Amy Durham's Blog: Amy Durham, page 10

My Life List #1

I'm taking the advice of one of my former students and making LIFE LIST.

Most people call it a "bucket list", but when he was given this assignment by one of his high school teachers, she referred to it as a "Life List". Makes more sense, I think. Why wait until you're about to kick the bucket before you do and see and experience all the things you dream of?

So... I've decided to do a blog series about my "Life List". From time to time I'll post a few items, and maybe get the discussion rolling or the wheels turning for some of my readers!

I'm pushing forty these days, so I've done a lot of things that would've been on my list at the age of 18. I'm married. I've had my children. I've seen the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. I've gotten a tattoo... well, actually more than one. I've starred in local opera and musical productions. And the BIG ONE - I've published two books (with more on the way). But there are always things I dream of. Some I can make happen fairly easily. Some may take some planning and some finances. Some may be more of the "pie in the sky" dreams. And so what? Why not dream about the impossible things!

So, here we go! LIFE LIST #1

Travel to Ireland 
(This one is a big "duh" if you know me at all!)

Travel to Machu Picchu

See the Northern Lights from Alaska

Attend a live rock concert (And by rock, I mean someone like Mumford & Sons or The Avett Brothers)

Appear on a cooking show, either my own or as a guest on a celebrity chef's show



These are a few of my LIFE LIST items. There will be more to come! What are some of the things you'd put on your LIFE LIST?

Happy reading and writing!

Books & #Chocolate - What could be better?

A good book and some decadent chocolate... sounds like a perfect combo to me!

For my hubby's Father's Day celebration, I made "baked fudge", a recipe I saw Ree Drummond make on The Pioneer Woman. (Told you I love the Food Network! I not-so-secretly want to be her when I grow up!) These little ooey-gooey bowls of deliciousness were everything she promised! It's tough to describe the texture, because there are two contrasting textures... the gooey, creamy middle and the crunchy top. My middle son described it this way... "It's like a combination of mousse and a brownie, with a chocolate cracker on top." Pretty accurate description!

I followed the recipe exactly, except for one thing. I was a bit short on cocoa, so I tossed in about 1/2 tablespoon of mini chocolate chips, just to be sure it was chocolate-y enough. It worked! And I loved that the chocolate flavor was very "present", but also very subtle. Such a pleasant, sweet ending for our Father's Day meal!





I'm thinking that perhaps the next time I try this recipe, I'll add in a splash of coffee or maybe even raspberry extract in place of the vanilla. Although really... I LOVE pure vanilla extract.

You can click here to see Ree's recipe. I HIGHLY recommend it! It's easy, made with ingredients you probably have in your cupboard or pantry right now, and it's amazingly delicious enough that your family or guests will think you slaved over it!

Why not treat yourself this summer? Find a great book, settle in with a dish of "baked fudge" and enjoy! You'll be glad you did!

Stuff To Know About Me If You're Gonna Be My BFF - #TVShows

I have two new TV obsessions... thanks to my Amazon Prime membership. Sure, I have my long-time favorite show, CBS's Criminal Minds and various shows on the Food Network, but this summer I've discovered two new (to me) shows that have given me the chance to step out of my comfort zone in terms of television. Both are different from the type of shows I normally gravitate to, a historical drama and a Sci-Fi show. (And I'm really NOT a lover of Sci-Fi... but this one's won me over!)

Downton Abbey



















Doctor Who
















(I've just finished Season 2... thus the picture of David Tennant instead of Matt Smith.)

Happy reading and writing... and TV watching!

Hello Monday Pic - #Desserts

My 17th wedding anniversary is coming up soon, so today's Hello Monday Pic is memory from a last year's anniversary date.

Below, you see Fallen Chocolate Soufflé with fresh whipped cream and chocolate sauce AND Strawberry Napoleon with candied-almond crusted pastry layered with pastry cream and strawberries. Yes, both desserts were DELICIOUS!

These came from The Gast Haus German restaurant. It's one of our favorites!

#FridayReads - Teresa Reasor recommends Stephen King

Welcome the fabulous TERESA REASOR to my website today! Teresa is a wonderful author and marvelous friend. She's visited here several times before, and today she comes with her very own summer reading recommendations. Take it away, Teresa!
This summer I’ve decided that for every thousand words I write, I’m going to read a thousand.  And I think I’m staying pretty close to those numbers in recent days. The reading helps the writing and the writing helps the reading, though I’m slower at the writing part.

My summer reading suggestions are short stories that you can consume one short read at a time, while you’re vacationing or hanging with the family. But they aren’t just any short stories. They’re Stephen King short stories.
King is a prolific writer and never ceases to amaze me.  I have five volumes of short stories written by him. And they are all still in print.

 The first one I purchased was Night Shift . Since its publication in 1976 the collection has been rereleased several times. And you’ll recognize some of the titles as classic King because they’ve been turned into movies, Graveyard Shift, Sometimes They Come Back, The Lawnmower Man ,The Mangler and Children of the Corn.  My favorite story in this collection is Some times They Come Back. I’ve always thought there was no way any director could capture the terror on film that King’s words can illicit. I have to say the written story is sooo much better than the movie.
The Second volume is Nightmares and Dreamscapes , released in 1993. Though this volume has the wonderful story, The Night Flier in it. My favorite is Popsy. It’s about a child abductor and his captive. And though it reminds me of O. Henry’s Ransom of Red Chief , O. Henry’s captive boy was tame compared to this little fellow. Popsy has a bite to it that readers will love.


The third volume is Everything’s Eventual: 14 Dark Tales .   It was published in 2002. In this one I have two stories that run neck in neck with one another for my favorites. Autopsy Room Four addresses everyone’s fear of being autopsied alive, with a twist. And the second one I love is That Feeling, You Can Only Say What It Is In French. What if you were stuck in a loop of Déjà vu that just won’t quit? Or you could look at it in terms of Do you believe in signs?  I do.


In 2008, Stephen King released Just After Sunset and hands down he wrote one of my all time favorite short stories in this volume. It’s titled A Very Tight Place and it’s about how bad having a rivalry with a neighbor can truly get. You have to read it to believe it.
The fifth Volume is titled Full Dark, No Stars . It was published in 2011.  This is actually a collection of four novellas. My favorite was 1922. It’s about a father and son’s journey following an event they share. It haunts them both in different ways for the rest of their days.
I’ve just purchased a copy of Different Seasons , which was published in 1983. I’m ashamed to say that I’ve never read the short story that inspired the movie Shawshank Redemption. I’ve decided I need to rectify that and so I’ve purchased the volume that has the story in it and several others I’m certain I’ll enjoy.  

And I’ve also bought Skeleton Crew , published in 1986, which has the short story in it that inspired the movie of The Mist. I’ll keep you posted on how well I like these last two volumes.
Happy Reading!Teresa Reasor


** I hope you'll also take a look at Teresa's books. Her historical romances are sweeping and intensely romantic. Her Navy SEAL romantic suspense books are pulse-pounding. Her paranormal romantic suspense novel is a beautiful story of never-ending love. Find her online HERE. Click the links to see all of her wonderful books! Books by Teresa Reasor on :AmazoniBooks
B&N

Books & Salads - a Super Summer Combo! #SaladRecipe

Summer is a time for lazy summer evenings, tasty fresh produce, and good books. There's NO shortage of books to choose from out there, and today I'd like to invite you to take a look at the Kentucky Independent Writers and the books we have to offer. I'm privileged to be a part of this wonderful group of authors who provide endless encouragement and support! We have books in many different genres, from Young Adult to Military Romance to Inspirational Romance to Thrillers, there's something for everyone! Click HERE to check us out!

And once you have something exciting to read, here's a super easy salad recipe that my family and I enjoy when the weather heats up. It pairs perfectly with burgers or chicken from the grill or baked potatoes from the oven!



Summer Salad with Fruit and Citrus Vinaigrette

1 small head of Romaine lettuce
4 strawberries, sliced thin
3 Tablespoons of Feta Cheese

** Romaine lettuce is my favorite, because of its great texture, and because of the "ease" of chopping. You can use whatever lettuce you like best or happen to have on hand.
** Mandarin Oranges are another great option for adding fruit to this salad. Use them in place of, or in addition to, the sliced strawberries.
** Crumbles of Parmesan Cheese, Blue Cheese, or Goat Cheese also work nicely!

2 Tablespoons lemon or lime juice
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, crushed
pinch of salt
pinch of black pepper
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil


Combine all BUT the Olive Oil, whisking together with a fork or small whisk. Whisk in the Olive Oil gradually. When combined, dip a small piece of lettuce in the dressing to check the taste. You can adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once you try this recipe, you can play around with the ratio of citrus juice, vinegar, and Olive Oil to achieve the taste you like. Naturally, fresh squeezed lemon/lime juice is best, but I've used bottled juice and it works out very nice. I use white balsamic vinegar, but any kind will do... red wine vinegar is another nice option!

In the heat of summer, a fresh salad with a light, flavorful vinaigrette is sometimes JUST the thing. Why not treat yourself to a great book and a great salad? You deserve it!

Stuff To Know About Me If You're Gonna Be My BFF - #FlipFlops

I LOVE FLIP-FLOPS!


Each winter I LIVE for the day when the temperature hits 50 degrees and stays there (or above) consistently. It's then I feel safe putting away the socks and bringing the flip flops out to stay. Now... I'm not against a cute pair of socks. I just prefer toes that are free!
So from March until November (and various points in between), it's flip-flips for me!

Hello Monday Pic - Imperial Sand Dunes

It's "Hello Monday" again!

Today I'm sharing two photos of the Imperial Sand Dunes in southeast California. In the summer of 2012, my family and I drove across the country to visit family in San Diego. When we left on our journey home, we opted NOT to take the interstates through California, and instead took a series of highways, one of which took us through these sand dunes.



They're so "perfect", they look almost fake... like they were created for a movie set. But these dunes occurred naturally, from the windblown sands of an ancient lake. I took these pictures from the car... literally, I just rolled down the window and snapped them. Looking at them even now, it's still hard to believe how "perfect" they look! The dunes are a popular place for off-road recreational vehicles such as ATVs and dune buggies.




One of the most amazing things about driving across the country was seeing the varying landscapes in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, and the Imperial Dunes were one of the most unique things I've ever seen!

#FridayReads: MISS ME NOT by Tiffany King

My very first "Friday Reads" post features a book that's near and dear to my heart - MISS ME NOT by one of my very favorite authors, Tiffany King. Tiffany writes books that address real issues that teens and young adults face. She doesn't shy away from the gritty details... the things that make life seriously unpretty for so many kids.


As a teacher myself, I see the results of such unprettiness on a daily basis. So many of today's kids deal with things most of us can't even imagine, and those issues affect everything they do... their schoolwork, their relationships, their self-image, their tendency to abuse drugs or alcohol. Sometimes it's obvious which kids are hurting and struggling. Other times, they hide it and no one ever knows. Until it's too late.


MISS ME NOT addresses those times when no one knows until it's too late. Teen suicide isn't a subject that's easy to read or write about. Many authors tread lightly over suicide, the things that lead up to it, and the frame of mind a suicide victim might be suffering from. Not Tiffany King. She gives full access to Madison's thoughts and feelings... all the reasons she thinks life isn't worth living for her... all the ways she feels left out, abandoned, overlooked... all the ways her family and society has let her down.

But the beautiful part is this... we're also privy to her awakening. We get to see and feel as she realizes she's not alone. We experience right along with her as she discovers that life is worth living. The change doesn't happen overnight, which only makes the story more realistic. After the tragedy of suicide rocks Madison's school and she begins to slowly work her way back to the land of the living, the change and development is gradual, much as I suspect it would be in reality.


Tiffany was gracious enough to write a comment for this post, and give us a bit of inside information about MISS ME NOT and what she wanted to accomplish in writing the book. Thank you Tiffany! Here's what she had to say:

I am honored that Amy selected Miss Me Not as her first "Friday Reads" feature. Suicide is a serious issue. The tragedy of a young person's death can be devastating to family, friends, classmates and the community. The reasons for suicide are complex, especially for young people. The pressure to perform academically and fit in socially, to discover one's identity and independence, all under the expectation to act responsibly can sometimes feel overwhelming. While Miss Me Not addresses the feelings of hopelessness a young person can experience from any particular event in their life, my real intention was to offer a story of redemption. The certainty that regardless of how despondent a situation may appear, there is always hope through compassion, forgiveness, and love. Life is the most precious gift we are given as humans, and should be treasured above all else.

And she certainly succeeded in giving us a story of redemption and hope! 

MISS ME NOT has such an important message for today's young people... for those who feel invisible like Madison... and for those who are sometimes the ones doing the overlooking. You never know what someone is dealing with on the inside... what issues they face at home... what horrors they may've experienced. And you never know what joy someone can feel when at last they realize that someone cares... someone wants them... someone would miss them.

Teens, parents, and those who work with teens or are in a position to influence them should READ THIS BOOK. I can't recommend it highly enough.


MISS ME NOT

They had a pact.Leave the world behind much as they had lived it.No one would miss them. No harm, no foul.Their personal demons would be left behind once and for all.It was the only thing they could count on.It was all she had.
Everyone at some point has probably done something they wish
they could take back. Madison Hanson's past mistakes have made her feel like a
shadow. Her grades suck, her social life is non-existent and her home life
isn't much better. Just when she thought things couldn't get any worse, the
sudden and tragic death of a fellow student forces Madison to reevaluate
everything she thought she believed in.

Fate intervenes in the form of Dean Jackson, a popular "Mr.
Everything" at school whose life is the polar opposite of Madison's. What
starts as a simple tutoring session blossoms into an unlikely relationship, proving
that opposites do sometimes attract. With Dean's help, Madison discovers a new
life outside of the darkness she has cloaked herself in, and the power of
forgiveness, acceptance, caring and love. 

Find Tiffany online here.
She tweets here.

Happy reading and writing!

#Breakfast and a #FreeEbook! #KindlePromo

Sometimes my favorite time to read during the summer is in the morning, while my kids are sleeping in.  Nothing beats a good book and a quick, easy breakfast. Such as this beauty...


Today's foodie idea isn't really a recipe, but rather a "combo". I'm sure I'm not the first one to come up with this particular combination, but it's one that really "sings" of summer. I call it a fruit & yogurt crunch!

FRUIT YOGURT CRUNCH

1/4 cup yogurt (Mine is strawberry. Any flavor will do.)
5-6 strawberries, quartered
2 Tablespoons of blueberries
3-4 Tablespoons granola or any crunchy cereal (I used granola & Honey Nut Cheerios)
Layer in a bowl and ENJOY!

** Use more or less of anything you like. Also, add other fruits that suit you. When fresh peaches are in season... YUM! Or maybe you like fresh blackberries! Whatever floats your boat!

So today, I'm sitting on my front porch with my laptop, my Kindle, and my yummy, refreshing fruit & yogurt crunch. It's healthy and easy... and super summery!

Perhaps today you're looking for a great book at a GREAT price. How about FREE?! Until the end of today, you can still pick up ONCE AGAIN for your Kindle ABSOLUTELY FREE! Why not enjoy my gift to you... Book 1 of my "Sky Cove" series... and immerse yourself in Layla & Luke's world? And enjoy something fruity, cool, and delicious!

Happy reading and writing!

P.S. Be sure to come back tomorrow when I'll be featuring the book "Miss Me Not", by the FABULOUS Tiffany King. This is an amazing book with a really important message for young people!