On a tombstone in an English cemetery:
Remember man, as you walk by,
As you are now, so once was I,
As I am now, so shall you be,
Remember this and follow me.
Someone later etched the following quip:
To follow you I'll not consent,
Until I know which way you went.
Showing posts with label whimsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label whimsy. Show all posts
Friday, November 22, 2013
Friday, November 1, 2013
Chocolate - Oh How We Love It
With Halloween a distant twenty-four hour memory, how can the mind not turn to chocolate?
Theobroma cacao --A barbarous concoction or noxious drug? Delicious indulgence or cause of migraines? Aphrodisiac or tonic?
The journey of the magical cacao bean and its chocolate byproduct begins, some say, in 200 B.C. Worshiped as an idol my Myan Indians over 2,000 years ago, the bitter seeds of the cacao bean have been transformed into sweet chocolate. The Spanish conquest of Central America introduced chocolate to Europe, where it first became the stimulating drink of kings and aristocrats. Industrialization in the 19th and 20th century made chocolate a food for the masses.
When first brought to the U.S. in 1765, it was available only as cocoa or liquid.
Sixty years later, a Dutch chemist invented a cocoa press that enabled confectioners to make the first chocolate candy. World War I made chocolate popular with the returning soldiers and The Hershey Chocolate Company finally mass produced a quality chocolate bar at a price affordable on public street corners. While it may have stayed available to the masses, it has often been revived as a "luxury item" and graces many a gift basket.
One can not get too much of a good thing for a bar with a higher concentration of cocoa is often bitter to the taste.
Godiva, Lindt, and Ghirardelli are three popular well-known makers of the gourmet product. But throughout the country, there are smaller companies producing quality chocolates to meet the many different needs of chocolate lovers everywhere.
We've, over the years, have heard of California-based Bodega Fudge and Chocolates and Adams Place located in Washington state. Kosher chocolates are not out of the question. The end product is not only for Jewish consumers. They are sought after by others, which include vegetarians and those who buy for various allergy and health reasons. Nor are claims to using a copper kettle process.
While the shelf life of chocolates can be four to six months without refrigeration or up to one year when refrigerated.
A major enemy of chocolates is heat. During the summer months, companies that ship chocolate often rely on two or three day air with frozen jellpacks to keep the chocolate cool.
So let that Halloween chocolate melt in your mouth. The cherry cordials don't come until Christmas.
Ps, Don't forget that this blog has a page two, top of the page tab, where one can read Author Dona' Berg's last excerpt of a yet to be published novel by the three-time winner in the 2013 Dixie Kane Memorial Contest. See details below in October 4 blog post.
Theobroma cacao --A barbarous concoction or noxious drug? Delicious indulgence or cause of migraines? Aphrodisiac or tonic?
The journey of the magical cacao bean and its chocolate byproduct begins, some say, in 200 B.C. Worshiped as an idol my Myan Indians over 2,000 years ago, the bitter seeds of the cacao bean have been transformed into sweet chocolate. The Spanish conquest of Central America introduced chocolate to Europe, where it first became the stimulating drink of kings and aristocrats. Industrialization in the 19th and 20th century made chocolate a food for the masses.
When first brought to the U.S. in 1765, it was available only as cocoa or liquid.
Sixty years later, a Dutch chemist invented a cocoa press that enabled confectioners to make the first chocolate candy. World War I made chocolate popular with the returning soldiers and The Hershey Chocolate Company finally mass produced a quality chocolate bar at a price affordable on public street corners. While it may have stayed available to the masses, it has often been revived as a "luxury item" and graces many a gift basket.
One can not get too much of a good thing for a bar with a higher concentration of cocoa is often bitter to the taste.
Godiva, Lindt, and Ghirardelli are three popular well-known makers of the gourmet product. But throughout the country, there are smaller companies producing quality chocolates to meet the many different needs of chocolate lovers everywhere.
We've, over the years, have heard of California-based Bodega Fudge and Chocolates and Adams Place located in Washington state. Kosher chocolates are not out of the question. The end product is not only for Jewish consumers. They are sought after by others, which include vegetarians and those who buy for various allergy and health reasons. Nor are claims to using a copper kettle process.
While the shelf life of chocolates can be four to six months without refrigeration or up to one year when refrigerated.
A major enemy of chocolates is heat. During the summer months, companies that ship chocolate often rely on two or three day air with frozen jellpacks to keep the chocolate cool.
So let that Halloween chocolate melt in your mouth. The cherry cordials don't come until Christmas.
Ps, Don't forget that this blog has a page two, top of the page tab, where one can read Author Dona' Berg's last excerpt of a yet to be published novel by the three-time winner in the 2013 Dixie Kane Memorial Contest. See details below in October 4 blog post.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Messing with The Muse
Many a quote has spiraled into the conscious. More so from others.
Thus, while the journey is long, provisions sparse, inspiration may abound around life's next corner.
Thus, this post brings to light quotes from the not-to-distant past, not often repeated. Times may, however, change. All are penned from the mind of this author.
Seasons of life repaint age's glory.
Earned feats dance to the melody of life.
Like a joyful melody, charity supports every kindness.
Life's harmony is a symphony of friends.
Pack you life's case with wisdom, love, hope, and charity.
All will fit.
Life free from strain doesn't signal gain.
Happiness is fleeting; standing still won't reach it.
Sweet memories never sever today from unfinished goals.
(And what thought generated this last one is unknown.)
If old walls could talk, you'd probably get plastered.
(That's the lath. Enjoy the day forever more.)
Thus, while the journey is long, provisions sparse, inspiration may abound around life's next corner.
Thus, this post brings to light quotes from the not-to-distant past, not often repeated. Times may, however, change. All are penned from the mind of this author.
Seasons of life repaint age's glory.
Earned feats dance to the melody of life.
Like a joyful melody, charity supports every kindness.
Life's harmony is a symphony of friends.
Pack you life's case with wisdom, love, hope, and charity.
All will fit.
Life free from strain doesn't signal gain.
Happiness is fleeting; standing still won't reach it.
Sweet memories never sever today from unfinished goals.
(And what thought generated this last one is unknown.)
If old walls could talk, you'd probably get plastered.
(That's the lath. Enjoy the day forever more.)
Friday, April 19, 2013
Poetry Within Your Novel
There's a not so subtle way for an author to impart a theme to readers of his or her fiction novel. That's to have one of the character's espouse it in poetry. Yeah, right, you say. Control or tamp down your disbelief for one moment. I will try to direct you to the promised land if you're willing to read on. Isn't inviting guilt wonderful?
Okay, a disclaimer to keep the fiction police happy, not every character can be comfortable with or be in contact with poetry. Yet, perhaps the character is a frustrated poet or had to write a poem in one of his or her high school or college classes. Feasible, you bet. If so, (and I bless my hardworking English teacher daily) you can incorporate the created poem into your story.
What if your character didn't attend the conventional school? Then there are several avenues in widely diverse genres to have the thematic poem disclosed to your fiction readers.
Captain Kirk on Star Trek, or your equivalent, can uncover it in a galactic cave. Maybe it just shows up as a hologram from the past. Perhaps it's a clue to a distant surviving culture that commands billions of gallons of fracking natural gas and is ready to crash the world's economy or, if you understand the poem's meaning, fill your vehicle's, and no one else's, gas tank cheap. If that's not compelling, then it could be part of a regular, old-fashioned mystery. Stranger things happen.
Your fictional romantic time traveler can find it tucked in an old trunk Shakespeare discarded on the way to Stratford-on-Avon. If you have a midsummer's night's dream not an accident, there can be a Puck you can count on. Your poem's discovery can be the "to be" of the be or not to be uttered by your Hamlet wannabe.
If your character is a historic saint, say, take mine, he lived as a Gaelic monk in the sixth century. No, he wasn't St. Patrick who lived a century earlier. Who knows how much poetry my historic saint buried in the Irish caves escaping the Huns? Sorry, they were later and probably on a different continent. Maybe it was Finn McCool who performed the historic deed to save the magic poetic scroll my saint scribbled on whatever fast food scraps of paper then existed? I love that legendary McCool guy. He's such a 21st Century Disney character. Whoops, Disney hasn't put him on celluloid yet next to that famous Tinkerbelle. But okay, thinking harder, it was the thugs from Denmark who threatened my saint. Oh, those Danes, still around centuries later to cause Will Shakespeare dramatic trouble.
If we consider more modern times, didn't Agatha Christie conjure up mystical powers in several of her fictional stories. Perhaps a pale horse chased by Miss Marple? Or didn't Herucle Periot brave the Egyptian sun to find a poem in the tombs, or on an ancient scroll that would serve your purpose? You do the research. I'm just generating ideas.
If there's no historical villain or convenient sleuth, create your own. Remember, you're writing fiction.
Just ponder what the following poem means or says to you or us as readers. It's taken from Chapter Thirty-Four of my novel, A Body To Bones, First Skeleton Series Mystery, said to be written by a small town newspaper publisher. That he might do that would make sense, right? If I'm not the National Poet so be it, I'm, as you will be, hiding behind a created character. The question is does it impart meaning that is understood by the reader, if not critically acclaimed?
Okay, a disclaimer to keep the fiction police happy, not every character can be comfortable with or be in contact with poetry. Yet, perhaps the character is a frustrated poet or had to write a poem in one of his or her high school or college classes. Feasible, you bet. If so, (and I bless my hardworking English teacher daily) you can incorporate the created poem into your story.
What if your character didn't attend the conventional school? Then there are several avenues in widely diverse genres to have the thematic poem disclosed to your fiction readers.
Captain Kirk on Star Trek, or your equivalent, can uncover it in a galactic cave. Maybe it just shows up as a hologram from the past. Perhaps it's a clue to a distant surviving culture that commands billions of gallons of fracking natural gas and is ready to crash the world's economy or, if you understand the poem's meaning, fill your vehicle's, and no one else's, gas tank cheap. If that's not compelling, then it could be part of a regular, old-fashioned mystery. Stranger things happen.
Your fictional romantic time traveler can find it tucked in an old trunk Shakespeare discarded on the way to Stratford-on-Avon. If you have a midsummer's night's dream not an accident, there can be a Puck you can count on. Your poem's discovery can be the "to be" of the be or not to be uttered by your Hamlet wannabe.
If your character is a historic saint, say, take mine, he lived as a Gaelic monk in the sixth century. No, he wasn't St. Patrick who lived a century earlier. Who knows how much poetry my historic saint buried in the Irish caves escaping the Huns? Sorry, they were later and probably on a different continent. Maybe it was Finn McCool who performed the historic deed to save the magic poetic scroll my saint scribbled on whatever fast food scraps of paper then existed? I love that legendary McCool guy. He's such a 21st Century Disney character. Whoops, Disney hasn't put him on celluloid yet next to that famous Tinkerbelle. But okay, thinking harder, it was the thugs from Denmark who threatened my saint. Oh, those Danes, still around centuries later to cause Will Shakespeare dramatic trouble.
If we consider more modern times, didn't Agatha Christie conjure up mystical powers in several of her fictional stories. Perhaps a pale horse chased by Miss Marple? Or didn't Herucle Periot brave the Egyptian sun to find a poem in the tombs, or on an ancient scroll that would serve your purpose? You do the research. I'm just generating ideas.
If there's no historical villain or convenient sleuth, create your own. Remember, you're writing fiction.
Just ponder what the following poem means or says to you or us as readers. It's taken from Chapter Thirty-Four of my novel, A Body To Bones, First Skeleton Series Mystery, said to be written by a small town newspaper publisher. That he might do that would make sense, right? If I'm not the National Poet so be it, I'm, as you will be, hiding behind a created character. The question is does it impart meaning that is understood by the reader, if not critically acclaimed?
Lies will not support the past
False fronts created will not last.
In this world of gloom and woe
In wisdom, faith, and trust we grow.
For all that we carry in our heart
Or that our words will impart,
Memories in our hearts still glow
Showing us paths on which to go.
And so, what does that tell us as the readers?
Who is lying? What false fronts are created? Does it matter as long as we know it's bad? Perhaps the prior narrative tells us or perhaps we must look at our own past? Even in a world of gloom, isn't there certain existing values we can count upon to exhibit hope? I'd say yes.
If there are trials or discouragements that linger in our hearts, doesn't the heart and the human condition have past glories that will show us the way? Shouldn't we be uplifted in the future that awaits? I'd say, amen.
Even if you don't have an answer, doesn't the poetry in fiction add another dimension that no other tool can? Obviously you can debate me or others. But try it once. If your fiction is enhanced, you get the reward. It couldn't be any sweeter than that.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Beware. It's Personal
Lest I repeat myself too much, beware, this post is personal.
With a journalistic background, I've been taught to lead with the most important fact. For this post I've disregarded the principle since this isn't a journalistic post.
When I conceived how I would style and present this, my, blog, I decided to focus on helping other writers with craftsmanship articles, and as the desire struck, to add a bit of whimsy. Well, this post is neither.
What always impressed and irritated me about professional journalism was the ever present deadline. I vividly recall one late night lounging in the press room of a major hotel while the United States presidential candidate, in a suite upstairs, did whatever candidates do awaiting the decision of the voters. I was relaxing in the early morning hours relishing that I had stepped on the toes of a national magazine reporter and elbowed a Time photographer to get the photo of the candidate that I still cherish. On my agenda in eight hours was a two minute live radio report and attending any live press conference called if the candidate conceded or claimed victory.
I shared the company of a journalist from Australia, reporting for a group of British publications. After weeks on the campaign trail he was longing for the trip home. Slumped in his chair, he almost, on multiple occasions, fell to the floor, claimed by long days and short nights. His phone rang. It was his editor calling from a different time zone asking for 500 words, deadline in thirty minutes.
All I can say is that I've never read such concise, dramatic, to-the-point, cliche-free prose written in ten minutes from the grave of pure exhaustion. I'm sure I wouldn't have to this day remembered the incident if it hadn't been an honest-to-goodness professional who'd taught me an impromptu lesson at the foot of "show don't tell."
Circumstances as well as individuals can create the same feeling, only it may take longer.
Years ago I wrote the official United States released stories on the truce talks at Panmunjom, Korea. And it's been like days of old as North Korea has jumped to the world news stage. Only once did I have to fight the censors to use the words I had written. On that day I was successful. While I was in attendance at the truce talk site, halfway inside the 3-mile demilitarized zone, I had to have my story ready to dictate by telephone to Seoul when arriving at the military base just outside the DMZ. It was the first opportunity to make a telephone call. If it hadn't been for the experience of knowing reporters like those met during U.S. presidential campaigns, I wouldn't have been able to complete the tasks for the months that I did, nor personally complete the early morning briefing for the Secretary of the Army who visited during my deployment.
So what triggered these memories? While I wouldn't give up one minute of my journalistic life, I today discovered a reader review of my novel "The Bones Dance Foxtrot, Second Skeleton Series Mystery" on Amazon.com. It said: "I liked it but not as well as the first one. (That's "A Body To Bones, First Skeleton Series Mystery.") We've met the author so I started reading his books, and I enjoy them. I never know the ending and that's something I like."
I must confess I didn't recognize the name of the reviewer. Am I glad he purchased and read my novels, was willing to express an opinion, and took the time to write an online review, obviously yes, yes, yes. In fact, more than glad, ecstatic would be a better word.
But it also triggered in me the thought that an author never knows if or how he or she will affect a reader or a potential reader. You go to book readings. I have one scheduled here April 18 in Rock Falls, IL. You go to community events, you support charities, you speak to people in person, if you can. It's an axiom that no one can like or dislike a novel until it's read. Getting the read is the challenge. Can there be an analogy between an author "pressing-the-flesh" and a politician? Yes.
There is a kinetic energy that bills. Yes, please come back to this blog to read ideas on how you can craft better prose, but don't forget to get out there into the community. I'm not saying it will be easy, but the rewards will buoy your heart and brighten your smile. And, the rewards come from quarters you won't imagine and at times you won't fathom.
Isn't that why you're an author, to uplift people? To give readers an enjoyable experience?
Now, I ask that you go to my previous blog post and click on the link to read a sample of my e-book Abbey Burning Love.
With a journalistic background, I've been taught to lead with the most important fact. For this post I've disregarded the principle since this isn't a journalistic post.
When I conceived how I would style and present this, my, blog, I decided to focus on helping other writers with craftsmanship articles, and as the desire struck, to add a bit of whimsy. Well, this post is neither.
What always impressed and irritated me about professional journalism was the ever present deadline. I vividly recall one late night lounging in the press room of a major hotel while the United States presidential candidate, in a suite upstairs, did whatever candidates do awaiting the decision of the voters. I was relaxing in the early morning hours relishing that I had stepped on the toes of a national magazine reporter and elbowed a Time photographer to get the photo of the candidate that I still cherish. On my agenda in eight hours was a two minute live radio report and attending any live press conference called if the candidate conceded or claimed victory.
I shared the company of a journalist from Australia, reporting for a group of British publications. After weeks on the campaign trail he was longing for the trip home. Slumped in his chair, he almost, on multiple occasions, fell to the floor, claimed by long days and short nights. His phone rang. It was his editor calling from a different time zone asking for 500 words, deadline in thirty minutes.
All I can say is that I've never read such concise, dramatic, to-the-point, cliche-free prose written in ten minutes from the grave of pure exhaustion. I'm sure I wouldn't have to this day remembered the incident if it hadn't been an honest-to-goodness professional who'd taught me an impromptu lesson at the foot of "show don't tell."
Circumstances as well as individuals can create the same feeling, only it may take longer.
Years ago I wrote the official United States released stories on the truce talks at Panmunjom, Korea. And it's been like days of old as North Korea has jumped to the world news stage. Only once did I have to fight the censors to use the words I had written. On that day I was successful. While I was in attendance at the truce talk site, halfway inside the 3-mile demilitarized zone, I had to have my story ready to dictate by telephone to Seoul when arriving at the military base just outside the DMZ. It was the first opportunity to make a telephone call. If it hadn't been for the experience of knowing reporters like those met during U.S. presidential campaigns, I wouldn't have been able to complete the tasks for the months that I did, nor personally complete the early morning briefing for the Secretary of the Army who visited during my deployment.
So what triggered these memories? While I wouldn't give up one minute of my journalistic life, I today discovered a reader review of my novel "The Bones Dance Foxtrot, Second Skeleton Series Mystery" on Amazon.com. It said: "I liked it but not as well as the first one. (That's "A Body To Bones, First Skeleton Series Mystery.") We've met the author so I started reading his books, and I enjoy them. I never know the ending and that's something I like."
I must confess I didn't recognize the name of the reviewer. Am I glad he purchased and read my novels, was willing to express an opinion, and took the time to write an online review, obviously yes, yes, yes. In fact, more than glad, ecstatic would be a better word.
But it also triggered in me the thought that an author never knows if or how he or she will affect a reader or a potential reader. You go to book readings. I have one scheduled here April 18 in Rock Falls, IL. You go to community events, you support charities, you speak to people in person, if you can. It's an axiom that no one can like or dislike a novel until it's read. Getting the read is the challenge. Can there be an analogy between an author "pressing-the-flesh" and a politician? Yes.
There is a kinetic energy that bills. Yes, please come back to this blog to read ideas on how you can craft better prose, but don't forget to get out there into the community. I'm not saying it will be easy, but the rewards will buoy your heart and brighten your smile. And, the rewards come from quarters you won't imagine and at times you won't fathom.
Isn't that why you're an author, to uplift people? To give readers an enjoyable experience?
Now, I ask that you go to my previous blog post and click on the link to read a sample of my e-book Abbey Burning Love.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sweet Pickle Juice, Oh Yeah
Feeling guilty about throwing that sweet pickle juice away after the gherkins are eaten? It happens alot during the holiday season, and immediately thereafter.
This blog can't promise you'll feel better, or anything else about what follows. If you try anything, do so with the utmost of care.
So when the sweet pickles are gone ----
1. Add the sweet juice to fat-drained pork chops that have been browned in a skillet. Heat covered, turning the pork chops over once or twice. The sweet pickle juice should tenderize and glaze.
2. Grind leftover ham, add finely diced green pepper and celery, stir in pickle relish and sweet pickle juice. Spread on bread and enjoy.
3. Whip the sweet pickle juice with cream cheese and use as a vegetable dip. Friends have used potato or other kinds of chips.
4. Make pickled peppers. Cut green, orange and/or red peppers, add juice, seal in jar, and leave for about two weeks. You may try this also with zucchini, although I'll say it's not my favorite.
5. Cook green beans in pickle juice, add bacon bits or slivered almonds.
6. Put your dill pickle slices in sweet pickle juice for a distinct new flavor.
7. Add sweet pickle juice to stews, soups, and homemade spaghetti sauce or cole slaw.
If you don't wish to consume, sweet pickle juice can help keep drains clean and sweet.
And, can't vouch for this, but a gardener told me that sweet pickle juice poured on gardenia bushes or azalea bushes once a year makes them thrive.
Happy New Year and may all your pickle days be sweet.
This blog can't promise you'll feel better, or anything else about what follows. If you try anything, do so with the utmost of care.
So when the sweet pickles are gone ----
1. Add the sweet juice to fat-drained pork chops that have been browned in a skillet. Heat covered, turning the pork chops over once or twice. The sweet pickle juice should tenderize and glaze.
2. Grind leftover ham, add finely diced green pepper and celery, stir in pickle relish and sweet pickle juice. Spread on bread and enjoy.
3. Whip the sweet pickle juice with cream cheese and use as a vegetable dip. Friends have used potato or other kinds of chips.
4. Make pickled peppers. Cut green, orange and/or red peppers, add juice, seal in jar, and leave for about two weeks. You may try this also with zucchini, although I'll say it's not my favorite.
5. Cook green beans in pickle juice, add bacon bits or slivered almonds.
6. Put your dill pickle slices in sweet pickle juice for a distinct new flavor.
7. Add sweet pickle juice to stews, soups, and homemade spaghetti sauce or cole slaw.
If you don't wish to consume, sweet pickle juice can help keep drains clean and sweet.
And, can't vouch for this, but a gardener told me that sweet pickle juice poured on gardenia bushes or azalea bushes once a year makes them thrive.
Happy New Year and may all your pickle days be sweet.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Character - A Poem
Character
The character appears
on page,
but of his design
who’s to gauge?
From the printed word
we decide
where in our favor
he’ll reside.
If he’s battered with
rags-a-tatter,
from him we will all
scatter.
If he’s in tailored
coat and tie,
for his rapt
attention we’ll vie.
If he staggers up
from the gutter,
we expect all
profanity to utter.
If high society lists
him by name,
our invite to dinner
won’t shame.
If he knows how to
bow with style,
we suspect a nature
without guile.
After all study our
mind’s decided,
this character is
really divided.
Copyright Donan Berg 2010
Copyright DOTDON Books 2010
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Halloween Candy Whimsy Part II Answers
Here's the answers from this corner on the Halloween Candy Whimsey, Part II.
1. Babe Ruth
2. 5th Avenue
3. Mr. Goodbar/Millionaire/SugarDaddy
4. Milk Duds
5. Skor
6. Hollywood
7. Kit Kat
8. Hershey
9. Almond Joy
10. Candy Kiss
Thank you all for comments, tweets, and having fun.
1. Babe Ruth
2. 5th Avenue
3. Mr. Goodbar/Millionaire/SugarDaddy
4. Milk Duds
5. Skor
6. Hollywood
7. Kit Kat
8. Hershey
9. Almond Joy
10. Candy Kiss
Thank you all for comments, tweets, and having fun.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Halloween Candy Whimsy, Part II
We tried this a week ago with success and suggestions. The encouragement strained our minds to expand the test to identify Halloween candy treats. (Ps, the answers at the bottom of this post relate back to the prior October 17, 2012 post.)
1. Famous former baseball player.
2. Famous New York street.
3. Single women look for him.
4. Dry cow.
5. Determines who wins the game.
6. Home of movie stars.
7. A feline.
8. Two female pronouns.
9. Nut happiness.
10. A sweet sign of affection.
Good luck. The only sought after prize is your enjoyment.
(Answers to October 17, 2012 post: 1. Three Musketeers; 2. Mounds; 3. Milky Way; 4. Bit O Honey; 5. Life Savers; 6. M&M's; 7. Mars Bar; 8. Snickers/Chuckles; 9. Butterfingers; and 10. O'Henry. If you guessed me for the author, I blush, but you're wrong. Don't you think, however, that a nice candy name could be made from the book title A Body To Bones changed to be called "Body Sweets" so it isn't too ghoulish. Happy Halloween, and parents check your child's candy just to be safe.)
1. Famous former baseball player.
2. Famous New York street.
3. Single women look for him.
4. Dry cow.
5. Determines who wins the game.
6. Home of movie stars.
7. A feline.
8. Two female pronouns.
9. Nut happiness.
10. A sweet sign of affection.
Good luck. The only sought after prize is your enjoyment.
(Answers to October 17, 2012 post: 1. Three Musketeers; 2. Mounds; 3. Milky Way; 4. Bit O Honey; 5. Life Savers; 6. M&M's; 7. Mars Bar; 8. Snickers/Chuckles; 9. Butterfingers; and 10. O'Henry. If you guessed me for the author, I blush, but you're wrong. Don't you think, however, that a nice candy name could be made from the book title A Body To Bones changed to be called "Body Sweets" so it isn't too ghoulish. Happy Halloween, and parents check your child's candy just to be safe.)
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Can You Identify the Following Halloween Candy Treats?
Halloween is always a good time for whimsy. And, candy, candy, candy. Test your
sweet tooth memory with the following clues that identify candy brands.
Example: Superman's favorite hangout; answer: Clark Bar.
Now it's your turn:
1. A favorite swashbuckling trio
2. Indian burial grounds
3. Galaxy
4. What bees make
5. Round flotation device
6. Twin letters
7. Red planet
8. Not laughing out loud
9. Can't hold on to anything
10. A famous author
Answers will be forthcoming.
sweet tooth memory with the following clues that identify candy brands.
Example: Superman's favorite hangout; answer: Clark Bar.
Now it's your turn:
1. A favorite swashbuckling trio
2. Indian burial grounds
3. Galaxy
4. What bees make
5. Round flotation device
6. Twin letters
7. Red planet
8. Not laughing out loud
9. Can't hold on to anything
10. A famous author
Answers will be forthcoming.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Recipe: Irish Soda Bread
When the green-green grass of home appears in March, it's time to check that collection of time-tested family recipes fit for the season. That means soda bread. There are, it seems, as many as spirits in Ireland. (On purpose, the definition of spirits is up to you.)
Heat up your oven to 375 degrees. Here goes:
Irish Soda Bread (Two loaves)
6 cups all-purpose flour (3 white and 3 wheat here. Or 6 white if you prefer.)
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups buttermilk
(For those who want an option, add a handful of raisins. They're not in the recipe proper for some 19th Century folks used the term "raisins" in a less-than-complimentary way.)
Add all dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. If your mother said: "toss, buttermilk on the side" that works, too. Grab a wooden spoon, if not already in hand, pour all buttermilk into the large bowl, and stir. In no time you'll have a soft dough. Let it be rough at the edges. Tumble dough onto smooth surface, like a counter. Knead, counting thousand one, etc, until you reach sixty to one hundred. This kneading designed to make you feel like a baker, using flour-covered hands, and to evenly moisten dry ingredients with buttermilk.
Divide dough in half, round each portion, and, with hand, flatten top slightly.
Place each loaf on ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle flour on top. Not too much. And, oh my goodness, don't use this step as means to dust-off your hands. Pinch a wee dab of flour from the bag.
By the handle only, grab a sharp knife and make the sign of the Cross with slashes on the top of each loaf.
Allow the loaves to rest for ten minutes. This is the juncture in the recipe where the baker can take a wee nip for the hard part is over, if there's a timer at hand.
Bake in the 375 degree oven for forty (40) minutes. Best to use center rack position. Since ovens vary, the loaves are done when golden brown.
Cool on racks. Enjoy. Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Novel, A Body To Bones by Author Donan Berg
Heat up your oven to 375 degrees. Here goes:
Irish Soda Bread (Two loaves)
6 cups all-purpose flour (3 white and 3 wheat here. Or 6 white if you prefer.)
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups buttermilk
(For those who want an option, add a handful of raisins. They're not in the recipe proper for some 19th Century folks used the term "raisins" in a less-than-complimentary way.)
Add all dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. If your mother said: "toss, buttermilk on the side" that works, too. Grab a wooden spoon, if not already in hand, pour all buttermilk into the large bowl, and stir. In no time you'll have a soft dough. Let it be rough at the edges. Tumble dough onto smooth surface, like a counter. Knead, counting thousand one, etc, until you reach sixty to one hundred. This kneading designed to make you feel like a baker, using flour-covered hands, and to evenly moisten dry ingredients with buttermilk.
Divide dough in half, round each portion, and, with hand, flatten top slightly.
Place each loaf on ungreased baking sheet and sprinkle flour on top. Not too much. And, oh my goodness, don't use this step as means to dust-off your hands. Pinch a wee dab of flour from the bag.
By the handle only, grab a sharp knife and make the sign of the Cross with slashes on the top of each loaf.
Allow the loaves to rest for ten minutes. This is the juncture in the recipe where the baker can take a wee nip for the hard part is over, if there's a timer at hand.
Bake in the 375 degree oven for forty (40) minutes. Best to use center rack position. Since ovens vary, the loaves are done when golden brown.
Cool on racks. Enjoy. Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Novel, A Body To Bones by Author Donan Berg
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Multiple Five Stars for The Bones Dance Foxtrot
The author interrupts stock market whimsy to present breaking news from Writer's Digest where a judge has awarded multiple five-star ratings to The Bones Dance Foxtrot, Second Skeleton Series Mystery. The February 2012 announced results are as follows:
On a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) the following scores were given to The Bones Dance Foxtrot.
Plot: 5
Grammar: 5
Character Development: 5
Production quality and cover design: 5
Judge's Commentary:
Engagingly titled, this mystery will keep readers absorbed until the satisfactorily detailed end. The main character is arrested after his arrival in a small town and accused of a murder he didn't commit. As the multi-faceted plot develops, mysterious signs, drug traffic, loot from a bank robbery, a kidnapping, and other murders all come into play. Befriended by some locals, the protagonist takes root in the community. While his case is dismissed other accusations occur. Romance, involving participation in an acting group and dance sessions, also develops while the police try to piece together different crime strands. The characters are believable, the situations credible, and the dialogue is crisp.
The Bones Dance Foxtrot followed Donan Berg's debut mystery, A Body To Bones, First Skeleton Series Mystery. The third mystery, Baby Bones, is available in #E-book and Mp3 formats. Another murder mystery published by Donan Berg available in E-book is Abbey Burning Love. See all at DOTDON Books
To go back to the stock market whimsy, click on the earlier February 7, 2012 blog post at this site.
On a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) the following scores were given to The Bones Dance Foxtrot.
Plot: 5
Grammar: 5
Character Development: 5
Production quality and cover design: 5
Judge's Commentary:
Engagingly titled, this mystery will keep readers absorbed until the satisfactorily detailed end. The main character is arrested after his arrival in a small town and accused of a murder he didn't commit. As the multi-faceted plot develops, mysterious signs, drug traffic, loot from a bank robbery, a kidnapping, and other murders all come into play. Befriended by some locals, the protagonist takes root in the community. While his case is dismissed other accusations occur. Romance, involving participation in an acting group and dance sessions, also develops while the police try to piece together different crime strands. The characters are believable, the situations credible, and the dialogue is crisp.
The Bones Dance Foxtrot followed Donan Berg's debut mystery, A Body To Bones, First Skeleton Series Mystery. The third mystery, Baby Bones, is available in #E-book and Mp3 formats. Another murder mystery published by Donan Berg available in E-book is Abbey Burning Love. See all at DOTDON Books
To go back to the stock market whimsy, click on the earlier February 7, 2012 blog post at this site.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Profit in the Whimsy Market
With all the New Year attention focused on the rising stock market, perhaps now is a good time to evaluate stocks that should be on the Big Board. To be specifically clear, what follows is not investing advice. No brokers were hurt or are expected to be hurt in the creation of the following whimsy related to the United States Stock Market. If a chord is struck, i.e., you wagered on the New York Giants at 100-1 before they became the Super Bowl Champs, definitely don't rely on the material herein. You have your own ground game to destiny.
Here's the past and present stock movements worth considering:
Recreational boats dipped after new wave surge.
Prunes declined after the grape market dried up.
Escalators climbed steadily up.
Pencils lost a few points.
Snow shovels scrapped bottom.
Writing paper last month was stationary; toilet paper touched bottom.
Cola slipped into a bear market.
Helium soared; balloon prices remained inflated.
Rubberbands stretched to reach new limits, then snapped.
Light switches were off.
Axes cut into tree futures.
Sun stocks entered day low, then peaked at midday.
Arrows pierced expected target.
Weights in heavy trading were up; feathers down.
Mining equipment hit rock bottom; diapers remained unchanged..
Author Donan Berg has four published novels: A Body To Bones, First Skeleton Series Mystery; The Bones Dance Foxtrot, Second Skeleton Series Mystery; Baby Bones, Third Skeleton Series Mystery, and Abbey Burning Love. Visit him here or at http://www.abodytobones.com/ . May your personal fortunes be increasing, not only in terms of money, but in love, family, and cherished values. Check out previous Author Donan Berg blog posts that include quotes, book reviews, and writing advice. Southwest Georgia Regional Library System (Bainbridge, Colquitt, Donalsonville, GA) became the latest known library to shelve Donan Berg's debut mystery novel A Body To Bones.
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Here's the past and present stock movements worth considering:
Recreational boats dipped after new wave surge.
Prunes declined after the grape market dried up.
Escalators climbed steadily up.
Pencils lost a few points.
Snow shovels scrapped bottom.
Writing paper last month was stationary; toilet paper touched bottom.
Cola slipped into a bear market.
Helium soared; balloon prices remained inflated.
Rubberbands stretched to reach new limits, then snapped.
Light switches were off.
Axes cut into tree futures.
Sun stocks entered day low, then peaked at midday.
Arrows pierced expected target.
Weights in heavy trading were up; feathers down.
Mining equipment hit rock bottom; diapers remained unchanged..
Author Donan Berg has four published novels: A Body To Bones, First Skeleton Series Mystery; The Bones Dance Foxtrot, Second Skeleton Series Mystery; Baby Bones, Third Skeleton Series Mystery, and Abbey Burning Love. Visit him here or at http://www.abodytobones.com/ . May your personal fortunes be increasing, not only in terms of money, but in love, family, and cherished values. Check out previous Author Donan Berg blog posts that include quotes, book reviews, and writing advice. Southwest Georgia Regional Library System (Bainbridge, Colquitt, Donalsonville, GA) became the latest known library to shelve Donan Berg's debut mystery novel A Body To Bones.
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