tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53285537451130648682024-03-05T03:19:09.713-08:00LIFE AS A CHEF SHOULDN’T BE SO HARD“A look into the crazy world of a food and beverage soul brotha”WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comBlogger111125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-82639994094144693112018-05-16T06:12:00.001-07:002018-05-16T06:12:27.084-07:00CHANGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHMV_I2_baWRbVk_YZiU7BCy0t1bznXED82DWC6WMYXlIODmhwW49XrCMn8TcujCHSu5yJA6tbUk2gqBd6O0anuD5UKyY18vNgV5xfWs7-EB9OvjDJepkl2Cg79Isr1tW7MnYdm_duvLv/s1600/IMG_5742.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1242" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHMV_I2_baWRbVk_YZiU7BCy0t1bznXED82DWC6WMYXlIODmhwW49XrCMn8TcujCHSu5yJA6tbUk2gqBd6O0anuD5UKyY18vNgV5xfWs7-EB9OvjDJepkl2Cg79Isr1tW7MnYdm_duvLv/s320/IMG_5742.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Change can be scary. Learning how to do what is right for you and only you will make change seem less scary. There is ALWAYS time to change your life for the better. Finding your strength will help you realize that life WILL happen no matter what, but when you learn how to embrace it and welcome it, change can inspire you and motivate you to succeed in every way possible. </span></div>
WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-15624381059369643522018-04-30T09:32:00.001-07:002018-04-30T09:32:46.236-07:00POSITIVITY <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> “Surround yourself with people that reflect who you want to be and how you want to feel, energies are contagious”. ~Rachel Wolchin~ Because by doing so you are creating an environment that is favorable to your personal and emotional growth. 🙏🏾</span></div>
WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-7238084327946820502018-04-29T09:41:00.000-07:002018-04-29T09:41:59.306-07:00Blessings <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67); color: #3c4043; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">When you wish someone joy, you wish them peace, love, prosperity, happiness... all the good things. Although time seems to fly, it never travels faster than one day at a time. Each day is a new opportunity to live your life to the fullest.</span>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-37587405539895783282018-04-28T22:37:00.001-07:002018-04-28T22:39:38.751-07:00Its Been a Long TimeIt’s been awhile, almost 9 years to be exact, since I have written anything on this blog. A lot has transpired of course. Losses: my Father, my stepdad, 2 aunts, 2 cousins, 3 or 4 childhood friends. Gains: my granddaughter. But with the recent passing of my Father and the birth of my granddaughter, one things is true. “<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(60, 64, 67); color: #3c4043; font-family: Roboto, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away.” In the days, weeks and months to come, I will attempt to empty my feelings on this page. Some good, some bad. But it will be the truth. Gotta a lot of hair to write about, loss loves, family, professional setbacks and future possibilities. So STAY TUNED. Always Be Blessed </span>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-80039742119860564982009-12-03T06:26:00.000-08:002009-12-03T06:29:54.238-08:00Oven-Poached Salmon in Garlic BrothThe cabbage-and-carrot mixture adds a crispy contrast to this flavorful poached fish. The dish is best served in a large, shallow pasta bowl.<br /><br /><strong>Ingredients<br /></strong>2 tablespoons lemon juice<br />5 garlic cloves, minced<br />2 (8-ounce) bottles clam juice<br />1 (16-ounce) bag coleslaw<br />4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skinned<br />1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley<br />1/8 teaspoon pepper<br /><br /><strong>Preparation<br /></strong>Preheat oven to 375°.<br />Combine first 3 ingredients in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes. Place coleslaw in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish; arrange fish on top of coleslaw. Pour juice mixture over fish; sprinkle with cilantro and pepper. Bake at 375° for 12 minutes or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.<br /><br /><strong>Yield</strong>: 4 servings (serving size: 1 salmon fillet and about 1 cup slaw mixture)WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-42769713568344901062009-10-15T09:06:00.000-07:002009-10-15T09:15:40.617-07:00Seven Point Creed<p>John Wooden's Seven Point Creed, given to him by his father Joshua upon his graduation from grammar school: </p><ul><li>Be true to yourself. </li><li>Make each day your masterpiece. </li><li>Help others. </li><li>Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. </li><li>Make friendship a fine art. </li><li>Build a shelter against a rainy day. </li><li>Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings every day. </li></ul><p>Wooden’s maxims:</p><ul><li>Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. </li><li>Flexibility is the key to stability. </li><li>Be quick, but don’t hurry.</li></ul>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-34319081776232199502009-10-09T16:12:00.000-07:002009-10-09T16:18:26.065-07:00'Best Come Back Line Ever"The police arrested Patrick Lawrence, 22 year old white male, in a pumpkin patch 11:38 p.m. on Friday night. On Monday, at the Gwinnett County (GA) courthouse, Lawrence was charged with lewd and lascivious behaviour, public indecency, and public intoxication. The suspect explained that as he was passing a pumpkin patch on his way home from a drinking session when he decided to stop, 'You know how a pumpkin is soft and squishy inside, and there was no one around for miles or at least I thought there wasn't anyone around' he stated in a telephone interview.<br /><br />Lawrence went on to say that he pulled over to the side of the road , picked out a pumpkin that he felt was appropriate to his purpose, cut a hole in it, and proceeded to satisfy his alleged need 'Guess I was really into it, you know?' he commented with evident embarrassment. In the process of doing the deed, Lawrence failed to notice an approaching police car and was unaware of his audience until Officer Brenda Taylor approached him. 'It was an unusual situation, that's for sure,' said Officer Taylor. 'I walked up to Lawrence and he's just banging away at this pumpkin.' Officer Taylor went on to describe what happened when she approached Lawrence.<br /><br />'I said, 'Excuse me sir, but do you realize that you're having sex with a pumpkin? He froze and was clearly very surprised that I was there, and then he looked me straight in the face and said... 'A pumpkin? Shit... is it midnight already?'<br /><br />This was in the Washington Post... the title of the article was 'Best Come Back Line Ever.'WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-46112676026490267922009-09-24T10:44:00.000-07:002009-09-24T10:55:16.081-07:00Love Recipein a soulful life style<br />add a soul sista<br />who is funky, eclectic, and feminine<br />easy to get along with<br />exotic with a good heart and kind spirit<br />mix in a soul brotha<br />who is a devout worshipper of said sista<br />romantic, passionate and caring<br />reinforced with a good heart and kind spirit<br />sent here to be the man he was suppose to be<br />so you will have no excuse for not being<br />the woman you were sent here to be<br />stir in the Most High, Family, Love, Romance<br />for a spiritual influence<br />simmer daily<br />served hot for a lifetime <br /><br />NOTE: Handle the heart gently to avoid breaking.WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-73864244539660019032009-09-18T15:56:00.000-07:002009-09-18T16:01:41.170-07:00Time to Move On<strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">the time has come for me to move on</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">the sun is up and shining </span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">as my wishes speed toward the sky</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">the seasons have turned, changing day by day</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">nothing stands still as time waits for no one</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">the past has left its mark on me</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">making me the person that i am</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">its difficult leaving the things that you know and understand</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">going on a journey of unfamiliarity</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">i dont know whats in store</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">as i walk the pathway of the future</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">but i do know </span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">a change has come</span></em></strong>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-16293454543993878372009-08-27T14:41:00.000-07:002009-08-27T14:59:38.774-07:00EQUIPMENT by Edgar A. Guest------------ Dr. George Washington Carver's Favorite Poem<div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Figure it out for yourself, my lad,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">You've all that the greatest of men have had,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">And a brain to use if you would be wise.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">With this equipment they all began,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">So start for the top and say, "I can." </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Look them over, the wise and great</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">They take their food from a common plate,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">And similar knives and forks they use,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">With similar laces they tie their shoes.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">The world considers them brave and smart,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">But you've all they had when they made their start.</span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">You can triumph and come to skill,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">You can be great if you only will.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">You're well equipped for what fight you choose,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">You have legs and arms and a brain to use,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">And the man who has risen great deeds to do</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Began his life with no more than you.</span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">You are the handicap you must face,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">You are the one who must choose your place,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">You must say where you want to go,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">How much you will study the truth to know.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">God has equipped you for life, but He</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Lets you decide what you want to be.</span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Courage must come from the soul within,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">The man must furnish the will to win.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">So figure it out for yourself, my lad.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">You were born with all that the great have had,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">With your equipment they all began,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Get hold of yourself and say: "I can."<br />~Edgar A. Guest~</span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-37609053684701602222009-08-18T13:17:00.000-07:002009-08-18T13:28:01.356-07:00Cajun Shrimp Boil<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzuXY0d_Gvwcd0Lbakaor7JSvtVp5ESuouZ22gk4eyuzz3_Cum4-q-vrt3YH45y8qmn6ZAeGduhG8BXRFwVX5g_J4ORvgUOX7s9eY0szlYpli_uaFeBUKCfemWH-Qq1SbRo7Lnq5P5BbF/s1600-h/Shrimpboil.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371401104292571794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzuXY0d_Gvwcd0Lbakaor7JSvtVp5ESuouZ22gk4eyuzz3_Cum4-q-vrt3YH45y8qmn6ZAeGduhG8BXRFwVX5g_J4ORvgUOX7s9eY0szlYpli_uaFeBUKCfemWH-Qq1SbRo7Lnq5P5BbF/s400/Shrimpboil.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ingredients<br />1/2 lb. Large shrimp in shell (10 - 15 count)<br />12 Red Potatoes <br />1 Ear of corn per person Cut in half<br />2 medium lemons cut in eighths <br />1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper<br />1/8 tsp Cloves ground<br />1/2 clove Garlic<br />1/2 Bay Leaf<br />1/2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning<br />1/2 tsp Black Pepper - coarse ground<br />2 dashes Tabasco as required<br />1 lb. Andouille Sausage sliced<br />2 Small onions <br /><br />Instructions<br />In a large boiling pot, bring a gallon of water, lemons, cayenne pepper, cloves, garlic, bay leaf, Old Bay Seasoning, Black Pepper, and Tabasco to a boil. Add potatoes and boil for 10 minutes. Add onions and sausage and boil for 5 minutes. Add shrimp and corn. Boil for 5 minutes more. Drain and serve with crusty bread.WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-86557370551033435842009-08-14T09:13:00.000-07:002009-08-14T09:34:22.110-07:00Unconditional Love, Love Without Condition<span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>I love you as you are, as you seek to find</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>your own special way to relate to the </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>world. </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>I honour your choices to learn in the</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>way you feel is right for you.</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>I know it is important that you are the</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>person you want to be and not someone </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>that I or others think you "should" be. I </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>realize that I cannot know what is best</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>for you, although perhaps sometimes I </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>think I do. </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>I have not been where you have been, </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>viewing life from the angle you have. I</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>do not know what you have chosen to </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>learn, how you have chosen to learn it,</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>with whom or in what time period. I </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>have not walked life looking through </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>your eyes, so how can I know what you</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>need.</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>I allow you to be in the world without a thought or word of judgement from </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>me about the deeds you undertake. I see no error in the things you say and do.</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>In this place where I am, I see that there are many ways to perceive and </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>experience the different facets of our world. I allow without reservation the </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>choices you make in each moment. I make no judgement of this, for if I would</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>deny your right to your evolution, then I would deny that right for myself and</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>all others. </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>To those who would choose a way I cannot walk, whilst I may </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>not choose to add my power and my energy to this way, I will </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>never deny you the gift of love that God has bestowed within </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>me, for all creation. As I love you, so I shall be loved. As I sow, </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>so shall I reap.</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>I allow you the Universal right of Free Will to walk your own path, creating </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>steps or to sit awhile if that is what is right for you. I will make no judgement </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>that these steps are large or small, nor light or heavy or that they lead up or</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>down, for this is just my viewpoint. I may see you do nothing and judge it to be</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>unworthy and yet it may be that you bring great healing as you stand blessed</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>the Light of God. I cannot always see the higher picture of Divine Order. </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>For it is the inalienable right of all life to choose their own </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>evolution and with great Love I acknowledge your right to </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>determine your future. In humility I bow to the realization that </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>the way I see as best for me does not have to mean it is also </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>right for you. I know that you are led as I am, following the </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>inner excitement to know your own path.</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>I know that the many races, religions, customs, nationalities and beliefs within</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>our world bring us great richness and allow us the benefit and teachings of </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>such diverseness. I know we each learn in our own unique way in order to</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>bring that Love and Wisdom back to the whole. I know that if there were only</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>one way to do something, there would need only be one person.</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>I will not only love you if you behave in a way I think you should, or believe in </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>those things I believe in. I understand you are truly my brother and my sister, </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>though you may have been born in a different place and believe in another </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>God than I.</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>The love I feel is for all of God's world. I know that every living thing</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>is a part of God and I feel a Love deep within for every</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>person, animal, tree and flower, every bird, river and ocean and </em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>for all the creatures in all the world.</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>I live my life in loving service, being the best me I can, becoming wiser in the</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em>perfection of Divine Truth, becoming happier in the joy of ...</em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#cc33cc;"><em><strong>Unconditional Love<br /></strong><br /><br /> <br />by <span style="color:#cc9933;">Sandy Stevenson </span></em></span>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-86063997988965922302009-07-11T18:34:00.000-07:002009-07-11T18:48:05.740-07:00DREAMER<span style="color:#990000;"><em>the dream that i dream is only being dreamed by me</em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>the characters are the different aspects of myself</em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>it is my dream, therefore; i can change it at any time</em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>should it become a nightmare, i can wake up realizing it is only a dream </em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>i dream i am rich and famous; that i am healthy and fit;</em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>that i am surrounded by a kind and loving family</em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>i dream that i am a teacher, a musician, or any infinite possibility</em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>since it is my dream, i can awaken from it any time i choose;</em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>or fall into a slumber of forgetfulness, mistaking the dream as reality</em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>so i ask myself concerning this dream called Life, "is it that which i desire for myself? "</em></span><span style="color:#990000;"><em>the reality of my being is that i am Spirit, dreaming that i am having a human experience </em></span><span style="color:#990000;"><em>i review the scenes of my life with detached observation to grow in spiritual understanding </em></span><span style="color:#990000;"><em>and to come to know fully: </em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>I Am that I Am. </em></span><br /><em><span style="color:#990000;"></span></em><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#000000;">"Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, said the Lord." </span></strong></em><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Jeremiah 23:32</span></strong></em><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em></em></span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em></em></span>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-68415253574095230712009-06-25T16:02:00.001-07:002009-06-25T16:46:25.218-07:00The Greatest Performer Ever.<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nCWwyUfccS7ZycCxh9It-eYXFr_vRbNcGQieo_dB4ysz-UooLc9we_i_kVn11POPVFGVTgWs6cLnr2EAyEJE9k1aenFUdKKOdVDiBEDsohs0TcxZzfQRFKeMY0wExxAeqNRmZA8ZDPZQ/s1600-h/michael+jackson.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351404597928264866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 336px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nCWwyUfccS7ZycCxh9It-eYXFr_vRbNcGQieo_dB4ysz-UooLc9we_i_kVn11POPVFGVTgWs6cLnr2EAyEJE9k1aenFUdKKOdVDiBEDsohs0TcxZzfQRFKeMY0wExxAeqNRmZA8ZDPZQ/s400/michael+jackson.jpg" border="0" /></a> Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009). </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget. <div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div></div>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-87881432013732635532009-06-17T09:48:00.000-07:002009-06-17T09:56:36.421-07:00Steamed Blue Crabs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXaMkxDKv97lbBYY-yldmeqGpadYTsojoiSRmDolvdyWQkNWLSbi-XLRgpNQuVS5ujmzbCXtWwFV35qDFqr0LhgkGqiIdayyu-WzF2uAVK0yLLJCh_AXn-Nxc7a8JrA26JOQehyDaEte9/s1600-h/steamed+blue+crabs.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348341002248102594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXaMkxDKv97lbBYY-yldmeqGpadYTsojoiSRmDolvdyWQkNWLSbi-XLRgpNQuVS5ujmzbCXtWwFV35qDFqr0LhgkGqiIdayyu-WzF2uAVK0yLLJCh_AXn-Nxc7a8JrA26JOQehyDaEte9/s400/steamed+blue+crabs.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Place the live crabs in an ice water bath before cooking. This icing process numbs the crabs, making them easier to handle, keeps the crabs from losing their claws during the steaming process, and helps the seasonings stick to the shells. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Ingredients:<br /></span>2 cans (12 ounces each) flat beer (see below)</div><div>2 cups distilled white vinegar</div><div>Ice water (optional)</div><div>24 live large male blue crabs(jimmies)</div><div>3/4 cup Old Bay seasoning </div><div>6 tablespoons kosher salt</div><br /><div></div><div><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Directions:<br /></span>Pour the beer and vinegar into a steamer pot or a large heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid. Put a round raised rack that is tall enough to clear the liquid into the pot. Bring the liquid to a boil.<br />While the pot is coming to a boil, fill a tub with ice water, if desired, and put the crabs in it for 3 minutes or so.<br />Mix the Old Bay seasoning and salt together in a small bowl. Place a layer of crabs on the rack in the pot. Sprinkle with a generous coating of the seasoning. Working quickly, continue layering and seasoning the crabs until all the blues are in the pot and you have used up all the seasoning. Put on the lid and steam over medium-high heat until the crabs are bright red, about 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the crabs with tongs.<br />Serve hot. Leftover crabs may be refrigerated and either eaten cold the next day or picked for crabmeat to use in your favorite recipe.<br /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">NOTE: </span></strong>Flat beer does not impart the harsh, almost metallic taste that fresh beer does. To flatten beer, simply pour it into a bowl and leave it at room temperature for an hour or two. A trick used to hasten the flattening process is to sprinkle a little salt into the beer--it flattens the beer quicker. </div>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-19228327008440221212009-06-08T20:59:00.000-07:002009-06-08T21:03:39.746-07:00ForgivenessNone of us wants to admit that we hate someone...When we deny our hate we detour around the crisis of forgiveness. We suppress our spite, make adjustments, and make believe we are too good to be hateful. But the truth is that we do not dare to risk admitting the hate we feel because we do not dare to risk forgiving the person we hate.<br /><br />We attach our feelings to the moment when we were hurt, endowing it with immortality. And we let it assault us every time it comes to mind. It travels with us, sleeps with us, hovers over us while we make love, and broods over us while we die. Our hate does not even have the decency to die when those we hate die--for it is a parasite sucking OUR blood, not theirs. There is only one remedy for it. Forgiveness.<br /><br />Forgiveness begins when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well.WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-78823274421822955262009-06-07T10:26:00.000-07:002009-06-07T10:30:50.950-07:00CVS Still Locking Condoms, Selling Expired ProductsCVS Caremark Corp.’s pattern of locking condoms and selling expired baby formula, medications and other products came under fresh scrutiny recently at a town hall meeting in San Diego attended by more than 100 consumer advocates, community activists and faith leaders from Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties.<br /><br />The town hall was organized by Planned Parenthood of Riverside and San Diego Counties and the activist group Cure CVS in response to a new survey showing CVS stores repeatedly selling products past their expiration dates and locking up condoms in communities of color.<br /><br />Cure CVS surveyors found that condoms were only locked up in stores located in communities of color. “All we are asking for is equal access to these products for customers no matter where they live,” said Olivia Olusegun who protested outside a CVS Pharmacy in Rialto Saturday.<br /><br />Demonstrators outside CVS stores throughout Southern California and across the nation, called on the drug retailer to unlock condoms and stop selling expired products.<br />Critics claim keeping condoms under lock and key stigmatizes condom use by forcing customers to ask store employees for help.<br /><br />CVS competitors Walgreens and Rite-Aid have policies prohibiting condom lock up.<br /><br />CVS officials say the condoms are locked up on a store by store basis as a means to prevent shoplifting. In March the chain reversed its controversial policy in some of its Philadelphia and Boston stores after a coalition of civil rights leaders, health advocates and local residents protested. “The number of thefts at a given store determines which locations have condoms locked up, not the ethnicity of customers,” said CVS spokesman Michael DeAngelis.<br /><br />“It’s really embarrassing to ask for help,” said a 17-year-old male protester in Rialto. His name is withheld because he is a minor.<br /><br />An assistant manager at the Rialto store who would only identify herself as “Jessica” because she was not authorized to make a statement on company policy, said the Baseline Road location does not have a locked condom display but would not say whether the store had such a policy in the past.<br /><br />“We are not going to stand by and allow CVS to use shoplifting as a reason to perpetuate a practice that increases the risks of HIV/AIDS in our communities,” said Marilyn Randolph protesting in Rialto.<br /><br />Randolph who surveyed CVS stores in San Bernardino and Riverside and San Diego Counties said Cure CVS members found locked condoms at (9 of 27 stores) in the region. She said in each of the stores all of the condoms are inaccessible without staff assistance, despite CVS’s claim that all stores visited have some unlocked packages available.<br /><br />Gary J. Bell, executive director of Blacks Educating Blacks About Sexual Health Issues, says the CVS practice puts communities of color at great risk for spreading sexually transmitted disease. “The practice is both short-sighted and dangerous. Teen boys in particular, already struggling with their sexuality are more prone to avoid the stigma of asking a sales clerk to unlock a display case. We recognize the right of the retailer to determine how to showcase and protect their merchandise, but they also have a responsibility to be ‘good’ neighbors in the community.”<br /><br />CVS has no plans to change it’s policy of keeping prophylactics locked up in stores with a history of high condom thefts DeAngelis said. Cure CVS is demanding that CVS Pharmacy parent Caremark Corp. adopt permanent company wide policy governing condom displays and stop what it calls the company’s “shameless” pattern of selling expired products. Surveyors recently visited 310 CVS stores operating in 9 states including California and found expired infant formula, child and adult medication for sale at over 50% of CVS stores visited. Standing before a display of expired infant formula, baby food, medications and other products purchased at area CVS stores, community leaders attending the town hall meeting called the practice a public health risk and insisted the drug retailer remove all expired products.<br /><br />Members of the group highlighted ‘a quart of Enfamil A.R. Lipil, a brand of infant formula one year past its expiration date’ bought in a CVS store. This is not the first time expired products have been found at CVS. Last year surveyors found expired infant formula, milk or eggs in 666 CVS stores across the country representing more than 42 percent of the stores surveyed, according to Cure CVS.<br /><br />In June 2008 California Attorney General Jerry Brown criticized CVS for selling expired products at dozens of stores in Southern California, saying the practice violated laws against deceptive advertising and unfair business practices. Although California law does not explicitly prohibit the sale of certain expired products, federal laws require that all products contain expiration dates.<br /><br />Customers outside the Rialto CVS store say they haven’t had problems with items purchased at the store. “I haven’t had a problem, but I must admit I don’t check the expiration date. I trust them,” said Edna Fenny.<br /><br />CVS released this statement: “We have a clear product removal policy to ensure items are removed from shelves before their expiration date. No process is immune from error we strive to achieve 100 percent compliance.” CVS claims behind the condom, expired goods dust up may be some union politics. Spokesman DeAngelis told the L.A. Weekly, the campaign “is being waged by a labor union that had threatened to ‘expose’ us in the press if we refused to violate our employee’s rights by having union elections that weren’t fair and secret.”WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-58337682746962898092009-06-05T17:47:00.000-07:002009-06-05T18:01:39.824-07:00A Moment Lived<strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">when you are near, i am breathless</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">my voice is speechless</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">in the middle of my ordinary fairy tale life</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">you reach out, showing attention and admiration</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">promising eternal passion</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">your breath, honey spiced with a hint of clove</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">your mouth is delicious</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">my disciplined heart is burning, unquenchable</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">the colors of life pass through, designed by nature</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">there is no remedy</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">your smile invites my imagination to go wild </span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">in my wildest dreams, soft moonlight and love harmonize</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">you rescue me and seduce my mind</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">you find my soul and save my life</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#993399;">i am yours forever</span></em></strong>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-77491488879907798352009-06-04T17:17:00.000-07:002009-06-04T17:22:21.190-07:00Little Boy Checks out Obama’s Haircut.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqR16-_gDOxG4xxJNyMjcvcVr3wCSZO7XUOIdG79UNdanAVAv71jGqrEfgRD10QZg8FGVfBzE1vARXrixNHjNItISUvmZujmEveQYGEw1KnfXF7zBfa37wDQVWTvvIH8Yx7IrE9AwB_DE/s1600-h/kid_obama.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343631307067791090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 361px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqR16-_gDOxG4xxJNyMjcvcVr3wCSZO7XUOIdG79UNdanAVAv71jGqrEfgRD10QZg8FGVfBzE1vARXrixNHjNItISUvmZujmEveQYGEw1KnfXF7zBfa37wDQVWTvvIH8Yx7IrE9AwB_DE/s400/kid_obama.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center">The youngster wanted to see if the President’s </div><div align="center">haircut felt like his own. </div>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-7792425239314255282009-05-28T12:30:00.000-07:002009-05-28T12:35:58.847-07:00Top Reasons To Get a Medical Marijuana Card<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dF32EWXcpZJD7N517TVfomAXQhrVEoXmhvweM3DjSQmYNLErQyKBxjQ9SJmoqOl5-uJcz9m3uSXQxpaf6ALsfzq-tJcZgg0bIULG9mCHeqYTLMKAJXCNW3-qBMowCOoFOzSdOETTMRyT/s1600-h/mauiewauie_strain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340960689725254514" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dF32EWXcpZJD7N517TVfomAXQhrVEoXmhvweM3DjSQmYNLErQyKBxjQ9SJmoqOl5-uJcz9m3uSXQxpaf6ALsfzq-tJcZgg0bIULG9mCHeqYTLMKAJXCNW3-qBMowCOoFOzSdOETTMRyT/s320/mauiewauie_strain.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>1) Legal Protection - If you're already using cannabis without a medical marijuana card, you are breaking both state and federal law and as such are subject to the ridiculously harsh penalties many states impose on marijuana users. Even if you're using cannabis as a legitimate treatment of disease, you are still breaking state law if you don't have a medical marijuana prescription from a licensed doctor.One of the best parts about being a card-carrying MMJ patient is that you are afforded full legal protection under the states medical marijuana laws. This means when you get pulled over for a routine speeding ticket and the cops ask you to search your car, you can allow them to search with no fear of being taken to jail or having your valuable medicine being confiscated. The law is on your side now, but only if you have a <a href="http://marijuanamedicine.com/">medical marijuana card</a>!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>2) Marijuana is an extremely effective medicine - At this point, its hard to dispute the medicinal value of cannabis. It seems to be the only substance on Earth that can cure the painful nausea caused by chemotherapy, greatly retard the onset of blindness from glaucoma and relieve depression without destroying your bodies chemical balance - all with zero negative long-term side effects. Marijuana is a wonder drug that's been used as an effective medicine dating back at least 6,000 years.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>3) The golden ticket into medical marijuana dispensaries - Another incredibly cool thing about having your medical marijuana card is that it allows you access into medical marijuana dispensaries (aka cannabis clubs). In California alone, there are over five hundred medical marijuana dispensaries eager to serve the needs of its patients.Going into a medical marijuana dispensary in California is almost like going to a coffeeshop in Amsterdam. Many retailers have dozens of cannabis strains to choose from, ranging from high end buds like White Widow, AK-47 and Northern Lights to mid-range chronic, all the way down to $35 for an eighth ounce schwag. Some even offer rooms with Volcano vaporizers in them, so you can safely medicate with fellow patients.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>4) You can grow you're own - With your medical marijuana card, not only can you legally buy medical cannabis, concentrates like bubble hash and hash oil, delicious edibles, tinctures and crazy tainted sodas but you can also legally grow your own pot!The State of California allows any valid medical marijuana patient to have up to six mature plants growing at one time. This amount is fairly generous, considering that up to 4 lbs of dried flower can be harvested from a single 6' outdoor cannabis indica plant.Growing your own medical cannabis is not only fun, but also a good way to save money on medicine in this current economic recession.</div>WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-15212172170643499602009-05-21T09:02:00.000-07:002009-05-21T09:08:51.425-07:00Fresh Strawberries with Grand Marnier SauceA really easy liqueur-laced sauce turns strawberries into a sophisticated dessert. <br /><br />2 pints ripe strawberries, quartered<br />2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, Cointreau or orange liqueur<br />1/4 cup sugar<br />4 fresh mint sprigs, optional garnish<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">Grand Marnier Sauce:<br /></span></strong>1 cup confectioner's (powdered) sugar<br />1 large egg yolk<br />1/4 cup Grand Marnier, Cointreau or orange liqueur<br />2/3 cup heavy (whipping) cream, chilled<br /><br />Combine the strawberries, 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier, and the sugar in a bowl. Set aside at room temperature for 1 hour. Meanwhile, sift the confectioner's sugar into a bowl. Whisk in the egg yolk and the Grand Marnier. Whip the heavy cream until it is almost stiff. Add half of the whipped cream to the confectioner’s sugar mixture to lighten, then fold in the remaining cream.<br />Place a layer of strawberries in each of 4 wine goblets or bowls. Top with a dollop of Grand Marnier sauce. Layer more berries and sauce in each serving dish. Refrigerate until serving time. Garnish with mint sprigs.WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-38417329965756275532009-05-20T09:25:00.000-07:002009-05-20T09:36:06.464-07:00Forgiving YourselfForgiving yourself is essential. There is a tendency in all of us to hold ourselves more accountable than we do others. Perhaps you have been one who can justify forgiving others, even for a heinous offense, yet you find no justification for forgiving yourself for an equal or lesser offense. Perhaps you believe that forgiving yourself is not even a consideration because you think you must hold yourself in a state of constant remembrance, lest you forget. Perhaps you believe there is a price, some form of life-long penance that you must pay.<br /><br />Forgiving yourself is not about forgetting. It is about not bringing the offense up to yourself in negative ways. Forgiving yourself is simply letting go of what you are holding against yourself so that you can move on with God. If God has moved on, shouldn't we do the same? To continue to rehearse in our thoughts the events of our transgression, opposes Philippians 4:8 which tells us to dwell on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.<br /><br />Life is full of choices and every choice we make will either take us in a positive, life-giving direction or rob us of the opportunity to be a life-giving individual. Forgiving ourselves does not let us off the hook, it does not justify what we have done, and it is not a sign of weakness. Forgiveness is a choice that takes courage and strength, and it gives us the opportunity to become an overcomer rather than remaining a victim of our own scorn.<br /><br />Proverbs 16:25 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." The energy it takes to harbor anger, hatred, and resentment towards yourself is exhaustive. Every bit of energy we give to negative activities and dwelling on regrets, robs us of the energy we need to become the person God wants us to be.<br /><br />Unforgiveness of oneself will bring self-destruction, a haughty spirit, and a fall. Forgiveness will bring peace.WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-22382981811707659122009-05-15T10:33:00.000-07:002009-05-15T10:51:55.508-07:00pIZZA, pIZZA!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yv-kuIqneEhiyYVR1vsFOY51CVRHrBCm4-x7fNe6sSGuprGZg_SzHl8ex-zoeIKeb-Fnkc_MtV1BhpKqBC57vyo_7h8WFQn1KJ9VrMioprYQa5-JStJq3ipQ7oL7-Y92QGnD6ok05Qmb/s1600-h/20081117ItalianFiestaWholePizza.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336109754055196274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3yv-kuIqneEhiyYVR1vsFOY51CVRHrBCm4-x7fNe6sSGuprGZg_SzHl8ex-zoeIKeb-Fnkc_MtV1BhpKqBC57vyo_7h8WFQn1KJ9VrMioprYQa5-JStJq3ipQ7oL7-Y92QGnD6ok05Qmb/s320/20081117ItalianFiestaWholePizza.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ok. I live in California, by way of CHI~TOWN and.....I cant wait to go back home and get me some Italian Fiesta. Italian Fiesta is, by far, the very best. Their pledge is "We use only the finest and freshest ingredients available; from the creamy butter in the dough to the spicy oregano garnish!'" Italian Fiesta has been on the South Side since 1951. Italian Fiesta pizza is a THIN crust chicago style pizza made with house tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and sausage. Every time I get off the plane in Chicago, this is my first stop. Italian Fiesta Pizzeria is the best pizza on the planet. Feeling a little Home sick!WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-2321886577580653212009-05-12T06:21:00.000-07:002009-05-12T06:25:00.594-07:00ENJOY LIFE TODAY<strong><span style="color:#993399;">STOP</span></strong> dwelling on the past. The past is history. You can't change the past.<br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">DON'T </span></strong>worry about the future. The future is a mystery. Why concern yourself with what may or may not happen? Such thinking gives rise to fear, stress and anxiety. <br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">ACCEPT </span></strong>what is. The present moment is a gift. You're not where you are by accident. You're in this present moment by Divine Design. Discover the beauty in it. And be thankful.<br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">BE </span></strong>aware of your choices. The moment you're in right now is the result of choices you've made. Want the future to be even better than your present? Then make choices NOW that are in alignment with your greater good.<br /><strong><span style="color:#993399;">OPEN</span></strong> up and receive. The Universe is offering you lessons in this moment. Be open and receptive to those lessons. Master those lessons. Everything you want, need or desire is in you and around you - in this moment.WINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5328553745113064868.post-45932895447636886702009-05-07T16:15:00.000-07:002009-05-07T16:21:11.210-07:00MotherEvery morning I make a decision to thank GOD for blessing me with a Mother who cares. You have always lifted me up in prayer, especially in troubled times, which you and I know has been much of my adult life. I tell people every chance I get “I would not be here if not for a praying Mother”. <br /><br />There is nothing more precious than the prayers of a praying mother. You rocked me to sleep and wiped my tears, you have loved me through it all. You listened to my stories and shared your own, you made me laugh and helped me grow.<br /><br />You were my first teacher. Your lessons helped prepare me for life. You taught me to be optimistic. I always cherish the quality time and talks we have. You always calmed me in times of trouble. Your love has always been a part of me. My heart overflows with it. Your examples lead me in the path of righteousness. You are such a comfort to my soul. I thank you for being the woman and Mother that you are.<br /><br />You are the essence of God's radiance. You personify virtue, honor, and strength. God's word speaks of you in Proverbs 3:1. Your kind and gentle ways nurture my soul. Your love is unconditional. You carry yourself with grace and confidence. You are precious to my heart. <br /><br />On this special day, I stop to think, and give God the glory and you the respect. When challenges came, you never neglected your faith, You taught us to stand by the words of our Savior. Your examples of love, devotion, and care, along with your wisdom and continual prayer, has provided me with gifts of love. Thank you, Mama for always being there.<br /><br />Happy Mother's Day!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> Your SonWINDY CITY CHEFhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12965115505670627049noreply@blogger.com