tour on Instragram:
#SwetaVikram and #LouisianaCatch and @PoeticBookTours @SwetaVikram
#SwetaVikram and #LouisianaCatch and @PoeticBookTours @SwetaVikram
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2CxX6K9
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.
BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:
March 8: Button-Eyed Reader (Spotlight/Giveaway)
March 14: Soapy Violinist (Review)
March 22: the bookworm (Review)
March 28: Diary of an Eccentric (Guest Post/Giveaway)
April 10: Svetlana Reads & Views (Review)
April 25: Suko’s Notebook (Review)
April 27: Life’s A Stage (Review)
April 28: Drunk On Pop (Review)
May 6: Books From Dusk Till Dawn (Review)
May 8: Where the Reader Grows (Spotlight)
TBD: Modern Creative Life (Interview)
Follow the blog tour with the hashtag #LouisianaCatch and #SwetaVikram
March 8: Button-Eyed Reader (Spotlight/Giveaway)
March 14: Soapy Violinist (Review)
March 22: the bookworm (Review)
March 28: Diary of an Eccentric (Guest Post/Giveaway)
April 10: Svetlana Reads & Views (Review)
April 25: Suko’s Notebook (Review)
April 27: Life’s A Stage (Review)
April 28: Drunk On Pop (Review)
May 6: Books From Dusk Till Dawn (Review)
May 8: Where the Reader Grows (Spotlight)
TBD: Modern Creative Life (Interview)
Follow the blog tour with the hashtag #LouisianaCatch and #SwetaVikram
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Auburn Quarry Trail
Life is so busy. And with back to back six day work weeks, I am often faced with the challenge of getting to hang out at home on Sunday and do chores, or get out of town. Whether out of town is 25 minutes out to Folsom Lake, or 30 minutes up the hill, to me it is everything to get away.
Getting away has been my medicine for the last few years now. It means peace and sanity to get out in the sunshine, or wind, rain, or even cold. I am very lucky at work to have a full window view of the sky and lovely world outside, but I am basically stuck in my office at a desk for the better part of 9 hours. No complaints, just the reality.
This Sunday past, I really could have absolved myself to stay in and relax, maybe even read or watch a movie. But I also realized it had been seven days since I had a good work out and/or got miles under my shoes.
Auburn Quarry Trail is the perfect trail to get away...it is an easy trail with beautiful views up the canyon and along the river. The recent fresh rain revived lots of water trails, mini waterfalls. It was very beautiful to my ears and refreshing tonic to my brain. I can still hear the sounds of the water and I can feel the cold melted snow water invigorating my feet and the water crossings.
It was a out and back 5 mile trek, with rolling inclines that equal about 40 flights of stairs over a long distance. Perhaps two little significant inclines, but nothing that couldn't be handled with a little "one foot in front of the other..."
So green and mossy and Fresh!
Plump fresh alive river and the bluest skies
Beams of light shining from heaven sending warmth to my bones and heart.
The cool melted snow water on my feet, like medicine.
Friends along the trail
The sound of the beautiful, cold and clear water
The clouds were ever changing, what a grand performance.
And the ever changing sky at the Forest Hill Bridge.
Pictures are not filtered or altered as there was just no need to change anything. Simple phone pictures with the iphone X. I feel lucky that my phone captured the day as my eye also did.
Have a beautiful week.
Pictures belong to me. But you can use them for recreation, just please send a courtesy link to my blog. Businesses please contact me for permission.
Getting away has been my medicine for the last few years now. It means peace and sanity to get out in the sunshine, or wind, rain, or even cold. I am very lucky at work to have a full window view of the sky and lovely world outside, but I am basically stuck in my office at a desk for the better part of 9 hours. No complaints, just the reality.
This Sunday past, I really could have absolved myself to stay in and relax, maybe even read or watch a movie. But I also realized it had been seven days since I had a good work out and/or got miles under my shoes.
Auburn Quarry Trail is the perfect trail to get away...it is an easy trail with beautiful views up the canyon and along the river. The recent fresh rain revived lots of water trails, mini waterfalls. It was very beautiful to my ears and refreshing tonic to my brain. I can still hear the sounds of the water and I can feel the cold melted snow water invigorating my feet and the water crossings.
It was a out and back 5 mile trek, with rolling inclines that equal about 40 flights of stairs over a long distance. Perhaps two little significant inclines, but nothing that couldn't be handled with a little "one foot in front of the other..."
So green and mossy and Fresh!
Plump fresh alive river and the bluest skies
Beams of light shining from heaven sending warmth to my bones and heart.
The cool melted snow water on my feet, like medicine.
Friends along the trail
The sound of the beautiful, cold and clear water
The clouds were ever changing, what a grand performance.
And the ever changing sky at the Forest Hill Bridge.
Pictures are not filtered or altered as there was just no need to change anything. Simple phone pictures with the iphone X. I feel lucky that my phone captured the day as my eye also did.
Have a beautiful week.
Pictures belong to me. But you can use them for recreation, just please send a courtesy link to my blog. Businesses please contact me for permission.
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