peace

Red, Entry and December

Posted on by mjlarter2

December 2023 – gone – and another year is over again. Where did that year go?

The older I get the quicker the time flies past. I think that is so unfair! I have so much to do still and, while I’m healthy and mentally okay, time should be more flexible – don’t you agree?

Entry into the year 2024 is full of hope. This New Year will be a great year – the drama of the Covid shutdowns, masks and fear are hopefully behind us. Although I have to admit the media absolutely loves finding another drama to push our contented lives into disarray.

Begin this year by trying on the mantle of kindness. Hug a loved-one, just because you want to. Compliment a stranger just because you can. If you are ever in a queue – let someone in before you. The smiles you receive are worth the effort.

The Ukraine/Russian war still rages on, now overtaken by the muddle that is Israel and Gaza. I feel so much for the families of all sides that experience that loss of peace, the death of family members and the destruction of home and hearth. It makes me see red that politicians have to flex power muscles like young children – you know – ‘my Dad’s better than your Dad’ type scenarios.

But they play with people’s lives and the planet’s health.

It is time all countries stop thinking of a small section of the Earth and realise that without a planet we have nowhere to live and no-one wins. Greed and power are useless emotions when life and our planet is forfeit. I’ve coined a new word – we should all be Earthians.

This year, I will endeavour to give you, each month, a FREE recipe, FREE knitting pattern and a FREE short story for your reading pleasure, so keep scrolling to find your free gifts.

 Let me know your thoughts on the content of my blog – DM me at my facebook page for more information and feel free to follow me.

My three new picture books launched in 2023 are:-  Still only AU$18 each. Want a catalogue? Let me know by direct message.

FREE story to read.

A new beginning.

A short story for the start of a New Year.

Nadia spread the blanket over the sand and sat down. The beach was deserted. English people weren’t silly enough to come down to the coast during winter. They were home in the warmth, enjoying the aftermath of Christmas – of too much food, too much drink and too many relatives and visitors. She pulled her sweater collar up to protect her nose from the cold.  The water would be frigid now, but she didn’t feel like swimming anyway. Somehow, the troubles of the past year began to uncoil from her mind as the solitude worked it’s magic.

It wasn’t long before an inquisitive seagull arrived and regarded her curiously. She didn’t take any notice, and the bird soon flew away. Several other seagulls swooped down, but quickly realised that there was no food being offered and didn’t stay. The sea was calm and the temperature pleasant. The monotonous sloshing of the waves soon lulled Nadia into a mesmerized stare. Somewhere, deep down in her mind, the unhappiness of the last year drained away.

 “Hello!” a male voice said, causing Nadia to startle. She turned and then smiled. It was so nice to see the man standing there. He looked concerned.

“I saw you from my holiday home up there,” he explained, waving his hand in the general direction of the street above. “Are you okay?”

Nadia nodded.

“Just enjoying the peace – even the seagulls are leaving me alone!”

The man laughed.

“They know you have no food!”

“Thank you for checking on me,” Nadia added. “I only arrived this morning and I couldn’t wait to come down here and enjoy the calmness.”

“Yes,” The man agreed. “I love it here, too. By the way, my name is David.”

“Nice to meet you,” Nadia replied. “I’m Nadia.”

“Mind if I join you?” he asked.

Nadia shifted slightly and patted the blanket. She felt the thrill of the attraction for this man. 

“Please do.”

David sat and they both stared out to the ocean for a while. David quietly reached for Nadia’s hand and she shifted just a little closer.

It was going to be hard, but Nadia and David had to do something to revive their marriage, and this get-away seemed the perfect answer.

FREE recipe to try.

HOMEMADE ONION SOUP MIX

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dried onion
  • 4 beef stock cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredient and seal in an airtight container.
  2. Store in the cupboard up to 6 months.
  3. Five tablespoons = 1 packet of soup mix

Recipe Notes:-

 I dried my onion and garlic (separately) before I blitzed them to form a powder. I had to put the dehydrator outside as the smell was too overpowering in the house.

This mix was also useful as a seasoning mix for gravy, stews  etc.

FREE knitting pattern to make.

Ear-warmer headbands.

Using 6 mm needles, cast on 14 stitches.

Knit each row until the strip measures 17 inches.

Cast off.

Stitch together the short ends.

This pattern is extremely simple and great for beginners. You can vary it by using different coloured yarn, or different pattern stitches as well as the method of stitching together.

IF THE ABOVE KNITTING PATTERN DOESN’T MAKE SENSE, OR YOU CAN’T KNIT – PERHAPS YOU’D LIKE TO BUY ONE OF THE ONES IN THE PICTURES BELOW. AU$5ea plus postage (AU$3extra)

Return, Everyday and Drudgery.

Posted on by mjlarter2

Don’t believe the title!

Sure, I have returned from my holiday with my daughter, when I went fishing, shopping and eating in a nice, if noisy, restaurant. (not worth the price of the meal, I might add.)

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, sitting, ocean, sky, mountain, outdoor and nature

Yes- that’s me! Out on the boat catching the most fish that day.

Yes, I have returned to the everyday chores of my home life after the silly season. (I’m sure we all gave a collected sigh of relief for another year!)

But DRUDGERY? No way!

If life came down to a dull, painful monotonous day, would it be worth living?

Now, I know many people, as they age, can not do too much, due to health problems. but I decided many years ago, to not give in to aging. I saw my grandmother go downhill rapidly when she decided she was ‘old’ and therefore couldn’t do anything. She gave up knitting, sewing, gardening and reading. All these things had been her normal life, but as soon as she gave them up, she became a shell of her former self.

Not for me!!

The old saying – ‘to grow old gracefully’ should be changed to – ‘to grow old DISgracefully’ That is my idea to make sure I keep young. The more interests and the busier you are, the better for the body and the mind. I ‘do’ even if I don’t feel like it – once my day becomes active (either with the body or the mind) I feel better immediately.

I knit, crochet, garden, write and read. I socialize, I market on the computer and I publish other people’s books. I teach piano and violin and keep bees, cows and chickens.

meandbees

Only two hives, but they keep me well supplied with honey. I’m giving a workshop here for Landcare, about keeping bees.

I cook – making sure I get whole, fresh produce every meal.

I make my own mayonnaise, peanut butter, muesli (granola) with my own home-grown fruit, dehydrated in my own dehydrator and more. I endeavour to cook a variety of food, so that my body gets a load of different vitamins and nutrients every day.

Here is a typical weekly menu – but, remember, it changes every week.

Monday: Breakfast :- 1 egg on a slice of multi-grain toasted bread. Lunch: – salad wrap, with lettuce/tomato/cucumber/ mayo/ ham and pickled onion (my bit of fermented food)) in a Quinoa wrap. Dinner:- Sweet and sour Pork with rice (include capsicum/onion/pineapple/broccoli and carrot in the stir fry). for my homemade s/s sauce see recipe later)

Tuesday:- Breakfast:- 1 cup granola with 1 cup milk ( and a touch of sugar – optional). Lunch:- 2 egg mushroom omelet. Dinner:- Crumbed chicken thigh or breast and vegetables – generally carrot, peas and potatoes.

Wednesday:- Breakfast:- 1 weetbix with 1/2 sliced banana (or diced strawberries, blueberries) with 1 cup milk. Lunch:- Tuna and avocado with mayo and corn sandwich. Dinner:- Spaghetti Bolognaise.

Thursday:- Breakfast: 1 cup of yoghurt with diced fresh fruit and a sprinkle of granola to add texture. Lunch:- Bubble and squeak ( leftover potato from previous night with onion and cabbage.) Dinner:- Satay chicken stir fry with vegetables and rice.

Friday:- Breakfast:- 1 egg, (scrambled). Lunch:- Caesar Salad. Dinner:- Macaroni cheese with mixed vegetables on the side.

You get the idea!

I was thinking of putting out a cook book called ‘For one and only” as most cookbooks are for a family, and as I live alone, not really relevant for me. 

What do you think?

Oh – and here’s the sweet and sour sauce recipe:-

Sweet and Sour Sauce:

1 cup Pineapple juice (with water)

2 tblspns cornflour

¼ cup vinegar

¼ cup brown sugar

2 tblspns soy sauce

2-3 tblspns tomato sauce

1 cup chopped onions

1 ¼ cup of pineapple pieces

2-3 drops of red food colouring (optional)

other chopped vegetables as desired. (carrot, cabbage, broccoli etc.)

  1. Blend cornflour, pineapple juice and vinegar in a saucepan.
  2. Soak onion in red colouring for a few minutes.
  3. Add everything to saucepan except pineapple pieces.
  4. Bring to boil, stirring constantly. Serve with rice. Serves 4. 
  5. Veg can be par cooked if desired.
  6. I bottle extra and keep in fridge for a little while – using the next week with a different meat – pork, or chicken or diced lamb – it can also be used with just vegetables for vegetarians)

P.S. Don’t forget to have a quick look at my second and third page. There is a new story  (The Killing) up to read on page 2 ( readeatdream.net/free-childrens-picture-book ) and some art for sale – will be doing some T-shirts soon) ( readeatdream.net/sweetfields-products-and-mykelcee-designs )

slower

 

 

Reactions, Educate and Dairy.

Posted on by mjlarter2

Gosh a fortnight goes quickly!

It is time to post another article about my thoughts and life – although why anyone would find that interesting, beats me!

Judging people always seems to me to be an exercise in futility. We all have challenges and obstacles in our lives, and that is what makes us who we are. Reactions to our hurts, worries and doubts often cause us to react to other people, often with anger, and they react right back. It can cause heart ache and misunderstanding.

Always treat people the way you would like to be treated – I know that is difficult sometimes, but kindness, tolerance and love are emotions we feel, and they shouldn’t be buried. We need to educate ourselves to show these qualities, so that we can reach the happiness we all deserve.

Now that I’ve done my preaching for the day, I should give you something to enjoy.

I’ve already given you a great recipe for ice-cream ( see Archives – May 27th – you can find that by clicking on the bars on the right hand corner of my site). I often give you icerecipes – and I don’t consider gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian or allergy making ingredients.

I’m sorry.

I will try to find a great tasting treat to include all those things.

What about :- No cook, Apricot balls?apricot No – that’s no good – it includes dairy.

What about :- Christmas mince pies? No – that’s no good, there is dairy in the pastry and                              gluten, too!

What about :-  My favourite – savoury mince with rice? – Obviously no good – it includes                               meat!mince

Well, that took care of my ideas for a recipe  … so … instead of a recipe today, I thought I’d give you something to make for a Christmas gift – after all, Christmas is fast approaching. This is a knitting project.

Knitted Slippers – can be made in any size – from baby to adult.

slipperUse 8 ply wool or acrylic yarn, double strand, and size 6.00mm needles (remember I live in Australia – use the equivalent in your country.) 2 x 100gm balls in two different colours makes two slippers for an adult.

Cast on (using two strands) 17 (23, 29, 35,or 41) stitches, depending on the size you require.

Row 1: Knit

Row 2: Knit 5 (7 – 9 – 11 – 13), Purl 1, Knit 5 (7 – 9 -11 – 13), Purl 1, Knit 5 (7 – 9 – 11 – 13)

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until there are 11 (13 – 15 – 17 – 19) ridges on the right side, ending with a row 2.

Shape toe:

Row 1: Purl 1 Knit 1 across the row.

Row 2: Knit 1 Purl 1 across the row.

Repeat these two rows until you have 9 (11 – 13 – 15 – 17) rows worked.  Break off yarn, leaving a length of about 10 inches to use for stitching together. Slip the thread through the stitches on the needle, casting off and pulling the thread tight to form the toe shape. Sew to the beginning of ribbing. Fold in half and sew inside seam for centre back. Add a pompom or button or bow (use your creativity) to finish off. Make a second one to finish the pair.

Knit a pair for each member of your family.

With Kindness

Maureen

quakeP.S. A new short story is up on the next page. An amusing true story!! – readeatdream.net/free-childrens-picture-book

 

 

Rocks, Echinacea and Disease.

Posted on by mjlarter2

Over the last weeks, we have all been on the edge of our seats as the boys in Thailand were trapped, then rescued from their prison beneath the earth.  It must have been terrifying for them all, in the dark and not knowing when or if they would ever be rescued. The wonder of a cave expedition would have lost its shine very quickly.cave

But, you know, that is what life is like. We all seem to be fumbling around in the dark, hoping we won’t hit the rocks and obstacles of depression, tragedy, violence, stress and disease. We all hope for the light at the end of the tunnel, looking for love and meaning in our lives, for happiness and success.

Remember though, never give up hope. Life can be wonderful, whatever the circumstances. Fight on – like those young boys, keeping each other lifted up with warmth and kindness. Be the coach, with your kindness to others, and your never ending gift of hope.

I commend all the rescuers and their dedication – it is wonderful what can be achieved with the will to help, and the strength of working together towards a common goal. It gives me hope for the human race when I see the energy of our psyches working together with love to better the world, and it certainly bettered the life of a team of boys and all their loved ones.

My condolences go out to the Navy Seal’s family, who lost a brave soul, and to the diver daisiesfrom Australia who put the boys lives first before his own family’s tragedy.

 

With that being said, my blogs are always based on the three words of my title – R.E.D.  today the Echinacea word has been left as a symbol of the effect of love over the cold of the caves that the boys experienced.

Let’s hope their lives will be lived out with happiness and gratitude for the beauties this earth gives every day.

With kindness

Maureen

P.S.Be sure to check out my second and third pages – free books and art to buy. Keep smiling – life can always get better.

 

Radishes, Eastern and Dahlias.

Posted on by mjlarter2

Did you know that after the atomic bomb hit Japan and there was so much destruction, the first things that were grown – on a hospital window sill – were radishes?

This gave hope to the devastated people.

War is so terrible – innocent people get hurt with horrific wounds, let alone be killed. I saw the effects in Cambodia, and yet – still – somewhere on the planet, there is war. It doesn’t seem to matter where you are, peace is hard to maintain. It makes me sad.

I live on the Eastern side of Australia, and even here, there are crimes, anger and violence within homes and communities. Seems to be that humans can’t learn – and the urge to violence is in all of us. If we can’t get along with our family or friends or near community, how an earth can there ever be peace on Earth?

What with guns used indiscriminately and cruelties against women, the world, for all its beauty, is an uncomfortable place to be at times. I have just about finished a novel about domestic violence – so much in the news at present – and it wasn’t an easy book to write. It is called ‘Ordeal by Innocence’ and should be available soon. Book cover by Francessca Wingfield. OrdealbyIa

OK – enough! Lets\’s talk about other things.

Here is a lovely salad recipe, using radishes, from Coles free magazine – February 2017 Page 4 – feel free to go and look at all the free magazines at you leisure. img257

( http://www.coles.com.au/magazine#view=catalogue2&saleId=15442&page=4 )

The other thing that happened this week was our local country town show. Country shows in Australia are the event to show off our produce, stock and horses. imagesaSo there are judging for cows and calves/ sheep and goats. Even poultry. In the pavilion, we have knitting, crotchet, quilling, quilting and dressmaking. We also have flowers such as Dahlias,downloaddroses, lilies and plants of all kinds. Everything is judged and gets a ribbon.

The schools also enter displays.

clownSide-show alley is alive and well, and stalls sell all sorts of things.

 

Tractors, mowers and machinery are all on show. We have a rodeo one nightdownloadf, and a demolition derby on the next.downloadb

 

 

 

 

Great fun for all ages and on top of that gives the next year’s entries something to dream about.

With Kindness

Maureen

P.S. – Here is a lovely picture book for children about a concert or show. “Ben Brolga’s BenfrontBand’ is about Australian birds that dance, and they form a band, giving a concert to all there friends in the bush. It is FREE if you email me for it. My email is maureenlarter@gmail.com

This is also shown on my next page.