An Author's Purpose

Time off means time to think. I'm enjoying the leisure that comes with the beginning of spring break even though it doesn't feel like spring yet.  Four days ago I tromped with Madilyn and Sophie through layered snow amidst a path of trees out behind our house.  Beyond the greenbelt, train tracks were covered in ice and glistening white powder. Snug below a canopy of trees, we felt as if we'd wandered into Narnia. We traveled into one of those surreal moments that come few and far between.  I pondered over purpose.  Now, in this moment, the snow has melted, the sky remains grey, and I will write — today. 

 Some call it ADHD

         Others call it creativity

My friend calls it "diversified talent"

       I call it confusing.

There are those who know,

know why, know who, know purpose.

They ask the flight attendant for scotch

and she answers with cheap whiskey. 

The Knowers prophesy perfection,

but,

       do they ever question the blueprint?

In dark hours before dawn

           Does Doubt visit the architect?

I crave the frenzy,

     I swim in stormy waters,

               to catch the wave

of promised change.

Lenka says, "all I want to be is everything— 

at once."

Me too.

..........................................................Since the age of I don't remember,

the stories are of mothers, homemakers, writers, teachers, lawyers, poets, business owners, hairdressers, copywriters, postcard creators, interior decorators, fashionistas,  story builders.

Curiosity is the giver,

and the taker;

didn't he kill the cat?

My grandparents lived in the same house for fifty years.

I've lived in thirteen.

My grandmother, a preacher woman,

her profession was dedicated to helping others:

HER ENTIRE LIFE.

             I am what I am.
     

Study and obsess until I get good, at least proficient. 
Put in the time until time slows.

Then boredom sets in,

or I pass by greener grass, 

that damned grass!

Who tends the grounds?

How long has the landscaper scaped?

I pass another lawn,

     as green as the last,

         and I forget.

Tales told,

a cruel narrator who makes and murders.

Characters evolve, the setting moves,

onto the next.

I am the curator of my life.

Author Unknown.

SUPER easy Chicken 'n Dumplings

Snow days call for warm, comfort food like chicken 'n dumplings.  I make a SUPER easy recipe that was told to me by my dear friend Tiffany.  She shared this one with me years ago, and it quickly became one of our family favorites.  

Ingredients: 

Rotisserie Chicken

Celery-2 stalks

Onion- half yellow

Chicken Broth-4 Cups

Grands Biscuits-1 can

Milk 

Butter

Directions:

Pick up a rotisserie chicken at the grocery (told you, super easy) and remove skin and pull the meat off.  Set aside.  Next chop onion and celery and sauté in 2 tablespoons butter inside dutch oven.  Cook until translucent and add chicken broth.  Add water to the pan until half full of liquid.  Bring to a boil.  Cut biscuits into quarters and drop into boiling broth.  Reduce heat to low, cover, and stir occasionally to keep dumplings from sticking together.  Cook for 10-15 minutes until biscuits are no longer doughy.  Add chicken to the soup along with 3 Tbsp butter.  Stir.  Slowly add milk to make the soup the right consistency.  Add salt and pepper.  Simmer until thickened. 

Fill pan with broth and water

Cut Grand Biscuits into quarters.

Add biscuits then chicken.

Enjoy!  Yummmm.