Melissa

Venezia Baked Amaretti Apples

“This was Venice, the flattering and suspect beauty – this city, half fairy tale and half tourist trap, in whose insalubrious air the arts once rankly and voluptuously blossomed, where composers have been inspired to lulling tones of somniferous eroticism.” ~Thomas Mann Death in Venice I’ve been researchig Venice for the last 2+ years for…

soup goddess creamy chicken & wild rice soup

My friend Bonnie, author of “Tasty Recipes from the Sister’s Kitchen,” is the Soup Goddess. Much like the “Soup Nazi” but nicer πŸ˜‰ I use to work with her in her beautiful tea room, and I have never met a more talented soup chef. Her soup recipes are the very best. This is one of…

Book Review~ Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series

“Their love affair happened long ago by whatever measurement Claire Randall took. Two decades before, she had traveled back in time and into the arms of a gallant eighteenth century Scot named Jamie Fraser. then she returned to her own century to bear his child, believing him dead in the tragic battle of Culloden. Yet…

Six Senses Saturday

~Smelling~ The rich scents of banana, real butter and chocolate as my chocolate chocolate chip banana bread bakes in the oven… ~Seeing~ The beautiful snow encrusted trees and ground when I look out the kitchen window. There is something comforting about being inside while a fire blazes in the fireplace and I can watch the…

What I’m Listening To~ Regina Spektor

As some of you know, music is the life blood of my writing. I’m constantly looking for new music to inspire a new scene, or show me something I didn’t ever think to add to an ‘old’ one. I was recently out for a mid-morning walk when I decided to listen to an old playlist…

Lake City’s Wisteria Twig Tearoom

“On Saturday afternoons they explored. They found their own tea shop with their own table–their own streets.” Katherine Mansfield Today my friends Bonnie, Nancy and I went to tea in Lake City. Rita Dassner, proprietor of The Nest Antique & Vintage gift shop in Lake City, has opened a little tea room in the back…

Thanksgiving Wrap

This is a great sandwich to serve with tea at a girlfriends’ lunch this time of year. Almost everyone seems to love the combination of flavors, and I’m always asked to write down the recipe. ~Thanksgiving Wrap~ (serves 6) 6 large, plain or flavored sandwich wraps 8 oz cream cheese, softened (you can use light…

Relaxing Ritual~ A favorite book, a good friend and a glass of wine fireside

“Wonder is that extravagant state of bliss induced by something new–The strange, astonishing, mysterious, and the unexpected. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow…Nothing in particular and everything that surrounds us. Open your eyes, perk up your ears–suddenly you’ll find wondrous things in the most surprising places.” ~Sarah Ban Breathnach Romancing the Ordinary A few nights ago I was…

Guest Artist~ Tim Nyberg

“I’m constantly exploring in my art – not afraid to try new things – not afraid to fail. Really, what’s the worst that can happen? I’ve wasted a little paint. I just paint over it and the underlying ‘failed experiment’ just adds to the richness of the new image.” ~Tim Nyberg Hello friends! We’re featuring…