Frozen Fruit Salad
1 box vanilla instant pudding mix
6 tablespoons of milk
1 regular tub of cool whip
1 small can of pineapple tidbits
1 can (desired size) of mandarin oranges
Doing something out of my comfort zone
Empty vanilla instant pudding dry powder in a large mixing bowl. Add milk and beat with mixer until a paste is formed. Add cool whip and beat with mixer until blended. Add fruit and stir with spoon. Pour the mixture into an 8 x 8 glass dish, cover, and freeze. Take out 30 – 40 minutes before serving. Should be cut in squares for fruit salad with meal or for dessert. Refreshing!
My daughter, Misty, talked me into parasailing. My knees grew weak at the anticipation. I envisioned being jerked into the air, rocking from one side to the other, and landing onto the boat covered in a parasail flat on my back! I couldn’t have imagined considering this in my lifetime. But I was feeling brave, and others came back and highly recommended it.
Shocked, I loved it!
We were in the Bahama’s on the beach, and a shore excursion offered parasailing. We were taken to a big boat and harnessed to the parasail together. I couldn’t believe I was doing this. The boat took off and my feet lifted. We were gently lifted gradually by the wind high above the water. The view was spectacular. Colorful fish, the sun shining on the water, and the boats were beautiful. All the fear left, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
When they lowered us onto the boat, it was as gentle as our takeoff. Our feet touched the boat, and they whisked the parasail away, and we were amazed at the comfort of the experience.
Have you tried something out of your comfort zone you’ve always wanted to do? I’d love to hear about it. The group who took care of us did a wonderful job. I would enjoy going again when weather permits, and my daughter is available! My husband, Ed, said, “No way.” LOL
Trying a hobby out of my comfort zone
I joined a quilt group, and my friends laughed. Why? Because I attempted to sew, and my apron didn’t look like an apron! I’m attempting an easy pinwheel pattern with the help of my quilting partners. They range in age from 40 to 92! They have dessert at each meeting, and so how could I resist. My quilting friends are excellent bakers and quilters!
I love quilts. The colors, patterns, designs, and soft fabrics. My Keepsake Pocket Quilt Series, took place in a quilt shop in Berlin, Ohio, in 1899 – 1901. I bought a patchwork quilt at an Amish auction, and I was told it is over 100 years old. It’s worn, soft, and has the most beautiful assorted soft colors and prints with tiny hand stitches. It’s backed with flour sack. I stitched a pocket on it, and I took it to my speaking events. Women loved admiring the handiwork and running their hand over it. In my stories, someone makes a quilt and sticks a heartfelt letter in the pocket and gives it to a loved one for a keepsake. The idea provided idea after idea for Change of Heart, Grace’s Forgiveness, and Two Suitors for Anna.
I love the old tattered quilt. It’s the treasure that inspired me to write my first series, and to join the quilt club and step out of my comfort zone. It may take me a long time to finish, but I’ll have fun in the meantime. How many of you quilt? I’d love to hear from you.
Craft Idea
My daughter, Misty, said she wanted to give friends and co-workers something for Christmas, but she had a tight budget. She wanted to do something different. In the past, she made cookies and baked goods.
We had an idea. We’d make something they could use. We made a hand scrub. I found Peppermint Oil, Mason jars, ribbon, and tags at a discount store, and the rest at the grocery.
Peppermint Oil
Virgin Olive Oil
Regular Salt
Big Jar of Coconut Oil
Small Mason Jars
Ribbon
Tags
Mix one teaspoon of salt with a ¾ cup of coconut oil in a medium-sized bowl. Add ½ teaspoon of olive oil and one to two drops of Peppermint oil and stir. Spoon into your Mason jars. Tie the ribbon around the lid and finish with a bow. Write what you desire on the tags, roll tape and stick it on the back, and then to the front of the jar. Do-It-Yourself Presents! Our friends kept the gift by their sink. We found little gift bags and tissue paper in bulk at the discount store. You can also give the gift just as it is, and save the cost of wrapping or putting it in a bag. You can also use a different oil, such as lavender or lemon.
I enjoy learning craft ideas from you. Did you have craft ideas for special occasion gifts? I’d love to hear from you. Here’s a picture of our handiwork!
Beach
The beach is my favorite place to contemplate ideas and turn them into a story with characters I get close to.
I spend time in Florida each year, and I kick off my sandals and walk. Listening to the waves, it’s as if they take all my “no, that won’t work ideas” and roll them out, and bring “fresh and exciting ideas in”. I throw my beach towel on the sand, and stair out at the water. The highlight is when dolphins come close for fish, or they play farther out. I have to go for the chair/umbrella if I stay too long, or I look like as red as a raspberry and the pain isn’t fun!
I enjoy the starfish, cranes, pelicans, and sandpipers. This crane wasn’t afraid to get close!
I’ll never forget my mother and I were walking on the beach years ago. She wore her favorite sandals, and we had found 20 sand dollars. We couldn’t believe it! We hardly ever see them! We walked and talked, and then her foot was swallowed up by the sand and water. She pulled her foot up, and dug for her shoe! We never did find it!
My friend and I were on vacation with our families, and we were fourteen. Our mothers told us to get out of the sun when they went to the store. We stayed out, and we got burnt. We sure did hear about that. We had to go to a Broadway play and wear dresses. Our perfume was Solarcaine! We were miserable! Our mothers had no sympathy for us! LOL
I’m fascinated by the elaborate sandcastles and formations built by adults and children. They make detailed alligators, houses, elephants, and all kinds of things. I don’t have an ounce of their talent. They are very inspiring!
Pinecraft is an Amish community near Sarasota, Florida, where I like to visit. The Amish love to go to the beach, take off their shoes and socks, and wade in the beach like we do. The food there is wonderful, and the crafts are beautiful.
The pictures are my own, except for the one with the hat and sandals. I got if off Pixabay, and it was offered as a free download.
Under bright blue skies, wedding bells ring—fulfilling sweet dreams, impossible wishes, and joyous new beginnings . . .
The Reluctant Groom
Jennifer Beckstrand
Spirited Suvie Newswenger has three marriage proposals—but not from the man she truly loves. No matter how lonely widower Aaron Beachy is, he seems determined to stay that way forever. Now, with help from his matchmaking great-grandparents, Suvie will do whatever it takes to rekindle Aaron’s hope—and spark happiness for a lifetime.
Joshua’s Bride
Molly Jebber
Madeline Lehman fears her fiancé’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?
A Summer Wedding In Paradise
Amy Lillard
Reba Schmucker longs to be a bride. And she knows her mischievous nieces just wanted to help when they “chose” Abel Weaver for her. But he’s the last man in the world she’d ever marry. There’s no way her independence and his stubbornness could ever get along—unless a sudden crisis somehow leads to understanding . . . and love.
Under bright blue skies, wedding bells ring—fulfilling sweet dreams, impossible wishes, and joyous new beginnings . . .
The Reluctant Groom
Jennifer Beckstrand
Spirited Suvie Newswenger has three marriage proposals—but not from the man she truly loves. No matter how lonely widower Aaron Beachy is, he seems determined to stay that way forever. Now, with help from his matchmaking great-grandparents, Suvie will do whatever it takes to rekindle Aaron’s hope—and spark happiness for a lifetime.
Joshua’s Bride
Molly Jebber
Madeline Lehman fears her fiancé’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?
A Summer Wedding In Paradise
Amy Lillard
Reba Schmucker longs to be a bride. And she knows her mischievous nieces just wanted to help when they “chose” Abel Weaver for her. But he’s the last man in the world she’d ever marry. There’s no way her independence and his stubbornness could ever get along—unless a sudden crisis somehow leads to understanding . . . and love.
Uncover the Truth With These New Mystery Series