Showing posts with label Challenges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Challenges. Show all posts

Saturday, February 3, 2024

Saturday 9: Poor Little Fool

Ricky Nelson. I grew up listening to Ricky and have always liked his music. He was my mom's favorite and her teenage crush. 

I think I've shared the story before, but back in 1985 my husband and I were living in Orlando, Florida. My parents came to visit us during the Christmas season. A few days after Christmas, Nelson was scheduled to give a free concert in downtown Orlando. My mom, of course, wanted to go very much. The rest of the family not so much. We talked Mom out of it, giving her all kinds of reasons, including how crowded it would be. Mom was out numbered so we didn't go. Two days later Ricky Nelson died in a plane crash. To this day Mom will remind me that I kept her from her only chance of seeing her idol.

Saturday 9: Poor Little Fool (1958)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Ricky Nelson sings of a girl with "carefree devil eyes." Are your eyes your best feature? If not, what is?  When I was younger I'd have said they were, but my eyes are heavy lidded and that just gets worse as you get older and everything starts to sag...even the eyelids. So, I guess these days I'd say my smile.

2) "Poor Little Fool" literally arrived at Ricky's doorstep. A pretty girl knocked on his front door, and played and sang her original composition for him. Who has most recently knocked on your front door (or rung the bell)?  Nobody uses our front door. We use our side door. The last to knock would have been our daughter last evening. She came to get the kids and walk up to my mom's with me for a birthday party for Mom's dog. Yeah, Mom had cupcakes and ice cream for the dog.

3) That girl was Sharon Sheeley. A teen model in Los Angeles during the 1950s, she met many of the early rock stars at promotional events. Elvis encouraged her to follow her heart and start writing songs, so she did. Who have you advised recently? Did they take your advice?  I'm sure it was our daughter. She's always calling and asking for advice, but much like her father, she tends not to take it unless someone else confirms it.

4) With the success of "Poor Little Fool," Sharon gave up modeling and concentrated on music. Her songs were recorded by singers such as Richie Valens, Glen Campbell and Johnny Rivers. How many different occupations have you tried? Which was your favorite?  I think I've tried six. My favorite, by far, is my current one working with developmentally disabled adults.

5) Ricky Nelson was the son of Ozzie and Harriet and brother of David Nelson. They began performing together as a family with their radio program The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. They took the show to television in 1952, where they were referred to as "The Most Famous Family in America." What TV family would you like to hang around with?  They were an unconventional family, but I'd choose the Full House clan. There was a lot of love and a lot of fun in that house.

6) While Ricky eventually became the audience favorite, he wasn't initially a likely candidate for stardom. A producer described him as "an odd little kid," shy and small for his age. In those early days, big brother David was more outgoing and considered a natural actor. Thinking back to your preteen years, were you more like David or Rick?  Ricky, I think. I've always gone to the beat of my own drum and never quite fit with the "in" crowd.

7) Ricky never got over his shyness. He often closed his eyes as he sang on camera or before an audience because it helped him battle his nerves and concentrate on the music. Fan magazine oohed and aahed over his beautiful long lashes and young girls fantasized about Ricky closing his eyes before leaning in for a kiss. Who was your big pre-teen crush?  In my pre-teen years it was definitely Donny Osmond. Once I hit my teens there were many others. Shawn Cassidy, Rick Springfield, Scott Baio, Rex Smith, Clark Brandon, Erik Estrada, Andy Gibb....

8) In 1958, when "Poor Little Fool" was #1, American women were shopping for Italian-inspired footwear. Heels were lower, and the leather was textured and less shiny that the popular patent leather of years gone by. If you were to go shoe shopping today, what would you be looking for?  Over-all comfort and good arch support. I don't even care (much) what they look like these days. It just about kills me. I was a shoe girl when I was younger and wore heels all the time.

9) Random question -- Which of these parties sounds like the most fun: a) one you host yourself; b) one at a friend's home; c) a surprise party in your honor?  Either one I host myself or a surprise party in my honor. Either way I'd probably know everyone and be comfortable schmoozing. I hate being thrown into a crowd where I don't really know the other guests.

Thanks, Sam, for the music and questions.

Play along here.

Friday, October 21, 2022

Blog Challenge: Day 21

It's another gorgeous fall day here...sunny and near 70 degrees...and it's only going to get better Saturday and Sunday. I kept Leah this morning so Megan could get some medical tests done and apply for a job at a local nursing home. It was so good to see Leah come through the door smiling and happy.

Yesterday when I picked Leah up from school, the teachers brought her out to me first. She was not feeling well at all. She was asleep before I even got off the school grounds and before we got home she got sick all over herself and her car seat. She was just completely out of it so Megan and I took her to MedExpress to get checked out (they are in the process of switching pediatricians and the paperwork hasn't gone through completely). They found both of her ears were pretty seriously infected and started her on antibiotics. She slept straight through the night and while still congested and doing a bit of coughing, she obviously feels a lot better. Thanking the Lord for that! I don't think there is anything worse than when a little one is sick.

Today's prompt:  Share 5 things you need to do less often.
  1. Procrastinate.
  2. Say "yes" to all my daughter's demands for help.
  3. Waste time on the laptop.
  4. Eat out.
  5. Give in to impulse buys.

Thursday, October 20, 2022

Blog Challenge: Day 20

Today's prompt:  What's the best and worst thing about being your current age?

The best thing is definitely being a grandmother. Those precious children are definitely life's reward for surviving the raising of my own children. Ha! Seriously, it's an easier relationship, somehow, even though I share quite a bit in their care due to work schedules and their mom's health issues. They bring me such happiness.

The worst thing is the body that is getting older and has lots of aches and pains and miscellaneous ailments...it sometimes prevents me from doing things I would like to do.






Wednesday, October 19, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Day 19

Today's prompt:  Share a quote to live by. Why did you pick this particular quote?

"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with[d] every secret thing, whether good or evil."  -Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

I chose this quote because I am currently studying Ecclesiastes in my small group and this particular verse really sums up all that Solomon was trying to teach his son. To live in reverence of God and obey the precepts that he has set forth is really all the Christian life boils down to. Once you have confessed your sins and need of a Savior and have accepted the gift of mercy and grace that is offered, this is what it all boils down to. Love God, love others, do what is right.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Days 17 & 18

Day 17 prompt:  What thoughts have you been repeating in your head lately? Are they true?

For the most part, it's been "You need to find a job." And yes, it's true.


Day 18 prompt:  One thing you dream about doing is______.

Renting a big house in Chincoteague and treating the family to a vacation. 

Sunday, October 16, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Days 15 & 16 (A Taste of Fall)

Day 15 promptRound up your favorite pumpkin recipes.

PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES:
  •  1/2 Cup Butter (Sweet Cream Salted)
  •  1 Cup Sugar
  •  2 Eggs
  •  1 Cup Canned Pumpkin
  •  2 Cups Flour
  •  4 tsp. Baking Powder
  •  1 tsp. Salt
  •  2 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
  •  1/2 tsp. Nutmeg
  •  1/4 tsp. Ginger
  •  1 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional)
  •  Cookie Sheets
  •  Parchment Paper


CINNAMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
  •  1/2 Cup Butter (Sweet Cream Salted)
  •  8 oz. block of Cream Cheese
  •  3 tsp. Vanilla
  •  4 cups Powdered Sugar
  •  1 tsp. Cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS
PUMPKIN SPICE COOKIES:
  1. In a mixer cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs and pumpkin and mix well.
  3. Sift flour, baking powder, salt and spices together and fold into cookie batter.
  4. Mix until well blended.
  5. Drop a spoonful of the cookie batter onto a cookie sheet.
  6. Bake in a 350 degree oven for approximately 15 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool.
  8. Frost with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

PUMPKIN CHILI:

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp canola oil
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 oz garlic (4-6 cloves)
  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 12 oz diced pumpkin (half of a small (2.5 lbs) cooking pumpkin)
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • cup beef stock
  • 8 oz tomato sauce
  • oz tomato paste
  • cup pumpkin puree
  • 15 oz can kidney beans
  • 15 oz can white beans
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tbsp white granulated sugar
  • salt
  • fresh cracked black pepper

  • Start by cutting pumpkin and other veggies. 
    To cut pumpkin: pop the stem off with a large knife (knife always facing away from you) and cut pumpkin in half. Scoop out seeds and membrane. I like to use an ice cream scoop because it easily scoops up the membrane. Cut pumpkin halves in two and peel the tough skin off with a vegetable peeler.
  • Dice pumpkin, onions, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Try to get the cuts as even as possible.
  • Preheat the pot over medium heat and add oil. 
  • Add onions and saute until transparent. 
  • Add tomatoes, pumpkin, and bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes. 
  • Smash garlic, mince it and add it to the veggies. Stir and cook until veggies are softened. 
  • Take veggies out of the pot and set aside. 
  • In the same pot, cook ground beef until browned, breaking up all the clumps. Season with some salt and pepper as it cooks. 
  • Add veggies back to the pot and stir.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and stir in stock, pumpkin puree, tomato sauce and tomato paste. 
  • Strain most of the liquid from the beans and add them to the pot. Gently stir everything well. Bring to boil.
  • Lower heat to low and stir in sugar, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Taste to check if more salt and spice is desired.
  • Cover, leaving a small crack for steam to escape, and cook for about an hour. Remember to stir once in a while to ensure even cooking.

Day 16 promptMake a post of only pictures that shows fall in your area.












Friday, October 14, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Days 13 & 14

Sorry to be doubling up again. My laptop is not working well and getting to a point where I can write a post is painstakingly slow. I should probably drop it at the repair center next week, though I am afraid they will tell me it's just time for a new one. I mention this so you'll know what happened if I disappear for a while...as far as posts go. I can visit you and comment on your blogs using my phone, but I hate trying to do a post from my phone and won't be doing that.

Now that you know, let's get on with the challenge.


Day 13 Prompt:  List ten things that make you happy.

  1. Husband
  2. Grandchildren
  3. Daughter
  4. Pets
  5. A beautiful fall day
  6. Books
  7. Friends
  8. Music
  9. Chinese food
  10. Comfortable shoes


Day 14 Prompt:  What song evokes the best memories for you?

So many songs bring back great memories, but today I will go with the one that is also my favorite song...Piano Man by Billy Joel. Nothing takes me back to my college days faster than hearing it come on the radio. My friends and I liked to go to a particular fraternity party every Friday night. Being regulars we got to know the brothers and the other regulars. Every week the party ended with everyone in a circle, arms around each other belting out Piano Man. It was a good crowd and good times. When I hear those first notes I am instantly back there, smiling and singing along.


 

Wednesday, October 12, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Day 12

Today's Prompt:  What kind of business would you love to start and would you want to run it?

There are three types of businesses I think would be awesome to start and run, because what fun would it be if you weren't hands on? Anyway, the first of the three is an antiques or vintage shop. I love looking at and hunting for antiques and vintage furnishings so running a shop would be fun, I think. The second would be a book shop. I would sell new books, but also have a section for used books. There would definitely be a cozy area to relax and read and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The third shop would be a thrift store, perhaps a consignment store. It would be full to overflowing with the most surprising things.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Days 8, 9, 10 & 11

Um, yeah...so I'm not doing so great at keeping up with the blog challenge, but I wasn't expecting the last few days to be so busy. So here I am playing catch-up.

Day 8 Prompt:  Make a "fourth-quarter" goals list for the end of this year.

Alrighty then. I'm going to warn you. I stink at setting goals...or maybe it's the actual achieving of them. Whatever the case, here's my list.

  • Find a job.
  • Get back to intermittent fasting and healthy eating.
  • Exercise
  • Get my Christmas shopping done before the last minute.
  • Deep clean the house.
Day 9 Prompt:  How do you define integrity and do you have it?

To me, being a person of integrity means being a person of your word, an honest person, and someone who is not a hypocrite (someone who lives by the code they say they believe in). I do think I have integrity. If I believe in a certain way of behaving then I'm going to do my best to live that way. I try to always be honest. What you see with me is what you get. I am not one person in public and another in private.

Day 10 Prompt:  If you could meet one person in the world - present or past - who would it be and what would you ask?

I would choose to meet the Apostle Paul. I'm not sure what I'd ask him, but he is the ultimate example of faith and I would love to hear him teach.

Day 11 Prompt:  Make a list of things you have done because you wanted others to like you.

My days of striving to make people like me where mostly when I was growing up or a young adult. I've learned not to care too much about that over the years, but in the past I have...
  • worn clothes that weren't my style
  • disobeyed my parents
  • engaged in risky behaviors
  • presented myself in ways that weren't reflective of the real me
  • said things I shouldn't have said
  • put up with things I shouldn't have
  • let myself be imposed upon

Friday, October 7, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Days 6 & 7

Oops! I just realized that I forgot to post for the blog challenge yesterday, so today is a two-fer day.

October 6 prompt: Have you hosted a theme party?

Only if you count children's birthday parties. When my children were growing up we had, among others, dinosaur, Snow White, John Deere, Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Lion King parties.


October 7 prompt: What does social media bring to your life?

I will be one of the first to admit there are a LOT of pitfalls to social media if you aren't aware and on guard against them. However, if you can find the balance of not allowing social media to overtake your life, there are a lot of good things, too.

The first is connection. In an increasingly busy and isolated society, social media allows me to keep in touch with distant family members that I'd otherwise not have much contact with and form friendships with people I wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to meet. I connect with school friends that I wouldn't see except for reunions every 5 years. (The flip side of that is that the online connection of classmates seems to have killed class reunions. Very few are interested.) And of course, there is instant access to family photos and news. 

Information is another benefit. It's very easy to find out about social events, alerts for my area, announcements, and breaking news. I just have to be careful because as we've all learned over the years...not everything on the internet is true. Of course, not everything on the network news is true, either! I can find out how to do just about anything, too.

Kindness, compassion, etc. are another important thing social media brings to my life. When bad or sad things have happened in my life and I've shared them, I've been overwhelmed by the kind words, prayers, and such that have flowed my way.

I can honestly say social media has added a lot to my life. It's been mostly good, but there have been some rough spots. I just had to learn to manage it like everyone has to.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Day 5

Today's prompt:  Write a happiness manifesto. 

  • Remain curious about the world. Keep learning new things.
  • Being a good person doesn't mean you always have to say "yes." Having boundaries is okay and necessary.
  • Forgive those who hurt you.
  • Don't rehash yesterday or spend time worrying about tomorrow. Live in the day.
  • Always be kind.
  • Hold babies. Cuddle puppies and kittens.
  • Spend time with children and teenagers.
  • Dance whether anyone is watching or not.
  • Sing when the music moves you.
  • Read good books.
  • Listen to good music.
  • Make someone's day. Everyday.
  • Love everyone. (That doesn't mean you have to like them.)
  • Find your purpose and enjoy it.
  • Notice and enjoy the beauty of the world around you.
  • Laugh out loud. A lot.
  • Be creative.
  • Be thankful in all things.
  • Love God.
Thanks to Kwizgiver for the prompts.

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Day 4

Today's prompt:  What are your favorite fall scents?
  • caramel apple
  • maple
  • simmering soups and stews
  • pumpkin spice 
  • a wood fire
  • the smell of fallen leaves on the ground

*Challenge courtesy of Kwizgiver

Monday, October 3, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Day 3

Today's prompt:  Write the beginning of a scary story and let blog readers decide what happens next.


She sat huddled under a blanket, hands curled around a steaming cup of tea, pets curled against her legs. It would seem to be a cozy scene as a cold wind whipped an icy rain against the windows, but it was not. Her fear was a palpable thing as she thought about the world she now lived in. One that was very different from the one she grew up in. Strange illnesses lurked, waiting to strike. Weather patterns had changed and the hot days were hotter and the cold days were colder. The storms were stronger and more frequent. People hated each other for no good reason and fought, sometimes violently, over the smallest of differences. Blanket accusations flew. Two factions ruled the land. Neither cared about the people they ruled. Their only interest was staying in power or regaining power. The news carried such wild stories with much opinion and emotion, but little fact, that it was impossible to know what was true. Crime was rampant since little was done to stop it. 

And now there was economic fear. A recession loomed, jobs that had been plentiful and paid well were drying up. People worried about being laid off. Inflation was rising rapidly and wages were not keeping up. The shelves in the store were already not as well stocked as they once were and rumors were flying that a lot of shortages were coming.

Worst of all, a crazy man, who just happened to be in charge of one of the largest countries in the world, was threatening to use nuclear weapons.

It was enough to make a person want to hide under the covers and not come out. These were scary, uncertain times. The truth was, she was huddled under the blanket with her pets and holding that cup of tea because the house was quite chilly. The result of having the furnace turned back quite far because she couldn't afford a big heating bill. How was this all going to turn out?

What do you think? How does the story go?


Thanks to Kwizgiver for the challenge prompts!

Sunday, October 2, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Day 2

Today's prompt:  When things get tough, I want to remember...

I never have to go through anything alone. The Lord is always with me and I can rest assured that He has a plan. I may not always understand, but I can count on the truth that He will bring me through tough times in exactly the right way and at the right time. 

In addition, I have my wonderful family, friends, and a great church family that are all there for me when I need them.




Blog Challenge courtesy of Kwizgiver.

Saturday, October 1, 2022

October Blog Challenge: Day 1

I'm joining Kwizgiver this month in her October Challenge. Each day this month there is a prompt of something to post. Here's the list in case you'd like to join in.

Today's Prompt:  Share your best soup recipe.

Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
  • 1 cup onion diced
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, garlic
  • 2 cups green peppers and/or red peppers chopped
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 3 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup cooked rice

Instructions

  • Brown your beef with your onion in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Drain your beef and onions and place in your 6-quart slow cooker.
  • Add your tomatoes (juice and all) and the rest of your ingredients.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

 

Looking Back & Looking Forward

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