Clarissa Johal's Blog, page 55

Thoughtful Thursday-Bringing Back Extinct Species

Photo courtesy of Flying Puffin via FlickrI read a news story over the weekend. It said that due to a remarkable discovery last summer, scientists have enough blood and bone to clone a woolly mammoth.  Do you hear the Jurassic Park theme song playing yet?  ♪♫  ♪♫ It was playing pretty loudly in my head when I read that--and we all know what happened to those guys. Just because we can, doesn't mean we should.
My first thought was that bringing back a species which has become extinct may not be the right thing to do. I would support bringing back extinct species such as the Tasmanian tiger and Passenger Pigeon, but not a woolly mammoth. Why? I don't know, maybe it's the time factor thing. Extinct species from the 20th century, yes. Species from the Pleistocene epoch of the Cenozoic Era? Maybe not. My first thought was, where would it live? In a zoo? It would be the only one of it's kind (unless they cloned two) and treated as quite the spectacle. On the other hand, if we're directly responsible for the extinction of a species, are we obligated to right our wrongs? Possibly. But where does it end? Once scientists manage to pull off such a feat, the sky's the limit. It's human nature to push science as far as it can go. If we find a preserved body of a Neanderthal, do we try and bring them back as well? What then? That would be quite an ethical consideration. I can't help but think until we manage to take care of all species on earth, including our own, bringing back extinct animals may be something we need to give some more thought.

#Paranormal Wednesday-BETWEEN Extras: Part Three

In the process of writing, I sometimes will write back-story for my characters. In my novel, BETWEEN, there were lots of these back-stories. Prior to Lucinda's life, Cronan and Lucas had been bound together as a Death Spirit and Guardian over the span of 700 years. In order to understand their history completely, I wrote several flashback scenes that weren't included in the novel. You can see Flashback #1 and Flashback #2 here. This is the shortest one I wrote and the last one I'll post. Enjoy!

The setup:

Lucas and Cronan have been bound together since their deaths in 1349. Now, a Guardian and a Death Spirit, they are both responsible for a human life; Lucas must protect the life until it is Cronan's job to take it. It is a cycle that will last through seven lifetimes until their souls are set free. It seems like a simple enough task. However, Lucas repeatedly becomes attached to the lives he is responsible, much to Cronan's chagrin. And every time Lucas steps in to keep Cronan from taking a life, a cycle of seven lifetimes must be repeated.

Flashback #3

1456
Lowlands, Scotland

“Foolish woman! She is not strong enough to survive a near-drowning. There is no need to fuss over her. She will be dead by nightfall.”

"Eithne is a strong child, Symon.” The woman set her jaw and stood to face her husband. “She survived her birth and will survive this.”

“Suit yourself,” Symon grumbled. “I am out to tend the sheep. Or have you forgotten our livelihood?”

“I have not.” Ana wrapped the sleeping child in woolens and kissed her forehead. “Sleep, Eithne. I will return shortly.”

She pulled her sheepskin cloak around her shoulders and, sparing her daughter a parting glance under Symon’s disapproving eye, left.

The hut was quiet save for the crackle of the dying fire in the hearth. Two unseen figures stood over the infant. One traced his finger along the child’s smooth brow, causing her to stir.

“You were not to save her,” Cronan muttered.

Lucas’s hand paused. Silence.

“What were you thinking?”


End


BETWEEN
How far would you go to redeem yourself?

As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn't come without its problems. Now, a dedicated young veterinarian, she is committed to the idea that every life can be saved.
After a devastating accident, Lucinda tries to escape her past by moving to a small town. There, she meets a newcomer and feels an immediate connection with him. But there is another mysterious stranger to the small town, one that stirs within her a mixture of unease and desire.
As Lucinda is drawn into a bitter tug-a-war from the forces around her, she is likewise pulled into a dangerous twist of past and present events. Forced to make difficult choices, she finds that the two men are locked in not only a battle for her life...but a battle for their salvation.

*Second place in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2012
Purchase Links
Amazon.comBarnesandnoble.comMusa Publishing

EXCERPT

Mixed Up Tuesday- Leprechauns

Leprechauns. And no, I don't mean the one who is determined to send all children into a sugar coma (MORE marshmallows, anyone?).

Circa 1900 engraving
Public domain photoI mean the mischievous fairies in Irish folklore, usually taking the form of an old man with a beard, clad in a hat and red or green coat, and no taller than a small child. Depending on where in Ireland they were found, the dress could vary by region. Leprechauns were shoemakers and very keen musicians who played tin whistles, fiddles and Irish harps. They stored away their coins in a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If ever captured by a human, they had the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for their release. 
As a cousin of the clurichaun they were known to inhabit Ireland well before the arrival of the Celts. The earliest literary mention of Leprechauns were from a ninth century story called Echtra Fergus mac Léti (Adventure of Fergus son of Léti). The text contains an episode in which Fergus mac Léti, King of Ulster, falls asleep on the beach and wakes to find himself being dragged into the sea by three lúchorpáin. 

How to catch a Leprechaun...if you dare
1) The best time to see a Leprechaun is morning or at dusk.2) They are usually alone in the woodlands. You can follow the sound of the tapping of their shoe hammers.3) Never take your eye off them or they will vanish. The Leprechaun is bound by courtesy and fairy law and must tell the truth--but only so long as you look them in the eye.4) They carry two leather pouches. In one there is a silver shilling, a magical coin that returns to their purse. In the other, there is a gold coin, which is a bribe. This coin will turn to leaves or ashes once the Leprechaun has parted with it.5) A captured Leprechaun will grant you three wishes. Mind yourself! Wishes (and Leprechauns) can be very tricky.
6) They will do anything to escape and can be devious, if they are caught
7) Never harm a Leprechaun. They can very malicious if treated badly.
Good luck! [image error]

#MeatlessMonday-A Not-So-Traditional St. Patrick's Day

I'm not one for tradition. I find myself questioning, "Why, why, why?" and end up feeling a trifle cynical about the whole thing. Over the course of my 40-something years, I've seen holidays change in ways that make me wonder. But it's hard not to get caught up in the fanfare when you have kids, I don't want to be a complete kill joy. So yes, I'll probably wear green today and may even try and catch a leprechaun if I'm feeling naughty (look for my post on leprechauns tomorrow).

Here's hoping you have a good St. Patrick's Day/Saint Paddy's if you celebrate it!


Not-So-Traditional Vegetarian Irish Stew
(Crock Pot Recipe)

Ingredients:

1T olive oil
1 medium onion, diced (you can substitute 1 leek if you'd rather)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1T nutritional yeast flakes
¾ cup apple juice
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3 potatoes, cut into chunks
2 carrots, sliced
2 parsnips, sliced1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
½ tsp sage salt and pepper to taste
*If you have seitan, add 1 cup sliced seitanSeitan recipe

Directions:
In large pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until softened. Remove to crock pot.
Mix vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, apple juice and apple cider vinegar. Add to crock pot.
Add remaining ingredients except seitan.
Stir well; cover. Cook on low 6 hours.
*Add seitan and heat through before serving.

***
While that's cooking, why not make some Irish soda bread to go with it?

Irish soda bread was a daily bread that didn't keep long and had to be baked every few days. Traditional soda bread contained only flour, baking soda, sour milk (buttermilk) and salt. It was not a festive cake nor did it contain whisky, candied fruit, caraway seeds, raisins or any other ingredient.

In Ireland, the flour is typically made from soft wheat; so soda bread is best made with a cake or pastry flour (made from soft wheat), which has lower levels of gluten than a bread flour.


Traditional Irish Soda Bread

4 cups of all purpose flour (cake flour is best)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
14 oz buttermilk

Preheat the oven to 425 F. degrees. Lightly grease and flour a cake pan.

Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Add the buttermilk to form a sticky dough. Place on floured surface and lightly knead

Shape into a round flat shape in a round cake pan and cut a cross in the top of the dough. Cover the pan with another cake pan and bake for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes

#MeatlessMonday (on a Sunday)-Seitan

*This recipe is an optional add-in with the recipe I'll be posting tomorrow.

Seitan...or as my meat-loving husband likes to call it--Satan. Haha. Seitan is also called wheat meat because it has the look and texture of meat when cooked. It's high in protein (which makes it a good source for vegetarians) easy to make, can be used in place of most meats in recipes, and freezes well. What's not to love? [image error]

Seitan

1 cup vital wheat gluten (in the flour aisle)3/4 cup water or vegetable broth
2T soy sauce
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp garlic
6 cups vegetable broth for cooking
1/4 cup soy sauce
3-4 slices onion (optional)

Combine gluten flour and ginger in a medium sized bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic and 3/4 cup broth or water.

Add liquid to dry ingredients and stir gently to combine--do not over mix.
Add more water or veggie broth a tablespoon at a time, if needed.
Once mixture is well combined, knead 10-15 times and allow to sit for 5 minutesSeparate your ball of gluten into smaller chunks. Gently flatten each piece into a cutlet, around 3/4 inch thick.

Photo courtesy of MagpieDiner via PhotobucketAdd seitan to 6 cups of vegetable broth in a large pot. Bring to boil. Partially cover (allowing steam to escape) and simmer for 45-60 minutes. Be sure to use a large pot and plenty of broth, as seitan will expand.

Use right away, store in the broth (keeps in refrigerator for 2-3 days), or freeze in a sealed container or zip lock bag.

Frightening Friday-Ghouls

"Amine Discovered with the Goule", from the story of Sidi Nouman, of the Arabian Nights. Public Domain Work of ArtI always wonder why ghoul movies aren't hugely popular. Zombies, yes, ghouls...not so much. It doesn't make sense, because in my opinion, ghouls are much scarier. While zombies act without thought and are driven by base instinct, ghouls have intelligence and can make decisions. Zombies are the living who have come back from the dead. Ghouls, on the other hand, were created by demons and were never human. Personally, (and I may insult the zombie-lovers without meaning to) I think ghouls are more formidable.

The ghoul or ghūl (Arabic word for demon) was a fiendish type of jinn believed to be sired by Iblis. The jinn were of three classes: ghūls (shape-shifters), Ifrit (evil spirits), and Silla (spirits of treachery). Ghouls were desert dwellers that could assume the guise of a hyena or other animal, but with cloven feet. Though typically, a ghoul devoured corpses, they wouldn't hesitate to hunt children or lure unwary people into abandoned places. There, they would slay and devour them, and then take on their form. Ghouls could also possess a human's body and drive them mad.  The sole defense that one had against a ghoul was to strike it dead in one blow; a second blow would only bring it back to life again. 
Abbasid photo shared under GNU Free Documentation LicenseThough the ghoul has origins as old as Mesopotamian civilizations, Arabs were largely responsible for popularizing it. The oldest surviving literature that mention ghouls is likely One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of West and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age. However, there are many tales in modern Arabic literature that focus on ghouls. In 1992, Emile Habibi published Sarâyâ Bint al-Ghoul, a story of a girl kidnapped by a ghoul and imprisoned in his palace. In 2007 Jamīl al-Salḥūt published Al-Ghoul, a children's story about a girl who dreams of ghouls after hearing of a horrible description of them by her grandmother. The belief of ghouls is widely spread in the Arab world up to this day.

And on that note, I leave you with an "actual" ghoul sighting. The ghoul shows itself at 0.44 sec. You have been forewarned...

Thoughtful Thursday-Haunted Houses for Sale

Photo courtesy of AcrylicArtist via MorguefileWould you buy a haunted house? Some people would never consider it, while others would be intrigued. Personally, it would depend on the type of activity whether or not I would buy a haunted house. Reports of spirit sightings and encounters? That wouldn't bother me--it is what it is. Violent activity or history? I would probably steer clear of that.

Some years ago, my husband and I were house hunting and came across two historical pieces of property. One house "looked" haunted, both inside and out. The other was absolutely pristine and beautiful. When we went to check out the haunted-looking one, I felt perfectly comfortable and would have gladly moved in. The pristine house, on the other hand, was a definite "no." The moment I walked in the door, I knew there was no way I could live there. When I asked the Realtor about the history, she mentioned the original owner had kept slaves.

Some states require you to tell prospective buyers if a house is haunted — just like you would disclose if there were a structural issue or mold and mildew. But this is a grey area of real estate. In Massachusetts, if the property is “psychologically impacted,” the law requires the seller disclose the information (ie. it may be haunted and people can feel these impacts, but not necessarily see them). In California, sellers must disclose "emotional defects and deaths" on the property only if they have occurred within the past three years. There have been lawsuits regarding haunted houses impacted by activity, so the recommendation is to either cleanse the house before sale, or come clean to potential buyers about the activity.

Here is a list of haunted houses that have been, or are currently up for sale. Unless they were already famous, these were very difficult to find. My guess is most people aren't disclosing if a house is haunted!

For Sale by Owner $144,0001217 Marion St, Dunmore, PA 18509

Owner reports the house is, "Slightly haunted. Nothing serious, though. e.g. The sounds of phantom footsteps. A strange knocking sound followed by a very quiet (hardly noticeable, even) scream at 3:13am, maybe once a week. Twice a week, tops. And the occasional ghastly visage lurking behind you in the bathroom mirror. Even still, this occurs very rarely and only in the second floor bathroom."






Buxton Inn
List Price: $3,900,000

Reports of paranormal activity date back to 1920, where it was believed that the original homeowner’s ghost, Orrin Granger, still remained. Although named the most haunted “Inn” in America, it is said to host some of the friendliest spirits.
The Maplecroft EstateList Price: $499,000

Former residence of axe murderer Lizzie Borden, has been on the market several times over the last few years. Over the years, the house has been through multiple owners, and many price reductions.




Delphine LaLaurie1140 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA
List Price: $3,550,000
This 150-year-old house is known as one of the most haunted in New Orleans' French Quarter. The house's original owner was Madame LaLaurie, a Louisiana-born socialite and serial killer known for her involvement in the torture and murder of slaves. 





The Hampton Lillibridge House
507 E Saint Julian St , Savannah, Georgia
List Price: $2,400,000
Before he was tried four times for the same murder, antiques dealer and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil protagonist Jim Williams moved this 1796 house to its current location. During its relocation, a worker was crushed when a neighboring house collapsed. Eerie incidents ensued and continue to this day: a Dixieland band strikes it up, footsteps are heard, the spectre of a dark-suited man in a top hat haunts the second floor, and a couple of wraiths in formal attire occupy the widow's walk.

The Exorcist HousePrice: $169,900 (asking)
St. Louis, Missouri 
The boy who inspired the novel (and subsequent film adaptation) The Exorcist resided at this two brick two-story brick colonial house. Father Raymond Bishop, one of several priests who exorcised the boy, kept the house out of the diary, chronicling the exorcism activities in an attempt to conceal the boy's identity as much as possible. Gary Stafford, who owned and was attempting to sell the house in 2005 said, "It's certainly not something we'd need to disclose to the future buyer—that, some 50 years ago, a boy who stayed in the house may or may not have been possessed."

Well...any takers?

#Paranormal Wednesday-BETWEEN Extras: Part Two

In the process of writing, I sometimes will write back-story for my characters. In my novel, BETWEEN, there were lots of these back-stories. Prior to Lucinda's life, Cronan and Lucas had been bound together as a Death Spirit and Guardian over the span of 700 years. In order to understand their history completely, I wrote several flashback scenes that weren't included in the novel. You can see Flashback #1 here. I will post one more next Wednesday. Enjoy!

The setup:

Lucas and Cronan have been bound together since their deaths in 1349. Now, a Guardian and a Death Spirit, they are both responsible for a human life; Lucas must protect the life until it is Cronan's job to take it. It is a cycle that will last through seven lifetimes until their souls are set free. It seems like a simple enough task. However, Lucas repeatedly becomes attached to the lives he is responsible, much to Cronan's chagrin. And every time Lucas steps in to keep Cronan from taking a life, a cycle of seven lifetimes must be repeated.

Flashback #2

1870
The Midlands, England

The horse reared. The woman’s gaze was ripped away from the deer and she was thrown onto the horse’s neck. The horse took off, pounding the ground with its hooves.
Branches from the blur that made up the forest ripped at her hair and sliced across her face. A scream sounded from her throat. She buried her face in the horse’s neck and tried to find the reins that had been yanked from her grasp. Suddenly, the reins slipped into her hands. She pulled with all her strength, shredding her fingernails on the leather. The horse reared backwards, hooves tearing at the grassy edge of a deep ravine.
The ravine that would have swallow them both and ended their lives.
Shakily gathering the reins with a sob, the woman took a few moments to catch her breath before she turned to see her brother charging towards her on horseback.
He pulled on his reins to slow his horse. “What would possess you to ride off like that, Catherine, have you lost your mind?” his voice was raised in alarm. “It will do you little good to break your neck before the wedding.”
“I shall not marry,” she replied, desperation edging her voice. “I do not love him.”
“Surely, you jest?” His face registered disbelief.
“I need time to think.” She clenched the reins in her hands. “It was unfair of father to approach me so.”
“You haven’t a choice in these matters. He has already promised your dowry. Randolf is a good man, Catherine. He cares about you. You could do worse.”
"But--"
“You have embarrassed yourself enough. I suggest you follow and make your apologies.” He turned to look at her. “Well?”
Catherine's shoulders slumped. She nudged her horse forward.
Unseen and straddling the horse behind her, Lucas could see Cronan still standing at the ravine. Their eyes locked and a small pang of guilt nagged at his insides as his counterpart turned from them and stalked away.

End


BETWEEN
How far would you go to redeem yourself?

As a young girl, Lucinda was able to see spirits, a gift that didn't come without its problems. Now, a dedicated young veterinarian, she is committed to the idea that every life can be saved.
After a devastating accident, Lucinda tries to escape her past by moving to a small town. There, she meets a newcomer and feels an immediate connection with him. But there is another mysterious stranger to the small town, one that stirs within her a mixture of unease and desire.
As Lucinda is drawn into a bitter tug-a-war from the forces around her, she is likewise pulled into a dangerous twist of past and present events. Forced to make difficult choices, she finds that the two men are locked in not only a battle for her life...but a battle for their salvation.

*Second place in the Preditors and Editors Readers Poll 2012
Purchase Links
Amazon.comBarnesandnoble.comMusa Publishing

EXCERPT

Mixed-Up Tuesday-Pinterest

Yep. I caved and joined Pinterest. Truth be told, I joined last year but became so afraid of exploiting somebody's photos and infringing copyrights, I stopped. Last night, I was hit with the idea of using Pinterest as an author tool. I'm quite visual and decided to group and arrange my books and characters onto their own boards. As long as I stick to my own photos, those for public use and from Morguefile, I think that satisfies my wariness of stealing copyrights.

I love my inspiration boards. I'll definitely use them in the process of writing. The pictures are always in my head, but it will be nice to let them out for some fresh air.

So, last night I was up until midnight "arranging" and pinning things like a crazed maniac. If you have the time and inclination, hop on over and say hello. And if you're on Pinterest, I'd love to take a peek at what inspires you!

#MeatlessMonday-Easy Vegetarian Tamales

Tamales originated in Mesoamerica as early as 8000 to 5000 BC. Aztec and Maya civilizations, as well as the Olmeca and Tolteca before them, used tamales as portable food, often to support their armies, but also for hunters and travelers. Tamales can be prepared using various fillings, this is my own vegetarian version. My 12-year-old loves them--which is saying something because she's a very picky eater! They can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, can be reheated in the microwave, and make a great after-school snack.


Soak approximately 20-25 corn husks in hot water for at least an hour.

In a food processor blend until cornmeal consistency:

1/2 cup butter
1 can corn, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach

Add and blend until loosely combined:

2 cup corn masa flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp baking powder
4 oz can of chopped green chilies

Add and blend until smooth dough-like consistency:
1/2 cup vegetable stock

Transfer dough into a bowl and mix in:
1-14.5 oz. can of chopped tomatoes, drained

In a pre-soaked corn husk, place about 2T of mixture and wrap like this:



Tie the top with strip of corn husk so they look like this:



Place several tamales in a microwave proof bowl and place a plate on top.



Microwave for 5 minutes. Serve or store in airtight container in refrigerator.
Makes 18-20 tamales, depending on the size of the corn husks. Serve alone, or with sauce of choice.

*You may notice there's a bit of a change in my blog! I've changed my Foodie Wednesdays to #MeatlessMonday. Learn more about #MeatlessMonday