Temple of the Week

This week I chose to highlight a dramatic shot of the Cardston Temple, Alberta, Canada. The talented photographer is Ashley McCance. Thanks for sharing, Ashley!

For further information about why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds Temples, please go to Why These Temples for an article by deceased Prophet and President, Gordon B. Hinckley.

We Have a Winner!

Announcing the winner of the Farworld book, Water Keep by J. Scott Savage . . . drumroll . . . dah-dahhhhhhhhhh . . . the winner is . . . Pat from Granny's House.

Congratulations, Pat! And thanks to all who participated in this contest. Thank you also to J. Scott Savage, and to Deseret Book's Shadow Mountain.

Pat, your prize will come to you direct from the publisher, so I'll contact you for an address.

Enjoy!

Garden Tip--Scrap Compost

Ready for a seasonal gardening tip? Here's one I read about the other day, which I'm definitely going to try. It couldn't be easier, and that's always a plus in this busy world.

Collect in a small container (with lid) food scraps you would normally throw away--such as vegetable peelings, eggshells, lettuce scraps--and when container is full, tip contents into a blender (adding a little water if needed) and liquefy.

Take mixture into the garden, scrape away surface soil from around plants, pour in the blended mixture, and replace soil. This is a nutritious, cheap, and environmentally friendly way of feeding plants. Being liquid, means that nutrients get absorbed really fast.

Happy blending :-)

Glenn Beck on Mormon (LDS) Church President Hinckley

Another video from Glenn Beck today. A touching tribute to President Gordon B. Hinckley.

California's Newport Beach Temple

This week's photograph is of the Newport Beach, California, Temple, taken by Mikyla Powell, who has captured well the simple lines and warm color of this building against a royal dusk sky.

Low-Sugar Raspberry Freezer Jam Video

Thanks go to Christine Hash for this recipe, and 4-minute video demonstration for making delicious low-sugar raspberry freezer jam. I hope Chris has more of these to share in the future. It's so much better trying new ideas when someone shows you how.

Recipe

5 C fresh raspberries, rinsed
1 C applesauce (I use no-sugar)
1/8 C lemon juice
1-2 C sugar (I use 1 C)
1/2 C Ultra Gel
Puree raspberries in blender. Add applesauce, lemon juice, and sugar. Puree til well combined. Add Ultra Gel in 2-3 steps, pureeing after each step.

Pour into freezer containers, label, and freeze.

Yield: 6 Cups (not 3-4 as stated in video)

* Recipe adapted from one given in "The Ultra Gel Answer Book" by Carma Christensen and Janet Stocks. You can buy Ultra Gel at Maceys, or it is available online at Carnetfoods.com.

Review: Farworld: Volume 1-Water Keep

It’s been a few weeks since I read a book with the “Next, please” factor. Volume 1 of the new Farworld series is one of those books. J. Scott Savage's work is always memorable, but this story beat them all and I can't wait to read Volume 2.

I cared immediately for the two main characters, Marcus and Kyja, because of their disabilities. Not that I felt sorry for them. On the contrary, it was their determined fight to live, to overcome the odds, which held my attention chapter after suspenseful chapter.

Hats off to J. Scott Savage for creating surprise plot twists and unique scientific magic.

The one slightly-less-than-positive thing about this novel for me was the pace. I sometimes felt like I needed a breather between intense action. But that might be an age viewpoint. No doubt younger readers will love the breathtaking speed at which events tumble over each other in the race for survival.

Every character is totally believable. I particularly enjoyed little Dew, although all the Water Keep characters are a delight. Their names, too, are a perfect fit.

It’s good to see a book written for the National market, with characters who are prepared to sacrifice their own wants in order for others to survive. A burning desire to help is key to the overall plot as Marcus and Kyja discover the mythical Elementals—water, land, air and fire.

I’ll definitely pass this book to my grandchildren, and recommend it for all who love a good, well written adventure. A great family read.

Farworld: Volume 1-Water Keep will be in stores September, 2008, and is published by Deseret Book, Shadow Mountain.

Remember, the contest to win a
rare ARC copy of this book ends Monday, June 30th 2008.

1) Add a link to this blog on your blog, with some nice blurb about the contest.

2) Post a comment on here so I can visit your blog and see your entry.

More information at Farworld Contest.

The Faith of a Child

If this video doesn't make you weepy, I don't know what will.

To quote from the information on YouTube:

"Logan is a 13 year-old boy who lives on a ranch in a very small town in Nebraska. Logan listens to Christian Radio station 89.3FM KSBJ which broadcasts from Houston, TX. Logan called the radio station distraught because he had to take down a calf. His words have wisdom beyond his years.

"Since airing the audio of the phone call and now the making of the video clip, it has taken on a life of its own. People are forwarding it all over the world. We encourage you to share the love of Christ with anyone you can."

Temple of the Week

This week's lovely photograph is of the Preston, England Temple, taken by Jean Buchanan. I walked this ground when it was still a field. The building is an inspiration to all who drive nearby.

For further information about why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds Temples, please go to Why These Temples for an article by deceased Prophet and President, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Today I'm sharing a delicious Green Squash Soup recipe I found at Dr. Weil.com this week. It's great for using up all those zucchinis when they grow like crazy.

Description
This is another easy, flavorful soup that can either be a first course or a main course in a meal with salad, bread, and cheese. Eat it right away; the fresh taste of the vegetables is what makes it appealing.

Ingredients
1 medium leek, preferably organic
1 pound summer squash, such as zucchini, preferably organic
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 cups vegetable stock
1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram or 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
2 tablespoons artichoke purée (see Note)

GARNISH
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
1. Remove the root end and green top part of the leek. Wash the white part of the leek well to remove any dirt, then chop it into fine pieces. Wash and trim the squash and chop it into medium-sized pieces.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and sauté it until it is translucent. Add the squash and sauté, stirring, until the squash softens, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the stock and marjoram, heat to boiling, cover, reduce heat, and boil gently for 30 minutes. Add the artichoke purée and mix well.
Pour the soup into a food processor and process into a coarse purée. Serve the soup in warm bowls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to garnish.

Note: Artichoke purée is available in specialty grocery stores. You can also make your own simply by draining a jar of water-packed baby artichokes and grinding them in a blender or food processor. Store any leftover purée in the refrigerator and use it as a base for a pasta sauce or a dip for raw vegetables.

Priesthood for Mormon Men of Every Race

The excellent video below was created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' action in June 1978 to extend its lay priesthood to men of all races. Highly recommended viewing.

Brazil Curitiba Temple Dedication

Thanks goes to photographer, David Terry , for today's photographs taken at the Brazil Curitiba Temple dedication. Please visit his blog for more superb pictures.

Mormon History: LDS (Mormon) Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley

This is a wonderful compilation of snippets from the late Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley's life. I learned things I didn't know before or had forgotten. What an inspirational video. My thanks to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for producing it.

ANNOUNCING NEW CONTEST!

It's been a while since my last contest, so here's another one. The super prize this time is an Advance Reader's Copy (ARC) of J. Scott Savage's new book, Water Keep, the first in a five book Young Adult fantasy series called Farworld.

This book is an attention grabber right from the start. I'm no young adult, but who cares? The story is absorbing and intriguing for any age.

The published hardback version of Farworld appears in stores this September, 2008. This paperback ARC is a collector's item of which only a few are given away.

Here goes with the contest rules. They couldn't be easier. And EVERYONE with a blog can join in.

1) Add a link to this blog on your blog, with some nice blurb about the contest.

2) Post a comment on here so I can visit your blog and see your entry.

That's it! The contest will run until the end of June, with a reminder at the top of my blog most days. The winner will be drawn at random from the comments. Your prize will come direct from the publisher, Deseret Book's Shadow Mountain.

Please spread the word about this contest.
Believe me, Farworld is a prize worth winning.
I have the feeling it will become a national best seller.

Temple of the Week

This week's dramatic photograph of the Temple at Bethel, South Jordan, was taken by Chad Clarke from CS Clark Photography, LLC.

For further information about why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds Temples, please go to Why These Temples for an article by deceased Prophet and President, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Handy Drawer Tip

Anyone else get frustrated when opened boxes of aluminum foil and parchment paper cause a kitchen drawer jam?

I read a great way to overcome this problem in Cook's Illustrated the other day.

Simply place the boxes opened side down in the drawer. Presto! No more flaps to get in the way.

Talk-Show Host Glenn Beck Shares His Conversion Story

Take a moment to listen to Glenn Beck's remarkable conversion story.

Earthquake Tip

Following an earlier earthquake post (fun, interactive quiz), here's something that might be worth giving for birthday or Christmas gifts this year.

If an earthquake should occur at night, it would be easier to locate a child if he or she had a glow-in-the-dark wristwatch and knew how to make it light up.

Having something on hand (wrist?) for light when needed, would also be a source of comfort to a child if separated from family in an earthquake situation.

A fun way to help children (adults, too) get used to using a watch this way, would be to play a hide and seek game for Family Home Evening.

Temple of the Week

This week's lovely photograph, taken by Lucia Rodriguez Ferraro, shows the Montevideo, Uruguay Temple.

For further information about why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds Temples, please go to Why These Temples for an article by deceased Prophet and President, Gordon B. Hinckley.

Betty Briggs' YA Horse Fiction

Betty Briggs is one of my favorite people. Like me, she also loves horses. Unlike me, she actually owns some--and successfully brings them into her Young Adult novels. If your teens love horses, then Betty's books are a must-read.

She says, "I can’t remember a time when I didn’t write. In grade school I used to take work home at night so I could create stories to entertain my classmates during the day. I loved filling the pages of notebooks on both sides so the paper would crinkle. At that time, my dream was to write and illustrate children’s books when I grew up.

"Whether or not I’m working on a story, if I am sad, mad, happy or have a thought I think is profound, I have to write it down. I find that even during lectures, meetings, etc. I think better if I write down what is being said. I may never look at it again, but I’ve learned more effectively if I’ve written it down.

"My childhood dream has come true to a certain extent; I now have four young adult books in print. Of course, in my dream, I was to have made my living writing, but that was not to be. I retired several years ago after thirty-three years as a legal secretary and office manager for the Provo City Attorney’s Office.

"The heroine in the mainstream mystery/adventure novel I am currently working on is a defense attorney who finds herself in a web of intrigue surrounding the death of her unborn child’s father. As with most authors, some of my own experiences sneak into my story lines. The nice thing about being a writer, however, is that I can manipulate the plot so it ends up better (or worse) on the page than it did in life.

"Since I wanted my books to be illustrated and completed exactly to my liking (and to guarantee that they were in print at all), I published them through my own publishing company, Sunrise Selections. What an experience. I have learned so much about the publishing world and have gained a huge appreciation for traditional publishing companies.

"To everyone’s relief, I did not illustrate these books with my own paintings but with beautiful photographs. I was able to use my son, daughter-in-law, nephews, granddaughters, and friends as models for these books, as well as my own horses in many of the shots. In several of my books, the settings on a Montana cattle ranch and on the shores of that state’s glorious Flathead Lake are places I have lived. Now in addition to telling a story, I have a history to hand down to my descendants.

"My husband, Scott, a computer genius and remarkable photographer, and I tried to make these novels special keepsake books for the whole family. They all have meaningful plots filled with adventure, mystery, sweet romance, and horses (and you don’t even have to like horses). Hopefully they will inspire readers to want to be better people.

"Writers are never bored. Even waiting for an appointment can be significant. Take out a piece of paper, napkin, gum wrapper, anything and transport yourself into another world. I love to write. It has been said that writers write because they cannot not write. I agree.

"Writing will be a part of my life forever. Hopefully it won’t take that long to finish my current novel. I still like filling pages of notebooks on both sides so the paper crinkles. I usually write my first thoughts in a steno notebook before typing the complete chapter into my computer.

"I live in Mapleton, Utah, with my husband, Scott. I have two grown children, five grandkids, and four horses who I sometimes consider my children."

Betty's splendid YA books can be ordered from any bookstore; from Amazon.com; through One2Another; and through Betty's website at Sunrise Selections. To see her new home page, visit: Betty Briggs.com.

Return to the Neighborhood.

Basil Beats Bugs

Here's a super little tip for the holiday weekend. If you're planning on buying herbs to plant this season, be sure to add Basil (a member of the Mint family) to the list.

In addition to smelling divine, Basil has antimicrobial qualities that kill bacteria and viruses on contact in the mouth.

If you only have dried Basil, try sprinkling 1/2 teaspoon inside a quesadilla, or adding to sautéed spinach. However, dried Basil doesn't have the same flavor as fresh.

If using fresh leaves, chop them and add to pan just before serving to preserve quality.

Basil doesn't keep well in the refrigerator, but will stay fresh for a while on a windowsill if cut stems are placed in water. Or keep a pot growing in the kitchen. You can also layer basil between sheets of waxed paper and freeze. The leaves will turn dark, but aroma and flavor are retained. Another idea is to fill ice cube trays with chopped basil, and then cover with water and freeze. Great for soups and stews.

Basil goes especially well with tomatoes. You can also chop it fine and stir into mayonnaise for a tangy fish sauce.

This warm scented herb is used in medicine for digestive and anti-gas problems, and is also recommended for anxiety, stomach cramps, headaches, vomiting, and constipation among other things. You can also make a tea from a handful of Basil leaves and use the liquid to relieve sore gums by swishing it in the mouth. I've also heard that if a Basil leaf is tucked into the mouth over an ulcer and kept there for as long as possible, it will ease the pain.

More ideas. Try adding a handful of leaves to the bath water for a refreshing soak; burn sprigs of basil on the barbecue to deter mosquitoes; and hang a bunch of Basil in the kitchen to get rid of flies.

A great little herb. Pity more people don't know about it. Share the secret :-)

Season of Sacrifice Virtual Book Tour

Today I'm posting an interview with well known author of historical fiction, Tristi Pinkston.

Anne: Tristi, you've been on virtual book tour since the beginning of the month. How has the experience been for you so far?

Tristi: I'm having a wonderful time. The reviews have been positive, the hosts have been friendly and thoughtful, and I have something to look forward to every day.

Anne: Your new book, "Season of Sacrifice," is based on the lives of your great-great-grandfather and his wife. Many people think their family history would make a great book, and yet often their books are not successful. Why do you feel your book is different? What makes your family history story interesting enough to sell?

Tristi: My book appeals to a wide audience because the subject matter ties into some things we're all familiar with -- the colonization of Utah and the practice of polygamy. As an LDS people, this is our past, and we have it in common. The amazing thing about my story is that I made very little of it up. I didn't need to look for additional drama to make it salable -- it was already there. The conflicts -- man against nature, man against self -- were present in the tale. When we write family history stories, we've got to make sure that they're interesting to others outside the family. "Season of Sacrifice" is a hugely emotional book that can appeal to everyone.

Anne: You've mentioned on your blog and in other interviews that you're concerned with the way the media keeps confusing the LDS Church and the FLDS Church. Can you tell us a little more about that?

Tristi: Unfortunately, there exists confusion between the two churches and there has been some backlash against the LDS Church as the authorities have investigated the Texas compound and the activities taking place there. On my blog, I spoke about the differences between the two churches. The LDS Church is not in any way affiliated with the FLDS Church. We did practice polygamy in the past, but we have not done so as a church since 1890. Members found practicing it today lose their church memberships. It's as simple as that. (Check out Tristi's blog on this subject.)

Anne: You didn't publish your book traditionally. Why is that, and where can we find it?

Tristi: I write for the LDS market, and at this time, the publishers aren't accepting books that contain polygamy. I self-published "Season of Sacrifice," badly wanting to get the story out there. I want my readers to know of the strength and faith shown by these intrepid pioneers. They deserve to be honored.

Right now, the only place to find the book is on my website at www.tristipinkston.com.

Tristi: Thank you for hosting me on your blog, Anne.

Anne: It's been a pleasure. Having read Season of Sacrifice and loved it, I want as many people as possible to know about it. It's not the usual pioneer story we're used to reading. Getting to know your family this way, and witnessing their trials, has been an eye opener I won't forget. Hats off to them all--and to you, Tristi, for sharing with the world.

Return to the Neighborhood.