Monday, October 25, 2010

God's artistry and the human connection

There is something about the act of creating that makes me feel connected with God. Perhaps it's because this is a talent I feel He's gifted me with, or perhaps it's because He Himself is the Creator of all things...or possibly both. I feel a sense of connection, whether it be when I'm cooking, painting, jornaling, or photographing my surroundings. Part of it has to do with using what God has already created to make something new and beautiful, but there's also a connection with becoming like God, who loved us enough to think to even create humanity and the connection to Him through Christ His son.

I've been considering making gift-giving this Christmas season about art, and it hasn't been difficult to find inspiration for what projects I'd like to do. That said, I started to panic when I realized that Christmas is only two short months away! With only two projects complete so far, I have a ways yet to go!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

home, sweet home

Today marks nearly two months since we moved into the new house. I've entered a new season in my life where I really need to be surrounded by friends and activities, and this move has been in keeping with this theme. Time has passed quickly, but it's been full of barbeques, firepits, cooking in the kitchen, movie nights, and time spent out on the back deck.

Welcome to your tour of 3403!


This is a view from the front of the house:


When you walk into the house, there is our living space to the right, stairwell leading to two bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs, and an entrance to my bedroom on the left.



There was a period of adjustment for Easton, but I don't think there's anywhere he'd rather be right now. He loves Katie and Stephanie, cuddles up to them on the couch after a long day, steals their laundry and gives them plenty of kisses. Sounds late at night still put him in protective mode. As soon as the front door opens, which is right next to my bedroom door, Easton pushes his nose under the door and wags his tail, recognizing who it is.


Here are a few pictures of my bathroom downstairs:


The most entertaining places to be are in the kitchen...


...and on the back deck.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Yum



This weekend we celebrated Daniel's 25th birthday (my roommate Stephanie's boyfriend), and his being a chef, I decided to try one of my mom's recipes that I was hoping he might enjoy. There was none left at the end of the night so I'd say it was a success! For those who might like to try this great fall recipe, here you go:

PUMPKIN ROLL WITH CREAM CHEESE FILLING

CAKE:
• Powdered sugar
• ¾ C. all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp. Baking powder
• ½ tsp. Baking soda
• ½ tsp. Ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp. Ground cloves
• ¼ tsp. Salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 C. granulated sugar
• 2/3 C. Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1 C. chopped walnuts (opt.)

FILLING:
• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
• 1 C. sifted powdered sugar
• 6 TBS. Butter or margarine, softened
• 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
• powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 375°. Grease 15x10 inch jelly-roll pan; line with wax paper. Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in small mixer bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle with nuts if desired.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. Immediately loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel. Carefully peel off paper. Roll up cake and towel together, starting with narrow end. Cool on wire rack.
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl until smooth. Carefully unroll cake; remove towel. Spread cream cheese mixture over cake. Re-roll cake. Wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Makes approximately 10 servings.

Enjoy!