Dear Readers,

          I am going ahead right now and apologizing in case I do not post often in the near future. A lot of things are going on around here and I might even not have time to check my emails! So, I'm going to give you all a huge dosage on this post to make up for it. :)

Chicken Corn Chowder

This recipe is great for quick meals and is loved by all chicken lovers! 

Here are the ingredients:

6 slices bacon, diced 

1/2 cup diced celery 

2 cups potatoes, small dice 

1 cup diced onion 

1/2 cup diced carrot 

3 tablespoons flour 

2 1/2 cups chicken broth 

1 teaspoon Creole seasoning or seasoned salt 

1 cup corn kernels 

1 1/2 cups half-and-half 

1 1/2 to 2 cups diced cooked chicken 

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes 

salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:

Fry bacon in a large saucepan or Dutch oven; remove to paper towels to drain. Add butter to bacon drippings, if necessary, to make 3 tablespoons. Add celery, potatoes, onion, and carrot. Sauté, stirring constantly, until onion and celery are tender. Stir in flour until well incorporated. Add chicken broth and seasoning or seasoned salt, stirring to blend well. Cook, stirring, until thickened. Cover and simmer for 12 minutes. Add the diced chicken and corn; simmer for 7 minutes longer, until vegetables are tender. Add half-and half and tomatoes. Heat through and taste. Add salt and pepper, as needed. 

Serves 4 to 6.

Movie Review: The Secret World of Arrietty

From the makers of Spirited Away and Ponyo, The Secret World of Arrietty is a story full of vibrant colors and adventure. This Japanese cartoon has captivated the imaginations of people of all ages as Arrietty takes the audience on a ride through her special world. I was rather delighted in this film, and in fact surprised since I imagined it might be rather boring. However, while I was watching I became fascinated with the film just as much as the six year old next to me. This movie is sweet and super adorable, and some parts almost made me cry! I give it five stars, for creativity, fun, and a movie worth watching again and again! And plus, there are no parts where you have to worry about closing your eyes or leaving the room! A clean and fun film!   

Book Review: Sierra Jensen Series by Robin Jones Gunn

Although it has been a while since I personally read the book, it is one of my all time favorite christian book series! This series is about a young christian girl as she struggles growing up in her late teen years and following God's plan for her. I don't want to spoil it for some of you if I talk too much about it but all I can do is recommend it! So you all should probably check out your local library for it! (i actually tried to find it in mine and they did not have it! If you experience this problem, you will mots likely have to buy it or sneak into Barnes and Nobles and read a few segments to decided if you like it.)

Verse of the Week:

^{Matthew 6:26 KJV "}Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" 

To me, this verse helps me to realize to put my trusts in Christ alone. Only then will I feel comfort and peace. And I hope you all will too :)

A Short Segment of my Writing :)

The sun slowly rose over the green hills of Viola, Tennessee. Willow trees dripped rich dew onto the grass below and robins began to sing their songs inside their carefully made beds. The joys of spring began to awaken as young Abigail sat on her favorite tree stump watching the horizon. Her rich brown hair was hanging loose on her shoulders, protecting her neck from the chilling breeze. She wrapped herself tightly in her blue robe and dug her toes into the moist earth. After studying the horizon for a few brief moments, she took out her supplies needed to fulfill her mission. She set up a blank canvas and positioned it slightly to the right. She fixed her palette of paints in her left hand and pulled out a hand carved paintbrush made by her. She gracefully handled her paintbrush with ease as she began her portrait of her most treasured sight. Reds, oranges, and hints of purples were flowing under the artist’s care.

She dragged the brush lightly on the paper to give an outline of her beloved star and wiped the artistic tool on a rag to clean off the old paint. She began to shade in where the great willows were to lean over. Big magnificent trees they were, she marveled to herself, and her painting gave them justice of their splendor. Depth was shown within each stroke of their true nature. Not a cloud was in sight, she thought to herself in glee as she painted the sky as it truly was without those annoying, white, puff balls. The artist inside of her took control of her thoughts and movements as she painted the scene as if nothing else compared to its importance. A bit of orange here, a trace of yellow there, and a couple of dabs for the leaves were the girl’s only thoughts. A tranquil lake owned a part of the picture, willow trees the other, but what was the main object of the whole tableau was the golden sun that shone its head slowly over the horizon. She gave her all on this subject, adding different shades of yellows and gold to show its true radiance.

Its rays of light shined on the greens hills, the dew covered willows, the singing birds; everything that was displayed in her portrait was drenched in the warm rays of the precious star. The long drapes of leaves that curtained the willows looked so detailed and dainty that an observer would have thought it was a photograph of some kind.

A voice awakened her out of her trance and she realized someone was calling her name in the wind. She quickly stuffed her tools back in her knapsack in earnest and held her canvas protectively under her arms. “Coming!” she called back as she ran past the lake, the willow trees, and away from her cherished horizon. A rather large brick house came into view. Ivy vines a plenty ran up its walls and wrapped around the colossal white columns. Abigail’s beloved balcony could be seen above the columns, the best place for an impressive view of her esteemed abode.  A white picket fence surrounded the house and a few acres of plentiful land which the domestic equidaes cantered to and fro. As she approached the house, she saw who had called her name.  A petite woman in a brown floral apron stood on the porch, holding a bowl of oatmeal to the barefoot girl.

Ohhh! Left you all a cliff hanger huh? :)

Hope you have a blessed week!

Brookie