Reflections on 2018

I hope this post finds you happy and looking forward to the upcoming holidays with family and friends. My gift to you is one of my favourite recipes. You’ll find it at the bottom of this blog post.

December has always one of my favourite months of the year. I’ve always loved the holiday decorations and the traditions that bring comfort and are shared with generations of family. In this post I’m sharing some wonderful vintage Christmas cards/photos of terriers. I hope you enjoy them!

The heavenly aroma of glazed ham, crusty hearty bread, and desserts to satisfy young to young-at-heart.  When everyone brings a dish to share it always seems to have an extra helping of love with each one. Having experienced lean years and trying times have made me appreciate the blessings even more.

I’ve been thinking over what has transpired throughout the year and what I’d like to change. Finding a way to get some of my health issues under control is at the top of my list. When your sick all the time (at least for me), each day is a gift. A sparkling blessing. This attitude is a choice. Acting like an ol’ grumpy pants makes me feel worse, so I look for the beauty, for the laughter around me. Writing books is great therapy, it’s fun, and hopefully they will make someone feel good. I believe that words that come from the heart will touch another’s heart in the way it’s needed most.

There are so many books I want to write, edit, and submit. I want to get much better at sewing. So many items of clothing and things refashion/recycle/upcycle. I’ve been experimenting with creating junk journals and I like it very much. Finding a book from the thrift store or garage sale that can be given a second life into a journal, to be kept and treasured feels right to me. Thank you to all the creative souls on YouTube who have shared their knowledge. You gave me the courage to try this area of creativity.

There is so much to learn! So many places to see and things I want to experience and I’m so grateful to have my husband by my side.  He’s intelligent, funny, handsome and I love being with him. Sometimes we say the exact phrase at the same time. We love dogs, Doctor Who, science, and laughing together. A few years ago our vacations were going to all the caves we could in the area we were visiting at the time. One of the things I have on my New Year’s ‘goal for a better life list’ is to say “I love you” more. I intentionally did not say resolutions because if I failed I felt guilty and depressed. Once I made a list of the most important goals I wanted to accomplish things went much better. I also added what steps were needed to make the goals a reality.

Reflecting on the previous year is a privilege. I’ve learned things and grown spiritually. Learning from failures is a stepping stone closer to getting whatever it is right. My writing isn’t perfect but it doesn’t suck furballs either. Some will like it, others won’t. As long as my stories and my art enrich the lives of those who buy it or are gifted with it, I’m thrilled.

Be kind to others and to yourself. If this time of year stresses you and your family out, brew a pot of coffee or tea and discuss what the biggest culprits are come to a solution. Not all people can do this, I totally understand.  When I evaluated the problem I took action and with it came peace.

In summary, reflect on the old and look forward to the new year ahead. Remember the blessings and hold tight to the ones in your life who love you. Make reasonable goals with actionable steps to make that dream come true. Be kind to yourself and others. Choose to be happy and reduce your stress where you can. Learn something new. Share your knowledge, find others who share similar passions/hobbies.

I wish all of you peace of mind and heart, the courage to try something new and delight in the discovery and wonder of it.

If brownies and fudge had a baby it would be this Fudge Pie.

Tambra’s Fudge Pie

1 stick butter

2 eggs, slightly beaten

½ c. flour

3 ½ T. cocoa

1-cup sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Grease a 9-inch pie plate. The wrapper from the butter works pretty well for me. Or a spritz or two of oil making sure the bottom and sides have a light coating.

In a saucepan, melt together the stick of butter and cocoa. Remove from fire. Add the eggs, sugar, flour, and vanilla extract.

Mix well.

Pour into the pie plate

Bake at 325° for 25 minutes; or until the middle is done.

**This makes a small amount. I suggest doubling the recipe. I hope you enjoy the recipe!

Tambra Nicole Kendall, 2018

 

Blessings and love to all,                                                                                                                               Tambra Nicole