Wednesday Hodgepodge - 08/24/16

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting on the porch and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. It's National Waffle Day (August 24th)...what decision are you currently 'waffling over'? (or share one you've recently 'waffled over')

I don't "waffle" very often, I'm very decisive and have been that way for a very long time. My corporate career as a project manager has taught me that waffling adds time and usually expense to any task, project, or event.  I do LOVE waffles though!

2. It's the middle of August, but I'm already seeing lots of autumn-related posts. Do you think we rush the seasons? If so, does that bother you? 

Yes, rushing the seasons does bother me...alot!  But I am also guilty of 'feeding the retail frenzy'; I was looking at Halloween Decorations at Costco in July... Just today I read an article about decorating your mantel for fall...I just can't help myself! Soon I will be planning for Christmas, I'm sure Costco is already stocking the aisles with Red and Green Sparkly things...  

I saw (here) an end of summer bucket list that included-

make s'mores, read a new (or favorite) book in the park, eat something delicious and bad for you at a state fair, be a tourist for the day, have a pot luck picnic, book a last minute summer getaway, relax by or in the pool, take a hike to watch the sunset, have a day on the lake, try a new summer recipe

Which activities on the list might you squeeze in before summer officially comes to a close? 

I live 15 minutes from a beautiful mountain lake...I have not been there yet.  That is the number one thing on our bucket list for the end of summer. We might even rent a pontoon to cruise around the lake.

3. Your favorite summertime 'art' found in nature?

Hostas!  I love the texture, the dimension, and the subtlety of these shade loving plants. Here in the mountains we have ample shade from towering Oaks and many other native trees. Hostas thrive here. I find the range of color and texture beautiful!

4. Stephen R. Covey is quoted as saying 'We judge ourselves by our intentions, and others by their actions.' Agree or no? Do you define yourself based on your intentions, your actions, or something else? 

I judge myself and others for that matter, by actions. Why? because I know others will judge me by my actions and I want them to see the same person that I see.  The person that leads by example and is never accused of her actions speaking louder than her words.  I'm not always successful at this, but I try everyday to hold to that self image.

5. Are you useful in a crisis? Elaborate. 

I've been called "the rock of gibraltar" during a crisis situation.  I can hold it all together like nobodies business. I am calm, shy, and quiet under normal circumstances, but I'm also a natural leader. I'm not sure why, but people follow me and believe in me.  I think that is why I was successful as a project manager of very large construction projects and complicated IT project deployments...people trusted in me and my decisions. In a crisis you've got to be organized...luckily, I have that skill in spades!

6. What's been your go-to dish this summer? Is it something you'll continue making as the seasons change?

I don't cook much, my Sweetie does the cooking in our family. So, my favorite go-to-dish is the delicious Chicken Salad sandwich with a bowl of soup at my favorite lunch spot - Cantaberry trackside in my home town - Blue Ridge, GA.

7. Adult coloring books are a thing now. Have you jumped on the bandwagon? If not is this something you think you might enjoy?

No, I haven't jumped on the current bandwagon, but in my college years I did.  There were not "Adult" coloring books then, but I did have a large poster that was made for coloring. I would take time out from my classes and spend an hour or two coloring; it was very relaxing. The poster was of wild animals in a jungle setting, being an art major, I had every color of marker available so my finished poster was very vibrant.  I wish I still had it, but the many moves after college while I "Found" myself took a toll on the poster.  It was eventually destroyed...so sad.

8.  Insert your own random thought here. 

Thank You for all the prayers, well wishes, healing spiritual thoughts, and love with healing juju! Never underestimate the power of prayer and healing love....I was suffering one of my chronic sciatica attaches and asked for help with healing. After countless messages of healing, I was able to get out of bed and the house for that cuban sandwich I was craving....Ahhhh life is good!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, 

Tennessee Craft Show....

I will be a vendor selling my original handmade jewelry at this event.

It will be a FABULOUS Barn Sale with High Quality Arts/Crafts/Handmade Items, Women's Shabby Chic/Boho/Vintage Style Boutique Clothing, Vintage Items & Antiques! 

Vicki MacNeil Hentz Gould will be Performing Live!

Good Ol' Sloppy Top & Music City Blazin' BBQ will Have Their Delicious Food Trucks There!

Old McDonald Farm will have Their Cow Coaster, Offering Rides for the Children for Only $2!

They will also be Selling Their Homemade Lemonade!

Food, Fun & Shopping!

FREE ENTRY!!!

The 1st 100 Customers will Receive a Bag of Coupons to Use at the Sale!

Please stop by my both and mention this blog post for a 10% discount!

Cheers!

Lori Dorrington

Lori's Glassworks

S'mores...

S'Mores Bars - a fabulous treat without having to build a campfire!

Ingredients: 

• 2½ C graham cracker crumbs
• ¾ C butter, melted
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 C mini marshmallows
• 1 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 C broken graham cracker pieces
• 2 (1.55 oz) chocolate bars, broken into pieces

Instructions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into prepared baking dish. Spread sweetened condensed milk over the top.
3. Sprinkle half of marshmallows, all of the chocolate chips, and graham crackers over the top.
4. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining marshmallows. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until marshmallows are browned and edges are golden.
5. Remove from oven and place chocolate pieces on top. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into pieces and serving. Bars will still be gooey but will hold together. For best results, allow to cool completely.
6. Enjoy!

Cheers! 

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

Wednesday Hodgepodge - 08/10/16

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting on the porch and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. Are you watching the Olympics? Your favorite summer Olympic event? I read recently a list of the most iconic Olympic moments in history...what stands out in your mind as a great moment from some past summer Olympic games?

Torch lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece

Yes I've been watching when I can; I love the gymnastic events. I stayed up way too late watching the team finals last night.

I was at the Atlanta Opening Ceremony in 1996, I watched Mohammad Ali light the Cauldron at the end of the opening ceremony.  It was very touching, I shed a few tears and cheered for his appearance even though his Parkinson's disease was very advanced. His mobility and balance was an issue at the time, but he faced the challenges with grace and strength.    

2. Have you ever been to Rio? How about the place that started it all-Greece? Have you ever been to any of the Olympic Games in person? Is that something you'd like to do? Have you ever met an Olympian in person?

I have not been to Rio.  I have been to Olympia, Greece. I stood on the playing field that the ancient Olympians used for the first Olympics. There are still marble starting blocks, used in the competitions. I was surprised at the fact that women were not allowed to watch the games, the men competed naked!

I attended many of the events in Atlanta 1996 - I worked for The Home Depot, they were the one of the major sponsors,.  Tickets to various events were issued to employees as service awards.  

3. The ball's in their court (tennis), cross the finish line (track and field), on target (archery), make a splash (diving), on a roll (gymnastics), out of one's depth (swimming)...which Olympic-related idiom best applies to your life right now? Explain.

"Make a Splash" - Last weekend we attended my 40th high school reunion in Merrillville, Indiana.  I was responsible for organizing the pre-party on Friday night: Sit down dinner followed by Cocktails at the Pool Bar.  The event was a huge success!  I "made a splash" with a great event for my former classmates.

4. What have you earned a 'gold medal' in recently?

I need a gold medal for keeping my mouth shut during our 10 hour drive to Indiana.  My husband is an aggressive driver and I'm a backseat driver....a bad combination on a long road trip!

5. What is it (or who is it) that motivates you to eat right, exercise, and do what you can to be healthy?

My Husband has been my cheerleader and my rock over the last year...I've lost 100 pounds, been hospitalized twice and spent several weeks with a walker due to a hairline fracture in my hip.  My sweetie was there for the good and the bad, always with a positive word and a smile on his face. He motivates me every day!

6. Are you young at heart or an old soul? Explain.

My outlook on life has always been "young at heart"....but physical challenges with arthritis and diabetes make me feel like an "old soul".

7. It's National S'mores Day (August 10th)...are you a fan? Will you celebrate with a s'more today?

We go tent camping several times a year, s'mores are always on the menu (yummy).  It's just too hot here in Georgia for a campfire tonight, so  s'mores will have to wait until fall.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

This weekend at my High School Reunion I realized the most important reason to attend a High School Reunion is:

People do change...

A big reason why people don’t return for their reunions is that they hated being in high school and why return to the scene of four years of misery?  I realized this about myself and everyone else (well almost everyone else), we have long since shed our teenage self-doubt, painful shyness, and clique noteworthy behaviors.  It’s no longer about whom you were then, it’s about who you are today.  Trust me; people do change, they will be interested in your journey and the changes that have taken place over the years. I had a blast reconnecting with my classmates.

Mermaid's Tears...

The Legend of Mermaid Tears... Sea maidens could change the mighty course of nature, but were forbidden to do so by Neptune, the stern, watchful god of the sea. One dark, storm-ravaged night, with sails ripping and masts cracking, a schooner fought to find safety in Friendly Cove off Nootka Island in the San Juan I. The ship was familiar to the mermaid who swam along its side . . . she had weathered many crossings with the ship and its captain. As the ship heeled in the violent wind, the captain lost his hold on the wheel, tumbling perilously close to the raging sea. In an instant, the mermaid calmed the wind and tamed the waves, changing the course of nature and saving the life of a man she had grown to love from afar. For her impetuous act, Neptune banished the sobbing mermaid to the oceans depths, condemning her for eternity never to surface or swim with the ships again. To this day, her gleaming tears wash up on the beaches as sea glass . . . crystalline treasures in magic sea colors, an eternal reminder of true love.

I received a shipment of Genuine Sea Glass from Crete, Greece this week. Naturally produced sea glass ("genuine sea glass") originates as pieces of glass from broken bottles, broken tableware, or even shipwrecks, are rolled and tumbled in the ocean for years until all of their edges are rounded off, and the slickness of the glass has been worn to a frosted appearance.

This is my shipment of "Mermaid Tears". 

I've been using the glass to make necklaces for an upcoming craft show, I will be a vendor. Here is an example of what I'm making, I've added tiny pearls....

Thanks for stopping by today, let me know what you think of my designs.  Which is your favorite?

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA