With all the rain and clouds gone it was a perfect afternoon to spend at the local art festival. This is the 51st year that they have hosted this at one of our local churches. 
There was a myriad of different mediums represented. From painting, photography and watercolors 
to ceramics, stain glass and wood carvings it was quite an interesting exhibit. 
I really enjoyed watching the artists work on their various projects.
Thanks for inviting me Charlotte. I had a great time!
Today in honor of George Washington's 279th birthday I made a Cherry Cake Pudding to share at the office. 
The recipe was easy to make and very delicious (and that's no lie!) Best of all, you don't have to go chop down a cherry tree to make it! You can find the recipe and the step by step instructions here on The Pioneer Woman's website. Looks like it's going fast! 
However, this morning was a different story. As I was getting ready for work I looked out the window and noticed that the rain that had begun to fall late last night was still lingering around. It looked cloudy and cold. I'm not really a big fan of rainy weather because it makes me feel melancholic. I dug out my umbrella and raincoat from the closet and when I put my hand in the pocket and found 12 Euros. 
In the other pocket I felt a little bit of sand at my fingertips. Then I remembered... This is the raincoat I wore the day we were drove to Normandy last November. This was a little bit of sand from Omaha Beach.
All of the sudden a flood of memories came rushing back. That day was also a cold, rainy day and also a very melancholic day. One that I'll never forget.
I have to admit that one of my least favorite holidays of the year is Valentine's Day. I just don't like to be reminded by everything and everyone that I don't have a special someone to celebrate it with. So this year in an attempt to try and not focus on it as being "Singles Awareness Day" but to focus on different kinds of love I was inspired to make some "love banners". I looked for a few verses for inspiration
Begin by cooking pasta according to the directions. I like to use whole wheat pasta. In a dutch oven saute four chopped garlic cloves and half a cup of diced onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Add the diced roasted red peppers and cook over medium heat for about a minute.
Add a bag of fresh spinach and stir around until it's wilted.
Next add salt, crushed red pepper to taste.
Turn off heat and add the goat cheese.
Drain and serve the pasta and put a big spoonful of the spinach on top.
Top with some grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Today I met Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman at a book signing in downtown Los Angeles. It was so exciting. I couldn't believe I got a chance to meet my hero!
We picked up our wristbands, bought our copies of "Black Heels To Tractor Wheels" and then spent the afternoon walking around The Grove.
It was a beautiful sunny afternoon and Cole was a real trooper! He endured the long afternoon/evening without complaining. 
We got in line around five, the book signing started at six and we made it up to the front of the line just after seven. 
Ree is such a sweet woman! She spent time chatting with each of us and posed for several pictures. I am so glad I got to go!
