Halloween

What Scares Us?…and Pumpkin Cookies for Bec

/ admin

(Above: Post Office 1915, in Greenwood, B.C. A story of my haunted experience is below but click this link to read more about Greenwood, B.C.)

The scary season is almost upon us. This past weekend, our twin daughter’s, Kathryn and Victoria, decorated our front door with stickers, a homemade creepy spider, a glouish demon that makes spine chilling noises when he’s bumped and to finish the scene, some corn stalks with threads of sticky spider web material, which the girls hope will entice trick or treaters to visit our house this Halloween.

Along with these decorations, a week ago we took the kids to our local pumpkin patch where they found six huge pumpkins. When they came home they scattered them along the path to our front door. As if this weren’t enough, they decided to put on a scary movie (Annabelle) and make a paper mache zombie in our family room.

As they jumped and screamed over the satanic antics in the movie, I was more horrified by the thick glue on their fingers and wondered what my family room was going to look like after they finished their craft project. But seriously, I hope the’re having fun creating these seasonal memories. What really scares me most this season is not the glue from their paper mache zombie getting everywhere, but the upcoming election in the States. After the last election when there was terrible unrest culminating in a riot at the Capital on Januaury 6th, 2020, I’m praying this year’s election will be more peaceful. I can hope can’t I? Along the lines of what scares me, I thought this was the perfect time to share a story from my past. So grab some popcorn, a cup of something spicy and warm and join me as I reminisce and tell a story from my chilidhood.

Maybe this story will prompt a question in your mind too….”What scares YOU?”

“When I was ten, my older sister Cherie and her husband David invited me to come and stay with them for part of the summer in their rented home in Greenwood, B.C.. Greenwood was once a booming mining town at the turn of the century. Copper, silver and even gold were found in that area, and it was once a thriving city. However, in 1970, it was just a sleepy, little community with ancient crumbling homes and remnants from long ago mining activity littering the valley.

(A tiny glimpse of historic downtown Greenwood, B.C.)

Cherie and David’s rented home was on the east hill above the downtown area. It was a tall, skinny Victorian with faded and peeling paint. It had seen better days. I’ll never forget how excited I was to see inside for the first time. “Cherie,” I said, “can I explore?” She laughed and said, “explore away.” Like a curious kitten I leaped from room to room. In the foyer, there was a steep, narrow stairway heading upstairs. Off to the right was the living room, which ran the length of the house. Cherie’s talent for decorating made this area feel cozy, with brightly painted second hand furniture and on the big comfy couch was a large, colourful throw. Some of Cherie’s paintings and sketches, an eclectic mix, hung on the walls or were leaning against them, making the room feel like an art studio. A well worn black, wooden rocking chair was in one corner. 

The old fashion kitchen was off to the left, and while the simple white cabinets and appliances weren’t exciting, Cherie had placed a vase of wild flowers in the middle of the kitchen table, making the room feel welcoming. Off the kitchen, to the back of the house, was another room.  When I entered, a icy blast of air made me shiver. Non descript, dungy wallpaper was pasted on every wall but was peeling at every seam. At one time it must have been a pretty room, as a large window looked out over an overgrown and weedy perennial garden. The room was starkly empty, except for one small, gold framed picture hanging on the wall near the door. Peering closely I saw it was an ancient picture of a dour faced Saint. Perhaps Russian in style, as the colours although faded, were bright blues and reds. A faint halo glowed around the Saint’s sad face. As I stood looking at this picture, goosebumps rose on my arms and a dank smell grew stronger. There was something not right in this room. I didn’t linger there long.

I never entered this room again.

The first morning I was there, David left for work  and Cherie asked, “Debbie, do you want some granola?” While Corn Flakes were my latest obsession, I wanted to appear grown up so I told her, “Yeah, tha’d be cool.” Munching on the oats, seeds and nuts, Cherie poured herself a cup of coffee and then casually walked across the kitchen to the back room door. Pulling it closed she shared over her shoulder, “Since we don’t need this room, we try to keep the door closed.” I just nodded my head as that made sense,  but later that morning when I went to the kitchen for a snack, I noticed the door was half opened. Before leaving the kitchen, I nervously went over and quickly shut the door. That was a regular occurrence; one of us would close the door and then later mysteriously it would open. 

My favourite activity that summer was drawing in the sketch pad Cherie had given me. I would sit on the big comfy couch in the living room experimenting with the charcoal sketching pencils and oil pastels she had encouraged me to try, while Cherie painted at the other end of the room, where she’d set up her easel. One afternoon, she joined me on the couch and while she played her guitar and quietly sang, I sketched. In our comfortable companionship we were relaxed and feeling at ease, until the air in the room suddenly shifted. 

My eyes popped open when the rocking chair started moving. I looked to see if the curtains were fluttering but there was no breeze in the room. I glanced at Cherie to see if she’d noticed too but she appeared to be acting normal. Unconcerned, she just uncrossed her legs, stood up and put her guitar down and then asked if I wanted to go for a walk to get an ice cream. Once outside, walking in the sun I let my shoulders drop. I never asked Cherie if she had sensed the energy changing in the room or witnessed the rocking chair creaking back and forth. Looking back at the summer and being with my big sister, I think I wanted to be treated older. Also, knowing her to be super sensitive, I’m sure she picked up on the ghostly energy in that house, but she obviously didn’t want to draw attention to it and scare me. Although we never talked about it, we had an unspoken code;

if we didn’t say anything, maybe it’d go away.

But it didn’t.

The ultimate scare happened in the depths of darkness one night nearing the end of my visit. Normally a deep sleeper, I suddenly woke with the feeling that someone was standing beside my bed. I never opened my eyes and I couldn’t yell for Cherie and David, who were just sleeping in the next room to me. I was absolutely frozen. I didn’t even pull the covers over my head. I was terrified of whatever was standing beside me. I knew I had to pretend to remain asleep and hoped whatever was there would finally leave. After a few minutes, the feeling of being watched left me. I never felt comfortable in that room again and I hated going to bed.

That summer I discovered it wasn’t just Cherie and David’s house that was haunted. One day Cherie and I took a tour of the historic Greenwood Courthouse, which at the turn of the century had served as the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the County Court for the Southern County of Yale.  From that court, there had been many judicial proceedings, which included several death by hanging sentences being pronounced, as a result of murders in the area. At the time of our visit, it was being used as a musuem, where one could tour around at ones leisure.

(Greenwood, B.C. Courthouse. If you want to read more about it click on this link. )

During our self guided tour, we admired the extensive use of glowing cedarwood and stain glass works in the actual courtroom, where an old musty smell of leather and books was prevalent. Other than being impressed by the rich formality of it all, I didn’t feel anything unusual until we started heading down the cement stairs to where the jail had held prisoners. It was then I started feeling a heavy presence. With each step the air grew thicker along with the lack of light. My heart was thudding loudly in my chest when we peered into one of the cold jail cells and it was then I heard a sound of shuffling followed by a distant cry. I don’t know if Cherie heard it too but I know she shared my anxiousness because we didn’t remain in that basement long. I couldn’t climb those stairs fast enough. What a tremendous relief I felt to get out of that building.

There were so many fun moments that summer with Cherie and David but when it was time for me to leave, I was rather glad. I think I’d been holding my breath the whole time, worried I’d actually see something I didn’t want to.

Sometimes, not seeing anything, but knowing it’s there is scarier. “

BOO!!!!….and now, my dear readers, that is “The End”

Did you like my ghost story?

Did it make you think of things that have scared you? Or are scaring you?

Like this crazy time on earth when we seem to be battling against moving into the 5th dimension and so many fearful souls are trying to keep us back from progressing as we evolve into more loving humans. Now THAT’S a big scare to me. But we are getting there. I’m sure of it and I’m trusting that in the upcoming U.S. Election voices will unite and goodness will prevail. The only thing haunting me now is wondering what we have to endure over the next few years until everyone gets onboard. I’m concerned because the path the Americans choose will impact the world and certainly us here in Canada.

I was thinking this morning that what we are going through is a bit like moving out of that haunted house into the sunlight.

Hold onto Hope. Hold onto Joy!!!

Before I close this post though I want to share my Pumpkin Cookie recipe. At the beginning of last summer, (in time for our oldest son Clark’s wedding) our second oldest son Mitchell came home from Australia and introduced us to his partner Bec. It wasn’t easy for me saying goodbye to Mitchell five years ago, when he decided to move to Australia but deep down I knew an adventure was waiting for him. I also had a feeling that he would meet more of his people while there. You know, it’s hard to say goodbye to a child, even once he’s grown up, but letting kids go out into the world means you’ve done your job well. (this is what I tell myself) It means you’ve created global citizens who are strong and independent. Also, you never know how they will touch the world and who they will meet along the way. That’s why I was so excited to meet Bec. She’s everything I wanted in a partner for Mitchell; loving, kind, thoughtful, and intelligent. Getting to know her reminds me we have family all over the world, we just don’t know their names.

(Above, My beloved son Mitchell and beautiful Bec)

One thing I learned about Bec is that she loves pumpkin pie. Also, recently she asked Mitchell to see if I had any pumpkin cookie recipes and lo and behold, do cats meow? (she loves cats too) YES, I do. Shortly after he asked me about the pumpkin cookie recipe I whipped up a batch and took a few pictures.

So Bec, this post is dedicated to you.

Sorry it’s coming a bit late but Halloween season is pumpkin season here in Canada. I don’t know if you will appreicate the scary part of this post or not, but I hope you are able to try out this recipe and tell me what you think. Maybe you can tweak it a bit and make it your own. This is after all how the best recipes evolve, as do our families.

To all my other blogging family and friends, thanks for visiting today. As the season of scare unfolds, I hope you will join me in sending love out into the world. While we munch on pumpkin cookies and a few Halloween treats remember, we can do anything and we are stronger together.

And if you want to stay around to make some pumpkin cookies with me, steep another cup of tea or brew some more coffee and join me in the kitchen. Let’s make some…..

Hope’s Pumpkin Cookies

This is an “easy peasy” recipe as you just mix all the wet together first, mix the dry together together second and then add the dry to the wet and mix until well combined….I use my mixer but this is an easy recipe to whip up with a good wooden spoon and spatula.

This cookie batter will be very moist and does need a long time to cook to firm up but the cookie is lovely and soft…mouth watering.

Preheat the Oven to 375 degrees….get out a cookie sheet…ungreased or use a piece of parchment paper…see below, btw..we grew that pumpkin on the stool! I threw some seeds randomly in the garden and grew 3 pumpkins.

Ingredients

11/4 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup margarine or butter

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 can of pumpkin (15 ounces) (Notice in the picture I used a large tin…I use the left overs to make pumpkin lattes….yummy!)

3 cups of flour

4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon/ 1/2 tsp nutmeg/ 1/2 tsp ginger/ 1/4 tsp cloves

Optional: 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of walnuts…. deluxe! Place a large piece of walnut on top as a garnish

Drop teaspoon size cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet and cook for 12 to 15 minutes at 375 degrees.

Let cool for a few minutes and then place on cooling racks. While still warm I sprinkle the cookie with icing sugar and then comes the BEST PART…….eat with someone you LOVE!

Happy Halloween 

Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful.

Blessings from Hope

Above is a picture snapped when Mitchell and Bec were visiting….it’s the family hug we do…but you are right there with us…we are all family!!!

When there is love in the room nothing is scary!

Roasting Pumpkin Seeds~Winter’s Arrival

/ Lee Reynolds


       Winter arrived on my doorstep today

 

                 With a frigid, magically stare,

 

                         She danced on brilliant autumn leaves

 

                                at her feet,

 

                                      And proclaimed she was the season

 

                                              most fair
                                                                  ~ Lee Reynolds~
After a difficult summer, where we endured smoke filled skies, from all the forest fires raging in our province, I was reluctant to greet Autumn. I hadn’t had enough summer. So I dragged my feet, as the new season emerged. Slowly, ever so slowly, I greeted the brisk mornings, fresh with the sweet smell of apples ripening on the trees. Ever so slowly, I greeted the changing colour of leaves, rich in jeweled hues of red, orange and yellows. I sadly said goodbye to my garden; pulling up tomatoes plants still heavy with green fruit. cutting back my raspberry canes, and was even gifted with one, perfectly red, delicious strawberry. A final farewell from the passing season.
When our oldest son Clark came into the kitchen late one afternoon, gratefully sniffing an aromatic stew, and saying how happy he was to greet warm and hearty fall meals once again, and our youngest three, started chatting excitedly about what they wanted to be for Halloween, I felt a tiny bubble of joy come to the surface, over the arrival of the autumn season.
I really must share the recipe for this stew…..it was delicious and although it was meat filled, you could exchange that for vegan sausages and lots of pumpkin seeds….read more about that later in this post
I had a few days where time flew, as I raked leaves with abandoned delight. I pruned shrubs and swept walkways, I stashed away our summer furniture and patio umbrellas, starting to anticipate the long, cold days of winter.  I was looking forward to spending the early parts of November continuing on this theme and believe me, there was still lots to do; plant garlic, do some trench composting, pull the last of the spinach, kale, leeks and lastly winterize our chicken coop.
Then two days after Halloween, as I was sitting with my writing group in the historic 100 year old, former home of the artist, Sveva Caetani, it started to really snow. It had started on my drive over but it really started to dump as we all shared our writing. Warmly, sequestered inside this old home that had viewed many winters, I felt encircled and safe. Glancing outside the windows, framed in rich wood, I was swept away by the beauty and timelessness of it all. That was, until I went out and tried to drive in it.
A picture of Caetani house BEFORE, all that white stuff started to magically fall
Apparently, I wasn’t the only one to greet winter unprepared; as our city snow plows and sanding trucks were nowhere to be seen. They didn’t make their appearance until the wee hours of the next morning. I did make it home from writing group, although the roads were horrendous. I was hardly able to drive up the hill into our snow laddened cul-de-sac, I decided it would be prudent to just stay put. I spent the better part of the rest of the afternoon, calling our piano teacher, cello teacher, violin teacher, and emailing a swimming coach; to let them know, our children would have to miss their lessons due to the dire weather situation.
 BUMMER!
That’s my latest new word and the other day, when I heard our little Victoria say it, after she was majorly disappointed about something, I had to laugh. It also made me aware that I had better come up with a more appropriate adjective. At least one that sounds more fitting coming out of a six year old. When I think of language, it does define a person. And when I think of the word, “bummer,” I have a vision of a woman with wavy hair to her waist, wearing a long peasant type skirt, serviceable ankle boots, a thick, knitted sweater and a wool hat to match or not, but homemade for sure, all wrapped up in a thick wool shawl. That’s the image I aspire to portray, but until my hair grows longer and I find some funky clothes,  alas, I must search for a new word to describe my annoyance of the season.
 By the way…..anyone want to teach me to knit this winter?
The miracle of knitting is turning a simple ball of wool into something remarkable…kind of like the seasons of our life
Anyway, the point of it all, is that I was annoyed about the arrival of fall coming and now, just as I was getting into the season of being thankful, November has arrived, dressed in a heavy, white wool coat, looking a lot like winter.
DRAT!
But then, maybe there is a lesson to be learned from all of this. Ha! That’s me for sure;” Hope.” I’d like to believe that this word defines me better than all others. I’d like to believe I radiate, maybe not always, but for the most part, a childlike sense of faith in the goodness of this world.
I’m always trying to glean something positive from my emotions. My negative ones hold the most promise for enlightenment. And as one of my writing buds said to me recently, if we don’t have darkness, there can be no light. Yes, this is so true.  The world is full of contrast and it’s up to us to decide what colour we want to paint our life with.
As reluctant as I was to welcome the season of fall  into my heart, I realize, I’m doing it again. Not accepting the change of season with grace and ease. Always trying to make things harder for myself with a touch of angst. When William and the little girls came home from school last Friday night all excited about the abundant snow and the endless weekend ahead, they asked with expectant shining eyes, if  they could go sledding. I growled, “NOOOOOO, too cold.” And yes, it was something like 14 below freezing that night and I wasn’t looking forward driving to our sledding hill, but the bigger reason was that I didn’t want to embrace the season fully.
I didn’t want to open my door in greeting, even a crack.
Every morning for the past five days, I wake hoping I have dreamed it all. I stumble into my bathroom with cold feet, “brrrrr” and hope, I will see fall colours and blue sky…… but nope.
It’s a frosty world of blue, grey and white.
I guess I am coming around to accepting winter weather is here, early November or not, I captured this image last night from our lower deck
My husband David, says, I better get use to it ’cause winter weather is here to stay for the next 4 to 5 months.
After driving the kids to school this morning, all bundled up in snow pants, coats, hats, and mittens, which took FOREVER to put on, I returned home and decided that THIS morning I would get into the spirit of the early winter weather by making myself a cup of steaming, “London Fog.” Our oldest daughter Alyssa, who spent two years teaching and adventuring in London recently, introduced me to this Earl Grey tea concoction. Recently, my husband David took me out on one of our date nights and and we stopped at Starbucks for a treat,…..you guessed what my selection was; a London fog. Of course it was delicious there but it’s really easy to make at home and you know that’s what this blog is all about…..doing things I love in a sustainable way.
Here’s a link to one of my new fav blogs; Kara Newman’s, “the Tasting Table,” where she helps us make a London Fog:
To accompany that aromatic tea, I also made a steaming, hot bowl of oatmeal, loaded with almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, cranberries, and PUMPKIN seeds. (more about that later) and sprinkled with my homemade pumpkin spice mix. If you want to read my blog post about making pumpkin spice latte’s…interestingly written this time last year, click here to read my Simple Pleasures post where I share my pumpkin spice mix recipe. Oh how the weather was different then.
My London Fog, made from Early Grey tea, steaming almond milk and vanilla…and oatmeal loaded with pumpkin seeds and other healthy additions…perfect for a snowy Autumn morning
Now back to this year’s blog post…..
Time is a funny thing. If we take too long processing the changing seasons of life, our life is over before we know it. I don’t want to live like that; dragging my butt into one season after the next. I want to be excited, like my children who were thrilled with the prospect of snow arriving. They still remember how to live in the moment, excited and grateful for all the beauty and gifts of each season. And like the word,”Bummer,” which Victoria recently adopted, my children have influenced me.
My children have been my best TEACHER’S in life.  I am going to learn this lesson well and allow it to translate into other areas of my life. Instead of warming up to any occasion and carefully dipping my toe in, I plan to enthusiastically take a run and dive in with abandoned glee. As I come to the surface, I will ask my friend, “the changing season,” what do you have planned for us this year?”
So cheers!….lifting my red mug full of my homemade London Fog. Here’s to another winter season!

And before I close I wanted to share a bit of what I learned recently about the power of Pumpkin Seeds.We were blessed with a lot of pumpkins this year. We grew four small ones in garden. Then around, Oct 9th, my hubbie’s birthday, we took the little kids to our local pumpkin patch and got four more. Then as if we didn’t have enough, our twins went on a field trip with their grade one class to a local farm orchard and selected two more pumpkins. We were abundantly wealthy in Pumpkins!

David’s birthday where I made him a chocolate zucchini cake with the last of my fresh zucchini’s from the garden
Children of the corn…..at our Anne’s Road Pumpkin Patch
Oh I’m wishing upon the GREAT Pumpkin said William with his sisters, Kate and Tori
When David and the kids were carving them last week, for Halloween, (was it just a week ago?) I made sure that they set aside enough seeds to replenish my seed supply for planting next spring but also, I wanted some to roast. I knew the seeds were a good source of zinc but after a bit of research, I found out even more and I thought, what a good blog post to share with you.
The night before Halloween the kids drew up pictures and David carved their pumpkins
Kathryn, Victoria and William, all dressed up on Halloween morning….ready for the School’s yearly costume parade
Our front door with corn stalks from our garden, a homemade spider over head, wisps of spider web, and pumpkins….we had pumpkins all down our drive way too….we also play scary music coming from our garage. Sadly, we only got 19 kids this year!

 

My princess, Darth Vadar, and our Witch, heading out with their dad for an evening of trick or treating…it’s a bit rainy tonight and our spider leg’s are really moving….scary~~~

 
Groovy Grace heading off with her Elf fairy friend….this may be the last season of trick or treating for her…BUMMER!!!
All I learned about pumpkin seeds……
Did you know that those little kernels are loaded with way more than zinc? They are particularly beneficial to vegetarians and vegans, as they are packed with protein as well. Further, the seeds are an excellent source of vitamins and essential omega 3-6-9’s as well and have an unparalleled payload of minerals. A quarter cup of the nutty kernel has 73 per cent of the recommended daily amount of manganese, 47.7 percent for magnesium, 16.8 per cent for zinc and 15.7 per cent for iron. There is compelling research as well, that this little green seed, may help you side step Alzheimer’s,(something we should all be concerned about as we age) cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, depression, (something that happens to me in the winter) immune dysfunction and osteoporosis. Do I have to say more?
Well if you insist, this little seed boasts a dizzying array of carotenoids, polyphenols, and plant sterols that have been shown to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties.
WOW!
So if you already threw out all your pumpkin seeds after carving your jack-o-lanterns, you can always pick them up at your nearest bulk store and toss them in your salads, in your oatmeal, like I do, or even throw them on top of your winter casseroles and toss them in your stews. Who needs meat!
If you did save them,…yahoo!…. let’s roast some and have a stash in our pantry. It’s easy to roast pumpkin seeds.
How to Roast Pumpkin seeds:
Simply, remove them from the pumpkin and let them dry on a cotton dish towel. Pat them dry and remove any lingering pulp off of them. Then spread them evenly on a baking sheet to let them dry for about 48 hours. Once they are dry they are ready to roast. Simply pop them into a pre-heated 200 degree F. oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Watch carefully that they don’t burn. When you pull them out you can sprinkle them with some sea salt, or some garlic powder, or cumin…great if you are using them for snacking. Since I put these seeds into everything, I wait to season them depending on what I use them for. In my oatmeal today, I sprinkled my homemade pumpkin spice on top and it was so yummy.
Tasted like the best of fall and WINTER!!!
So my dear family and friends, that’s the latest from the homestead. As we travel through the last days of fall, I hope you relish each day wherever you are in the world and whatever weather you are experiencing. Mother Nature is always filled with delight and goodness. Sometimes we just need to look under the snow.

Saying goodbye as I dive into the season with Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, and Vera Ellen singing “Snow,” from the 1954 White Christmas movie

Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful.
Blessings from Hope

Halloween Sugar Cookies and Fruit Pumpkins

/ Lee Reynolds
This year I made a scary Farmer out of paper mache and surrounded him with pumpkin friends

 

Over our front entrance is a large spider made out of a stuffed garbage bag

It’s over for another year! Spooky memories and fun dress up moments are behind us. My camera packed with oodles of pictures remembering another tradition marking our little one’s childhood years. Our big ones too.

Harrison ready for the dance

Our Halloween celebrations started when I went to my Sacred Circle book club last Wednesday to discuss the book, “The Places that Scare Us.” by Pema Chodron. While we were talking about our fears, my 15 year old was at his high school Halloween dance. He pulled an outfit together after school on Wednesday,  don’t ask me what he was wearing, a cross between a Mexican Amigo and a prisoner. Notice his striped pants which I thought were odd but he felt it went with the ensemble. Who am I to judge?

I really miss our older son Mitchell, who is away at his first year of University. He always used to come up with the most creative outfits with minutes to spare. It used to drive me crazy since I’m a huge planner and a bit controlling, okay, who am I kidding, a lot controlling, but he seemed to enjoy the whole process of selecting his Halloween outfits.

Mitchell dressed up at his Campo Cello summer camp…..I think this was the year they were playing songs by The Beatles

On Friday I dropped the little girls off at their preschool where they were having a Halloween party.

 

 

As soon as I dropped the girls off at preschool,

Fireman William

I raced over to help at Will’s kindergarten class
where his teacher had planned a Scavenger hunt, Halloween bingo, a craft centre making Witch’s hands (plastic gloves, with candy corn for fingernails, filled up with popcorn, then tied with an elastic and the finishing touch, a plastic spider ring on one of the fingers, and an imagination
table full of Halloween stickers and stamps.

They had a great time and the snacks were yummy too.

Here’s a few pictures of his kindergarten party.

 

 

 I love, LOVE the fruit pumpkins that a few moms brought to the party…check it out!
Also, tucked behind, is the basket of sugar cookies I brought…notice it’s almost empty!

 

  After Will’s party, I raced home to relieve D of the little girl’s care. After preschool he picked them up and brought them home as the kindergarten party was longer than their time at preschool. He returned to work where they were having a Halloween social luncheon and the girls and I put the finishing touches on the outside decorations, see above, and dragged our old mini stereo outside so we could play scary music for the trick or treaters later.
Grace invited a friend over for a Halloween sleepover, so after an early dinner, they headed off first into the night….dressed up as flower children from the 60’s.  Again, no input from me, like her brother, she pulled the whole outfit together from our tickle trunk. I was really proud how sustainable and creative we were this Halloween, using what we had without consuming.
Not the best picture but the girls were so anxious to get out the door….peace out!
Then it was time to get the little people dressed for the night. Did I mention that it rained most of the day? Thankfully, the showers stopped long enough while they were out trick or treating, however it was a lot of fun avoiding puddles wearing long princess gowns.
Happy Halloween 2014, Will is a Ninja, Kate is a Fairy Princess, Victoria is a Queen, of course!
 Notice how bundled the little ones are….there are layers and layers under their dresses and Ninja Costumes….but hey, when I was little, our mom would put our coats on over our costume so I think this is so much better from a dress up point of view. At least we don’t live farther up north!
Well that is a few snap shots into our Halloween in case you were interested. What I am really happy to share with you is a long time favourite recipe for Sugar Cookies, which I make for every occasion. At Christmas, they are our fav cookie and we decorate trees, angels, stars and candy canes all out of my sugar cookie recipe, but at Halloween time, OF COURSE they are Pumpkins.
If you don’t have a great Sugar Cookie recipe, you have to try this one. The secret is in the nutmeg, not rolling them too thin so they are chewy and of course not over baking them.
So tuck this recipe away until next year, or save for the next holiday where you need sugar cookies. I hope it becomes a tradition for your family too.
Enjoy!
Hope’s Sugar Cookies
Ingredients
4 cups all purpose Flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional…but I never delete it)
11/2 cups of butter…I use half margarine and butter
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups white granulated sugar
4 eggs
 
Directions
 
Measure flour without sifting, add baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Stir well to blend.
 
Cream shortening in mixing bowl until fluffy. Add vanilla and gradually add sugar mixing until creamy.
 
Beat in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add dry ingredients. Combine thoroughly.
Chill dough in the fridge for at least 2 hours/ overnight is best
I break the dough into four packets…wrapping it in wax paper.
When you are ready to bake, roll out chilled dough on a lightly floured surface with floured rolling pin. 
Cut out cookies close together using floured cookie cutters….I use a Tupperware Pumpkin shaped cutter.
Place on lightly greased or sprayed cookie sheet 2 inches apart…for chewy cookies make sure they are thick…unless you like a crunchy sugar cookie then roll out thinner
Bake in a preheated oven 375 degree F. for 8 to 10 minutes…watch it closely. Put cookies onto a cooling rack until cool.
Frost with a butter icing and decorate with candies of your choice. I love the spearmint green chewy candies for the stems and then like candy corn for the nose although this year we couldn’t find them at the Super Store…all sold out…so I improvised. Chocolate chip pieces are great for eyes and mouths…although this year the little girls and I selected different candies for the eyes and nose…be creative!
And here is the basket of sugar cookies I took to the Kindergarten party.
my sugar cookies…they went fast!
Thanks so much for coming for a visit. Hey and before I go…don’t forget about Dr. Deepak Chopra’s meditation challenge...it starts tomorrow/ There is still time to register for this free guided meditation session. I’d LOVE if you joined with me….and I hope to write a few blog posts about meditating, and also creating the life we desire.
 I’d better get to bed as I’m going to get up early and connect with my soul. Here’s the link….or click on the hyper link words above if you are using an apple product.

 

 

Life is so good! I hope you join me in the meditation challenge called, “Energy of Attraction”…..let Deepak “mind the time” as you connect with the greater part of you. May all your dreams come true.

Until we meet again, may you be well, happy and peaceful.

Blessings from Hope

The Places That Scare You!~Chicken Casserole with Chocolate Cake

/ Lee Reynolds

BOO!

Okay, so you’re not scared. It’s only a picture of our twins, trying on the Halloween outfit they will wear to their preschool party on Friday. I couldn’t resist though as they were so darn cute. But going back to the word,”BOO!” Was I ever a bit scared four years ago this week, when I went in for my first ultrasound after finding out I was pregnant. I’ll never forget the ultrasound technologist telling us that she wasn’t a Doctor and therefore couldn’t tell us anything….but she said she could show us “something”, and then she moved her ultrasound wand across my lower belly and said, “here is one “thing”, and here is two.”

My husband who was casually chewing gum and holding Will throughout the exam didn’t stop chewing, instead he said,”look Will, there is your new baby brother or sister.” He hadn’t picked up on what the technologist was showing us AT ALL

I, on the other hand am an old hand at ultrasounds and was heightened to every word she uttered from the time she asked us to follow her into the exam room. You see, I had been spotting and was so scared  the first words I would hear were, “I’m so sorry there is no heart beat.” So when I saw those two flickering heart beats I was elated, truly excited, but yes also extremely scared.  We called them our Boo babies at the time.

When D and I left the building I stopped him before we got to the car and said, “you know what she was showing us don’t you?” And he just went, “Huh?” And it was then I uttered the words, “Twins!” He stopped chewing his gum and just went quiet. He was in that state for many weeks and although I was scared, I was just so happy to have babies with heart beats. When you have tried a long time to complete your family and you are finally pregnant, you just enjoy each day that comes and try not to be fearful about the future.

Thankfully, the pregnancy went well and the girls are thriving and healthy. Talking about my fear, reminds me of the fears of many women. The fear first that they may never find a partner in order to have a child, or the strength and courage to choose motherhood as a single person if they are partnerless. Then there is the fear of infertility, which can be devastating, debilitating and sadly, in many cases cause severe depression. As if infertility isn’t bad enough, often women then have to pull themselves out of the trenches of deep darkness to fight their battle for a child.  And even when that dream finally comes true, they then have to deal with issues from post traumatic stress while trying to find some semblance of happiness being a new mom.

Then still others have the fear of  not experiencing a healthy pregnancy, dealing with a painful labour, difficult delivery and finally having a living, breathing child.. And that is all before their baby arrives on earth. Don’t get me going about once the baby arrives as I will let your imagination take over from there, although I will leave you with this one story of  when our first baby slept through the night for the first time. I asked D to check on her as I was so scared we had lost her in the night. You see, our OB-GYN who delivered her, had just lost his infant son from sudden death syndrome a few months earlier and I thought, if it could happen to him well we are not immune. Irrational I know, but this is the stuff of life. FEAR!

Well, I could go on and on with regards to fears, but what I wanted to say was thisHalloween time of year reminds me of the day, 4 years ago that we found out we were having TWO BOO babies……and it’s been a wonderful experience. Yes, my hands are full as many people often comment, but they are full of multiple blessings. The biggest thing that scares us is often fear itself.

This post though is REALLY about a book review I wanted to share since tonight is my Sacred Circle book club meeting and the book we are discussing is, “The Places that Scare You, a guide to fearlessness in difficult times,” by Pema Chodron. I don’t know if you’ve had the chance to read this book or not, (I invited you to be a sacred sister on one of my blogs in September) but in case you haven’t and in case you have your share of anxiety and fears, this book gives one many insights to  contemplate and incorporate  into ones life.

Front Cover

I have recently written about the terrorism that occurred in Canada on a prior post (Earthlings Get Grounded) and a thought that really rang home to me was on Page 7 of this book. The author wrote, “Hatred never ceases by hatred-but by love alone is healed. This is an ancient and eternal law.”

On page 42, Pema Chodron writes, “In cultivating loving kindness we train first to be honest, loving and compassionate towards ourselves.”

And on Page 52, she says, “As a result of compassionate practise, we will start to have a deeper understanding of the roots of suffering.”

It was quite timely to read this and so I thought, “I send love to all terrorists around the world.” I know many would not understand this way of thinking but if we truly believe we are all connected, I’m only hurting myself by thinking anything but love.

In Chapter three, “The Buddha taught that there are three principal characteristics  of human existence. They are, “impermanence, egolessness, or dissatisfaction.”

Recognizing these qualities, to be real and true in our own experience helps us to relax with things as they are.

I loved this concept since the theme of my life is all about surrender It’s a life lesson that runs through each moment of my life as I attempt to not attach to anything, instead, just notice what I’m reacting to and then letting it go. I’m not brilliant one day and a screw up the next. I’m not what I do, or what people think if me. IF I don’t attach to anything, then nothing, NO THING, can influence me or make me feel good, or bad.

It’s a journey for sure but something I’m finding easier as I’m getting older. Good thing too since one of the biggest fears most humans have is dying. Accepting that our earthly body is always in a state of change, and will eventually stop functioning is either a freeing idea or scary to some. Understanding that we ARE, not the human body, that this is only our vehicle while on this earth and eventually it will stop working, makes it easier to let go of even dissatisfaction, like aging, or a part of our body that appears not perfect to us.

The other main idea that was presented in this book has to do with the sweet spot in life. Is it when things are going great and all our dreams are coming true? Nope! It’s when things are really tough and difficult. When we are able to remain in that place and stand our ground, that is when we become true warriors. It’s when we really soften and become more compassionate towards ourselves, and others. It’s when we glimpse the idea that we are all connected.

On page 122, Chodron writes, “The fact we spend a long time in the middle, the juicy spot is  the fruitful place to be—resting here completely—steadfastly experiencing the clarity of the present moment is called, Enlightenment.”

I loved the quote at the beginning of Chapter 7 on Loving Kindness-

“Peace between Countries must rest on the solid foundation of love between individuals.”                                    ~Mahatma Gandhi~

“No matter where we are on the journey-we are always stepping further into groundlessness. Enlightenment is not the end-it’s just the beginning of fully entering into we know not what.”

The last words of that sentence….WE KNOW NOT WHAT….isn’t that our worst fear? That we don’t know what is ahead of us and that is something that is really hard for most people to deal with…letting go and trusting that ALL SHALL BE WELL.

Before I close my book review, I liked how Pema Chodron brought in stories of her experiences with her teachers. A few simple words they said to her in response to her training came back to me and resonated with my soul, they were, “It’s no big deal.” and “It’s Okay.”

Although this book was rich with wonderful ideas, at the end of it, I was just thinking to myself, I’m okay, and it’s no big deal. And that is what I’m taking to book club tonight.

As we are about to head into Trick or Treat season, when scary creatures are ringing our door bell, literal or figuritively, I thought I would leave you with a comfort food recipe that I made last night. PERFECT for making this weekend, “Country Chicken Casserole and Biscuits” and a recipe for a quick “Chocolate cake,” you can whip up really fast and delicious enough to impress your scariest guests.

Happy Halloween! if I don’t get the chance to post again…it’s really busy around here this time of year although I had hoped to get my famous sugar cookie recipe on my blog…stay tuned for my pumpkin cookie recipes. I have to make it for Will’s kindergarten class party so I will try to bring you in the kitchen for some fun creations. Enjoy this special time of year when we really have to look fear in the face and say, BOO!

Hope’s Country Chicken Casserole with Biscuits

Ingredients
  • 3-4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups diced potatoes
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup sliced celery
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 2 cups of vegetables whatever you have….I used brocoli, cauliflower, swiss chard and kale,
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • if you have some sage and parsley they make a nice seasoning that you can add when you cook the celery, onions and garlic

 Note: If you want a really creamy sauce double the sauce ingredients above

 

Instructions

 

  1. Preheat oven to 400º F.
  2. Bake chicken pieces until lightly browned, no longer pink. ( it took 40 mins for my breast pieces which were quite thick) Remove from oven, cut up into small 1 inch pieces. Set aside
  3. Cut up potatoes into nice big chunks and boil until almost done, add carrots and the rest of the vegetables…cook until all are tender. Remove and drain water.
  4. In a sauce pan, melt 2 tbsp butter, cook celery, onions, garlic until tender. Add chicken broth and cook until boiling. Remove.
  5. Melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and then slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly. Remove from heat and add salt, pepper if you wish.
  6.  Put chicken and vegetables into a a casserole dish along with the chicken broth and  white sauce, mix well.  

(Make biscuits  and put on top of casserole….bake in hot oven 450 F for 12 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown)

This is what it looks like before adding the biscuits….since this was such a large pan though, next time I would add more white sauce…and also next time I’m going to do the English Pea and carrots….my kids aren’t crazy about peas but I LOVE THEM ..my Grandma Clark used to say, “they will put hair on your chest!”

Hope’s Biscuits

Ingredients

2 cups All purpose Flour
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup shortening
1 cup milk

(For our larger family I double the recipe….any extra biscuits get eaten with jam the next day)

Instructions

Mix together flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening with two knives or a pastry blender until the mixture is the consistency of course cornmeal. Make a well in the centre of these ingredients; add liquid slowly. When all the liquid has been added, stir dough rather vigorously until it comes freely from the side of the bowl. Turn dough onto lightly floured board and knead lightly for a few minutes. roll or pat out to desired thickness–about 1/2 inch thick. Bake in a hot oven, 450 degrees F. Makes 12 biscuits

 

David loves it when I’m cooking for my “blog” because he often gets a glass of wine too….

Tonight we added a nice white wine that my sister J and brother in law B, gave D for his birthday. B says it is the best quality white wine for it’s price…we love B.C. wine! Thanks J and B!

 

Perfect with my Country Chicken Casserole with Biscuits….ENJOY!

And for another comfort food that will surely chase anything you are scared of, AWAY>>>>

Hope’s Comfort Food Homemade Chocolate Cake

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (opt)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water…I had left over coffee so I added a cup of hot coffee

 

Instructions

 

  1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring or 1-13×9 pan.
  2. For the cake:
  3. Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to combine or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.
  4. Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water(coffee if you have it) to the cake batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter.
  5. Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans or in one large pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan or let cool completely and ice in pan. .
  7. Frost cake with a Buttercream icing….I added a tsp of hot water with instant coffee for a mocha flavour to my icing
 I was in such a rush, taking kids to piano, picking up University kid, Skyping other University kid from a distance to see how his Mid term exam went, and texting high school kid to see when Volleyball practise ended that I was lucky to ice this cake…turned out really great although the decoration of coconut and almonds weren’t the greatest…hey but it’s life. I’m glad I don’t have all the time in the world to set up my blog posts looking perfect because you know, life isn’t like that…not real life and that is nothing to be scared of. It’s sometimes messy but tastes GREAT!

This cake was the perfect comfort dessert after the Country Chicken Casserole with biscuits…I hope you try it out on a day that you need some home cooking to comfort you.

If you are interested in hearing more from Pema Chodron, on Fear and Fearlessness.…check out this YouTube video.

 

And another one with Oprah…..why fear is nothing to be afraid of

Until we meet again, may you be well, happy, peaceful…and FEARLESS!

Blessings from Hope