Monday Madness: My Newest Addiction

Like I need another one, right? But this is a good and creative one --- PHOTOGRAPHY! Yes, I've gone completely snap-happy and am loving looking at the world around me through the viewfinder. 


See, Nikki (my Christmas gift from Santa) lives under my feet and desk in my office, apparently just like Bandit the Boston Terrorist. Ah, isn't life grand? :)


Below are a few of my favorite recent shots. 


What new obsession are YOU currently enjoying?! See ya tomorrow with another recipe on Tasty Tuesday. xo

Friday Foibles ~~ Insurance Insanity

I know I'm crazy, but I have this recurring fantasy involving all those insurance agency mascots you see endlessly on TV. (Who says advertising doesn't work?) My fantasy goes like this ~~




Scene 1: The duck eats the gecko...

Scene 2: The caveman eats the duck...

Scene 3: Mayhem arrives and creates a little chaos:

Final Scene:  The handsome Allstate guy and cool chick Flo run away together and open  their own insurance agency called Progressive State. Think of the cool ads they'll make with the initials PS. ("PS -- We've got the best insurance for you!") 

Okay, now you know the depths of my insanity and the wonkiness that is my brain! :D  

I'll be back to "normal" next Friday and post a Boudreaux & Thibodaux or blonde joke. Have a great weekend! 

<3 

The Older I Get...

The stoopider I feel. The most recent cause for this condition is one of the technical difficulty kind. (If you remember the "stand by" notice from your old television set, you're a dinosaur like me.) :) Since returning from my blogging hiatus, my posted photos haven't been showing up. grrrrr

Anywho, I was informed via a message on my screen that the reason for the invisible pics might be because my browser no longer supports certain Blogger features. Hunh? Whut? 


Long story short, I downloaded Google Chrome this morning. (Yeah, late to the party again.) So we'll see if that fixes the problem. 

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If you can see the photo below, leave a caption in a comment by midnight Friday. There just might be a prize involved. *grin* 

Tasty Tuesday ~~ Crazy Pancakes

If you're looking for a different sort of breakfast, this just might be it. This recipe evolved like most of mine do -- by accident and with a little good luck. :)

Crazy Pancakes

3 cups Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix
2 cups water
3 mashed ripe bananas
1/2 cup Craisins (or dried fruit of your choice)
1/2 cup nuts (I used sunflower seeds and sliced almonds)
6 strips cooked and crumbled turkey bacon

Whisk together the pancake mix and water until mostly lump-free. Add in other ingredients, stir well, and get to making these yummy flapcakes. I spread with Smart Balance butter and skip the syrup since they're already semi-sweet. (Makes 12 pancakes.) 

*Wouldn't these be cool for Thanksgiving since they contain turkey and cranberries?

What's the craziest thing you've ever done in the kitchen...recipe-wise? :D

Well, Hey There!

You know you've been absent from Blogland way too long when you've got to delete 145 spam comments! (Which reminds me, if you set your thingamajig to moderate all comments over two days old, it REALLY helps cut down the junk comments.)

Life, artistic pursuits (got a new big girl camera for Christmas), and Facebook have dominated my time lately, but I haven't forgotten about YOU (yeah, you!) faithfully posting away. I'm gonna be a better friend and check on you more frequently. Promise.

Okay, I've said a little about what's been occupying my time........now, WHAT ABOUT YOU?!

Hope your cups are overflowing with good stuff! xxo

Chart Rush for Jessica Bell's Book 11/11/11

Today is THE day to help Jessica Bell's debut, STRING BRIDGE, hit
the bestseller list on Amazon, and receive the all-original soundtrack, Melody Hill: On the Other Side, written and performed by the author herself, for free!


All you have to do is purchase the book today (paperback, or eBook), November 11th, and then email the receipt to:
jessica.carmen.bell(at)gmail(dot)com


She will
then email you a link to download the album at no extra cost!

To purchase the paperback:

Amazon USA 
Amazon UK

To purchase the eBook:

Amazon USA

Amazon UK

To listen to samples of the soundtrack, visit iTunes.

If you are
not familiar with String Bridge,
check out the book trailer:

Rave Reviews for String Bridge:

“Jessica Bell’s STRING BRIDGE strummed the fret of my veins, thrummed my blood into a mad rush, played me taut until the final page, yet with echoes still reverberating. A rhythmic debut with metrical tones of heavied dark, fleeting prisms of light, and finally, a burst of joy—just as with any good song, my hopeful heartbeat kept tempo with Bell’s narrative.” ~ Kathryn Magendie, author of Sweetie and Publishing Editor of Rose & Thorn Journal

“Poet and musician Jessica Bell's debut novel String Bridge is a rich exploration of desire, guilt, and the difficult balancing act of the modern woman. The writing is lyrical throughout, seamlessly integrating setting, character and plot in a musical structure that
allows the reader to identify with Melody's growing insecurity as her world begins to unravel … String Bridge is a powerful debut from a promising writer, full of music, metaphor, and just a hint of magic.” ~ Magdalena Ball, author of Repulsion
Thrust and Sleep Before Evening

“Jessica Bell is a brilliant writer of great skill and depth. She doesn't pull back from the difficult scenes, from conflict, pain, intensity. She puts it all out there, no holds
barred, no holding back. She knows how to craft a scene, how to develop character, how to create suspense. This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel. I look forward to reading her
next novel, and next and next.” ~ Karen Jones Gowen, author of Farm Girl, Uncut Diamonds and House of Diamonds

Connect with Jessica:


String Bridge: http://www.stringbridge.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/jessica_bell
Website: http://www.jessicacbell.com/
Blog: http://thealliterativeallomorph.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/author.jessica.bell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MsBessieBell
Publisher: http://www.luckypress.com


Please TWEET and/or FACEBOOK this post using #StringBridge!

Tasty Tuesday ~~ Simply THE BEST Apple Pie Ever, Bar None

Just got back home from my Twins Out West trip with Alaine last night. Every second of our 1,319-mile journey was a blast! Got tons of photos, poem fodder, and some body/mind/soul rejuvenation to boot. Yeehaw!

The food, flavors, colors and sights of the Southwest were refreshing and music to the senses and nectar to the taste buds. Surprisingly, I've realized from Facebook comments, not everyone on the planet knows how to make the best apple pie, so I decided to share the secret recipe with bloggy friends who may be out of the loop~~~

Simply make or buy your favorite apple pie and cook according to directions. While it's hot from the oven, cut yourself a slice and smother the top of it with the sharpest cheddar cheese you can get your hands on! (No, processed cheese just will not do here.) Savor the heavenly taste combo!!

The kind 1900s-bank-turned-cafe' owner in Santa Rosa, New Mexico followed my instructions perfectly and deliciously. Proof's in the picture *smile*:

I Know it's Not Tasty Tuesday...

...but I've been traveling so much the last few months, I'm really not sure what day or month it is. So here's an out of sync, but delicious recipe for my foodie blogger friends anyway. After two more trips -- one out west with my twin, and then a visit to my bestest friend Kat Magendie -- I'll unpack the old suitcase and settle back into my former "normal" routine. (Lotsa stories and news to share!)

You Are My Sunshine (Y.A.M.S.) Casserole

6 large yams or sweet potatoes [they're pretty interchangeable!]
1 lb. dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup LemonHead candies
1 stick butter, Smart Balance or Margarine
2 cup of miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup of sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup pecans (toasted with a few dollops of butter & sea salt)

Wash and peel potatoes OR use one large can of yams with half the liquid drained. Cut potatoes into roughly 2-inch hunks, and layer into a pan. Cover with water and swoosh in the vanilla flavoring. Add in salt, sugar and candy. Mix liquid with large spoon. Put lid on pot and boil until tender (about 30-35 minutes), stirring now and then. Drain liquid.


Transfer potatoes into a large baking dish and sprinkle on brown sugar and cinnamon. Layer on pecans. Dot with butter or margarine. Bake for @ 20-30 minutes at 350. Sprinkle on marshmallows and bake until marshmallows are brown. (Watch closely so they don't burn.) 

Now you're ready to serve up some really yummy yams with a zesty flavor! And it doesn't even have to be Thanksgiving or Christmas. :)

***Ugly veggie, sweet dish!!! :D

Unleash the Creative Muse Contest!!!!!!!

Hey, y'all! I'm peeping into Blogland today to kick off a cool, artistic, writerly contest I know you'll enjoy!

My Divalicious friend Steph Jordan will judge AND create the BEAUTIFUL AWESOME WRITING JOURNAL for the winner. (And as usual, I might have a few prizes around to give out to some other lucky winners.)

Details~~~~>

1.) Put your artist's beret on and come up with your best design idea for the cover of a writer's journal. State your theme, colors, and any other blingy ideas that come to mind in a comment.

2.) If your blog ID isn't connected to your signature, please leave an email address or link so I can get in touch with you if you're a winner!

3.) Steph will choose a winner, create the journal using your winning idea, and mail you your one-of-a-kind prize.

4.) ONE entry per person. We're limiting this particular contest to US residents only. (Sorry...postal costs and all that.)

5.) Contest runs through next Wednesday, July 6th (midnight Central time). We'd sure be obliged if you shared the contest with your friends and buddies. :)

Now, don't be shy! There's NO artistic creation Steph can't whip up! If you need some inspiration, cruise her Etsy shop for bright splashes of color HERE or her uplifting blog:  Living in Color.

Wheeeeeeee...hugs to all, and I'll be back on a regular basis VERY soon. Got lots to tell ya, lots going on, lots accomplished, travel stories, etc. etc. etc. to share. It's A-MAZING what you can do if you "unplug" for a few months. XXO

Get it 'Fore it's Gone!

I've been AWOL from the social networking grid for a long long time, but have gotten an amazing amount of things done! Photos and details soon, I promise.

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Popping in today for a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.......

If you love to read, get Kat Magendie's Tender Graces today!! It's one of the best books ever. (Check out the 70 fab Amazon reviews if you don't believe me.) That it was written by one of my very best friends is a bonus. And that it has consistently been at the top of the Amazon list, reads like a fresh, lyrical Harper Lee work, is gripping & haunting...well, that's just more gravy on top the biscuit!

Even if you don't have a Kindle, you might be able to download this awesome book to your computer reader, iPad or phone. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. Or grab one for a friend. I did, and it made a nice little surprise! (The third "graces" book in the series comes out in the fall.)


[click here]--> LAST DAY OF THIS SUPER LOW $2.99 PRICE SPECIAL!!!!!

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LOVE, HUGS AND ALL GOOD THINGS. SEE YA SOON.  ANGIE
 

Writerly Wednesday ~~ Vote for Great Aussie Poet!

If you haven't met Tabitha Bird yet, please let me introduce her with just a few words:  great blog, great poet, great words, great lady. :)

Please vote for Tab's blog, THROUGH MY EYES, for best blog in Australia. All the information you need is at the blog link above. Good luck, Tabitha!

From her blog: 

About Me
Tabitha Bird
Australia


"Writing is not life, but it can be a way back to life." ~ Stephen King. This is how I found my voice. The page became my back door and I have not stopped letting the words spill since. I write narrative non-fiction and literary fiction.  

And how are YOU doing? (I'm trying to get back in the routine saddle after a fab 10-day vacay with Kat and my twin sister, and will write a post about our trip to a writing conference in Fairhope, Alabama asap. But now...it's time for my poetry course.

See ya soon!

Friday Funnies ~~ Redneck Ingenuity

Short & sweet today since I've run off to a writerly retreat with my twin Alaine and BFF Kat Magendie to work on poetry, painting, manuscripts, with a "little" fun thrown in. When I get back to "reality," I'll do up a nice post on the conference we attended and some of our other crazy doings. :)

Hope you're getting some good and extended ME time for yourselves.
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Indeedy, the picture of this Redneck Hanging Basket is worth a thousand or so words......

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And for your cultured eyeballs, the new spring issue of Rose & Thorn Journal is now live! [Cover art below.] We love comments, and so do our writers & poets.