Sixty-Four Jewel Boxes

 

“As the world fights to figure everything out, I’ll be holding doors for strangers, letting people cut in front of me in traffic, saying good morning, keeping babies entertained in grocery lines, stopping to talk to someone who is lonely, tipping generously, waving at police, sharing food, giving children a thumbs-up, being patient with sales clerks, smiling at passers-by, and buying a stranger a cup of coffee. Why? Because I will not stand to live in a world where love is invisible. Join me in showing kindness, understanding and judging less. Be kind to a stranger, give grace to friends who are having a bad day, and be forgiving with yourself. If you can’t find kindness, BE kindness.” – Chris Holifield

Twelve-Inch Flip-Flopped

 

“During the coming days, weeks, and months, may I invite you to spend time in a sincere, full-hearted effort to draw near to God, seek diligently for everyday moments of hope, peace, and joy, and bring joy to others around you. My dear brothers and sisters, dear friends, as you search the word of God for a deeper understanding of God’s eternal plan, accept these invitations, and strive to walk in His Way, you will experience ‘the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,’ even in the midst of sorrows. You will feel a greater measure of God’s unsurpassable love swelling within your heart. The dawn of celestial light will penetrate the shadows of your trials, and you will begin to taste the unspeakable glories and wonders of the unseen, perfect, heavenly sphere. You will feel your spirit lifting away from the gravity of this world.” – Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

One Dozen Pin Cushions

 

In the 1946 congressional race, a young John F. Kennedy ran against a man named Joe Russo. Joe was one of the first Italian immigrants to hold office in Boston. He’d been part of Boston’s political landscape since 1938, and he was popular among the locals. Kennedy, on the other hand, had never held public office. He had his daddy’s money, his experience as a World War II Navy vet, and not much else. Kennedy’s chances must have looked pretty shaky. But one of his campaign managers found another Joe Russo – a janitor – and bribed him to enter the race. Voters wouldn’t know which Joe Russo to vote for. As it happened, though, the shady deal wasn’t necessary. Joe the city councilor got 5,661 votes. Joe the janitor got 773. JFK won with 22,183 votes. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1947, in the U.S. Senate in 1953, and as President in 1961.

More Square Pegs

 

You’d probably not be surprised if I told you the singer Johnny Cash didn’t go by his birth name. What might surprise you is that Cash was the name he was born with; Johnny wasn’t. His mom and dad couldn’t agree on a name, so he went by “J.R.” for years. When he joined the Air Force in 1950, the recruiter wouldn’t accept initials. That’s when he settled on the name John. Staff Sargeant Cash was serving at Lackland Air Force Base, transcribing Morse code messages when Joseph Stalin died. So, he was probably the first American to learn the Soviet leader was gone. He was arrested seven times, for public drunkenness, reckless driving, drug possession, and even for picking flowers. In the late 1970’s, "The Man in Black" received a degree in theology and became a minister. He never had his own congregation, but he did preside at his daughter’s wedding. 

Sweet Summer

 

It’s already more than warm enough for grilling. We doubled this recipe for Sunday dinner:

 

Italian Mixed Grill

 

1/2 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon dried parsley

1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves (I really should have crushed these first.)

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 large cloves garlic, crushed

5 sweet Italian sausages

1 yellow onion, chopped

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (We added half a dozen chicken legs for the kids.)

1 pound boneless sirloin

 

Make a marinade from the first eight ingredients, set aside. Cut each piece of beef and chicken into halves or thirds. Marinate beef and chicken in fridge at least an hour. Simmer sausages and onion in water until completely cooked. Grill beef and chicken over direct heat until juices run clear. Halve sausages and add to grill about 10 minutes before serving.  

Square Pegs

 

“What I see the Church offering me is the opportunity to learn to follow Christ and participate in the redeeming processes of error, repentance, and growth, by engaging with my sisters and brothers in the gospel. It is the opportunity to think globally and act locally, to think locally and act globally. These networks of human bonds and collective action are as close at hand as my own home and neighborhood, and as far flung as the entire world. That is cool. We, the Latter-day Saints, are weird and small enough to really try to be sister and brother to each other, in our diverse and often contradictory circumstances around the world.” – Melissa Wei-Tsing Inouye

Six Ice Pops

 

In 1961, three teenage boys in Hertfordshire – Rod Argent, Paul Atkinson and Hugh Grundy – decided to form a band. They were actually choirboys, but they wanted to rock out. They added a couple more members – Paul Arnold and Colin Blunstone – and started rehearsing with borrowed instruments. At first, they called themselves the Mustangs, because they thought the name sounded really cool. But there were already several other groups using that name. Paul suggested they call themselves The Zombies, and the rest agreed, even though they really didn’t know what zombies were. The Zombies had a few big hits, like She’s Not There and Time of the Season, before they broke up in 1968. Shortly after the break-up, their music became insanely popular in the U.S. Several bands tried to capitalize on their success by “borrowing” their name. Two members of one of these “fake Zombie” bands, bassist Dusty Hill and drummer Frank Beard, would later become members of ZZ Top.

Fifty-Six Jewel Boxes

 

"In 1833, the Saints in Missouri were targets of intense persecution. Mobs had driven them from their homes in Jackson County, and some members had tried to establish themselves in nearby counties. But the persecution continued. In these challenging circumstances, the Lord revealed the following instruction to the Prophet Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio: “Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.” I believe the Lord’s admonition to “be still” entails much more than simply not talking or moving. Perhaps His intent is for us to remember and rely upon Him and His power “at all times and in all things, and in all places.” Thus, “be still” may be a way of reminding us to focus upon the Savior unfailingly as the ultimate source of the spiritual stillness of the soul that strengthens us to do and overcome hard things." - Elder David A. Bednar.

Three Ice Pops

 

My grandpa has been gone fifty-one years this month. When he died, he was a year older than I am now. One thing I remember about him was his odd way of resting. He’d squat all the way down with his feet flat on the ground. I wanted to be exactly like him. I tried to imitate his squat many times. I could balance a moment or two on the balls of my feet, but I always keeled over. My heels refused to reach the floor. Even when I mastered cartwheels and handstands, I couldn’t manage this. We always assumed Grandpa could do deep squats because his legs were so thin and long. But lots of shorter people can manage it. It’s why it’s sometimes called the “Slavic squat” or the “Asian squat.” These days my knees, hips, and belly prevent me from even trying. But I always wonder if I just didn’t persist hard enough.

Ten-Inch Glisten Block

 

There are a hand full of recipes I use so often I know them by heart. I make this one at least twice a month.

 

Banana Bread

 

6 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 to 3 overripe bananas

3 eggs

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg

 

Line loaf pan with parchment, coat with cooking spray. Cream together sugar and butter. Add buttermilk, bananas, and eggs; stir until thoroughly mixed. In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour dry ingredients into wet ones; stir until combined. Mixture will be lumpy. At this point, you may add walnuts. Pour into prepared pan and bake at 350 one hour. Bread will be done when a knife in the center comes out clean. Cool about 20 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely before cutting.

Ice Pop

 

On the eighteenth of April 1930, absolutely nothing of any importance happened. At least, according to the British Broadcasting Service, there was nothing newsworthy to report. It was the start of the regularly scheduled radio news broadcast at 8:45 p.m. Listeners all over the British Isles tuned in and heard, “Good Evening. Today is Good Friday. There is no news.” This unexpected announcement was followed by fifteen solid minutes of pre-recorded piano music. Then at 9:00 p.m. the radio station resumed its broadcast of Wagner’s opera Parsifal. I don’t know if anyone was annoyed there weren’t any news stories to follow, but I do know no one switched stations. I know this because the BBC had a nationwide monopoly on radio news until 1972. I’m guessing the listening audience was surprised, but not genuinely distressed. After all, no news is good news.

Woven Together

 

Sears began as a mail-order catalog company in 1892. In 1925, they began incorporating brick-and-mortar stores into their operations. But the company was always known for its catalog. You could find anything you needed in the Sears catalog, from farm equipment to ladies’ dresses. From 1902 to 1942, you could even purchase a kit to build your own house. There was always a Sears catalog in our home when my siblings and I were growing up – thick enough to use as a booster seat. We’d thumb through the glossy pages, debating what we should ask Santa to bring Christmas morning (though why we thought Santa ordered from Sears is a mystery). In 1973, their headquarters moved to what was the world’s tallest building – the Sears Tower. Maybe the altitude went to their heads. In 1993, Sears decided to ditch the catalog, saying mail ordering was ancient history. In less than a year, Jeff Bezos founded Amazon.

Three Ice Cream Cones

 

Musician Dave Carroll and his band were flying from Halifax to Omaha, to play a show in 2008. The band was getting ready to change planes in Chicago when they noticed United baggage handlers tossing luggage, including their very expensive guitars. When they arrived in Nebraska, sure enough, Dave’s $3,500 Taylor guitar was badly damaged. After nine months of wrangling with United’s customer service, their response was, “Hun, you signed the waiver.”  Dave thought, “If I were a lawyer, I’d sue.” Instead, he created a song and a music video. He reached out to friends in the music business for help, and found virtually every musician who travels had similar experiences. “United Breaks Guitars” very quickly went viral. United stock plummeted. The airline was forced to offer Dave compensation for his guitar. Dave still flies United. He says, “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

Star-Crossed

 

“God hears every prayer we offer and responds to each of them according to the path He has outlined for our perfection. I recognize that at roughly the same time so many were praying for the restoration of my health, an equal number – including me – were praying for the restoration of my wife’s health. I testify that both of those prayers were heard and answered by a divinely compassionate Heavenly Father, even if the prayers for Pat were not answered the way I asked. It is for reasons known only to God why prayers are answered differently than we hope. But I promise you they are heard and they are answered according to His unfailing love and cosmic timetable.” – Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Ice Cream Cone

 

I’ve never heard of anyone who didn’t like ice cream. But everyone, it seems, prefers some flavors of ice cream over others. In the U.S., vanilla is the most popular flavor. Chocolate runs a close second. After that, it’s cookies and cream (which is really just Oreo cookies crumbled into vanilla ice cream). Number four is strawberry. Five is chocolate chip (again, just vanilla ice cream with chocolate chips mixed in). Six is butter pecan (I have no idea why butter pecan is not number one.) and seven is chocolate chip cookie dough. (Alright. That’s just chocolate chips and cookie dough in vanilla ice cream!) Mint chocolate chip and caramel are numbers eight and nine. Neapolitan is number ten, even though it’s three flavors, not one. After that come rocky road, peanut butter chocolate, coffee, pistachio and cherry. I plan to keep my ice cream maker busy this summer, churning out these flavors and many more!

Tiny Criss-Cross Block

 

When the Marx bothers were growing up, there was only enough money for one to take music lessons. Chico, the oldest, learned piano. Harpo (his real name was Adolph) taught himself to play harp, and never learned to read music. In 1931, Harpo Marx took an apartment in The Garden of Allah in L.A., where he hoped to practice harp several hours a day. This went well until a pianist moved next door and began practicing very loudly. The new neighbor was Sergei Rachmaninoff, preparing for a concert tour. Complaining to the management accomplished nothing, so Harpo retaliated. He began playing the first few bars of Prelude in C Sharp Minor, over and over, fortissimo. This particular piece is difficult to play on the piano, and practically impossible on the harp. Rachmaninoff had written it nearly forty years earlier, and was sick of it. Harpo’s gambit paid off. The pianist moved, and peace was restored. 

Twenty Rolling Stones

 

Whenever I think of the past, it brings back so many memories.

There’s a fine line between fishing and standing on the shore like an idiot.

I went to a restaurant that serves breakfast at any time. So, I ordered French toast during the Renaissance.

It’s a small world, but I wouldn’t want to have to paint it.

Last night I stayed up playing poker with tarot cards. I got a full house and four people died.

If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of payments.

If it’s a penny for your thoughts and you put in your two cents worth, someone somewhere is making a penny.

I think it’s wrong that only one company makes the game Monopoly.

For my birthday, I got a humidifier and a dehumidifier. I put them in the same room and let them fight it out.  – More Steven Wright

Three Sawtooth Stars

 

Murphy’s Quilting Laws

 

No matter how much of a particular fabric you have, you’ll always be half a yard short.

You may own 200 shades of blue thread, but none will match your project.

If you have a piece of fabric 10" wide and need five 2" strips, you’ll cut one strip 2 1/2" wide and be short a strip.

The cat will only nap on the quilt you’re making for someone with allergies.

The fabric you need to complete your quilt is discontinued. They sold the last piece yesterday.

You’ll always run out of bobbin thread just before finishing the last border.

As you finish binding her Barbie quilt, your granddaughter will say, "Barbie’s for babies. I like Lord of the Rings.”

The scissors and pincushion are on the other side of the room. You won’t discover this until you sit down.

Your last needle will break at midnight the night before your quilt must be submitted for the quilt show.

Twelve-Inch Time Waits

 

It was around lunchtime September 5, 1936. Two fishermen in a bog on the eastern shores of Nova Scotia were surprised to find a young woman, waist-deep in the muddy water. She was bleeding from a gash on her forehead. Behind her was a single-engine aircraft, sinking nose-first in the peat. “I’m Mrs Markham,” she said, “and I’ve just flown here from England.” Beryl Markham had meant to land in NYC, but had fallen short of her target. As anyone who flies can tell you, it’s easier to cross the ocean going west-to-east than east-to-west, against the wind. That’s why Lindburgh and Earhart both made world records going in the opposite direction. At the age of 33, Mrs. Markham became the first person to fly solo, non-stop, from Europe to North America. September 6, she was treated to a motorcade through New York and a suite at the Ritz-Carlton. “America,” she proclaimed, “is jolly grand.”

Sawtooth Star

 

“It is for reasons known only to God why prayers are answered differently than we hope. But I promise they’re heard, and they’re answered according to His unfailing love and cosmic timetable.” – President Jeffrey R. Holland

“Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator, our Advocate with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build the spiritual foundation of our lives.” – Elder David A. Bednar

“God has something more to give: a higher and more profound joy that transcends anything this world offers. It is the joy that endures heartbreak, penetrates sorrow and diminishes loneliness.” - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

“God is in relentless pursuit of you. He wants all His children to choose to return to Him, and He employs every possible measure to bring you back.” – Elder Patrick Kearon

“Regular temple worship will enhance the way you see yourself and how you fit into God’s magnificent plan. I promise you that.” – President Russell M. Nelson

Time Waits for No One

 

There was a sale, and John came home with lots of drumsticks – which he typically won’t eat. I could marinate them in Italian dressing along with sausage and steak for a mixed grill. I could grill them in Piri-piri sauce and pretend we’re eating at Nando’s. Or I could try this:

 

Slow Cooker Bang-Bang Chicken

 

2-3 pounds chicken drumsticks

2 teaspoons sriracha

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup sweet chili sauce (Love this! It could make shredded cardboard yummy!)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 bunch green onions for serving

 

Add drumsticks to slow cooker. In medium-sized bowl, add mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, salt and pepper. Stir. Reserve half the sauce in fridge for serving. Pour other half over chicken. Cover and cook on low 4 to 5 hours. Finish by grilling outdoors or broiling in oven about 5 minutes. Watch carefully, so they don’t burn. Serve hot with onions, reserved bang-bang sauce, and rice.

Martha Washington Star

 

Half-way through production on America’s first feature-length cartoon – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Walt Disney ran out of cash. Walt asked his brother, Roy to borrow more. Roy explained they wouldn’t get another dime out of Bank of America unless they showed bank executive Joe Rosenberg where the money was going. Walt resisted, but he really had no choice. The two men met at Disney Studios on a Saturday. In a projection room, Walt showed the banker the few completed scenes. He tried to give Joe a synopsis of the movie, using pencil sketches as props. Joseph Rosenberg, the one man in charge of approving loans to movie studios, sat through the whole demonstration without cracking a smile. Walt was sweating bullets as he watched Joe climb into his car. “Thanks! Goodbye!” Joe said, then he added: “That thing’s gonna make a hat full of money!”

Three Tulip Blocks

 

You can substitute pork or chicken thighs for the chicken breasts in this recipe. But, as pork is usually more expensive than chicken, and as I’m married to a man who avoids dark meat, this is what we’re having.

 

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

 

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1″ pieces

1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks

1 red pepper, coarsely chopped

1 green pepper, coarsely chopped

1 1/4 cups sugar

3/4 cup vinegar

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons soy sauce

3 tablespoons corn starch

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon minced ginger

 

Place chicken, pineapple and peppers in slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine sugar, vinegar, ketchup, soy sauce, corn starch, garlic and ginger. Stir well and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low four hours. Serve over hot rice or noodles. We like ours sprinkled with red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.

Pinwheel Block

 

“I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because twelve men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, and then they proclaimed that truth for forty years, never once denying it. Every single one of them was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled twelve of the most powerful men in the world. And they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me twelve apostles could keep a lie for forty years? Absolutely impossible.” – Charles Colson

Tulip Block

 

Always borrow money from pessimists. They don't expect it back.

Half the people you know are below average.

82.7% of all statistics are made up on the spot.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

If everything seems to be going well, you’ve obviously overlooked something.

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy.

If at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried.

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research.

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

If your car could travel at the speed of light, would your headlights work?

 - (mostly) Steven Wright

Friendship Table Runner

 

“To find the most important day in history, we must go back to that evening in Gethsemane when Christ knelt in intense prayer and offered Himself as a ransom for our sins. Out of perfect love, He gave all that we might receive all. His supernal sacrifice, difficult to comprehend, reminds us of the universal debt of gratitude we owe Christ for His divine gift. Later that night, Jesus was brought before religious and political authorities who mocked Him, beat Him, and sentenced Him to a shameful death. He hung in agony upon the cross. His lifeless body was laid in a borrowed tomb. The third day, Jesus Christ, the Son of Almighty God, emerged from the tomb as a glorious, resurrected being of splendor, light, and majesty. There are many events throughout history that have profoundly affected the destiny of nations and peoples. But they cannot begin to compare to what happened on that first Easter morning.” – Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf