Well, it's been an interesting experience becoming a newly published author, to say the least. There are issues with my bio on some websites where my book is listed, and although I'm trying to resolve these issues, it blows my mind that these websites are so irresponsible as to just list any "Darren Browns" bio instead of actually doing some research to find out the correct information before putting it out to the internet. Strangely enough, I noticed it on a site out of India, first. (which makes me laugh out loud for reals now).
Since my last post, I created an e-book on Lulu.com and a kindle version on Amazon.com. The book is listed on the major book retail sites and I guess if it becomes a good seller, it could go out to the retail stores to the book shelves. VERY exciting if that happens. I've sold 40 copies so far from lulu.com, which I feel is pretty good since there has been little to no advertising of it (as I'm a starving artist).
I've begun writing my next book, "Mnemonic Wars". I'm SO excited to begin getting this book (which began as a dream I had 5 nights in a row over a decade ago) out of my head. I shall pour my life and imagination into it and see what develops. I promise (to myself mostly), that I'll get it done in much less time than it took me to write and finish DBM. It'll be a fun process and you can get updates on it here and on Facebook. Which, by the way, there are pages on FaceBook for both of the books. Just do a search for them by name, if you're interested in "liking" them for updates and news and other fun nonsense.
Thanks for reading, friends.
I'll be in touch.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Friday, November 4, 2011
Death By Mistress Is Ready!
Howdy Folks! Look over there ---------------------->>
It's a button for you to purchase my book on LuLu.com!
All you need to do is click it, and it'll put my book into your cart on the site.
Simple!
Easy Peasy, quick and greasy! ;)
It's a button for you to purchase my book on LuLu.com!
All you need to do is click it, and it'll put my book into your cart on the site.
Simple!
Easy Peasy, quick and greasy! ;)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Death By Mistress update
I've decided that I'm going to finish my book ("Death By Mistress") by the end of this month, and research some sites to publish it on. It's a lofty goal (for me anyways), as it's been a very long time since I started this little project. It's exciting for me, as it will be another accomplishment for me, when I desperately need some things to go right for me in my life.
The 'book' started as a blog entry, oh so long ago, and it transformed into what it is today. It has personal references in it and those that knew me when I was writing it, know who and where they are in the story line.
One of the reasons I've taken so long to finish this thing is that it is, to me, a very dark portrayal of a mob killer. It takes me time to get into the mood to write about this character, even though he's not really supposed to be the central character in the story.
The characters name is Reginald Inago Pennini, or R.I.P. (or just Rip, as people call him in the tale). I've been told that I wrote his character extremely well considering I have no formal psychological schooling. I used my own experiences of observation and people skills to form the character. This isn't to say that I'm a killer or want to be a killer, but I believe there's a part of me in every character I write about, just as actors says that there's a part of them in every character they portray.
Hopefully, this book will be a success. To me, it will become my success, only once I've finished it. Anything that happens after that will be icing on my proverbial cake.
So, wish me luck. I can't wait to get it published!
The 'book' started as a blog entry, oh so long ago, and it transformed into what it is today. It has personal references in it and those that knew me when I was writing it, know who and where they are in the story line.
One of the reasons I've taken so long to finish this thing is that it is, to me, a very dark portrayal of a mob killer. It takes me time to get into the mood to write about this character, even though he's not really supposed to be the central character in the story.
The characters name is Reginald Inago Pennini, or R.I.P. (or just Rip, as people call him in the tale). I've been told that I wrote his character extremely well considering I have no formal psychological schooling. I used my own experiences of observation and people skills to form the character. This isn't to say that I'm a killer or want to be a killer, but I believe there's a part of me in every character I write about, just as actors says that there's a part of them in every character they portray.
Hopefully, this book will be a success. To me, it will become my success, only once I've finished it. Anything that happens after that will be icing on my proverbial cake.
So, wish me luck. I can't wait to get it published!
Friday, June 3, 2011
My Continuing Saga
My Continuing Saga
(June 3, 2011)
The people,
that purposefully extract themselves from my life,
always think they're doing the right thing.
Some think it sacrifice,
others think it better for them,
still others think it better for me.
To these people,
I say this:
Despite your self sacrifice,
Despite your selfish acts,
Despite my failures,
My victories,
Despite my loss,
My adversities,
My gains,
You can count on one thing.
I will continue becoming
The person I am,
Without you.
I’m sad that you won’t be a part,
Of my continuing saga,
But also,
I’m comforted by one fact.
I know I’m in your thoughts,
As you are in mine.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
To Survive
TO SURVIVE
1-9-11
The last 4 and a half months,
are a blur to me.
I've delved back into the darkness,
and survived.
I saw my self morph into that person,
I didn't like,
again.
It happens so quickly,
I realize now,
If I let it.
I let it,
and,
am in recovery once again.
Stopping isn't hard.
It's the changes to your body,
and your mind,
that are hard.
The dreams,
The raw emotion,
The restlessness,
The longing,
The pins and needles,
The inability to focus.
Moving on is the path,
I have to take,
If I am to survive,
in this wilderness,
That I've created for myself.
People ask me if I'll do it again.
I don't know,
I say.
People ask me why I've stopped.
The not so simple answer,
I reply,
is,
To Survive.
1-9-11
The last 4 and a half months,
are a blur to me.
I've delved back into the darkness,
and survived.
I saw my self morph into that person,
I didn't like,
again.
It happens so quickly,
I realize now,
If I let it.
I let it,
and,
am in recovery once again.
Stopping isn't hard.
It's the changes to your body,
and your mind,
that are hard.
The dreams,
The raw emotion,
The restlessness,
The longing,
The pins and needles,
The inability to focus.
Moving on is the path,
I have to take,
If I am to survive,
in this wilderness,
That I've created for myself.
People ask me if I'll do it again.
I don't know,
I say.
People ask me why I've stopped.
The not so simple answer,
I reply,
is,
To Survive.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Thinking About It and The Post Office
Thinking About It
12-19-2010
I’ve been thinking about this life.
It feels as though I’m stagnant.
Though life continues on around me,
I feel alone,
stuck in this holding position,
Until something happens.
Am I a conduit,
For the chaos that swirls around me?
Or, a conduit,
For the life that swirls around it?
I try to be the nicest person I can be,
Some see me wrestling with that,
With the chaos inside me.
Some would call it personal demons,
Some would call it drama,
Some would call it regrets.
I call it,
Self.
I’m just me.
Not above reproach,
Not above mistakes,
Not above regret,
Nor Forgiveness.
I’m ready for it to happen,
It will happen soon,
I can feel it.
Yea,
I’ve been thinking about this life,
I’ve been thinking about it.
*****
So, I was at the post office the other day, and being the person I am, found an opportunity to both make someone smile and have some fun.
The clerk called me up to his freshly opened station, with a pile of pink blank address labels on the side of the counter.
He shoots a glance at them, then asks his co-worker next to him, "What are these?" (someone had obviously put them there and he was wondering why)
The co-worker says, "I don't know."
The clerk looked at me, and I pointed at them and said, "Those are pink address labels.", and then chuckled.
The co-worker started laughing and the guy shot poison at both of us, then looked back at me and said snidely, "Thanks."
I continued to chuckle, and we finished the transaction.
Now, I understand that I made the guy feel dumb. But, when presented with an opportunity to help someone laugh, I try not to lose it. Perhaps next time, that clerk will think about what he's asking, instead of giving me an opportunity. (HAHAHAHAHA!)
*****
Thought for the day:
-- Okakura Kakuzo
Sunday, May 16, 2010
To Become Whole
TO BECOME WHOLE
5-16-10
When someone enters my life,
with such resounding wonder,
I take note immediately.
I question why they're there,
Why I'm there,
Surely there must to be a reason.
Is it to fill part of the void,
That has been there,
For so long now?
Or to be the one,
To fill part of the others?
Perhaps,
It's to share the void,
So that both can start,
To become whole again.
It's hard not for them to become,
My desire,
My thought filled everything.
I just must remember,
It's not all about me.
Patience is with me,
Though it may become,
The hardest thing,
I've ever had to do.
I'm a man waiting,
To share myself,
So that we may become whole.
******
Quote for the day:
"Peace is like a drug, for which I strive to immerse myself in constantly." - - - me.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Poetry on Monday! 4-26-10
“THE END OF THE LINE”
(4-26-2010)
Sometimes you meet people,
Who seem to be your reward,
At what you think and hope,
May be the end of a period in your life,
When you’ve struggled so hard,
Just to survive.
The mental fortitude it takes,
To continue on,
Can build walls,
That are so hard to tear down,
To let people in.
You don’t know what’s in store for you,
That’s a high in itself,
And Simultaneously,
A fear of strickening proportions,
That can seek to destroy that reward.
I suppose it’s a balancing act,
With you on the platform ,
On one end of the tight rope,
Your reward of friendship on the other.
Take a deep breath,
Be at peace,
And step off into your fears.
Your reward awaits,
Not at the end of the line,
But the beginning.
*****
Quote for the day:
You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. -- John Wooden
(4-26-2010)
Sometimes you meet people,
Who seem to be your reward,
At what you think and hope,
May be the end of a period in your life,
When you’ve struggled so hard,
Just to survive.
The mental fortitude it takes,
To continue on,
Can build walls,
That are so hard to tear down,
To let people in.
You don’t know what’s in store for you,
That’s a high in itself,
And Simultaneously,
A fear of strickening proportions,
That can seek to destroy that reward.
I suppose it’s a balancing act,
With you on the platform ,
On one end of the tight rope,
Your reward of friendship on the other.
Take a deep breath,
Be at peace,
And step off into your fears.
Your reward awaits,
Not at the end of the line,
But the beginning.
*****
Quote for the day:
You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. -- John Wooden
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Dumb Revisited
Over at my buddy Mikes house the other day, we sat around smoking a stog and reminiscing about stupid things we've done over the years. Well, it's confession day and here are some you may not have known about. By the way, no one else needs to confess my stupidity, lol, mums the word unless I talk about it first!
1. We were racing home from work back in the mid 80's, he in his plymouth, and me in the pop's 72' cadillac. Going over 100 mph on highway 99 towards Atwater. after I passed him at about 110, my right front tire blew. SECONDS of terror ensued. LOL. Mike rounded the bend and went through a large cloud of smoke and thought I had crashed. Luckily I had just coasted to the side of the road where he stopped and gave me a ride home. Yea, we tied in the race.
2. We used to get into the drive-in in merced near where the old Farmer's insurance building was when we were working at the theaters back in the 80's (same time frame as #1). We'd get our friends in. All they had to do was pay the fee of a six pack of beer each to the cashier. After a night of drinking at their, we'd grab a bottle of tequila and bottle of orange juice and make our way to the coast to watch the sun rise in Santa Cruz or Carmel or Monterey.
3. In 8th grade or some time close to that, I clearly remember peeing on an electric fence somewhere in Winton. Yea, it left a mark.
4. I remember one night when I was very young, I was in my pj's sitting on the couch watching a mesmerizing television show. When my pop told me to go to bed, I turned to him and stuck my tongue out at him. He jumped the coffee table, grabbed me by the arm and flung me over the coffee table into a heap onto the ground. Of course, I went bed. Whimpering. Never stuck my tongue out at him or my mom again.
5. The old separating finger trick was shown to me by some older kid at St Mary's School in North Carolina back between kindergarten and 2nd grade. I was totally amazed! lol, I should show that kid the rubber band trick!
Anyways, there are others, that I may share at a later date, that were way more stupid and some even kind of funny. I have some appliances to move here shortly.
Reminisce today! Remember how dumb you used to be. It's a HOOT! lol
*****
Quote for the day:
Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night." -- Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown in "Peanuts"
1. We were racing home from work back in the mid 80's, he in his plymouth, and me in the pop's 72' cadillac. Going over 100 mph on highway 99 towards Atwater. after I passed him at about 110, my right front tire blew. SECONDS of terror ensued. LOL. Mike rounded the bend and went through a large cloud of smoke and thought I had crashed. Luckily I had just coasted to the side of the road where he stopped and gave me a ride home. Yea, we tied in the race.
2. We used to get into the drive-in in merced near where the old Farmer's insurance building was when we were working at the theaters back in the 80's (same time frame as #1). We'd get our friends in. All they had to do was pay the fee of a six pack of beer each to the cashier. After a night of drinking at their, we'd grab a bottle of tequila and bottle of orange juice and make our way to the coast to watch the sun rise in Santa Cruz or Carmel or Monterey.
3. In 8th grade or some time close to that, I clearly remember peeing on an electric fence somewhere in Winton. Yea, it left a mark.
4. I remember one night when I was very young, I was in my pj's sitting on the couch watching a mesmerizing television show. When my pop told me to go to bed, I turned to him and stuck my tongue out at him. He jumped the coffee table, grabbed me by the arm and flung me over the coffee table into a heap onto the ground. Of course, I went bed. Whimpering. Never stuck my tongue out at him or my mom again.
5. The old separating finger trick was shown to me by some older kid at St Mary's School in North Carolina back between kindergarten and 2nd grade. I was totally amazed! lol, I should show that kid the rubber band trick!
Anyways, there are others, that I may share at a later date, that were way more stupid and some even kind of funny. I have some appliances to move here shortly.
Reminisce today! Remember how dumb you used to be. It's a HOOT! lol
*****
Quote for the day:
Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, "Where have I gone wrong?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one night." -- Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown in "Peanuts"
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Daily Fray
I enjoy watching "Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew".
It's an emotional show that reminds me of my daily battle with my addiction of alcohol.
After watching the last show of the season today, I was glad to see that it has a continuation of watching these people struggle with their addiction (Sober House with Dr Drew).
It's interesting to be reminded, that people, no matter how famous, or how rich they are, are still just people struggling to survive and overcome their own self destructive decisions.
I've thought a lot lately about why I stay sober. Discussing it with my friends helps out alot actually.
Foremost, I stay sober for myself. One of the reasons for that is that I can be quite stubborn at times. I'm stubborn in that if I take a drink today, that erases all of those days prior to this day ( if I drink), that I've been sober. I really don't want to start over on day one again. I've started over in so many regards in my life in the last ten years. I look back and realize all the things I've lost and done because of alcohol. Starting over in that regard could make me have to start over in so many other things. It's just not an option for me. That reminder helps me to say no to the urge every day.
It really is true that you can't help someone who doesn't want it. We addicts will make many excuses to continue our addictions. It only takes one really good one to make someone stop, if only for a while to reflect upon what they're doing to themselves and those around them. I wish I could have helped my pop to see that. He was so proud of me and my sobriety. He told me that alot, even while holding a beer in his hands. I don't think he had the strength to stop drinking after losing his wife and his brother within such a short time. It surely took its toll on him.
I have other periphery reasons for my sobriety, but I see it as a selfish thing that I have to do for me. (I chuckle as I write this) One of those reasons is just something as simple as distraction. I give myself something to do other than drink. School has been GREEEEAAAAT for that! It gives me so much more to think about than going down to the liquor store and buying my favorite bottle of Scotch.
I'm reminded of a 5 for fighting song, (that band you hear playing right now). Somebody save me.
I think addicts ultimately have to save themselves. Some, need to be reminded of why they need to become sober and can say those reminding them have saved them. I say those people that have become sober from an addiction, "Give yourself some credit!" You (and I) have reached a point where our resolve and strength and courage have transformed us into someone that we scarce remember... ourselves. To be myself. THAT is the true reason for my sobriety.
Let the Daily Fray Continue!
*****
Quote for the day:
"If there's anything unsettling to the stomach, it's watching actors on television talk about their personal lives." -- Marlon Brando
It's an emotional show that reminds me of my daily battle with my addiction of alcohol.
After watching the last show of the season today, I was glad to see that it has a continuation of watching these people struggle with their addiction (Sober House with Dr Drew).
It's interesting to be reminded, that people, no matter how famous, or how rich they are, are still just people struggling to survive and overcome their own self destructive decisions.
I've thought a lot lately about why I stay sober. Discussing it with my friends helps out alot actually.
Foremost, I stay sober for myself. One of the reasons for that is that I can be quite stubborn at times. I'm stubborn in that if I take a drink today, that erases all of those days prior to this day ( if I drink), that I've been sober. I really don't want to start over on day one again. I've started over in so many regards in my life in the last ten years. I look back and realize all the things I've lost and done because of alcohol. Starting over in that regard could make me have to start over in so many other things. It's just not an option for me. That reminder helps me to say no to the urge every day.
It really is true that you can't help someone who doesn't want it. We addicts will make many excuses to continue our addictions. It only takes one really good one to make someone stop, if only for a while to reflect upon what they're doing to themselves and those around them. I wish I could have helped my pop to see that. He was so proud of me and my sobriety. He told me that alot, even while holding a beer in his hands. I don't think he had the strength to stop drinking after losing his wife and his brother within such a short time. It surely took its toll on him.
I have other periphery reasons for my sobriety, but I see it as a selfish thing that I have to do for me. (I chuckle as I write this) One of those reasons is just something as simple as distraction. I give myself something to do other than drink. School has been GREEEEAAAAT for that! It gives me so much more to think about than going down to the liquor store and buying my favorite bottle of Scotch.
I'm reminded of a 5 for fighting song, (that band you hear playing right now). Somebody save me.
I think addicts ultimately have to save themselves. Some, need to be reminded of why they need to become sober and can say those reminding them have saved them. I say those people that have become sober from an addiction, "Give yourself some credit!" You (and I) have reached a point where our resolve and strength and courage have transformed us into someone that we scarce remember... ourselves. To be myself. THAT is the true reason for my sobriety.
Let the Daily Fray Continue!
*****
Quote for the day:
"If there's anything unsettling to the stomach, it's watching actors on television talk about their personal lives." -- Marlon Brando
Monday, February 22, 2010
Use enough Dynamite there Butch?
Sometimes, I just have to share some music.
I was humming this song to myself today for some reason.
Joni was thinking it was Chim Chiminey, so I had to hear it all.
Such a great movie! (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid)
I remember watching it with my folks.
Perhaps it was this movie that my Pop created his famous line, "Oh look, he fell off of his horsey!".
It's funny the things we remember.
God Love him.
Mom's Shrumps and saying "jess" for yes.
Yea, I miss them.
Still hits me occasionally, the mourning.
Don't know if it will ever end, or if I care that it doesn't.
All I know is, there love was complete.
I hope it comes to me one day and that I'm not asleep at the helm when it does.
Until such a time, I'll use a enough dynamite to keep me moving along in the right direction.
Dubah dubah dubah daaaaaah daaaaa dubbadaaaaaaah (sing it!)
*****
Quote for the day:
"You can't turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again." -- Bonnie Prudden
I was humming this song to myself today for some reason.
Joni was thinking it was Chim Chiminey, so I had to hear it all.
Such a great movie! (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid)
I remember watching it with my folks.
Perhaps it was this movie that my Pop created his famous line, "Oh look, he fell off of his horsey!".
It's funny the things we remember.
God Love him.
Mom's Shrumps and saying "jess" for yes.
Yea, I miss them.
Still hits me occasionally, the mourning.
Don't know if it will ever end, or if I care that it doesn't.
All I know is, there love was complete.
I hope it comes to me one day and that I'm not asleep at the helm when it does.
Until such a time, I'll use a enough dynamite to keep me moving along in the right direction.
Dubah dubah dubah daaaaaah daaaaa dubbadaaaaaaah (sing it!)
*****
Quote for the day:
"You can't turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again." -- Bonnie Prudden
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Poetry at Midnight!
A Haiku:
Middle of the Night,
I've Lost who I used to be,
Someone send a Map!
lol, that was interesting.
It's fun to just write and see what comes out sometimes.
*****
Quote for the day:
"The main dangers in this life are the people who want to change everything - or nothing." -- Nancy Astor
Middle of the Night,
I've Lost who I used to be,
Someone send a Map!
lol, that was interesting.
It's fun to just write and see what comes out sometimes.
*****
Quote for the day:
"The main dangers in this life are the people who want to change everything - or nothing." -- Nancy Astor
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Let the Fresh Cream Begin!
A new year is upon us!
Did everyone resolve to do something with their life?
I promised myself, that I'd complete the edit and re-write of my book, and then try to get it published. That would be exciting!! I really want to finish it, so that I can get another book out of my head that's been nagging me to get out.
Of course, I made the usual promise to get into shape, eat right, blah, blah, blah.
A friend of mine sent me a recipe for Creme Fraiche (I guess that means 'fresh cream' in french, which is funny because its not fresh cream, it's basically soured cream) and it turned out really good!
It's such a simple recipe and a delicious alternative to store bought sour cream.
All you need is 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, and 2 tablespoons of cultured buttermilk.
Pour the cream into a clean glass jar (use the dishwasher to sterilize it).
Pop it in the microwave and heat it only enough to take the chill off. maybe 30 seconds.
You don't want it hot, as it will kill the buttermilk cultures.
After you've warmed the cream to about room temperature, pour in the buttermilk.
Cover it and set it in a warm place for about 12 hours (or up to 24 hours).
It will thicken up as it sits there. Don't worry about it, it's safe! The cultures in the buttermilk will protect it. Stir it up about every 6 hours or so as it sits out at room temperature.
After it has mostly thickened, pop it into the refrigerator for another 12 hours or so.
VOILA! You've got creme fraiche! Use it in anything you would normally use sour cream. It's a healthier, lighter, tastier alternative! Thicken sauces with it. Whip it and top some fresh fruit! It supposedly doesn't break or curdle when you add it to sauces. Haven't tried it yet, except on some spanish rice (yes, it was delicious), but I will!
It's good for up to ten days in the refrigerator, but I doubt it'll last that long once you've tried it.
My British friend tells me I should bottle it and sell it, because you can't find the stuff around here. I say, make it yer effin self! lol
What else is going on.... hmmm.
Oh, School starts soon! That'll be nice to be able to concentrate on things a little better this semester. I was pretty distracted last semester (which sucked big time) and got a 'B' in one of my classes. (GASP!)
Actually, I was pretty disappointed in myself for that. I shall endeavor not to let that happen again. At least I got A's in the other two classes, so I'm happy with that as I'm trying to bring my GPA up. We shall see my friends!
I've decided that I'm tired of alot of things. Physically tired. Sleep deprivation and the events of the past few years have taken their toll on me. It's definitely not easy to watch your parents die. The stress of being in the house while trying to clean it to prepare it for things just didn't give me time to grieve appropriately. Now that I have the time to do so, a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. But, I can't just stop and smell the nectar and do nothing. Life just isn't letting me. Which is fine I guess. At least I have my sobriety, an accomplishment that I hardly think about, but I should. If only to remind me that I can do things and to keep moving forward.
Little steps will lead to bigger ones. I'll be running before I know it. I better get some new shoes.
*****
Quote for the day:
"When there's snow on the ground, I like to pretend I'm walking on clouds." -- Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata, Animal Crossing: Wild World, 2005
Did everyone resolve to do something with their life?
I promised myself, that I'd complete the edit and re-write of my book, and then try to get it published. That would be exciting!! I really want to finish it, so that I can get another book out of my head that's been nagging me to get out.
Of course, I made the usual promise to get into shape, eat right, blah, blah, blah.
A friend of mine sent me a recipe for Creme Fraiche (I guess that means 'fresh cream' in french, which is funny because its not fresh cream, it's basically soured cream) and it turned out really good!
It's such a simple recipe and a delicious alternative to store bought sour cream.
All you need is 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, and 2 tablespoons of cultured buttermilk.
Pour the cream into a clean glass jar (use the dishwasher to sterilize it).
Pop it in the microwave and heat it only enough to take the chill off. maybe 30 seconds.
You don't want it hot, as it will kill the buttermilk cultures.
After you've warmed the cream to about room temperature, pour in the buttermilk.
Cover it and set it in a warm place for about 12 hours (or up to 24 hours).
It will thicken up as it sits there. Don't worry about it, it's safe! The cultures in the buttermilk will protect it. Stir it up about every 6 hours or so as it sits out at room temperature.
After it has mostly thickened, pop it into the refrigerator for another 12 hours or so.
VOILA! You've got creme fraiche! Use it in anything you would normally use sour cream. It's a healthier, lighter, tastier alternative! Thicken sauces with it. Whip it and top some fresh fruit! It supposedly doesn't break or curdle when you add it to sauces. Haven't tried it yet, except on some spanish rice (yes, it was delicious), but I will!
It's good for up to ten days in the refrigerator, but I doubt it'll last that long once you've tried it.
My British friend tells me I should bottle it and sell it, because you can't find the stuff around here. I say, make it yer effin self! lol
What else is going on.... hmmm.
Oh, School starts soon! That'll be nice to be able to concentrate on things a little better this semester. I was pretty distracted last semester (which sucked big time) and got a 'B' in one of my classes. (GASP!)
Actually, I was pretty disappointed in myself for that. I shall endeavor not to let that happen again. At least I got A's in the other two classes, so I'm happy with that as I'm trying to bring my GPA up. We shall see my friends!
I've decided that I'm tired of alot of things. Physically tired. Sleep deprivation and the events of the past few years have taken their toll on me. It's definitely not easy to watch your parents die. The stress of being in the house while trying to clean it to prepare it for things just didn't give me time to grieve appropriately. Now that I have the time to do so, a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders. But, I can't just stop and smell the nectar and do nothing. Life just isn't letting me. Which is fine I guess. At least I have my sobriety, an accomplishment that I hardly think about, but I should. If only to remind me that I can do things and to keep moving forward.
Little steps will lead to bigger ones. I'll be running before I know it. I better get some new shoes.
*****
Quote for the day:
"When there's snow on the ground, I like to pretend I'm walking on clouds." -- Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshihiro Kawabata, Animal Crossing: Wild World, 2005
Friday, November 20, 2009
A 10 by 10 by 10 Box
Here I sit,
The last night I will stay here,
Wanting to make them proud,
Wanting to be strong,
As they were.
I miss them so much,
As I will miss the life they made here,
For myself,
And for my Brothers and sister.
A new life I contemplate,
One without them,
For me to lean on them,
For them to lean on me.
For now,
As I'm forced to move on and detach,
I'll take life one day at a time,
Putting what I can save,
Of their life and mine,
In a ten,
By ten,
By ten box,
Filled with their memories.
The last night I will stay here,
Wanting to make them proud,
Wanting to be strong,
As they were.
I miss them so much,
As I will miss the life they made here,
For myself,
And for my Brothers and sister.
A new life I contemplate,
One without them,
For me to lean on them,
For them to lean on me.
For now,
As I'm forced to move on and detach,
I'll take life one day at a time,
Putting what I can save,
Of their life and mine,
In a ten,
By ten,
By ten box,
Filled with their memories.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
A Lil Poem about a Man and a Boy
A Boy and a Man
(11-11-03)
(11-11-03)
There was a boy,
Once upon a time,
Living in a mans body.
He was struggling to get out,
To show himself to all,
Growing up a part of history.
The man struggled too,
To keep the child in,
Not wanting to show him.
Two people as one,
The young and the not so old,
Trying to deny each other.
Focus on the now,
No, focus on the future,
The argument never ends.
Hey, it’s playtime,
No time for play, I have to work,
Where has all that time gone?
There will come a time,
When the two will come to terms,
And accept the fact that they are both each other.
Then perhaps the man can show the boy,
And the boy can show the man,
Just what life is all about.
*****
Quote for the day:
"You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth." -- Evan Esar
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Zuppa Di Pasta E Prezzemolo
Wondering what that title is aren't ya.
Well, it's the name of an italian soup.
" A Pasta and Parsley Soup" to be exact!
I just tried it today for lunch, and Oh....MY...GOSH it was delicious!
Simple, quick, and delicious. My kinda meal!
Here's the recipe! ENJOY!
"Zuppa Di Pasta E Prezzemolo" (parsley soup)
2 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 Medium sized onion, finely chopped
2 Medium sized Red Potatoes, finely cubed
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian Parsley
1 Bay Leaf
1/4 tsp dried Thyme
3/4 cup dried string pasta (broken up) or a small soup pasta of your choice
2 Quarts of chicken stock or broth (I used better than bullion paste and water)
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to Taste
3/4 Cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (or Asiago)
In a heavy FN pot, over medium heat, heat the butter and oil together. Add the FN onion and cook for a couple minutes, or until soft (don't brown it). Add the potatoes, half the parsley, the bay leaf, thyme, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the pasta and cook per directions until al dente. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste, then add salt and pepper, if needed. (I added about 8 twists of my pepper mill)
Just before serving in hot bowls, stir in 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese. Serve with the remaining parsley and cheese at the table and let your guests add to their taste. Serves 4 to 6.
Finished mine in a little over 10 minutes for everything!
Goooo for it! Make some!
*****
Quote for the day:
"Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul." -- Marilyn Monroe
Well, it's the name of an italian soup.
" A Pasta and Parsley Soup" to be exact!
I just tried it today for lunch, and Oh....MY...GOSH it was delicious!
Simple, quick, and delicious. My kinda meal!
Here's the recipe! ENJOY!
"Zuppa Di Pasta E Prezzemolo" (parsley soup)
2 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Olive oil
1 Medium sized onion, finely chopped
2 Medium sized Red Potatoes, finely cubed
1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian Parsley
1 Bay Leaf
1/4 tsp dried Thyme
3/4 cup dried string pasta (broken up) or a small soup pasta of your choice
2 Quarts of chicken stock or broth (I used better than bullion paste and water)
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to Taste
3/4 Cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (or Asiago)
In a heavy FN pot, over medium heat, heat the butter and oil together. Add the FN onion and cook for a couple minutes, or until soft (don't brown it). Add the potatoes, half the parsley, the bay leaf, thyme, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the pasta and cook per directions until al dente. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste, then add salt and pepper, if needed. (I added about 8 twists of my pepper mill)
Just before serving in hot bowls, stir in 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese. Serve with the remaining parsley and cheese at the table and let your guests add to their taste. Serves 4 to 6.
Finished mine in a little over 10 minutes for everything!
Goooo for it! Make some!
*****
Quote for the day:
"Hollywood is a place where they'll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss and fifty cents for your soul." -- Marilyn Monroe
Saturday, September 19, 2009
He'll Put His Heart Out There.
A man with a broken heart,
Sits alone.
Letting himself feel safe,
Putting his heart on the line,
Is the kind of man he is.
He believes it's always worth it,
Even if he's not rewarded in kind.
He wonders why he's not the chosen one,
Those involved have to live with that fact.
It's the mornings,
Nectar with the one he's loved,
Such a simple pleasure,
Torn asunder by actions, not words.
It means a lot to be in her life,
If only he could be her friend,
When seeing her with another.
He'll heal what's been torn,
Putting his heart on the line again in time.
He'll be the man he's become,
Because he likes that man.
He can live with that.
He'll still put his heart out there,
For the simple reason,
The rewards await.
*****
Quote for the day: (I totally agree with it)
"Walking is man's best medicine." -- Hippocrates
Sits alone.
Letting himself feel safe,
Putting his heart on the line,
Is the kind of man he is.
He believes it's always worth it,
Even if he's not rewarded in kind.
He wonders why he's not the chosen one,
Those involved have to live with that fact.
It's the mornings,
Nectar with the one he's loved,
Such a simple pleasure,
Torn asunder by actions, not words.
It means a lot to be in her life,
If only he could be her friend,
When seeing her with another.
He'll heal what's been torn,
Putting his heart on the line again in time.
He'll be the man he's become,
Because he likes that man.
He can live with that.
He'll still put his heart out there,
For the simple reason,
The rewards await.
*****
Quote for the day: (I totally agree with it)
"Walking is man's best medicine." -- Hippocrates
Monday, September 7, 2009
Some Days
Some days I don't want to wake up.
Some days I miss people.
Some days I'm depressed.
Some days I want to see the ocean.
Some days I can't think straight.
Some days I can write really well.
Some days I am so pent up.
Some days I read a lot.
Some days I want a lover.
Some days I want to be alone.
Some days I love the sun.
Some days I love the rain.
Some days I love the wind.
Some days I dream of winning the lottery.
Some days I'm overwhelmed.
Some days I'm so happy I could burst.
Some days I don't know what to do.
Some days I see my reflection and don't know who I am.
Some days I persist even though I have no reason to.
Some days I resist.
Some days I write poetry.
Some days are yesterday.
Some days are tomorrow.
But Today, is what I have right now.
*****
Tomorrow I celebrate my 300th day of sobriety.
I need a drink. LOL
*****
Quote for the day:
"When life seems chaotic, you don't need people giving you easy answers or cheap promises. There might not be any answers to your problems. What you need is a safe place where you can bounce with people who have taken some bad hops of their own." -- Real Live Preacher, RealLivePreacher.com Weblog, August 12, 2003
Some days I miss people.
Some days I'm depressed.
Some days I want to see the ocean.
Some days I can't think straight.
Some days I can write really well.
Some days I am so pent up.
Some days I read a lot.
Some days I want a lover.
Some days I want to be alone.
Some days I love the sun.
Some days I love the rain.
Some days I love the wind.
Some days I dream of winning the lottery.
Some days I'm overwhelmed.
Some days I'm so happy I could burst.
Some days I don't know what to do.
Some days I see my reflection and don't know who I am.
Some days I persist even though I have no reason to.
Some days I resist.
Some days I write poetry.
Some days are yesterday.
Some days are tomorrow.
But Today, is what I have right now.
*****
Tomorrow I celebrate my 300th day of sobriety.
I need a drink. LOL
*****
Quote for the day:
"When life seems chaotic, you don't need people giving you easy answers or cheap promises. There might not be any answers to your problems. What you need is a safe place where you can bounce with people who have taken some bad hops of their own." -- Real Live Preacher, RealLivePreacher.com Weblog, August 12, 2003
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Last RV Adventure!
A 53 hour cross country trip in my pop's RV later, I got home just in time to work, then go to my first class of the Fall Semester. All in all, the trip which relinquished me of my command of one of my father's possessions and put it into my oldest brothers hands, was a dang good one.
We had absolutely zero problems with the RV. It did its job wonderfully taking us from CA to FLA. We did have one little scare with an electrical fire smell that we got a wiff of, so we stopped and checked everything out and that was the last we smelt of it. That was in Texas as I recall...in the rain. I had a wonderful visit with my sis in law and my niece Julia. That was such a good time. I really need to get back for a longer visit with everyone soon.
So, here's some pics from the trip. It was a good thing.
Here's Miss Jules and I at a GREAT tapas place. That food was SO delicious!!
Goin across the MISSISSIPPI River! WOOP!
I won this lil guy at a gas station/rest stop we stopped at. Not bad for 50 cents!
And I FN forgot him in the RV....I'll have to have my brother ship it to me.
First stop we made at a rest stop in arizona. I didn't have to go that bad...
I took this luminary smile out the back window of the RV the night we left. COOL huh!
Chewin on these Cigars by Drew Estates was almost as good as smokin them!
So, that's about it for the pics.
"What's another word for Thesaurus?" -- Steven Wright
We had absolutely zero problems with the RV. It did its job wonderfully taking us from CA to FLA. We did have one little scare with an electrical fire smell that we got a wiff of, so we stopped and checked everything out and that was the last we smelt of it. That was in Texas as I recall...in the rain. I had a wonderful visit with my sis in law and my niece Julia. That was such a good time. I really need to get back for a longer visit with everyone soon.
So, here's some pics from the trip. It was a good thing.
Here's Miss Jules and I at a GREAT tapas place. That food was SO delicious!!
Silouhettes are fun....(did I FN spell that right?)
Goin across the MISSISSIPPI River! WOOP!
I won this lil guy at a gas station/rest stop we stopped at. Not bad for 50 cents!
And I FN forgot him in the RV....I'll have to have my brother ship it to me.
First stop we made at a rest stop in arizona. I didn't have to go that bad...
I took this luminary smile out the back window of the RV the night we left. COOL huh!
Chewin on these Cigars by Drew Estates was almost as good as smokin them!
So, that's about it for the pics.
I took one minute of video in each state we drove through, but I reeeeeallly don't want to upload all that and have to change the music player and all that, so I spose I'll just keep those to myself.
It's all just video of the road in front of me as I was driving. I know, SEXCITING stuff! Blah.
Got a 95% on my first online Quiz in macro-Econ. I'm mad at myself cause I missed one.
I'll have to pay more attention whilst I'm reading....
That's about all goin in (that I can share), so, everyone have a wonderful weekend!
*****
Quotes for the day:
"When you helped somebody, right away you were responsible for that person. And things always followed for which you were never prepared. " -- Martha Brooks, True Confessions of a Heartless Girl
"What's another word for Thesaurus?" -- Steven Wright
Sunday, August 9, 2009
On the Road to Tranquility
It might be the adventurer in me. Whenever I'm out driving around in a new place, I seem to wake up early. I'm restless. I want to go explore the area to see what's out there. To see who's out there. It's quite simple really. I like to look and to watch. I've called myself a morphologist. A studier of shapes and forms. I'm a student of human nature, which is why I love reading Shakespeare so much. If I had an Indian name, I think I'd like "One who watches".
HA! That would be "OWW" as an acronym.
There are times when I yearn for company and times when I can't stand the thought of being alone. Other times, I cherish my solitude. It's always a time to reflect and silently think about what I can make of my life. What I've made of my life. Who I am. Who I'd like to be. Peace, it seems, is just out of reach, like the proverbial carrot leading the horse. I'm not one to take defeat lightly and I'll keep striving for that carrot dangling in front of me that I call peace. Peace within me. Peace with others in my life. Peace with who I've become.
Sometimes I feel a glimpse of it, like sitting in a Safeway parking lot, in the doorway of my Pop's RV, smoking a fine cigar and enjoying a Venti Mocha from the Starbucks behind me at 7:00 in the morning.
I hope my folks are proud of me. There's so many things I wish I could tell them. I'll try to earn the life they've bestowed upon me, in my journey to find tranquility.
The view from my hotel near Safeway... lol
You think You've got a sunburn? My nephew Chris got a little burnt on his feet. Aloe Vera Chris!
*****
Quotes for the day:
"The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of. " -- Blaise Pascal
"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open." -- John Barrymore
HA! That would be "OWW" as an acronym.
There are times when I yearn for company and times when I can't stand the thought of being alone. Other times, I cherish my solitude. It's always a time to reflect and silently think about what I can make of my life. What I've made of my life. Who I am. Who I'd like to be. Peace, it seems, is just out of reach, like the proverbial carrot leading the horse. I'm not one to take defeat lightly and I'll keep striving for that carrot dangling in front of me that I call peace. Peace within me. Peace with others in my life. Peace with who I've become.
Sometimes I feel a glimpse of it, like sitting in a Safeway parking lot, in the doorway of my Pop's RV, smoking a fine cigar and enjoying a Venti Mocha from the Starbucks behind me at 7:00 in the morning.
I hope my folks are proud of me. There's so many things I wish I could tell them. I'll try to earn the life they've bestowed upon me, in my journey to find tranquility.
The view from my hotel near Safeway... lol
You think You've got a sunburn? My nephew Chris got a little burnt on his feet. Aloe Vera Chris!
*****
Quotes for the day:
"The heart has its reasons which reason knows nothing of. " -- Blaise Pascal
"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open." -- John Barrymore
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