Friday, June 26, 2026

ODDS AND BODS FOR 6-26-26

Good Morning 

I hope your week has been peaceful. 

I thought I would start off with pretty artwork that appeals to me, with the hope that it does to you too. You can enlarge the images for more detail if needed.




Keep the music of life in your heart.


Even the fairies enjoy getting snail-mail.

Fairy Mail - Snail Mail

My dream cottage for today. Come through the gate and knock on the door. I will put the kettle on.


Loving the fence that comes with it. 


And the gateway to my secret garden. 


Breakfast? They were being very hygienic and careful when writing this one out. Please let me know if you make any of these recipes. I have not.

Veggie Omelet in a Mug - What you need: 2 eggs - 2 tablespoons 1%  low-fat milk
(or 1% nonfat/skim milk) - 1 pinch salt - 1 pinch pepper - 1/4 cup finely chopped 
mushrooms (or your favorite vegetables) - 2 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
(or your favorite cheese) - What to do: Clean kitchen surface before, during and
Immediately after use when preparing food. Wash hands with soap and water for
At least 20 seconds. Lightly grease the inside of a 12 ounce microwave-safe-mug.
Use a fork to combine the eggs, milk, salt and pepper 


Bread in a bag - don’t lose this recipe. All-purpose flour, divided (3 cups) 
sugar (3 teaspoons) - Rapid-rise yeast (1 package) - Warm water, 110 degrees 
Fahrenheit (1 cup) - Olive oil (3 tablespoons) - Salt (1-1/4 teaspoons) - 
STEPS: 1. In a resealable bag, mix 1 cup flour, sugar, yeast and warm water.
 Let sit 10 minutes. 2. Add olive oil, salt and remaining flour to the bag. Knead in 
the bag until dough forms. 3. Turn out, knead briefly and place in a greased loaf 
pan. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Dessert?

Dangerous Cake in a Mug - Five minutes away from Chocolate Cake
Any Time of Day or Night! - Ingredients: 1 large coffee mug (the
biggest one you have) 4 tablespoons cake flour - 4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa - 1 egg - 3 tablespoons milk - 3 tablespoons oil
Vanilla (a small splash) - 3 tablespoons chocolate chips, optional 
Preparation: add dry ingredients to mug. Mix well with a fork. Add
egg and mix thoroughly. Add milk, oil, vanilla, mix well. Add chips,
if using. Place mug in microwave and cook 3 minutes in 1000 watt
microwave. If yours is smaller, it may take an extra minute.

A word?
Fika (fee-kah) - noun - a cherished Swedish ritual; a pause in the day to
Savor the simple joys of life, share a moment with loved ones and find
peace in togetherness.

Are you a…
Opacararophile (n.) someone who finds deep comfort, solace and profound 
peace in sunsets. For an opacarophile, a sunset is more than just a visual 
experience - it is a quiet introspective moment that reminds them of beauty in 
Endings, cherishing the way sky transforms into a fleeting masterpiece with
Each setting sun.


Quatervois - noun / French Origin - A pivotal moment; a crossroads
or critical decision point where you must choose a path forward that
will significantly impact the rest of your life.


A few wise words
It's okay if your life is messy and comfortable and has
that lived-in look. It's okay if no one else gets it. Make
a life that you love.


Let them judge you. Let them misunderstand you. Let them gossip
about you. Their opinions aren't your problems. You stay kind
committed to love, and free in your authenticity. No matter what 
they do or say, don't you dare doubt your worth or the beauty of
your truth. Just keep shining like you do.


and …


Keep shining your light - the world needs your warmth.

for…and I have said it before...

Sometimes amazing people forget how amazing
they are. This is your reminder.


And always remember because I will never stop reminding you…you are brave…and I am in your corner.


"I don't feel brave said the boy." "That was a brave thing to say."



Butterflies rest when it rains because it damages their wings.
It's okay to rest during the storms of life. You will fly again
when it's over. - @thinkpositivealways.com

Be that butterfly!


Old Times - I often think of bye gone days and joys which we once knew. 
Of good old ways, of dear old friends, of things we used to do. And each
thought brings some happiness my heart shall ever hold. So here's a health 
to you my friend and here's to days of old.



Ralph Waldo Emerson - He said, "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day
 in the year. He is rich who owns the day, and no one owns the day who allows it to 
be invaded with fret and anxiety. Finish every day and be done with it. You have 
done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them
 as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely, with too high a 
spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This new day is too dear, with its hopes 
and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays.'



"Give time, time." - Not everything can be rushed. Healing, growth and change unfold at their
pace - patience allows them to blossom - ikigai



Don’t forget to encourage someone who needs 
encouragement, especially in difficult times.


Sending Sunshine


…but never forget…

Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced
in the rain - author unknown-


Words from friends: From those who have eaten at his table: 
Frodo Baggins: I have walked far and carried heavy burdens, yet no comfort 
has stayed with me like Sam’s cooking. It tastes of home, even when home is far 
away. Meriadoc Brandybuck: I once thought myself a good judge of meals. Sam
proved me wrong, again and again, usually just before second helpings.
Peregrin Cook: There is a moment, just before the plate is empty, when you
wish the meal might never end. Sam causes this.  Gandalf: He understands 
something many do not. Food is a form of hope, and hope should be
offered freely.  Rose Cotton: He cooks the way he lives. With care,
patience, and more heart than he ever admits.


Perhaps this kitty would disagree. Where’s Sam when you need him?

Cat Haiku - Forever waiting…The empty food bowl taunts me.
Well? Where’s my dinner?



May today bring you quiet strength, unexpected kindness, and little moments 
that make life feel worth it.



And on that note thanks for visiting, and…

Have a great day! Hugs from Denise
















(With my thanks to Pinterest for today’s inspiration)


47 comments:

  1. Wow, what a post!full of great wisdom and quotes, and the accompanying photos are beautiful; I read it all very carefully! Wishing you a pleasant day—hugs, Elke.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Elke, I am very happy you enjoyed this. I also wish you a very pleasant day, hugs Denise

      Delete
  2. I have printed your mug cake recipe and can't wait to try it! This weekend for sure. HEY, I am that long word that describes loving sunsets; and I didn't even know it!!! I love the photo with the Wisteria in it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful Ginny, please let me know if you enjoyed it. I intend to make it myself soon, and hello my kindred Opacararophile :) I would love to have Wisteria climbing all over the trellis outside.

      Delete
  3. Indonesians love to have breakfast to commence the day before going to work, running a business, or going to school. We have lots of breakfast menus that every household can prepare. Most of them are traditional Indonesian cuisines. However, I love to try something different and enjoy cuisines from other countries.

    A veggie omelet in a mug is a challenge for us to try in our kitchen. I hope to have it on our breakfast menu someday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing that. I also enjoy other country’s cuisines. I hope you enjoy the veggie omelet when you try it :)

      Delete
  4. What a fun post. I love all the pictures. The recipes all sound good. I think that cake one would be my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you thought so Ann and thank you :) when you try it, I hope you enjoy.

      Delete
  5. I like your compilation of odds and bods. You do such a good job of sharing these words of wisdom and quotes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That’s great Linda and I appreciate your kind words :)

      Delete
  6. Much pleasant stuff here, but I don’t need to be tempted by breakfast goodies. I woke up so very early. It isn’t my time to eat yet, but I wannna. 🤤

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you John and enjoy your first meal of the day :)

      Delete
  7. I love a cake in a mug. And great dream cottage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Guillaume, that’s great. Thanks so much :)

      Delete
  8. What a fun post. And I learned that I am a opacarophile. It's always good to learn a new word- or in this case 2! Have a great FRiday and weekend ahead.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another kindred spirit :) I also enjoy learning new words. It’s fun! Thank you Erika, I hope your Friday was a good one. Have a happy weekend.

      Delete
  9. So much to think about here. I love your cottage, I'll join you there. I made the mug cake a long time ago and it was pretty good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful! :) I am going to have to try another mug cake. It has been a while.

      Delete
  10. Hugs to you, too. Hope you have a beautiful Friday.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ellen, it was a lovely Friday. I hope yours was also :) Have a super weekend, hugs Denise.

      Delete
  11. Denise what an absolute lovely post. I could almost smell the bread baking
    Hugs cecilia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cecilia :) always happy you enjoy. Me too, I love the smell of freshly baked bread.

      Delete
  12. Lovely uplifting words and thoughts, Denise. Thank you.😃

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are very welcome Janice, I am happy you found them so :)

      Delete


  13. Your posts always feel like opening a box filled with little treasures. There is always something to make me smile, something to think about, and something that brings a little encouragement to the day.

    I especially liked the thoughts about slowing down, giving time time, and finding joy in simple moments. In a world that often feels rushed, these gentle reminders are more valuable than ever.

    The fairy mail, the cottage garden, the butterfly quote, the cat haiku and the beautiful words about friendship and kindness all came together to create a warm and uplifting atmosphere.

    Thank you for sharing so much positivity and for reminding us to keep our light shining, even on difficult days.

    Wishing you a peaceful and happy week.

    Warm regards,
    Anette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Anette, you have made me very happy. You are welcome my friend. Thank you very much for your kind words :) I am delighted you enjoyed my post. I feel it is so important to keep our light shining with these gentle reminders. Wishing you a peaceful and happy week also. Warm regards, Denise

      Delete
  14. I love this. I do like a good mug cake. I'll have to try that recipe. The fairy and cottages are my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wonderful, thank you Mary. Let me know if you enjoyed the mug cake. Fairies and cottages, those are two of my favorites also.

      Delete
  15. Great post Denise ...
    Wishing you a happy weekend ahead.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Jan, I am delighted you think so :) I wish you the same wonderful weekend and all the best, Denise.

      Delete
  16. Uy que lindas imagenes. Gracias por la receta. Te mando un beso.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Muchas gracias. Me alegra que lo hayas disfrutado :) Te mando un beso.

      Delete
  17. Such a delightful post, Denise! 🌷
    Love the thoughtful words, uplifting quotes, and charming images.
    I enjoyed reading every bit of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing that Veronica 🌹 I am so glad you enjoyed reading it all. Very much appreciated :)

      Delete
  18. I think that I have made that bread before, however, I found a white bread that is amazing. If you would like the directions, hit me up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Pam, I will take you up on that offer and will be over soon :)

      Delete
  19. Very fun with the bread in a bag. I can see that working well for folks that have a hard time using their hands too much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That’s a great point Ivy :) Thank you!

      Delete
    2. Yes, I'm all for different ways to work. I use a stand mixer to do my dough now. It just works well and gives us more bread at home. Love ANY way someone can and does make dough.

      Delete
  20. I adore that cottage! And I'd love to have a birdhouse fence like that one, too!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hello Denise. Thank you for taking us on such a lovely journey to the cottage and for sharing words filled with wisdom. We all need reminders of life from time to time, and art, through quotes like these, is a beautiful way to receive them. My favourite was the photo of the cottage. I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with good health and inner light

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are very welcome my friends, happy you enjoyed :) I enjoy these reminders. Thank you for the lovely comment and I wish you the same.

      Delete
  22. Thank you for sharing so many beautiful and inspiring things here today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are very welcome Beverley :) glad you enjoyed.

      Delete

Thank you so for taking the time to leave a comment. I enjoy reading them very much and always try to return a visit. As I do monitor comments it may take a while for them to appear, even quite late depending on what is going on and how much time I am able to spend on the computer.

I appreciate all who look at my blog, but I will not be publishing any businesses. If you are only able to publish anonymously, would you sign your name, and leave an addy so I can return your visit where possible? Thank you!