Friday Finds: Fierce Women of Latin Music

Today NPR featured Las Mostras:  Fierce Women of Latin Music.  Click here to listen to the music of legends such as La Lupe, Chavela Vargas, and Tita Merello.

Here's another awesome song from Chavela Vargas

Friday Finds: Colorful Picture Frame

Isn't this a gorgeous picture frame?  The color is called "Sea Glass."  It didn't always look this beautiful.  This is how it looked when I found it in a thrift store.

I really liked the design but hated the outdated color of the frame.  So I decided to give it a new life. I used Krylon Colormaster spray paint.  Color Sea Glass.  Also Satin finish.  It is an indoor/outdoor paint that covers wood and metal.  It also has the advantage of drying in about 10 minutes.  I have no connection with Krylon financially or otherwise.  I just like the look, it's relatively inexpensive, and it's easy for me to use. Also, Krylon is made in America.  

This was a relatively easy project. I took the back of the frame and the glass out prior to painting. Then,  I simply sprayed the frame.  It took about three coats for me to get the look that I wanted.  

Both front and back.

And I was able to turn this my Friday Find into an interesting picture frame.  This will make a great present.  Maybe, I will keep use it myself to display a couple of photos from my recent trip to Fort Lauderdale.

Hope you enjoyed today's blog.  I'd love to hear about any upcycling projects that you are doing.

Memorial Day 2016

These photos are of the Marietta National Cemetery located in Marietta GA.  

My father

Rick gave all in Vietnam

We Shall Keep the Faith

by Moina Michael, November 1918

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.

Bryan Stevenson - Just Mercy

I am currently reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.  I cannot put into words how powerful this book is.  

Two quotes from Mr, Stevenson to ponder:
"Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done."
"The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the incarcerated, and the condemned."

Do yourself a favor and listen to Bryan Stevenson on TED Talk.

Pimm's and Ginger Ale

One of my new year's resolutions is to try new things.  Food, drink, and travel are some of the ways I am going to stick to this one.  So I am starting a few days before January 1st with a new drink.  First up is Pimm's.

Pimm's No.1 is a gin-based drink produced in the UK. It can be served on ice.  It's also taken with lemonade ( a carbonated variety), with fresh fruits, and with ginger ale.  I tried it straight over ice and must admit that I did not like the taste at all.  So I decided to give it one more try using ginger ale.  I had on hand my favorite Ginger ale, Blenheim.  I adore it's spicy formula.  Just look for the red bottle tops if you like an extreme ginger flavor. 

 Classic Pimm’s Cup Recipe

6 ounces Pimm’s #1
12 ounces ginger ale

You can add slices of cucumber, strawberries, lemons, oranges, apples, and/or mint.  
I chose to leave out these out and concentrate on the liquids this time.




And the verdict?  I liked the taste of Pimm's mixed with the spicy Blenheim Ginger Ale.  The sweetness of the Pimm's softened the bite of the ginger ale while the ginger ale covered the Pimm's after taste.  It didn't make my top ten list so I doubt I will be drinking it again but I did love the frothy foam on top.

William Few Jr. (1748-1828)

This red oak stands as a living memorial to William Few, Jr.  It is located in the State Botanical Garden in Athens, GA.

William Few was a statesman and patriot.  He represented Georgia at the constitutional convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution.  His signature, along with Abraham Baldwin’s, is on the document.

Born in Maryland, Few moved to Georgia during the mid-1770’s.  In addition to serving as a delegate to the constitutional convention, William Few also was a judge, state representative, and U.S. Senator. 

In 1799 he moved his family to New York.  There he was active in politics and banking.  148 years after his death his remains were moved from New York to St Paul’s Cemetery in Augusta, Georgia.  

Inspiring Words

"This is my invariable advice to people:  Learn how to cook, try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!"
--Julia Child, "My Life in France"

If you would like more information about the book, "My Life in France," please click on the link below.  It'll take you to Avid Bookstore, a wonderful independent bookstore in Athens, GA.

http://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9780307277695