Each Wednesday I’m recording a Curiosity Journal, a recap of the past week. Tag words are: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing.

:::

Some of you have mentioned that you may begin posting a Curiosity Journal, as well. Leave your link in the comments so that we can visit and enjoy your weekly review.

Reading

I finished The Day I Became an Autodidact: and the advice, adventures, and acrimonies that befell me thereafter, by Kendall Hailey. With satisfaction (it was a good read) and melancholy (but now it’s over), I’m moving on to The Happiness Project.I confess I’m not finding The Happiness Project as irresistible as The Day I Became an Autodidact. Kendall spoiled me. Though her book was simple by design (it’s basically a compilation of diary entries), she churned out some good stuff.What was Kendall’s secret to such captivating writing, especially at such a young age? Was it her literary heritage as the daughter of playwright/screenwriter Oliver Hailey and novelist/screenwriter Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey? Or was it her steady diet of Great Books? As an autodidact, Kendall was continually reading classics, and writers are inevitably influenced by what they are exposed to, so maybe her natural talents were strengthened by close study of the stylistic pace and profound themes of the greats? She was also asked to serve her parents as an amanuensis (new word via Tuesday’s Merriam-Webster Word-of-the-Day subscription), which means she typed her parents’ manuscripts. She surely gained insight into constructing powerful stories while tapping out each word of those projects.Oh, look. It happened again. I got distracted by Kendall and the autodidact book.Though those last few paragraphs were analyzing how young Kendall Hailey could write so well, I really meant to say that I found a great William Butler Yeats quote in The Happiness Project: “Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure nor this thing nor that, but simply growth. We are happy when we are growing” (Rubin 66).I can personally attest to the correlation between happiness and growth. Most growth in my life—spiritual, intellectual, creative—is deeply satisfying (exception: growth around the midriff).

Playing

During my junior year at college, on a warm spring day, I plopped onto the couch and watched a movie. In the middle of the afternoon!I felt downright irresponsible as I neglected my studies for two hours and and instead vegged out in the living room of the house I shared with six other girls. But afterwards, as I rewound the tape and stretched my legs, I felt refreshed and ready to study for a test or tackle a literature paper.This past week, a couple of decades following that crazy stunt, I did it again. I watched “My Man Godfrey” (a Kendall Hailey favorite) in the middle of the afternoon! The windows were wide open as the movie played and I could hear our neighbors bustling around, attending to outside chores. I was so uncomfortably aware of their comings and goings that I considered closing the windows to muffle evidence of my sloth. What would they think of me squandering my time like that?In spite of my haunting sense of guilt, the movie was a delight. After laughing at a classic screwball comedy, I felt refreshed and relaxed.

Learning

Over the weekend, I attended my cousin’s wedding, which was held in a Greek Orthodox church.I learned quite a bit about the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony. It included several meaningful elements, such as the crowning of the couple. I found a website that explained:

This is the focal point of the marriage ceremony. The crowns are signs of the glory and honor with which God crowns them during the sacrament. The wedding crowns (stefana) are joined by a ribbon which again symbolizes the unity of the couple and the presence of Christ who blesses and joins the couple and establishes them as the King and Queen of their home, which they will rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. The priest takes the two crowns and blesses The Bride and The Groom, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit and then places the crowns on them. The Koumbaro then steps behind The Bride and The Groom and interchanges the crowns three times as a witness to the sealing of the union.Some interpret the crowns used in the Orthodox wedding ceremony to refer to the crowns of Martyrdom since every true marriage involves immeasurable self sacrifice on both sides.

Another lovely moment was the Ceremonial Walk or “Dance of Isaiah,” when the couple circled the table three times (for the Trinity). They were led by the priest, who held up a fancy Bible, while their “sponsor” (koumbara), a friend who will walk with them through all the joys and sorrows of life, followed close behind. During this walk, or dance, the couple took their first steps as husband and wife following the Scripture, a symbol of their commitment and need to always follow the Gospel of Jesus.After the ceremony, a more typical practice: guests blew bubbles as the couple exited the church.Perhaps I should have included this shot under the “playing” category?

Reacting

Last week, when I provided an overview of Stefan Sagmeister’s happiness presentation, I referenced his resolution to do more of the things that he likes to do and fewer of the things that he doesn’t. After pondering his statement for a week or so, I’ve decided to list some of my own “happys.” By design, these are not big happys, like a wedding day, birth of a child or Hawaiian vacation (though I’m almost certain a Hawaiian vacation would make me very happy). These are little moments, happy opportunities that can potentially be enjoyed with greater frequency.Little Happys (not an exhaustive list and in no particular order):

• A good book (and time to read it)
• Learning something new
• The moment I realize I took a nice photo
• Having cleaned (but not cleaning)
• Having jogged (but not jogging)
• Weed-free flower beds (but not weeding)
• Solving a problem
• Helping someone else solve a problem
• Summer
• Hugs from my kids
• Hugs from my spouse
• Laughter (both hearing and producing it along with others)
• Walking along white-sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico (sitting is fine, too)
• Walking along the tan-sand beaches of the Atlantic Ocean (again, sitting is fine)
• Slices of fresh-picked, vine-ripened, juicy red tomatoes (certain yellow varieties and Mr. Stripey are good, too)
• Time to write without having to block out continuous commotion
• The satisfaction of completing a quality writing project
• A clear desk
• Swaying in a hammock
• PG Tips black tea with honey
• Goat cheese on crackers or French bread
• Bonne Maman Four Fruit Preserves
• Feta
• Nutella
• Avocados
• Guacamole
• Homemade brownies (actually, any brownies)
• Clean, clear kitchen counter tops
• Morning birdsong
• Long conversations with friends
• Quiche

Writing

The curriculum for my fall writing class needs attention. Heaven knows I might already be done if I weren’t such a lazy bum, wasting all that time watching screwball comedies during work hours…

Work Cited:Rubin, Gretchen. The Happiness Project. New York: HarperCollins, 2009. Print.

Image Credits:“Question Proposed” photo by Ethan Lofton. Used under a Creative Commons license via Flickr.com. Wedding photo by Ann Kroeker; Ann blowing bubbles by P. Kroeker.

The post Curiosity Journal: June 29, 2011 appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

Here at the Food on Fridays carnival, any post remotely related to food is welcome—though we love to try new dishes, your post doesn’t have to be a recipe.If you want, you could simply tell us how many M&Ms you would eat if left alone with nobody watching.My point is that we’re pretty relaxed over here, and posts like that are as welcome as menus and recipes.When your Food on Fridays contribution is ready, just grab the broccoli button (the big one above or smaller option at the bottom) to paste at the top of your post. It ties us together visually.Then fill in the boxes of Simply Linked to join the fun!

Food on Fridays with Ann

This week, TheHighCalling.org has launched a Crossing Cultures Community Writing Project, hosted by Dena Dyer at her blog, “Mother Inferior.” With it being Food on Fridays over here today, I’ve been thinking about the writing project in relation to food.When I visited my husband’s family in Belgium on our honeymoon, I tasted Nutella for the first time. A life-altering moment.As I had never seen this product on the supermarket shelves in the United States, we bought three jars of Nutella and tucked them, wrapped in T-shirts, into our suitcases to bring back with us. We rationed them out over weeks and months, and when they ran out, I was inconsolable. When we scheduled our next trip to Belgium, I was as excited about the prospect of replenishing my supply of Nutella as I was about seeing family! I’m kidding. Kind of. Anyway, his family understands my love of the stuff. They love it, too.I remember the day a few years after that first visit when I spotted a jar of Nutella in my American grocery store, on the top shelf next to the natural peanut butter and Goober jelly. Nutella! In America! The chocolate-hazelnut spread had finally crossed over into my country, and though it was still somewhat overpriced, I no longer had to reserve a spot in my suitcase to import it from Europe. From that point on, I’ve been able to pick up a jar numerous places. I can just swing by Target and grab one, no big deal.Gradually I have spotted more and more European treats appearing in regular grocery stores here in the States, like Biscoff, which claims to be “Europe’s favorite cookie with coffee.”I saw this on a Wal-Mart shelf the other day! These cookies are called “speculoos” in Francophone Belgium and taste like crispy gingerbread. They really are quite nice with coffee. Or tea.Our orthodontist is generous with treats, providing the waiting parents with a selection of Keurig drinks to pop into the machine that’s set up on a counter. Next to the machine, a few little snacks in a bowl.These are European, as well. This particular one is labeled “Galette Fine.” These very simple, crisp cookies are great with ice cream. Or coffee. Or tea.I crossed cultures when I visited Europe and encountered lovely little treats like these (we also love “Prince” and “Petit Écolier“). Now the treats themselves are crossing cultures so that I can encounter them right here in the United States.The world keeps getting smaller and smaller, and the dessert aisle keeps getting sweeter and sweeter.

Photos by Ann Kroeker

The post Food on Fridays: Europe Comes to America appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

Here at the Food on Fridays carnival, any post remotely related to food is welcome—it doesn’t have to be a recipe. If you just want to post photos of your knife sharpener, that’ll do just fine.When your Food on Fridays contribution is ready, just grab the broccoli button (the big one above or smaller option at the bottom) to paste at the top of your post and join us through Mr. Linky.Here’s a Mr. Linky tutorial:

Write up a post, publish, then return here and click on Mr. Linky below. A screen will pop up where you can type in your blog name and paste in the url to your own Food on Fridays post (give us the exact link to your Food on Fridays page, not just the link to your blog).You can also visit other people’s posts by clicking on Mr. Linky and then clicking participants’ names–you should be taken straight to their posts.Please note: I return when possible during the day and update this post by hand to include a list of the links provided via Mr. Linky. If I can’t get to the computer to do so, you can access them all by clicking on the Mister Linky logo.

Food on Fridays with Participants

Food on Fridays with Ann

The other day, we ran out of store-bought bread. Instead of running out for a plastic-wrapped loaf from Kroger, I decided to make some whole wheat bread at home. I tried one of the first recipes that came up with the search terms “whole wheat bread recipe moist soft”: Whole Wheat Honey Bread We tried it and loved it. It really is moist and soft, just like I hoped for when I typed in those search terms. We ate the whole loaf in record time.Next day, I made another loaf that turned out as fabulous as the first. Set a new consumption speed record with that loaf.The day after that, I made a third loaf that was just as good as the first two, quickly snapping a photo before it, too, was gobbled up.I’ve never had great luck with bread. Until now.This is officially our bread.I altered the recipe ever-so-slightly, so click on the hyperlink to see the original. My tweaks are indicated below.Everyday Whole Wheat Honey Bread

It’s easy to subscribe to annkroeker.com updates via email or RSS feed.Visit NotSoFastBook.com to learn more about Ann’s new book.

The post Food on Fridays: Whole Wheat Honey Bread appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

(alternative button below)

Merry Christmas!

If you happen to have a food-related post you’d like to include in today’s Food on Fridays, by all means, link it up.Here’s a Mr. Linky tutorial:

Write up a post, publish, then return here and click on Mr. Linky below. A screen will pop up where you can type in your blog name and paste in the url to your own Food on Fridays post (give us the exact link to your Food on Fridays page, not just the link to your blog).You can also visit other people’s posts by clicking on Mr. Linky and then clicking participants’ names–you should be taken straight to their posts.Please note: I return when possible during the day and update this post by hand to include a list of the links provided via Mr. Linky. If I can’t get to the computer to do so, you may access them all by clicking on the Mister Linky logo.

Food on Fridays Participants1. Never Fail Pie Crust, Awards and GiveawayFood on Fridays with AnnYou are absolutely welcome here and I’m glad to share this space with you on Christmas Day.What’s your Christmas breakfast like?In the morning we’re having cinnamon rolls from a can.We were going to have Trader Joe’s chocolate croissants like this:

But we made a mistake and bought “mini croissants” instead (with no chocolate).

Once we realized our mistake and shed a few tears, we agreed we would be fine with plain croissants—perhaps with a bit of Nutella spread on them while warm—and cinnamon rolls from a can.

While enjoying the Nutella-smeared croissants and rolls, we’ll light the Christ candle in our Advent wreath, read some Scripture, pray, and then exchange gifts … all while dealing with a sugar high first thing in the morning.

I hope we can keep our focus.

Small traditions help keep our focus.

The Christ candle (which was, by the way, the unity candle at our wedding) is placed in the center of the Advent wreath as a reminder.

It reminds me that’s right where He belongs in my life, as well … in the center.

Get ready … Mega Memory Month returns January 2010!

It’s easy to subscribe to annkroeker.com updates via email or RSS feed.Visit NotSoFastBook.com to learn more about Ann’s new book.

The post Food on Fridays: Christmas Day appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

(alternative button below)

Here at the Food on Fridays carnival, any post remotely related to food is welcome. Recipes are enjoyed, but you can write about swallowing a bug on a recent bike ride or the Nutella commercial you just saw on TV.In other words, the Food on Fridays parameters are not at all narrow. I think of it as a virtual pitch-in where everyone brings something to share; even if the content of one item is unrelated to the rest, we sample it all anyway and have a great time.When your Food on Fridays contribution is ready, just grab the broccoli button (the big one above or the new smaller option at the bottom) to paste at the top of your post and join us through Mr. Linky.Here’s a Mr. Linky tutorial:

Write up a post, publish, then return here and click on Mr. Linky below. A screen will pop up where you can type in your blog name and paste in the url to your own Food on Fridays post (give us the exact link to your Food on Fridays page, not just the link to your blog).You can also visit other people’s posts by clicking on Mr. Linky and then clicking participants’ names–you should be taken straight to their posts.Please note: I return when possible during the day and update this post by hand to include a list of the links provided via Mr. Linky. If I can’t get to the computer to do so, you may access them all by clicking on the Mister Linky logo.

1. Kristen (maple pumpkin muffins)2. e- Mom (Round Challah Bread)3. Twirland Taste4. Newlyweds (Chinese Hot and Sour Soup)5. Pamm @ Leftovers On Purpose (Mac N Cheese Pie)6. Geri@ heartnsoulcooking ( Spam and Potato Pie )7. Elaine (PB M&M Cookies)8. Alea @ Premeditated Leftovers (Easy Sugar cookies and Buttercream Frosting)

9. Alea @ Premeditated Leftovers (Easy Sugar cookies and Buttercream Frosting)10. Prudent and Practical (Projects and Potato Soup)11. Hoosier Homemade( Caramel Apple Smoothies)12. Kitchen Stewardship (Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing)13. Sara (beef with broccoli)14. Ashleys Busy ( Raspberry Sour Cream Muffins )15. Sarah @Beauty in the Mundane (Grace’s pizza)16. Steph @ My Country Haven (Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits

17. Frugalhomekeeping( Frozen Cheesecake)18. Breastfeeding Moms Unite! (Alternatives to Fruit Tree Waste Pear Crisp)19. Sarah @Beauty in the Mundane (peach smoothie)20. Mother Hen (Feingold Program)21. Christy @frugalcrunchychristy (things I wish I knew then)22. Jana @ The Summer House( homemade artisan bread in 5 minutes a day)23. Butter Yum24. Amanda@ Coping With Frugality (Asian Ramen Noodle Salad)25. Andrea@ Hopeannfaith’s Hope Chest (Chicken Cacciatore Crock Pot)

Food on Fridays with Ann

I couldn’t believe my eyes—the other day I saw a Nutella commercial on American television! It’s a pretty boring commercial, but still.

It’s Nutella!

In the USA!

The mom in the commercial tries to make it sound sort of healthy:

“As a mom, I’m a great believer in Nutella, a delicious hazelnut spread that I can use to get my kids to eat healthy foods. I spread a little on all kinds of healthy things, like multi-grain toast. Every jar has wholesome, quality ingredients, like hazelnuts, skim milk, and a hint of delicious cocoa. And Nutella has no artificial colors or preservatives. It’s quick. It’s easy. And at breakfast, I can’t use all the help I can get.”

Her narration made me laugh. They’re trying awfully hard to make it sound good for you.

We’ve loved Nutella for years. My husband grew up in Belgium familiar with Nutella. I married into it. From our honeymoon on, I sought out Nutella and enjoyed it in and on many things.

We like Nutella in crepes.

We like Nutella on French bread.

We like Nutella as a dip for apples or bananas.

We like Nutella on “all kinds of healthy things, like multi-grain toast,” like the Nutella mom says on the commercial.

We like Nutella with just about anything.

And believe it or not, in spite of what this list suggests, we eat Nutella in moderation. A little goes a long way.

I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but I will soon: Nutella pound cake.

(a slightly smaller Food on Fridays button)

It’s easy to subscribe to annkroeker.com updates via email or RSS feed.

Visit NotSoFastBook.com to learn more about Ann’s new book.

The post Food on Fridays: Nutella Commercial appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

Today’s the day–February 5, 2009!I almost forgot. Can you believe it? How could I, after my recent nuts-about-Nutella post?The creamy, hazelnutty, chocolate-y spread deserves to be celebrated.If you haven’t tried it, hie thee to the nearest Target! Super-Target seems to carry it most reliably, but my regular-sized Target offers it, as well. The cost should be about $2.99.If you don’t like it spread on a slice of French bread or as a dip for apples, you can scoop some into a bowl, heat it in the microwave, and offer it as an ice-cream topping option for friends.Someone will eat it.Or, of course, you could ship it over here…we’ll be happy to take care of it for you!Happy Nutella Day, world!

The post Happy World Nutella Day appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

 I write about some aspect of food often enough that I decided to dedicate a day to it.The only logical choice?Fridays, of course, for that great “F” alliteration. I like saying, “I host a carnival on my blog called ‘Food on Fridays’.” It’s fun!Anyway, if you write about food fairly frequently, why not make it on Fridays, too, and join me here?Food posts don’t have to be a recipe–anything remotely related to food is great: You could take a pretty picture of muffins to post, or you might read and review The Omnivore’s Dilemma or Green Eggs and Ham. Anything that mentions food–bring it on! Post it! Link it!. Use Mr. Linky and/or the comments to link-in, and I’ll go back in later and post links the old-fashioned way right here in the text to ensure maximum search-engine-exposure.

Food on Fridays Participants

1.  Sara/shepherdsgrace at Beauty in the Mundane (Homemade Convenience Food!)2.  Edie at LifeInGrace (Beef Enchiladas with step-by-step instructions!)3.  Ann Kroeker and her Nutella obsession, as demonstrated by manic linkage (see below)4.  Tammy at This Pilgrimage (Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies)Ann’s Food on Fridays contribution:I love Nutella.My family knows it, so I was given Nutella for Christmas.My friends know it, so I was given two giant jars for my birthday.My blog-readers know it, because I have a category dedicated to Nutella, which I created after publishing this post back in January 2007.Nutella is European–Italian, to be precise.You can visit the Nutella USA site for additional info. For example:

• Did you know that Nutella, which is sold in the peanut-butter aisle in America, is marketed in over 75 countries and outsells all brands of peanut butter worldwide? 
• The creator invented Nutella in the 1940s when cocoa was rationed during the war. He added hazelnuts, which were plentiful in Italy, to extend the chocolate supply.
• And their recommended usage is to spread it on various bread products. They’ve photographed and published examples on this page (be still my heart!).

Facebook users? Apparently there are numerous Nutella fan groups you can join.Our Top Personal Nutella Applications:

• Spread on fresh French bread
• Dip fruit into it
• Spread in crepes
• Spread in crepes with bits of banana cut up with it

But the most impressive Nutella news of all? World Nutella Day is coming up on February 5, 2009 !Seriously! They have a button and everything:So, what about you? Write about food and tell me all about it–right now, for Food on Fridays!And if you love Nutella, write about it, publish your post on February 5, and tell the lovely ladies hosting World Nutella Day so they can include your wonderful Nutella thoughts. While you’re waiting, why not experiment with Nutella? Check out these fabulous Nutella ideas from people around the world:Nutella 2007, pt. 1Nutella 2007, pt. 2Nutella 2008, pt. 1Nutella 2008, pt. 2If you’re not into food and you’ve tired of my Nutella-talk, you can check out some of the other Friday Carnivals that I’m aware of:

Julia at Hooked on Houses is hosting Hooked on FridaysAnne Glamore at My Tiny Kingdom is hosting Flashback FridaysThe Inspired Room is hosting A Beautiful LifeAmber at the run-a-muck is hosting Friday Funnies

The post Food on Fridays appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

Then I got to thinking how delicious crepes would be for a holiday breakfast or brunch and decided to recommend them to you.

Because so many of my friends were too intimidated to try making crepes at home — and were forking out ridiculous sums of money for a single restaurant crepe — I published a long post back in 2007 with the recipe(s) detailing, step-by-step (with other people’s YouTube videos), how to make them at home.

In case you’ve never seen this heavily trafficked post, here it is:

Crepes? Mais, Oui!

Crepes.At home.

It’s so affordable, so easy, so fun, so delicious, and so French!You can do it. Certainment!I hope you try.

Check out the story of a successful first-time crepe-making experience posted as a comment at my original instructional post:

Birthday (and Christmas!) breakfasts will never be the same.

Below: Because the batter-pouring and twirling of the skillet seem to be the most confusing steps in crepe-making, I am posting this riveting home video showing how to pour batter and twirl skillet to form a thin crepe.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUu6Isue-6o]

Below: Apparently, even placing the filling into the crepe and rolling it up can be a new and intimidating experience for the crepe- novice. Therefore, I’m presenting even more riveting home video wherein the birthday girl demonstrates how to roll up a crepe.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kESFvW7-xDs]

The comments at the original Crepes, Mais Oui! post offer many suggestions on fillings.

In summary, you can make sweet, dessert-style crepes for breakfast, brunch, or dessert; or, you can make “savory” crepes (leave out the sugar and vanilla) for a simple, elegant dinner option.

The post Christmas Crepes appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

The post Monster Nutella appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

The post A Taste of Belgium appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

The post Where O Where Has This Blogger Been? appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

I’d love to sit and have tea with you so we could explore these six questions. They’re not only great questions to ask yourself, but also to ask one another.

First, the tea.

Now, the questions. They’re written first person, but to launch a discussion, just rewrite them to “you.”

1. If I could ask Jesus anything and know I’d get an answer, what would I ask Him?

I got this question from Garry Poole’s book Seeker Small Groups. It’s one of the first things he asks his small groups, because no matter what their background is, everyone’s got unanswered questions. He writes down what people say, and then builds the next few weeks of discussion around those very questions. I’d like to propose that every one of us would benefit from spending a few minutes with a journal and pen and an open heart toward the Lord. Honestly, what would you ask Him if you knew He heard you, and you knew He’d give you an answer? That’s a list worth making. It’s a list worth talking with Him about. It’s worth exploring the answers later, too, with friends or on your own.

2. How have I changed?

The answers to this question could be encouraging if I see ways I’ve changed for the better—how I’ve softened or strengthened, for example, or how I’ve taken risks or served in love. It might be discouraging, however, to realize how little I’ve changed in other ways—though motivating (see the following question).

3. How do I need to change?

Introspective and humbling, this question may draw up some important answers. Approach it open and prayerfully, asking God to reveal what needs to change—what He wants to change in you. A few times, I have humbly asked my family to answer this for me. How do they think I need to change? For them to answer freely and honestly, I had to assure them that they were safe; that I wouldn’t get defensive or hold their answers against them later.

4. What are my values? Or, What do I value?

If I figure this out, I can start to see how my life is aligning with those values—or not. My hope is that my values are grounded in Scripture and that my daily choices flow from them. To actually list out my values makes me put them into words, and then I can compare them against biblical principles.

5. What do I want?

This related question focuses on desire. Consumption. Hopes. Dreams. What do we honestly desire? What do we want? Or what do we want to want? For example, if I honestly want something completely trite and meaningless, but I want to want the will of God in my life, that’s an honest realization. Taking my list to the Lord, I can ask Him about each thing I wrote down. And I can ask if my answers align with His desires…and ask Him to give me His desires if they don’t.

6. What’s next?

This question is deceptively simple, because the answer(s) may change my next few minutes, my plans for the day, or the entire course of my life’s path.

How to Use These Questions

• Use them as journal prompts.
• Use them as essay prompts.
• Write your own answers and publish on your blog.
• Launch a fascinating conversation with your significant other.
• Utilize them in a small group setting.
• Use one to start a thoughtful conversation on Facebook.

Let me know what questions you’d add to the list, and if you have any responses you’re willing to share, let me know in the comments.

The post 6 Questions to Ask Yourself appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

Monday FunDay

What? You didn’t know about Monday FunDay? Why, it’s a carnival dedicated to swapping simple, amusing–maybe even silly–everyday ways you enjoy good, clean fun.Just post a story, idea, or explanation at your blog of how you and/or your family has livened up Mondays (or any day).Then link up via Mr. Linky below (if you don’t have a blog, simply explain your idea in the comments) and we’ll collect all the ideas in one place. Again, please remember: ideas must be squeaky-clean, family-friendly fun.Today’s Monday Fun at the Kroekers’:The weekend of slowing down, relaxing, and retreating included lots of tea. All that sipping and chatting felt like an extended tea party.My Monday FunDay suggestion is just that:Host a tea party!With friends…or family…or both!A few months ago, I posted about slowing down my fast-paced world, including a YouTube video.Then, clever Jenni of One Thing, took off on that idea and threw together a spontaneous tea party–she cut flowers from her garden, baked some goodies, pulled out the good china, spread a lovely tablecloth on the dining room table, and her kids and she had a great time laughing and nibbling and telling stories. Scroll down that post of hers to see their pictures. Clearly, they were having some great fun.Be sure to visit Monday FunDay participant Toni at This Simple Life, as well, to see the Happy Un-Birthday party her kids threw together all on their own. Inspired by that scene from the Disney version of “Alice in Wonderland,” they set aside muffins for the event, made paper hats, played games, and sang “Have a Very Merry Un-Birthday” with gusto.Tea–with or without the Mad Hatter–sounds like a perfect Monday FunDay activity for us this afternoon, so that’s my plan:  A tea party in the dining room.My party preparations will be pretty humble.  I’ll have to use a fake flower arrangement, but I’ve got plenty of real teacups (coincidentally, I own the exact same “April” teacup that Jenni photographed–it’s the last one with all the used teabags piled up on the saucer). And I’ll probably just pull out Girl Scout cookies. Homemade options are great, and if I have time, I might throw together some muffins. And anything with Nutella slathered all over it will taste like a party–perhaps we’ll slice a banana and use some toothpicks with those colorful party fluffs on the end to spear them and dip them in a bowl of that yummy hazelnut-chocolate spread.(pause with me if you will for a Nutella moment)At any rate, the fun is not only in the tea and snacks and Nutella, but also in the conversation as we laugh, practice decent table manners and “catch” each other when we’re a little less civilized.We might even read about the Mad Tea party in Alice in Wonderland and try a riddle or two.What will you do for fun today?

Instructions for the WordPress Mr. Linky (which is different than the ones you’ll see on WFMW and other Typepad or Blogspot blogs):1. Write your post. Type up your Monday FunDay edition and post it at your blog.2. Come back to this post and click on Mr. Linky. A window will pop up.3. Type in your name (or blog name) and if you like, you can include a short “teaser” for your idea in parenthesis. Something like this:

Ann K (Tea Party)

3. Paste in your url. Below the spot for your name, there’s another for the url of your own post. Copy the url for your own Monday FunDay and paste it in (including the http:// part of it).4. Press Enter. That’s it! It should be saved by Mr. Linky.To see what others have posted, click on Mr. Linky and pay a visit to the fun bloggers who have joined in!It’s fun to have fun, but you have to knowCheck out previous Monday FunDay posts and be sure to click on Mr. Linky and visit other people’s blogs to read their own fun ideas (last week, everybody was having fun with the Ultimate Blog Party, so there are no offerings, but be sure to check out previous weeks).

** UPDATED: I’m off a week–it’s actually week 8. **

The post Monday FunDay (week 7)–Tea Party appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

The post Wordless Wednesday: Nutell-ahhhhh appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

Crepes are delicious.

In fact, when I’m feeling unappreciated, I simply pull out the eggs and announce a crepe night. They kiss and hug me and thank me over and over.

I suggest you learn to make crepes, too. What mom doesn’t need extra hugs and kisses?

Occasionally I’ve seen overpriced packages of pre-made crepes at the supermarket. There’s no need to buy those. Crepes are inexpensive and easy to make on your own. Once you get the knack of twirling your pan, you can wow your friends and family with your French culinary skills. Imitate Maurice Chevalier or Lumiere the Candlestick as you prepare the batter. Poof out your lips a little and say “Voila,” and “Je t’aime.” Exclaim “Mais, oui!” and “Sacre bleu!” and “Oh-la-la!” often. They’ll be so impressed, especially if they are mono-linguistic Americans.

Disclaimer: I am not French. I’ve never lived in France. I did not learn to make these from a French chef or even a French maman. I’m just making this clear in case any authentic French reader visits and frowns upon my Americanized methods. I am a self-taught crepe-maker. My family doesn’t complain, and I don’t think my blog readers will, either. I think you’ll thank me. And I’m pretty sure your kids will, too.

Speaking of authentic French readers, watch this short video of a traditional crepe maker in France. I want to warn you: the sous-chef slathers Nutella all over the crepes, so try to remain calm and relaxed. I’m telling you in advance so that you can get something to dab at the corners of your mouth, you know, in case of spontaneous salivation.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UduFOACMabM]

Tools:

Skillet

To make crepes at home, you don’t need the industrial crepe-machine or the little wooden gadget to spin the batter thin. You will, however, need a big skillet. If you have one with sides that kind of angle, that’s an easier design for slipping the spatula underneath the crepe.

My favorite skillet for crepes was a Teflon-coated number–Teflon makes flipping them much easier. I am, however, phasing out Teflon from my kitchen. I now use a stainless steel pan and have to spray it each time with something like Pam or wipe it with a little butter-paper to slick it up. If you use a stainless steel pan, oil or butter it each time. For each and every crepe. They like to stick, so I’m just telling you to do it every time because you might be tempted to skip just once, and then you can’t blame me if it tears. (If, however, you don’t listen and it sticks and tears as you try to flip it, eat it anyway. It’ll still taste good, especially with Nutella.)

My current stainless steel skillet is deep with steep sides, and I’ve been able to make it work for crepes, so don’t worry too much about the sides. Use what you have. If you use Teflon, you won’t have to be as diligent with the oiling.

Spatula

I use a regular old spatula you’d use for pancakes, but if you have a skinny one, you could try it.

Sifter

I rarely sift flour for recipes, but I find that I must for crepes. Otherwise the batter is lumpy. Crepes are so thin, they are unforgiving. No lumps allowed.

Whisk or Hand Blender

A whisk is the best tool for whipping up the ingredients by hand. I have an electric hand blender that I use sometimes to fluff up the eggs. I suppose you could use a normal blender, though I never have. It doesn’t seem as earthy as a whisk or as easy to pull out and rinse off as a hand blender.

Ingredients:

We have three versions–small, medium and large. My family of six can eat the large amount and more–I can hardly flip them fast enough. This is my own recipe–a combination of several that I’ve tried over the years.

Small

• 3 eggs (you can use fewer–some people use one large egg or two small)
• 1 1/3 C milk
• 1 t vanilla
• 2 T melted butter
• 1 C flour (I’m told you can swap in whole wheat flour, but I’ve never tried)
• 1/2 t salt2 T sugar (optional, in my opinion, because you’re going to sprinkle sweet things inside before eating)

Medium (doubled)

• 6 eggs (I’ve gotten by using one fewer, but consistency does change)
• 2 2/3 C milk
• 2 t vanilla
• 4 T melted butter
• 2 C flour
• 1 t salt
• 4 T sugar (optional)

For Large, I add more flour and milk to the recipe without changing anything else. Because I know what consistency the batter should be, I just monkey around until it looks right. They turn out lovely, which is why the number of eggs is iffy. Once you become an expert crepe-maker, you can fiddle around with the recipe and let me know how you modified it.

Directions:

• Blend the eggs with whisk or hand blender until fluffy.
• Add vanilla and melted butter.
• Sift flour (important step) and salt (and sugar) into the egg mixture, mixing as you sift.
• Add some milk and then alternate flour and milk, mixing all the while. Batter should be smooth.
• Ladle the batter (or pour a 1/4 or 1/3 C measuring cup) onto a hot skillet, spinning the skillet for a very thin crepe.

Spinning the crepe: The young lady in this YouTube video demonstrates the ladling and spinning step quite nicely, even if her camera operator’s giggling narration is a bit self-conscious. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khwP-ngVPOo]

• Lift the crepe with your spatula to peek at the bottom and see if the crepe is lightly browned–refer to the French street vendor’s version in the first video as a doneness guide. Turn it with a spatula. (Some people like to flip them like an omelette, but why tempt fate? In fact, the previous video clip ends with a failed aerial flip–further evidence that using a spatula is the best beginner’s method for successful crepe preparation.) The edge of the crepe will lift up slightly from the pan–even seem a little dry sometimes–when it’s ready.

Note: I find that my first crepe of the evening often turns out odd in some way. Don’t be discouraged if your first few tear, get too brown or turn out irregular in some way.

• Flop the finished crepe onto the waiting child’s plate or the serving plate. You can make several and keep them warm in the oven. You can also make them all in advance for company (trouble is, they’ll miss all the “oh-la-la’ing” and “Sacre bleu’ing”). Stack them with wax paper between each crepe and store them in the fridge. You can heat them briefly at the last minute in a warm skillet like you would a tortilla.

Fun Fillings:

Here’s the fun part: Filling and rolling (and eating) the crepes.

• Sprinkle brown sugar inside and roll up with a fork (you can fold into thirds like the street vendor, if you prefer)
• Spread a line of your favorite jam or preserves inside before rolling–you can even add some whipped cream (my Belgian-born-and-raised sister-in-law uses Reddi-wip)
• Nutella, of course
• Nutella with bananas
• Syrup, if you’re feeling rather American
• Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries–any berries (with or without cream)
• Lemon and sugar

You can Google for more filling ideas, but we use what we have on hand. The kids love it simple.If my overly detailed instructions are too hard to follow, watch this guy’s step-by-step cooking-show-style instructions. The first four minutes are about making crepes (then he modifies the recipe to make pancakes).[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdWKc2NHj48]

Crepes work-for-me-Wednesday, as well as Saturday, Sunday, my birthday–any day!

The kids think so, too.

The post Crepes? Mais, Oui! appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

The post Let Them Eat Cake (slathered with Nutella) appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.

Years ago I came home from Belgium with a jar of Nutella.

Spreadable chocolate. What’s not to love?

Well, if you’re allergic to nuts, that’s a problem, as hazelnuts are an ingredient blended into the creamy chocolate. But if you like hazelnuts, and hazelnuts agree with you, and you love chocolate and want to justify eating it for every meal, then you must try Nutella.

Fifteen years ago, when we first started shoving jars of Nutella into our suitcases amongst our socks and T-shirts to bring them home from our trips overseas, no one here had heard of the stuff. Times are changing, however, and word is spreading: a few years ago, Nutella started showing up in the specialty section of one of our fancier supermarkets.

Eventually, it found a spot on the top shelf of the peanut butter and jelly section of a few supermarkets in town. Now it’s a regular, next to squeezable plastic bear-shaped honey jars and the Goober spread—you know that combination jar of peanut butter and grape jelly swirled together? Nutella is right there, wedged between them, on the shelf of “non-peanut-butter-and-jelly-stuff-people-spread-on-bread.”

It appears that Americans have finally caught on: like peanut butter, jelly, apple butter, and Goober,

Nutella is a spread. For bread.

Or cookies.

But I can understand why the grocery store manager wasn’t entirely sure where to place the jars, because Nutella is also delicious as a dip for bananas or apples or any fruit that would be good in a fondue.

Or plain cookies or graham crackers.It’s terrific inside crepes.

Or when you just need something to carry the Nutella to your mouth, I suppose you could just use a cracker.

The Boy sometimes uses a spoon to shovel it in. When no one’s looking, he dips in his finger (we can tell from the indentation—and the slivers of chocolate stuck under his fingernail).

But Nutella is still a little overpriced for me to pick it up every single time we run out. Most places, it runs about $3.99, and that’s a little steep for a small jar.

Choice #1 is to use it more conservatively (and hide it from The Boy and his finger).

Choice #2 is to shout “Carpe diem!” and dig in, spreading to our hearts’ and stomachs’ content. When it’s gone, it’s gone; and we wait until we find it on sale. This is what I usually do.

Choice #3 is to hint to family members that Nutella is a favorite. I must have done this without meaning to, and here’s one story to illustrate.

One day for my middle daughter’s birthday, we met my mom and dad at a restaurant for brunch. After our yummy pancakes, Mom gave the birthday girl her gifts and then passed out some bags to the non-birthday girls, including me. Inside a plastic bag: Nutella. Two jars of Nutella!

Oh, thankyouthankyouthankyou, Mom. I shoved them back in the bag and whisked them off to the car. We were in a rush to get to the house of my daughter’s new school friend. Her mom had invited us over for lunch. I told her I’d bring apples and caramel dip. We said our good-byes to my parents in the drizzly rain and raced to the grocery store. I grabbed a bag and filled it with Gala apples and snatched up a tub of caramel dip. On the way to my daughter’s classmate’s house, I said, “I think I bought too many Galas to take in. Can you separate those into two bags—one to take in, and one that we’ll keep for home?”

“Sure,” one of the daughters replied.

“Stick the caramel dip in the one we’re taking inside,” I said.

“Okay, no problem,” she answered. Then she suggested, “Why don’t we take in a jar of Nutella to share? It’s great with apples.”

I gasped. “What? That’s our Nutella!” I replied in a panic. “We bought the caramel dip to share. The Nutella’s for us.”

We drove a short distance in silence, listening to the windshield wipers swipe, swipe, swipe. Finally, the eldest spoke up. “Isn’t that a little selfish? I mean, don’t you think we should share?”

The other one added, “We have two jars.”

“One for us, and one to share,” the third proposed.

I hate it when they’re right. “Yes, yes. You’re right. We should share.”

“Maybe they’ve never tasted Nutella before. Maybe we’ll introduce them to something new that they’ll love.”

“All right already. You’re right. We need to share the Nutella. I just hope they don’t eat the whole jar.”

Feeling morally superior—and rightly so—the eldest added, “It’s the right thing to do. Even if they eat it all.”

I sighed. She had me. “I know you’re right,” I said. But I wanted to be honest. I mean, they need to know that it’s hard for adults to do the right thing, too, don’t they? So I admitted, “It’s just that I want all the Nutella.” She grinned and placed a hand on my shoulder. “It’ll be fine, Mom. You’re doing the right thing.”

“I’ll carry it in,” offered the other. So we took in the jar of Nutella and the caramel dip and I explained to our hosts what Nutella was. They were curious but a little apprehensive (how can you be apprehensive about spreadable chocolate?). I urged them to sample it. When my girls heard me, they both looked up with wide eyes and encouraging smiles.

“Oh, that’s nice,” said the mom. “Kids you should try this chocolate dip that Mrs. Kroeker brought.” The kids hesitated. “It’s chocolate! Try it!”Even though my girls were piling it on, the other kids all took the tiniest little smidgen onto their apple slices, as if they were being asked to sample spinach dip or an eggplant spread. They quickly return to the familiar caramel dip.

I was shocked.

And relieved.

When we packed up to leave, I can’t remember if I offered to leave the jar or not—I hope I did, because that would have been the right thing to do. But I did somehow end up with it back in my stuff and on its way to my cupboard…and onto my slices of French bread.

My daughter was right, though. When you’re given two jars of Nutella, you should be willing to share. Or, what was it Jesus said? If someone wants your jar of Nutella, let him have it and the other jar you hid under your tunic, as well? Something like that.

I am, however, certain that He said, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” 

Even if it’s Nutella.

Doggone it. Following Jesus can be such a sacrifice sometimes.

You really ought to try Nutella sometime. Top shelf. Next to the Goober.

Or, if you come over, I’ll share. I promise.

______________________________

Are the demands of motherhood keeping you from a rich relationship with God?

With ideas from mothers in all seasons of life, this book offers creative, practical, and enjoyable suggestions to help you discover how a passionate relationship with God is possible in the midst of motherhood.

“The Contemplative Mom gives busy, loving, kid-centered mothers permission to rest, like a tired child, in God’s strong arms. An important book.”

—Rachael and Larry Crabb, authors and speakers

The post Give Nutella to the one who asks you appeared first on Ann Kroeker, Writing Coach.