Colleen Houck's Blog, page 49
December 12, 2013
Kwanzaa {+ a giveaway!}
Hark! How the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say,
"Throw cares away!"
Christmas is here
Bringing good cheer
To young and old
Meek and the bold
I love the holiday season. I love the snow, the icicles, houses lit up with lights, silver bells, the music, and the Abominable Snow Monster. There is something magical about this time of year that people have been trying to vocalize for a long time now. I personally celebrate Christmas but I thought it'd be neat to highlight other holidays and traditions that happen throughout the month of December.
I am loving the comments on yesterday's Hanukkah post! At the end, I'll be sure to feature some of these comments. You guys are awesome! Don't forget that you can continue to comment on all of these posts for an entry for a grand prize.
Hanukkah (winner : operativealyssa -- please email me at contests@colleenhouck.com)
Next up on our tour of December traditions and festivals is Kwanzaa!
KWANZAA
Kwanzaa is an African American celebration. The name Kwanzaa is actually derived from a Swahili phrase, matunda ya kwanza, which means first fruits of the harvest. A man named Maulana Karenga founded Kwanzaa in 1966 and is held from December 26 - January 1. Kwanzaa was initially created to be an alternative to Christmas. As more and more people began to celebrate Kwanzaa, Karenga changed his position that "Kwanzaa was not created to give people their own religion or religious holiday". Now many people who celebrate Kwanzaa do so in addition to Christmas and New Years.
Kwanzaa provides a means to reconnect people back to their African heritage and culture. It celebrates seven principles, what Karenga called Nguzo Saba, "the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world". Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is focused on one of these principles.
I know several Africans and these are things that I love about them. They are uplifting, positive, hardworking, non-complaining people and you can't help but see ways that you can make better the lives of those around you. I love the focus on being connected, being accountable for your actions to others, standing worthy before the world, acting in such a way that self-respect will naturally come, the offer to make proactive choices instead of reactive choices.
Households get decorated with the wonderful colors of Africa. Every object used should reflect African heritage. There are seven symbols of Kwanzaa.
Mkeka / the Mat : This is symbolic of African tradition and history and therefore, the foundation on which they build.
Mazao / the Crops : These are symbolic of African harvest celebrations and of the rewards and productive and collective labor.
Muhindi / the Corn) This is symbolic of their children and their future which they embody.
Kinara / the Candle Holder : This is symbolic of their roots, their parent people -- continental Africans.
Mishumaa Saba / the Seven Candles : These are symbolic of the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Principles, the matrix and minimum set of values which African people are urged to live by in order to rescue and reconstruct their lives in their own image and according to their own needs.
Kikombe cha Umoja / the Unity Cup : This is symbolic of the foundational principle and practice of unity which makes all else possible.
Zawadi / the Gifts : These are symbolic of the labor and love of parents and the commitments made and kept by the children.
Additionally, people may choose to display the flag and a poster of the Nguzo Saba.
Ceremonies include drumming, music, and readings. It is extremely important to come to a Kwanzaa celebration with absolute respect for the principles and meanings for which they stand. It is also important to not mix Kwanzaa symbols with symbols from another cultural. These two things together create one-ness (principle 1: umoja / unity) and distinction (kujichanulia / self-determination) with the world.
Interesting fact! I said earlier that Kwanzaa came from a phrase that used the word "kwanza". In the beginning, there were seven children who each wanted to represent a letter of Kwanzaa. Since kwanza only had six letters, they added a seventh to what we now know as "Kwanzaa". Seven letters, seven principles, seven symbols, seven days.
YOUR TURN
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win small surprise prize. Do you celebrate Kwanzaa? In what ways do you apply a principle of Kwanzaa in your life regardless of whether you observe the holiday or not? Don't wait though because comments for the small prize will only be accepted until tomorrow when I choose a winner! Your comments (even comments given after a winner for the small prize has been chosen) will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize!
December 11, 2013
Hanukkah {+ a giveaway!}
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
With the kids jinglebelling
And everyone telling you "Be of good cheer!"
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
I love the holiday season. I love the snow, the icicles, houses lit up with lights, silver bells, the music, and the Abominable Snow Monster. There is something magical about this time of year that people have been trying to vocalize for a long time now. I personally celebrate Christmas but I thought it'd be neat to highlight other holidays and traditions that happen throughout the month of December.
HANUKKAH
A few thousand years ago, Judaism was forbidden and the temple was looted and desecrated. I believe it was only a few years later that the Jews were able to successfully take back the government and their temple from the Greek-Syrians. After the temple was cleaned, they searched for the proper oil to burn at the menorah which was supposed to burn all night every night. All that was found was one small bottle that would only last one single day. It would take eight days to make more oil. They lit the menorah anyway and it miraculously burned for eight days. To commemorate this miracle, Hanukkah and its eight-day festival was born. Because it follows the Hebrew calendar instead of our modern calendar, the dates of Hanukkah change annually. This year it felt early beginning in November and ending December 5. Next year, it will be December 16-24.
Hanukkah is known as both the Festival of Lights due to the lighting of the menorah and the Feast of Dedication due to the rededication of the temple.
Lights on the Menorah are lit each night progressing to all eight being lit on the final evening of Hanukkah. I have always wondered why there were nine lights on the Menorah when Hanukkah was eight days. As it turns out, it is for the practical purpose of providing extra illumination. The most frequently seen menorah has one light set higher than the rest with four lights on the left and four lights on the right of it. However, the one light can also be set lower than the others. Or the eight lights are in a row with the one light at one end.
Each evening, after the candles are lit, hymns are sung and blessings are recited. One English version of a hymn reads:
Due to the importance of menorah oil, it has become a custom to eat foods prepared in oil. Latkes (potato pancakes served with applesauce and sour cream), fritters, sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts), and bunuelos (doughnuts dipped in honey).
We light these lights for the miracles and the wonders, for the redemption and the battles that you made for our forefathers, in those days at this season, through your holy priests. During all eight days of Hanukkah these lights are sacred, and we are not permitted to make ordinary use of them except to look at them in order to express thanks and praise to Your great Name for Your miracles, Your wonders, and Your salvations.
Besides the menorah, another common Hanukkah symbol is the dreidel. This top has flat sides with a Hebrew word on each side. It is used to play a game in which everyone has the same number of markers (coins, raisins, chocolate, etc). There is a pot where everyone puts one of their markers to begin the game. You spin the top and whichever side the dreidel it lands on tells you what action you may take (put something in the pot, take half of the pot, do nothing for example!). The winner is usually the person who wins everything. Another game is where you guess which side the dreidel will land on.
YOUR TURN
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win small surprise prize. Do you celebrate Hanukkah? Which holiday or tradition would you like to be featured? What is your favorite holiday tradition? What's the weather like for you? I'm surrounded by snow in the midwest USA! Don't wait though because comments for the small prize will only be accepted until tomorrow when I choose a winner! Your comments (even comments given after a winner for the small prize has been chosen) will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize!
December 3, 2013
Wushu: Philosophical
26 November 2013
I want to take a little bit of a different focus for today’s wushu post. There has been something that constantly causes me problems. I thought I had many problems and difficulties but particularly after a discussion with Aman today, I think I only have one problem that manifests itself in many ways.
My personality.
In my very first wushu post, I admitted to knowing wushu would push me out of my comfort zone. In several posts since then, I have no FIGHT response and I’m not aggressive so it’s hard to get the power and explosion that takes wushu from movement to beautiful.
Today I want to talk about how my particular brand of personality does not at all mesh with wushu. Wushu is a contemporary Chinese martial art. It blends performance and practical application. If you watch wushu videos on youtube, some things you might point out is the speed, explosive power, flexibility, and fierce intensity of the martial artist while still looking flawless and effortless.
I am a bit obsessive compulsive. Things like crooked pictures bother me. The thermostat must be on an even number. Our last car’s music control wasn’t numbers but vertical lines split in two and it had to be on a full line. Once I have a system in place (like my kitchen spices), I will get twitchy if someone messes it up. I like things to have categories. I like lists. I like steps. I don’t like being confrontational—I will bottle everything up before confronting someone. I like plans. I like being on time.
Problem 1: When faced with aggression, I withdraw into myself. Wushu requires elongation particularly in long fist style which is what I am learning.
Problem 2: Because I’d rather curl into a ball than spread myself out, I don’t spread myself out willingly. Wushu requires explosive intent.
Problem 3: I have terrible balance. Except I don’t really when I think about other things like dance or yoga. Wushu requires quite a bit of balance. Aman hypothesizes that because I like categories and boxes and things to be just so, if I’m a little bit off balance, I overcompensate and make it a lot off balance (not on purpose, just intuitively).
Problem 4: Everything has steps. First you step and then you punch. First you take three steps and then you spin. First you block and then you kick. Wushu requires everything flow together to look seamless.
It is with these thoughts I am left with today. How do I expand myself? Can I break out of my personality and still retain my identity? How can I reconcile these two different ways of being? When I began wushu, I knew it would push me. I knew it wasn’t going to be comfortable personally. I didn’t realize how much I would have to fight to be able to fight.
29 November 2013
After further discussion on my personality vs wushu with my darling husband as well as some reading and thinking on my own, I have some further thoughts.
Noting any progress I make will make a difference to me. I need to take regular videos of kicks, stance work, forms, and other things as I learn them so that I can look back and notice just how much I’ve improved when it feels like I’m not making headway.
An article I read here gives three main pieces of advice, “explosive power training, proper mindset, and copying”. I particularly was thankful for the sections about explosive power and having a problem mindset. First, you have to make sure that you are training for explosion. This means leg workouts in strength training. Second, during wushu practice, the best way to practice being explosive is to be explosive. My first thought was “so not helpful”. I need to know HOW to be explosive. Not just that I need to do it.
“When doing line basics, such as snap kick punch, you should throw every kick and every punch as hard as you can with correct form. That way every strike is pushing your body to the limit, forcing you to get stronger. The best way to tell that you are doing every kick or punch as hard as you can is to listen to your body. If you throw a punch, and strike only air, as hard as you can you sould feel like you punched as hard as you physically can. But that’s not it! You should also feel something else deep in your arm. You should feel like you COULD have punched harder! If you feel this, it doesn’t mean you were lazy and you held back, what it means is you are feeling the next level your body can reach. That’s right! Your body tells you what being stronger will feel like and just how much stronger it can become.” ~Dean Farley
I have begun to think of it like reading a story. I feel like my 3 year old learning how to read. You have to learn the sounds of each letter, sound out each letter to figure out the word, and then learn to recognize the word. Soon you can put simple words together to make a simple sentence. Then you can add in longer sentences, longer words, and even commas. If you watch any wushu videos, you’ll notice natural pauses like the end of a sentence. There are smaller shorter pauses that are like commas. Most of the time each movement flows to another movement to create a beautiful flow just like words make up a sentence.
I still have to try my hardest but that doesn’t mean it’s going to come out perfect. Jared summed it up perfectly. We were discussing how men can have more power and presence while women tend to have more flow. Still wushu, slightly different look. My perfectionist, obsessive compulsive side demands I don’t only do it partway. My passive side doesn’t do aggression.
I highly recommend reading Dean Farley’s article. You can take many concepts and apply it in other aspects of your life. Having a proper mindset is so important to make headway anywhere in life. “I can’t do this” needs to change to “I can’t do this yet” or even better “I’m going to do this”.
“If you remove doubt from your mind, let go of your fear, then suddenly there is room for everything else and suddenly you are in control of your improvement.” ~Dean Farley
Jared finds it interesting that I’ve delved into philosophy at all because that’s not usual for me. There are going to be people who read this and think that I’m ridiculous. Just punch harder already, okay? But I’m that person who reads the game rules every single time. I’m that 7 year old who doesn’t participate until I fully understand what’s going on. I have a need to figure it out internally in order to show it externally. However… once I do that, I’m good to go. I don’t think it is impossible for me. I’m just learning how to read.
2 December 2013
Since I forgot to talk about actual wushu movements and delved into the craziness inside my head… here is a video from my last lesson. I had just learned this first part of another form (Three Stance Form) and we filmed it so I could remember it. We also filmed Aman doing it… slow… and his is still 10 seconds faster than mine. Haha! I promise to get back into what I work on and the new things I learn!!
December 2, 2013
Thanksgiving Contest Winner!!!
Our Hearts are Full. . .
In honor of you, Colleen Houck’s supporters and fans, here are some highlights of what you’ve shared with us (to protect privacy, I only used initials only). But first, I must admit how my heart swelled with gratitude reading over each and every one of your entries. Your simple acts of kindness are what make this world bearable, and at times absolutely wonderful to live in. There is indeed so much to be thankful for and I’m touched by the time you took to share your feelings with someone who means something special to you.
Please take the time to read through the highlights of what you’ve said you’re thankful for and at the end, the winners of the Tiger’s Curse Gift Pack will be revealed!
[image error]
Highlights of . . . “What I am thankful for”;
~ “I’m thankful for all the amazing, supportive friends that I’ve made over the years. This fall I was having some problems with stress, anxiety and a touch of what people are telling me is depression, but my friends have helped me so much just by being there. I’m thankful for my amazing parents. My parents have been so supportive of me and my decisions this year. I also feel I must add that I am thankful for my sister, who drives me nuts sometimes, yet I’m thankful that she’s in my life because I love her little quirks that make me giggle like a four year old.” – S.M.
~ “I’m thankful for the random acts of kindness I’ve witnessed this year as well. One of my favorite memories of an act of kindness this year happened this summer when I was on the bus. There were a bunch of people getting on at the stop by my local community college, and there was a woman who only had a $5 or $10 bill. When she was getting on she was worrying about if she would be able to get change, but because she couldn’t this man who was getting on behind her paid for her fare as well. It was a really nice thing to do, even if bus fare is only a few dollars. The woman was so shocked at first and then so thankful and happy. That bus ride reminded me of how simple someone’s act of kindness could be.”- S.M.
~ “
I’d like to thank books. And I choose books, because they are what make me who I am. Every time I read a book, a piece of it has been ingrained in me. . . I read a book… and it’s like everything is so much clearer. I see the world through someone elses eyes, and it reminds me of exactly the person I want to be.´ -Cat
[image error]
~ “I know I am thankful for my family. Sometimes, I feel frustrated and helpless and I take my anger out on my parents. Yet, they walk with me, every step, on the paths and tribulations of life. I love my mother will all my heart. My parents divorced when I was six. I am thankful that my father has still kept in touch, because if he walked away from me without a backwards glance, it would hurt too much to bear. I am thankful that my mother has found someone to love and hold dear. He has brought the light back into her dim eyes after my dad left. He makes her happy, makes her laugh and smile. He loves my mother and she deserves love again. I am thankful for my three sisters and my brother. Without them I’d be unable to look forward to the laughs I experience when I get home from long days at school. I cherish them so much. I am thankful for my dog, Rocky, who passed away two years ago. He was a faithful friend- one I could talk to about my troubles and pains, even if he couldn’t possibly understand me. I went through tough times in school. I didn’t have any friends. I was a loner, shadowing people, never having any friends. Nobody accepted me into their cliques and groups. I was an outsider. It’s a terrible feeling- being lonely. I learned to keep quiet, stay away from people. Rocky was my only friend. . . I am thankful for Colleen Houck. Before I read her books I was depressed. I felt like no one loved me or wanted me. I felt unaccepted and depressed. . . . In school I would walk around and carefully slide in-between people laughing in their groups. Not once was I glanced at or spoken to. Even in my church I was ignored by the last people I thought could hurt me. . . I hoped for nothing because I was afraid of getting hurt. Like Kelsey and her fear of being hurt by love. “’The purpose of life is to grow in wisdom and to follow the truths found in your own heart. If you do this, you will be happy, but if you waste your life being miserable due to your choices, or lack thereof, [you] will have had no purpose, no meaning. Live each day as if it was the last’” (Tiger’s Destiny Pg. 166). Ms. Houck has given me hope again, a reason to move on. . . Thank you, Ms. Houck; I don’t know what I could’ve done without your books and the amazing Tiger World because now I’m happy.” –A.L.
~ “My dad is my whole world; I couldn’t have a more loving and caring role model. My mom and him believe that the sky truly is the limit for me and they know that only I can limit myself. My five siblings are the best friends I could ever ask for and I’ll miss when we no longer all live together. . . Another big thing I’m grateful for more and more each day are the opportunities that have been given to me. I’m not naïve enough to think everyone has had a charming life like I have.
~ “
Sometimes when people think of what they are most thankful for they say the obvious ones; love and kindness, good health, a warm bed and a full stomach. They might further say they are thankful for their beloved electronics or their favorite books. I am thankful for all those things, and more. I am thankful for the golden glow of sun through the window. I am grateful for the cricket’s hum as I fall asleep. I feel appreciation for the moments of unexpected laughter, or comfortable, contented silence. I am thankful for a smile from a custodian, or a winter flower surprising me and brightening my day. I cherish those beautiful gifts, too many to count. I always try to ‘stop and smell the roses’ or give my mom an unexpected hug. Those moments in life cannot go unnoticed. They are the most beautiful, the most precious, and the things I am most thankful for in my life.” –A.L.
[image error]
~ “ My education and my friends are two things that I am very thankful for and couldn’t possibly live without. Through my education I have learned so much that I wouldn’t trade for all the money in the world. It is through this education that I have learned to look at life at different perspective and look around at all the wonderful things in life. . . My mother is not only someone that I can rely on, but she is also like my best friend. . . I can count on my dad to help me with anything. He is the one I turn to help me get over all those speed bumps throughout my life. And my two older brothers, well they are my own personal body guards. . . So this thanksgiving I would like to thank and be truly thankful for my family, the glue that keeps me together.”- K.M.
~ “The most thankful thing I have in my life is my family. They accept me for who I am, for the good and the bad. Most of my friends parents are separated this makes me realize how grateful I am to have both of my parents, who love me unconditionally. Also I have three brothers. They always push me to do something outside my comfort zone, and surprise myself. . . One thing most people are thankful for are electronics. They help with so many things in our daily lives.” – G.G.
~ “I am thankful for my friends and my families’ health and lives. I very thankful that my family isn't suffering or having hard times. . . I have many more things that I am thankful for like my house, my health, my full belly and warm blankets. . . I have what I need right here at home. So when Thanksgiving comes around I always value the bright shades in my life and not the black shades. I am very thankful for everything I have.” –S.S.
~ “The first things that I take for granted all the time, are a family, a warm house, food, clothes, and a great school to go to. There are people in this world that don’t have any of that. I’m thankful for books. They are my escape, the cause of my daydreaming, the stepping stone to my future of being a YA author. Another big one is music. Lyrics portray so much, and they encourage my day and express my feelings. Music and words flow through me. If I didn’t have those, I would be very lost in life. . . I won’t say this often, but I’m thankful for school. Even though the homework load is heavy, school will help me get a job later in life. . . I also will probably never say this again, but I’m thankful for the cold weather. Winter is not my favorite season. It’s not even my second or third favorite. It’s dead last. But there’s something about standing outside with the scent of snow and fresh air and the wind biting into my exposed skin that makes me feel alive; it gives me a sense of reality, I guess you could say.” – B.D.
[image error] [image error]
~ “ I’m grateful for my positive well being. Positive well being is leading a full and rewarding life, doing the things you love, surrounded by the people you love. It also includes having good health and a decent education.
I am extremely grateful for my family and friends. This year has been tougher than most but not once have I had to go through it alone. . . My sport means the world to me. It is a way to get fit while having fun, but there is also a sense of belonging to the team. Whether we’re on court or not my team is my family. Just quickly some of the other things I am grateful for are: music, holidays, books, school and teachers and my home. I am a proud Australian and I’m grateful to live in a free, fair and peaceful country.” M.B.
~ “ This year I have a lot to be thankful for. My mom, my dog, my house, heat in the house, having a car, having money to put gas in the car, having clean water, having food in my pantry, clothes, having a computer with internet, and my Tiger’s Curse books to read! But most of all, my family couldn’t have all of those things if my mom didn’t have a job. I’m so proud of her. .. I am thankful for my life. I had a really rough patch in my life and I didn’t want to be alive. But I am. I could have a deadly cancer or have no family, and be living without clean water or a roof over my head. But I do. I have everything that I could possibly ask for.” –M.M.
~ “Every day, I’m thankful for having such great friends who love me so much and think I’m one of the smartest people in the world (which is not true). I love that they believe in me and it is their confidence in me that gets me through those long, tough moments when I feel like giving up. My family, especially my mum, encourages me and helps in any way they can. I’m who I am today because of them and I really think that we should recognize their efforts way more than just annually. My teachers and mentors heap me achieve my goals and I am very grateful for that. They never, ever give up on me and make sure that I do everything to my full potential. . . I’m also thankful to Mother Nature for providing the resources we need to survive . . .” – V.A.
~ “ . I know that I’m lucky to have parents and good teachers. But I’m mainly lucky to be able to afford what I need. . . All of the teachers I’ve had, have been amazing. You can easily tell that they care about us. My family is another. I don’t know what I’d do without them, they’re like a rock, a solid thing that will, hopefully, stay in my life for a long time. I’m also thankful for my dog and cat.. . One of my top things I’m thankful for is book authors. I LOVE reading and wouldn’t be able to express how thankful I am to them. I hope that when I get older, that I’ll have time to write. Nothing in the world can take away how thankful I am for everything/everyone I have in life.” –L.B.
~ “I'm thankful for life, for trials and tribulations even if they were a pain in the butt. And yes they cause anxiety and stress from time to time, but it still made me into a better person. . . I'm glad for all my friends, family, clothes, food, culture, shelter, and many more. I'm glad to have courage, hope, love, joy, faith, trust, and pixie dust (my way of saying miracles). I'm thankful for being creative and having a heart to care for others. I'm thankful for the sun and the moon for they light up my world (literally). I'm thankful for what I overcome. . .and last but not least I am thankful for the horizon because it holds a promise for a happy ending for everyone.” – J.E.B.
[image error]
~ “I’d lost control of the wheel, the rain was pouring down, and the brakes were useless. The car hastily skidded across the gravel. There was no way of stopping. I was going to crash. The instant before I hit the other vehicle, I cried out for God. I am extremely thankful for my Heavenly Father. October 19, 2013 is a night I will never forget. I was driving an hour away from home on my way to a Halloween party, when I slammed into another car. . . Amazingly, everybody walked away without any cuts or bruises, except for a little whip lash. Only I, was left with an annihilated minivan and a sprained shoulder. I even got away without a ticket. . . . It must have been a miracle from God, and I will forever be making it up to Him. He’s always got my back, whether it is helping me recall answers during a math test, or giving me inspiration on what to say to somebody when I am repairing a relationship. I say my daily prayers and I know he answers them because of the little incidents he always manages to safely pull me out of. Not only does He protect me, but He has given me wonderful parents. . . After a break up with a boy, whom I adored so very much, I developed depression and anxiety. I often found myself having a hard time breathing, my eating habits were terrible, and I didn’t sleep much. I thought the pain would never end. However, my lovely mom encouraged me every day to keep moving forward, and she even got me a therapist, whom I also love. Most kids’ mothers would just tell them to grow up and that it was just a silly high school relationship; but my mom always takes the time to understand me, and I’m so appreciative of that. In conclusion, each day it’s important we are thankful for what we have and not what we’re missing. Even failure is a blessing because we must know it in order to experience success. . . thankful for Tiger’s Curse. I know whenever I feel lonely I just imagine that someday my own precious Ren will dash right up to me and sweep me off my feet.” –A.B.
~ “Thankfulness I feel is a word people forget about during the months excluding November. I too find myself focusing more on what I'm not thankful for: empty pockets, bills, a greedy government, and constant worry. What I should be focusing on are my friends, family and the fact that my husband and I are fortunate enough to have jobs in this tough economy. I'm thankful for my friends and family because no matter what, whether I take them for granted, I know they will be there for me when it comes down to the wire. My best friend, Dixe, has been a Godsend. She helped me through the loss of my mother three years ago. I was drowning and in my despair she pulled me from the dark water that was my depression. My family. What can I say? I have the most amazing father and siblings. And my stepmother has helped fill the void that my mom left behind. I don't thank God for them every day but I should. And I thank God for giving me another Thanksgiving with my family.”-C.V.H.
~ “ The planet earth, because it comes with so many precious people, opportunities, chances, and a bright future. I am thankful for family, . . . . I am also thankful for my dog Daisy. She is part of the family too and I thank her for just being in my life and sharing a couch with me. . . I am thankful for my possessions. I am truly and forever thankful towards all of my books! Books are the key to my happiness and not just because they make me smile but they educate me too. . . I know, it sounds cliché but I would not survive a moment longer if cheesecake did not exist anymore. I am thankful for the holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. It brings family and friends together like no other random Saturday. . . I am thankful for paper. Sounds odd, but without it there would be no story to tell and everyone loves a good story. I am thankful for hope, because hope is what wakes us up in the morning and go on through life. I am thankful for kids. Kids are our future-the new generation.” –K.V.S.
~ “
This year, I'm thankful for my family. As cliche as this sounds, I cannot convey to you just how much I mean this. Through my parents (almost) divorce, my special needs sister's leukemia results coming back negative, my grandmothers stage three ovarian cancer count going down.. And for my family's undeniable support in fighting my panic disorder... I could be thankful for nothing more. I am thankful every day when I get a call from my Memaw and papa. I'm thankful that my parents kiss each other goodbye before work. I am thankful for waking every day, and knowing today is a new day, and all bad things are in the past- and that for now everyone I love is still with me.
And most of all, I am thankful, for my life.” –P.A.H.
~ “ I always tell my friends to think positive, for that is the key to happiness. I had to learn that the hard way. My life has brought me through many twists and turns, especially when I was a military child. I used to despise my father’s career in the Navy because because we moved so often. As soon as I got comfortable somewhere, I was ripped away from my friends and any social life I had there. Now it is the first thing on my list of what I am thankful for. The frequent moves have given me extraordinary experiences and unforgettable friends. I am equally thankful for is FIRST Robotics. FIRST has not only helped me find my passion and career path, it has also taught me that no matter the situation, there’s always a place for everyone; one just has to look for it. . . The first person I have to be thankful for is the love of my life, Jeremiah. Jer is very much like Ren. He is my prince, my tiger, and my muse. Next I have my Aunt Jen to thank; she is my best friend. . . I am thankful for the trials and tribulations. Without them, I never would have been shaped into the stronger being I am today. Many people see the troubles as curses, but as we all learned through the Tiger series, some curses can also be blessings.” –D.T.
~ “I’m thankful for the simple things in life. Dr. Seuss, Captain Hook, Ron Weasley, snow, life itself, music laughter, magic, love and even hate. For if we didn’t know hate, we would have never known love. I’m really thankful for all the unknown and mysteries in this world, because if we knew everything, there wouldn’t be anything else to wonder about.” – C.Y.
[image error]
~ “ I am thankful for my mom and dad's jobs, and all their friends and all my friends and Family, all the food that we will enjoy with all our family and friends, and also the Christmas vacation we are taking with or grandparents. I am thankful for all the love and support that is in are home even with all the bills and other things we are and always will be a loving family. I am also thankful for all my wonderful books that my mom and dad have gotten for me. I'm so blessed to be in a wonderful family and have such caring friends I hope all of them have long and happy lives. I'm also thankful for my wonderful dog dumpling that I love so much I hope she stays with me for a long time.”-E.D.
~ “2013, what a year! I passed the last hour thinking about all the great and bad things that happened! I was lucky that almost all the things were great! Like 97% of them!! I'm not used to celebrate Thanksgiving I usually think about the things I'm grateful on Christmas. . . I wanna say special thanks for my sister; for all the attention, support and for giving me, on June, the cutest niece I could ask for! . . . I have just a few friends but that's enough for me because you are the best EVER! And to that one that is exactly 5921 miles away from me... Who is my best friend and also my biggest love... Thanks for the attention, thanks for being yourself and I promise that we will find out a way for us to be together!”-M.R.S.d.M.
~ “The most significant thing I am thankful for is that my brother successfully had his head surgery and came home early. The reason why he had to have surgery was because he had this thing called Chiari. That basically means his brain was to big for his skull. So, if he didn’t have this surgery he wouldn’t be able to do anything fun anymore. For example going on water slides, on fair rides, and playing sports.There are many more things that I am appreciative to have. For example my mom buying me whole bunch of books including the Tiger’s Curse series. Thankful for a best-friend with me at all costs for eight years. If she hasn’t been here for and I with her we would have been lost in this world.”-M.D.
~ “I’m thankful for my mother that even after being hurt by dad, doesn’t let me hate him. I’m also thankful for my sister that has been along with me in all the sad things. I’m thankful for my best friend Vitor that understands all my mood swings and never lets me down. I’m thankful for my school colleagues, Andrezza and Larissa that are always near to make me happy, even when I cry. I’m thankful for the doctors who said that my poly-cystic ovaries can be cured, because I’m still young. I’m thankful to God that let me suffer all the kinds of bad things, because everything that He put me through I could handle - and it all made me so much stronger than I was. I’m thankful to books and I’m thankful for the public library, because if it wasn’t there, how would I read?” –Bia
~ “ I’m so thankful for having a mother and a father to guide me, care for me, and teach me. I’m thankful for them to distinguish what is right and wrong, for raising me with great manners and care. . . I am thankful to/for God. I am thankful for having food on the table, having a beautiful religion to follow and practice. I am thankful for being able to pray, having strength and health. I am thankful for all the misfortunes I’ve experienced, because without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I am thankful for living in a society where education is freely provided. I am thankful for books and great literature, for literary characters and authors, for philosophy, for heroes and antiheroes, and for being alive and able and healthy.”-M.Z.K.
~ “ This year has been the worst year ever! My sister-in-law wholeheartedly agrees. Something terrible happened to her daughter (our only niece), we have had major water lines to our home be out of commission, 5 times and counting, this year, and probably the biggest heartache of all, we both had our first miscarriage. We were both going to be due about a week apart from each other in October. She miscarried at the beginning of April at 11 weeks and I miscarried about a month later at 15 ½ weeks.In spite of all these really awful things that have happened, I truly feel like one of the luckiest people alive. Our family has grown closer together through the abuse to my niece, and my sister in law is now expecting her third child at the beginning of March 2014. While my husband and I have still been unable to conceive, we have two of the cutest boys in the entire world! We truly have a beautiful home and we live in such comfort.” –S.G.
Here’s what some of you did for a random act of kindness,
~ “I spent a good amount of time chit-chatting with my grandpa's roommate at his nursing home and holding the door there. I also helped my mom cook Thanksgiving dinner (I made the apple pie, according to your recipe).” –Cat
~ “I helped my mom bake an apple pie for our neighbor the night before Thanksgiving. We learned that her husband died of cancer about a year ago. She was hurting, but when we invited her to eat Thanksgiving dinner with us she had this thankful expression on her face, like she could be happy again. I won’t forget it. I will visit her all the time now. She is lonely often times and wants company. “–A.L.
~ “ The random act of kindness I performed this week was directed towards a homeless man on the street. When coming out of a dinner I enjoyed with friends, a homeless man approached our group saying he was hungry. I didn't have anything but a few cents on my person since I had paid with a debit card but what I did have was a box of pizza that I had planned to take home to my family as the leftover from the dinner with friends. As a group we decided to give it to the homeless man instead and he was delighted.” –C.S.
~ “Helping to rehabilitate abused and neglected animals.” – A.L.
~ “I stop for pedestrians while other cars keep driving. I helped tutor a fellow student who was having trouble in class, I also paid for someone's item at a bake sale and I have no idea who they were.” –K.M.
~ “My act of kindness was volunteering at Meals of the Heartland. This is an organization that sends meals to people who are starving in Africa. My team and I made about 400 meals. Each person adds a different food in to the plastic bag. I felt like I was making a difference. Also the experience was a great way to meet people; I had a lot of fun along the way.” –G.G.
~ “One random act of kindness I did was help and old lady at Walmart pick up all her groceries for her after she dropped them. I helped her to the cashier and went and got her a cart. She thanked me and said "God bless you".´- S.S.
~ “The random act of kindness I did was that I went to support my friend at her Youth Symphony concert. She has practice for it every week, three hours for each rehearsal, so naturally, she was really excited. She played beautifully, and she was so glad that I was there to see her. It was amazing to see the joy on her face. It's the type of emotion that you don't see often.” -B.D.
~ “My random act of kindness was making 3 meals, including dessert, for an elderly neighbor who has broken her arm. The meals being: spaghetti bolognese, chicken fried rice and tomato and lamb curry. The desserts were: almond and blueberry crumble muffins, chocolate brownies and banana bread.” – M.B.
~ “ I have this friend who doesn’t have any friends. She doesn’t have social skills and is really awkward around people. People make fun of her all the time and she doesn’t know how to deal with it except laugh. So what I did really cheered her up. Since she doesn’t have any friends she doesn’t go out in public a lot. So I text her. I said hi and asked how she was. She was so happy someone actually text her! She said, what do you want? So then I said, I just wanted to see how you are doing. She said, I’m okay. Do you want to go to the movies with me tomorrow? And I told her sure. She was so happy. I felt really good after I text her. I knew I just made her day because she probably had a really bad day at school. So that little act of kindness probably turned her entire day around. And it made me feel really good too.” –M.M.
~ “ My random act of kindness was helping my friend move.”- V.A.
~ “My one act (not really one act) of kindness is going to the SPCA of Wake County (NC) and volunteering.. . I also am a part of my school club called Kiva. At Kiva we go and lend money to people in developing countries, or places in poverty, and help them improve their lives. Whether it’s updating their houses, buying animals, or earning enough money to send their kids to school, I just love helping, knowing that I’m making a change in someone’s life.” –L.B.
~ “Holding the door for others at school, and public places, saved $200 in my piggy bank for good causes, like charity, not asking for a lot of things so my mom can save money for herself, making my own food at launch so I don't bother mom or siblings, and listening to people, because some people need someone to talk to.” – J.E.B.
~ “ For the random act of kindness, I made my friend some brownies. I found out from another friend that she had been crying at school and since we don't have classes together, I went and visited her at the end of the day with some goodies.” –A.B.
~ “ A woman from my church, her husband is suffering from Parkinson's disease and he can't get around to mowing or taking care of their yard. And they have no children. So last week my father and I went over there, mowed their yard, vacuumed up their leaves and weed-whacked the entire property as a Christmas gift. It was hard work but I felt good afterward.” – C.V.H.
~ “ Every year there is a Thanksgiving Dinner at my local community center. It occurs on the Friday before Thanksgiving. I stayed extra hours to help clean up even after everyone was gone. I picked up trash and put away all the supplies with the help of the staff. That was my random act of kindness.” – K.S.
~ “ In short, I helped a women who lost her dog, get a new companion after almost having to walk away.” – P.A.H.
~ “ And now, there's my act of kindness :) For the past month or so I have been playing this claw machine whenever I'd go to the store. I play more for the fun than the prizes. I won a lot of plush toys and I've decided to donate ALL of my winnings to Toys for Tots.” –D.T.
~ “ waved & said hi to a stranger; held the door for someone; wore a free-hug sign.”- C.Y.
~ “ doing my brothers chores for him when he could not.”-E.D.
~ “ This year I went and made sandwiches at the homeless shelter her, I also donated food to the food drive and I hope I can drive around my city and hand out food to the homeless.”-M.D.
~“I bought my teacher a cute little pen form pier 1 imports and I made my mom a meal since she ALWAYS cooks.” L.M.
~ “In this morning, I found a hurt puppy in the ground. It was super cute, but it was hurt, so nobody wanted to take it home. Even if I had a dog, and maybe it would even hurt the puppy, I brought it home, bathed it and made a badge on his hurt. I found a friend that recently lost her dog and gave it to her - both of them needed each other, they just had to find a way to be together.”-Bia
~ “A teacher at my school often needs help to correct papers. She assigns a lot of work that needs to be thoroughly graded. On Friday after school, when our first term was coming to an end, she asked me if I could stop by and help her correct papers for about a few hours, considering there were a lot of papers. This teacher is one I have come to love. . . I asked all of my friends if they could take a little bit of time off from activities after school and help the teacher correct her papers. A lot of them agreed, and we all met at my locker at the end of the school day. I had gathered a total of 8 friends to help correct papers. When my teacher saw all of us there, ready to correct papers, a grin stretched up on her face. This single act of kindness simply made me happy and brightened my week up.” –M.Z.K.
~ “Tomorrow I am going to secretly give the thank you letter I wrote into my husband’s bag. When he gets home from work tomorrow, I am going to surprise him with a special treat for dessert after dinner!” –S.G.
So, now the moment you’ve been waiting for, the winners (that’s right I said winners, plural) are (drum roll please),
1st Place Winners- Receive an Exclusive Content Hardbound Edition of Tiger’s Voyage signed by Colleen Houck, Tiger’s plush blanket, bookmark, jewelry and note cards!
[image error]
**************************************************************
Bethany Dadisman
Maddie Machowski
*************************************************************
Runner Ups (Your selected friends) - Winner of Hardbound Tiger’s Curse signed by Colleen Houck, bookmark and jewelry
*************************************************************
Emily Jones (friend of Allana Lopez)
Joyce Hudson (friend of Page Alexandra Helton)
Suzi Quist (friend of Samantha Grace)
****************************************************************
Congratulations! Your gifts will be sent in the mail soon! And, thank you again for taking time from your busy holiday season to ponder over your blessings and to give of your time for another. I hope everyone’s Thanksgiving was an experience that will provide a happy memory for the rest of your life.
Remember to stay tuned for Houck’s reveal on her new book she’s working on. I know you’re going to FREAK out!!
~ Till next time,
Linda Louise Lotti
November 26, 2013
Coughs + Wushu = .......
Practicing with a cough is hard. It requires frequent long breaks to prevent a complete coughing-my-lungs-out-and-can’t-breathe attack. But if I always waited to better situations, I would be waiting a long time. Sometimes it is good to take it easy. Sometimes you need to push through.
Last week’s lesson was really good. Aman and I worked on several things but spent extra time troubleshooting some things I was still having trouble with.
Inside kicks still don’t feel very natural. I know what it should feel like because I have been successful in doing some decent inside kicks. I think this is one of those that just need lots of repetition to feel natural. I have trouble having quickness without turning too much. Core strength will also help. Ha…
After a significant break from outside kicks, I’m going to start practicing them again. Not very many at first and eventually increasing my range of motion and number of reps. So at today’s practice I did about 5 on each side keeping them fairly low—around waist height.
I learned a bit of a balance trick during thrust kicks! He added these circle arms and crossed legs right before the side thrust kicks. That means that I’m in a deep cross lunge and I have to take my back leg, bring it up to my side, cocked and ready to kick, and then kick out quickly, really striking. And not lose my balance. It’s supposed to be easier to do it quicker. The trick is that your torso is not just leaning to the side away from your kicking leg, it’s also leaning just a little bit to the back. Again… not natural to me because I tend to lean forward as an unconscious curl-into-a-ball-quick reaction.
Back sweep has earned the title “Current Bane of My Existence”. Gotta keep my big toe skimming the ground. My upper body needs to have more force going into the turn so I have the speed to actually turn. And my arms! My arms get in the way. My bent knee gets caught on them. It’s one of those things where you can’t just focus on one trouble spot at a time. You have to focus on all of them or you won’t get very far! (Literally…)
The New Item of the week is called a Single Body Turn. I’ll have to film that one sometime because it is too hard to explain. It involves balance and going fast. I’ll let you figure out how comfortable I feel with that after the first lesson.
Another point of trouble was my cartwheel. I figured out the upper body portion during practice (namely, your hands are being placed on the ground super close to your front foot) but didn’t know how to make my legs actually become straight. I was still leaning as you saw in last week’s video. Cartwheels are nicer than back sweeps because I can work on one thing and see improvement. So while I was straighter after figuring out my upper body, I needed to be even straighter while upside down. The answer: kick my back leg straight up without trying to turn sideways. In theory, it might seem like that would put you into a back bend but because your upper body is turned, your lower body will follow. So those are my tips for you if you can already do something that resembles a cartwheel. Place your hands near your front foot and kick your back leg straight up.
And lastly, let’s talk about jumping. I felt like my jumps had a lot of forward momentum. A friend pointed me towards an interesting video that talked about block jumping. It involves both feet landing in front of the rest of your body before the jump. In practice, I will practice jumps two different ways.
Vertical jumps. Step one: jump from standing using both feet at the same time. Step two: take two steps beginning with the left foot and jump off the right foot. Step three: run into the jump. If necessary, add additional step two’s. Two steps, four steps, six steps, until it becomes dumb to count the steps and you might as well just run into it.
Long jumps. How far can you jump? This works on your jumping power to get you up in the air. Your aim is a really good push against the floor to get distance. Begin with 6 sets of 5 reps.
Also, “squats and lunges – they cure everything. They cure the cold, cancer, everything.” Says Aman.
21 November 2013
We began and ended today’s lesson with non-wushu things. We began by talking about my hip and how I was feeling like the problem wasn’t that I pushed too far too soon. I’ve had tired hips for several months. Doing outside kicks just aggravated it to the point of pain. Aman grabbed another personal trainer who knows a lot of physical therapy type things. First he looked at my posture (looks good, my legs are even). Then he showed me a hip stretch (another thing for me to photograph! It’s an easy stretch), reminded me to foam roll (have I introduced you all to the foam roller yet???), and showed another hip stretch that requires assistance (and something table/counter height but cushy). Oh! And he also advised working on my hamstrings.
At the end of wushu, Aman showed me two hamstring exercises to do 2-3 times a week. Deadlifts – for demonstrative purposes, I used 10 lbs but will move up to at least 15 lbs next time. You hold weights in each hand and then bend over keeping a straight back. If you round your back at all, you need to hold lighter weights. If you can go through a whole set without rounding your back and feel like you could do 3 or 4 more reps (or even more reps!) then you need to use heavier weights. 3 sets of 12 reps each. The other exercise uses a machine for seated leg curls (my gym has a standing leg curl machine too where a strap hooks by your foot—the seated leg curls are less intimidating). My quads tighten up during this… 4 sets of 12 reps. Again, increase weight if you can do 3+ reps at the end of a set.
I'm so sorry for not having a single photo or video for this post! I was never at a spot where I could easily tackle that.
November 19, 2013
Secret Project, Thankful, & Wimpy Kid
Last night I went to the Diary of a Wimpy Kid event at Powell's bookstore. If you've never attended a book signing geared towards kids like that you should go sometime. It was amazing! Not only was there a wimpy kid bus that all the kids could take photos with but there were contests, games, and a DJ. It was a party like no other. There was one of those money tanks the kids could step into and as the fake dollars swirled they'd reach out to grab as much as they could to win prizes. There was a wheel of fortune game with even more prizes. Then Jeff Kinney is an awesome writer for kids. He talked with each one, took pictures, and was just an all around great guy. He had a whole wimpy kid team of assistants all wearing their wimpy kid shirts that helped keep all the lines and kids orderly. What a great event!
______________________________________
TOP SECRET PROJECT
So here's a blurb from the recent chapter I wrote for my top secret project.
We sped across towards the first of three arched gateways, each named for the carved marble guardians that stood on either side at the base of each arch. The first was the Vanar Pol with two large monkey statues, and then came the Bagh Pol, or The Gate of the Twin Tigers. I shivered when I saw the terrifying set of tiger guardians with teeth and claws bared.
Last was the Hathi Pol, or the Elephant Gate, with a life sized elephant standing at each end, trunks raised, and large tusks jutting forward. Though there were no signs of it, I knew that the wide lot on the other size of the Elephant Gate was used for elephant fights—a new and horrific practice recently instigated. They claimed that the fighting was used to assess which elephants were the strongest and most powerful and the winners were the ones used in war campaigns.
Have you guys figured it out yet?
______________________________________
TOP TEN THINGS
I AM THANKFUL FOR
My sister inspired me to make a top ten list of the things I am grateful for this year. This is not a comprehensive list of course but it's a good representation of the things I'm thinking about the most this year.
#10 MY TEACHERS
I've visited many schools this past year and I'm always impressed by the enthusiasm of the teachers I meet. They remind me of my own time in school and how those special people shaped my life in ways they probably don't even know.
#9 MY STATE/COUNTRY
I talk about Oregon everywhere I go. I love the Northwest. I actually love everywhere I've gone. Traveling is something I always wanted to do and as an author I get to see many places but I always feel like I've come home when I land at the Portland airport. From Hawaii to New York, this is a beautiful country, especially in the fall-my favorite season.
#8 MY OPPORTUNITIES
I feel so grateful for all the book conferences and events I've been able to do these last few years. I've been able to see and do so many things that I never imagined I'd be able to and I've been able to share a lot of those experiences with my friends and family.
#7 MY FELLOW AUTHORS
I've been making a lot of new author friends these past few years. They are special people who offer very specific support and guidance and they are all amazing and incredibly talented. I am grateful for these new friends.
[image error]
[image error]#6 MY HOME
I've already said I love the Northwest and I especially love my home which feels even more homey now that my mom is living with us. It's a wonderful thing to look at my incredible view of Salem on one side of the house and an evergreen forest on the other. Since my home is also my work environment, I'm lucky to have such a great place to craft my stories.
[image error]
#5 MY FANS
These past few years I've met so many fans and even some from far away places. You are all incredible, lovely people and I wish I could invite you all over for dinner. You guys are awesome!
[image error]#4 MY DOGS
Even though I just found my little puppy, Bitsy, getting into trouble, I love my dogs. When my poodle, Prissy, passed away three years ago, I didn't think I would ever be able to have dogs again. My heart was broken when we lost her, but when my mom moved in I knew she needed a companion so we found Murphy and Bitsy and they are sweet additions to our home and a part of our family now. I really missed having Prissy sleeping at my feet as I wrote books and now I have two dogs warming my feet instead of just one.
[image error]
#3 MY FRIENDS
I have a great group of friends who cheer me on at every turn and yet also keep me grounded. Every time I see them I'm no longer Colleen the author, I'm just Colleen and it's always fun to chat and swap stories.
[image error]#2 MY FAMILY
I could write pages about each member of my family and how special they are. They are all unique, wonderful, and amazing and I count my blessings every day to have them in my life. I am a better person just for knowing them. My husband is a wonderful man and I wish you all could have a great guy like him in your life.
#1 MY DAD
I had to write something special about my dad this year. He passed away several months ago and I miss him every day. It's his birthday tomorrow so I've been thinking about him a lot this month. I am so grateful to have had him in my life. He was always a steady, guiding force. He was my anchor and I'll admit that sometimes I feel adrift without him, but how wonderful a blessing it was to have a father like him. We all miss you Dad!
[image error]
November 18, 2013
Thanksgiving Writing Contest
Thanksgiving Writing Contest
Thanksgiving Day is less than two weeks away and despite all the turmoil in the world, a government divided, bad economic times, disease and sickness in homes, and family hardships, there are still so many things to be thankful for. We have someone to love, someone who loves us, friends to laugh with and at times cry with, a beautiful earth that gives us light and food for both body and spirit, we have freedom, and we have life! With life and all its inadequacies, we can still find its beauty and joy.
As the saying goes, “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” ` Epictetus
I was reading a magazine (can’t recall which) and I came across an article that stated when a person wrote a thank you letter, researchers found that their happiness soared an impressive 20%. Writing just one letter was said to have a very positive effect. So, in honor of Thanksgiving, I decided to create a writing contest with your happiness in mind. One lucky writer and reader of Colleen Houck’s Tiger’s Curse Blog will win a special Tiger’s Curse Package (includes: An official signed copy of Tiger’s Curse w/ Exclusive Content, personalized fan letter from Colleen Houck, Ren tiger blanket, Kelsey’s hair ribbons, Shakespeare note cards, jeweled book mark, bracelet, candy, and more!) and two runners-up will win a small personalized gift from Colleen PLUS an officially signed copy of Tiger’s Curse w/ Exclusive Content for a friend new to the Tiger’s Curse Series! This is all provided you meet the entrance requirements in our Thankful Contest. These prizes are a special gift from Colleen Houck to you!
Here’s how the contest will work,
Step 1:
[image error]
Take a moment to step back and reflect on what you are truly thankful for. For some this may take more time than others. Let’s be honest, some of us at times tend to focus on the thorns of a rose bush instead of being amazed to find beautiful roses among the thorns. Organize your thoughts and then write them down. Take two to three paragraphs (that’s right, minimize to just two or three) to share your story of what your thankful for this year and then type them with your name and the date.
Step 2:
[image error]
In the spirit of the season, identify one person whom you are especially grateful for this year. Perhaps it’s your mom or dad or a brother or sister, or maybe your good friend. Also consider a teacher or some other person who may have influenced you for good or meant something special to you. Catalog your thoughts and write that person a thank you letter.
[image error]
Letter writing is a lost art and oftentimes, if a letter is personally handwritten, it is more meaningful to the person receiving it. If you need help on how to write a thank you letter, click here. Choose nice stationary and pen. Take your time and choose your words in a way that shows your gratitude in a more eloquent and heartfelt way.
[image error]
Step 3:
Make a copy of your letter (one to be given to the person you addressed it to, and the copy to be submitted for the contest). You may change the name or leave it blank if you wish it to be anonymous. Place your letter in an addressed envelope and mail it (or hand-deliver it if that is preferred).
[image error]
Step 4:
Perform one random act of kindness. This can be lots of fun and since I have no way of ensuring this step is done, please use the honor code. This can be as simple as doing the dishes or some chore for another or visiting someone who’s sick or bringing cookies to someone down or in need, or buying a stranger’s meal or the movie ticket for the person behind you in line. The sky’s the limit with this step so really go with it!
[image error]
Step 5:
Submit all 5 items to lindalouiselotti@colleenhouck.com. Remember, if you don't supply me with ALL the required information your entry will not count, so don't forget!!!
1) your 2-3 paragraph of things you are thankful for along with a
2) copy of your thank you letter to someone you care about.
3) Include your full name and
4) your mailing address.*Include mailing address for a friend who might like the Tiger's Series (this is vital if you are a runner up winner)
5) Also make mention of the random act of kindness you performed as that will be listed also.
This contest will run up through Thanksgiving Day, November 28th. The winner will be announced shortly after. Good luck!
And always remember, “Blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.” ~ Author unknown
~Till next time,
Linda Louise Lotti
November 17, 2013
"Pum-Pum, Pum-Pum, Pumpkin Pie"
Pum-Pum, Pum-Pum, Pumpkin Pie
As promised, I’ve searched and searched and after making several different pumpkin pie recipes and (putting on a couple pounds), I’ve found a winner just in time for the Thanksgiving feast! I’ve combined the crust from one recipe with a slight tweak here and there and used the filling from another recipe with a couple extra pinches of spice to create what I think is a deliciously perfect pumpkin pie! But first, a little history on the creation and evolution of the traditionally Classic Pumpkin Pie.
[image error]
It seems some of the first records of pumpkin desserts date back to the year 1621. Early American settlers of Plymouth Plantation, the first permanent European settlement in southern New England, might have had some sort of pumpkin dessert by making stewed pumpkins which was done by filling a hollowed out shell with milk, honey and spices, and then baking it in hot ashes.
Many Native American tribes grew squash and pumpkins and roasted or boiled them for eating. Historians think that when living circumstances were most tough for the settlers, the Native Americans brought pumpkins as gifts and taught them the many uses for the pumpkin, among other things. These pumpkins were introduced to the holiday table at the Pilgrim’s second Thanksgiving in 1623.
[image error]
This tradition and about fifty years’ time, gave rise to the pumpkin pie we now know of today.
Let’s look at some of these older pumpkin “pie” recipes;
In 1651, Francois Pierra la Varenne, the famous French chef and author of many French cookbooks of the 17th century wrote a recipe in his book The French Cook that included the pastry:
Tourte of pumpkin- Boile it with good milk, pass it through a straining pan very thick, and mix it with sugar, butter, a little salt and if you will, a few stamped almonds; let all be very thin. Put it in your sheet of paste; bake it. After it is baked, besprinkle it with sugar and serve.
In the 1670’s, there were recipes for a type of “pumpion pie” in various English cookbooks. One pie recipe found in a cookbook called The Queen-like Closet by Hannah Wooley said this;
To make a Pumpion-Pie- Take a Pumpion, pare it, and cut it in thin slices, dip it in beaten Eggs and Herbs shred small, and fry it till it be enough, then lay it into a Pie with Butter, Raisins, Currants, Sugar, and Sack, and in the bottom some sharp Apples, when it is baked, butter it and serve it in.
[image error]
It wasn’t until 1796 when a truly American cookbook, American cookery, by an American orphan by Amelia Simmons, was published. It featured recipes for foods native to America. There was pumpkin puddings baked in a crust that is quite similar to present day pumpkin pies. Here’s the recipe from this cookbook;
Pompkin Pudding No. 1- One quart stewed pumpkin strained, 3 pints cream, 9 beaten eggs, sugar, mace, nutmeg, and ginger, laid into paste No. 7 or 3, and with a dough spur, cross and chequer it, and baked in dishes three quarters of an hour.
Pompkin Pudding No. 2- One quart of milk, 1 pint pumpkin, 4 eggs, molasses, allspice and ginger in a crust, bake 1 hour.
Many pumpkin pie connoisseurs swear by fresh pumpkin as opposed to canned pumpkin. It is said that the pie gains depth of flavor when using roasted fresh pumpkin and just the right amount of warming spices. I personally think both taste great and depending on time and availability of fresh pumpkin, you may decide on one over the other.
So, the moment you’ve been waiting for, the Ultimate Pumpkin Pie recipe,
The Ultimate Pumpkin Pie
[image error]
Flaky Pie Pastry Shell
[image error]
Ingredients:
1 ¼ Cups Gold Medal flour, measured by dip-and-sweep (Tip: flaky pastry can be successfully produced by using all-purpose flour, but a low-protein brand (such as Gold Medal) produces a more tender crust. It is also easier to handle and less likely to buckle and shrink during baking).
½ Teaspoon Salt
½ Teaspoon sugar
¼ Cup Confectioner’s Sugar
10 Tablespoons (1 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into ¼ inch pats
3-4 Tablespoons ice water
¼ Cup Apricot preserves (to be used after pastry crust is baked)
[image error] [image error] [image error]
Directions:
1- Mix flour, salt, and sugar with a whisk until well combined.
2- Drop butter pieces over dry ingredients and mix until resembles cornmeal.
3- Drizzle 3-4 Tbs. of ice water over flour mixture (1 Tbs. at a time) and mix into large clumps. If dough resists gathering, sprinkle more water over dry, crumbly patches and press a few more times. Form dough into a ball with your hands; wrap in plastic, then flatten into a
4 inch disc. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. (Can be refrigerated for 2 days or, if sealed airtight in a plastic bag, frozen for up to 6 months).
4- Generously sprinkle a 2-foot square work area with flour. Remove dough from wrapping and place in center or workspace, dust top with flour. (If dough has been chilled for more than 1 hour, let dough stand until it gives slightly when pressed, 5-10 minutes). Roll dough in all directions, from center to edges, rotating a quarter turn and strewing flour underneath as necessary after each stroke. Flip disk over when it is 9 inches in diameter and continue to roll in all directions until it is 13-14 inches in diameter and just under 1/8 inch thick.
5- Fold dough in quarters and place the corner in the center or a 9-9 ½ inch pie pan. Carefully unfold dough to cover pan completely, with excess dough draped over pan lip. With one hand, pick up edges of dough; use index finger of other hand to press dough around pan bottom. Use your fingertips to press dough against pan walls. Trim dough overhanging the pan or tuck under for a thicker crust edge so folded edge is flush with edge of pan lip. Press double layers of dough with your fingers to seal, then bend up at a 90 degree angle and flute by pressing thumb and index finger about ½ inch apart against outside edge of dough, then use index finger (or knuckle) of other hand to poke a dent through the space. Repeat procedure all the way around.
[image error]
6- Refrigerate for 20 minutes (or freeze for 5 minutes) to firm dough shell. Using a table fork, prick bottom and sides-including where they meet-at ½ inch intervals. Flatten a 12-inch square of aluminum foil inside shell, pressing it flush against corners, sides and over rim. Prick foil with fork about a dozen times and chill shell for at least 30 minutes (preferably an hour) to allow dough to relax.
7- Bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (with foil still on) then reduce to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and remove foil, bake for an additional 8-10 minutes.
Pumpkin Pie Filling
[image error]
Ingredients:
¾ Cup sugar
1 Tablespoon packed golden brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon
¾ Teaspoon ground ginger
¼ Teaspoon salt
1 Teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
¼ Teaspoon ground cloves
1 16-ounce can solid pack pumpkin
¾ Cup heavy whipping cream
½ Cup sour cream
3 large eggs, beaten to blend (use 2 eggs but on the 3rd, only use the yolk)
Directions:
1- 1- Using whisk, mix first 6 ingredients in bowl until no lumps remain.
2- Blend in pumpkin, whipping cream, sour cream and eggs
3- Spread Apricot preserves (sift out any clumps) over baked pie crust
4- Fill crust with pumpkin filling
[image error]
5- 5- Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 55 minutes. *Watch until filling puffs at edges and center is almost set. I use a knife and slide in and if it comes out clean, then it is done baking. Let cool on rack. Cover; chill until cold and serve with fresh whipped cream. *This can be made one day ahead.
[image error]
I made different pies and had them taste tested by family and friends and this recipe won the most votes! I hope you enjoy it as much as me and my family did. Even my 7 year old LOVED this pumpkin pie and he’s not a pie lover. So set your Thanksgiving table and finish off that perfect meal with one of these deliciously perfect pumpkin pies!
[image error] [image error]
So in farewell I leave you with this, a promise for a Thanksgiving Writing Contest coming soon and, a perfectly pumpkin poem to lull your senses toward sweet dreams of pumpkin pie,
[image error]
The Pumpkin
By John Greenleaf Whittier
Oh, greenly and fair in the lands of the sun,
The vines of the gourd and the rich melon run,
And the rock and the tree and the cottage enfold,
With broad leaves all greenness and blossoms all gold,
Like that which o’er Nineveh’s prophet once grew,
While he waited to know that his warning was true,
And longed for the storm-cloud, and listened in vain
For the rush of the whirlwind and red fire-rain.
On the banks of Xenil the dark Spanish maiden
Comes up with the fruit of the tangled vine laden;
And the Creole of Cuba laughs out to behold
Through orange-leaves shining the broad spheres of gold;
Yet with dearer delight from his home in the North,
On the fields of his harvest the Yankee looks forth,
Where crook-necks are coiling and yellow fruit shines,
And the sun of September melts down on his vines.
Ah! On Thanksgiving day, when from East and from West,
From North and from South come the pilgrim and guest,
When the gray-haired New Englander sees round his board
The old broken links of affection restored,
When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before,
What moistens the lip and what brightens the eye?
What calls back the past, like the rich Pumpkin pie?
Oh, fruit loved of boyhood! The old days recalling,
When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!
When wild, ugly faces we carved in its skin,
Glaring out through the dark with a candle within!
When we laughed round the corn-heap, with hearts all in tune,
Our chair a broad pumpkin,-our lantern the moon,
Telling tales of the fairy who travelled like steam,
In a pumpkin-shell coach, with two rats for her team!
Then thanks for thy present! None sweeter or better
E’er smoked from an oven or circled a platter!
Fairer hands never wrought at a pastry more fine,
Brighter eyes never watched o’er its baking, than thine!
And the prayer, which my mouth is too full to express,
Swells my heart that thy shadow may never be less,
That the days of thy lot may be lengthened below,
And the fame of thy worth like a pumpkin-vine grow,
And thy life be as sweet, and its last sunset sky
Golden-tinted and fair as thy own Pumpkin Pie!
~ “Till next time,
Linda Louise Lotti
November 13, 2013
Cute Wushu
Today was a lesson on the effects of failing in your exercise routine. Like I have mentioned before, I typically workout 5 days a week. I recently gave myself permission to add a second rest day because my body was feeling overrun and tired. I can't wait to take out that rest day again but for now, it's an easy cardio (leisurely bike ride or swimming with my daughter, for example) or nothing at all. This last week was just a whole bunch of craziness and I completely expect this week to be the same. But then.... then some of the craziness will die down and I'll be left primarily with what I foist upon myself.
The good news is that Aman is on vacation next week so I'll have an extra week to practice before having another lesson. The interesting news is that because Aman is gone and I've paid for that lesson, I'll likely be having two lessons in one week. Head, don't explode..... please.
So last week I stretched maybe three times, practiced wushu for 30 minutes, and I think I ran once somewhere in there. FYI, I can tell. I can tell after just one week that I didn't do what is normal for me. It kills me to know that I'll have another week of not normal.
My lesson didn't go too terribly although I got tired quicker. Breaks are also not very long nowadays since I am adjusting (Aman says "getting a wushu body") so that probably had something to do with it too.
I learned..... already can't remember what it's called... Power Hammer, perhaps. It involves stomping and slapping your fist into your palm. It kinda hurts. Kinda turns the back of your hand red. And I pretty much have to pretend I am someone else entirely so that I can achieve anything that resembles powerful movement. And of course we combined it with other previously learned movements.
I have all the moves in the first form down really well but now I have to work on giving each movement power AND flowing between them. There's a slight difference between what I'm currently doing and what I need to do. I'm not sure how to get from A to B but at least I am mindful of where I need to be.
Getting closer to aerials! I'm not sure if I am excited for that or not... I've been jumping and now I'm jumping and kicking. And jump spins. And cartwheels.
"Can you do cartwheels?"
"Yes!" I was excited. I could actually start something not-terribly.
"This is one of those one-sided only things."
"Then I probably am terrible at it."
"Left foot in front?"
"Yes!!! I won't be terrible!!"
And I'm not. I do need to be more straight and ending in a line. And, well, it's hard to explain but my typical cartwheel has me facing front but turning sideways on the way down. I just learned as a kid so it's not like I've had instruction. For wushu, at least, I bend at the waist straight down and then turn sideways right at the very end. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it but it should help with my legs going straight up and over instead of falling out of my vertical plane.
31 October 2013
I'm finding that in practice, I remember the individual movements but not always the combinations that we do them in since we go through so many different things. Sometimes I keep a few notes on my phone but I should try bringing in a notebook. That would be a little quicker. Although.... Jared helps. He'll recognize what I'm trying to figure out and let me know if I'm on the right track or not.
In other news, today was my last practice with Kimmi. She leaves next week for California. We worked on her jumping a lot. It truly is an experience trying to teach someone something you aren't very sure of yourself. You have to figure out how to explain it, watch to see if something isn't right, be able to correct it, and break it down into smaller steps if needed. In Jumping Kimmi's case, she was having trouble running into the correct way to jump. There are two ways to jump. One stops your momentum and the other keeps it going. You can probably guess which you should have. So Jared and I had her take one step and jump. Two steps and jump. Four steps and jump. Until she was able to run and jump.
And yes! That means Jared practiced with us. It was a blast!
I hope you are ready for some cuteness overload because we have some awesome videos of Kaelyn practicing with us. She started hamming it up for the camera--she usually does so much better on the form!
It was a beautiful day outside to practice. It's sad that we're hitting fall and winter and the indoors.
4 November 2013
I had a great practice at the gym today! I did a lot of warming up and easing into my kicks. It went fairly well--I'm so glad recovery for my hip joint is going away nicely! I couldn't remember half of the combinations that Aman showed me last week. Isn't that terrible? I muddled my way until something felt right. I mostly worked on individual kicks, punch/palm and kicks, and the little combinations I could remember.
I moved onto working stance work and the form. I don't know what it is about stance work but my legs get very tired very quickly. Shouldn't I be getting better? I mean, I am getting better technique wise, but what about my endurance? It doesn't feel like that is getting better.
Aerials were the last thing I did. Jump spins (which are getting better...) and cartwheels! I learned a few things about cartwheels. I laid a resistance band on the floor for a very visual straight line and then I did cartwheels next to it. I did a lot of cartwheels trying to feel where my body was. It's getting better... but what I learned was that what your lower half does in the air depends on what your upper half does going down. The quicker your upper body goes down, the straighter and better your legs will be. But too much (before you're ready) could pull you off balance. It took me a while to make this connection.
A recent purchase was tennis balls to use when I foam roll. Painful! I use it on my shoulders/upper back and on my hip joints. And let me tell you should you try this... you will look just as ridiculous as you feel rolling your hip joint. But you should do it anyway. :-D
Here's another video from a few days ago. My daughter loves performing (she gets that from Colleen's mother!) for the camera. Here are her wheelie arms.
9 November 2013
Tis the season to be siiick! Not me, fortunately, but Kaelyn is sick and I haven't been able to practice much besides Tuesday. I was reallly hoping to get back to the gym but we didn't need to spread sick germs around child care. Jared is getting sick AND will be working from home quite a bit over the next few weeks though so even if Kaelyn stays sick, I can leave her at home and get into the gym. It's just hard to practice at home... though I can stretch and foam roll for sure. Sometimes you just have to do what you can and not stress about what you'd rather be doing and can't do.
12 November 2013
Awww man! I was all set to go to my lesson (1 1/2 hours early!) and Aman texts to say he's sick. Boooooooo!! May I say again "tis the season to be siiick!"
I went and worked out (I was ready and had the time blocked out already--no room for laziness!) anyway. I took advantage of a flat surface that won't be bothered by cat or kid and filmed several (but not all) parts of my work out. Guys, I highly recommend this. You can get instant feedback on how you are doing. It's pretty obvious where you could have done better.... as you'll clearly be able to see. Even though I practice with mirrors, I can't see everything all the time. And if I don't have access to mirrors at all, this is the only way I have visual feedback.
And so it goes and so it goes. I have so much to work on and some questions and problems to trouble shoot with Aman. Like... I struggle with back sweeps. I hate practicing them because I don't get it. I struggle getting from horse stance to drop stance (not shown on video) since drop stance has a wide foot base than horse stance but it's hard to slide my foot out. My cartwheels are getting better but something is still off about them. My running jumps are landing traveling forward and feels odd/wrong.
November 8, 2013
Secret Project
I wanted to put up a little blurb on the secret project I'm working on. I hope to be able to announce it officially by Christmas but until then, as I write each chapter, I'll give you a little clue for you to speculate on. Here is a clip from the prologue. The picture is a clue.
She didn’t play as other children did. Instead of daydreaming or playacting with her toys, she merely propped them up in a place that she said displayed them in the best light. Her smiles were rare. Though her beauty was undeniable, most saw her as merely a pretty doll. Only Isha could sense the deep feelings that ran beneath the surface.
Let the speculation begin. Leave a comment below if you have a theory =)
Have a great week!
Colleen
