Beth Cato's Blog, page 150
March 4, 2013
Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love
Are you up for a sappy read? Chicken Soup has posted the story of how I met how husband, and how we stuck together against the odds. Also contains fun trivia, like how the Final Fantasy theme was my wedding music, and that we're total Scrabble-playing dorks.
"Long Distance Love" can be read here.
"Long Distance Love" can be read here.
March 3, 2013
Sunday Quote is rather excited that it's March
"Cheat your landlord if you can and must, but do not try to shortchange the Muse. It cannot be done. You can’t fake quality any more than you can fake a good meal." ~ William S. Burroughs
March 1, 2013
I Couldn't Resist
I was going to start the new novel, Breath of Earth, in mid-March, after my folks visit. But I've been in a weird lull the past week, waiting for my next batch of research books to arrive, and just generally waiting on emails and news and other things that will drive a person crazy after a while. I finished up the outline for BoE and that big story weighed heavily on my mind, so no short stories percolated.
So on Tuesday, I figured... oh, screw it.
I started writing.
That's the progress as of last night: 5k in three days. I still plan to take it slow these next few weeks, but I'm hoping this early start will make the whole process less stressful. I want to finish the draft by May 15th. If I finish sooner, even better.
So on Tuesday, I figured... oh, screw it.
I started writing.
That's the progress as of last night: 5k in three days. I still plan to take it slow these next few weeks, but I'm hoping this early start will make the whole process less stressful. I want to finish the draft by May 15th. If I finish sooner, even better.
February 27, 2013
Bready or Not: Lemon Chicken
I have said it before and I'll say it again: lemons are awesome. They have such an amazing power to brighten and freshen a dish.
This has become a go-to recipe for us. Boneless chicken thighs are often on sale. Lemons are cheap. I have a gargantuan rosemary bush in my backyard I don't get to trim often enough.
I do want to note that I tried this dish with chicken breasts, and it didn't turn out that well. Despite being in a pool of liquid, the meat dried out. I think this is really a dish that needs dark meat, so stick with thighs or drumsticks--boneless or bone-in.
Lemon Chicken
modified from Annie's Eats
Ingredients:
2 lemons, zested
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp thyme leaves
1 tsp fresh or dry rosemary leaves, finely minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2-4 lbs boneless OR bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
Directions:
Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper in a large zipper-lock plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake well to blend. Place the chicken pieces in the bag with the marinade, pressing out excess air and sealing once more. Refrigerate and let marinate for 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and transfer to a baking dish, reserving the leftover marinade.
Bake for 30 minutes. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken pieces in the baking dish. Bake for another 20-30 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked. Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
OM NOM NOM.
This has become a go-to recipe for us. Boneless chicken thighs are often on sale. Lemons are cheap. I have a gargantuan rosemary bush in my backyard I don't get to trim often enough.
I do want to note that I tried this dish with chicken breasts, and it didn't turn out that well. Despite being in a pool of liquid, the meat dried out. I think this is really a dish that needs dark meat, so stick with thighs or drumsticks--boneless or bone-in.
Lemon Chicken
modified from Annie's Eats
Ingredients:
2 lemons, zested
1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp thyme leaves
1 tsp fresh or dry rosemary leaves, finely minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2-4 lbs boneless OR bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
Directions:
Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper in a large zipper-lock plastic bag. Seal the bag and shake well to blend. Place the chicken pieces in the bag with the marinade, pressing out excess air and sealing once more. Refrigerate and let marinate for 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and transfer to a baking dish, reserving the leftover marinade.
Bake for 30 minutes. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken pieces in the baking dish. Bake for another 20-30 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked. Remove from oven and cover loosely with foil and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
OM NOM NOM.
February 24, 2013
Sunday Quote wonders where February has gone
"You must once and for all give up being worried about successes and failures. Don't let that concern you. It's your duty to go on working steadily day by day, quite steadily, to be prepared for mistakes, which are inevitable, and for failures." ~Anton Chekhov
February 22, 2013
A story here and a poem there
Yet again, things are published in a small wave.
My story "Maps" can be read over at Daily Science Fiction. I'm really pleased with the reactions from readers.
Today, Every Day Poets posted a literary work of mine, "Iraq."
Here's hoping there will be more good news to come!
My story "Maps" can be read over at Daily Science Fiction. I'm really pleased with the reactions from readers.
Today, Every Day Poets posted a literary work of mine, "Iraq."
Here's hoping there will be more good news to come!
February 20, 2013
Bready or Not: Nut Butter Breakfast Balls
For years and years, I ate a bowl of cereal to start my day--often Rice Chex or Frosted Mini Wheats--but I have come to realize that my body likes bread a little too much. Starting the day with a bucket of carbs and sugar? Not so smart.
The past two years, I've been doing my utmost to eat healthier. I keep around some store-bought granola bars like Kashi or Cascadian Farms, but I also like to make my own granola bars or these breakfast balls. These are neither heavy or light on the stomach, and they provide a nice hit of protein--very important if you're going to be exercising during the day.
I can't even count how many times I have made these balls. I cobbled the recipe together from various sources, and it's also one of those recipes that you can completely customize based on what you like and have handy. I always use almond butter, but any nut butter will do. Shredded coconut isn't a favorite of mine, so I use only a little. I use golden raisins, but you can mix in any dried fruit. Mini chocolate chips are great here, and I've also added in some leftover peanut butter chips. Have fun with it!
Nut Butter Breakfast Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, etc) (use Pam on the measuring cup so it comes out cleanly)
1/3 cup honey (use more Pam for easy clean-up)
1/3 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup ground flaxseed and/or wheat germ
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried fruit
Using a big spoon, combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Chill in fridge for an hour or two. Use a tablespoon or teaspoon scoop, shape the dough and place on a wax sheet. If the mixture is not cohesive, stop and add more nut butter or honey and stir, then try shaping again; chill again if needed. Once all of the balls are formed, use your hands to compress the balls more.
Makes 17-21 tablespoon-sized protein balls. [I eat two-three for breakfast.] Keep in a sealed container in fridge for as long as two weeks.
OM NOM NOM.
The past two years, I've been doing my utmost to eat healthier. I keep around some store-bought granola bars like Kashi or Cascadian Farms, but I also like to make my own granola bars or these breakfast balls. These are neither heavy or light on the stomach, and they provide a nice hit of protein--very important if you're going to be exercising during the day.
I can't even count how many times I have made these balls. I cobbled the recipe together from various sources, and it's also one of those recipes that you can completely customize based on what you like and have handy. I always use almond butter, but any nut butter will do. Shredded coconut isn't a favorite of mine, so I use only a little. I use golden raisins, but you can mix in any dried fruit. Mini chocolate chips are great here, and I've also added in some leftover peanut butter chips. Have fun with it!
Nut Butter Breakfast Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, etc) (use Pam on the measuring cup so it comes out cleanly)
1/3 cup honey (use more Pam for easy clean-up)
1/3 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup ground flaxseed and/or wheat germ
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup dried fruit
Using a big spoon, combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Chill in fridge for an hour or two. Use a tablespoon or teaspoon scoop, shape the dough and place on a wax sheet. If the mixture is not cohesive, stop and add more nut butter or honey and stir, then try shaping again; chill again if needed. Once all of the balls are formed, use your hands to compress the balls more.
Makes 17-21 tablespoon-sized protein balls. [I eat two-three for breakfast.] Keep in a sealed container in fridge for as long as two weeks.
OM NOM NOM.
February 18, 2013
Cool Stuff
I have a guest blog over at the Penumbra eZine about speculative poetry and how the Poem A Day Challenge (coming in April!) can be a major asset.
On the subject of poetry, I took part in an amusing collaboration this month. I was at a Phoenix Coyotes hockey game a few weeks ago. My pal Kevin Hearne was there, too, on the opposite side of the rink. He's a recent convert to the fine sport of hockey. As we watched, we tweeted back and forth. The following happened:
(right after the 1st intermission)
@KevinHearne said: I lost my friend at the hockey game. He was standing in line for churros. I hear this happens a lot. Disappearing in the churro line
@KevinHearne said: Hey, wait a second. Lost in the churro line. I think there's a story in there.
[Many comments ensue on dimensional rifts and whatnot.]
@BethCato said: @KevinHearne I bet I can get a poem out of that.
@KevinHearne said: @BethCato if you write the poem I will pay @xesands to record it. If I ever find the friend I lost in the churro line he will listen & weep.
(late in the 3rd period)
@KevinHearne said: My friend JUST GOT BACK from the churro line. Missed most of the game. On the bright side, CHURROS.
Considering how I have a forthcoming poem in Star*Line that mentions a Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit causing a fae war, transdimensional churros are well within my forte. I took on the challenge. (Actually, during our Super Bowl party I kept dashing away to work on writing and editing the poem--no good hostess awards for me). I sent the work along to Kevin and he sent it to Xe Sands, and ta-da!
"Transdimensional Churros," the poem. Inspired by Kevin Hearne. Recorded by Xe Sands.
On the subject of poetry, I took part in an amusing collaboration this month. I was at a Phoenix Coyotes hockey game a few weeks ago. My pal Kevin Hearne was there, too, on the opposite side of the rink. He's a recent convert to the fine sport of hockey. As we watched, we tweeted back and forth. The following happened:
(right after the 1st intermission)
@KevinHearne said: I lost my friend at the hockey game. He was standing in line for churros. I hear this happens a lot. Disappearing in the churro line
@KevinHearne said: Hey, wait a second. Lost in the churro line. I think there's a story in there.
[Many comments ensue on dimensional rifts and whatnot.]
@BethCato said: @KevinHearne I bet I can get a poem out of that.
@KevinHearne said: @BethCato if you write the poem I will pay @xesands to record it. If I ever find the friend I lost in the churro line he will listen & weep.
(late in the 3rd period)
@KevinHearne said: My friend JUST GOT BACK from the churro line. Missed most of the game. On the bright side, CHURROS.
Considering how I have a forthcoming poem in Star*Line that mentions a Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit causing a fae war, transdimensional churros are well within my forte. I took on the challenge. (Actually, during our Super Bowl party I kept dashing away to work on writing and editing the poem--no good hostess awards for me). I sent the work along to Kevin and he sent it to Xe Sands, and ta-da!
"Transdimensional Churros," the poem. Inspired by Kevin Hearne. Recorded by Xe Sands.
February 17, 2013
Sunday Quote wonders if you're pondering what she's pondering
“Patience is not passive waiting. Patience is active acceptance of the process required to attain your goals and dreams.” ~ Ray Davis
February 15, 2013
Breath of Earth
If you follow me on Twitter, you already know something is afoot. I'm in full research and plot vomit mode right now for a new novel series. And as I'm a real glutton for punishment, it's historical fiction with a steampunk twist. This means I'm trying to get things as accurate as possible as a basis, i.e. my head is about to explode from data infusion.
Oh, so what's it about?
Simply put: San Francisco. 1906. Magic. Steampunk.
I'm a native Californian. I love writing about my home state and have set many short stories and poems there. Even more, I feel deeply connected to earthquakes. One of my earliest memories is when I was three and a half and in the midst of a bath when the Coalinga earthquake struck, with the epicenter about 30 minutes away. The water started splashing out of the tub on its own. I screamed. My mom ran in to rescue me.
A week later, we drove over to Coalinga--a city where my mom and grandparents lived in the 1970s--and I saw the devastation first hand. I wonder now, as an adult, if that's a reason why I'm so drawn to post-apocalyptic settings. It's something I actually witnessed.
My goal right now is to start writing Breath of Earth by the Ides of March and wrap up the first draft by the end of May. [Note: I may have to adjust this, depending on other stuff, but this is the current plan.] This is especially challenging, considering I'm going through a number of books on San Francisco, quake mythology, and basically have to rewrite 19th century world history. Things may go quiet on the blog for a while, though I will try to schedule quotes and recipes, at a minimum.
Oh, so what's it about?
Simply put: San Francisco. 1906. Magic. Steampunk.
I'm a native Californian. I love writing about my home state and have set many short stories and poems there. Even more, I feel deeply connected to earthquakes. One of my earliest memories is when I was three and a half and in the midst of a bath when the Coalinga earthquake struck, with the epicenter about 30 minutes away. The water started splashing out of the tub on its own. I screamed. My mom ran in to rescue me.
A week later, we drove over to Coalinga--a city where my mom and grandparents lived in the 1970s--and I saw the devastation first hand. I wonder now, as an adult, if that's a reason why I'm so drawn to post-apocalyptic settings. It's something I actually witnessed.
My goal right now is to start writing Breath of Earth by the Ides of March and wrap up the first draft by the end of May. [Note: I may have to adjust this, depending on other stuff, but this is the current plan.] This is especially challenging, considering I'm going through a number of books on San Francisco, quake mythology, and basically have to rewrite 19th century world history. Things may go quiet on the blog for a while, though I will try to schedule quotes and recipes, at a minimum.
