Leftovers

Standing in front of the refrigerator with a case of the munchies, one is presented with two choices. Make it or reheat it.

There is much to be said about a freshly created sandwich piled high with all the condiments at my disposal. It is, well, fresh, for one thing, and designed to my exact craving at that moment. More important, it is ready to be consumed as quickly as it can be made. Just as fresh but a bit more time-consuming is the ever popular grilled cheese. I can recall many a night biting into the soothing creaminess of cheese surrounded by crisp slices of bread (extra crispy if I didn't pay attention to what I was doing).

On the other hand, there is a dish of cold mac-n-cheese leftover from yesterday, or the chicken cutlets from tonight. A quick turn in the microwave and either would be a fabulous midnight treat. But eating them now will deprive me of lunch tomorrow. It's a decision too difficult to contemplate right now.

And then I see it. The lone slice of pizza hiding behind the ketchup bottle. Leftover pizza brings back oh so fond memories of college and the carry-out boxes from a dozen different local pizzerias that graced our dorm room every semester. It was a great meal to have while studying and even better as breakfast on the way to class. Back then (and I am dating myself), there was no microwave with which to heat it, but none of us cared if it was cold. Just as long as it didn't smell funny.

Yes, come to me, pizza. I will make you just warm enough to turn your cheese gooey again, and then I will sit back and enjoy one of my favorite leftovers.

Favorite Summer Spot

It is vacation time and once again I look forward to spending a lazy week at the Jersey Shore. No, not the reality TV show, the real New Jersey shore. For as long as I can remember, we have been going to Cape May. Located at the southernmost tip of the state, this historic beachfront community is a lot like Cape Cod - but without the five hour drive. We rent a condo, pack a bag, and unwind from the stress of the year.

I can already see myself stretched out on a lounge chair next to the pool, a glass of iced tea in one hand and my Kindle in the other. After all the sun and surf we can tolerate, my husband and I will stroll into town for dinner and check out the art galleries. On Thursday, we'll grab a couple of chairs and spend the night watching a classic movie on the beach (one of the more popular things to do in Cape May). And of course we will make time for a walk or two on the Promenade.

Too bad it's only for one week a year.

Do you have a favorite summer spot? Inquiring minds would love to know!

Wishes for the New Year

No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in today. Take Heaven! No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant. Take Peace! The gloom of the world is but a shadow. Beyond it, yet within reach is Joy. There is a radiance and glory in the darkness, could we but see, and to see we have only to look. I beseech you to look. Life is so generous a giver but we, judging its gifts by their covering, cast them away as ugly or heavy or hard. Remove the covering and you will find beneath it a living splendor, woven of love, by wisdom, with power. Welcome it, grasp it, and you will touch the Hand that brings it to you. Everything that we call a trial or a duty or a sorrow, believe me, that Hand is there. Our joys, too, be not content with them as joys. They, too, conceal diviner gifts.

And so, on this eve of a brand new year, I greet you. Not quite as the world sends greetings, but with profound esteem and with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.


Peace and Happiness to you in 2011,

Judith

My Favorite Holiday Movie

The holidays are a great time to sit with the family and watch a movie. I have many, many favorites but this one always reminds me that at this time of year no one wants to be alone, everyone gets a little wrapped up in themselves, someone tries hard not to be sad when their heart is breaking, and love is often found where you least expect it.

Love Actually - one of the new Christmas classics

Cheer-Me-Up Music

The Cowsills and The Beach Boys

My taste in music is eclectic; I'll listen to anything from Metal to Mozart. When I'm feeling down, though, I always listen to music from the 50's and 60's. There is something about the upbeat rhythms of that era that gets my toe tapping and lifts my spirits to the point where I forget what was bothering me.

Bored?

Boredom?

I had to look up in the dictionary before I could start writing.

Business woman

I wish I could be bored once in a while.

Juggling two full-time jobs (day job to pay the bills, night job as romance novelist), I find myself hopping from one task to another on a tight time schedule. It's hectic, but I've been doing it for so long that I don't even notice how busy I really am. Even the weekends are full with chores and, of course, writing.

I know I'll slow down one day, have some time to myself to just sit and think. That's when the elusive boredom might finally creep into my life. Until then ... I've got to run!

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Do I like chocolate or vanilla; hmm, let's see ...

Chocolate - hot cocoa, Hershey kisses.

Vanilla - thick shakes with vanilla bean ice cream, frosting on a red velvet cake (technically, it's cream cheese, but can you image chocolate icing on red ved velvet?)

Let's not stop there. Let's give a shout out for strawberry shortcake topped with gobs of whipped cream, banana splits with coffee ice cream and caramel topping, rum truffles for Christmas, coconut flan, and lemon ices on a hot summer day.

I am a many-flavored being and proudly say I have no favorite.

How about you?