Cowgirl Stew

Hungry? Do you want to make dinner for yourself, spouse or partner? A fulfilling meal packed with protein and nutrients? Cowgirl Stew Ingredients 2 chipotle chilies (about 1/4 oz) stems and seeds removed 2 plum tomatoes, halved 3 cloves garlic 1 medium white onion, halved and diced 1/4 tsp cumin 1/4 tsp smoked paprika 1/2

Ode to Max

This homage is to my newfound friend. You shared your quiet peacefulness to many. The rewards were few; although, heartfelt gratitude plenty. Your hearing is nonexistent and sight inconsistent. The patients you brought joy too were eternally grateful~ for those brief moments of happiness. A sweet furry face and heart larger and more beautiful than

Celebrate Pi Day, with a slice!

Sugar Cream Pie or Hoosier Pie or Indiana Sugar Cream Pie is the unofficial state pie of Indiana; however, we still like to celebrate. Native Hoosiers believe the Quaker settlers in the early 19th century selected east-central Indiana, close to my home around the cities of New Castle, Portland, Richmond, and Winchester. The Amish are also

Believing in the Afterlife: Pets

I recently lost my beloved blue-eyed Sheltie. She was almost sixteen years and as much as I wanted to cling to her and keep her longer, she was suffering and needed relief from her pain. The vet experience was very soothing and her transition into the afterlife was peaceful. My blue-eyed baby rested her head

Fab Flittering Fun

Boulders painfully placed around our pond, and the “view” was coming together. After frequent trips to the garden centers, our plans changed. We needed to have an arbor, a gazebo, to help prevent the beautiful sun from creating more skin cancer. As my husband situated several bags of cement and multiple bundles of treated lumber

Dark Shadows

“You know when you’re walking, the light catches your body, and two shadows appear. One is very clear and directly beside you, the other is a few inches away and dim.” Henri sat on the sofa and clasped his hands between his knees. “Yes, but I’m not following you.” “Evil and goodness are like that.

Courage, girl.

Our Havanese doesn’t like stairs. She tried climbing… a teachable/trainable moment. I carried her down the stairs…over and over again. The girl continues to dislike climbing stairs.

Angels Walking

Emily Dickinson must have felt this way, peering out the window, observing nature and animals romping around, seemingly safe, in their habitat. The pain ripping through my insides subsided for a moment, as I viewed the group of ladies as they strolled past. I glanced at the clock, nine, right on time. Angels Walking…kind, generous,

Situational Awareness in Writing

Situational awareness is a part of our own lives, especially in today’s frighteningly violent world. Being aware of our surroundings is imperative for us and also a method for a writer to enhance their scenes. The primary character (POV character) must familiarize herself/himself with their environment and be ready to act. Knowledge, experience and education

Emma Cody Saves Family

Emma Cody bucks traditional etiquette and travels alone to Colorado to help her pregnant sister-in-law. The stagecoach is attacked by bandits, one of whom she recognizes. She takes on the financial responsibility of her family. Doing whatever’s necessary to provide food and shelter, she uses her skills to enter a sharpshooting contest. The ruggedly handsome