Paella Easy Recipe - Chicken Dish

 

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Paella Easy Recipe - Chicken Dish

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pound chicken, cut up (can use thighs and legs)

1/2 pound large shrimp

3/4 pound clams or mussels

1 medium-sized onion, chopped

1 medium ripe tomato, peeled

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chopped parsley

1 can pimentos

1 cup canned peas or frozen peas

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cups rice

1/4 teaspoon saffron

1 lemon, cut in wedges for decoration

Directions:

Saute the chicken in hot olive oil and then put in a casserole, covering the chicken with 4 cups of water. Boil for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, saute the green pepper, onion, and garlic in a shallow skillet or pan. Add chopped tomato. Wash the seafood, peel shrimp if needed, and add the small clams to the skillet or paella pan. Add peas and pimento to the skillet or pan, then add saffron and chicken. Wash the rice and add to the pan. Cover the mixture with 4 cups of water or chicken broth. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes and then leave on a low flame until rice is tender and dry (20 to 30 minutes). Decorate the finished dish with lemon wedges and pimento if desired.

Another method of cooking the rice is to boil it and place it in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then turn the heat down to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for another 15 to 20 minutes. Remove pan from oven and cover for 5 minutes. Serves 6 to 8 people.

My Thoughts:

What a wild and busy work week. I didn't get to help my daughter with the local farmer's market the week, where she usually sells her baked goods. She had a dental appointment and it was during the time the market was open. We currently live about forty minutes away from the dentist's office. She has had the same dentist for years and I don't want to take her anywhere else. I pride myself and making sure my kids have good dental health. My daughter's wisdom teeth are coming in straight and no issues there so it looks like I won't have to worry about having her wisdom removed.

An update and what my daughter is wanting to do with her baking. She is saving money for a new countertop mixer. The mixer is not cheap but it is a good goal for her to reach and will make her baking for the farmer's market easier. She also wants to buy glass cookie jars to put her cookies in for display. A larger table would be good and she is definitely wanting that as well.

Oh, and I found out through social media that my sister had a car accident and totaled her Mercedes. She is ok but I'm a little surprised my mom did not let me know. Isn't it a big deal when a family member has a car accident? It's just my thoughts on the subject. 

More Information On Paella:

It is said that Paella was first cooked by Valencian farmers. Yep, Eastern Spain is where the dish originally came from. As you read in the recipe ingredients there's shrimp, mussels, and chicken. Old-timers use to put rabbit and duck meat in the dish as well. Original recipes have no seafood in them. It has evolved into what it is today because of time and culture. If you would like to read more about the history of Paella you might find it interesting.

Extra:

Did you enjoy finding this recipe for Paella? If you did enjoy this recipe, maybe you will enjoy my last easy recipe for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings. Give it a read and share it with a friend.

Quick Question:

Have you seen other recipes for Paella? Do you consider this an easy recipe? I would love to know your thoughts on this. If you have tried a similar recipe please let me know what it is. Maybe you have a picture of the Paella you have cooked. I will be glad to share it with your link on my social media or even in one of my blog posts.

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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings Easy Recipe

 

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SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS EASY RECIPE (Main Dishes, Chicken)

Ingredients:

2 to 3 pounds chicken wings, cut off the joint

3/4 stick margarine

1/2 cup cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash

red pepper flakes to taste

Directions:

Melt margarine: Add remaining ingredients. Dip wings in the sauce until thickly coated. Bake in a roasting pan in a 400-degree oven for 1 hour or until juices run clear. Turn once after cooking for 30 minutes. It may be served with Bleu cheese or Hidden Valley dressing. 

My Thoughts:

Every year as long as I can remember, it is a past-time for me to cook Buffalo Chicken wings. I do this for the Super Bowl Football game; it is so much fun. I don't always watch football and mostly like my state team. Don't be upset at me for that, but I guess you could say I am a low-key football fan.

My favorite part about the Super Bowl game is the halftime show and the commercials. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching the game. It is usually exciting to see. In the last few years, the halftime show has not been very good. Do you agree with me on this? I am sure others will agree with me.

I like to have a veggie tray with my Buffalo Chicken wings for the game too and some kind of dessert to eat like pie or cake. I'm not much of a drinker but a beer or two usually goes well at a Super Bowl party. Some people even wear their favorite team's jersey during the game. I think I would do that too if I bought a football jersey. 

More Information On Buffalo Wings:

Time Magazine ran an article on the History of Buffalo wings and it is very interesting. Did you know the buffalo wing was invented in 1964? I didn't either until I looked it up. Do you remember when you first tried a buffalo wing? I wondered why they were called "buffalo wings" when I knew buffalo did not have wings. I'm goofy I know.

Extra:

If you liked this easy recipe for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings you might like my Bierocks Easy Recipe.

Quick Question:

What is your favorite flavor of chicken wings? Please let me know below in the comments area. If you have an easier recipe for buffalo wings I would love to see yours. Thank you for reading my recipe blog post!

>>See all my recipes here!<<

Hamburger Potato Casserole Easy Recipe

 

So good you'll want more!

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HAMBURGER POTATO CASSEROLE EASY RECIPE (Main Dishes, Beef)

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 Cups Thinly Sliced Potatoes
• 1/4 Cup Plus 1 Tablespoon Chopped Onion
• 2 Teaspoons Salt
• 14 Teaspoon Pepper
• 1 Teaspoon Parsley
• 1 Pound Ground Beef
• 3/4 Cup Evaporated Milk
• 1/2 Cup Fin Cracker Crumbs or Uncooked Oatmeal
• 1/4 Cup Catsup

Directions:

In a greased 2-quart baking dish, arrange potatoes and 1 tablespoon onion. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and parsley flakes.

In a separate bowl, mix ground beef and milk. Spread over potatoes. Mix crumbs or oats, catsup, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Spread over hamburger. Bake for 1 hour in a preheated 350-degree oven. 

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My Thoughts:

You can go right with meat and potatoes. They are the best for sure. I hope that you enjoy this Hamburger Potato Casserole Easy Recipe. While growing up my mom would almost always serve me potatoes. Usually some kind of meat. The meat was most always hamburger. It was a cheaper meat for the family to eat. My mom worked for Wal-Mart and we didn't have much money. With the beef, were potatoes. She would make mashed potatoes or fried potatoes. Then she would make some kind of vegetable to go with the meal. Green beans would go with most meals. Today, I really love green beans.

Living in the mid-west, beef is such a popular thing to eat. The local cities around where I live today have some sort of steak restaurant that serves steak cuts. One of my favorite steak places to visit is the Texas Roadhouse. I really enjoy their 20-ounce bone-in ribeye steak. I always order green beans with my steak. I suppose it has something to do with my meals as a child. My mom made many different meals and always did the best she could. If you would like to read a post a made about my mother you can read it here called My Mother And All You Other Mothers.

More Information On Hamburger and Potatoes:

I found an interesting article by RollingStone on meat and potatoes you might like. I would love to know your thoughts on it. It is about fast food in America and how the focus on meat and potatoes is the main feature.

Extra:

Try adding your favorite season to this recipe. One of my favorite seasons is Tony Chachere's season. You can also try adding garlic salt to the recipe if you like garlic. I cook with minced garlic a lot. Most always when I try a new recipe I find, I add something to it to make it my own. It might be a spice or two that gives it an extra flavor.

Quick Question:

Have you ever tried this recipe I shared with you? If you cook this recipe, will you please share with me how you cooked it or if you added anything to the recipe?

#hamburger #potato #casserole #easy #recipe #cooking

Bierocks Easy Recipe

 

A German recipe everyone will love!

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Bierocks Easy Recipe - (Below)

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See the details and order a copy for your shelf today to enjoy the magic of German food!

Quote For The Day:

"Es wird nichts so hieb gesessen, wie es gekocht wird." - Translation "Nothing gets eaten as hot as it has been cooked." - Medium.com

Food For Thought:

The first time I had Bierocks I absolutely fell in love with them. They are so delicious! I was at a family member's house when these wonderful beef pastries first touched my palette. Ok, now I sound like a professional blogger, don't I? I remember eating two or three and then the dough swelled in my belly. I was forced to stretch out on the couch and just moan with fullness.

You should have seen me. I am sure that you are glad you didn't. It was such a sight.
If you don't mind hearing about my day I will be glad to share with you here. I cleaned up in the kitchen and worked on some laundry. After I finished those chores I visited my mother at her house. It was her birthday on Friday.

I was unable to visit her because I went to the local farmer's market with my daughter. She had about seven different cookies for sale. Her newest item was a strawberry crinkle cookie that sold out very well. One customer, in particular, was very interesting. He was almost seven feet tall by my estimation.

He sported a full beard that was speckled with gray hairs. He had bright blue eyes and spoke in the deepest voice I think I have ever heard. He was like a giant and I am 5 foot 11 inches. He softly asked my daughter if he could have two of the strawberry crinkle cookies. He slowly handed my daughter the money and took the cookies in his large hand which resembled a bunch of bananas.

He gave my daughter a little smile and said "Thank you" as he walked away. After visiting my mother at her house, my daughter wanted to go for a drive. We made a large circle on the outer paved roads here in the area. Sometimes a drive is a nice thing to do.

A Few Questions For You:

• Have you tried bierocks before? Please share your experience with me here.
• Have you cooked bierocks in the past?
• Do you know the history of bierocks? I will share more in this post. Keep on reading!
• Did you see my last recipe post? It is called Spiced Tea Easy Mix Recipe. I would like to know what you think about it.

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More Information On Bierocks:

Bierocks were commonly consumed by European blue-collar workers as a popular staple. Over time German Russian Mennonites brought the beefy dish to the United States when they immigrated in the 1870s. Eventually, bierocks were found popular among those living in the West. Kansas is the state that is most popular for bierocks. You can read more about Why Bierocks Are A Kansas Staple. 

BIEROCKS EASY RECIPE - (Main Dishes, Beef)

Ingredients:

• 1 Package Active Dry Yeast
• 1/4 Cup Warm Water
• 1/4 Cup Warm Milk
• 2 Tablespoons Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 to 2 1/4 Cups All Purpose Flour
• 1 Beaten Egg
• 1 Pound Ground Beef
• 1 Onion
• 1/2 Teaspoon Galic Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Can Saurkraut

Instructions:

1. Soften the yeast in a medium saucepan with warm water.
2. Combine the milk, sugar, butter, and salt in a separate bowl.
3. Heat and stir until the butter melts.
4. Add about 1 cup of flour and beat well.
5. Add the egg and beat well.
6. Stir in the softened yeast.
7. Stir in enough flour to make a stiff dough.
8. Turn out and knead on a lightly floured surface.
9. Knead until smooth and elastic for about 5 minutes.
10. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it.
11. Let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles for 1 to 1 1/4 hours.
12. Cook the beef, onion, salt, and then drain.
13. Add the sauerkraut.
14. Punch the dough down.
15. Divide the dough.
16. Roll out the dough and put the meat filling in it.
17. Dampen the pastry edges then seal the edges.
18. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
19. Let the bierocks cool a little while and then serve.

Keep on cooking!
-The Recipe Guy

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Spiced Tea Easy Recipe Mix

 

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SPICED TEA EASY RECIPE MIX (Appetizers & Beverages)

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup Instant Tea

1 1/4 Cup Tang Orange Drink Mix

1 Package Lemonade Mix (Country Time or Wyler's)

1 Cup Sugar

2 Teaspoons Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon Cloves

DIRECTIONS:

Mix the ingredients all together. Store in an airtight container. Use about 2 teaspoons of mix to 1 cup of hot water.

My Thoughts:

Growing up, iced tea was always made and available to drink in my house. It was always sweet tea. Unsweet was something we didn't like in the refrigerator. The process of making sweet tea to drink was always the same. I would boil water on the stovetop and then add the tea bags. I would set it for about thirty minutes and then remove the tea bags. I poured the tea into a plastic pitcher that had the desired amount of sugar waiting. Then I would stir it up until the sugar dissolved. Finally, I would add in water until the pitcher was completely full and finish off by giving a good stir.

Do you like to drink hot or cold tea? Do you like your tea sweetened or unsweetened? Do you prefer regular sugar or a sweetener? 

More Information On Tea:

Did you know that tea was introduced to America by the Dutch in 1640? The only other beverage consumed more than tea worldwide is water. I would have thought it would be coffee first but, nope. China consumes most of the tea in the world right now. The United States leads the way for the world when it comes to importing tea. That lets you know that Americans consume a whole lot of tea. I also would have thought that the leading importer of tea might be Great Britain. I know they drink a bunch of tea for sure.

When I drink tea I usually buy the regular black tea you might find at the supermarket. I am not picky about getting name-brand tea. I usually just buy the store's generic tea. I am happy with that. There are tea drinkers with lots of money who drink very expensive tea. The most expensive tea in the world is called Da-Hong Pao-Tea from China. It costs a whopping $1.2 million per kilogram. Now that is some very costly tea and in my opinion, it better taste very good. I would imagine it tastes like regular tea. I am laughing out loud right now because I can't imagine spending that much on tea. The fact remains that it sells for that price.

Extra:

If you would like to read my post about my daughter baking her famous Chocolate Crinkle Cookies then you can read it in a previous post I created.

Quick Question:

Do you like this easy recipe for spiced tea? If you find it interesting or have a recipe of your own, I would like to hear from you. Please leave a comment on this post and share this recipe with a friend. Thank you so much for reading.

>>See all my recipes here!<<

The Reward You Receive When Your Child Learns

 

A while back, my youngest daughter Zoe asked me if she could sell her baked goods at the local farmers market. It impressed me that she wanted to do this. 

She is such a great little baker and I believe I have mentioned this in previous blog posts. I love to cook and taught her some things about cooking and how to make a recipe her own. I’m not much of a baker, but when she expressed an interest in baking, I told her to take what I taught her about cooking on top of the stove and apply it to baking. She has done this very well, and I have benefitted so much by watching her progress as a baker. I really love tasting her creations. Her cookies, cupcakes, and brownies, are super!

I knew that she didn’t know what would go into getting things together to sell at a farmer’s market, but I also knew it would be a great opportunity for her to learn. It is stressful for her to meet deadlines for the market and deadlines for orders for her baking as well.

I had to take the role of a manager and give her a push now and then, but she has proved true to her word. I told her that if she really wanted to do it that it would be a lot of work. I watched her work very hard baking all day and night while I got market supplies together for her. A tent, table, chairs, and other market supplies were necessary.

After a few markets and some money earned for her, we were able to reflect on our experience together. She expressed to me that it opened her mind. She said most people don’t know what goes into doing something like that. To hear her tell me what she’s learned so far touched me. She has gained a greater awareness. She had a preconceived idea of the market but to hear her share what she learned is a reward for me as a parent.

She had an idea, set a goal, and went to work. She has grown. Maybe I’m thinking too much about it. Maybe I’m not thinking enough.

As our conversation continued the comment concerning what we learned together made us ask another question. What are other future experiences we might have preconceived ideas about, and what else might we learn from our experiences? It questions the possibility of the unknown I think. 

We should stay open and wait to judge until we search and see. It wasn’t as easy as we thought and we learned more than we thought we would. My children are my teachers too. 

It may be a little trip into philosophy but well worth the journey.

Is there something in your life you are wondering about? What would it be like? You might be hesitant to see. There could be challenges. Think about your experiences. You made it through in the past. What did you learn? Your lessons are valuable. You’ve gained a greater consciousness having had those experiences. Some may be good and some may be bad.

As I mentioned, it is a great reward and one you deserve to have. I am writing about both a reward as a parent and the reward of being open to what is possible for you to try.

I hope this post is an encouragement for you. I would love to get your feedback on it. Please share anything and let me know what you think. Let's continue the conversation.

Here is a video on YouTube about staying open to learning new experiences.

Give Zoe a Like on her Facebook page! 

Beagle Finds Baby Rabbits

 

Zoe has two dogs. A female beagle and a chihuahua. The chihuahua is about half rat terrier and half regular chihuahua. The two really are a pair. Bella lays on the couch and Odie lays on top of her and he can't hold his licker. He loves to lick the couch or Bella's ear.

The other day I took Bella out for a walk in the yard. She loves to sniff for everything. She has to be on a leash when out because she will let her nose take her away on a scent. She loves to ride in the car and would make a great hunting dog.

While she was sniffing on the ground she found a baby rabbit nest. I didn't know it until it was too late. I noticed she was sticking her nose in the background and quickly snatched a baby rabbit from the nest. The baby rabbit let out a little squeal and Bella dropped the baby. Immediately four other baby rabbits ran from the next. I pulled Bella away and took her inside the house.

I went back outside to see the babies. I had a quick thought to get a couple of baby rabbits and show them to my two daughters that were at home at the time. It was a dad move for me because I wanted to see my girls smile while holding the cute little rabbits.

I took one to Zoe my youngest daughter and then one to Jewell my second daughter. They were elated. It was a cuteness overload and I enjoyed them enjoying the baby rabbits.

I was worried the momma rabbit would not return the babies after being touched by humans. Zoe looked at videos on YouTube to learn how to take care of the babies. She made a box with some greens and water. After researching, the girls decided to put the babies back in the nest.

That night they said the momma rabbit was out by the nest. Then today I saw one of the tiny rabbits roaming around the same area. I can only assume they are doing well. I didn't bother the nest again.

I might have done the wrong thing by taking two of the rabbits for the girls to hold but it was worth it to see their smiles. As far as I can tell the baby rabbits are doing well.

Thanks for reading!

If you like outdoors and wildlife, read my story called Fishing With Grandma

My Mother And All You Other Mother’s

 

This post is about my mother. It’s also about all other mothers out there in the past, present, and future.

First of all, the picture above was taken when I was about sixteen years old. It was a crazy time in my life. I was too old for some things but not old enough for most adult things. It was a very frustrating period for me. My sister, who is four years younger is to the far left. My mother is on the far right side of the picture.

My mom was married to my step-father at the time. He adopted me and I took the last name of West around 1984-1985. I liked getting that name. My first last name was Snow. I liked West better. I thought it sounded more Western or rugged, although I didn’t like watching Western movies as a kid, I most definitely love them now.

My stepdad had never had kids. My sister and I never had a stepdad. My sister didn’t seem to have an issue with my stepfather but I did a lot of times. Sometimes he could be a little harsh. He was, and still is an outdoorsman. I remember on occasions he would attempt to take me hunting. My feet would freeze. I was so cold. My hands would freeze as we marched through the woods like soldiers. All I wanted to do was go home and be warm. I hated it. He hated I hated it.

Today, I don’t get to do much hunting because I’m so busy doing other things. I love the outdoors though and love guns now as a grown man. If my limbs freeze while being in the woods or near the water it makes me feel more alive. It’s primal.

I have always thought my mom got pregnant with me when she was sixteen and gave birth to me when she was seventeen but I found out it was earlier than that. She brought me into this world when she was just sixteen years old. She was a baby that had a baby.

I don’t write this to shame her at all. It is what it is and it happened. It still happens today to many young girls. She just got pregnant young.

My earliest memories of my mom is sleeping with her in the bed. She always made me feel safe and loved. She still does today by bringing me soap from Bath and Bodywork’s. She also tries to give me old food sometimes, I think because she can’t stand to throw it away. I think it’s sweet and funny.

While I was growing up I remember my mother consuming romance books. She worked at the local Walmart and would bring a new book home almost everyday it seemed. She would read and read. She smoked while she read and would sip Coke from a bottle as she would turn each page. I think she lived on cigarettes and soda.

I never picked up a romance book and read it but I would ask her what her books were about. She’d just say they about romance.

My mother would teach me many things. She was, and still is a very independent woman. She taught me to be an independent man. To be strong, loyal, loving, and nurture being sensitive. She would teach me not to lie. She also said she hated liars. I didn’t want my mother to hate me so I dared not lie to her.

She seemed so much older to me. So much wiser. There was a great gulf in my mind between her and I in regard to age and wisdom. Now that I’m grown and lived many years I see she was just a kid with a kid. Read my story about Navigating Parenthood.

I watched my mom work very hard to provide for us. She would by milk for us and never drink it so we would have milk for cereal all week.

Today I’m very proud of my mother. She is in her retirement years and has worked as a hospice nurse for many years. I don’t know how she does what she does but I’m glad there are people who do that job. She brings comfort and care to dying people everyday.

I live in the same city as my mother and when I get a chance I like to visit with her. I don’t get to see her every day but it’s nice ti live close. When I was much younger and lived away, I didn’t value the closeness as much but today it’s important. It’s amazing how life and time changes personal values. Ages and stages we journey through this life.

Maybe you have a mother. If not, maybe you have mother figures in your life. You know who they might be. You might want to be a mother yourself. If you can’t, you can always be a mother figure to someone. You can shape a younger mind to be the best they can be.

Here’s some reasons why mothers are important.

Do You Believe In Angels? My True Story

Do you believe in angels? If you do or don’t believe in angels, no judgement here. I do have a true story you might like to read about me. I think I may have seen an angel.

This is a true story and it happened many years ago when I was a young boy. This event took place before I learned to swim. To the best of my memory, I believe I was around ten years old.

If you have been reading my posts you will know I grew up in Southwest Missouri. There are many places to swim in the summertime. It is very common during the warm season to see people at lakes and rivers in this area.

One day during the summer, all us kids convinced the adults to take us swimming. We packed up sodas, sandwiches, chips, and took off in the cars to a local river that was popular for swimming and fishing.

We went in the late afternoon so the spot we chose had no swimmers except for our family. We parked down the road at a good spot and had to walk down the road, across the river bridge, and then down to the riverbank to enter the water.

It was a great time. It was always fun swimming with my cousins durning summertime. We would always feel exhausted once we got back to the house from swimming and playing at the river. Do you have childhood swimming memories?

We swam for hours and would splash water on each other. The river scenery was so nice until we would spot a snake in the water and it would scare all us kids back to the riverbank until the snake disappeared. Once we were sure the snake was gone, the swim party would continue.

After swimming for some time, we would complain of hunger and being thirsty. Everyone decided to walk back to the cars where the food and drinks were.

I was ok without eating or drinking. I was too excited about being at the river. I didn’t want to miss a second of water time so I asked if I could stay in the water while everyone else went up to eat. After convincing the adults I would stay close to the riverbank, the family group walked across the bridge, down the road, and out of sight. I was left alone to enjoy the water.

I stayed close to the riverbank as agreed. I didn’t know how to swim at the time. The water was about waist high for me and I would bob up and down along the river. While doing this, I came to a washout and my feet slid downward taking my head completely under water.

The washout had me. I knew the second it happened I was in trouble. I tried my best to get above the water. My head could barely seem to break the surface of the water. I could feel my hands reaching above the water as they tried to grab the air. My legs seemed like they were filled with concrete and no matter how hard I kicked them I just kept going under.

I could see the sun shining through the water surface as I flailed to save my life. I remember thinking this was the end for me and visions of flowers flashed in my minds eye. You know, like the big flower arrangements you see at a funeral. I couldn’t help but be amazed that this was how it was going to end for me. How I wished I knew how to swim.

The seconds seemed like minutes. Just when I thought I was going to sink out of pure exhaustion, I felt someone grab me by the arm and give me a good tug to the surface. I grabbed the arm that was pulling me with my other hand and could finally make my feet touch the steep edge of the washout.

I had swallowed a lot of water and even inhaled some water into my lungs. It burned like fire. I coughed and coughed until I got all the water out.

Once I gained a moment of sense about myself, I looked to see who had pulled me from my watery death sentence. It was another boy. I guessed maybe he was at least five years older than me. He asked me if I was ok. I told him I was ok and I thanked him for saving me. He asked me if I knew how to swim. I told him no. He said he was glad he was there to save me and then asked if I was there alone. I told him I came with family and they had went to the cars for food down the road.

I gave him a thank you again and began walking to the bridge to cross it to meet my family. I left the other boy by the bank of the river. There was a good amount of space between the riverbank and the forrest line. As I was walking across the bridge I looked back to get a final view of my hero.

He was gone. My bloodshot eyes quickly scanned the entire riverbank for the boy. He was nowhere to be seen. There was no way he could have made it to the forrest before I got to the bridge. I was in sort of a shock that I almost drowned and in even more shock at the fact the boy seemed to vanish.

I walked across the bridge and could see my family enjoying snacks at the parking spot. As I met them I was asked if I wanted something to eat and drink. The food burned as it went down my throat. I thought maybe it was sore from all the coughing I had done.

I didn’t tell any of my family what had happened. I kept it to myself until many years later. I was afraid if I said anything about it I would not get to swim again. In a way I didn’t want to swim at all.

I set a goal to learn how to swim. I learned how to dog paddle swim after that. Then I learned how to swim under water. I never wanted to feel that fear again in my life because of water.

I have heard many stories of angels in the past and I don’t know if that boy was a real angel or not. I know he was not there when I was alone. I know there was no other people when we came to swim. I just know that he saved my life and then vanished. He was an angel to me and I will always be grateful.

Do you have a similar story about an someone you thought was an angel? I would like to read your story. Please share with me. Maybe your story will inspire others to believe.

10 True Stories of Angel Encounters

You also might like my post on Navigating The Journey Of Parenthood 

#angels #neardeathexperience #swimming #childhood #summer #missouri 

Navigating The Journey Of Parenthood

 

Have you ever seen a miracle?

If you are a loving parent then I know you have. I’ve been blessed with three beautiful daughters. I witnessed all three come into this world.

I have a birthday coming up. At this point in my life I must admit the past year has been one of the most difficult for me but at the same time one of the greatest. It’s too personal to tell here in a blog post but if you know me, maybe I’ll share with you what I’m thinking.

I remember brining each baby girl home. So tiny and precious. They were like angels and watching them sleep was like witnessing a miracle. Early mornings in the darkness I would sneak an eye into their bedroom and carefully study them to confirm their breath. I locked the door and went to my job.

Each day getting home from work I would be greeted by cute little smiles and hugs. I am a girl dad. It’s what I always wanted, was to have daughters. Of course if I had a son I would be so proud. Today I wish I did but I’m wouldn’t trade any of my three girls for a son. A son would be a delight too. To mentor and teach how to be a man. A better man than me. I have nephews and it’s been great watching them grow into young men. I try my best when I can to give encouragement and inspiration as an uncle. If I can’t have a son then a nephew is the next best thing.

No matter, girl or boy children are a joy. 

As a parent I’ve made many mistakes and learned valuable lessons. I’m still learning. As a young parent I thought I would be the one teaching them everything. I was so wrong. My children have taught me so much about myself and I will be learning more I’m sure as life for me continues. 

The mistakes I’ve made as a parent, I’ve apologized for. If I could go back I would do things a little differently as a parent. I think it’s possible all loving parents share that sentiment. 

I’ve watched my three daughters grow into incredible young ladies. I’m so proud. I still get on their nerves trying to guide them with advice sometimes they don’t like to hear. My loving convictions won’t let me be silent. Sometimes I have to say things to them because I love them so much.

It’s a great reward as a parent to have your children come to you later in life and tell you that you did a good job.

I’m proud to be a parent. It’s my prayer that they are always well and blessed. If they face difficult times I’ll always be there for them if I’m alive and able.

If you are a parent, I would love to read your comments on this subject. If you want to be a parent, I welcome your comments too. Some things about parenthood I haven’t mentioned here. Please feel free to share.

Finish this listening to this song below 👇 

Calum Scott - You Are The Reason Official Video

https://youtu.be/ShZ978fBl6Y

The video isn’t that good in my opinion but listen to the words. 

The Time I Set A Chair On Fire

This is a memory that will stick with me the rest of my life!

The year, 1977 and I remember this time so vividly. I guess because it was such a traumatic event as a young child. I was four years old. One of my favorite things to do next to playing with my toys was watching old reruns of The Carol Burnett Show. I didn’t know they were playing reruns. I just enjoyed watching the comedic skits.

One particular episode I found hilarious was when Tim Conway had a pig nose on and was oinking. I don’t know why I would laugh so hard but I did. My mother would come in the living room and ask why I was laughing so hard. All I could do was point and laugh at the television. I couldn’t talk from laughing.

One day I was watching the comedic-variety show and my mother said it was nap time. I just couldn’t miss the episode so I begged and begged to stay awake. She finally gave in and said I could watch just as long as I stayed really quite. I was told to stay in front of the TV.

My baby sister had just been born not too long previous to that time and it was important to my mother to give her a good nap. I’m sure she was ready for a nap herself because of having a four year old boy and a new born daughter.

I really did enjoy the show.

After the episode was over I became bored. I knew I had to stay in front of the television and was not allowed to leave the living room.

I looked around for something to do but I wasn’t interested in the toy I had at the moment. My parents were smokers at the time and I found myself playing in the ashtray. The ashes and the squished cigarette butts soon lost my interest. I noticed the Bic lighter by the ashtray and promptly picked it up with my small hand, looked around to see if anyone was in the room, and began to flick it.

I wasn’t successful the first few times but I had carefully watched my parents make it work many times before. I knew if they could do it, then so could I.

It seemed so big in my hand and it hurt my little thumb as I rolled the flint wheel. It was almost unbearable. After some strikes, the flame finally held. I was elated! I tried it again and again. I had mastered the art just like my parents. My thumb was begging me to quit.

I gave the old boy a rest while still grasping the lighter in my hand. Looking around the room my eyes rested on an old chair in the corner. The chair was ancient and I knew it because it had an oder like must or mold. It reeked of antiqueness. 

It had fringe lining the bottom of the seat. I saw a single piece of fringe reaching for the floor and seemed to actually call to my four year old ears. “Come to me Robbie, come to me.”

Like a dart I was there, eye to eye with this single little string. Then like an epiphany, I knew I was born to create a single moment of dancing between the lighter I held and the tiny string. I was a match maker!

I carefully lifted the lighter in my hand and with a stroke, the flame appeared. I held the button down hard and silently said fair well to the lonely string. Then I did it! I sent that little fella to it’s eternity.

I never saw something disappear so fast in my whole four years. It was gone! But it wouldn’t go alone. It seemed to want to take a few more friends with it as it flew away.

The other obedient fringe grabbed the little flame and began to pass it one to the next. All I could do was watch the flame spread. What do I do? I have to blow it out!

I sucked in some air and gave it a good blow. The flame just spread even more. Try again! It got worse!

Wind would not do its magic to extinguish the flame. I thought I was a smart four year old boy and quickly searched my mind for what to do. I had it finally. An idea so ingenious that if employed no one would ever know I set the old chair on fire.

It was water! I remember from preschool the firetruck coming and the whole class got to go outside and see. The firemen in their uniforms extended the ladder on the truck to the heavens. I imagined myself climbing to the top.

The heroes showed us the truck and how it worked. How it hooked up to the fire hydrant and pumped the flood to put out fires. I dreamed of being a hero and saving lives.

Well here was my chance.

I ran down the long hall, or it seemed long to me, and skittered across the black and white kitchen tiles to the sink. That’s where the water was. I couldn’t reach the sink to turn it on and then I knew I needed a chair. I ran to the table and with all I had, I pushed a kitchen chair to the sink.

I climbed up on the chair and filled it full of water. I had it! That’s what firemen need to put out a fire and I was on my way to victory.

Running through the swinging kitchen door and down the hallway, I left a trail of water. By the time I got back to the old chair I couldn’t believe my eyes.

The entire ancient throne was engulfed with flames that seemed to laugh at me. Thick smoke covered the ceiling out of view and it rose forever.

I threw the little water I had on the fire. It wasn’t enough. I went back for more. That for sure wasn’t enough. The fire was worse.

So what did this fireman do? I ran back toward the kitchen, through the swinging door and on to the back of the house behind my bed. I was hoping it would just disappear.

Quickly smoke had filled the house and caused my baby sister to cough. Her cough made my mother wake up and she ran to the living room where she saw the old chair on fire.

She was a firewoman! She got a large pitcher and filled it to the brim with water. Making several quick trips, the fire was finally out. She had to open the door and windows to let all the smoke out.

The old chair was no more and left soot from the fire on the wall. I don’t know what happened to the old chair. I think it was probably a good surprise for the garbage man that week.

My mother told me to stay in my bed and to wait for my father to get home. I knew she was so mad she would kill me if she laid hands on me. I wished she would so maybe my father wouldn’t get hold of me. I knew it was coming. I was going to die like the old chair. I was terrified and just cried in my bed until I fell asleep.

Next I knew, my blurry eyes opened to my father saying my name. “Wake up!” There he was in his camouflage outfit. He was in the military and towered over me like a general.

Fear shot through me. I could hear him talking but I couldn’t understand. I was so afraid and I was just thinking how I didn’t want to die. The adrenaline stung my body and my heart pounded. At any moment he was going to grab me by the arm, swing me over like a rag, and give me a spanking I knew would be my last.

He didn’t do that. Probably because I had forgotten all about the beating my mother gave me before I went to sleep. It was shock that hid the memory of my mom’s beating.

He had the lighter in his hand and just raised it up in front of his face. He said “Look at this.” Then he flicked the lighter and I saw the familiar flame. While it burned in his hand he said, “This little fire could have killed you, your mother, and your little sister. Would you want that?”

I said “No.”

I can’t remember what he said to me after that. I just remember it being so threatening I must have buried it in the deep darkness of my little mind. I also remember the relief of him not spanking me.

To this day, just about every time I flick a lighter, that memory flashes through my mind at the speed of light or faster. Almost as fast as that little string disappeared.

#fire #childhood #memories #truestory

Fishing With Grandma

Thinking of my grandma today. Her name was Wilma. Wilma Ward. That was her married name. My grandfather, Bill misses her badly and right now he is 93 years old. He still drives.

I spent a lot of time with my grandparents when I was a kid. During the 80’s. My mom’s parents.

One memory I have of my grandma when I was young was when we would go fishing together.

She was an incredible lady. She gave me a Bible she owned before she passed on. In the first few blank pages of the Bible she showed me I drew a couple of circles when I was only a few years old. In one circle I drew eyes and a smile.

This was amusing to me. She showed me this when I was an adult. That’s when she gave me her Bible. I was touched by the gesture. She said she liked what I drew. I secretly felt bad I marked in her Bible and apologized for what I did.

The spine of the old sacred Bible is cracked from the years of use and seems brittle. I thought to have it rebound but I think I’ll keep it that way. I store it in a cigar humidor I don’t use anymore. It fits perfectly. I take it out and look at it once in a while.

I was completely spoiled to great fishing as a child on my grandparents farm.

I remember her saying, “Son! Let’s go down to the lake and go fishing.” She said she liked fishing and even if she didn’t get a bite it made her feel better. It calmed her she said. I didn’t understand the depth of what she meant then but now I do.

There’s something primal about the outdoors. It feels right. It’s like it’s hardwired into the human DNA. You know the feeling when it feels right.

There was a worn path to the lake from many trips. She would tell me not to brush up against anything green so we would avoid any ticks. I always came back loaded with ticks no matter how hard I tried. It always ended with a warm bath she made for me afterward. She put one small cap of PineSol in my baths to wash away tons of tiny “seed ticks” that would cover my legs. It seemed to work and I liked the smell of the cleaning solution on my skin.

We would get to the lake and pop open the tackle box.

I call it a lake because it seemed so huge to me as a child. She called it “the lake” too. It actually had an island in the middle of it. While fishing I would daydream of being on that little island. Oh what it would be like! Fishing from the bank there.

When I was four years old my grandparents made the lake. A big man in overalls came with a bulldozer and pushed the earth into shape. I was amazed!

He let me ride on the dozer with him. He gave me hard candy from his pocket. I don’t remember the flavor of candy exactly but I’ll never forget the feeling.

The earth was so red and rocky. How would we get water in there? Grandma said “Rain son.”

I tried to imagine. At first I thought they would stretch the well house hose to the lake and turn it on until it filled.

It wasn’t to long and the lake was full. It couldn’t drink another drop. Before it was full, grandma would walk to the lake to see the waterline after each rain. Once it was full as she like she told my grandpa to order fish. They stocked it full of Crappie, Bass, Blue Gill, Catfish, and Perch. They also put a few Carp in there. They weren’t for eating. They were for the moss they said and they grew to at least three foot long. I heard tales of grandma “snagging” one, and it broke her line like you could snap a spiders web.

There was a small spillway from the edge of the lake. It carved a beautiful little waterfall right into the rock. I played in the tiny spillway sometimes while grandma fished. Sometimes I would see tadpoles, crawfish, and even baby catfish that traveled their way from the lake.

It’s like a dream today. Where did that time go? I go back there sometimes in my mind. It feels good to visit.

Now when I say I was spoiled to fishing in the lake I mean to explain that they allowed no one but family to fish there. It was stocked full and grandma would often take a five gallon bucket of fish food and throw it in, one handful at a time. It was a frenzy. The fish went wild. It was a buffet.

It was nothing for me to cast a line and pull in a five pound bass or a giant bull catfish. Most of the time we would throw them back in to freedom. When the weekend came and grandma wanted fish, we would load our stringers.

It was a feast! I cleaned many fish with grandma and grandpa. She made homemade hush puppies.

How could I forget fishing with grandma. When she fished she glowed.

#fishing 

The Dancing Chicken Machine True Story - A Great Metaphor

 

Watch the dancing chicken on YouTube!

I am a Generation X'er and grew up in the seventies, and eighties. One day my mom said we were going to the county fair. At the time I lived in East Texas. Needless to say my younger sister and I were very excited. I went to bed thinking about cotton candy and corndogs. I thought about all the rides I would attempt with bravery. Hopefully, they wouldn't make me sick after taking a whirl.

The county fair was your average fair. Food carts were set up, and all the odors in the air did nothing but excite me. Burning oil and rubber from the rides, a whiff of popcorn, funnel cakes, and corndogs mingled with the sweet smell of cotton candy was something I would wear home with me.

The people who operated the rides, "carnies" as they were called, always had a look about them that was both exhausting and exciting at the same time. They would yell out for riders to dare the adventure and bark at those who didn't follow safety rules. I always wondered what their lives were like working and traveling from one town to the next. Where did they sleep? Did they eat the fair food all the time? Maybe they ran to the local fast-food restaurant and grabbed a cheap meal.

When we finally arrived at the fair I couldn't get out of the car fast enough. I was told to stay close to my mother and it was torture to me because all I wanted to do is run and look at all of the sights only to stop briefly at each ride or food booth to fulfill the lust of my young eyes. On lucky occasions my mother had enough money to purchase an "all ride" bracelet that allowed me to ride any ride I wanted as many times as I could handle. On this trip, we only had a limited amount of tickets.

At the fair, there were tents set up in a row that featured various attractions like the BIGGEST COW IN THE WORLD or some drunk carnie that was dubbed THE HUMAN PIN CUSHION. The tent doors were closed but each time someone would enter or exit I would do my best to peek inside and discover what the fuss what all about. Try to see if I could make some confirmation about what was advertised by the tent entrance.

My step-father was a hunter and entered a turkey shoot contest. He had to hit a bullseye using a compound hunting bow and would win a frozen turkey. He felt it was worth the entrance fee but didn't win. No turkey for us that night. I could tell he was disappointed the same as my mother. Tickets weren't used to enter that shooting contest. Only cash was accepted. I was oblivious to the fact his loss meant he might not get that extra soda during his next work week. 

There was one giant tent that was free to go in and we all went inside as a family. I saw at least twenty different vending machines that were set up in a row. I quickly figured out why it was free to enter. Each machine was a little show you had to pump quarters into. It was a trick and we fell for it. I asked my mom if I could have some quarters from her purse. She dug in and pulled out a handful of change. I spied exactly what I needed. She sifted through the change and handed me three beautiful quarters. I ran as fast as I could to the machine I wanted to feed.

The machine I chose was one called THE DANCING CHICKEN and I was desperate to watch this fowl entertain me. I quickly pushed three coins into the machine. I was tingling with excitement. I peered through the glass of the machine and noticed a tiny piano in the corner. What was going to happen? Was the chicken going to come out and actually play me a song for the mere price of seventy-five cents? Would it be wearing a hat or a costume? I couldn't wait to find out.

Music began to play as soon as I heard the kerplunk of my coins. Over to the side of the machine was a little door that slid open. While the music was playing I saw a little red hen run out and quickly stop at the center of the machine. She was facing me and kicking her legs one after the other while the music played. I was in fact witnessing THE DANCING CHICKEN. It was real and the machine sign didn't deceive me. Very quickly the music stopped, and a few pieces of corn fell into a small dish by the door she ran from. She ran to the dish, gobbled the corn up, and jetted back inside the little room she nested in. The door slammed shut and the music stopped. That was it. I wanted to see the show again but that was all the money I had. I knew my mother wouldn't pull a magic pile of change from her purse to give me another dancing chicken show. I wondered if the little red hen anticipated the next few pieces of corn. I'm sure she certainly did. I would if I were a chicken in that show.

Today there are no more vending machines with animals in them ready to perform for a few pieces of food. I am sure the chicken was well fed and watered each day or that's what I hoped was the reality of the situation. Animal rights groups have made such shows a thing of the past. 

Years have passed and I have never forgotten THE DANCING CHICKEN I witnessed. I have recalled that childhood memory many times and it always brings me a good feeling. You know, one of those memories that you can never forget. This is one of those.

Now that I am a grown man and learned many lessons, I have made connections and understandings about that experience. I have given it a lot of thought and discovered some things about life and business that can connect to the little red hen who is no doubt past the plate to another dancer.

Now what I am going to share here is no disrespect to anyone or any position in life. It is merely an observation and my intention is to open you up to possibilities and opportunities in your life. If anything, I hope you find my true story a little humorous. Maybe you will leave a comment below and let me know what you think?

I have often thought about that dancing chicken while working various jobs. I have even compared myself to that chicken. I didn't view my job as a negative thing. I would get up every day, head to work, and do my little dance. At the end of the week, when the show was over I would get my few pieces of corn and run back home. I had my paycheck and was happy to get it. I had a purpose and it was fulfilling. I couldn't wait for the next few pieces of corn. Do you get the idea? Most people are just like that little dancing chicken and go through the motions just for a little bit of money each week. Most wish they had a few more pieces of corn to enjoy or share with others.

Please don't misunderstand me. I am not insulting anyone for just having a job and trying to make ends meet. My current job is more than just a job to me. I've done it most of my life and each job has taught me many things. I am just sharing my thoughts on mindset. Right now I work at a great job and get to help create beautiful products. I'm proud of that.

Let's go a little further in this thought process.

I didn't have the extra seventy-five cents to see the chicken again but I have thought about the person who owned all those machines with performing animals in them. I wonder if he or she had plenty of quarters. Surely they did because we were not the only family in the giant tent pushing quarters in machines. So that led me to another thought. I needed a dancing chicken machine! Then I could have plenty of quarters.

Here's the idea. When we go to a job we are like the dancing chicken, but what if you had your own machine? This is an entrepreneurial thought but instead of making just a little money, what if you had a business of your own that provided a great product or service to the public? You would no doubt reap the benefits of something like that.

Not everyone is a business person with the ambition of being an entrepreneur. That's ok and if you are content doing that then keep doing that to the best of your ability. I applaud you for doing what makes you happy and is rewarding. It takes time to learn the business and how to operate it. The good thing is we have the Internet today and unlimited amounts of useful information can help you. It is a learning process, and if you begin on the business journey you will make mistakes. If you completely fail you can always start another venture. You will take with you priceless business experience that will only help you succeed with something else. 

What hobbies do you have? Did you know that you can turn a hobby or an interest into a business? Just think about it. Do others enjoy the same hobby you have? They surely do. Then you can ask yourself how you can serve others that have the same hobby. Begin by asking what problems they have and coming up with a solution to their problem. Then go serve them by providing a product or service. They will thank you for it and gladly give you money in return. 

I hope my little story was fun to read, and you hopefully were entertained. Maybe even got a little inspiration from it to begin your own journey. I would love to hear from you about this idea.

Now, go get yourself a DANCING CHICKEN machine! That is if you are so inclined.