Peace

Cran-Apple Quinoa
1 cup dry quinoa
1 and 1/2 cups mulled Cran-Apple cider, or plain apple cider
1/2 cup plus 2-4 TBSP water
1/2 vegetable bouillon cube
1/8 tsp sea salt
3 TBSP dried cranberries, or 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
1/4 cup nuts/seeds of choice

Rinse the quinoa in cold water.  In a saucepan, combine the quinoa, cider, water (1/2 cup), bouillon cube, salt and fresh cranberries.  Bring to a boil on high heat, reduce and cover for 15 minutes.  If the quinoa needs longer to cook, add a bit of water and cook for a bit longer.  When cooked, turn off the heat and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes, adding the dried cranberries at this point, if you are not using fresh cranberries.  Stir in the nuts.  Pistachios or pine nuts are perfect.


     "A day will come when war will seem absurd...when the only fields of battle 
       will be markets opening to trade and minds opening to ideas..."
                                                              - Victor Hugo, speaking to a European Peace Congress, 1849

     "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  
      Not as the world gives do I give to you.  
      Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
                                                                - John 14:27

Christmas celebrates the birth of the child who brings peace and hope to all mankind.

Build Others Up

Lemony Cashew-Basil Pesto on Pasta
1 large clove garlic
3 TBSP freshly squeezed lemon juice
3/4 tsp dry mustard
1 TBSP water
3/4 tsp sea salt
freshly ground pepper to taste
2 TBSP olive oil
1 cup plus 2 TBSP raw cashews
2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 pound pasta of choice

     In a food processor, combine the garlic, lemon juice, mustard, salt, pepper, oil, water, and puree until smooth.  Add the cashews and the basil and puree only until small, textured bits remain.  Cook pasta according to the package.  When the pasta is done, save one cup of the pasta water.  Toss the pasta with the pesto, and if the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the pasta water one TBSP at a time.  Season with salt and pepper and drizzled oil.  Mmmmmm.... I typically add steamed broccoli or asparagus tips to this dish.

     "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
   but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs,
   that it may benefit those who listen."
                                                                   - Ephesians 4:29

     This week, try to be gracious when you open your mouth.
     Seek ways to build others up.
     Encourage.
     Give.
     Even if they don't deserve it.

Beautiful Saints

Creamy Basil Dressing

1/4 cup almond milk

1/4 cup raw almonds

2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 small clove garlic

freshly ground pepper to taste

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

2 tsp agave nectar

2 TBSP olive oil

     Thank goodness we are all different!  If it were not for our unique qualities, imagine what the world would be like.  Everyone would think alike, there would be no new conversation, and everyone would seem fairly boring.  I am amazed at the quick stereotypes my mind places on someone, only to find out later that the depths of their kindness, gentleness, and love far outweigh mine.
     Try to enjoy learning from and serving others.  Gain knowledge by reflecting on the important characteristics of everyone around you.  This even includes being more patient with your family members.

       "But throughout the ages, beautiful saints 
                         have lived faithfully, giving us hope 
         that a set-apart people can fascinate and bless the world."
                                              - Shane Claiborne, taken from the book,  Jesus for President
           

Keep Your Christmas Merry

Feeling sniffly?  This is the dinner for you and your family.  Serve with crusty whole grain bread and a spinach salad.
30 Clove Garlic Soup
2 heads garlic, halved crosswise
1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
4 cup low-sodium vegetable stock
8 oz yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
course salt and freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

Heat the oven to 375 degrees.  Drizzle the garlic heads with the olive oil.  Wrap tightly in foil and roast until tender, about 40 minutes.  Allow to cool, then squeeze the garlic from the papery skins.
Bring the stock, potatoes, and roasted garlic to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are soft, around 15 minutes.  Let the mixture cool, then puree in a blender until smooth.  Season with salt and pepper.  Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.


Other ways to feel healthy and keep winter viruses away?  Follow these simple measures:

1.  Allow enough sleep
2.  Reduce stress,  especially around the holidays
3.  Eat a bright array of colors, i.e. fruits and vegetables
4.  Wash your hands
5.  Drink hot tea.  Green and white teas are the best for you.

"Heap on more wood! ~ The wind is chill;
 But let it whistle as it will,
 We'll keep our Christmas merry still."
                  - Sir Walter Scott

A merry heart does good, like medicine, 
but a broken spirit dries the bones.
                  -Proverbs 17:22

Shop Smart

Wild Rice and Apples
1/2 pound of wild rice
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 lb sliced mushrooms
2 TBSP minced onion
1 large, tart apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup orange peel, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh orange juice

Cook the rice, as directed, then drain any excess liquid.  Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Cook the onion and mushrooms in 3 TBSP oil, then add this to the rice.  Put in all other ingredients, including the rest of the oil.  Mix well and put into a 2 quart casserole dish.  Bake for 35 minutes.  Yummy! Even the kids like it.

How to Shop SMART this holiday:
1.  Go alone.  You will spend less money.
2.  Wait 48 hours before buying.  Before purchasing, consider the potential purchase. You will most likely buy fewer and spend less.
3.   Look beyond the fancy features.  Only buy what you need, not what you "might need".
4.  Make something, anything.   

"Be aware of the difference between anticipating and living.  Joy is rooted in the present. "
                                                                    - Terri Trespicio
       
    "You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."
                                                                    -Isaiah 55:12

The treasures of home

Sliced Oranges
     This is a perfect, simple, healthy side to almost any dish during the holiday season.  The time to peel and slice is a bit taxing, but everyone will be able to tell that you love them!  This is wonderful with crepes, waffles, main dishes, and even quinoa salads!

10 navel oranges
grated rind AND juice of one lime and one lemon
2 TBSP agave nectar

     Gently peel nine oranges, making sure that no pith is visible.  Combine the grated rinds, juices and agave nectar in a small bowl.  Thinly slice the oranges and arrange on a platter.  Pour the sweetened juice mixture over the oranges, cover, and refrigerate, basting every few hours with the juices.

A Late Walk
When I go up through the mowing field,
The headless aftermath,
Smooth-laid like thatch with the heavy dew,
Half closes the garden path.

And when I come to the garden round,
The whir of sober birds
Up from the tangle of withered weeds
Is sadder than any words

A tree beside the wall stands bare,
But a leaf that lingered brown,
Disturbed, I doubt not, by my thought,
Comes softly rattling down.

I end not far from my going forth
By picking the faded blue
Of the last remaining aster flower
To carry again to you.
               - Robert Frost

"With pomp, power and glory the world beckons vainly,
   in chase of such vanities why should I roam?
   While peace and content bless my little thatched cottage,
   and warm my own hearth with the treasures of home."
               - Beatrix Potter

     Two days ago, my daughter's little seven year old friend, Emily, died.  She was a beautiful, happy, sweet girl who was always smiling.  Now, she is in God's arms.   Please pray for the family and love your children immensely!  Thank you.

The Bubble Maker

Holiday Three Jelly Sauce
1 jar apricot preserves
1 jar pineapple preserves
1 jar apple jelly
1 jar prepared horseradish
3 TBSP dry hot mustard
cream cheese, room temperature
whole wheat crackers

Combine the first five ingredients and mix well in a bowl.   Refrigerate until ready to use.  To serve, place the cream cheese on the center of a plate and spread the sauce evenly over the top.  Serve with crackers for spreading.  This is absolutely delicious and perfect for parties!

     Try to find the time to listen to the following link.  It is a sermon by Shane Phipps about how happiness is fleeting,  but there is a joy that can be found in knowing where true happiness comes from.

                http://marshill.org/teaching/2011/10/23/acts-3v19-return-to-the-bubble-maker/

Happy Thanksgiving

Vegan Coconut Sweet Potatoes
3-4 sweet potatoes (the purple variety are perfect)
about 1/3 cup coconut milk
4 cloves minced garlic
1/3 tsp sea salt, to taste
dash of pepper to taste

Boil the potatoes in water for about 45 minutes.  Drain the water and mash with the coconut milk.  Add more milk to desired consistency.  Add the garlic, salt, and pepper.  This is a succulent option for Thanksgiving dinner.


For Anna Catherine on Thanksgiving
        by Samuel Hazo

The first girl in generations,
you came when the century clicked
from nines to zeroes plus one.
Capped on a pallet, you flexed
your toes and let us count
your fingernails.

We studied you
as our particular event,
our small surprise, our bonus.
Months earlier, I prayed
that you'd be born intact
and healthy, and you were.

Today I wish you beauty, grace,
intelligence- the commonplace
grandfatherly cliches...

What makes us crave for those
we love such bounties of perfection?
Life, just life, is never
miracle enough no matter
how we try to church ourselves...
Squirming in my arms, you save me
from my tyranny of dreams
with nothing but your versions of a kiss
and the sure, blind love of innocence.

Home

Stuffed Acorn Squash with Quinoa and Pistachios

4 small acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup quinoa, rinsed
1/2 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup feta, crumbled (optional)
1/2 cup roasted, salted pistachios, chopped
2 tsp red-wine vinegar
Pinch red pepper flakes


  Heat the oven to 425 degrees.  Brush squash with 2 TBSP oil and season with salt and pepper.  Roast cu-side down on two baking sheets until tender and caramelized, 15-20 minutes.  Meanwhile, bring quinoa and 2 cups water to a boil in a small pot.  Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes.  Let cool, then fluff with a fork.  In a large bowl, combine quinoa, feta, pistachios, remaining oil, and vinegar.  Season with salt and red pepper flakes.  Divide among the squash.  Beautiful presentation and delicious.  An entire meal in itself!

    When my children are running and playing in the neighborhood, they are often too far away to hear me when I holler for them to come home.  I also don't want my neighbors to hear my vocal chords hit their maximum.  So, we mounted an old-fashioned bell to the back porch.  When I ring that bell, even one time, my kids come running home from all directions.  The bell made me think of the trials and hardships that come along during our lives.  Sometimes I feel like those are the ringing bells that guide us home, when we may not be pointing in that direction in the first place.  Remember when you are faced with the next obstacle, conquering that hurdle may the only way to help you return home.

Patience

  Avocado Delight
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
2 tomatoes, diced
2 small can of chopped black olives
1 small can of diced green chilies
1 lemon, juiced
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Combine all in a bowl.  Use as a dip or for filling in tacos and burritos. Add garlic, cilantro, hot pepper flakes, etc.  as desired.


   Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience.  
     Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise, 
      because of impatience we cannot return.  
                                 - Franz Kafka

    For in this hope we were saved.  Now hope that is seen is not hope.  
    For who hopes for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, 
    we wait for it with patience.
                                   -Romans 8:24-25

Skip and be happy!

Garlic Bread Salad  (Hit with my kids, they call it "Crouton Salad!")
1/2 pound crusty, stale bread
1 garlic clove, cut in half
1/4 extra virgin olive oil
2 TBSP fresh lemon juice
2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil or parsley leaves

Rub the bread all over with the garlic clove, then toast or grill until crunchy and lightly browned.  Cut or tear the bread into 1/2 inch pieces and toss with remaining ingredients.  Serve immediately.  Sometimes I add peppers, barely cooked green beans, or raw onion.

     "You are worried about seeing him spend his early years doing nothing.  What!  Is it nothing to be happy?  Nothing to skip, play and run around all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again."
                                                                           - Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 1762

Grace

A vegetable filled dessert......?
Banana Marshmallow Dip
1 cup butternut squash puree
1 cup banana puree (make sure to add 1 TBSP honey)
1 cup mini-marshmallows
fruit slices for dipping (apples, oranges, or cantaloupe)

Stir together the squash and the banana purees.  Microwave for two minutes.  Stir in the marshmallows, then start dipping!  My kids actually enjoy this dip.  They like it even better with a few chocolate chips stirred in!

     Grace, in the greek meaning, is a gift.  It is a free gift to you wherever you are, whatever you have done, whoever you used to be or still am.  You may not deserve it.  Actually none of us really deserve it.    But grace is given to all who accept it.

        What once was hurt
        What once was friction
        What left a mark
        No longer stings
        Because grace makes beauty
        Out of ugly things.


   - Bono, from U2's song, Grace

Give the gift of love

Spicy Eggplant Relish

2 TBSP olive oil
1 cup minced onion
1 medium eggplant
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin
1 medium -sized bell pepper, minced
1 medium clove garlic clove, minced
1 TBSP lemon juice
cayenne, to taste

Heat olive oil in a medium-sized skillet and add the onion, eggplant, salt, and cumin, and saute over medium heat for 15-20 minutes.  Add the pepper and saute for 10 more minutes.  Stir in the garlic and lemon juice.  Cook for five more minutes.  Add cayenne and more salt, to taste.  Serve any temperature as a side dish, on crackers, or as a dip.  This is absolutely delicious.  - Revised from Molly Katzen's Moosewood Cookbook


"When we love authentically, we have an attitude of generosity in all we do."
                                                                                - Gary Chapman
"Love in a word is the gift of self."
                     - Pope John Paul II

   Sometimes, when I am not feeling loved, I try to love others and then begin to feel love in return.  We live in societies that claim that selfishness is to be praised and the path we should all take.  But to truly feel love and understand what it means, we first have to give.  Give the gift of love.  

Kindness

Butternut Squash in Coconut Milk
1/2 cup flaked coconut
2 tsp vegetable oil
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 TBSP fish sauce
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 butternut squash, peeled and cut into large cubes
1 TBSP fresh cilantro

     Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spread the coconut on a baking pan and bake until golden, about five minutes.  Set aside to cool and crisp.
      Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add the onion and the garlic and stir three minutes, until tender.  Add the coconut milk, brown sugar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
     Bring the mixture to a boil and add the squash.  Reduce the heat, cover,
and allow to cook until the squash is tender, about 30 minutes.
     With a slotted spoon, transfer the squash to a serving bowl.
     Boil the remaining liquid until it thickens, then pour over the
     squash.  Garnish with toasted coconut and cilantro.


       "It is one of the beautiful compensations of life, that no man 
        can sincerely try to help another without helping himself."
                                                         -Ralph Waldo Emerson

        "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
                                                         -AESOP

Be Nice

Sweet Potato Soup 
2 sweet potatoes
2 regular potatoes
1 turnip
1/2 cup soy milk
6 cups vegetable broth
1 TBSP brown sugar
1 tsp ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

    Peel and cut the vegetables into small pieces.  Place in a pot, and
cover with the vegetable stock.
Bring to a boil and simmer until the vegetables are tender.  Place the contents of the pot into a food processor and blend until smooth.  Return the pureed veggies to the pot and slowly stir in the soy milk, sugar, nutmeg.  Salt and pepper to taste.  This is a perfect warming soup for these colder days.

"Don't be yourself - be someone a little nicer."
                                    - Mignon McLaughlin

"How far that little candle throws his beams!
  So shines a good deed in a naughty world. "
                                     - William Shakespeare

Anonymous

Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

1 and 1/2 ups non-diary chocolate chips

1 can organic pumpkin pie mix or 2 cups fresh cooked and mashed pumpkin

2 TBSP unrefined sugar

2 tsp arrowroot powder

1/8 tsp sea salt

1 prepared graham cracker crust

2 TBSP chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.  Melt 11/4 cups of the chocolate chips over a simmering water bath.  While chocolate is melting, add the pumpkin, sugar, arrowroot powder and salt to a food processor and puree until very smooth.  Add the chocolate to the food processor after it is completely melted.  Pour the mixture into the pie crust and then sprinkle with chocolate chips.  Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven to 350 degrees and bake for 35 more minutes.  Allow to cool before serving.  

                              Footprints in the Sand


                             One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
                                  Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
                                       In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
                                            Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
                                                other times there were one set of footprints.


                                                This bothered me because I noticed
                                            that during the low periods of my life,
                                       when I was suffering from
                                  anguish, sorrow or defeat,
                              I could see only one set of footprints.


                              So I said to the Lord,
                                 "You promised me Lord,
                                       that if I followed you,
                                           you would walk with me always.
                                                 But I have noticed that during 
                                                        the most trying periods of my life
                                                              there have only been one
                                                                    set of footprints in the sand.
                                    Why, when I needed you most,
                                  you have not been there for me?"


                                                                   The Lord replied,
                                   "The time when you have seen only one set of footprints,
                                                             is when I carried you."
                                       
                                                                           - Mary Stevenson, 1936

    Remember that when you feel alone, life is hard to encounter, or there is little hope, there is a God who loves you and is with you, even if you do not ask for help. It reminds me of the anonymous donor.  They give without needing credit.  So is our Creator, who gives continuously even when He does not receive the credit.

Life: Enjoy and Appreciate!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes with Walnuts
4 cups of small, halved brussels sprouts
2 cups grapes (red)
2 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil
2 TBSP fresh thyme
Course Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped

     Heat the oven to 450 degrees.  On a baking sheet, toss the brussels sprouts and grapes with the oil and thyme.  Season with salt and pepper.  Roast, until caramelized and tender, about 20 minutes.  Drizzle with vinegar and scrape into a bowl.  Toss in walnuts.  Oh, so good!


"Stop seeing life as a problem to be solved and, instead, as a mystery to be enjoyed."
                                                                           - Terri Trespicio

"The aim of life is appreciation; there is no sense in not appreciating things; and there is no sense in having more of them if you have less appreciation of them."
                                                                            - Gilbert Keith Chesterton
                                                         

Mellow Lentil "Sniffle" Soup  (to battle those pesky colds)
    - Taken from the cookbook Eat, Drink, and be Vegan by Dreena Burton
1 TBSP olive oil
1 and 1/2 cups onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
3/4 cups carrots, diced
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp sea salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp dried thyme, or 1 tsp fresh
2 cups dry red lentils
3 cups vegetable stock
4 cups water
3 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 TBSP apple cider vinegar

In a large pot on medium heat, add the oil, vegetables, and first five spices.  Stir to combine, then cover and cook for 7-8 minutes.  Rinse the lentils.  Add the lentils, the stock, and water to the pot.  Bring the mixture to a boil.  Reduce the heat and cover, simmering for 12-15 minutes.  Add the rosemary and simmer for 15 more minutes.  Stir in the vinegar, then season with salt and pepper just before serving.

"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. "
                                           - Ecclesiastes 8:15

If everything comes down to love,
then just what am I afraid of?
When I call out your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm yours
I'm not my own,
I've been carried by you all my life


Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down 
Your love sets me free.  


When my life is like a storm
Rising waters, all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok
And make it through the rain
You are
My shelter through the storm


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDXEvkS0iPA&feature=related
                          - Hope Now, by Addison Road

Happy Halloween, amazing women!

Mashed Potatoes (ghoulishly green)
2 lbs potatoes, scrubbed well and cut into eighths
water
salt
2 TBSP olive oil
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 bunch kale, stems discarded, and leaves finely chopped
3/4 cup soy milk
4 TBSP olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup soy sour cream
1/4 cup freshly crumbled goat cheese, or grated parmesan cheese

Add the potatoes to a pot of salted water.  Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender.  Drain.  In the same pot, add 2 TBSP olive oil and heat.  Add the green onions and the kale.  Saute until tender, about 3 or 4 minutes.  Stir in the soy milk and oil.  Season with salt and pepper.   Put the potatoes back in the pot and mash.  Stir in the sour cream and the cheese.  Transfer to a bowl and serve.

     I am not sure how important halloween is to you, but in my family, it was always the day that we could talk to all of our neighbors.  I love this part about halloween.  Everyone peels off their reclusive intentions and freely accepts neighbors through their door.   I am trying to teach my children that we are to leave a door open to neighbors all year around, without frightening them.

     Often, I smirk when I hear about haunted houses and magical, mysterious halloween creatures.  Being a mom and wife is scary enough.... what is more magical than awakening three kids every day,
feeding them, getting them to school on time,  and putting them to bed each night while remaining positive?  What is more mysterious than the unending love we show these little monsters, as well as our husbands?  And talk about terrifying; keeping the house vacuumed and picked up daily, tackling the messy bedrooms and the laundry, and making sure homework is done/correct are all scary feats in themselves.  
     Where do these loving gestures and desires come from?  God urges each and every one of us along on our own path.  He never says it is going to be easy, but He does promise to be with us.

     Every so often, I like to do my transcendent ghost trick and float away in a book or a warm soak in the tub.  Give it a try, it is life saving!

It's never too late

Gado Gado  This is a simple, fresh dish from Indonesia.  I had the best plate of Gado Gado in a small Indian restaurant in Germany.  Since that time, I have been trying to reproduce the recipe, and finally found a combination that works beautifully!  The color and aromas of this dish will delight the consumers.  This is an easy recipe, but takes about an hour to prepare. Pick and choose what you wish to place on your plate!

1. On individual plates, arrange a bed of fresh or cooked spinach. (I prefer the fresh)

2.  Cook 2 cups of rice using 1 cup coconut milk and 2 cups water, adding 1 tsp of tumeric to the rice in the middle of the cooking.  Add 1 cup of rice to each plate.

3.  Lightly steam whatever you like from the following ingredients and sprinkle over the rice:
      - mung bean sprouts
      - 2-3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
      -1/2 head of thinly shredded red and green cabbage
      -1/2 lb fresh green beans
      - small bunch of broccoli or cauliflower florets

4.  Add cubed tofu and chopped hardboiled eggs, to taste

5.  THE SAUCE:
    1 TBSP peanut oil
    1 cup minced onion
    1 TBSP fresh grated ginger
    1 and 1/2 cups peanut butter
    2 cups hot water
    2-3 TBSP cider vinegar
    2 TBSP soy sauce
    1 tsp salt
    1 TBSP brown sugar or honey
    3 TBSP lemon juice

Heat the peanut oil in a large pan and add the onion and the ginger.  Saute for 10 minutes.  Simmer over very low heat while whisking for about 15 minutes.  Taste to adjust seasoning.  At this time, I usually add more salt and lemon juice.  Drizzle the sauce over the rice and vegetables.  Saute additional onions, ginger slices, and garlic cloves in red pepper flakes to garnish over the top.


"It's never too late to become the person you always wanted to be."
                                                             - George Eliot