“Every day is an adventure, a rollercoaster ride, and a seesaw. Enjoy the ride.“
~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis
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I have this new addiction to focaccia bread, especially the jalapeño cheddar kind. There are so many flavors in the bread that it just begs to be experimented with.
The other day, I sliced the bread in half, lightly buttered each side and toasted them.
“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
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I have signed up for and listened to soooo many podcasts and webinars in the past two years that I’m pretty sure that I could start and star in my own do it yourself, self help, fix your brain and fix your life talk show. I just finished one on BrainHealth today. Very insightful. Maybe more on that another day.
But, what I’d like to share today is that THE NUMBER ONE KEY, THE NUMBER ONE WORD, that every theme has focused on is GRATITUDE. You can’t be happy with yourself, your life or anyone else if you are not grateful and thankful for who you are, what you have, and how you can share it with others.
I am so grateful and blessed with the most wonderful family and friends. I think this and feel this every day. I share it in my morning prayer when I wake and when I close my eyes at night. My constant prayer is “Thank you for Your blessings.”
Along with feeling blessed is try and be a blessing to others. I try and share. This week, I was able to doggie sit a few days for my old neighbor Mr. Mike. (well, he’s not old, but he has moved away.) Just a small favor for a friend that makes me feel good, and he appreciates my help. I also was kitty sitting a couple of weeks ago for Miss Kathy. I try to explain to them that I get such joy by helping them out. That’s what friends are for.
It’s also cool to show your appreciation for others. After Mr. Mike picked up Bella, I went to Kroger to get my prescription and do some grocery shopping. The assisted check out line with a real person was so long, so I went to self-check out. I don’t like it because A. I feel that it’s putting people out of work, and B. I can’t figure out how to weigh my own tomatoes and cabbage.🤦♀️
I got started and got stuck with weighing. A young employee came over to help me. I kept her there until she weighed four different items for me. When I was finished, I noticed that one of my items didn’t ring up with the digital coupon sale price. I called her back and she fixed it. I thanked her profusely and asked her name, as her tag was covered up. “Riley.”
After I got home and put away my groceries, I only had about 30 minutes before my BrainHealth Webinar at 7. Another thing I’ve learned in my vast research is “Take care of yourself physically and emotionally.” I love my walks, so I threw on my gym shoes and scurried out the door for a short brisk walk. It was getting dark and cloudy, so I picked up the pace. As I walked, I saw a lady walking her dog. I’ve seen this lady almost every day for months, but I never stopped to ask her name. So today, I was feeling grateful for my walks, my neighborhood, and the people in my world, so I asked her name.
I am thankful for all the cool people in my life, all the knowledge I have gained, and all the things that make Miss Toni…. AMAZING!!!!
“Never stop learning, never stop laughing, and never stop loving.”-Me
“Trying new things is the only way you’re going to learn what your passions are.” – Lauren Skonieczny
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Yesterday, I received an early morning call from my good friend Thelma…AKA Sherri Murphy. Well, it wasn’t really early. It was 10am, but that’s early for me, still in my jammies. She said she knew it was Taco Tuesday, my standing lunch day with Helene, but she wondered if I’d like to go with her over to The Mill House Lunch Bunch Series and speaker presentation at 11:30. We could catch up with Helene for lunch later. Hmm? I wasn’t familiar with that series. I’ve kind of been out of the loop and art scene since, 2020 B.C. (Before Covid.) (feel free to borrow the B.C. analogy.)
Sherri explained that a very talented local photographer, Erin Brown, was going to give a photographic presentation of her trips to Iraq and Kurdistan. It sounded pretty interesting…
Description
Join us as MillHouse Studio Photographer Erin Brown shares her photographic journey through Iraq and Kurdistan.
Erin is friends with humanitarian Heather Mercer, one of 24 aid workers arrested in August 2001 by the Taliban in Afghanistan in connection with their work with the Germany-based Christian aid organization Shelter Now International. She has now founded the Freedom Center in Iraq, a center for education, professional opportunity, social connection, and ultimately, an enduring hope.
Erin Brown has been on two trips with Heather as she began the founding of the Freedom Center. As a photographer, Erin captured the spirit and hope of the people along the way. Join us as she shares her journey.
Lunch Bunch Speaker Series is an informal conversation around topics of interest to members and nonmembers. Lunch is not provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.
All are welcome. The event is free.
We arrived at The MillHouse over on the east-side, 610 Elm Street, a little before 11:30 so, there was time to take a little tour of the beautifully renovated old factory. I hadn’t been there in a couple of years. The MillHouse is “a social, co-working, and creative gathering space for women to flourish, offering art, photography, and wellness studios.”
Just hearing the stories and seeing the smiling faces of the people Erin photographed made me realize how fortunate and blessed we are here in our country, and how much we take for granted. Most of these people have little to nothing, have gone through such difficult times, yet they can smile. They are not smiling for the camera as much as they are smiling to show that life is good if you see the good in life. Thank you Erin!
While it may seem small, the ripple effects of small things is extraordinary.
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When I woke this morning, I asked my little machine called Google Assistant, “OK Google, what’s the temperature.” She said, “The temperature in McKinney is currently 74 degrees.” I said, “OK Google, I love you!” She replied, “If you love me, I must be the best Google assistant ever. You just made my day.” Well, she made my day too. I made a cup of tea, got dressed, and headed out for a nice long walk.
T-shirt and sunglasses weather. I walked around the neighborhood, admiring the colorful fall leaves and holiday decorations. The warm sun felt wonderful on my face. These are the little things that brighten my day.
Speaking of the little things, several neighbors had those green advertising newspapers in their driveways. When I see more than one paper laying there, I pick it up and tuck it up by their front door behind something. Nothing says I’m not home or out of town like several newspapers.
This particular house had four papers on the driveway and an Amazon package right in plain view right by the front door. I hid the papers and tucked the package behind a pillar. That was just asking for trouble. I didn’t know these neighbors, but it didn’t matter. I call it “The good neighbor policy.” It only takes a few minutes to look out for one another.
I stopped and chatted with Miss Allison who was busy cleaning and organizing her garage. I sat in a chair and watched her work, knowing full well that you can’t help someone organize. Then, I stopped over by Mr. Mike’s house and took his dog Bella for a walk. He is always on the phone or busy, and she loves her walks, and I’m out walking anyway. Good neighbor policy.
On my way home, I noticed the mail truck was on the next street. When I see the mail truck close by, I like to leave a little treat for the mail lady. I ran into the house and grabbed a Dr, Pepper and a granola bar and put it in the mailbox.
Later, when I picked up my mail, there was a little note on my mail. Everyone likes being appreciated. It’s the little things…
Earlier, I had texted Helene and asked her if she wanted to have an early dinner at NomNom. It’s Taco Tuesday. $2 tacos, ya can’t beat that. I get the vegetarian with beans, grilled veggies, and guacamole. Only $4. Yum!
And just when you think your day can’t get any better, I stopped at Walgreens to pick up some photos that I had ordered online. Yesterday, there was a coupon code for a free 8×10. Yes! Free! And the 4×6 photos were 10cents each. Thank you, Walgreens.
That was my terrific Tuesday. I think I’ll have a glass of wine, watch a little TV, then go up and paint a little. Stay tuned…
“We don’t receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey that no one can take for us or spare us.”
~Marcel Proust
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I don’t watch much television nowadays, and I NEVER watch the news. Therefore, most of my worldly information and entertainment comes from Facebook. Sad, right? But, I do glean wonderful words of wisdom from my many friends who post great quotes.
Here is what made me smile, cry, ponder, commiserate with, and learn from on Facebook just today…
Yep, I’m going to take that trip, buy the shoes and eat LOTS of cake.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
~Coretta Scott King
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Last night was our monthly McKinney Creative Community monthly pot-luck and gathering. Everyone is welcome, and the members and visitors are artists, writers, dancers, musicians, and pretty much anyone interested in sharing or learning creative endeavors. We gather at The Cove the second Monday of each month at 5:30, sharing food, drink, and all the wonderful
things happening in our world,
Our guest speaker was Amy Rosenthal, Main Street Program Director, who gave a wonderful presentation on the history of McKinney and how the community has changed over the past few decades. But, the exciting news Amy shared was that McKinney recently received the honor of being a Designated Texas Cultural District. She said that the local artists, musicians, etc. have been an integral part of making that honor happen.
The group did some brainstorming and making suggestions on how the arts community can participate and contribute to the growth of the city and how the city can help promote and support local artists. It was a very productive and inspirational meeting.
McKinney is a great place to live. I have been blessed with so many creative and talented friends.
“When the going gets tough, the tough bake brownies. That pretty much cures anything.”
~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis
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My friend, Miss Pat, posted on Facebook last week that Kroger had brownie mixes on sale, with store card for… wait for it… 79cents a box. Be still my heart. She also posted that everyone better get to the store before Toni buys them all. Hmm? Why would she say such a thing?
Funny, as I’m writing this, I have two more batches in the oven. Hold on. I’ll go take a picture…. I’m back…
I’m going to take some for my church group tonight at 7. They’ll still be warm. It’s after 6 already. Then, I’ll have some for tomorrow’s karaoke potluck at the VFW.
I think I’ve gone through 8 boxes in the past week. Every time I bake for an event, I bake an extra batch for my firemen at Station 9. I asked them yesterday if they were getting tired of my brownies yet. They said, “NO MAM!We gobble them up and we don’t leave any for the next shift.” Aw, high praises. I also asked them if they’d save my container, and that I’d swap it out for a new one with more brownies or cookies. I go through a lot of containers too. They were happy to oblige.
Now, you see why I was so excited about the sale. I didn’t buy all of them on the shelf. But, I did take all the dark fudge chocolate boxes, leaving the milk chocolate ones for the less discerning bakers.
That should last me till Christmas…I hope.
“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.”
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I’m sure you all know by now that I love to bake, and I love to share with friends and neighbors. I usually try to give away all but one or two of my sweet concoctions to avoid personal temptation.
My last baking marathon Saturday was my mini cupcake baking frenzy. I can best describe it with visuals.
Chocolate cherry.
Lemon with lemon pudding filling.
Cream cheese frosting with my 43 year old harvest gold General Electric mixer.
All done and ready to share.
First stop, Fire Station 9. No one answered the hall phone, so I walked to the back bay doors. Captain Turner said they were trying. He said, “Thank you. That’s so nice. I’m going to give my trainee who’s back there rolling up hoses and extra cupcake.”
I stopped over at a couple of neighbors’ houses with small plates. No photo op.
Next stop…My good friend Karri over at Papa Murphy’s Pizza.
Saving the best for last…my dear friend Sherri Murphy and family. Not only did I share, but I was invited to stay for dinner and we had pizza and pasta. Win-win!
I love to bake. I love to share. I love my friends.
“The shortest distance between truth and a human being is a story.”
~Anthony de Mello
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Friday turned out to be a fiery hot day. I took Bella across the street to the park for only a few minutes at a time. I, personally, am a bit crazy, so I put my cool wrap around my neck, and went out for a walk. I walked half an hour, came in to sit under the ceiling fan, then back out again. Yep, I’m crazy.
My goal today was to go to get some walking in, go to the bank and take some brownies over to my firemen friends at Station 5 and 9. I decided that I finally needed to write a little story to share with the friendly firefighters. I’ve been taking them goodies for so many years, so I wondered if they might like to know why I do this. It’s a special story. So, I wrote it down, printed it and attached a special photo. I took the story and brownies over today.
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MY ANGEL MOTHER
In 2002, my sweet mother had a serious stroke. She was visiting with me in Hawthorn Woods after not feeling well for a few days. Her speech was slurred and she collapsed in my arms. I held her with one arm and dialed 911 with my free hand. The Lake Zurich fire station was just around the corner. The dispatcher kept me calm and gave me detailed instructions. “The ambulance is on the way. Make sure the front door is unlocked. Stay with me on the phone. It’s going to be OK.” The paramedics arrived in just a few minutes.
The care and compassion, not to mention, saving my mother’s life has always remained with me. After that experience, I have always visited my local fire stations with homemade cookies, brownies or cupcakes, especially at Christmas and September 11th. At Easter time, I make those cute Peep cupcakes, but many times, I just stop by because I feel like baking and sharing.
When I moved to McKinney in 2004, Station 5 was my local station. I brought my baked goodies, and even hand-painted ornaments at Christmas. In 2014, I moved a little further north, and Station 2 was closer. That just gave me double the incentive, so I just stopped by with goodies for both. Now, the new Station 9 is walking distance from my house. That just adds to my baking and sharing.
I wanted to share why this is so important to me. Not only do all of you risk your lives every time you go out on a call, but you do this for strangers or neighbors or friends. It doesn’t matter who you are helping. Some selfless compassionate people saved my mother’s life those sixteen years ago. That sweet angel mother recently passed away on February 15, 2018. I know she’s smiling down every time I stop by.
One of her proudest moments was when she visited me a few years ago from Elgin, Illinois. She went with me to take some brownies to Station 5. When I asked if I could take a photo, the guys on duty insisted on taking her back to the fire truck for the picture. One of them held her arm as she shuffled down the long hall with her cane. After the photo was taken, she was escorted and helped into my car. She was so proud that day. I made copies of that picture that she showed off to all of her lady friends when she returned home.
That’s why I bake and share with you all. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DO!
First, I stopped at Station 5. I told the guys that I wanted to let them know why I’m always stopping by. They both thanked me and asked if I wanted to come in. I said I’d just like to take a picture. The captain glanced at the story and asked, “Are you the one who made all those hand-painted Christmas ornaments?” I told him I was, but I missed last year because I was in Chicago for a month to visit Mom and my new grand-daughter. (I guess I owe them an ornament.) That was a nice recognition.
After my first visit, I stopped at the store around the corner. I was ALL out of chocolate ice cream. OH NO! Today is Black Russian Friday. I need my chocolate ice cream.
Who did I run into in the ice cream aisle? Why, my good friend Laura Bartlett. Great minds think alike. We both were getting ice cream.
I’m a smart Texas girl. I keep a cooler in the back of my car pretty much all year long. I put the ice cream in the cooler and headed towards home. But, Station 9 is on the way home. I stopped, called on the outdoor phone and a nice fireman came to the door. I gave him the brownies and handed him the story and photo of Mom. He noticed Captain Floyd in the old photo. He said, “Why don’t you come on back. Captain Floyd is here today.”
We walked back to the office, and when I asked to take their picture, the young man said, “Let me get a picture of you with the Captain.” That was nice. They offered to go back to the fire truck, but I didn’t want to bother them. We have some of the nicest fire fighters here in McKinney, not to mention the cutest. (Thanks for all you do, McKinney Fire Fighters!)
This has been a really good day and a fun Friday. Hey, and I have chocolate ice cream in the freezer. I am blessed.
“The love of family and the admiration of friends is much more important than wealth and privilege.”
~ Charles Kuralt
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Mom and I went downstairs this afternoon for a crafting class of making ornaments. She painted some lovely green trees and some snow on hers. I made mine all silver trees. After we went back upstairs, I added glitter. One must have glitter.
Later, I received a call from Joe asking if I wanted to FaceTime with Baby Belle. Silly question. She was so cute and was gurgling some secret baby message to me. She even waved hi a few times and ended with a wave goodbye to Grandma. My heart melted.
Yes, I was making silly baby noises.
About an hour later, a visit from my cousins who I haven’t seen since Mom’s birthday this summer. Cousin Jeff saw my post on Facebook about Black Russian Friday, and didn’t even realize I was in town. So, he and his sister Kathy said they would be here to help me celebrate my Friday tradition, and see their favorite Aunt Trini.
I sure am blessed. Happy Friday, “Y’all.” Oops, I’m in Chicago…Happy Friday “You’se Guys!”
Toni Andrukaitis 