Rosemarys Garden

My Magic Christmas

2011-12-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

My most memorable Christmas was the one from the 1950s when I was six years old. My father announced to me on Christmas Eve that he and I were going for a drive to look for Santa Claus. My mother chose to stay home. We drove around, expectantly looking up into the beautiful December sky. The lovely moonlit photo entitled "Waiting for Santa" is from Etsy store Citygirltoo. The cute red coat like the one I wore is from Etsy store Poshcouture.

The night was crystal clear, and the stars twinkled in a wondrous way. My eyes eagerly searched for the image of a sleigh and eight reindeer flying across the moonlit sky. The vintage Santa in a sleigh from the 1950s is from Etsy store Bluebirdsales. The vintage "Here Comes Santa Claus" sheet music is from Etsy store TheIDconnection. As we drove for what seemed to be forever, my father urged me to keep watching and then emphatically announced, “Oh... listen….do you hear the sound of bells?” We actually heard the sleigh bells that night…they are forever etched in the deep chambers of my memory. Whether they were real or imaginary was not important at the time. The vintage sleigh bells are from Etsy store ImSoVintage.

When we returned home that night, Santa had visited our house and left a doll, doll bed, doll house, and a cowgirl outfit with boots. The vintage doll is from Etsy storeLollysCubbyhole. The vintage doll bed is from Etsy store NotYoMommasHandbag and the dollhouse is from Etsy store energyforthesoul.

This was my Magic Christmas, and one that I will cherish forever. My father has since passed away, but every year during the holidays, I think of that Magic Christmas ride with my Dad.

What Is Special About Vintage China?

2011-08-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

What's so special about vintage china? It reminds me of days in the past, special times spent with family and friends around the table. This is a simple set of white china from RosemarysGarden.

During the 1950s we owned a set of Homer Laughlin "Virginia Rose" dinnerware with pink roses. There were also pink and green pottery bowls that held vegetables. In those days, we always sat down to a family meal, and the food was placed in serving bowls or platters and passed from left to right. I found a beautiful bowl in the "Virginia Rose" pattern pictured above at Vintagecottagegarden.

One of my aunts owned a set of Ballerina dinnerware, pictured above. I always loved dining at her house because I loved the colors of the dishes: a mix of chartreuse green, moss green, dove grey, and burgundy. I found a place setting of this lovely dinnerware at AndysAttic.

I remember the Ruby Red glassware from the 1950s that we used on holidays; plates holding tidbits, sandwiches, and homemade goodies. The cups held the aromas of coffee and spiced tea. I found Ruby Red glassware at AnniesVintageRedone.

There was a set of pink Melmac that my mother bought during the 1960s. It was the latest craze during that time, and it was used on a daily basis. It was great because it didn’t break. This dinnerware is featured in MKRetro.

My Mom also bought a set of Noritake fine china in the 1960s. We used it for special occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthdays. The cups were small and delicate with saucers. The set has been passed down to me, and it is packed away for a future daughter-in-law or grand-daughter.

During the 1970s, everyone collected Pfaltzcraft china. My mother bought the “Village” pattern. I also bought my first set of china, a set of “Geranium” by
California Poppytrail. This china is pictured below and can be found at at TimeValley.

I continue to love using vintage china. I love drinking coffee or tea from the small cups with dainty saucers. They have an old-fashioned feel and bring back memories of days spent with familiar people who loved and laughed and spent time in long conversation at the dinner table.

"To Plant A Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow "

2010-05-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

.....Audrey Hepburn

2010-03-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

Find the seed at the bottom of your heart, and bring forth a flower……Shigenori Kameoka

Promises of Spring

2010-02-24T08:10:00.000-08:00

Bethany Lowe’s Spring Collection really captured my heart this year….and I will be offering some of her products on my website. Spring bunnies, birds, eggs, lambs, chicks….all of these remind us of new life, Spring and the coming Easter Season.

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” ------Martin Luther, 1483-1586

Many have attributed the little creations of nature to pagan worship, and some have been used as such. But I think it is interesting that God chose even nature to reflect his promise of new life and resurrection from the dead of winter.

Please enjoy browsing on my websites to view the little symbols of Spring and new life.

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

2009-11-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

"Imagine a morning in late November. A coming of winter morning more than twenty years ago. Consider the kitchen of a spreading old house in a country town. A great black stove is its main feature; but there is also a big round table and a fireplace with two rocking chairs placed in front of it. Just today the fireplace commenced its seasonal roar." -----Truman Capote from A Christmas Memory.

As I was writing today, I tried to find the picture of a Thanksgiving kitchen bustling with activity so imprinted upon my memory. But it was not to be found--maybe some day I will find it, and be able to share with you. This picture, however, did remind me of the trip over the river and through the woods to my grandmother's house every Thanksgiving. My parents and I even sang the song as we traveled with excited anticipation of family, food, and togetherness. My grandmother could make a simple meal of garden vegetables into a luscious feast, and top it off with a chocolate pie made with homemade crust. Her dressing was made from the prized hen in the barnyard. All of this took place in that bustling Thanksgiving kitchen while the children played together, and the men discussed work and politics. Beautiful thanksgiving memories....live forever.

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God." Psalm 95:1-3

Memories of Christmas

2009-11-12T07:03:00.000-08:00

You are invited to visit me at the Delta Zeta Marketplace in Huntsville, Alabama, to be held next Friday--Sunday, November 20--22, at the Von Braun Civic Center. Hours are Friday-Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday noon-5 PM. Look for the Laurel Tree Booth, children's clothing boutique, and my sister's store in Huntsville.

These are just a few of the goodies that will be featured in my booth! They are reminicent of the 1950s and evoke memories of Christmas past. We appreciate your support, and hope to see you at the show! If you are not able to visit the show and are interested in any of the products, please visit the Rosemary's Garden website, or send me an e-mail.

A Sense of Time

2009-09-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

In my study of the Jewish religion, and how it relates to the Christian faith, I am learning that there is a strong sense of historical time and recognition in the annual remembrances of Judaism. At specific times each year, historical events are not just commemorated but recreated. The chapter of Leviticus 23 explains the purpose of the Sabbath and goes on to summarize other appointed festivals of the Jewish calender. These festivals are appointed times or seasons, moments in time when the eternal, spiritual world can be glimpsed. The rituals and prayers associated with each festival, from biblical times until now, are a means to spiritual experience, ways of appropriating the significance of God's activity in the history of a people, and making it your own. The festivals also give the year a spiritual rhythm.

We are approaching the Fall Holy Days, beginning with Rosh Hashanah on September 18, the beginning of a new calender year.

A Season of Returning

2009-09-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

Lead us back, our Father, to your Word; bring us near, our King to your service, and cause us to return in perfect repentance before you. Blessed are you, O Lord, who accepts repentance.---from the Amidah, prayers of the Jewish liturgy.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

We are entering into a season of Returning and Repentance.

The Hope in a Garden

2009-09-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Today while doing yard work, I noticed that a single rose had bloomed on one of my several neglected rose bushes. I have not fertilized, nurtured, or even watered the roses this year. They have been greatly abandoned by me. This has been a year when I wanted to give up gardening because everything I planted either died or withered away. A year of trying to make things happen, and they just didn't happen.

But today when I saw that rose, it reminded me that flowers still bloom when we least expect them. The promise inside a seed will produce a plant, a flower, a fruit sometimes--even when we least expect it. If a flower bloomed out of neglect and abandonment, how many more roses would my bush have produced if I had nurtured and given it lots of attention? I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit say, "Don't give up. Continue to nurture you dreams. You never know when a beautiful rose will emerge and surprise you."

Southern Advocate

2009-04-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attended an Academic Honors Convocation at UAH in Huntsville, AL where my son Joseph received two awards--one was the Outstanding Classical Studies Award and the other was the Dr. John Rison Jones Ward in Southern History sponsored by the Huntsville Madison County Historical Society. Can you tell I'm a proud Mom? Joseph is a very gifted historian and writer, and will be giving a lecture on April 15 at the Huntsville Public Library on I.D.W. Cobb, a North Alabama Confederate soldier. You may visit his blog at Southern Advocate http://southernadvocate.blogspot.com/.

April Wedding

2009-04-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

On Friday and Saturday, I had the privilege of helping to arrange flowers for a wedding for a girl in our church. It was held in a beautiful old historical building in our city, which is rented out for special occasions. The wedding was held on Saturday, April 4; it was held at 5:00 PM, and was a cool, lovely spring evening. Here are some pictures I took after the flowers were completed; I thought you might enjoy seeing them and thanks for stopping by.

Poodle Pink Pom Pom Paris Apartment Pincushions

2009-04-03T07:37:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a while since my last post, but I thought you might be interested to see some of the things I've been working on. The latest pincushions were inspired by this 1950's poodle. They evolved into very girly frou-frou designs, and are accented with vintage brooches. These can be seen on the Etsy website. Did I get carried away with the pink and black fabrics? They just reminded me of the rockin 1950s! I need to stop so not to reveal anymore about eras that I remember.

The cat pincushion was for my niece's birthday, and seemed appropriate, since she is sometimes a little mischievous, but also a true girly girl!

Vintage Valentine Greetings

2009-02-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

To wish you Happy Valentine's Day, I have posted a picture of a Vintage Valentine Doll, which I made several years ago. She is made of tea dyed cloth with a penciled face. Her dress is made of red gingham, and she wears an apron designed from a vintage valentine hankie. Her hair is lambswool, and her bonnet is made from vintage red felt. She holds a vintage valentine from the 1920's. While she is not for sale, I always welcome special doll orders. Vintage Valentine wishes you a multitude of valentine greetings and hopes you have a season filled with love and good wishes.

Winner of the Candy Cane Snowman

2008-12-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

Today was the drawing for the winner of the Bethany Lowe Candy Cane Snowman box. I will be contacting the winner by e-mail. Thanks to everyone else who visited my website or blog and left messages. This was really fun and I hope to have another giveaway soon!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T17:07:00.000-08:00

Our mantle is looking very autumnal for the season.

And my turkey collection is ready for the big day! I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Holiday Giveaway

2008-11-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

For the month of November, anyone who visits my website at Rosemary's Garden and leaves an e-mail, your name will be placed in a drawing to receive this new vintage-inspired Bethany Lowe "Candy Cane Snowman Box." Just click on the "contact" tab at the website for my e-mail address. The drawing will be held on December 1, and I will contact the winner by e-mail. Also, if you are in the North Alabama area, and are interested in attending the Open House on November 14 or 15, please indicate in your e-mail. However, you do not have to be local to enter the drawing. Thanks to all of you who visit and leave comments.

Blessings, Rosemary

Autumn

2008-11-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

"The morns are meeker than they were,
The nuts are getting brown;
The berry's cheek is plumper,
The rose is out of town.

The maple wears a gayer scarf,
The field a scarlet gown.
Lest I should be old-fashioned,
I'll put a trinket on."

---Emily Dickinson

This photograph from Stock Exchange reminded me of the above poem. You know how much I love Autumn, so I'm going to pay tribute as long as I can. I'm planning an open house at my shop/studio on November 14 and 15, so I've been busy preparing for that-- and busying myself with all the things one does for an open house, cleaning, displays, and baking a few goodies.

2008-10-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

Although autumn officially arrived on September 22, we in the deep south have only begun to feel the effects. Yesterday was the first "cold snap" and this morning the temperature dipped to 45 degrees. Makes me want to think about the holidays, but there is so much beauty to enjoy from this season that I cannot let it pass without paying tribute to some of the sights, aromas, and delights that are part of fall. The picture of the leaf that I am sharing is from www.sxc.hu/ .

The cats in the basket are some that I made for fall decorating. They are available for purchase in my Etsy store.

The "Kiss of the Sun" Pincushion is also one of my creations for fall, and I borrowed the name from the poem, "The kiss of the sun for pardon, the song of the birds for mirth. One is nearer God's heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth." It was made from new and vintage fabrics, buttons and millinery ribbon with a little vintage figurine of two birds in autumn colors.

It is available on the www.rosemarysgarden.biz website. As an artist, I just enjoy the colors and fabric of fall, as you can see!

I will be sharing more about the season later; today is Saturday and I will be spending time with my family. Enjoy the fall--those leaves will soon turn and be gone! Capture your moment and seize the day with whatever God has given you to do!

Growing A Garden

2008-10-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

If you have been following my blog, you know that my business has been in a process of development. I believe that we have all been given a garden--a special gift that we need to cultivate and grow--but we have to search within ourselves to find the seeds of that garden. I believe the dormant seeds have to be nurtured and cultivated in order to erupt into tiny seedlings, grow, and finally begin producing fruit. The dream of having a business has been in my heart for many years, but I went to college, got married, pursued a career,raised children, and did everything else. Somewhere in between I got a taste of doing something I love--being creative. It has taken time and experience, but the benefits of nurturing and cultivating my dream have finally begun to spring forth. The Rosemary's Garden website is finally open! Please visit www.rosemarysgarden.biz/.

It seems almost incredulous to be pursuing a business during crazy economic times, but I guess I am one of those people who looks at the manure and says "Where's the pony?" If we have been called to do something, we will face obstacles, but I would rather try to do what I'm called to do than never try at all. Of course sometimes we have to pursue multiple tasks in order to reach our dreams, and I have been doing this for many years and will continue. But at least now, a seedling has sprung forth, and I will continue to cultivate and fertilize my little garden. Please visit the website and tell me what you think. I am so very interested in your comments. Please note that you must log in to blogger or your comments will not show up. You may also go to the contacts page on my website and send me an e-mail.

October Sunsets

2008-10-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed the beauty of an October sunset? Have you ever thought about the awesome creativity of God? It almost seems to me that He wants to make this time of year the most beautiful of all so that we will notice.

I have been reluctant to write about the financial crisis in my blog because I want it to be a positive reading experience for visitors, but one can hardly ignore the things that are taking place in our country and world.

Have you ever heard of Dani Johnson's book, "Spirit Driven Success"? She does seminars to train business people for success, and you can visit her website at http://www.danijohnson.com/ In the book, she asks the question are you in a season of plenty or famine? If you are in plenty, it is preparation for famine. When you are in famine, it is preparation for plenty. She says it's all about what you do in the famine that determines what the plenty is going to look like. She tells the story of a man named Joseph in Genesis, who did all the right things in his life, but still ended up in prison. He continued to obey God (not just trust) even during the hard times and God not only brought him out of his prison, but used him to deliver a whole nation from famine. It was all a process that God used to develop character and faithfulness in a person.

Now is not the time to give up, but to look up. Look to our true Source. All hope is not lost in a recession or even a depression. Our parents and grandparents lived through a depression. We have a God who creates the sunsets. He even has some advice on finances. Read Malachi 3:7-18. Maybe He wants to develop some character in us. Let's start noticing Him, what He has to say,and....His beautiful sunsets.

Happy Fall!

2008-09-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love the colors of fall? This just has to be my most favorite time of the year! The sky is blue, the mornings are crisp, and the sunsets are beautiful. Harvest time. Baking aromas of cinnamon and spice. Last week I went to pick apples at a friend's house so I will be coming up with ways to use the apples. Today I was inspired to bake an apple cake using a recipe from my Aunt Hilda. Her recipe is the most delicious apple cake I've ever tasted. I took a picture of the finished product. We will sample it this weekend.

Last Rose of Summer

2008-09-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

I confess that I have not been a faithful blogger. I’m trying to improve. But I could not let summer completely pass without sharing a few of my favorite flower pictures. This year I grew zinnias, gardenias, and hydrangeas so I’m posting pictures of those. The blue hydrangeas were a view from my kitchen window. The gardenias bloomed early in the summer; the zinnias and white hydrangeas have bloomed most of the summer. I love how the white hydrangeas turn into a sage green color after blooming. They also dry very beautifully and can be used in arrangements. The picture of the roses blooming on the wall is not part of my garden, but a lovely one I found from www.sxc.hu. It reminds me of the poem—the Last Rose of Summer.

I hope all of you have had a nice summer. It has been a quick one for me—we took a trip to Tennessee, South Carolina, and Georgia to visit relatives, work on genealogy, and visit the University of Georgia-- my oldest son is considering attending graduate school there. We love to visit historical places, so we visited the Andrew Johnson home in Greenville, Tennessee, and Jonesbourgh, the oldest town in Tennessee. We also visited a quaint little town in South Carolina—Abbeville, which has been almost untouched by the rest of the world.

This was the hometown of my husband’s grandmother and we visited an old ancestral home-- the beautiful old Queen Anne Victorian. There were some wonderful antique shops along the way and, and of course I could not resist stopping in to look for a few treasures. It was a good summer.

American Heroes

2008-06-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

The birthday of our nation is always a time of celebration and patriotism, so I wanted to share a few pictures and thoughts from my little part of the world. Here are a few pictures of display items from my shop--vintage flags and an Americana tray with picture of our forefathers. There is also a picture of a banner that I made using fabric from an estate sale.

Here is a little handmade pincushion created from new and vintage materials. Standing atop the pincushion is a figure of George Washington found at an estate sale. His hand is on a Bible, and an image of the American flag is at his back. He is surrounded by a collection of new and vintage buttons and trims. Behind the figure, I sewed ribbon, tinsel, and wired gold beads to resemble fireworks.

There are many American heroes, and we need to remember them all. But I wanted to share one who was closest to me.

Here is a picture of my Dad, my American hero, who passed away last year. He was one of the bravest men I have ever known. He was a World War II veteran, who served in a medical unit in France during the Normandy invasion. One of his jobs was to pick up the wounded and dead on the beach during the invasion. There is also a picture of his medical unit the day before they shipped out to Omaha Beach on June 10, 1944. He is the tallest in the middle on the back row.

In June 1994 his family accompanied him back to Normandy, France for the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. I am including a picture of my Dad and family standing in front of the Pointe du Hoc, a famous landmark, on Omaha Beach in Normandy. We accompanied a group of other veterans who landed on D-Day in 1944. Many of them talked about how the landing did not go as the military had planned. It was difficult getting off the landing craft because of all the dead American bodies floating in the water. Some of the veterans were paratroopers who jumped into battle at the Saint Mere-Eglise church where a famous paratrooper hung from the church steeple for hours. These men were not fighting on American soil, but they were paying the price for freedom in another part of the world.

Most of us have lived in America without having to worry about freedom because someone else paid the price for us. On July 4, we need to remember those who have and continue to pay the price. I just want to keep my hand on that Bible like George Washington and say "Thank you for true American heroes."

Thank you for visiting and leaving comments. Happy 4th of July to all my friends and visitors!

The Sweet Fragrance of Magnolia

2008-06-12T17:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to say hello after a long absence... ...thanks to all of you who are still blogging. Sorry I have been away so long, but I'm dealing with empty nest syndrome. Both my boys moved out, and in addition to coping with change, I've been cleaning out clutter and trying to readjust my life. I have opened my store three days a week, Thursday-Saturday, and thought I would share some pictures from the store in addition to some things I've been working on.

In the store, I have a mix of vintage, new, and handmade. I enjoy floral design and finding new ways to use vintage items. I am including a picture of a wreath created using re-purposed silk flowers. There is also a picture of my latest creations--the little pincushions created from vintage goods. The pincushion pictured is one called "Southern Belle" because the little vintage figurine looks like one! She is currently for sale at Etsy. Thanks to all of you who visit my Etsy Store and my blog. One day the Rosemarys Garden website will be finished!

Now my thought for the day: "Faith isn't the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It is simply taking God at his word and taking the next step." Joni Eareckson Tada

I really feel like that's where I am right now. I've really been enjoying the sweet fragrance of magnolia blooms during my morning walks. I hope you have been enjoying your life. All my best to all of you.

Washington DC

2008-04-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

This week I accompanied my husband on a business trip to Washington DC, and the cherry trees there just happened to be in full bloom! I couldn't resist taking a few pictures to share with all of you. The blooms only last a couple of weeks, so I was blessed to be able to be there and see this beautiful sight.Most of our time was spent in business, but we did manage to visit a few shops and restaurants in Alexandria.

I hope that all of you are doing well and staying encouraged in your personal and business pursuits. Thanks to all of you who visit me and leave comments!

Gardening Angel

2008-03-28T18:15:00.000-07:00

Remember the Gardening Angel doll I was working on? I finally finished her! I have been working on several projects this week to place in my Etsy store.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Easter. My whole family came to my house, my sister and her husband, my two nieces, my two sons, and step-mom. Of course there was hubby and me also. We spent the day talking and relaxing. We made a pot of Earl Grey tea after dinner and ate the Easter cookies. I packaged some cookies for my nieces, ages 10 and 6. I asked them if they wanted to take some cookies home and they took them all!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T07:41:00.001-07:00

Hello, I just wanted to wish everyone Happy Easter, and share some of the things I've been doing lately. Here is a spring arrangement I did for my Easter table with pansies and bunny. I will be making a chicken casserole, strawberry pretzel salad, asparagus, carrots, and rolls.

I have always wanted to learn how to use the hand decorating bags for icing cookies so decided to try it. I made sugar cookies from a recipe out of the Huntsville Heritage Cookbook. The recipe is called "Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies" and the author said it was her great-grandmother's recipe. It is a great recipe, and the dough was very easy to work with. I would be happy to share it with anyone who is interested. The cookies baked well and didn't crumble.

I made icing from
egg whites, confectioner's sugar, and lemon juice. The consistency was good and easy to work with in the decorating bag.

I was pleased with the results, but need more practice! Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter with your family!

Thank you God for Spring

2008-03-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

I had hoped to take pictures of a doll to put on my post today, but I can’t seem to finish her. She is a gardening angel, and I will post her as soon as I finish. I am just going to say “Thank you God for spring, and the promise of new life.” My quince is blooming and the hydrangeas are beginning to bud. I hope we have some beautiful ones this year—it was such an awful summer last year with no rain and the painful loss of my father. Actually the last 2 years have been difficult for my family. In 8/06 my son was in a serious car accident, and we spent the last half of that year in therapy and recuperation. Then in 1/07 my father was diagnosed with cancer, so most of 2007 was spent in helping him get through the treatments and finally losing him in September 2007. He was such an inspiration in my life, and I will talk more about him later.

Needless to say, my business plans have progressed slowly. Maybe that was for the best, as it has given me time to see what is really important in life—God, family and relationships I am working on business plans to see what works best—my antique shop is not in a high traffic area—so I am in the process of developing a website. I seem to enjoy the more creative side of business, and would like to focus more on that. But I still have some local customers, so I am working on options for opening or closing the shop.

I hope I am not boring everyone with all my wanderings. If any of you have experiences that would help, please share them with me.

Thought for the day: There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter—Rachel Carson.

The Joy of Being Creative

2008-03-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
I am new to the blogging community. I'm not sure about how to do this, but I will give it my best. This really seems like a wonderful way to connect to you creative ones out there. Just wanted to share these little pot holders with you that I made. Collecting vintage fabrics is one of my hobbies and for years, I've had these little squares of veggie fabrics that I wanted to do something with--just didn't know what. I finally came up with this idea--some cute potholders! What do you think? Isn't it amazing that when you have an inspiration to create something and follow through--it brings joy! I hope you have a wonderful day and have some time to be creative.

Apple Cookies and the Sweet Simple Things of Life

2008-02-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

February 19, 2008

Today was my cleaning day at home, but I wanted to do something creative because that’s what I love to do! I decided to bake breakfast cookies for later since I had some apples that needed to be used. The recipe is from an old Quaker Oats recipe book, but my family affectionately calls them “Apple Cookies.” I have been baking them since my boys were toddlers, and they are now 26 and 27 and still love them! Here are some pictures I made during the cooking process.

Here is the recipe in case you want to try them. I always double the recipe because they disappear so quickly. They are excellent with coffee or for a quick breakfast when your family is in a hurry.

Apple & Cheese Pleasers

¾ cup all-purpose flour ( I use whole wheat flour)

2/3 cup butter, softened

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 ½ cups quick or old fashioned oats, uncooked

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped or grated apple ( I grate the apples because they blend into the batter easier)

¾ cup raisins (optional)

Combine flour, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder and salt in large bowl; mix well. Add oats, cheese and raisins; mix well. Stir in apple. Drop by heaping tablespoons onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in preheated 375° oven for 15—20 minutes or until golden brown. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator or loosely covered container at room temperature. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

And now the finished product! My husband showed up right after they came out of the oven. “ The cooking aroma of these cookies is irresistible” he says.

Now my thoughts for the day. “Let us believe that God is in all our simple deeds and learn to find Him there.” A.W. Tozer

“I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” Laura Ingalls Wilder

I hope that you will be inspired to develop the gift that God has placed in your life, whatever that may be. Love and Blessings, Rosemary

Sunday Night Supper

2008-02-28T17:40:00.001-08:00

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Tonight I basically cleaned out my refrigerator and used what was there to create dinner. This was the end result--a pasta salad! I sliced yellow squash and onion, then sauteed in extra-virgin olive oil. I then added a package of chopped tofu, a can of drained red kidney beans and some cooked whole wheat pasta. I added some grape tomatoes, cucumbers, and some organic spring mix. We ate with salad dressing and some grated cheese. Everyone seemed to enjoy!