December Photo Challenge

Taking a cue from blogging buddy, Miz Booshay, I'm joining the fun!

Thanksgiving Favorite!

Cranberry Sauce rates high on my list of essentials at this time of year.  I've already shared this easy recipe three or four times this week.

Not only do I slather lots on my sandwich, but also do I stir some into my yogurt.  I've been known to use it in a cheesecake recipe.

Here are the details ~

16 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup honey (clover)

Combine in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until all the berries have popped.  Stir occasionally, skim foam, if desired.  The whole process takes about 15 minutes.  Cool.  Refrigerate.  Freezes well.

Hearty Shrimp and Roasted Vegetables

20 oz baby potatoes, halved
16 oz green beans, snapped (2")
9 mini-sweet peppers (yellow, red, orange)
6 slices thin pre-cooked bacon, coarsely chopped
1 heaping tsp minced garlic in oil
2 Tbs herb-garlic butter
1/2 cup julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes
1 Tbs zesty garlic/herb seasoning, divided
24 oz peeled/deveined shrimp, thawed
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preheat oven to 425.  Line large (12"x16") baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Halve potatoes and snap green beans.
Chop peppers and bacon.

Place potatoes in 3-qt oblong Pyrex dish and cover (seal) with saran.  Microwave on high for 5 mins.  Stir in green beans, bacon, and butter.  Cook 3 more mins or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Add peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoning to potato mixture.  Stir until blended/coated.  Then spread on baking sheet (large roasting pan) in single layer.

Toss shrimp with remaining herb seasoning and spread on top of potato mixture.  Bake 6 more mins or until shrimp turn pink/opaque.

Serves 4 adults

PS  I used the skewered shrimp only because it was on sale at Publix the day I walked in at 5:30 with no idea what to serve for dinner.  The nice lady had everything stocked in one place.  I was out the door and had dinner ready to serve by 6:30 pm.   Definitely a hit.  May even fix again soon.

PPS  If you find the recipe card in your local Publix, you will realize that I increased the amount of veggies, as I had 2 skewers of shrimp leftover and no veggies. Also, I saw no need to toss the raw shrimp in olive oil before setting atop veggies, so I omitted that from the original recipe.

PPPS  Here's a link to another shrimp favorite.

Curves Circuit Training

Top 10 reasons I exercise at Curves ~

 Safety -
 The location is well-lit and close to home.  I feel comfortable driving home even after dark.

All Girls
 I just feel less self-conscious exercising around women.

Climate Control
Neither inclement winter weather nor scorching summer heat impedes my workout.
Plus the HVAC is pretty consistent indoors :-)

Camaraderie
I've made some friends who help make the task more enjoyable.

Weight Control
Losing pounds was never my first priority.  But after 2 1/2 years of consistent training, my shape is firmer. I've only lost 6 pounds, but that includes 2% body fat.  Update: 2017 - I lost 6 more pounds after writing this post and have been able to keep it off by continuing with the Curves Circuit.

Improved sleep
On the days that I exercise I am less likely to wake up in the middle of the night.

Improved metabolism
Lab results to prove my numbers.

Improved mood
If perhaps I arrive at the club a little out-of-sorts, I always leave feeling better... even accomplished

Improved digestion
Indigestion/gastritis symptoms are fewer and far between.

Low-pressure sales
The staff doesn't push products.  Even though there are clothes, vitamins, protein powder, etc displayed prominently, I appreciate that I don't feel compelled to buy.   2017 pdate:  I have enjoyed snacking on Curves bars and wearing a couple of pieces of their clothing.

Silver Comet Trail - Take #2

Silver Comet Trail

Random About Me

Reposting here from a 2009 Facebook note, I am including a summer photo. DD#4 and I were on a 12-mile hike around Callaway Gardens and she snapped this from behind. Yikes!

1. I have two blogs with the same title, HiddenArt, borrowed from Edith Schaeffer's book.
2. I am disciplined, realistic, predictable, and honest, according to a personality test. 
3. I am a pack rat, but feel better about it since I found out that Ruth Graham was too.
4. I like black coffee, diet Coke, and Beefeaters Gin - separately!
5. I am directionally-challenged, which means if a wrong turn can be taken, I'll choose it.
6. I finished high school in three years and college in three years.
7. I met Princess Grace and her family when I was fifteen.
8. I had a root canal when I was 10 yrs old. It forever changed my feelings about dentists.
9. I lived at 11A Elm Street, Mtn Home AFB, ID when I was five.
10.I am a morning person.
11.I try to use both sides of a piece of paper.
12.I prefer salty over sweet, crunchy over smooth.
13.I dont have much of a sense of humor.
14.I used to speak French fluently.
15.I like to cook and have taken lessons from Nathalie Dupree.
16.I am very near-sighted and have worn contacts since I was eleven.
17.I asked Stansfield Turner if he worked for the government.
18.I have 28 nieces and nephews.
19.I saw the movie Mary Poppins at a drive-in theater in 1967.
20.I cant draw and was kicked out of a 7th-grade art class.
21.I have lived at my current address since May 1988.
22.I prefer the color orange over red.
23.I used cloth diapers for all my children.
24.I can read while riding in the car without adverse effects.
25.I am related to two people who have Wikipedia pages.

Reinhardt/Waleska

Statistics below represent only half of this morning's ride, since I forgot to restart my iPhone after a short water break.  I figure I road at least another 30 minutes mainly in and around the college campus:  circling the Falany Performing Arts Center thrice, circum-navigating the new football field and baseball diamonds, and encountering the nursery/maintenance outbuildings.

Initially, I was expecting to ride Reinhardt University's Trail, but it was roped off.  Not wanting to abandon my efforts, I just took off riding around campus and the small town of Waleska (Fincher Rd).  I road on the street, some dirt and gravel paths, but mainly sidewalk, clocking close to ten miles.

Very.pleasant.ride.

Mosquito Flats

Not embarassed to post these meager stats, I am just pleased as punch to be *active*  This trail is always busy, so I purposefully road on a weekday before 5p.  I'll need more practice before I ride there on a Saturday.  Oh, and I saw a deer  :-)

Iron Hill Trail

Nice wide path, lots of gravel, beautiful scenery around Lake Allatoona.  Highly recommended!

Rusty Bucket Trail

Right vs Left-Brained

I am not surprised at my results.


Perhaps some of my readers will take the quiz and let me know which side of their brain *dominates*

Which Side of your Brain Do You Use? Your Result: Left Side   The left side of the brain processes information in a linear manner. It processes from part to whole. It takes pieces, lines them up, and arranges them in a logical order; then it draws conclusions. You look at the details not the big picture. You use logic not imagination. The left brained person is a list maker. You would enjoy making master schedules and and daily planning. Learning things in sequence is easy for you. You are probability a good speller. Left-brained people memorize vocabulary words or math formulas better. You also use logic. When you read and listen, you look for the pieces so that you can draw logical conclusions. The left side of the brain deals with things the way they are-with reality. When left brain students are affected by the environment, they usually adjust to it. Left brain people want to know the rules and follow them. So basically you are smart! Congratulations!
Right Side	 
Which Side of your Brain Do You Use? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Father's Day Menu

Freshly Caught Wild Georgia Shrimp
(purchased at Harry's - Whole Foods)
(boiled for 3 mins in seasoned water, drained then chilled)
Louis Sauce (homemade)
Pesto Pasta (fettucini)
Grilled Summer Squash
 'n Sweet Peppers
Rosemary French Baguette (Harry's)

Pinot Grigio (Italian everyday)
Sweet Tea for DH



Harry's Fresh Fruit Tart w/whipped cream 
(strawberries, blueberries, blackberries)

Pine Log Creek Trail

WHAT HIKERS HAVE TO LEARN

Take time to get the pebble out of your shoe.
Anywhere you stop you’ll get a new perspective.
It’s not a race.
You won’t flunk if you don’t reach the top.
Slow steps are more restful than sitting and starting.
You need fewer words on a mountain.
Never underestimate water.
The uses of the bandana have never been fully catalogued.
Bring light reading–you can get a lot of poems per ounce.
Most wild creatures aren’t after you.
Some are.
Urban is another language.
On a mountain gorp is better than gourmet
Stamina is a higher gift than speed
Obstacles are an occasion for creativity
You can take different journeys on the same path.

by Marilyn Chandler McEntyre

Despite the weatherman's predictions for oppressive heat (high 92) today, a good friend and I sent out EARLY for a morning hike.  We have actually tromped through these woods before.


But each time is new and interesting.


Three hours later, five and one half miles were behind us, and we're looking forward to the next jaunt.

The Roots of American Order Book Club
Chapter XI - Declaration and Constitution

Still reading along with Cindy's online book club and enjoying Kirk's perspective on American Order, I have today neither witty summary nor succinct acrostic for my friends.


However, I do have some links to share.


Here's the one for Hillsdale College's online course on the U.S. Constitution.  I think Brandy of Afterthoughts knows about it.  Every Hillsdale graduate must take a course similar to this one.  As of Saturday, May 12th, we (graduates ourselves) will have graduated four daughters from Hillsdale College.


Here's a review of Dr Larry Arnn's, Hillsdale College President, newest book, The Founders' Key.


Here's a You Tube version of a lecture by the same title.  DD#4 sang with the Chamber Choir for this event.


While we know that the chapter is an essay about two historical documents, I hear the double entendre in the title.  I'm referring to another meaning for *constitution* - that is, the physical character of the body, as to strength and health, etc.


And for *declaration* - something that is announced, avowed, or proclaimed.


What exactly constitutes Americans?


What are we declaring?


For some, it is a far cry from what was intended originally.


For others, we have a duty to uphold (rebuild) our foundations.


So, I *read* 


and thereby *lead*.




PS  One more link for those of you who may not have figured me out yet  ;-)
One of my previous employers wrote a book about the U.S. Constitution.  Here's a link to my most recent reference to it.


PPS  Something to think about ~ While Dr Kirk taught serminar-type classes on a regular basis at Hillsdale College (and other institutions), he never sought tenure at any institution, preferring to earn his living *independently* (no strings attached).

Salutary Neglect

Spring fever hit me hard this year.

That means, I'm a little behind on my reading.

The neglect has been salutary.

Here's the link to what others have to say about Chapter IX of Russell Kirk's The Roots of American Order.




This past Saturday DH and I tromped through some north Georgia woods which look much like they did during the early days of the colonies, at least according to the guidebook.

We covered 9.7 miles in 4 hours 25 minutes in the wilderness of this last of the Thirteen Colonies.

We Georgians love our General Oglethorpe whom Dr. Kirk considered an American gentleman ~

Christian soldier and friend to the unfortunate, admired by Samuel Johnson, conspicuous in London clubs, founder of the fortress-town of Savannah, full of fortitude and ability until he died at the age of ninety.

We Georgians can also claim bragging rights to the New World's Christianity in the Wesley Brothers:  John and Charles - planting seeds that erupted in the Great Awakening.

However, I am more of a Jonathan Edwards/George Whitefield kind of gal, if you know what I mean.

During this era, Americans demonstrated that they knew what to do, when and how.

They acted rightly.... even when no one was looking.

Now that's the root and order of true character.

The Roots of American Order Book Club

Chapter VIII - The Constitution of the Church and State

O = 

R = 



D  = 

E = 

R =  

Dear Cindy,


I am not ready for this week's book club *meeting* on Tuesday (4/10), and am posting this Lancaster/York bouquet with a request for a week's Spring Break.


Love, Dana

Easter Collect

O God, who for our redemption didst give thine only-begotten Son to the death of the Cross,

and by his glorious resurrection hast delivered us from the power of our enemy;

Grant us so to die daily from sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection;

through the same thy Son Christ our Lord.  Amen.

Poetry Month 2012

Someday I hope to create my own poetry anthology.  In the meantime, every April I try and highlight a few that I encountered throughout the  year.  

Here's the link to the ones for 2012...

at Hiddenart (Xanga).

The Roots of American Order Book Club
Chapter VII - The Reformers' Drum


If you have never read this book and think you dont have the time, please reconsider.  We're making it easier for you.  Read Cindy's applications as well as others.  Here's the link to our roundtable discussion.

Origins =  Humanism gained ground.  The primary representative of this new-found religion was a count, one Pico della Mirandola, who borrowed philosophical tenets from Plato, Christianity, and sorcery,  He wrote The Dignity of Man, a manifesto declaring man's god-like capabilities.  This philosophy found expression in churchmen like Erasmus in The Netherlands and Thomas More in England.  Five centuries later America's poet Ralph Waldo Emerson would echo Mirandola's sentiments. 





Reformers = Kirk diplomatically explains that both Protestants (Luther's 95 Theses) and Catholics (Council of Trent) reacted to the excesses of the Renaissance culture which exalted man's egoism (humanism).  Renaissance concupiscence, power politics, and pagan worldview contrasted with the Reformation's Christian morality, principles of justice and freedom, and Biblical worldview.  What started as debates among theologians became a forever breach in Christendom.



Divine Comedy  = makes me think of the Lord, our God, laughing as in Psalm 2 at all this earthly turmoil.  In fact, Kirk wants us to recognize Dante Alighieri, a most imaginative poet.  That Divine Comedy joined scholastic philosophy and medieval imagery synthesizing knowledge and belief.  I have never read this great poem, but aim to acquire not only John Ciardi's translation but also Anthony Esolen's.

Ecclesiastical Eruptions = Knotty questions starting with Mirandola's 900, spurred by Luther's Bondage of the Will, and systematized by Calvin's Institutes effected the break from The Pope, most notably in King Henry VIII's boldness and the establishment of The Church of England.  This seems to be the beginning of today's myriad of Christian denominations.

Renegade Churchmen = Kirk gives us Richard Hooker and John Knox, both fascinating minds who fathered national churches, The Church of England and the Church of Scotland, respectively.  Hooker, more moderate, was the proponent of "via media" (a throwback to Aristole's "golden mean") which characteristic is very English to us Americans.  Knox, a more forceful personality, preached incessantly against the wickedness of the Church (Kingly) Establishment in favor of Biblical Authority.  

Ever interested in history, I am truly appreciating Dr. Kirk's even-handed survey. It so explains me, as I was reared Anglican (I love, love, the Book of  Common Prayer) and became Presbyterian (The Westminster Confession of Faith answered more questions than The 39 Articles) at age twenty.  Our family roots are Scotch-Irish.  We've been Americans since the War for Independence.   


Marching to that different drum,  it's gonna be hard to uproot me.




Added later ~ 
In honor of National Poetry Month, here is a Link to a 16th century poet who marched to a different drum and made a difference:  Marguerite de Navarre