Arts & Crafts in Northern Michigan

When you live in a climate that includes 4-6 months of winter, there's more to summer than just warm days. Any outdoor activities  - class reunions, weddings, fairs - get crammed into our 12-16 snowless weekends (notice I didn't say warm - just without snow).

The Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Fair

Hands down one of my favorite summer activities is the arts and crafts fair. I'm lucky enough to live in a community that hosts one every month, May-August. Our May 25 fair was a bit chilly (notice the coats and jeans!), but the sun was out and the vendors showed up, so Linda and I grabbed our friends, Hope and Joy, then made our way downtown.

Our blacksmith friend (I forgot to get his name!)

Joy's favorite was this blacksmith. We could have stayed there all day without her complaining. It's hard to stay in once place, however, when you can smell the cinnamon roasted almonds a few booths down (because no fair is complete without some type of yummy snack food).

Only $2!!

My favorite part of the Elk Rapids art fair is the prices. I've been to dozens of other fairs over the years and spend most of my time drooling over pieces I'll never be able to afford. In Elk Rapids, the vendors sell everything from paintings worth hundreds of dollars (see below) to beautiful, hand-made dollar crafts for the kids (and modestly wealthy) to buy.

I admire this artist's work every year.

One of these days Linda and I will be rich, and we'll get to buy whatever we want at the arts and crafts fair, but for now we enjoy the window shopping and chatting with friends (not to mention finally getting outside after a long winter).

Joy with her new crown and flower.

Even if you don't enjoy buying hand-made artwork, the fair in Elk Rapids offers one of the most beautiful settings for any outdoor event. Walk two blocks past the fair and you end up at the beach; two blocks in the other direction takes you to the library. It doesn't matter which way you go - natural beauty surrounds the man-made beauty of the arts and crafts fair.

Linda and Hope leading the way.

 Best of all - it's a short walk home.

Another successful trip to the fair.

Book Review: A Bride for All Seasons

It all started with an ad in a mail-order bride catalogue . . .

This charming bouquet of novellas introduces you to four Hitching Post Mail-Order Bride Catalogue prospects in the year 1870, all eager for second chances . . . and hungry for happiness. Year in, year out, they'll learn that love often comes in unexpected packages.

"And then Came Spring" by Margaret Brownley
Mary-Jo has traveled halfway across the country to meet her match, arriving just in time for his funeral. Returning home seems like her only option until her would-be brother-in-law proposes a more daring idea.

"An Ever After Summer" by Debra Clopton
Ellie had no idea she's not what Matthew ordered. And what's wrong with being a "Bible thumper" anyway? She's determined to show him she's tougher than she looks-and just the girl he needs.

"Autumn's Angel" by Robin Lee Hatcher
Luvena would be perfect for Clay if she didn't come with kids. But kids are a deal breaker, especially in a rough-and-trouble mining town. ­ e trouble is, there's no money to send them back . . .

"Winter Wedding Bells" by Mary Connealy
David's convinced he's not long for the world. He needs someone to mother his boys when he's gone-nothing more. Can plucky Irish Megan convince him to work at living instead of dying?
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I picked up this book because I'm a huge fan of Mary Connealy. I've read Robin Lee Hatcher before, but wasn't as familiar with the other authors. I figured anyone paired up with Connealy must be good, so I read the novellas.

A Bride for All Seasons is exactly what I'd hoped for in a collection of novellas. Each story contained tension, romance, and a small cast of characters trying to make life work.

I've been disappointed by novella collections in the past because they tend to feel rushed, as if the authors simply cut chapters from longer books. That wasn't the case with these stories. Though short, each story provided all of the engaging plot elements I expect and enjoy in full length novels. This also gave me a chance to meet some new authors (who I will probably read in the future, now that I've sampled their styles).

An easy, entertaining read full of tricky situations and sweet romance.

*I received a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are strictly my own.

Reading Reviews: 12 Days of Christmas in Elk Rapids

##Reading Reviews has moved from my writing blog to this blog. In the future you'll find all book reviews here:##

I won't lie - this isn't a book review. It's a shameless plug. I love Christmas. I love Elk Rapids. I love young writers who pursue their dreams. For that reason I'm dedicating this month to a few elementary aged writers who put together a little book about one of my favorite places. Here's the scoop:

This book was written as a tribute to the beautiful village of Elk Rapids, Michigan. Mrs. Veith's third graders from Lakeland Elementary School worked as a team to brainstorm all the wonderful things that our village provides for us. The third graders than continued to research the topics that they choose to complete a page in our 12 Days of Christmas in Elk Rapids book. All the illustrations were also completed by these hard working third graders. This book shares many of the wonderful things that our great village has to offer and why Elk Rapids, Michigan is a great place to visit and live.

I can pretty much guarantee there will be telling. Don't expect any deep point-of-view. Ignore the passive to-be verb. Take a few minutes and celebrate with some Elk Rapids 3rd graders who get to see their book in print. (If you want to get your hands on a copy, you can order it here.)
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Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig: Book Three of the Discarded Heroes series - perhaps a little risque for a Christian novel, but she presented realistic drama in a well-written, non-graphic way. Faith didn't seem as important in this book, but still a large piece of the plot. Just as exciting and suspenseful as the first two books. A great example of Kendig's style.***

Old Man & the Sea by Ernest Hemingway: The first Hemingway book I've ever read. It took a while to get used to - the older writing style is completely opposite of what I've been taught is good writing. Not my cup of coffee, but I would definitely recommend it to my husband.***

Dead Dancing Women by Elizabeth Kane Buzzelli: A fun book because it's set in a small town that used to exist near where I live. The plot, however, was a little unbelievable and it read like it wasn't sure if it wanted to be a literary novel or genre. Not my favorite book, but not the worst I've ever read. **

Book Review (and Giveaway!): Talon by Ronie Kendig

All Air Force veteran Aspen Courtland wants is her brother back. The US Marine Corps says he’s dead, but Aspen won’t believe it till she sees his body. Her only hope is her brother’s tracking dog, Talon, but a brutal attack has left the dog afraid of his own shadow.

The truth is something Military Intelligence Operative Dane Markoski has never faced. But now it’s the only thing that can save him—along with Talon’s help. But working with Talon means teaming up with Aspen as well, and Dane swore he’d never work with a woman.

Eventually they join forces to battle the elements and extremists. But if Talon can’t rise up to his former glory for one last mission, the only outcome for all three will be game over.
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Ronie Kendig consistently provides fast-paced plots, flawed-but-trying characters, and a bit of tortured romance in her military thriller books. Talon is no exception. From the very first page her expertly-trained characters engage, fighting the enemy as well as their demons. Kendig has a knack for including multiple points-of-view, so you have to pay attention while you're reading, but the different angles keep your attention and give a wider view of the unfamiliar landscape of special ops and military intrigue.

My only issue with the novel is the full-throttle intro, but this is a reflection of the industry, not Kendig. I understand that there's a push to start the story with a bang (literally in Kendig's work), but the immediate action with no character introduction always leaves me feeling lost and confused. Technically Kendig masterfully wrote the opening action, but it took me 40+ pages before the story really pulled me in because I felt like I was trying to keep up. Again, that's not a reflection of the author, but I wanted to mention it. If you're like me you may struggle through the first 40-50 pages, but stick with it. Kendig's stories are worth it.
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Leave a comment with your email address included for a chance to win a copy of Talon. The winner will be randomly selected on June 17 - good luck!

Cupcakes and Presents and Babies, Oh My!

The Decor

Since she moved in, Linda has bonded with most of my friends. She's not just my Aunt Linda, she's everyone's Aunt Linda.

One of her favorite people is my friend Shaina. Linda met Shaina seven years ago at my wedding. She's been part of the family ever since. When she told us she was expecting, Linda went into super-aunt mode:

Some of the party guests!

She volunteered our house for the baby shower, volunteered my services at the hospital, and even volunteered to change some diapers and babysit. Linda is a very excited adoptive-great-aunt.

Is that a pacifier with a mustache on top?! Yes it is.

 Linda regularly checks in on Shaina, following up on doctor appointments and such. She's been especially concerned with the shower. Together with our friend Hope, we've planned everything ... we just didn't check the calendar.

No words needed.

 Somehow we managed to plan the shower for the weekend that Linda's out of town! Seriously, what kind of friends are we??

No worries, though. With a few bucks and a little planning, we pulled of a mini-surprise shower!

Our youngest attendees.

Linda and I made cupcakes, Hope's fam provided the dinner. I bought some balloons. Hope picked up some guests. Everyone brought presents and viola! Instant baby shower, for Linda as much as it was for Shaina.

Photo bombed by the four year-old.

 The food was great, the company was charming, the weather was perfect, and, most importantly, Linda got to spoil one of her dozens of adopted nieces. Shaina was a sport, adding another party to her already packed schedule.

Shaina & Linda

Linda is definitely not one to let a little thing like 100 miles stop her from enjoying a good party. All she needs is a little time, a wee bit of help, and she can make anything happen.

Coming Soon - July 2013

And now the countdown to baby begins. Linda's already cleared a space on her dresser for a picture of Shaina, the baby, and their cat. She doesn't have a picture of me, of course, but Shaina already has a place reserved. Gotta love Aunt Linda.

It's Not My Fault That I Want a Dog

Photo Credit

I want a dog.

I blame this on Animal Planet's show Too Cute!. My aunt and I started watching this a few months ago when they would run marathon days - hours of puppies and kittens frolicking on the big screen. Though the kittens amuse me, my two cats have already fulfilled that need. What I need now is a puppy. Too bad my husband isn't completely on board, but I understand his hesitation.

Right now we care for our two cats, plus my aunt lives with us, so the house is pretty full. We haven't had any luck training the cats to get a job, so they still rely solely on us for food and litter. I imagine a dog will be the same. As much as I'd love to cuddle with my very own fuzz bucket, I don't want to worry about where everyone will sleep or how we'll afford all the food.

Then there are my family members and friends. Allergies run rampant amongst my tribe. Three of my favorite folks rarely (if ever) come over because of the cats. I don't want to alienate anyone else because of a dog. Furry friends are nice, but I truly value my biped acquaintances. I'm not sure that I'm willing to sacrifice them for a walking companion (though there are times when I'd gladly trade in a human for a wagging tail).
There's also the whole poop thing - I'm not touching it. My husband has a friend who trained his dog to poop in the woods. If I ever did get a dog, I'd need to do that. I can handle messy diapers and projectile vomit, but I'm not going to pick up poop.

Photo Credit

As often as I try to talk myself out of it, however, I always end up at a friend's house (or back at Animal Planet) and some sweet, playful face captures my heart and makes me forget all of the negatives about canine ownership. I really do want a dog, but I don't want to upset the peaceful balance at our house. I could never go to the pound and walk home with a puppy when I know that my hubby isn't 100% behind the idea, so I'm waiting (and wanting). If someone should show up at our house, however, and anonymously drop off an orphaned spaniel puppy, well ... I just want a dog.

So long, dear cows!

Aunt Linda has yet to meet an animal she doesn't love. I haven't had to worry about my cats since she moved in. (To be honest, when she was gone one weekend I forgot to feed the cats until they started howling.) Knowing how much she loves animals, I knew she'd enjoy going with me to the farm.

 

The farm greeters. They were looking for a treat - they remember Linda because she always knows where to find the box of dog treats.

This is part of the dairy herd. Off-and-on for about two years we had the privilege of owning part of this herd, so we enjoyed fresh, raw milk every week. Things have changed, however, so the cows are finding new homes. We wanted to take some pictures before we said good-bye.

Linda could usually get the older cows (above) to moo at her. The calves (below) never gave us the time of day.

Except this little guy (or girl?). He would run out to see us whenever we stopped by. He usually turned away once he realized he didn't have food, but this week he let Linda pet him for a while.

We certainly had fun visiting our bovine friends. We'll miss 'em, but Linda's not too worried. She's already found another horse ranch she'd like me to check out with her!

Hug & Groom

Last month I spent four days down with a cold. Normally that's not a big deal, but the week before that Linda had a cough. We spent most of the week at the house while she recovered, then we spent four days at the house while I fought a bug. When I finally felt better I was four days behind in my work and couldn't afford another day off, so I called my sister in law.

I asked my SIL, Beth, if she'd mind taking Linda out somewhere - a movie, to the mall, anything outside of my house. The timing was perfect. Beth was already planning on going to the PEACH Ranch Hug & Groom event.

"PEACE Ranch is a faith based equine assisted therapy center founded on the belief that there is great potential for healing in the parallel process of rescue, rehabilitation and restoration between horses and humans." Every so often they host a Hug & Groom - two hours when people can walk through to meet and pet the animals.

This is an event designed for Linda! She's yet to meet an animal that she doesn't like, and the Hug & Groom was no different. This fellow shown above developed a particular fondness for her.

It was this little pony, however, that captured Linda's heart. We're looking forward to the next event (hopefully sans snow) so we can go back and she can introduce me to all of her new friends.

And a big thanks to Beth for not only getting Linda out of the house, but for introducing her to her favorite horse!

Pizza Pull Apart Bread ... Modified (of course)

I found this fun look recipe on Facebook for Pizza Pull Apart Bread. As is my custom, I followed the directions the first time. As is usually the case for FB recipes, I found it incomplete and not quite right, so I've modified it for better results in the future.

Here's what you need:
2 cans of pizza dough (or enough homemade dough for two pizzas)
6 oz. of pepperoni
1/3 cup olive oil
Spices
8 oz. shredded cheese

Here's what you do:

Roll out and cut up your pizza dough.

Roll you dough pieces into bite-sized dough balls.

Toss dough balls with olive oil seasoned with spices (I used an Italian blend, but forgot to take a picture).

Layer ingredients in bundt pan or fluted angel food cake pan: dough, pepperoni, cheese. End with dough (I used some biscuits that I had on hand, thus the weird looking top). Bake at 375 degrees (the recipe didn't include a time - I went for 20 minutes because I had no idea).

Dump bread onto plate.

Pull apart (my pepperoni is locally made without all of the artificial colors, thus the brownish tone).

Serve with marinara (and I added ranch!)

The recipe was okay, but incomplete. Here's what you should do:
2 cans of pizza dough (or enough homemade dough for two pizzas)
6 oz. of pepperoni, diced
Assorted favorite pizza toppings, diced
1/3 cup olive oil
Spices
8 oz. shredded cheese
Marinara
Ranch Dressing
Bundt pan or angel food cake pan

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut pizza dough into bite size pieces and roll into balls; coat with seasoned olive oil
3. Layer ingredients in pan: dough, toppings, cheese. Make sure your last layer is dough. (NOTE: If using an angel food cake pan you will only have four layers - dough, toppings, cheese, dough. A bundt pan creates more layers)
4. Bake for 30 minutes; check for done-ness. Bake until golden and crusty.
5. Cover pan with plate; flip over to remove bread.
6. Serve with your favorite dips!

He's Rubbing Off ...

My husband, the original Yooper Stewart, is rubbing off on Linda. She hasn't started wearing camouflage or stopped showering (thank goodness), but his influence is clear. Linda wanted to buy some headphones for her Nintendo DS. We went to Kmart and tried some on, then I let her pick out the ones she wanted. Her choice?

Hunter Orange.

The nice thing about these headphones is that we'll never have to worry about losing her at night...

French Onion Soup - Worth the Stink

Now that I'm working part time from home I cook a lot. I truly enjoy finding yummy recipes (even if I have to fudge with them a bit). By far my favorite food-type to make is soup. I could eat soup every day, but Linda's not as big a fan as I am, so I limit myself to one to two days a week. I've made everything from chicken noodle to chili to cream of mushroom soups. One recipe I've been avoiding is French onion.

We're all big fans of French onion soup, but I've read the recipes - hours of cooking time and pounds of sliced onions. I wasn't sure my eyes could handle that kind of torture. I wanted to thank Linda for her patience with my obsession though, so I borrowed her Taste of Home magazine and took on their Classic French Onion Soup recipe.

As suspected, the recipe starts with lots of onions. Linda helped for about four onions, but then she split. I stuck it out, breaking when my eyes blurred. Unwilling to handle the smelly roots for longer than necessary, I plugged in my food processor and made some noise (note: when slicing onions in the food processor make sure you first remove the chopping blade).

A beautiful pot of stinky. I had to brown the onions, which took nearly and hour. It was worth the wait.

Tasty! Add a little wine, some beef broth and let it cook. I ended up with too many onions, but no one minded. With flavor that intense, more onions just add more tender wonderfulness.

I don't own ramekins, so I used my everyday cereal bowls. Sure, it's only half full, but that giant vessel holds two toasted pieces of baguette, two ladles full of soup, and the gooey, melty cheese.

It took roughly 2.5 hours to make this soup. My house reeked of onions for almost two days. Was it worth it?

You betcha!

Coconut Oil Fudge - Recipe and Tips

After a recent doctor's appointment I learned a couple of things about my diet. First, I need more protein. Second, I need to cut carbs. Because of that I'm always looking for good snack recipes. On a recent quest to eat better and keep my feet warm (a different subject, yet indirectly related) a friend directed me to this article on The Nourished Life blog. She mentions a three ingredient, coconut oil fudge recipe. Follow a couple of links and you find it. It's pretty basic, so I gave it whirl.

1.One part coconut oil (I used 1 cup). I live in northern Michigan, so coconut oil in January looks like this. Just warm it on the stove or in the microwave until melted.

2. One part cocoa powder. I happen to have organic cacao powder. It's very light in the measuring cup, but don't let it trick you - this stuff not only contains lots of nutrients (including fiber and protein), it's also super dark and chocolately. Since I used 1 cup coconut oil, I used 1 cup cacao powder.

 

3. Half part raw honey. My raw honey is thick and creamy, so I measured out a 1/2 cup in my Pampered Chef measuring unit. I don't use this often, but I swear by it for thick, gooey ingredients like honey and peanut butter. When you press the measuring cup up, it scrapes off the sides so you don't miss any yummy goodness.

Before

After

Now you begin the mixing process. Here are a few tips I'll pass along to you. First, if you have thick, creamy honey like I do, heat it up. The thick sweetener doesn't blend well with the liquid oil.

See how nice and dark this looks?

Next, the original recipe says to pour the mixture into a glass container. Yes, but ... I can't seem to get the fudge out very easily. I might put down some waxed paper so you can pop the fudge out of the pan instead of scraping it out.

Here's the mixed, poured, hardened yumminess. I'm not the biggest honey fan, so I might tweak the sweetening process, but Linda and Matt both love this recipe. It will definitely pop up here again!