Celebrate Independence with PIE

Dutch Apple

Berry (whatever is in season)

German Chocolate

Ah, the 4th of July.
A day filled with family, friends, celebrating, BBQ, and in my family, PIE.
Of course in my house it's not just any pie.
It's a beautiful, slightly sweet and slightly tart apple pie,
crafted by my mom.






I was fortunate to grow up in a family that believed in pie as art.
Yes, I said pie as art...lovely, edible art.




Any self-respecting pie artist knows this to be true.
As I roll out the dough, lay it in the plate, prepared and pour the fruit,
there is beauty overflowing.
It's the type of beauty that should be admired and eaten.
Don't you think?

Lemon

Strawberry Rhubarb

Would you like to enjoy some edible art too?
I'll be making pies for the 4th of July to benefit the independence of pups. :)

Lemon ($12.00)

Mom's Apple Pie

Coconut ($15.00)
Chocolate Cream ($15.00)
Chocolate Strawberry Cream ($15.00)
Mom's Apple ($18.00)
Dutch Apple ($18.00)
Dutch Berry ($18.00)
German Chocolate ($18.00)
Strawberry Rhubarb  ($18.00)
Berry-whatever is in season ($18.00)
Pecan ($18.00)

Gluten-Free Options:
-Lemon Cream
-Chocolate Cream
-Chocolate Strawberry Cream
-Dutch Berry
If you need a pie, just let me know!
I'll have them ready on July 3rd.

Charity Spotlight on PAWS

If you didn't know yet...it's kitten season.
Of course you know this!
There are kittens everywhere!

No one knows this more than PAWS Animal Shelter located in West Linn, Oregon.
Okay, I'm sure every shelter is dealing with the same issue, but PAWS needs our help.
It seems like every day now
they are posting pictures of precious little kittens
that have been abandoned by their mothers,
found by local citizens,
and brought to the care of volunteers at PAWS.
This little shelter makes miracles happen every day for orphaned
and abandoned animals and
provides a safe, comfortable space until the animals can find forever homes.
Just look at these sweet little faces! 

It takes many hands and hearts to make these miracles happen,
and for some of you maybe the way you could help would be to shop.
Yes...I said shop! 

This Saturday there will be a garage sale 
and all of the money will go to help this great organization.
I LOVE a garage sale, so you know that I'll be there.
17440 Redfern Ave 
Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035
9am-5pm

It takes money to take care of these orphaned kittens and if you can help, please do.
I love helping small, local organizations,
because you can see your money directly impact your community.

PAWS Animal Shelter

1741 Willamette Falls Drive

West Linn, Oregon 97068

(503) 650-0855

Hours:

Mon - Thu: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Sun: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Note:  All pictures were taken directly from their Facebook page, PAWS Animal Shelter.

Well, this is embarrassing...

Ah, Summer Vacation.
In my world this means that I can subject my brain to mindless daytime TV.
Nine months out of the year, I don't remember or even think about TV.
But as soon as Summer Break begins,
my world is opened up to the craziness that is available from 9am-4pm.
Man, it is definitely crazy...and it sucks me right in.
Plus, I have to say that I feel way more normal after watching these folks.

Today I have decided to admit my shame
and hang my head in embarrassment to the drivel that is daytime TV.
Ok, so I know that there are some great, educational programs,
but those are not the ones that I gravitate toward during the summer.
For me, it's all about stepping into a world
that is completely opposite of my own.
So, hold on to your hat and your judgement,
here are my top 3 most embarrassing TV choices.

3. Bridezillas:  Will they get married or not?!
I really don't know! And that's what makes this crazy ride fun.

Bridezillas: 21 & Crazy

Bridezillas: Most Humiliated 'Zilla

2. Maury Povich-
"Who's your baby daddy?"
Ugh! (hanging my head in embarrassed shame) I know...this is probably the most cringe-worthy show that I can't get enough of and I'm quite embarrassed by it.  But have you watched this mess?!  No, seriously.  Have you watched it?!

1. In the Kitchen with David

2012 In the Kitchen with David Favorite Moments

Hello QVC!  

Yes,  I watch QVC.  

In fact, I really, really like it, especially "In the Kitchen with David."  

I'm not sure if he's trying to be funny, but he is really a funny guy.

It's his facial expressions that really crack me up.

And when he tastes food...whoa!  He loves it all!  

Tune in, David is fabulous, but be careful...

you might end up with a new 6 piece cookware set.

But, maybe you needed it.

Don't judge me...
I told you to stop!

I know that somewhere deep,
you are curious and kind of want to watch it too.  

Otherwise, who's watching in from September through June?!

Yeah. See?!
I knew you were watching these shows too!
Someone has to be keeping these shows on until I can watch them.

They're definitely addictive.

You've been warned.

Coconut Dream Cake- Vegan

No, you're not dreaming.
This cake is not only beautiful, but it's crazy delicious.
It's topped with toasted coconut...need I say more?
Seriously?
If you like coconut, then you will love this cake.
If you don't, well...that's really sad, because you're missing out.
There is something about toasting coconut that brings out all of the best components of the coconut.
One of the things that is distinct about this cake are the huge flakes of coconut...
like I stated, this cake is for those of us that dream about coconut.
I'm also very fortunate, because I live very close to Bob's Red Mill,
so I can get all of my ingredients from their a-maz-ing store.
And when I go there, I always load up on big chunky flakes of coconut.

This is my vegan version of the cake...
maybe I'll break out my secret recipe for the regular coconut butter cake...
but maybe not.  :) 

Cake
For a single layer 8" cake or two 6" cake layers.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 ½ tsp. baking soda
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• ½ cup canola oil
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 2-3 tsp. coconut extract (3 for those who really love coconut)
• 2 Tbs. apple cider vinegar

Center Frosting- for a layered cake

I love this frosting, especially for such a strong flavor of cake.  It gives your taste buds a little break from the coconut, and I think that it helps to focus on the toasted coconut on top.

Filling recipe from Vegan with a Vengeance by Isa Chandra Moskowitz

• 1/4 cup margarine
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup superfine or powdered sugar (I generally only have powdered sugar.)
• 1/4 cup soy milk powder
• 2 tsp vanilla 

 -For filling, mix well for at least ten minutes...you want this very light and fluffy.  Also, make it right before you fill the cakes.

Icing

• 4-5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup fine flaked coconut 
• 1/2 cup vegan margarine
• 1 tsp coconut extract
• coconut milk- add a tablespoon at a time until you get the consistency that you want.

Topping:
Big flakes of coconut, toasted to perfection

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F.
2. Prepare cake pans by spraying with vegetable spray and lined with parchment paper.
3. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in bowl.
4. Stir in coconut milk, oil, vinegar, and coconut extract.
5. Mix well.
6. Fill pans evenly and bake 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely.
8. Make both of the frostings according to the directions above.
9. Layer, frost, and enjoy!

Not One More

Yesterday was my first day of summer.
Normally I sleep in, lounge around,
and dream about of the carefree things I plan to do.
But yesterday was different.
I woke up to heartache.
Another school shooting...
here in Oregon.
Right across the street from my doctors' office.
Right where friends have worked...
But those aren't the only reasons that my heart ached,
my heart ached because we have all of the tools
needed in our community to help reduce these events.

Does that surprise you?
If you teach or work in schools,
you know the answer already.

Over the last few years,
class size has risen drastically,
teaching staff has been reduced,
instructional and office staff have been cut to the extreme...
and counseling staff have been given an impossible task.

I'm proud to be a teacher
and I'm very proud of the staff at Reynolds High School,
but my heart aches. You see, it's people that can make the difference in our schools.
Yes, academic achievement is important,
but more than that,
I believe that we need healthy students to reach our achievement goals.

The students that I teach are growing up in a world
that I would never have fathomed at their age.
For many of my students they arrive to school to eat,
go to class to have an adult talk to them and care,
and keep coming back because they feel safer at school than anywhere else.
It should always feel safe.
It should always BE safe.

Our kids need help.
They need adults in their life that can help them manage the maze of life.
Our schools need more adults.
Not adults standing guard...though any positive presence is good.
Our kids need adults that are trained to get kids to talk
and adults that can listen while guiding them through the drama.
Man, there is a lot of drama
and so many more ways for kids to be mean to each other...
they need help.

We need more counselors and staff in our schools.
Walking passed our counselors' door numerous times a day,
the sign-up sheet grows longer every time
with students needing to talk to her about something.
It is impossible for her to meet with every student that needs her,
contact parents for follow-ups,
and deal with the crisis events that happen daily.
One person is not enough.

If you believe like I do that our students need more mental health support,
please do something about it.
Contact your state representatives...write letters, emails, or call.
Our kids deserve to go to school and not only feel safe, but BE safe.

Not One More...

not one more student scared,

not one more parent in distress,

not one more kid that believes 

bringing a gun to school is the solution.

Not One More.

Steel and Fluff

There is no doubt that I love what I do.
I love teaching.
Though at times it breaks you down and breaks your heart,
there is nothing like spending time with kids who
laugh and cry and yes, throw fits, all in the same 5 minutes.
Still, there is nothing like it in the world...
and man is it a tough job.

It is the most gut-wrenching,
life-altering,
tear-producing,
and rewarding job in the world...
and it's not for the mushy souls.
In teaching, you have to be steel and fluff...
a combination of both that only teachers possess.
Over the past couple years it has been quite a challenge.
Some of the toughest moments in teaching have happened,
but no matter how tough it is,
it's worth it.

It's worth it when you see a kid proud of their work.
When they pump their fists in the air
after revising and revising their writing,
finally getting the scores that they had been working for.
When they smile, laugh, and snort.
When they genuinely ask you about someone in your family, with a simple,
"Are they okay?" with that look of concern
and worry plastered on their face.  
When they write you a note of thanks
that makes you teary and laugh at the same time.
Nothing can get me to tears like kindness.

It's worth it when a kid sees you down the hall
and comes running for a hug because, well, they just need one.
When they are standing in line at recognition, nervous, hoping that they don't fall,
and look to you for reassurance that it will be okay.
It will be okay, and they believe you without a word being said...
just a smile, nod, and a thumbs-up is enough for them to know that it will.

It's worth it when you see them on the brink of adulthood.
As they parade through the hallways in their cap and gown,
a grin erupting from ear-to-ear.
Then they see you,
and that smile gets even bigger.
They hug you like you made a difference in their life,
and the greatest thing is just this...
you know that you actually did.

You see,
teaching is not just a job.
Yes, at moments it feels like the most difficult job in the world.
But then there are these brief, deeply impacting moments,
that make teaching the best job in the world.
As teachers it only takes these little moments
to make every other frustrating thing drift away into oblivion.

Steel and fluff.
That's what we are made of.
People may think that teaching is for the weak...
Those people are idiots.
I've seen the self-proclaimed "toughest" people,
completely lose it with a teenager.

Steel is working with them every day,
in a productive, yet loving environment.
Fluff is continuing to believe that they can do better
no matter what mistakes they make.

Teachers...

that care more deeply than most understand,

love without reason,

and celebrate all victories with the children of our world.

We are steel and fluff.

We are the teachers.