Cindy A. Christiansen's Blog, page 16

Stick This!

Stick This!
I had tried so many things to get well.  I wanted to believe that acupuncture would cure me of all my chronic health issues.  A number of friends assured me this was definitely the solution.  After all, China has been practicing this treatment as far back as 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health, and disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Western medicine hadn’t helped me yet.  Here was the solution. I felt empowered!
I entered the small Chinese shop in a shopping strip in downtown Sugar House and sat down, looking at all the Chinese paintings and knick-knacks.   My stomach quaked with nerves, but I knew I could do this because, this time, the treatment would work.
A small, older, oriental woman came from the back of the room.  “Come,” she said, bowing slightly.
I followed her into an examination room, except it wasn’t like any doctor’s exam room I had ever been in before.  It was dingy, smelled odd, and eerily dim.
“Why you here?” she asked.
I took a deep breath and dove into my lengthy medical history, trying to keep it as short and succinct as I could.  She continued to nod her small head, her hair dipping forward each time.  I finally finished and waited for her to say something.
She just stared at me.  “You fat,” she finally said.
“I know, but that’s not why I’m here,” I answered back.
“You fat,” she said again.
“I know.  The doctors have said my body isn’t well enough to lose weight. Can you help me?”
“I fix,” she said.  “It no hurt.”
She opened a drawer and pulled out a box, containing a set of long but thin, metal needles.  I have to admit, my heart skipped a beat.  Thoughts of fleeing entered my mind, but my determination to get well stopped me.
She inserted the first needle into my forehead.  I sighed.  It didn’t hurt.  She continued to place them in my face, hands, elbows and calves.   It wasn’t painful at all.  It would work, and I’d be cured.  I’d be pain-free!  I wouldn’t be sick all the time!  I wanted to jump for joy but knew I had to stay still.
“Now we start,” she said.
Start?  What did she mean—start?  
She manipulated one of the needles in my face. I felt a sting and spreading sensation.  She continued with each needle.
“It hurts,” I said.
“No.  It no hurt.” She vibrated another needle.
Yeah, I was pretty certain it hurt.  “Can you stop?”
“It no hurt,” she told me again.
A lump formed in my throat and heat rose behind my eyes.  If this wasn’t pain, what was it?
“I be back,” she said, darting from the room.
I couldn’t catch my breath, the pain was so excruciating. One or the other of us was in denial about whether this hurt or not.  As the pain intensified and spread in my legs like wildfire, I was certain it wasn’t me.  How could she possibly tell me it didn’t hurt when it did?  I wanted to pull every needle from my body but didn’t dare.  What if I did something wrong?  What if I made the pain worse? 
“Help!” I called out in agony.  “Help me!”
She didn’t come. Sweat beaded on my forehead. Tears pooled in the corners of my eyes and blurred my vision. I tipped my head so the tears spilled.  The Chinese woman stepped back in the room and gave the needle in my calf a spin before I could stop her.
“No!  Stop!” I called out in misery.  “It hurts.  Please stop.”
“It no hurt,” she said again.
I wanted to strangle her.  I wanted to rip out these needles and stab her to death with them.  I couldn’t take it any longer.
I’m pretty sure I swore at some point and didn’t feel at all bad about it.  “Take them out,” I demanded.
“You not done.”
“Take them out now!”
She scurried around, removing them.  I swung my legs over the table and tried to stand.  The pain radiated throughout me, especially my legs.  It felt like someone had drilled holes through my bones with a jackhammer.  Each step increased the pain.
“You come back and I treat you fat,” she said.
I glared at her and then hobbled out of the shop.  In fact, I hobbled for ages.  It took several months before the pain dissipated.  A round, red mark and swelling stayed on each calf the whole time. My chronic health problems didn’t improve, and, yeah, I was still fat.
I’ve told this story over the years with a funny accent and a good laugh.  It’s just another case of laugh about it or cry.


Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs!Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.comCopyright: markfgd / 123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Death Defying Dog

There must be some reason that in Ozark, Alabama, the amazing dog, Lazarus, was able to survive—not one but two—attempts at euthanasia.  If you haven’t heard his amazing story, go to this link: Lazarus.
I really hope he finds a forever home.  Dogs can bring so much love and joy into our homes.  All you have to do is watch the video below and you’ll be smiling.

Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy all that you do.
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs!Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Photo of Lazarus from article: Lazarus

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Favorite Fall Family Recipes

This time of year is perfect for baking and cooking!

I've posted several pictures of items I've made on Facebook and everyone has been asking me for the recipes. So, I thought I'd post a few.  



Tomato Soup for Preserving and Bottling14 quarts of tomatoes, blanched*, peeled and quartered7 medium onions, chopped1 bunch of celery, chopped (about 10-14 sticks)1 bunch of parsley3 Tbs salt8 Tbs sugar2 Tbs pepper3 bay leaves1 cup + 2 Tbs flour14 Tbs butter, melted2 Tbs lemon juiceProcedure:Blend tomatoes, onions, celery and parsley in blender or food processor.Cook until tender and thickened.Add salt, sugar, pepper and bay leaves.Make rue (paste mixture to thicken with):  Combine flour, melted butter, and some of the juice from cooked tomatoes until it can be poured.  Mix into tomato mixture.Bring just to a boil.Remove bay leaves.Add lemon juice.Boil lids and sterilize bottles.Pour tomato soup into hot bottles.Wipe rims, top with hot lids and rings.Hot pack for 50 minutes or do in pressure cooker at 13 lbs for 20 minutes.  (Check times for your area.)*Blanching:  45 seconds to 1 minute in boiling water.
(Of course, you can modify this recipe and just make a pot of soup for your family.)  We love it warmed with grilled sharp cheddar cheese sandwiches. 


  Pear Crumble Pie 6 medium pears, pared, cored and cut1/2 cup sugar3 Tbs lemon juice1 pie crust, 9 inch1/2 cup flour1/2 cup sugar1/2 tsp ginger1/2 tsp cinnamon1/3 cup butter
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.In medium bowl, mix pears, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice.Arrange in pie shell.In medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and spices.Cut in butter until crumbly.Sprinkle over pears.
Bake 400 degrees for 40 minutes with foil-lined cookie sheet underneath to prevent drips.



Pumpkin Cheescake Bars 1 pkg pound cake
3 eggs
2 Tbs butter, melted
4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
1 can sweet and condensed milk
1 can pumpkin, 15 oz.
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In large bowl, on low speed, combine cake mix, 1 egg, butter, and 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice until crumbly.
Press into bottom of 15 x 10 jellyroll pan, set aside.  (I just use a cake pan because that's what I have.)
In another bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.  
Gradually beat in sweet and condensed milk, remaining 2 eggs, pumpkin, remaining spice and salt.  Mix well.
Pour over crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until set.
Cool, chill and store in fridge.


What are some of your favorite fall recipes?

Wishing you a bountiful autumn!  May your light shine through in all you do!


Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs!
Fly into a good book at: http://www.dragonflyromance.com 

Dog Photo Copyright: damedeeso / 123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

The Witching Hour Returns

It's that time of year again when everyone goes hog wild in dressing up their homes in spiderwebs and headstones and baking crazy desserts that look like goblins.
I have friends who love this time of year and those who hate it. How do you feel about it?
It reminds me of the reoccurring dream I've had my whole life:  I'm trying to get this chest of drawers up the steep basement stairs.  I'm almost to the top when a witch on a broom flies out of my parents' bedroom closet, zooms around the kitchen twice, and then pushes the chest of drawers down the stairs on top of me.  Yeah, what a dream!
I'm one of those people who have always been afraid of hanging my hands and feet over the edge of the bed in the dark.  I don't care how irrational that sounds.  You just don't do it, just in case the Boogie Man might get you!  LOL

I hope you are someone that enjoys the lighter side of Halloween and just has fun.  Along those lines, here's a cute dog Halloween video.


Have a wonderful weekend!

Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs! Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.comDog Photo Copyright: damedeeso / 123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

The Guilty Sixth Grader

I adored my sixth grade teacher.  Other than my family, I had never been so close to another person in my life.  Prematurely gray, Mrs. Kennedy was only in her late twenties, early thirties.  She hailed from Big Rock Candy Mountain country, which excited my young mind.  After all, they’d written a song about that, and images from Roald Dahl’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory filled my young mind.
I spent most all of my recesses helping her with paperwork and running the mimeograph machine.  I learned more from her out of the classroom than in.  She was one of the first teacher’s to assess her student’s ability and then grade them on their personal achievement. 
Not being extremely athletic, she taught me to never get discouraged.  To start from where you are and improve yourself, never worry about what everyone else can do.  Being teased and called “teacher’s pet” was well worth the harassment because I hung on every word she said and wanted to grow up to be just like her.  The year was one of the happiest I had lived in my short eleven years.
I hated the idea of leaving her and moving on to a new school, but there again, Mrs. Kennedy talked me through my fears and built my self-confidence to move forward.
It was the second to the last day of school.  Mrs. Kennedy asked me to stay after school and help with the report cards.  We worked together as she manually transferred each student’s grades into their report card.  I read them, she wrote them. (Hey, it was long before computers.)  After we were done, we triple checked them to make sure they were accurate.  She told me not to tell anyone their grades, and I promised her I wouldn’t.
The next day was the end of the year party. I felt confident, proud, and ready to face the next phase of my life.  We had this horrible red punch and icky little tasteless cookies to celebrate.  Mrs. Kennedy was out of the classroom a lot that day. 
One of the popular, athletic girl’s approached me.  “Hi, Cindy.”
“Hi, Donna.”
“I hear you helped Mrs. Kennedy with the grades.”
“Yes, I did.”  I was feeling very important as I watched all of Donna’s friends huddled in a group, watching us.
“What did I get?”
“I can’t tell you that, Donna.”
“Why not?  We’re gonna get our report cards at the end of the day.”
“Sorry, I can’t tell you.  Mrs. Kennedy asked me not to.”
It didn’t end there.  Donna continued to drill me for her grades.  I didn’t want to be rude.  After all, she was actually talking to me.  Donna.  This moment could make or break my future.  She joined her friends and then returned again.
“So you can’t tell me?” she said.
“No.  Sorry.”
“What about your grades?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, surely you know what you got.”
I nodded.
“So what did you get?”
That question threw me for a loop.  “No. I better not say.”
“Why?” she pressed.  “Did she tell you not to tell that either?”  She looked back at her friends.
Mrs. Kennedy had only told me not to tell anyone else their grades.  What would it matter?  Our report cards would be given to us at the end of the day before we got on the bus.  What could it hurt?  And if I could make a friend out of Donna, I would be sitting pretty for junior high next year.
I smiled.  “I got all A’s,” I said, proudly.
She frowned.  Why was she frowning?
“You?  You got an A in P.E.?”
She took off in a heated flash out of the classroom.  The next thing I knew, Mrs. Kennedy and the principal were there and calling me out of the classroom.  Mrs. Kennedy looked terribly upset. I took a deep, pained breath, closed my eyes for a few seconds and then crept out into the hall behind them.
My throat was thick and my stomach paralyzed.  I kept replaying in my mind what had just happened, wishing I could go back and have kept my mouth shut. I wanted to crawl under a rock.
“How could you?” Mrs. Kennedy said, fire and tears in her eyes.
I stared at my shoes and pinched my arms to keep the tears from coming.  My chin quivered and sweat broke out on my palms. “I-I-I didn’t tell Do--.”
“I can’t believe you’ve done this,” Mrs. Kennedy said.
I didn’t understand what I had done, exactly, and no one was explaining.  I only knew that guilt filled my heart at the expression in her eyes.  It was all my fault.  Whatever I had done or said, had hurt the person I adored.
I don’t remember what else was said out in the hall.  My mind was filled with self-loathing and embarrassment as everyone stared out the door at me.  The buses came, the report cards were handed out, and Mrs. Kennedy refused to speak to me as I left that day.  She actually turned her back toward me.
A whole wonderful year ended traumatically by four little words, “I got all A’s.”
Of course, the event scarred my future no matter what my parents tried to tell me.  At times, I felt angry at Mrs. Kennedy and felt that she could have handled the situation better.  After all, she graded everyone on their own progress.  I might not have been as good as Donna at sports, but I had made considerable progress during the year.  Why hadn’t Mrs. Kennedy just said that?  Why wouldn’t she listen to me? Why had she refused to speak to me?  Why didn’t she see that I felt that I hadn’t broken a promise?  Why didn’t she see that I was an eleven year old girl you adored her?
I wonder what she would think to know that, in my fifties, this harrowing experience still brings tears to my eyes and affects my relationships.
I adored you, Mrs. Kennedy, and I never got to say thank you and goodbye.     
Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs! Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Copyright: 123rf.com ANDRII GLUSHCHENKO




Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

You've Got to Try A Little Kindness

Couldn't make up my mind whether Glen Campbell's song, Try a Little Kindness , or the video, Acts of Kindness , shared my feelings more this week.  Therefore, you get both.  You're welcome.

I don't know about you, but it has been a difficult week for me.  People have disappointed me, but I will not let them turn me into a grouch.  I honestly don't know why we can't be kinder to one another.  We are all on this journey together. Hurting someone or damaging their career will not make you a better person.

I went to a conference a couple of weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed the speaker, Nicholas Epley , Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago.  He does research about personality and social psychology.  If you get a chance to hear him you should, or buy his book, Mindwise .
He said that when asked on the subway whether a person wants to talk to someone else or sit alone in peace, most people choose to sit in peace.  However, when asked to engage with others, those that did were the most happy.  In other words, we think we want to be left alone but it isn't true.  We are social animals.
Open your hearts this weekend and reach out to others in a kind way.  Sometimes you get your hand slapped, but most often your kindness is returned.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs! 
Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com

Nicholas Epley: http://faculty.chicagobooth.edu/nicholas.epley/

Photo Copyright: Cole123RF / 123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

The Stabbing

A number of years ago, a friend of mine got diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction (CFIDS) and his liver was severely attacked. Since I had ended up in the hospital with an enlarged liver and spleen and CFIDS as well, Tom suggested I have a liver biopsy.
I scheduled an appointment with his doctor, and the doctor scheduled the test. The staff clarified the procedure, explained the liver has no feeling and therefore we could just use a local anesthetic, and then they showed me the instrument used to take out a small core of the liver. It was similar to an apple corer, but only 2-3 cm in diameter and much longer.
I laid on the cold surgical table, anxious but not too concerned. After all, it was a procedure, not surgery.
“Are we ready?” the doctor asked.
The nurse nodded and handed him the tool. He raised it in his fist and plunged it hard into my chest just below the breast bone. With a quick intake of breath, my eyes flew open and so did my mouth. I couldn’t speak. My body stiffened, and I clutched the sheet in both hands at my sides. Choking out a sob, I stared at the doctor.
For a moment, I was transformed to a dark alley with a mugger thrusting a knife into my chest. So this is what it is like to be stabbed. Blood must be gushing from the wound. Pain radiated from my chest outward. The violence of the stabbing left me paralyzed.
“You…you…stabbed me,” I said, letting out a strained whimper.
“Doctor, she’s gone into shock,” the nurse stated.
Ya think? My heart hammered uncontrollably in my chest. I felt about to fall off the table with dizziness. I couldn’t catch my breath. Of course, I knew I wasn’t in that alley, and I couldn’t see any blood pouring from my body. But, the shock of the doctor thrusting that instrument into my chest, threw me into shock, not to mention, agony. Who said organs have no pain sensors?
The doctor looked at me in confusion. “That didn’t hurt.”
I wanted to belt him right in the mouth. “Yes, it did.”
“The liver has no nervous system.”
“Give me a knife and I’ll prove it,” I said.
I don’t remember much of what happened after that. I’m assuming the nurse gave me something through my I.V. to calm me down. To this day, you’ll never convince me that organs can’t feel pain…joy…or any other emotion. If you’ve lived long at all, you know the heart can definitely feel pain. Believe me, so can your other organs.
Symptoms, then are in reality nothing but the cry from suffering organs. ~Jean-Martin Charcot, translated from French

No man is a good doctor who has never been sick himself. ~Chinese Proverb


Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs! Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.comCopyright: andresr / 123RF Stock Photo

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

All New October $229 Giveaway!

And it ain't even October yet!
Did you enter the September Giveaway?  There's still time at:  September $229 Kindle Giveaway

Kathy at I Am A Reader is jumping the gun to bring you another $229 Giveaway!Please share with all of your friends!
Facebook is changing their policies so  I Am A Reader  has moved up the last giveaway where you can like Facebook pages. Here is another wonderful chance to win great prizes!
The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below.The 2nd is available only to those who share this giveaway. You can find out information on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter below.The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only)(The price recently dropped to $199, but the winner will still receive a prize valued at $229.)  
  Or a $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
 
  Or a $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

The bloggers and authors listed in the rafflecopter, all paid to help sponsor this giveaway.

Giveaway Details: One winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only), $229 Amazon.com Gift Card, or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). Contest ends 10/27/14. Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors and bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 
A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Cindy A. Christiansen
Sweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs! 
Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.comCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

Cancer Research Goes to the Dogs

This weekend blog is on a more serious note: cancer research.
It just amazes me how how much our four-legged, furry friends do for us. 
It appears dogs and humans are much more alike genetically than we thought, and what's saving their lives could save our lives as well. 
Watch this video and give your dog an extra hug this weekend.

Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs! Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Find out more at: http://www.ksl.com/Copyright: yasemin / 123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author

The Way We Were

I just attended my 35th high school reunion. With it came a lot of memories that lit the corners of my mind—good, bad, sad, and funny. I would like to share a very joyful memory of a special friend, Vicki. 
For whatever reason, our choir teacher was out of the room. Everyone was talking and clowning around. Vicki walked down, sat at the grand piano, pulled out some sheet music, and signaled me to join her.
My eyes widened and my lips parted. Me? Signaled by one of the most popular girls? Sure Vicki had always been friendly. But me? Shocked, I stumbled down the steps to the piano, my body temperature rising but my heart freezing. Maybe she wanted me to turn the pages for her. That had to be it.
Now if you have read some of my other blog posts and answers to my Facebook posts, you’ll know that I have always been a down-to-earth sort, and it’s hard for me to let go. I’ve always tried to be kind to everyone but stay under the radar, particularly back then. As much as I wanted to be in a musical or play, or be a country superstar, I could never let go of my fears.
I shakily sat down on the piano bench beside Vicki, and she began the intro to The Way We Were by Barbra Streisand.   

“Sing,” Vicki said.
“What?” I said, clamping my hands to my chest. 
“No one’s listening. Sing.”  She repeated the intro.
I swallowed hard and looked around the room. They weren’t really paying attention. I loved to sing. I loved this song.
“Just sing it for me,” Vicki said.
I started out weak but quickly gained my voice. I closed my eyes and finally let go of all my fears, releasing my three octave range. I finished the last note, Vicki beautifully finished the ending, and an electric silence filled the room. I sat in amazement, not believing that I had actually let go in front of everyone.
At first, I didn’t know what to think. My classmates and friends didn’t speak. Their eyes blinked rapidly and then they stared. Had I made a complete fool of myself? I began to tremble.
Finally the surprised looks pulled into smiles, they burst into applause, and then worked their way to the piano with generous compliments for the both of us. I was flabbergasted. Vicki gave me a look of "I knew you could do it." I was never that confident in myself.
I will always treasure this memory and hold it dear to my heart. Vicki gave me the opportunity to release my inner self. Despite her popularity, she always treated me and everyone else as an equal and with respect. She stood up for everyone and was kind to everyone. I admired her then, and I admire her even more today. She will always hold a special place in my heart.

Cindy A. ChristiansenSweet Romance, Humor, Suspense...and Dogs!Fly into a good book at:  http://www.dragonflyromance.com
Copyright: igorr / 123RF Stock PhotoCindy A. Christiansen
Sweet (clean) Romance Author