It's Launched!

Much earlier this year, talked to you about the new idea that Bob and I came up with while we were driving to the coast. Well, finally got my butt moving and Muffin Mania! has been launched! It's been quite the labour of love and sweat, but with Bob gone overseas for two weeks, gave me lots of time to put my money where my mouth is!

So, now, you can subscribe to Muffin Mania! a weekly mailing of stories, thought provoking comments and the muffin motivational. As well, of course, you will find your weekly muffin recipe. We hope you enjoy the muffins and bake a double recipe! The subscription is only $15 (CDN) for one full year of Muffin Mania! e-mails. However... for all my blog readers, I will make you a special offer of $12 for the full year subscription.

"Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will."

George Bernard Shaw

It's been a busy summer and fall!

Summer and fall have been very busy this year. Worked on setting up at least three new websites - all for speakers! The first two were speakers personal sites: Catherine Armstrong and Dave Rodwell. Lots of new ideas and things to work on with both of them and some new techniques and items to try out!

Also worked on another regional speakers site - this time for Toronto Speakers. The other regional sites have been steadily climbing in ranking and getting lots of hits. Some of the speakers getting a lot of interest in their work, leading to several engagements. Pretty neat stuff! I'm sure this site will do the same for the speakers who are listed there. As Bob keeps saying, "If they can't find you, they won't hire you!"

"Do the things you know, and you shall learn the truth you need to know." Louisa May Alcott (author of "Little Women")

Goal Setting

Had a pleasant experience last week when I officially became the 'biggest loser' at my work-site. Now normally, that would not be a good thing, but I entered a contest at work to see who could lose the most weight in a specific length of time. (Same idea as the TV show, but not as drastic and no personal trainer!) For me, the competition was just the spark I needed to get my butt in gear (quite literally, if the truth be told!) and do something about the weight that has been creeping on over the years.

I learned something valuable in this whole 'exercise' (pardon the pun...) and that was the important of setting goals. Bob has often quoted that we should "Set a goal so big that if you achieved it it would blow your mind." (W. Clement Stone) Guess I must have been listening to that, cause set myself a big goal for down the line. Lots of little signposts along the way and quickly approaching the first one, so that's really cool. (My ultimate goal? A size 8, which was what I was after my first baby.)


All of us have - or at least we should have - goals that we set for ourselves. Goals at work, goals at home, goals for our personal development. Do you purposely set those goals low so that you know you can achieve them? Do you set them at all? Or do you shoot for the stars? Many people will tell you to be realistic and don't set yourself up for failure. But what if you succeed? What then? wow... what could we achieve if we allowed ourselves the luxury of just believing in ourselves?

So, my challenge to you (and me!) is to set that goal. Make it big, really big and amazing. Find your personal motivation and make sure it's close at hand for those so-so days. Don't let anyone dissuade you or distract you.

" If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it's OK. But you've got to shoot for something. A lot of people don't even shoot." (Confucius)

Death and Taxes

Spent the last couple evenings getting things together and done so that I can do my taxes... definitely not the most fun way to spend one's evenings, but a necessary evil. Guess it goes back to that old adage about the only sure thing in life is death and taxes. But about done and I'll look it over with a fresh set of eyes tomorrow and that's done.

It made me think of why we procrastinate and put off those lousy tasks until we absolutely have to do them. Last year I swore that I would get my act together and have the receipts totaled at least every month. What do they say about the best laid plans? (... the best laid plans of mice and men are about equal... or go astray, depending upon who you talk to!)

I'd like to think that I'm not the only one who puts off things, maybe hoping that they'll somehow go away or get done on their own. My only character flaw (okay, one of several dozen...) but I'm working on that. In the meantime, think I'll go and have a muffin - oh made a new recipe the other day and it got three thumbs up from Bob (after his 3rd or possibly 4th one). Enjoy!

Three Thumbs Up Strawberry Muffins

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup yogurt
• 1 beaten egg

Mix together and allow to sit for a few minutes. Then add

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup white flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Mix together, then gently fold in

• 1 cup chopped strawberries.

Spoon into greased muffin tins. Top with

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts

Bake at 375 for 20 to 25 minutes if fresh berries, an additional 5 minutes if frozen.

Of Friends... and daughters

Spent a great day with my daughter yesterday and I came to realize just how fortunate I am. Despite the crazy teenage years when we both couldn't stand each other some days, as we have both grown - and matured! - we have also become friends. Obviously, not best friends who tell each other everything - after all it is still a mother/daughter relationship as well - but still friends. Friends with whom you can share a story, or good news, or vent, or a shopping trip, or a day just hanging out. That's pretty cool actually.

Shared a similar story with Aunty Eva when I called last night as she had spent the day with her own daughter and they had a marvelous time. She had been hesitant about going at first, but was so glad that she did.

I believe as women, we all need someone (or many someones) to just be that friend. For a lot of reasons, but mostly because no one can quite understand the trials we may have in life quite like another woman. They won't try to fix us - cause we're not broken - we just need to vent. They understand that sometimes it is just about sharing a cup of coffee or shopping for a new outfit or finding a great deal on that movie you have always wanted. And sometimes, it's just about sharing some time.

I don't know who wrote the following, but someone sent this to me a little while ago and I dedicate it to all the girls in my life - but most of all to my special girl, my daughter!

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend and then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another will sit besi de you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,' another, 'Let's fight together,' another, 'Let's walk away together.'
One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish, another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, & another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ; those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many, it's wrapped up in several..
one from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, on some days your mother, on some days your grandmother, on some days your neighbor, on others, your sisters, and on some days, your daughters.

A bit too much excitement!

I decided I needed to take a road trip so made the Easter weekend an extra long weekend and drove out to Vancouver. All in all a wonderful weekend. I got to visit my son, Alex, and his girlfriend, Ally and see their place and had to say I was pleasantly surprised with it! We then wandered about Granville Island and I decided that was definitely one of my fun things - and must do things - to do while there.

Had a great visit with my cousin Brenda and her husband Jack as well. We spent a lot of time reminiscing about our time growing up and sharing all the things that have happened in between. Funny how the years melt away so easily and you can again fall into those fun times like a day has not passed. Got to do that again soon as well - but think that somehow I volunteered to help make perogies next time!

Also got to spend time with my aunty Eva. Made me grateful to have such a giving and fun person in my life. She joined us on our Granville Island jaunt and we spent a few evenings watching hockey - which has become her favourite winter pastime - and I explained curling as we watched a game as well. But the most fun was working alongside her to prepare our Easter dinner. But I have to say, I can't hold a candle to her apple pies! (I loved this picture - Eva said she was holding up the wrong fingers...!)

Collected a whole bunch of Eva's recipes while I was there. You'll hear more about that and the new venture I'll be working on in the next few weeks. Needless to say, the "Ideaman" has lived up to his name! Stay tuned!

The entire weekend would have been perfect - except for the drive home. Hit snow and got stranded and had to get towed out, but... since no one was hurt - even my beloved blue pony... all's well. I'm just grateful that I wasn't driving at the time!

With all this, had to share one recipe I found.

Berry Tartlets

1 cup ground shortbread cookies
3 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon egg white
Press into tart tins. Bake 8-10 minutes at 375. When cool but still warm, turn over and tap gently to remove. Let cool.

8 oz mascarpone cheese or cream cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
3 tablespoon confectioners sugar
lemon zest
Mix and chill. Place in cooled tart shell. Top with fresh berries. Makes 4 - 4 inch or 6 - 3 inch tarts.

That sounded so good... and then I thought what about ladyfingers which had been soaked in espresso... would taste like tiramasu... oh... yum...

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.” Douglas Adams

Joined the 21st Century?

After a lot of nagging (mostly from my kids) I have, as they put it, finally joined the 21st century and got myself on Facebook. I have to admit it was kind of fun, but wow can you ever burn up the time doing that! But hey, maybe got them off my back for a while!

I have come to find out that is what happens with technology. As we seek to master it, we spend more and more time and in the end I really wonder who has become the master. I started out doing web design for fun, so I could design my own webpage. But as I wanted to do more, found out that I had to learn how to code in html because the templates just wouldn't cut it. Then had to take courses to learn how to do that better. Then more courses and more time and... well, I think you get the picture. Somehow this little obsession has started a business. Who'd have thunk it? (the picture is me at age 4 trying to master another bit of technology - reading!)

Perhaps it's just my obsessive nature - the desire to understand every little bit of whatever it is I happen to be working on. (Many have called me anal retentive, but that's their problem!) Perhaps that is why I chose to work in science? I tend to think so. It wasn't an accident, that's for sure. Think it even rubbed off on my kids...

So, as I seek to master (well at least not totally fall on my Face...book) I'm having a lot of fun. Who knows, maybe I'll even get after that cookbook I've been meaning to write.... With that, here's another favourite recipe from my childhood.

Washington Pudding

1 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups hot water
1/4 teaspoon salt
Combine in a heavy saucepan with a tight cover.

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 cup flour
1 cup raisins
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
Mix and make a batter. Drop by spoonfuls into hot brown sugar sauce. Bake at 325 for 35 minutes. Serve hot. Especially good with cream or condensed milk as topping.

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." Albert Einstein

Irene

Remembering Charles

Attended the funeral of my cousin Charles a little while ago. While it is sad to lose someone so young (he was only 51, same age as my own brother) and so suddenly, never-the-less, while I listened to what other people said about him and the things I remembered from the times we spent and the conversations we had, all I could think was, "He really lived."

Charles was a scholar, an outdoorsman, an environmentalist, a wonderful photographer, a world traveler, a poet, a beloved son and brother and uncle... and... so much more. Really, isn't that how we all would like to be known? As someone who took life and lived every minute of it. I know I would. Our world is richer for his having been in it and we are richer for having known him.

Veechnaya Pamyat - Eternal Memories, Charles. Thanks for enriching my life.

On Family

This past weekend in Alberta, we celebrated a unique holiday - Family Day. While every day should be 'family day', too often in our busy lives, we forget those who should mean the most to us - our families. I had the unique opportunity to share some wonderful family time and it made me appreciate just how much of a gift they can be in our lives.

We celebrated my father's 80th birthday this weekend - and it was all the more special because of the difficult year he has had this year with his health. But his sparkling wit and ready smile are back and was nice to again be able to share a meal and some laughs and even a few memories as we made a few new ones. Thank you Dad (and Mom!) for always being there for me and especially for teaching me the strength of family.

Enjoyed a different group of family the following day. It was a bit of a bittersweet get-together as we all joined to wish my cousin's son farewell as he left for his military posting in Afghanistan. Graham is just a little younger than my own son and it's difficult to reconcile this 'mostly' serious young man with the boy I remember from not long ago. I've watched him grow and turn into a young man whom I am proud to know. Good luck Graham, keep safe, and come home to us soon.

As my own family grow and moves on with their lives, we find less time to get together - but there will always be a home for them in my heart. I'd like to leave them, and you, with some words of wisdom from a very smart bear: "If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. I'll always be with you." Winnie the Pooh (A. A. Milne)

Comfort Food

I've been ill over the past few days with a rather nasty infection and spent a lot of time in bed. When I finally felt up to it, made myself a big pot of chicken soup in the crockpot. Now I don't know about you, but for me, homemade chicken soup is a definite comfort food. Guess it goes back to my childhood growing up on the farm and there being fresh chicken soup every day. Even better, in the summer, made with freshly picked vegetables. All lovingly made with my Baba's (grandmother's) hand.
(The picture is me in front my my Baba and Gido's farmhouse with my first car.)

Maybe that's what makes comfort food so special to us. It isn't the food itself, but the memories it invokes. Memories of our childhood, of being cared for, of being safe and protected. For some of us, perhaps it invokes memories of a special person in our lives who perhaps now is gone. It is well known that odour is a very powerful memory stimulant, so perhaps during the preparation, those odours invoke those special memories and feelings.

I would leave you with the recipe for chicken soup, but heaven knows, Baba never used a recipe for that. She had a few things she used a recipe for and one that all of us grandchildren loved was Sour Cream Chocolate Cake (only she usually make cupcakes out of it!)

Sour Cream Chocolate Cake

1 ½ cup sugar
3 eggs
1 ½ cup sour cream
¾ tsp salt
2 ¼ cup flour
¾ cup cocoa
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda dissolved in
¾ cup hot water
1 ½ tsp vanilla

Mix well and turn into a greased pan. Bake at 325 F about 40 minutes or until toothpick in center of cake comes out clean. Alternatively, fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes.

Enjoy! This recipe and more are the basis for Muffins and Megabytes our newest web initiative. How about sending me your favourite recipe?

I leave you with this wonderful quote from Robert Redford about another great comfort food: “Health food may be good for the conscience but Oreos taste a hell of a lot better."

On Getting Older...

Thought I’d managed to get away with it, but no, too many people reminding me that it’s my birthday. There’s all that ‘twaddle’ that says, “Don’t feel bad about growing older, it’s a privilege denied to many.” and “Youth is wasted on the young.” but frankly when you get up and the bones creak and various parts don’t work quite as well as they once did – it just sucks!

I could think of it like my good friend Bob does – as my Personal New Year – and that’s a kind of cool idea, but that requires a little thought re-wiring. Frankly, re-wiring old structures has always seems a bit of a risky proposition to me. Never know what sort of a mess you might run into when you expose the foundation!

But, to tell the truth though, I can’t think of any other age I’d rather be right now – cause then I’d have to give back all this hard-won knowledge and experience! Wouldn’t want to be 16 – no way – too much going on, too many life decisions to make, too many hormones! Wouldn’t want to be 21 – with all that worry – will I get a job, should I get married, should I have kids? And as much as I love my kids, wouldn’t want to be any age with small kids or, heaven forbid, teenagers – because it was just way too tough, especially as a single mom. I wouldn’t give back any of those times, but neither would I want to relive them!

So, I guess that leaves me here – and to tell the truth, it’s a pretty good here. I have two wonderful children who mean the world to me. I have wonderful, special friends and a few close family who enrich my life and occasionally give me that ‘kick in the butt’ when I need it! I still have both my parents who constantly remind me of who I am and what is important. I have a career that I love and a new business that excites me.

I guess that is what a personal new year is about – you take stock of your life, find the good, resolve to work on the ‘not as good as I would like’ and move forward.

Robert Browning has always said it best: “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, 'A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid!'”

Time to take my own advice!

One of the things I have told my web design clients is that to get your site talked about and indexed, get out there and get involved online. Post articles, talk in forums, become the expert, and above all, start your own blog. Most of us keep making excuses why we can't do something, but I figure it's time to put my money where my mouth is.

Web design is a relatively new part of my life. I've been online forever, with my career in science research, it's pretty much always been a part of the way things are done. As I've seen the pages and sites evolve, it got my scientific and creative minds together to discover how much of this I could learn and create for myself and subsequently, for others.

What began as a way to help out my friend Bob fix up his site has turned into a part-time business creating new sites like Secret Selling Tips and, most recently, The Prosperous Farmer. I've also helped others, like Jeff with his investigations business, update what is otherwise a really nice site. Each design, each success has taught me something new and I believe that is the most important thing.

One of the most important attributes of a vibrant personality is their ability to keep growing, to keep learning, to never take for granted the store of knowledge that is available to them. This is the true power of the web. We can access the knowledge of millions of minds - brilliant, average, and otherwise - but it is there for us to learn from. Then, finally, we too can share our 'wisdom', such as it is.

So, that is my bit of wisdom for this time around. Keep learning. Keep thinking. Keep questioning. But above all, Have fun!

Irene (aka Vitrak)