Many people live their lives by a quote from the 1989 film “Steel Magnolias”.
“I would rather have thirty minutes of wonderful, than a lifetime of nothing special.”
This infamous line was in reflection of Shelby’s wish to have a child, even at the risk of her own life. This decision also expresses, how in life we will inadvertently, hurt the ones we love based off matters from the heart. We are willing to love so hard, that we will put our own relationships with family and friends at risk. Often at times not knowing, what we will truly lose if it goes awry. Everyone is after, their own “Happily Ever After”.
What if we became the reason that somebody chose to never love again?
When is it wrong to love? Are we supposed to stay away from a certain person, if we’re told in advance? When does a no become yes and when does the yes become a no? What consequences, do we face if we ignore our own warnings? Why were we willing to risk it? Is it truly worth it? The answer is probably a “NO” eight times out of ten, it’s not worth risking your life’s well being. These questions are all important though and you should always, ask them to yourself. For example, if you’re told to stay away from a close friend’s roommate, it might be wise too. Even if it could, become something real and long-lasting. If it blows up, then odds are you’ve lost the relationship and a close friend. You should remember, that true friends are hard to come by nowadays. I’m sure you’re reading this and thinking to yourself “Oh this won’t happen to me, if I fall for the roommate we will all be one happy family!” Yeah… well, I don’t think Carole Boone planned to be the wife of a serial killer either, but she was married to Ted Bundy! When you don’t think something can happen to you, that’s usually when it does. Don’t be striking matches at every person, who comes your way, especially not the roommate. Please I’m begging you to leave the roommate alone! If a spark forms and a relationship is truly meant to be, then nothing can stop the devouring inferno. The roommate will only be yours if it’s truly what destiny has planned for your life. Don’t force it to happen, because Love is patient and Love is kind. The fires of love can scorch more hearts and do more damage than any wildfire ever could.
“Love” What is it actually? This is a life-altering event that has built and crushed kingdoms, since the dawn of time. It’s an invisible chemical bond, between people that emotionally brings them together. A sense of commitment that in theory can never be broken. Love is as wild as the roaring ocean and as free as the howling winds. It cannot be bought, yet it is highly sought after. It can not be sold or traded. You cannot make someone love you, nor can you prevent it. The heart is your best friend and at times he is your enemy. You can not bargain with him, nor can he be deceived. He comes quickly and sometimes he leaves even sooner.
The holidays are not just a time of joy, but they can easily reflect one’s sorrow. This column is inspired by the love in all of our lives. No matter if your love came and went, it still affected your life in a sense that can never be reprimanded. There may not even be a picture of the love you shared. Instead, it might be forever sealed in your memory, as a feeling of glowing warmth. It still was alive and it was there, even if the two people it concerned have passed from this world. The fire of love dies, but death does not dissolve the embers. Instead, they are left behind, waiting for the next special soul to discover its magic.
-Andrew M. Armstrong
Jiffy Corn Casserole
1 can of creamed corn
1 can whole kernel corn, undrained
2 eggs, beaten
1 box of Jiffy cornbread mix
1 Cup of sour cream
1 can of Rotel tomatoes
1 Cup of Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine all the ingredients and bake in a casserole dish with more cheese sprinkled over the top if desired. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
Cathedral Window Cookies
1 stick of butter
1 semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 package of pastel miniature marshmallows
1/2 Cup of pecans, crushed
flaked coconut
Confectioners sugar
Parchment paper
In a double boiler, melt the butter and chocolate chips. Add in the pecans and let it cool for several minutes, then fold in the colored marshmallows. Spread the mixture onto parchment paper, that’s been sprinkled with coconut and confectioners sugar. Let it cool, until it can be rolled up. Refrigerate the roll and Slice thin for serving.
Walnut Dreams
1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 Tablespoons of heavy cream
1 teaspoon of vanilla
4 Cups of confectioners sugar
Walnut halves and pieces
Combine the egg white and cream. Stir in the vanilla and 2 Cups of the powdered sugar.
Using a wooden spoon, stir in the remaining 2 Cups of confectioners sugar, until the mixture is too thick to stir.
Turn the mixture out onto a silicone mat or other surface and knead, until the mixture is smooth and satiny. Roll into a 1/2 inch balls and press a walnut half into each side.
Variation I:
Chop walnuts (or other nuts, such as pecans, macadamias or almonds). Roll in mixture, then dip in chocolate.
Variation II:
Stir in peppermint flavoring and form into patties before dipping.
Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.
Anne Will’s Sausage & Cheddar Biscuits
4 Cups of Self-rising flour
2 sticks of unsalted butter, Cold
1 Tablespoon of salt
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1 2/3 Cups of buttermilk (or regular milk with 2 teaspoons of vinegar mixed in)
1 Pound of sausage, cooked completely and chilled
1 Cup of cheddar cheese, shredded
2 Tablespoons of butter, melted for brushing on the biscuits
Preheat the oven at 400 degrees. Combine all the dry ingredients and cold butter in a food processor, pulse until it forms fine crumbs. You want the little chunks of butter to stay intact and not melt from the heat of your hands. Add the buttermilk as you pulse or mix. Place the dough in a clean bowl. Separate the dough into 12 balls. Form quickly and gently with your hands so that it is rounded. Spray a large cast iron skillet with cooking spray and place in the balls of dough. Brush the tops of each biscuit with melted butter if you wish. Place the skillet in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked all the way through.
Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
4 Pounds of chicken pieces
2 bell peppers, diced
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, crushed and diced
1/2 teaspoon of basil
1 teaspoon of Oregano
1 can of tomato paste
2 bay leaves
2 cans of Rotel
2 Cups of red wine
Place the chicken in the crock pot. Pour the remaining ingredients over the chicken and cook on low for 7 hours. Serve with pasta or rice and fresh salad.
