The Inkwell: Inkwell

The Hotdog Vendor gives out Schnitzels & Snippets

Chili (about 45 minutes to prepare)
recipe by Charlotte Ann©

• 1 lb. Hamburg
• 1 or 2 cans of Kidney Beans
• 1 Can of Chopped Tomatoes
• 1 Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 Onion, Chopped (as much as you want)
• 1 Green Pepper, Chopped
(ingredient not absolutely necessary)
• About 1 tsp. of Chili Powder (more if you want)

In frying pan, put grease or oil, then add hamburg, peppers, onions. Fry.

Put in big kettle: sauce, tomatoes, cooked hamburg, chili powder, salt & pepper. Simmer about 1/2 hour then add kidney beans. Heat until hot and serve.

** Charlotte Ann© was a great cook, and didn't like to measure much. She was a strong believer that being a creative cook was what it was all about. Whatever her secret, her food was exceptional! Her idea was to add a pinch of this and a pinch of that.

Streetside Florist, Kathleen Baldwin

Monarda didyma, or commonly called Bee Balm

I find this herb completely beneficial...in the garden, for our bodies, for our noses, and for our insect and hummingbird friends. I do not personally use it for skin care. Since I grow a lot of herbs, I use Bee Balm for other things besides skin care.

It is called Bee Balm as the flower attracts bumblebees. Honey bees are unable to reach this flowers’ nectar unless holes have been made by other insects or hummingbirds. And, hummingbirds are very attracted to this flower, as well as butterflies.

The versatility of this herb includes using it as a cut flower, using the dried leaves and flowers in potpourri, as a garden attraction for pollinators, and as a culinary tea. It has traditionally been used as a medicinal herb, but one of my books writes it is no longer officially recommended for medicinal use today.

The aroma and flavor of this herb is likened to Oswego tea or Earl Grey tea when added to a china tea. One of its common names is Oswego Tea. It is very aromatic and very delicious to drink as an herbal tea – hot or cold by itself or added with other herbs. I have drunk several gallons of this tea over the years – I like it hot.

And, while it may not be “officially recommended” as a medicine, I find it is my best natural aspirin of all the herbs I’ve tried. I had read that it relaxes the muscles when drunk as a tea, all the muscles from headaches to menstrual pain. I read it may also relieve nausea, flatulence, and insomnia. I do find it quite relaxing and extremely aromatic. I have drunk this tea with catnip before, and I have drunk it with lemon balm. I like it best by itself, but it is quite good mixed, too.

What? You are asking me if it helps my tension headaches and muscle aches? Is the FDA listening? Yes, it does help – in fact, it seems to be quite relieving in the aches and tension department. :)

If you would like to begin your own herb garden or are expanding yours to include some tea herbs, look for this one. The best way to obtain it is from a friend or neighbor willing to divide it by the roots, or offer you stem cuttings that are very easy to root. Then, you are getting a plant that is already acclimated to your surroundings. Then, sit back, watch it grow, and drink some bee balm tea! Happy sipping!!!

To find out more about herbs, visit http://sweetcreekherbs.blogspot.com

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Inkwell

Posted by sbass

Today is the day! Yes it is! It is the day to take another step toward your dream. I've come to realize that it's not only possible, it's the dynamics of what Inkwell Alley is all about. It's about laying your foundation for success. Think about it. You have the talent...and the dream. You have the hope that it will happen. You may be up against money or the doomsdayers, but the reality is -- it's all up to you. All it takes it you taking another step toward your dream. You do realize that even the toddler wouldn't have walked if he hadn't fallen a few times.

Our biggest problem...fear. Fear that it won't happen, or that we will lose money, or that our product will fizzle, or that people won't buy, or the mindset that it will only happen to someone else.

Chance! Take a chance. Charge! Move forward. Chill! Watch it happen. Words to think about, and words to live by. I have been working on a few projects of my own. Between work and home and new endeavors, it seems like it's almost impossible. But I'm here to tell you that even the space shuttle got off the ground. Can you imagine all the struggle that took? So be encouraged - go back to your writing, your camera, your blogging, your shopping, your craft and take it to the next level. We've moved past everything being supersized--we are now in the time of hyper-viral networking. It's something you can use as an advantage.

Inkwell Alley is all about community and pushing your dreams forward. We love to promote the arts, the artistic, the creative, the dreamer, the entrepreneur...that means YOU! Be a part of Inkwell Alley. We love doing feature friday and look forward to working with you to promote your dream. Everyday is another day toward your future.

If you feel you have something you would like to contribute to Inkwell Alley - a recipe, gardening, art, writings (fiction or non-fiction), ideas or anything about yourself, email us at sbassdesign@yahoo.com We would love to hear from you.

3 comments:

Karyna @ PaperSquidSeptember 20, 2009 at 7:43 AM
It is very true! Thanks for the post. =)
ReplyDelete
Replies
Debbie @ OtRDSeptember 20, 2009 at 8:37 AM
What a great post! And it is so true.

After losing my job recently I finally saw it as a positive thing and a chance to travel (my 1st love in life).

Taking more than 2 weeks off was always so hard for me while I was working. But now I'm doing it because I have the time!

I'm going on a big trip in about a week and a half and going for 5 weeks!

I think what ever is going on in your life there is always a reason for it and a positive way to look at it. Thank you for all your kind words and thanks for your wonderful blog!
ReplyDelete
Replies
sbassSeptember 21, 2009 at 6:19 PM
Paper Squid & Debbie in Nashville, It's a perfect time to take chances and spread your wings! We are definitely at a turning point with the economy. It gives us all a chance to re-evaluate and make the changes we've always dreamed about.
ReplyDelete
Replies