Simplifying: Blog Changes

Just wanted to drop a line to reader-friends to let you know I've prayed about simplifying my life and talked it over with husband and daughters...It seems the best thing at this time is to go with one primary blog at this time.  I may blog specials here from time to time but they will first be on My Forest Cathedral blog.  I'm not one to permanently close doors completely so I will keep this blog open as in leaving the door open just a crack.  This plan seems like the most logical thing to do after much prayer.  

I sure do hope to see you over at My Forest Cathedral!  I sure appreciate all who read here and please know I'll have the coffee on for ya at My Forest Cathedral. And yes, there will be recipes, old 40s movies and re-dos there now too along with our country Italian lives!   

Thanks for understanding!

Love, Amelia 

 

 ~Photo by Robert Stock

Pasta Bowl for That Warm Evening...So Good...So Easy Plus old Movie Suggestion

Yesterday I was sooo tired.  Everyone was sooo tired.  But we wanted something good to eat for supper as usual.  We cherish our family suppers. : )  

The answer?  The good Lord whispered.... That pasta dish Dear One...look in your old handwritten recipe book...

So I did!... and I found my old recipe I used to make all the time when my girls were little.  I don't know why in the world I stopped making it!

I think I will share it with you as I'm listening to:



I so love the theme music and the movie itself...We own the movie as well.  Very appropriate for Memorial Day too.  Check into the history of the movie if you like, one of the actors without arms is a true Veteran from WWII.  Yes, his arms were truly lost in the war and he had no actor's training from what I understand.   There is alcohol used in the movie but it is not shown in positive light at all.  What is shown is what our soldiers go through and how they felt (feel) upon returning. (We must never forget)

The returning soldier without arms marries the sweetest gal ever....I love the simplicity of things  (you'll see)...  SO sweet.  This young lady has such a beautiful character, it's not one that is esteemed in this culture these day but God esteems it.

People are so darned busy now-a-days they just go-go-go- ...it doesn't seem like there is much substance or thinking going on does it?  One thing I especially ponder in this movie is the part of Myrna Loy...The reason?  I think her character is very much in the same season of life I am...almost exactly.  My oldest daughter is 30 and our youngest daughter is 18.  So much going on in our culture that makes it difficult for nice young ladies.   But never the less...it's a nice season too.  : )  It's a sweet time in our home.  But all in all, I really do understand Myrna and how she feels at times, those heart to heart talks and how we too remember so well how life is, ... and was.  Oh do we!

Now for that recipe!

Amelia's Quickie but Goooooood Pasta Bowl  (said like Andy Griffith)   gooooooooood

Put enough olive oil in a large pot, a goodly amount, around a 1/4 inch deep.

I sauteed 4 very large cloves of garlic for about 1 minute.  No longer!  Only til fragrant!

Okay girls, the easiness of this recipe is going to floor you...

Dump a large can of diced tomatoes including juice in the pot.  (around 27 oz.)

Dump a regular size can (14 oz.) of white northern beans, drained and rinsed or any bean that you have on hand, or no beans works too but I like to add beans to my veggie dishes.

Dump a can of black olives drained to mix.

Dump a half box of veggie broth, that's what I had left in fridge.

A few teaspoons of dried basil.

Let it simmer a bit.

Serve with a ladle over angel hair pasta!   Bella!!!

I top my bowl with lemon pepper....oh ladies, this is really good!

The add-ons are endless, I'm thinking of adding some kale next time too.  Walnuts on top?  Mm. Mm.

I added toasted sesame bread with olive oil dipping sauce to round it out and you will have a very nice supper for your family! 

I hope everyone is doing well, we're doing good, just busy at the Forest Cathedral here! 

I thought you might enjoy seeing the above pics of two of our daughters leaving for a Spring Formal, I thought it was so cute, the girls in their pretty dresses here at The Forest Cathedral.  The Spring Formal is a nice old English folk dance, young men are encouraged to dance with each girl once unless they are in a courtship...It's  a very nice wholesome event. : )  I just thought I'd share the atmosphere here.

Four young ladies, a husband, wife in middle age years, little baby chicks who are also our pets...even a miracle chick! four doglets, four sweet cats and lot's of cookin'.

Live - Love - Laugh -   Pray Hard...

That's life at the Forest Cathedral.  God bless America and may America Bless God! : )  Hug a soldier, ask the old soldiers questions, cherish them they are treasures.  

Love to All,    ~Amelia  

Feel free to check my other blogs too.  Each one has it's own flavor, and that is a long story. ; )

Vision for a Godly Home

My Forest Cathedral

Mrs. Amelia's Yee-Haw-Howdy Tamale Pie and a Sweet-Good Ol' 50s Cowboy Series: "Fury" Adorable!

Hi Y'all!  I thought I would share a recipe and a good ol' 50s show, this would make for a great cowboy night at your house!  This recipe turned out pretty good, I always make sure they do before I share here. : )  And the 50s shows on the dvd  are adorable.  The name of the old black and white  shows?  Fury    Read on for true-family-night ideas!

This is our daughter, Delle ready to dig in to my newfangled recipe.

Now please oblige while I share....I do vegetarian recipes.  God convicted me of what is happening to the institutionalized farm animals and that goes for dairy as well.  It's a great thing to eat with a clear conscience and it's a great thing for health too.  Leather has the same sentiments when we see what is behind it all.

So now I go back to Genesis and the garden for eating and it's a luverly thing. 

The taste of seeds, nuts, legumes...are a beautiful thing. I can make some out of-this-world lentil patties with veggie gravy. So. Good.  I have to make sure my recipe is tweaked before I post it though. : )  My fave snack food is cherry tomatoes...my taste buds have come alive! 

And as always I take a good quality multi vitamin and b12.  I've always been particular about taking b12, it has saved my back for several years before I even made this conscience change. 

Do you know...
 ...that broccoli has 11.2 grams of protein?
....that Romaine lettuce has 7.5 grams of protein?
....that Kale ahs 11 grams of protein?
.....verses 5.4 grams in a sirloin (flesh) steak?



Yes indeedie, and that doesn't even touch the calcium and iron facts. 

This info is from the Hallelujah Acres magazine.

Do you eat eggs Mrs Amelia?  Yes. As long as they are from a true humane source, not a place where little boy chicks are thrown into a macerator alive. 

Milk?  As long as it is from a humane source but milk and cheeses do not agree with my body, they do form extra mucus in the body.

What do you use?  I use almond  or coconut milk, unsweetened rice milk is excellent for baking and cooking.   I use almond or veggie cheese.  I make ricotta from tofu.

Okay.  That should answer main questions if you had any....

On with that recipe.  On with Cowboy Night!

Mrs. Amelia's Yee-haw-Howdy Tamale Pie

This served our family of 6 with leftovers. Yay for leftovers! : )

4  14.5 oz. cans of pinto beans drained or you can make your own in the crockpot.

1 regular small can of tomato paste

2 T ollive oil

1 onion chopped.

3 T chili powder

1 can of storebrand mild tomato rotel

1 6 oz. packet of cornbread mix.  I used Martha White yellow cornbread mix packet.

2 2/3 c. of rice milk

2 happy chicken yard eggs

2 T stevia  (or you could use honey or a little sugar)  I also stay away from sugar or honey, neither agree with my body. 

Okay.  Yeehaw let's go!

Preheat oven to 425.  Coat 13 x 9 pan with oil.  Heat oil in skillet add chopped onion cook til soft. Add chili powder.  Stir in paste, rotel, then beans.

Reduce to low, simmer around 6 minutes.

Season with salt & pepper if desired.

Combine the cornbread mix with rice-milk, eggs, 2 T. spoon water in bowl.

Spread the bean mixture in pan.

Pour cornbread mixture over bean mixture spreading lightly with the back of a spoon.

Bake until cornbread is set and golden. (Doesn't take that long)

There you have it!  Mrs. Amelia's Yeehaw-Howdy Tamale Pie!  Hubs thought it should have more cornbread mixture...try it and see what ya think!

You can serve this with salsa, olives, avocados etc.  A salad goes nicely on the side if you have time. : )  Or if you want to go really easy-breezy, do a frozen green veggie cooked and drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with garlic powder. When I grew up, we had to have at least one green per day.  Mama was right!

Mrs. Amelia's Yee-Haw-Howdy Tamale Pie!

Now for that show!


This old black and white 50s television series is SO. PRECIOUS.  Fury

You too can come along to the Broken Wheel Ranch and share in the sweet adventures!  My husband used to watch these when he was a little boy and the little boy in the shows reminds me of Hubs too. : )  The other night we watched an episode and the little boy was praying such a sweet heartfelt prayer.  Oh. So. Adorable.  This is the kind of thing you want your family to see. You will not see disrespect or anything that would go along with today's modern sitcoms. 

I hope you are all doing well, we're doing good here at the Forest Cathedral.  Mar and I are nursing a little chicken back to health.  You can read about it here and  here on My Forest Cathedral blog.

Have any of you read or heard anything about the Gosnell trial?  I hate to bring this up, it is horrible and unpleasant but it needs to be heard, most news media is not covering it.  You can read about it here on my Vision for a Godly Home Blog.

Source: Uploaded by user via Amelia on Pinterest

I'm sorry I've been so aloof on this blog, I'm testing out new recipes and am rather particular on what to share, I'm also very particular with even old 40s movies to share.  They must be good....and blameless! : )

If you're interested, I blog the most at My Forest Cathedral, if you would like to follow there.  My four daughters think I should condense to one blog...I'm not sure. We will see. It's a long story how I ended up with 3 blogs! 

So much going on in our nation and soooo much to pray about.

Love to All,     ~Mrs. Amelia

Bells of St. Mary's (1945)

This is one of the sweetest clips ever. It definitely puts things in perspective this holy Christmas season.

It's been a trying week, Monday in the ER with my dd22. Seven kidney stones, one blocking. I'm so tired but thought I would put this clip up for you to enjoy as I hope you will. I know I so enjoyed this.

I hope we can get back to this sweet simplicity in the country, it might take a miracle. But God specializes in miracles. : ) 



Blessings to All,  Amelia

So Darling! Love the Words. No Fuddy - Duddies Allowed. ; )

I Haven't Time to be a Millionaire



I think this song is so darling, this is Bing Crosby and Deanna Durbin I believe...The words are so meaningful to me.

 I listen to this very same song by a very young Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey almost daily as I get ready for the day, it makes me smile and it's in keeping with my quest for a sweet simplicity not to mention that sweet, precious 40s theme. ....I just love the sweet message here.

Sweets for the sweet, no fuddy-duddies aloud.

I haven't time to be a millionaire...     

God's Contentment to All,   For an Audience of One....   ~Amelia

I've Been Awarded! The Liebster Award from my Friend, Ann

Hi-de-Ho!

My dear friend, Ann at Learning Late in Life awarded me with the Liebster award! Thank you dear Ann. My friend Ann is half Italian like me. In fact, I adore her Italian maiden name...I think it's plumb beautimous! I wish I could put it down but I'm not so sure she may want it over the worldwide web. ; )

These award things can be fun and will get us into the swing of some good blogging if we take advantage of them and you may just meet some other nice friends too!

Okay, here are 7 random things about me:

1. I think deeply. I see things in artistic ways, shapes, the way the light shines, an expression of someone, a feel in a room...Just ask my husband, he'll tell you about my happy sighs and musings as we drive through the country side or take walks together...even nudges I feel.

2. This morning I was thinking that I could be a female version of Will Rogers. I'm not near as witty or quick thinking as he was but my thoughts are similar and the way I spit them out at times too. ; )

3. I enjoy solitude at times. Today I'm so enjoying the birds singing and God's still small Voice. The girls are away at jobs and nursing home. I'm on the tail end of getting well so I decided to bite the bullet and stay home, it's nice being quiet.

4. I love living in the country. There is nothing like walking outside in the morning in your robe with a hot cup of coffee...plopping yourself down on the porch to talk to the good Lord. Cows in the distance, perhaps a horse neighing from another homestead nearby...

5. I grew up in an old town on the bay, both my mom and dad were old families from the town. One Italian family business next to the German business. I grew up very practically and matter of fact as far as material goods and what was necessary in life even though I'm an only child. I remember the first time I saw my Italian cousins closet she shared with her sisters and the huge mounds of shoes I was appalled! In our family, you used it up and wore it out first before buying another. We paid cash for our new car or truck and drove them til they fell apart. Neither my parents or grandparents gave a hoot about appearances. Our sweet older 30s home was paid for and my dad would roll his eyes at the new suburbs popping up. Now I know just what he was rolling those eyes about.

6. I love to sew and create my own clothes. I'm not a master seamstress by any means. I sew simple and use accessories such as belts, patterned hose, a ribbon holding a pony tail to spruce things up.

7. I love to keep our home in a sweet atmosphere, an old fashioned 40s atmosphere. Why not? The culture doesn't own me. ; ) My world consists of old screwback earrings, black and white 40s movies and music and the works. Hubs calls me his 40s glamor girl. : ) But at the same time as much as I am frail at times.... I also love putting on rubber boots and going on a country walk, getting my hands in the earth feels good at times. No manicures here! : )..Speaking of, my hands remind me of my Italian grandma's hands when she cooked. When I cook, chop etc. I so see my Grandma's mannerisms in myself.

8. (One to grow on) I really enjoy beating the system. I sew with a Brothers sewing machine from Walmart, the bottom of the line. I adore my machine, I take care of it and it is nice to me, a blessing. I have the same theory on pretty shoes. I buy cheap and take care of them, I put insoles in them and I'm set to go. My favorite pair of Laura Petrie-style black flats were $5.00 regular price from Walmart. The shape and femininity of the shoe is adorable.


Here are Ann's questions!

1. What is your favorite flavor? Oh goodness...Chocolate?
2. Does anybody really know what time it is? No. In fact I think I'll get rid of my watch and go with life unabashedly.
3. What is the first thing that you do upon rising in the morning? Brush my teeth, hair, and clip it back, pour coffee give my four doglets a treat and go outside to pray.
4. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Right here in my own backyard.
5. If you could do anything other than what you currently do, what would it be and why? I like just what I am and do. But if I really had to choose something else?...hmmm...perhaps a vet?
6. What is your favorite vegetable? Eggplant.
7. Just what makes that little old ant think he can move that rubber tree plant? Determination! : )

Okay folks, now for picking some bloggy friends who might enjoy this too...Hmmm...I've picked 7 on My Forest Cathedral blog and two sweethearts responded so far... Let's see if I can pick some more friends who would enjoy this. People sure are fuddy duddies now days aren't they??? : P

Let's see now.....*squinting eyes smiling* ...Let me find some lively ones... ; ) Keep in mind, it's supposed to be blogging friends who have less then 200 followers...


An Old Familiar Place

Kathryn

Beloved's Bride

The Man Who Would Be Knight

Miz Helen's Country Cottage

Poetic Capture

The Musings and Life of a Daughter of the King

Now for 7 - 11 questions for you all!

1. What's for supper at your house tonight?

2. Favorite time period?

3. What are your thoughts on the signs of the times lately?

4. Did you grow up rural, city? Do you live rural or city now?

5. How do you manage blogging time? Spontaneous or planned?

6. How do you witness to others? What comes naturally for you?

7. What are your surroundings at this moment?

Okay Folks! I hope you enjoy this little award/mixer of sorts... This can be fun! When you get the druthers try answering these questions and meeting other blogging friends! If you're not on this list participate anyhow if you want too...I tried to pick active bloggers.

The idea is:

You tell 7 -11 things about yourself

You ask 7 -11 things to 7 - 11 others.

You answer the awarders questions to you.

Make sense? I hope so. : )

Y'all have a wonderful day! God bless y'all! ~Amelia

Guest Post at The Little Acre: 'Peace Adds, Busyness Takes Away'

 

EDIT: 10.01.12  The below guest posts will be reposted here soon. The blog that the guest posts were on is unavailable at this time. Thanks everyone!

Hello Everyone! Long time no see? It's been such a busy summer of sorts. I just wanted to drop a line to sweet friends and those who I am privileged to have read and visit here to know I have a guest post series on my sweet friend, Amanda's blog, The Little Acre:

Peace Adds, Busyness Takes Away. Click here for Part I Part II

Part III

I hope you are blessed and encouraged by the series, the Lord put it on my heart as I sat at my keyboard last week. I asked God what He would have me share? There are soooo many things on my heart these days in these perilous times we are in and the thoughts flowed.

Please be encouraged, in His Great Love, ~Amelia

Destination Tokyo (1943) and a Glimpse of Yesteryear

I've been intrigued by this movie:

Destination Tokyo (1943)

Such a touching, sweet and enduring movie with plenty of WWII submarine thrill as well! The underwater scenes are fascinating and our boys were precious back then. You'll see.

One of the most precious parts as the movie opens is Cary Grant reading the sweetest letter to his wife...so sweet.


My mother says:
"Things were so different then, just so different" ...Yes they were and it breaks my heart.


Our family just loves these old 40s movies, it's our little world in the safe haven of our home. Why wouldn't everyone love these movies? They are so much sweeter than what we have now.

We choose to keep it sweet. K.I.S.S. You know me, it's a favorite acronym...It usually means... Keep it simple sweetie but in this case...Keep it SWEET sweetie!

Here is a clip from the movie, I hope you too enjoy it.


Robert Hutton the ill sailor and patient, a sweet southern guy in the above clip is especially a darling. I love his character, I really do. He was used in movies many times as they thought he resembled Jimmy Stewart who was away at war. Yes,many of our stars were really stars back then and had a healthy respect and love for our country.

The scene above later shifts to Hutton praying the Lord's prayer. So poignant and meaningful. People had respect for the things of the Lord then. We can now too.

The country as a whole had a healthy fear of God then.

Hutton suffered a broken back in an in-home fall and spent his last days in a nursing-care facility. He told an interviewer, "I lived a fantasy in Hollywood. I met and worked with so many people now considered legends. And then, just when I wondered why I was even alive, I broke my back, and the Lord opened up a whole new world of opportunity for me".


There is one disclaimer for me...There is a very tiny part; John Garfield holds up a women's nightgown as a Christmas gag gift and makes the remark he wishes it were filled. It 's not the end of the world, but at the same time if you have little boys or young people at all, you may want to fast forward that one teensy part.

A very interesting fact about this movie is that Tony Curtis saw this movie as he was away at war in WWII and it inspired him to become an actor.

I think you too may enjoy this WWII submarine thriller with plenty of sweetness sandwiched inbetween suspense.

I thought those who may be interested int his movie may also enjoy this neat retro shot of my mom and dad. This was taken in the early 50s when they were first married. It's a bit Italian and German! My mom is Italian and my dad is German. They are both Christians now in their later years. Both are 82 years old and still handsome people. Sweet people. Daddy used to write some salty editorials, did a little acting and public speaking as well as serving on city counsel, self employed in other businesses of his own ...and mother was a stay at home mom who had gone to art school at one time, just a cute waterfront couple who grew up together until my dad would be shipped away to military schcool as a little boy until they were reunited later upon his return. Always perfect sailing? No, but it doesn't matter. : ) They loved ballroom dancing... I still remember my mother's perfume and dangly ear rings, flowie full skirted polka dot dress, very pretty... as she would tip-toe in my Grandma's dark bedroom and pick me up from bed after their dancing lesson... Daddy always a handsome head turner too, he still says, I'm his sweetheart. : )

.

Take care now...Until the next time... Blessings to All! Please lift up our country in prayers in this critical time. May the church be the Church. ~Amelia

Great Easy-Breezy Punch Idea for Showers or Anything to Celebrate!

Easy-Breezy Refreshing Punch Idea, Sure to Give you an Extra Punch in Your Schedule and Pocketbook Plus Smiles Galore!
~Photo by Robert Stock

Here in the South we love cool and refreshing. : ) For me? I've found this to be the best punch idea ever! Economical and sooooo easy dahlings!

For my punch idea? It's easy. It's pretty. Just grab your grandma's pretty punch bowl and place plenty of crushed ice in it and pour prepared pink lemonade over it, the frozen canned version that you add water to is the most economical of course. You could use the plain yellow lemonade as well for a neutral color. It's pretty and it's refreshing too. Plenty of crushed ice is a must of course! : )

~Photo by Robert Stock

With four daughters who like to entertain we have done this in the past many times and it never fails! : D

Here at the Forest Cathedral you can see our girls preparing for their Cowboy Party here at MyForestCathedral.blogspot

You may enjoy my Vision for a Godly Home too. From a mom with four daughters ages 18 to 29 homeschooling and walking with the Lord through the trenches and high tops of life with the Lord as we stand shoulder to shoulder with the Heavenly Father.

Make sure and see the Roy Rogers video with Trigger dancing on my below entry....It is so darling!

Keep it sweet. Keep it simple sweetie! K.I.S.S.

This post is linked to Life As Mom Recipe Swap as well as Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday.

Love in Christ, ~Mrs. Amelia

'The Hollywood Canteen' Trailer (1945) With Special Clip of Roy Rogers and TRIGGER Dancing!

'The Hollywood Canteen' (1945) Trailer


Nothing like it folks. Our family really enjoyed this movie. The good part of Hollywood, the part that makes one's heart melt. One of the sweetest movies ever...It's a 40s patriotic music fest at it's best. Adorable. Joan Leslie and Robert Hutton...I call this SWELL.

Just look at this incredible CAST!

This is one of our favorites! Roy Rogers and TRIGGER! Look at Trigger DANCE! Is this not the sweetest thing ever? If this ain't the cutest thing ever I don't know what is.

Roy Rogers & TRIGGER "Don't Fence Me In"


I thing your family might like this too. So sweet, and I like to keep it sweet.

One day I'll have to write up the story of the two handsome cowboys on their horses on our land looking for their lost cow. You can see some of our family antics here at MyForestCathedral.blogspot

I hope you enjoy your week, check this movie out if you get the druthers. It's plum wonderful.

I hope everyone had a sweet Easter Sunday. Thank you Jesus for what you have done for me.

Love to All, ~Amelia

Old Movie Night with Jim Thorpe the All American and Italian Cauliflower Cutlets, Ya Can't Beat That!

As you know our family loves, loves, loves old black and white movies especially from the late- 30s, 40s - early 50s era. Allow me to say, if you haven't delved into the wonderful refreshing world of old movies you are missing out. When we see most modern movies, even the ones that are supposed to be clean with the exception of some great Christian movies we just cringe. Why cringe? Because the culture is warped and I don't want to be part of it. I do not want to be conditioned to the culture. We don't want our girls conditioned to the culture either. Diplomacy isn't my thing when the prophet side peeps out is it? ; ) But I really don't know why folks would want to watch things that God hates. Yes, God does hate things, look it up. : ) I mean that with a loving heart like a mama...an Italian mama who loves the Lord. Most churches won't say it so I will. Isn't that pitiful? An Italian mama has to say what churches won't say?

Here is this neat old movie, Jim Thorpe - All American. (1951) Make sure and take the time to see the trailer on the above link, you'll see the sweetness of the times glowing through.

Wow. That Burt Lancaster is handsome dandsome, and Phyllis Thaxter is a doll.

Our family really enjoyed it, and it definitely shows what can happen to a person disillusioned with life. A bit sad in the end, it just goes to show what bad choices do to a person's life. In the beginning of the movie when it shows Jim Thorpe going to college and how he has his eye on his sweet gal, my husband remarked: "Now THAT'S how a NORMAL young man is SUPPOSED to behave when he sees what he likes!" So true hubby, so true. We don't get young men now days. ; ) If you watch the trailer you'll see Americana at some of it's best years ever. Enjoy!


Now for that recipe that we loved. It's easy-breezy too!

Easy-Breezy Italian Cauliflower Cutlets


Here goes, it's easy-breezy! If you like this recipe and use it for your blog I consider that a compliment but please link to my blog here. It's nice to be nice! Please be a thoughtful blogger. : )

You take a head of cauliflower and cut it in fourths and make each slice right under an inch thick. You can also use the florettes on the pan too. Don't worry about stragglers. They will be yummy extras.

Take a cookie sheet and put a nice amount of olive oil on it, place your cauliflower slices and pieces on the pan and sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Bake at around 400 degrees around ten minutes and turn. Each side should be a bit brown, it will become very tender.

Done. Great little veggie dinner. You could serve this with a seasoned rice, pasta and gravy (yes we old time Italians call it gravy) : ), a green salad, a veggie burger patty with a gravy etc. It's good. And YES. This would make my Italian Grandma and Grandpa both... SMILE. This recipe will be brought to Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday. : )

If you want to see what my family is up to in the country these days? Country-Italian at it's finest? ; ) You may enjoy my My Forest Cathedral.blogspot. If you would like to join me in some of the best books ever, and encouraging and challenging spiritual messages? You may want to take a peek at my Vision For a Godly Home.blogspot.

Blessings to All! Love, ~Amelia

'Old Acquaintance' (1943) Worth Seeing, Funny, Sad, the Works

'Old Acquaintance' (1943) The trailer....This was a very enjoyable movie. My daughters are older, ages 18 to 29 and oh boy did we understand the jealousy and envy that can occur between women..not pretty but represented very well and humorously in this movie. A bit sad and a bit funny...worth seeing. I think men too would (should) understand plenty if they are perceptive of life's wiles.


This is hilarious. At around... 3:57 Bette Davis really does something many only talk about. ; ) Bette Davis plays a great part in this movie, the character Bette Davis plays is so right on here. Our entire family including hubby laughed out loud in unbelief. "Sorry". Ha!

Yep, the part played by Miriam Hopkins is something I've seen way too much of in my lifetime as I'm sure some of you have too. My girls give me reports of this as well many a day. Ought not be in certain circles. Insecure, sneaky and envious women, girls of all ages. Is it any wonder the Bible says, Envy - Who can stand against it?

'The War Against Mrs. Hadley' (1942) A Plum Wonderful Movie!

Hi Everyone,

Our family just saw this movie the other night. This is one of those movies we had in our album but hadn't seen it yet...Oh I'm so glad we took a chance! We've watched it several more times since!

A snobbish Washington matron tries to ignore the effects of World War II. We see those who are truly rich in character in this movie...poignant, humorous at times, just a plum wonderful movie. I especially love the down-to-earth Irish mother in law...Oh what a sweetheart. Oh does she have some choice words for Mrs. Hadley at times...Made me *smile*. And made me say....*oh wow* *so true* You'll see....

Enjoy. : ) Love to All, ~Amelia

The Cost of Sickness

I thought this was neat. It's a British WWII poster describing the cost of the common cold:



Wow, they weren't just a-kidding on reminding people to use a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing to prevent a cold!

I've been fighting a cold for more than three weeks, I have no idea what it going on with my immune system. It's been one thing after another, infection after infection and who knows if the flu is part of it? I was up in the middle of the night looking up articles on antibiotics and such along with local doctor reviews....I know there is a time and a place for antibiotics when truly needed. I've never seen a sickness hang on in such a way as this! I admit I'm becoming a bit depressed. I've tried over the counter, natural and am now taking cloves of garlic 3 crushed cloves each dose at least 3 or 4x a day. If this doesn't work I may be making a visit to the doctor. Pray for me please whoever reads this and will pray.

The last time I was on antibiotics was 18 years ago when I delivered my Baby-Becca, I had tested positive for beta-strep, my RN midwife ran the antibiotics through IV as I was in labor. Interesting experience indeed! Dr. Ron Paul would have delivered my baby if I would have been transported the the hospital. I'm not so sure about his foreign policy but I must admit Dr. Paul was hilarious in the last debate, such a humorous personality I think he displayed. Our family was rolling when he answered "I would ask why he called!" : ) I thought it was cute the way he talked about his wife's cookbooks. I have both of them, the old and the new one. Really sweet and down to earth.

Praying for Rick Santorum and his family as they have admitted their daughter, Bella into the hospital. It must be very difficult for them. I thought Santorum was bravissimo in the debate. I like the guy as a whole...he's the same generation Italian like me to boot. Both our grandparents were immigrants from Italy. I agree with Mark Levin on him, in my opinion Santorum is a likable guy, he says what he says and means what he says.

I love this:

Rick Santorum with Bella.

“This child…can do nothing but love me.” Santorum observed, “That’s me with the (Heavenly) Father—I am so profoundly disabled in His eyes.” ~Rick Santorum

Sure is a lot to think about on the candidates don't you agree? There are questions on all. Our family is not big government and we don't want the government in our private affairs. We want things the way they used to be, especially in the medicine department. I sure don't believe in any "System" and I hate hearing about the system as if it's the norm and is an entitlement as if insurance is a given. No thank you. In our families years ago, they were friends with their doctors, my dad's running buddy was the doc's son and the families traded for services, my dad still visits over the phone with the boy now also an elderly retired doctor. My grandpa gave the then boy advice on who he married at the parents request! People had time to care about people and wanted to help each other, it wasn't about paper work and insurance payments. If a candidate wants to turn this mom off, just start talking about the system as if it's the norm. What a tangled web they have turned medicine into!

Praying for a real prolife President who will keep us and Israel safe.

Please lift me up in prayers as well, my aging parents are about to have a cow on how long I've been sick and I can't blame them. Please pray God would give me and my family wisdom in this area, we need it desperately. My dad called this morning and wanted to hear me talk, he wanted to hear my voice.

Praying for our country, praying for the spiritual sickness and the anemic pulpits, praying for me to get well. Simple. I can't do it on my own.

Love to Friends, a hug. ~Amelia

The Human Comedy (1943) ...A Funny Name for Such a Poignant Movie

Bravissimo!


My husband, youngest daughter and I viewed this most heartwarming movie last night.

This is one of those movies I've had on in the background but last night was different. Having a cold on the mend turned ear infection I put all other distractions down, and soaked in this beautiful movie. So glad I did...

There are many wonderful. wonderful, stars in the movie, a beautiful Donna Reed, darling Mickey Rooney, sweetheart of an older man, Frank Morgan and a very young Robert Mitchum and many other wonderful classic actors.

The movie is one of those movies that will stay with me forever...My husband had the use of a handy kleenex box at the end of the movie. This movie clearly hits the heartstrings for so many of us in so many ways indeed.


Here are some fellow reviewers from Turner Classics site that were also touched by this great movie:

... It is so evocative of the period during WWII, when The USA was gearing up to fight the War, and the servicemen were just starting to be put in action. The scenes of Van Johnson, who plays the part of Marcus McCauley, newly inducted into the army, are especially heartwarming. Van is the older brother of Homer (Mickey Rooney) and he is exceptionally appealing in the scenes he appears in. This was one of Van's first really good rolls at MGM, in an "A" picture, and he proves himself a extremely capable actor, making every line of dialogue, and emotion count. You don't know that he is acting, he seems so real. We can't recommend this film highly enough, and, certainly must give the whole cast an "A" plus for coming through at a time when the country needed a tremendous amount of moral support. Cheers go to Louis B. Mayer and MGM for a job well done! Henry Shaffner


... is a true slice of idealized wartime Americana at its best. I had read the novel long before having seen the movie. This movie remains in my mind as perhaps one of my all-time favorites, both for its production values and its content. Mike

This movie is tremendous. One of the best I have ever watched. Would be a great reminder to people now of what our young men and women fought so hard to preserve. Great for all ages and members of our families... Betty Miller

An Oscar Winner and rightly so. They just don't make them like this anymore folks. I prefer to give my family the best in movies, why give them cheap and synthetic when we can give them the real deal. Who says we have to bow to the culture. I say keep it sweet Sweetie. : )

The Human Comedy (1943)

Please don't forget about the article on my other blog, Vision For a Godly Home.blogspot:

Roe Vs. Wade, What Has Become of Us?


Please pray for our nation, as my dear mother of 82 sighs and whispers...Oh things are so different now.....Just so different...

Yes Mother I know, they are. Pray Mother, it's all a sign of the times I'm afraid.

God is bigger.

Love to All, ~Amelia

A Very Good Deal! Over 5 Pounds of Laundry Detergent UNDER $3 You do NOT Have to Make!

A Very Good Deal!



A 5 pounds and 6 ounce box of laundry soap! ...For $2.79! It works and it lasts forever! Glorioski I say!

Michelle and I stopped by Dollar General for a few things, and purchased this huge box of laundry detergent for $3.50. This huge box contains 5lbs. 6oz. of glorious laundry soap. But wait there's more! When Michelle and I arrived at H.E.B. our little grocery store, they had the same size box for only$2.79! Now that is a wowee in my book! I also enjoy using the Foca brand too. It sure beats making my own. I tried making my own once and almost lost my religion if you know what I mean. ; ) On most of these powdered soaps we can experiment and use a smaller amount then what is recommended.

I tried making my own once and almost lost my religion if you know what I mean! ; )

~Mrs. Amelia, Yours truly.



This week marks the anniversary of Roe Vs. Wade. Please see my article I wrote two years ago entitled:
Roe Vs. Wade, What Has Become of Us?


True Black and White Memories and strong truths ...The laughter you will hear in the music reminds me of my oldest daughter Lea's little laugh when she was a little baby girl toddling around.

That was then this is now. : )

Me and the three oldest of our four daughters, some of my best friends on earth... Michelle, Lea and Marianna taken last year, our youngest, our "baby", Rebecca our resident photographer (who misses out being in the photos bless her heart!:

Have a sweet week in Jesus, God makes all things new if we release our lives to Him. He is the loving Redeemer of our souls. I am proof! Amen.

Please vote prolife, Love to All, ~Amelia

Need a Wee Pick-Me-Up? Check this Out!

I love the simple things in life...

I saw this at the grocery store a couple of weeks ago, and I thought to myself...

Ya know? I'd sure like to try some of that!

I like the old fashioned look of the Queen Helene brand and I know it's been around for years...

For around $2.79 I thought I'd give it a whirl and treat myself, so in my happy little cart it went!

I've never been one to use masks and expensive cosmetics...I figure moisture is moisture and most cosmetics are pretty much the same unless they are on the extremely organic side with no parabens.

To make a long story short, this stuff really works! I have what some may call- worry lines and it actually smoothed them right out, with a tightening effect. This was so very refreshing for me and to make things humorous it's GREEN. The mask is green! You leave it on for at least 15 minutes and as it has it's mintie-cooling effect, you can walk around the house scaring everyone out of their whits! My husband jumped! : D

This stuff is great....in more ways than one it is great. I'm thinking this will be a new staple in my bag of tricks. If I have any special places to go, banquets to attend etc. this will be part of my regime for the day. It will also be a weekly pamper mission for myself.

I think this would also make a great addition to a gift bag or a simple thoughtful treat for a fellow girlfriend. (And ya know *whispered voice* I think it would work for men too!).

Love the stuff.

Take care now, love to All ...Have a blessed New Years. I'm enjoying it here in the country. ~Amelia at the Forest Cathedral. : )


Speaking of beauty see one of my other blogs, Vision for a Godly home.

Be Pretty not Hot

Godly Womanhood by Peter Marshall

New From Old, Ready Set Go!

Here we have a turtleneck from the 90s. I love green and I love turtlenecks in the fall and winter, they are somewhat a staple for me. I like to wear black turtlenecks in particular...great stuff with a scarf and ear rings. Dress'em up or down. I wear my black turtlenecks around the house or store with black workout pants, jean skirt, or nice jeans and I think to myself ...Surely CoCo Chanel did the same. ; ) Of course a black turtleneck over a black skirt with a wide belt can be the ticket for a glamorous date-night, no matter where we go, that combination works. Throw on black tights and black flats for crossing the busy streets like a ballerina gal and voila. You are gorgeous darling!

Okay. The turtleneck above from the 90s? We're going to do a little something with it to make it date-night or church-worthy. See the 90s cuffs? Off they will go to make the sleeves quarter sleeves, much more elegant. The baggy sides? I will try this shirt on inside out and pin the side seams for a nice even fits on the side, curving into the waist a bit. Not tight, we don't want to look like a hussy but a nice shapely fit that glides over the body - not pulls. Then we can sew it up along the pinned sides, even hand stitching will work. The bat-wing look under the arm, I may keep that, we sha'll see. I really don't want to go there with the over the shoulder seams so I'm thinking bat-wing (my description) sleeves as long as they are quartered and a slightly fitted waist might make a cute top, especially with a belt. : )

Another top idea for those older baggy button down blouses? See my blog entry here: Sew Fun

Including a great movie suggestion....

"The Doctor and the Girl" (1949), an excellent old 40s movies. Also you will see a great idea for a scarf holder you can easily make and yes, I'm still using mine, works wonderfully! Yes indeedie. : )

Another movie great for this time of year? "Meet John Doe" (1941). Excellent movie, a movie-great directed by Frank Capra. Beware of the Heelots! Frank Capra movies are some of my favorites, he came here from the same village in Sicily my grandpa immigrated from. Capra was a conservative Republican and it shows in his movies. We have found Frank Capra movies to be excellent wholesome choices.

For cute do-able ideas on transforming older clothes, may I suggest:
New From Old How to Transform and Customize Your Clothes by Jane Emerson
A fun book!

Don't forget flylady.net for the Christmas holidays. Creative messies like us need her reminders.

Speaking of creative folks... (Has anyone seen Steve Jobs bookcase in his later years?) I loved the black and white shot of his most nonperfect bookcase as he strided across the room. I do believe he may have been a kindred spirit! Have you heard Steve Jobs thanked his birth mother for not aborting him?

Steve Jobs Was Glad He Didn’t Become a Victim of Abortion

Washington, DC | 11/25/11 12:49 PM

Everyday is a journal page what will we compose?

Live the Life. Jesus.

Love to All, ~Amelia

P.S. Stay tuned, if I'm a brave soul I may post results. Maybe. ; )

Easy-Breezy but Nice Dusting Powder for You to Make

This will make a great gift idea for family or friends!
~Robert Stock

I'm trying very hard to keep Christmas simple but nice, simple but meaningful. Not shabby.

Just call me Donna Reed (Mary Bailey) and hubby George Bailey, there are days when I really feel like that. Our little Real Estate company in Oldtown is pretty close to the scenario in more ways than one to 'It's a Wonderful Life'. Even our building was built in the 40s. Allow me to enlighten those who don't realize that Realtors do not get paid one penny unless the sale closes. That means many a month that a Realtor makes nothing and often works their fanny off only to make nothing. Don't mean to sound neg-egg but it seems the more I talk with folks, and the more my Broker hubby and Realtor daughters talk to folks the more we realize people have no idea of this. I cringe when I hear people talk of Realtor's fees as if it's some evil something. Where else do you find a business person that acts as counselor, minister and confidant' as well as a legal assistant with paper work and contracts that would equal a pile of papers as thick as our heads? Enough said on that, but let's just say Real Estate keeps one humble and if you prayerfully find one that loves the Lord and is providing for a family, one who tithes to the Lord, count yourself blessed and pray for that person, support their business when possible. Take it from me, I see it all behind the scenes. Many a tear shed by my two oldest Realtor daughters. Many a fervent prayer and furrowed brow do I see on my prematurely silver haired Broker husband.

All that was brought up to say, I know my frugal stuff. : ) I never know which way the wind will blow so to speak just like...Mary Bailey. : )

Has anyone noticed how gift suggestion prices have gone up? I now hear amounts such as $10.00 mentioned in the modern burbs. It seems to me, $5.00 spent for a party gift or friendie gift is plenty. Some folks seem to speak of $10.00 like it's a dollar. It boggles the mind.

That's why I like living in Smalltown, people don't care what kind of car they drive, they don't care what kind of car you drive. You may see a sweet elderly person put a melon down because it's a bit too pricie for them, they'll smile sweetly saying,"Oh that's a little too much for me". People aren't so busy going from point A to B to say hello and ask how you are. And they really talk, they have time to talk and be friendly. I like that. I love that! Human beings live there. Common mankind. Think: The old movie, Meet John Doe. (1941) You can see it in entirety here too. Stay away from the Heelots. ; )

If you have a chance to live near a Smalltown, it is well worth it. There is a difference.

Here is one great and dandy economical but nice gift idea. Not only is this a great idea for others but for yourself too!

A long time ago when my oldest was in First Grade at a Christian school before I took the wonderful plunge to homeschool I carpooled with a sweet gal named Peggles. Peggles was married to a D.O. who worked the ER. A spazzy curly headed man who loved the Lord. Every now and then Peggles would let me know of a natural remedy for our baby or for my sore throat etc. I'll never forget one day she told me of a great alternative for baby powder for my baby Michelle. The answer? Cornstarch! Yes plain ol' cornstarch from the box.

Fast forward 20 years or so...

My then-Kindergartner will be 29 this weekend. I can't believe it...oh the wisdom I've learned since.

Since I knew Peggles back then, I've learned new things to do with cornstarch. Peggles, if you see this, give me a line, I often wonder where you ended up dear one.

You can either use the cornstarch plain for your baby or yourself or spruce it up for a gift with lavender oil or a spritz of your favorite perfume.

It's as easy as 1-2 - 3 !

You take plain ol' cornstarch, a box will be plenty. Yes, I know this pic is sideways, no one can accuse me of being a perfectionist. ; )


Then you take either essential oils, I personally think lavender is nice, make sure and do a safe one. You can also spritz the powder with your favorite perfume if you like that or just leave it plain if it's for you etc. How do you like my little bird? I love the little birds outside. They remind me so much of the Lord and how He watches over us. I love the birds, deer and my doglets and all Creatures Great and Small...Fur and feather angels.


~Robert Stock

Then we make it pretty. I happened it to have this lovely cardboard powder box from years ago from a dollar section. I use this for myself, it reminds me of a movie star's powder box. ; ) You could also use a nice crisp plastic bag with a cute bow for a casual gift. Just as long as it's cute...and thoughtful.


And there you have it, a nice useful pretty gift for someone special. : )
This is linked to Life as Mom, Frugal Friday.

And that's pretty much it, I hope everyone's having a nice week. I have a wowee sermon on one of my other blogs, Vision for a Godly Home.

I also have some cute cloth bags I whipped up for a Crisis Pregnancy prolife clinic on My Forest Cathedral blog .

Have a sweet week, K.I.S.S. Keep it simple sweetie! Keep it thoughtful. Remember, people may not remember what you say but they will remember how you make them feel.

I've had fun this week giving the tract out, "Have a Nice Day" from Rod & Staff publishers. They have been well received by many store clerks with a huge thank you! and a smile everytime. People are waiting for US, the Christ-bearers to bring the good cheer, tidings and wonders of Joy. Do we really believe in the Hope that is within us? I hope so! Let's share it. : )

Love in Christ Jesus my Lord, xxxooo ~Amelia

P.S. Happy Veteran's Day Daddy. And to ALL our Veterans! Thank you for your protection and GOD bless America.

Listening to: A Charlie Brown Christmas, sweet peaceful, joyful jazzy instrumental for this most wonderful Autumn day.

It's That Candle Time of Year!

Hobby Lobby candles are half price this week! Yippee! I love the cinnamon spice one for the fall and for Christmas too for that matter. Oh it is so nice. These are great candles with a strong fragrance much like the more expensive ones. For around $6.00 I have a large jar candle to bask in! These make nice gifts too. The green colored sugared spruce fragrance smells like Christmas trees, love those candles. Keep in mind Hobby Lobby puts these on sale from time to time and this time it is for the larger jar candles so make sure and read the ad carefully.

~Robert Stock

Now if you are like me we must have some nice instrumental music to welcome the fall.

My favorite this week: David Lanz, Heartsounds. This one reminds me of leaves dancing and gracefully playfully falling from the trees. Beautiful.

Next in line is a beautiful selection: Adoration, Solo Piano Hymns by David Nevue. Another Bravissimo, it sets the stage for a beautiful peaceful home. An old pastor once encouraged our congregation to keep our homes in an atmostphere of praise, this fits the bill beautifully.

Enjoy and be blessed, ~Amelia

P.S. Please see "The Question of Kosher Meat", on my Vision for a Godly Home blog and it's a very important question too. Let's be found blameless.

EDIT: 10.20.11 Please also see "Booger Men and Small Rebellions"

Don't let the Booger Man of Busyness and his evil steed the three headed monster, the Multi-tasker steal from you!