Submission Process
I enjoy drinking water with lemon, but don’t always like to take the time to stop what I am doing to squeeze a fresh lemon into a glass. I’ve tried a few things to get around that task. I’ve tried putting a large container of water in the refrigerator with lemon slices. That tastes fine when the lemons are first put into the container, but after a day or two, the water tastes too bitter. I’ve tried a couple of drops of concentrated lemon juice, but I don’t like the flavor as well. I tried freeze lemon slices and just adding them to a glass of water. That didn’t work so great either. But just last week, I came up with a solution!
While juicing a lemon one morning, I thought – why couldn’t I just squeeze a bunch of lemons and freeze the juice in an ice cube tray? So, I did. And it worked great! The next time I wanted a glass of lemon water, I just dropped a “lemon ice cube” into my glass and then filled it with water. Instantly, I had water with lemon that tasted just like fresh squeezed. I couldn’t tell the difference, and this is certainly more convenient that squeezing a lemon every time you want a glass of water. Here’s how I did it:
You will need 6-8 lemons (depending on the size), a plate, and a lemon juicer. I use a square plate (I will explain why later) and an inexpensive juicer I have had for years.
One at a time, cut the lemons in half and juice them onto the plate. Discard the lemon after juicing.
Discard the pulp and seeds that the juicer catches. Be sure to check the plate for any seeds that might have found their way into the juice and throw those away.
After you have juiced five lemons, pour the juice into a plastic ice cube tray. I use a square plate because it is easier to pour from into the ice cube trays. The juice should come close to the top of each compartment, but it doesn’t have to be exact. If it looks like need more juice, juice more lemons until you have enough to fill your ice cube tray. The photo to the left is the juice of one average sized lemon. I like to use one ice cube per drink – giving me the juice of half of a lemon in a large glass of water. I used six average sized lemons to completely fill this ice cube tray. When the tray is full, put the ice cube tray in the freezer and freeze the lemon cubes until firm.
When the ice cubes are ready, remove them from the ice cube tray and place them in a freezer proof container. Next time you are ready for a glass of water with lemon, or need a little lemon juice for a recipe, you won’t have to take the time to squeeze a lemon!
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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If you were to come to my house for a visit during the summer months, or even just drive by, one of the things you would immediately learn about me is that I love daylilies! I have, literally, thousands of them planted all over my yard. In front of the house, beside the house, behind the house and down by the lake. The photo above is some of my yellow Happy Return daylilies set against the blue of the lake. Love them! You might say I’m obsessed with daylilies.
My obsession started several years ago. At the time, I was in my early twenties and living in the woods of Michigan in an old mobile home. I loved flowers but had no money to spend on them. The only flowers I owned were some gladiolas that I planted every spring in a row in front of the mobile home. A bit pathetic as I look back on it, but I loved those glads and every year took great care to dig them up and dry the bulbs out so I could use them again the following year. One year my mother asked me if I wanted some more flowers. Her neighbor was thinning out some perennials and she was giving away the discarded flowers. Immediately, I said yes. And then I asked what kind of flowers they were. “Tiger lilies,” my mom told me. “Those orange flowers that you see growing alongside the road.” Actually, she was wrong. The flowers were daylilies, not Tiger lilies, and they were not the variety that grows alongside the road. The variety of daylily that grows along the side of the road is named Europa. The orange daylilies I was to start my collection with were a different variety called Kwanza. I planted 30 Kwanza daylilies that first summer. It was the beginning of an obsession.
Over the years, as finances would allow, I added new varieties to my collection. As our finances improved, so did my collection! Eventually I had over a hundred varieties of daylilies in all sorts of sizes and colors. And one of the very best things about daylilies is that the multiply every year. So now I have thousands of daylilies! One of my very favorite is named Happy Returns (depicted above). They are similar to the popular yellow Stello de Oro variety that you often see in commercial landscaping, but a different shade of yellow. The Stellas are an orangish-yellow, while the Happy Returns are a bright lemon yellow. They multiply every year, are about 16-24 inches high, and bloom from June to October. They are easily grown in average soil, even in the shade, but prefer sunny locations in well-drained soil.
If you are looking for a tough and beautiful perennial that multiplies every year, you simply cannot go wrong with daylilies. If you are looking for a yellow variety that does not get very tall, Happy Returns should be your choice. Be warned, however. This could be the beginning of an obsession!
I love my daylilies so much that when we moved I rented a small moving truck to move them from house to house. Twice. Yep. That much.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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This is the perfect soup for a cold Sunday afternoon. I came up with it last week while snow piled up outside our home. It was the perfect antidote to a cold winter day!
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds of chicken cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 quarts chicken stock (homemade is best, but canned will work)
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of uncooked rice
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
DIRECTIONS:
In a large dutch oven (or whatever large pan you use to make soup), add the chicken and olive oil. Over medium heat, cook until chicken has lost all pink color, stirring occasionally. If you would like, you can even brown the chicken a bit in this stage but it is not necessary. In this case, I did not.
Add carrots, celery, onion, butter, Italian Seasoning, and pepper to the chicken. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened a bit.
Add chicken stock and 2 cups of water. I prefer homemade chicken stock (here is my easy, fun, & economical recipe). Obviously, in this case, my chicken stock was frozen.
Heat the mixture up until it is hot again.
Add two cups of rice, bring to boil, and then turn heat to simmer until rice is soft and cooked (I forgot to time it – maybe half an hour?). While the soup cooks, stir it occasionally and add water if it looks too thick.
This last step is optional (if you just want Chicken and Rice Soup). Actually, when I was creating this recipe, the cheese was an afterthought. The only cheese we had in the refrigerator was shredded Monterey Jack. I thought, why not give it a try? Now I am glad I did! Add 2 cups (or 3 if you are feeling really wicked) of shredded cheese to the soup. Stir until the cheese is melted.
Enjoy!
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
Read MoreWhen I first read this, I thought there had to be a catch. No catch! Sixteen of Beth Moore’s fabulous books are now free on Kindle! If you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the free Kindle app and read these wonderful books on your computer, iphone, ipad, etc. I already own several of these books in hardback and would highly recommend any Beth Moore book to any Christian woman – or any woman who is curious about God and faith. This is a limited time offer (I think it ends on January 10th), so don’t delay! I just downloaded all sixteen to my Kindle. What a fantastic way to start the new year! Thank you so much, Beth Moore!
When Godly People Do Ungodly Things
A Heart Like His
Believing God
Believing God Day by Day
Breaking Free
Breaking Free Day by Day
Feathers From My Nest
Further Still
Jesus The One and Only
Praying God’s Word
Praying God’s Word Day by Day
Beloved Disciple
Things Pondered
To Live Is Christ
Creerle A Dios: Como Viver Por Fe En Su Palabra
Jesus solo Jesus: Incompariable y glorioso Dios
Do you feel it? The promise of a New Year? What is it about turning the page on the calendar that makes so many of us downright hopeful? What is it about the dropping ball in Times Square or the simple countdown of the minutes until midnight that fills us with delightful anticipation of things to come – new starts and better beginnings?
Those of you with a practical bent realize New Year’s Eve is just another day. Just like any other. You do not bother with resolutions. Resolutions seem silly – just another promise to be broken. What’s the point?
But for those of us who dream big and believe in the power of new beginnings, New Year’s Eve is magical and full of possibilities. We really do believe in the tradition of resolutions.
What is a resolution? It is a commitment to self, a promise to do better, a vow to live the life you want to live. What could be more exciting? What could be more powerful?
Unfortunately, we often put ourselves last on the list. We might be excellent at keeping our promises to others, but we seldom honor the promises we make to ourselves. We resolve to eat better, exercise more, work less, or work more; and despite our best intentions, those promises often fall by the wayside during the first week of the New Year.
A few years ago I wrote a novel with an interesting premise. Six long-time friends gather together for an annual New Year’s Eve party. This is yearly tradition, and part of the tradition is that they make new resolutions, place them in a wooden box, and then revisit the resolutions of the previous year. Of course, there has to be a twist in a novel, so I added a few big secrets that come out after the entire group is snowed in for a few days. I titled the book [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link] – so it’s not too difficult to assume that some resolutions will be broken in this group. That is part of the fun in this particular novel.
But in real life, broken resolutions are not fun. They are just disappointing and make us feel like a failure. We make a promise to our self, often proclaim it publicly, and then go about breaking it during the first week of the New Year. Why is that?
For me, there is just something that rebels at rules; even when I am the one making the rule. But the impractical dreamer in me still makes those resolutions. Because impractical dreamers are always hopeful, even if rebellious. So, as the old year comes to a close and a new one approaches, I’m filled with anticipation and hope, and my thoughts turn to resolutions for the New Year. Every year. Time and time again. Perhaps someday this urge will die – when old age approaches and I am bitter and cynical. Maybe then New Year’s resolutions will seem silly and pointless.
But for now, on this New Year’s Eve, I remain hopeful and even a little giddy. Because tomorrow my life starts again.
My resolution? I’m going to write at least five days a week. I’ve even started a Twitter hashtag (#dailywordcount) and a Facebook group (Daily Word Count) an am encouraging other writers to tweet/share their daily word counts. It’s a New Year and we are all going to fill it with wonderful words.
And if I break that resolution – oh well. There’s always next year.
How about you? What is your New Year’s resolution?
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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I ran away to Hawaii this spring. It was a much needed escape. My husband joined me. We walked on sugar white beaches, witnessed glorious sunsets, and fell in love. Not with each other; we did that a long time ago. But with Hawaii. I suppose many people do, but for me, it was unexpected. I have always been more of a mountain girl. Although I live in Indiana, I am at home in the majestic Colorado Rockies. I love visiting Colorado and have spent many visits backpacking its mountains. I have never been particularly fond of beaches. Its not that I dislike beaches, but one can only snooze on a towel for so long. But that was B.H. – Before Hawaii. Sigh…
It was an impromptu trip. I woke one morning, rolled over in bed, and said to my husband, “Let’s go to Hawaii.” As you might imagine, he was a bit surprised. There were a myriad of reasons not to go – most of them financial. But I also knew I had to go. I’d been dealing with illness (post on my struggle with hypothyroidism coming soon) for over two years. I was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. I had never been so low in my life, so bankrupt of emotion and energy. I needed to get away. I needed to walk on the beach. And then walk on the beach some more. Most of all, I needed to be away from my life – I needed to make a break in my then daily cycle of illness, insomnia, and despair. So, we went. We spent part of March and April in Hawaii – our time split between the islands of Oahu and Kauai.
Banyan Tree
Our airplane landed in Honolulu. From the airplane window, I could see long stretching beaches and water so incredibly turquoise that it defies description. As soon as we stepped into the airport, I was enchanted. As we walked through the terminal, we were delighted to find many of the “walls” of the airport were missing! Where we might have large windows in the mainland, instead there were open walls with breezes whispering through the terminal. Midwest hicks that we are, we moved through the airport, mouths agape, staring at nearby tropical flowering plants and wondering how they kept the birds out.
We hurried to baggage claim, retrieved our luggage, and then found the rental car kiosk. While we waited in line, I kept looking wistfully toward the stand displaying handmade tropical leis, but my husband never took the hint. We drove to our hotel, checked in, and changed into lightweight clothing for a walk toward the beach. It was a pleasant walk through upscale shops and local restaurants toward the beach. It was probably only about a half-mile walk. One thing you quickly learn in Hawaii is that you are never far from the beach.
We arrived at the famous Waikiki Beach, did a little wading in the ocean, and then strolled along the sidewalk that runs the length of the beach. It is an incredible walk – the shops, restaurants, and high rise condos on one side, and a beautiful stretch of beach, tropical trees, and ocean on the other. Although we were both tired from the long flight and running on very few hours of sleep, neither of us wanted to miss a moment of this evening. As we walked, we spotted an incredible site – a magnificent Banyan tree. Neither of us had ever seen one, and it was so unique with its drooping roots that we we felt like explorers in a new land. Which, indeed, we were!
Waikiki Pier
Continuing to walk down the sidewalk, we came upon Waikiki Pier. It was so beautiful that we could not resist sitting on the pier and just absorbing the view and the moment. Children played on boogie boards nearby and we watched them for almost an hour as the sun slipped toward the ocean. As sunset drew near, we started our walk back to the hotel, often stopping to snap shots of the sunset as we made our way. The photo at the beginning of this post is one of the photos we snapped. With such outrageous beauty, it was almost impossible to take a bad photograph. The sunset felt like a gift and a hint of things to come. It was.
To be continued……
Stop back for more posts! If you are planning a trip to Hawaii, let me know in the comments. I would be happy to answer any questions I can from my experience. Or if you visited Hawaii, please feel free to share your trip tips in the comments! Thanks for stopping by.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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There we are, my parents and me, looking for a Christmas tree. I am ten, a skinny girl with waist-length hair (rarely brushed), and all legs and arms. I’m wearing last year’s coat and the sleeves are too short. There is snow on the ground. My feet are cold because I’ve forgotten to wear my boots. We crunch through the gas station parking lot, circling the various spruce and pine trees that they have trucked in to sell. It is Saturday morning and everyone in Northern Indiana seems to be intent on buying a tree on that particular day. My Dad is a long-distance truck driver. If we don’t buy a tree today, I know we won’t shop again until next weekend because he has a load ready to take to Shreveport. I am optimistic. We will find a tree today and it will be perfect!
“We could put the bad side toward the wall,” I offer. We always put the bad side toward the wall; so really, the tree only has to look good on one side.
I jump the gun and start draping the silver icicles on the tips of the branches before all of the ornaments are on the tree. It is a greedy move, but like I said, the icicles are my favorite part. I scoop the icicles that fall onto the floor, careful to use every one. My dad puts the star on top and then plugs in the lights. We stand back, the three of us, this little family, and survey the results. The tree is beautiful. A little crooked, donning tacky silver icicles and scratched ornaments, but truly beautiful.
Last year I took my then three-year-old granddaughter Christmas shopping. We bought Christmas presents for her parents. We also bought one more thing. Her first Christmas tree. That seventh tree that now sits by the staircase. She picked it out herself and chose pink ornaments to decorate it. It is a little taller than her and she loves it. To the left is a picture of her hugging the tree. Priceless. Together, we decorated her tree. When she gets older, I will give the tree to her to take to her college dorm or apartment. I hope she will remember decorating it with me. I hope she will keep those memories in a special place where they will never fade. A place where Christmas is always only a few days away, presents are waiting to be opened, and family is near.
As Christmas approaches our television sets are filled with Christmas movies. For better or worse, these movies have become a part of our culture, and I would bet, a part of your own family’s Christmas tradition. For years, every Christmas Eve, I insisted on gathering my family together to watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Eventually, the kids revolted and A Christmas Story slid into that spot. Personally, I enjoy A Christmas Story, but I don’t see how anyone can prefer a kid getting his tongue stuck on a pole to Zuzu’s flower petals in Jimmy Stewart’s pocket. But, maybe that’s just me.
So, as we step into December and thoughts turn to Christmas, I invite you walk down memory lane and spend a few moments remembering some wonderful lines…
10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 1966 And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?
9. Elf, 2003 The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
8. The Santa Clause, 1994 Who gave you permission to tell Charlie there was no Santa Claus? I think if we’re going to destroy our son’s delusions, I should be a part of it.
7. Miracle on 34th Street, 1947 Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.
6. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, 1964 A toy is never truly happy until it is loved by a child.
5. Home Alone, 1990 Keep the change, you filthy animal!
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 1989 I don’t know what to say, except it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery.
3. A Christmas Story, 1983 Next to me in the blackness lay my oiled blue steel beauty. The greatest Christmas gift I had ever received, or would ever receive. Gradually, I drifted off to sleep, pranging ducks on the wing and getting off spectacular hip shots.
2. It’s A Wonderful Life, 1946 What is it you want, Mary? What do you want? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey. That’s a pretty good idea. I’ll give you the moon, Mary.
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas, 1965 My personal favorite, and a little aside. When I first became a Christian (not so long ago), I was reading the second chapter of Luke. When I read verses 8-14, my first thought was, “Hey! That’s from Charlie Brown!” Sad but true. And, now, without further delay…
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill towards men.
…And that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
Amen, Linus
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
Okay, I admit it. I didn’t know what gluten was a short time ago. Now, I not only know what gluten is, I am staying away from it and I feel better than I have in years. Yes, years! Even if you don’t care about gluten, you have to try these cookies. Simple and delicious! If you are interested, in learning more about the gluten/hypothyroidism connection, check back for a future post on the issue. Right now, though, I just want to share this recipe for Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies!
These are so easy to make, and I couldn’t tell the difference between these and “normal” peanut butter cookies (made with flour). Best of all, there are only five ingredients and you probably have all of them on hand.
If you or someone in your family has issues with gluten, you must try these cookies! If you do, let me know how you liked them in the “comment” section. I’d love to hear from you!
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix with a hand mixer for about one minute.
3. Using about a tablespoon of the mix, roll into balls and place on cookie sheet. If you want smaller cookies (makes 32) use a tablespoon of the mix. If you want larger cookies (makes 16), use about two tablespoons of the mix.
4. Make a crisscross pattern with the tines of a fork on each cookie.
5. Bake for about 10-11 minutes.
6. Pour yourself a cold glass of milk and eat two or three while hot!
And be sure to come back here and let me know how you liked the cookies in the “comments”! You are gonna love ‘em!
(Note – the cookies depicted in photo are the larger cookies. I was too lazy to bake two batches! They don’t look as good as the smaller cookies, but they don’t last long, so who cares!)
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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Ah, long time no blog. But that’s another story for later…
I just wanted to let my readers know that one of my novels, Cooper Moon: The Calling is currently an Amazon Kindle Countdown Deal. Regularly 3.99, the book is currently priced at 99 cents, but for a limited time. Amazon Countdown Deals are timed. In a little over a day, the price will go up to 1.99, then 2.99, and then back to the original price of 3.99. So if you would like a copy, grab one now!
Cooper Moon: The Calling is the story about a man trying to turn his life around. His life has been a series of poor choices. A womanizer and a liar, Cooper Moon, stumbles upon God in the most unlikely of places – in a bar. After a long night of drinking, Cooper has seen the light. Shortly after dawn, he returns home to tell his wife he has changed his ways. To put it mildly, she is skeptical. And so is the rest of the town – including the many women Cooper has slept with. So the story begins….
Of all my novels, this is my favorite. It is the story of faith. For Cooper that is faith in God, but for other characters it might be faith in their own dreams, faith in their abilities, faith in love, or faith in second chances. It is the story of life in a small town, the story of how we touch each other’s lives in ways we could never have imagined, and the story of one man’s struggle to break free from the shadow of his former life.
I love this book, this series, these characters. You just might too.
Go to the Amazon link and click on “Click to Look Inside” (directly over the photo of the book cover) and try a sample chapter. If you hate it, just move on (but thanks for giving it a try!). If the sample chapters appeals to you, risk the 99c. You can always get a refund if you don’t like the book. Either way, I’d love to hear from you! The reader response from this book has been terrific. I always love to hear from my readers and so many of you have sent kind messages about this book. It means the world to me to have your support.
Cheryl Shireman is the bestselling author of several novels, including [easyazon_link asin=”1461026504″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Broken Resolutions[/easyazon_link], the [easyazon_link asin=”B004JU21YU” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Life is But a Dream series[/easyazon_link], and the [easyazon_link asin=”1478153652″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Cooper Moon[/easyazon_link] series. She is also the author of ten books for toddlers including the eight [easyazon_link asin=”1475291531″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Let’s Learn About[/easyazon_link] series focusing on different animals and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660014″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Girls[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link asin=”1625660022″ locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”cherylshire03-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]I Love You When: For Boys[/easyazon_link].
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