Cardinal Visit

Photo by Reena Walkling 

Morning dawned crisp and bright

Aloft from my dreams this night

Along the path all on our own

I wish you every joy I’ve known

On this bright morning loud and clear

Its shrill echoed oh so near

Relishing first light, while sipping  tea

The bird, the brook, the path, the trees

He sings not but for a spoken few

Yet now appears as if on cue

Snowflakes interlace with tearful eyes

As I look upwards to tree and sky

Whenever you should need me

Look to the cerulean skies

Raise your heart and soul upon the winds

To reveal a gladden red surprise

All things will be clear to you

Fate is in no one’s hands

You must let go

Let love expand

You’ll figure out

what you want to do

Keep doing your thing while staying true

Just keep being you…

I wrote this poem last evening after visiting Reena's blog,  Missing Moments. A big thank you to you Brian Miller, for this evocative prompt and to you Reena,  your amazing images are stunningly beautiful…Below are two journey entries from my healing journey after losing my daughter Chantelle in a car accident in 1992.

Journal Entry December 24, 1992

I dreamt of Chantelle again. She and I were walking together along a path.  She showed me land and said;  this is where you and Bob will build a new home. The land was tree covered and there was a brook running through the middle. She also showed me how it looked through all the changing seasons.  I asked her for a sign so that I will know that she is safe at peace.  She looked to the skies and told me, when you see a Cardinal and pointed back to the land.

 

Journal Entry March 2, 1995

I arose early, made made my tea and began reading from my newest book. I became totally engrossed inn the words on the pages,  Quite out of the blue,  I sensed an odd feeling come over me.  It was an energizing , humming sensation throughout my entire body.  Words alone cannot describe what I was feeling.  It was reminiscent of the dream I had  about Chantelle and the land.. The land that we now live on in our new home.  I felt an intense presence within and then as quickly as it came, it was suddenly gone, leaving me emotionally drained.   It evoked my memory of the question I asked Chantelle in my dream,,,”I need a sign, so I will know that you are safe and at peace”.   I was then compelled to look out our kitchen window.   I wondered, as I gazed through the window when if ever I would see a Cardinal., since our neighbors informed us, they had never seen any Cardinals here.  I continue my gaze, taking in the remains of winter blanket, when there on the ground was the most beautiful red Cardinal, I had ever seen.  I could hardly believe my eyes. I wept tears of joy, for I knew this was my sign.  The gorgeous bird, stayed long enough for me to snap a picture through my kitchen window.  The remainder of the day left me with a feeling of calm joy.  I am so thankful for the connection I have with Chantelle and I know that the glimpses will continue and no matter how subtle or quiet they are, I will appreciate them as a divine gift.

 

 Poetics-visual-eyes-ing with Brian Miller

Ethereal Night

 Not long before the evening twilight
Silken Fairies take their flight
Dusting gardens with honey nectar
As nightfall shades the winged spectres

February winter so cold and grey
Sprites, mist frost crystal bouquets
Labyrinth along the winding path
Twinkling jeweled aftermath

Scattered o’er earth their gift of Love
Such enchantment undreamed of
The splendor of magical delight
Upon this extraordinary ethereal night

┃. ┏┃┃┃┏┛
┃. ━┛━┛┏┛
━┛. . .♡. . ━┛•
________/)_♥☼♥_____./¯"""/')
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯\)¯♥☼♥¯¯¯¯'\_„„„„\)
♥✘♥✘ нαρρу ναℓєηTÏηє'ѕ ∂αу

❤ℓღvє ♥

~ Visiting D'Verse Poets Pub Tonight ~

Cheese Loaf

Delicious, easy and quick bread substitute.

So simple to make

 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a 9” x 5 inch loaf pan

Ingredients

 

3 cups All-purpose flour
4 tsp. Baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 - 2 cups grated sharp or medium cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups of milk ... {add more if too dry}
2 tbsp. melted butter 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a 9” x 5 inch loaf pan

 ~I mix it in my Kitchen Aid Mixer, 

using for dough attachment for mixing ~

2. Combine flour, baking powder, salt and cheese in large bowl.
Stir thoroughly.Add milk and melted butter.  Stir to form soft dough.Scrape the batter into a greased 9" x 5 inch loaf pan and spread evenly.

3. Bake the loaf in 400 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes.

Remove from pan to cool.

Serve with butter...delicious!

 

Change it Up Hints: Spread butter on top before baking.
Add 1/4 tsp dried sage when serving with chicken
Add 1/4 tsp dried rosemary when serving pork or beef.

 

Making toast with it the next morning

is delicious! Don't forget the butter.

Helena’s Chicken Tetrazzini

This is my families  favourite for sure!!!

This recipe is a result of perusing many cook books.  After many experiments over the years I finally  put together the right ingredients for success!  Enjoy!!!

Ingredients:

2 - 4 boneless skinless cubed chicken breasts
1 medium chopped onion
1/4 cup of butter
2 tbsp. light olive oil
1/4 cup of all purpose flour
2 -3 cups of grated medium cheddar cheese
1 can of chicken broth
1 cup of 18% cream {you may substitute with milk}
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms {optional}
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 – 1  package of medium egg noodles

Directions:

Brown cubed chicken over medium 

heat in oil until no longer pink.
Add butter and onions, continue 

heat until onions are caramelize.

Add flour and whisk in broth and cream until all smooth.
Fold in sour cream, cheeses, salt and pepper.
Simmer on medium to hot,  just bubbly {stirring often}

...NEVER BOIL!
Add mushrooms now if desired.
* Turn down to a low and simmer slow for 30  minutes.
*Prepare noodles in boiling water, drain and combine with sauce.

Serve with tender crisp steamed  asparagus or broccoli
and fresh grape tomatoes sliced in half.

Serve hot with crusty bread ~ Delicious!