Glitter and Crumbs

Random Thoughts over a Cup of Coffee

2011-01-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

As I sit in my favorite coffee shop I am staring out the window at the beautiful snow....don't get so excited, it is a parking lot! I do love the seasons in the Midwest but afraid hearing from my friends now spending a few months in Florida, I have to admit, it pulls at my heart strings to just sit by a pool in the sun for a couple hours.

A whole year ago I blogged on Winters in the Northwest Ohio area and shared my love of flannel pjs, homemade soups, dinners from the heavy dutch oven, sitting by a fire and on and on I can go.
As I cuddled down last winter for "my long winters nap" little did I know what the coming year would bring! And here I sit, surviving months of cancer and the emotional and physical tole it would take but back here lovin' the snow, lovin' Panera coffee, and all the rest of the goodies of winter in Ohio.
I am reading a book called "Dancing in Limbo" as I try to trust life and find tne security in longevity of life as I enjoyed just one winter ago!
It all leaves me feeling very overwhelmed, grateful, confused and numb! There is a cruel myth about surviving cancer. In this myth, when medical treatment is successful, the story ends. After being so carefully cared for by my team of doctors and having treatments and exams and support of my medical team every 2-3 weeks for months, they say "You are doing wonderful and we will see you in 3 months! This may be the time I learn to trust my Lord and grow in my relationship with Him and with His people, much more than I even did while going thru the treament and pain. How do I know I am OK...what about that little pain, is it back....Dancing in Limbo....making sense of Life after cancer. For those of you reading my blog...love today, hug someone, and thank God you are alive!!
Love You...time for more coffee,
Dancing in Limbo by Glenna Halverson-Boyd and Lisa K Hunter
~GGJan~

The strength to Win

2010-12-16T11:16:00.000-08:00

At times, life's path seems filled with things that make the going rough, And we wish there were a smoother road, for we feel we've had enough...
But if we pause a moment and remember Who's in charge, The hills that loom ahead of us no longer seem so large, And every rock before us, when we know we're not alone, Becomes, not just a stumbling block but one more stepping stone.
We've overcome so many things, and, every time, we've grown Through sheer determination and the wisdom that we've shown.
So, as you face this journey, from the moment you begin,
Know that God will guide you, and you'll have the strength to win!

Emily Williams writings have helped so many people give voice to the words of their hearts..and that is what these words have done for me!

Memory Date Board

2010-10-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

A Treat for My GrandDog

2010-02-25T07:21:00.000-08:00

Through some recent family changes I have allowed my Grand Dog, Sasha, to move in with me! I love dogs have missed having one since the loss of my English Lab, Murphy. Sasha has adjusted very well to me and I adore her.
For those who love love love their dogs I am sharing a recipe for Doggie Cookie Treats...Ymmmm!

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup multigrain oatmeal
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup crunchy or smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup salad oil
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon baking powder
In a large bowl with mixer on low, mix 1 cup lour with remaing ingrdients and 1/2 cup water until well blended. With spoon stir in remaining 1/2 c. flour.

Preheat over to 350 degrees. With floured hands on a well floured surface,knead dough until dough holds together. roll doung 1/4 inch thick. Cut ou with bone shaped cookie cutter, re=rolling scraps. should get about 20. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn off the oven and let sit in over for about an hour. Store in airtight container or freeze. Woof, Woof!!

Living in the Midwest!

2010-01-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

I seem to start every blog with...."I know I have been missing for a while" and again I have! Today I am going to share my "Winter Thoughts" and share a few wonderful "Warm weather Pictures" to give us something to look forward to. My favorite winter time......I love the snow and the white glistening yards at night. It looks like diamonds and everything looks so clean. I love Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine's Day and the gathering of family and friends during those special times.

This is my 5 generation picture!

And the BAKING...OOOOHHH do I love the baking...apple and peach pies, wonderful warm cobblers with ice cream, Apple cake, and on and on!! And then the warm wonderful smells of winter meals in the oven...chicken, sausage and sauerkraut, pot roast, turkey, chicken pot pies and pork roast and apples. Those thing I just do not make unless it is cold and snowy outside during the winter.I love my favorite quilt hanging on the back of my favorite chair, my warm PJ's that I want to leave on all day Sat., Football..Bucks and Steeler's, my favorite sweat shirts, favorite sweaters, the raggy sweat pants and then there are the warm wonderful scarves...ummmm!

So as we start to have visions of gardens, green grass, beautiful flowers,planting peas and opening our porches, we will again look forward to warmer times with excitement and anticipation.
That is why, although I love a short trip to a warmer place, I do love living in the Midwest!!

Warm and wonderful thoughts to you during the rest of the cold weather and may you enjoy dreams of Spring!

Heart Warming Recipes for Fall

2009-11-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

" Crumbs from the 'ole Cupboard"

I have promised to send the "Old Fashioned chicken and Noodles recipe so here ya go....Enjoy!!

3 Medium Onions
3 Stalks Celery, sliced..about 1 1/2 cups
2 Cloves garlic minced
1 Tbsp. Olive oil or butter
3 Meaty chicken pieces..drumsticks, thighs, breasts...skinned
4 Cups Reduced-Sodium Chicken broth
1 Cup water
4 Carrots sliced...approx. 2 cups
1 Tbsp. snipped fresh chives
1 Bay Leaf
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground pepper to taste
1 16 oz. pkg. frozen egg noodles
4 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
2 Tbsp/ lemon juice
Fresh Thyme sprigs on top when serving

In a dutch oven cook onions, celery, and garlic in olive oil just until tender. Add chicken pieces, Broth, water,
carrots, 1 Tbsp. thyme, bay leaf, p0ultry seasoning, salt. and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer covered for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from heat and remove chicken. Set aside to cool slightly. You can do this up to this point and refrig. to finish later in the day..that is what I do. Return pan to the heat, bring broth to a boil. Add frozen noodles and cook 25 min. or a little longer until noodles are done. Meanwhile remove meat from chicken bones and discard the bones. Remove the bay leaf from noodles and broth and add chicken. In a small bowl mix water and cornstarch for thickening. Pour into noodle along with peas and lemon juice. Cook and stir til thickened and bubbly. Serves approx.8

This recipe not only warms the bellies but also warms the heart!!

I serve with Bisquick Cheddar Garlic Biscuits and here is the recipe....
2 cups Bisquick
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
2 T. melted butter
1/8 t. garlic powder
Heat over to 450. Mix first 3 ingredients to form soft dough. Drop by 9 spoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Now here's a side note...you will be better off if you spray the sheet just a bit. Bake 8-10 mins. Mix butter and garlic powder and brush over warm biscuits. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Watch for another "Heart Warming Fall Recipe" next Tues!!
Blessings to All!

Happy Halloween Friends and Direct Selling Buddies

2009-10-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

I have been MIA for quite a few weeks! Life has really gotten in my way lately and now I am back...Yea!! I have to start by Praising God for taking care of me, as only He can do for the last couple months!!
I am not a Halloween lover! I used to DREAD the kids telling me what they wanted to dress up as AND how their friend's Mom"s were making their costumes! the closest thing to sewing a costume was to fill a bag of leaves and tie it at their necks. Now that I am a grownup (at least close) I do love love love decorating with pumpkins and fall decorations and making cookies for the grandkids!!
I received an analogy just today that is too good to keep a secret. I am sharing it all with you as my Halloween Treat!! Here ya Go...

Trick or Treat
I remember the first time I was allowed to go Trick-or-treating with just my friends (of course, I'm sure my Mom was following along at a safe distance but she'll neither confirm nor deny that accusation). Our mission was a singular one - get as much candy as possible in the shortest amount of time. In other words, I wanted my big plastic orange pumpkin overflowing with goodies.
We literally ran from house to house as we scoured our neithborhood intent upon reaching our goal. On occasion, we approached a house, rang the bell, and nothing happened. The lights were on but no one answered the door.
Put in that situation, what do most kids do?
They move on to the next house. "Come on, let's go" and they're headed down the block.
They don't stop for a second to wonder why the owners didn't answer the door. They don't take it personally. They don't think that they are wearing the wrong costume. They don't walk around the house peering in the windows trying to see why the owners didn't answer the doorbell. They don't sit down on the step and pout. And can you even image that they would just quit and go home? No Way!
You see kids are neat people to observe with regard to how they handle rejection. It just never occurs to them that the rejection is about them! And why? Because it's not. Kids have a unique ability to observe the world just the way it is.
As we grow up, our self-esteem takes a few hits and we start to think that everything that happens to us is about us. It's not!
When you hear no, no thanks, I'm not interested, it's not for me, I don't like selling, please don't ever, ever, ever, ever call me again for any reason whatsoever....it is about them, not you and not the opportunity you have to offer. Run to the next house, and the next one , and the next one.
That's where the candy is.
Take Charge!

Love to you all and don't let the gobblins get ya!! ~GGJan~

Thanks to Ann Vertel for sharing this story and to Teresa Maynard for passing it on!

2009-10-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Home Office ~Travel Lite..Fly Fast!

2009-09-09T07:08:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this picture it terrified me and made me a little sick!! I doubt seriously if any of our offices are nearly that cluttered but the fact that most of that disaster was BEHIND her really hit home!! Now, if you are reading this from your office desk s-l-o-w-l-y turn around....yikes!!

I am a very "seasonal sensitive"...doesn't that sound serious...person and the New Year always makes me feel like organizing!! Let me share some of that "Here comes the New Year" energy with you....here we go!!
Whether you have an entire office or just a nook or cranny, you have stacks of papers laying horizontally in piles..right? Remember, I said we were going to take baby steps....first step!! Take a big black plastic bag to your office or "little corner of the world". I am sure most of you have heard this a million times but let's go.....

* If you have not used it yet this year...Toss It.

* If it does not have sentimental or tax value...Toss It.

* Develop a paperless office (this happens over years but you can do it)

* Put things in drawers and closets so when you work you don't see clutter.....Not in a stack behind you (:

Even "organized stuff" feels like clutter to your brain. You will feel so liberated..I promise!.. "If I had 8hrs to chop down a tree, I would spend 6 hours sharpening my saw"! Someone important said that (:

Now let me share the idea of a "5 Step Organizing Process".

Collect

Sort

Categorize

Purge

Position

This came to me from an incredible lady and her name is Krista Green with Krista Green International..www.outwardimage.com.

Draw a bulls eye on a piece of paper and in the center write Red Hot. Draw a larger circle around this and label that space Green Space. Then draw another circle label it Yellow and then one more circle on the outside and the space is labeled Blue. Now lay that bulls eye on your desk and think of it as your entire office space.

Everything that is important and/or loved goes in the red space which is closest to you as you sit at your desk. The next space out from you is Green and we leave it as green space. Just lots of open air space! Next is yellow and this is the Warm area such as reference items but you need to get up out of your chair to reach them..file cabinets etc. And the last area farthest from you is blue for Ice Cold and these are storage items...out of sight...but if you need them you can find them.

Red Hot...Active

Yellow Warm...Reference

Blue Ice Cold...Archive

A few words of encouragement...

Clutter is the stagnation of energy that prevents flow.

Organizing is about energy...Not Stuff

Everything has energy. Everything in your space either gives you positive or negative (stealing) energy.

Travel Lite ------ Fly Fast

~GGJan~

Crumbs from the "Ole Cupboard/Mom's Chili Sauce

2009-09-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Doesn't that old cupboard just make you want to get in and explore....today is a rainy Tues. and that always makes me feel like cooking in the Fall Season!! "Crumbs from the "Ole Cupboard" will be my Tues. goodies for all of you. I love gourmet cooking and may not be able to refrain from some great gourmet recipes but the point of the antique cupboard is to share some timeless recipes that have followed down in my family....starch may be an issue for some of you since we pile noodles on top of mashed potatoes..Yummmmm!!!

I know many of you have loads of tomatoes and are running out of ideas....here is a wonderful recipe for Chili Sauce that has come down at least 3 generations!!

Mom's Chili Sauce

1 Peck of Tomatoes

15 Onions

4-5 cups of sugar

3 cups of vinegar

6 Red peppers

6 Green Peppers

1/2 t. Chili Pepper

Box of Mixed Spices

2 bunches of celery

2 T. Salt

Scald Tomatoes and peel - chop tomatoes, pepper, onions, and celery. Heat gradually to boiling and add vinegar, sugar, salt and spices wrappen in cheese cloth. Cook this slowly until thickened. This will normally require 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Pack in sterile jars and seal. No processing needed. Approx. 18 pints......then sit back and listen to the caps seal....I really love that part. We used to always finish this project about 11:00pm and then go to bed and stay awake until they all popped...Wonderful Memories (:

Let me know if you try this....I would love to know how it went and if you like the recipe. More from to come from "Crumbs for the "Ole Cupboard Tuesday" ~GGJan~

The Store Is Open....Home Office Wednesday

2009-09-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

If you'd like to sleep a little longer, wear jeans to PJ's, avoid morning traffic and fill your coffee mug as many times as you like then have a seat right here with me in my "home office". "Home Office Wednesday" is new and this is the first blog! I will be covering office organization...I kept my desk out of the picture on purpose...motivation, product and business selection, great ideas for "office on the cheap"...how not to spend a fortune "building" the office and how my Blue Chip program keeps you Making money and not just Moving paper. Does any of this sound familiar to you?? I will share some fabulous links to speakers that have programs to help you along the way...I have taken and continue to take their workshops from my desk and will help by putting them here in a place of reference for you!! How about an ice cream bar.....another perk for visiting my home office (:

Chance are that whatever you do for a living, you probably have a room or corner in your house that is filled with files, old bills, stationary and little post-it-note reminders. There may even be a desk, a bookcase, a computer and printer, possibly a scanner and fax machine, maybe even a phone extension.

If this room or space is not one of your favorites then it is time to do something about it! Toss away all those pre-conceived ideas about what a home office should look and feel like! Working from home is about Freedom, and you need to exercise that freedom if you want to make it a reality!! Don't be overwhelmed...this is about baby steps. Just start.....................see you Wed 9/8 and thanks for visiting my home office...hope you enjoyed the ice cream bar, I sure did!!

A Blesssing for You All on Monday!!

2009-08-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

A Smile for my friends on Monday!!

2009-08-24T09:10:00.000-07:00

This is just toooo special to not share with all of you!!! So Here is Your Blessing on
this Monday and for the rest of the week!!!
~GGJan~

How to Clean and Paint a Wicker Chair : How-To : DIY Network

2009-08-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

How to Clean and Paint a Wicker Chair : How-To : DIY Network

We Have "Two Mothers"

2009-07-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

(for a mother with Alzheimer's, from her daugher and son)

We have two mothers two mothers we claim.
Two different people yet with the same name.
Two separate women diverse by design, but we love them both dearly they both are divine!
The first is the mother who carried us here, gave birth and nurtured and launched our careers.
She's the one whose features we bear, complete with the facial expressions we wear.
She gave us deep faith that follows us yet,
along with examples in life that she set.
Then as we grew older she some younger grew, and we'd laugh as just mothers and their children do.
And then came the year that her mind clouded so, and we sensed that the mother we'd known soon would go.
As quickly she changed and turned into the other,
A stranger who dressed in the clothes of our mother.
Oh, she looked the same at least at arm's length, but she was the child now and we were her strength.
We've come full circle, we children and she,
Our mother, the first, the second and we.

And if our own children should come to a day, when a new parent comes and the old goes away,
We'd ask of them nothing that we didn't do, love both of those parents as both have loved you.

Author: Unknown

God Bless each of you that read this!!!

My One Year Anniversary...My Mary Kay Business!

2009-07-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

On July 8th of last year I sat for lunch with Teresa Maynard and told her to "tell me again why I would love a Mary Kay Business of my own". She was glad to oblige and I was thrilled to hear the story one more time!! It has been a year of excitement, growth, fear, frustration, more excitement and a developing belief in myself that can never be taken away! An important part of this business in the founder, Mary Kay herself...her beliefs, wisdom and incredible guidance even though she is not still with us. God First, Family Second and Career Third!! That is the philosophy that she taught and as women....and men also....who would not jump at the opportunity to work with people on that basis! Let me share some thoughts with you as I start my year number 2!!

The other day I was sitting with my grandchild and we were watching a cartoon. On the cartoon screen there was a part where one of the main characters said that "Yesterday is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why they call it the present!
That was one of the greatest sayings that I have heard in a very long time. The greatest mouths of babes. There are many adults that really need to understand that today is the greatest day of each and every person's life.

The past is just history that we should all use but remember that it is just that...The Past! So everyday we have the opportunity to build a better now and by doing that we are giving our future a much better chance of being better also.

Every day that we are on earth we are presented with an outstanding gift..today! You only have one that is just for you...no one's gift is like yours. You are a priceless work of God and there is no one like you!!

Being a Mary Kay Beauty consultant allows me to inspire women to be the best they can be and in many cases being able to help their "today" be great for them. That is so inspiring to me...not only to them! If you have had a desire to own your own small business...if the economy has created a need in your family for additional income or if you, as a women, want to step out and create a business that gives you flexibility and opportunity then this could be your year! You can create a life style you have always wanted with a business equal to your ambition! This is your year to dance!!

Tomorrow I will give you 10 ways to get unstuck!!

God Bless each and every one of you.......
~GGJan~

2009-07-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Direct Sales Success Made Easy

2009-07-14T08:12:00.001-07:00

Direct Sales Success Made Easy

Shared via AddThis

Running the Race

2009-07-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Isa. 40 vs. 31 "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint".

God has spoken to me very softly and very lovingly these last few weeks. I have felt like I was being tossed in an ocean of hurt, painful challenges, other's opinions and my own confusion about....What's next?? I am retired, living with and caring for my Mom, dealing with Melanoma cancer,and the ending of a one year marriage. My name, my address, my career and my health have all changed in the last 6 mos.

As you read " A Day in the Life...." you learned of my challenge as a daughter trying to care for her Mom and keep her in her own home with her Alzheimer's struggles. What I did not mention is that since Jan. 2009 I have had a marriage end...married 5/9/2008 and divorce final 6/30/2009, I have struggled with recurring Melanoma and face a 3rd surgery this month, I have retired from a second career, and completed my first year of owning my own business this month. OH MY.....I need to take a breath and share with you my thoughts on....Where to go from here....

Today I am stepping across the line. I'm tired of waffling and I am finished with wavering: I've made my choice and I have charted my path...I am Going God's Way!!
I will live the rest of my life serving God's purposed with God's people on God's planet for God's glory. I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His word.

Since my past has been forgiven and I have a purpose for living and home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or Faithless Worrying. No more sleepless nights as I try to figure out where I am, where I need to go, and what path I need to follow....I need to get out of God's Way!!!

I won't be manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, or tossed to the sand by the waves of doubt and confusion! I'll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won't back up, back off, back down or back out. I'll just keep moving forward by God's grace....and I shall not quit until I finish the race.

Now this may all sound very noble of me....I just got up out of bed one night lately and wrote as fast as the thoughts came. Then I read what I wrote and commited it to God....quickly before my wave of doubt did a job on me and I thru it away!!! Now I am sharing with you!

Glitter...... and Crumbs

Glitter means to share light and add sparkle!! Run your race with commitment and passion and don't let others delay, confuse, or change your path. God is our coach and we need to keep our eyes always on Him and used by Him in such a way that on that final day we'll hear Him say, "Well done, thou good and faithful one."

And don't forget to share some glitter along the way!!

~GGJan~

Mary Kay Beauty That Counts

2009-07-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

Mary Kay Beauty That Counts

2009-07-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

"A Day in the Life".......Caring for your Mom with Alzheimer's

What a beautiful sunny Sunday! This is a Sunday in the life of a daughter caring for her Mom with alzheimer's. I know there are many of you out there and I pray that you will find this blog and be able to find some comfort here. Maybe a few tears and maybe a few giggles. Here is my day...actually starting yesterday...Mom sits and watches the grass grow..literally. Sat. morning she was upset because she thought it was getting l-o-n-g. She doesn't want me to mow because she will have to help...NOT!! I am living here so I can help her but most of the time I think I am invisable. She ask me to call a nephew of mine to mow Sat. afternoon. When I called he said he would be glad to. Two hours later she told me to call and cancel. It was now noon. Sat. afternoon she ask me to call someone else to mow...I did, and he said he could do it on Sunday. Then on Sat. before bed she ask me to cancel right then... it is late but...I did.
Now we are at today, Sunday, and the first thing she ask me over breakfast was what I had planned for today ( I am learning there is no right answer to that) and I told her I was just going to take it kinda easy. She announced that she would just mow the whole yard herself. I told her that she really shouldn't and she got very angry and slammed the door! Then about 1/2 hour later she comes to me to tell me that I need to call one of the boys back to mow because her back hurts. She is very agitated and goes to church...yikes!! I mow the yard really really fast while she is in church. When she gets home she is calm and calmly reminds me that she doesn't believe in mowing the grass on Sunday.....God doesn't want us to work on Sunday!! Now I know the Lord has a sense of humor when he is hanging out in my life and I am sure he got a huge laugh!! Or Not?!

I have found a book that I am truly enjoying because it is written very plain and without alot of medical jargon!! The name of the book is "Dancing with Rose" ...finding a life in the land of alzheimer's by Lauren Kessler.

I highly recommend it!!

Let me share a thought or two from that book. When Mom rejects my help or advise I take it personally. "She was rejecting my help. She was rejecting my love. She was rejecting ME. Why did I think that what she did was all about me". This really tuned on a light bulb for me and I hope it will also for you. Well, I am tired, hot, and a little sad...but the Lawn Won't Grow Much Today!! God Bless each and everyone of you!

~GGJan~

2009-07-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

A Very Happy 4th of July!!! This is my first post and I am soooo excited. I mentioned one of the things I love are antques so I am sharing my Holiday Porch with you. Another favorite of mine...most favorite of all, are my wonderful grandchildren. I have teenage granddaughter with a birthday this week so I want to share with you grandmas out there this poem in honor of Megan's birthday...

What on earth can a grandma be for?

she's older than dirt,

with one foot out the door.

And what can she know

about living today,

When nothing is done

in her old fashion way?

Oh, sure, she means well

and you love her a lot,

But in terms of real life,

what's an ol' grandma got?

Well, listen, my dear,

you might be surprised

To find that your grandma's

a youngster disguised.

she still has her dreams

and her values in tact,

She's just a bit wiser.

Yesmam, that's a fact.

Experience has put

a few lines on her face,

And that's how she knows

what it's like in your place.

I know this idea may seem

baffling and new,

But know what? Your grandma's

" been there, done that ," too.

So when your young life

isn't going as planned,

Talk to your grandma-

she'll sure understand.

She's got lots of love

and good counsel to give,

And she'll be on your side

for as long as you live!