journal continued...

Nothing like a day of crackled backgrounds to bring out a girl's inner shabby chic!

The Mixed Media Journal

Who out there doesn't crave joy-filled and thoughtful inspiration? Judy Wise's new mixed media journal online workshop is proving to be the jumpstart I have been looking for, for a long time. Daily videos demonstrating techniques old and new, along with daily writing prompts make for an exciting way to start each day. A soft and gentle soul, Judy is guiding us along a new creative path that is helping me to see my world with fresh eyes. 

Our first assignment was to create a journal page describing our "perfect day". I am working in a larger format than usual (9x12)... a journal that I constructed many years ago that has been sitting on a shelf waiting for "something special". I can't wait to do more! 

Treat yourself and join along Judy's wonderful workshop (see sidebar link). You will not be disappointed. xo

sweetness in white fur...

~ happy monday ~

xo

a few views of Christmas travels...

a few pages...

Still a bit of work to do, but thought I would share a few pages from my Christmas travels...

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you a holiday season of peace and joy.

xo Deb

home again, home again...

More to come, including pages from the travel journal!

So good to be home..... xo

Happy Thanksgiving!

So much to be thankful for ~

and I will soon be off on an adventure...

Will have lots to share when I return!

xo

listening to a sweet treat...

Those are jelly beans in the background!

 See how this video was made...



Lights!

We are all now very happy campers!



9 days and still counting...

Not-so-patiently waiting for power and water to be restored.

I would have made a lousy pioneer... send chocolate!

Today is day 5 of no power or water here in northern Connecticut with no expectations of it's return for several days or more. The devastation from the freakish Halloween snowstorm is jaw-dropping. Our beautiful 50 foot trees now lay on the ground but thankfully did not hit the house. We are luckier than many... am able to get and send some news via iPhone. Please send good thoughts to all affected by Mother Nature's little tantrum!

Oh please say it ain't so!

Really? Snow before Halloween? Really?

Time for all of us to start hunkering down... enjoy your weekend!



on the table tonight...

Rustic Mustard Chicken and Pasta

• olive oil
• 1 lb bowtie pasta
• 1 onion
• 6 cloves garlic
• 8 oz dried porcini mushrooms (soaked in hot water 15 min.)
• 2 lb chicken thighs
• Seasoning
• flour
• salt
• pepper
•  paprika
• ground mustard
• ground thyme
• 1 can (~15 oz) red/kidney beans
• 1 red bell pepper
• 3/4 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup stock
• 2 Tbsp dijon
• 1 Tbsp stone ground mustard
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch (in the stock)
• 1 15 oz can artichoke hearts
• 1/4 cup parsely
• 1/4 cup basil

Begin by preparing all of the fresh ingredients. Mince the onion and garlic finely. Dice the pepper, chop the mushrooms, coarsely chop the artichoke hearts and chop up the fresh herbs.

Now, chop up the chicken into bite-sized chunks, trimming any excess fat. Mix the spices in a bowl and toss the chicken to partially coat it all over. Dredge in flour and sauté in olive oil for 10-15 minutes or until cooked through. Set the cooked chicken aside

If you need additional oil and/or butter in the pan, add it and get it hot again. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes to soften them up a bit, after which, you should add the garlic and artichoke hearts for another 2 minutes.

Finally, add in the mushrooms with a dash of salt, sautéing for 5-10 minutes more, or until the mushrooms finally are just on the verge of caramelizing a bit. Deglaze the pan with wine and all but a tablespoon or so of the stock, scraping any brown bits off of the bottom.

Cook the pasta and drain.

Off to the side, make a slurry of the remaining stock and the cornstarch, stirring well until totally mixed and no clumps remain. Set this aside.

As the liquid simmers, add in both mustards, the cream, and herbs, continuing to simmer for about 5-10 minutes, after which, you should quickly stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce up, let simmer for a minute more, and then remove from heat.

In a large bowl, toss the pasta, chicken, and sauce until the sauce has coated everything well. Lastly, add in the beans, tossing gently.

Top with a bit of freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Yum.